seasonsrpg | Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

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Event #1: Welcome, Adventurers

Welcome, Adventurers
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Guild Playing Games With my Heart

Part 1

A new message on everyone's smartphones says that all the Guilds are finally open for business! Instructions on how to get to each one of them are sent with the message.

Each Season has their own Guild (Winter in Frostreign, Spring in Blossomcrown, Summer in Solarpeak and Autumn in Amberfall). Originally they were formed when the world was thriving and the natives were power holders, now they serve a purpose for aiding Otherworlders.

Although there are some aesthetic differences, all of the guilds have the same basic layout, which the newcomers are given a tour of:

The main floor is for information, containing computers that are connected between all guilds. Using them brings up holographic boards which contain information on each of the segments, with a focus on their home segment. You can find out here what the weather is like in each segment, what quests are available, an explanation on how the Flower Yards work, and even a list of powers that have been discovered and how to practice them.

The second floor is a place to go for combat practice, or just practice using your powers. There are simulators here that can be used to create a space to test your skills against virtual monster opponents or against other power holders, all with safety precautions to keep anyone from being injured.

The third and final floor is meant for relaxation and provides a temporary place to nap when necessary. Those who do quests on a regular basis will receive a key that opens their own, personal room for relaxation that can be customized as much as they want. It's void pocket space that doesn't appear unless the specific key is used or the owner invites someone in from the inside.

It's also the floor where the leaders of the guild have their own private space in that's a restricted area. They have their public office there as well.

However, the power holders are expecting everyone outside, in the backyard of the Guilds...

Part 2

The main event of the opening day of the guilds is a lesson on how to become more attuned with your new elemental magic. Some characters may already feel comfortable with them, but the Power Holders wish to help anyone who might still feel like they're struggling.

Behind the guilds there is big open space. A yard meant for lessons like this. Each of the power holders is own their own stage (even Sawyer, who seems rather reluctant to be there) and announces the name of the lesson: Elemental Dancing.

They explain each in their own way that dancing while focusing on their basic element is a way to start properly feeling the element. The dance can be anything, as long as their bodies are moving and they can feel their magical energy align with the element.

To demonstrate, they dance:

Olwen dances a slow dance that looks a little like ballet, with water flowing naturally around him and increasing in quantity as he goes.

Jade has a much quicker dance method, like she's dancing at a party and is surrounded by wind that sometimes helps her even jump higher.

Dawn's dance is a passionate belly dance accompanied by rings of fire around her that turns into a pink fire so she doesn't burn herself as the flames come closer to herself.

Sawyer, as reluctant as he, goes full breakdance with each of his tricks forming pillars of earth that he can use to dance even more.

Once their demonstration is over, they encourage new power holders to give it a try themselves and remind them that they can dance however they please. They also advise that the dances can be attempted with a partner, as long as they can learn to trust one another. Sometimes magic is far stronger when done together... but it may also backfire.

I Came In Like a Questboard

Anyone interested is encouraged to join their guild. The staff explains that it's very beneficial, as they would get access to the upper floors that just today were shown to them, and that nearby stores would give guild members discounts for potions and other such adventuring necessities.

Even without joining, all of the first floors services are available for everyone. That includes the questboard that is now on display, though it only shows four quests for now.

There are some necessary preparations still going on with the questboard itself, but the staff assures that later there will be more of them, with some permanent ones added to the mix that would help with making the Segments safer for those without powers to explore as well.

Why not find a friend and go out on an adventure together? The guild does recommend doing quests together with someone, rather than alone.

Well, except Sawyer of Autumn, if he's around. He will always encourage people to go on their own and claims it's an act of bravery. Oh, and make sure to check the Beastiary before heading out, once you've picked your targets!

The Quests [ Click to Expand ]

Quests

CW/TW: possible nudity, possible death

Name: Skeletal Mischief
Rewards: 100 Moon Coins per 2 Snowskeletons vanquished
Location: Winter Segment
Description: For some time Snowskeletons have bothered natives who visit the Flower Yard. Usually the only nearby place of peace has now become a nuisance to visit. Those who attempt it usually return to the city in just their underwear (if they’re lucky). A request has come for the guilds to get rid of the Snowskeletons near the Flower Yard in whatever means necessary.
OOC notes: Snowskeletons have two types: either they're snowmen made from bone or they're skeletons made of snow. Either way they're definitely not friendly and often disguise themselves among the snow to surprise their prey. They're not really out to kill anyone, but may sometimes accidentally do it. Instead they're looking to steal clothes and wear them. Basically they're notorious bandits.

CW/TW: mind altering

Name: That Very Big Tree
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, Loot you find
Location: Spring Segment
Description: The researchers are curious about the “One Very Big Tree”. They want to know what the tree does and are asking people to take a look and report back what they find.
OOC notes: One Very Big Tree is hollow on the inside and looks like a big tree house. The higher someone climbs it the less they feel like they’re themselves. In fact, they will turn into the exact opposite of themselves. There are also dangerous Gale Squirrels living inside that use wind magic of their own to attack!

Reaching the top, however, will reward them with feathers of a mighty monstrous bird that can be used to enhance any weapon so that they fly back to the user's hand. Only one feather per character, magic stops them from taking more than one.

CW/TW: possible death, possible mind altering

Name: Treasure Ship
Rewards: 500 Moon Coins, any treasure they find
Location: Summer Segment
Description: “The abandoned ship in the Great Ocean Lake used to be a treasure ship! So why not go fetch the treasure? I’m sure it can be used to make some neat weapons or armor. I’d love to help do that, I’m an expert in using treasure for enhancements! But I’m not strong enough to go get them myself. The fastest route there is from the Airship Station!”
OOC notes: The ship is full of Octokitties that are cats with six to eight limbs. They’re territorial and won’t appreciate anyone coming to their ship for any reason and will attack viciously. They can also spit ink that includes side effects of going into a berserker mode and not caring who is an ally and who is an enemy. But the treasure is real.

CW/TW: eaten alive, death

Name: The Blue Flash
Rewards: 700 Moon Coins for finding a lost one*
Location: Autumn Segment
Description: “Help, my friend disappeared on our trip to visit the old lady of Autumn Airship Station. We walked outside to stretch our legs after our airship journey and then there was a blue flash in the corner of my eye and he was gone! Nothing at all remained and I was too scared to go look for him so I ran back inside. I’ve heard this isn’t the first time a blue flash has abducted someone!”
OOC notes: The reason for disappearances is the Angler Will-o'-the-wisps: Most will-o'-the-wisps are harmless, but there are types that act like anglerfish. They take the form of other monsters and toss a "fishing line" out of a dark bush to make it look like a normal will-o'-the-wisp was trying to get their attention. When the prey gets too close, they will attempt to devour them to get more soul energy. They have left their normal place in the forests and invaded some bushes around the Segment.

*Reward stays the same even for just figuring out the mystery behind disappearances.

Enhanced to Meet You

Part 1

Enhancing items is a magical specialty in Ellipsa. The power of words determines how your item of choice gets enchanted. If you're trying to make an armor stronger, it would be wise to use kind and encouraging words but a weapon might need violent and determined words. Enhancement include defense boosts, attack boosts, health stealing and even adding status effects. All of these effects aren't permanent, but they should last for at least a month before fading away.

The workshops around districts will offer teaching to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of basic item enhancement. For more advanced things (like learning to make the enhancements permanent) the natives suggests taking an apprenticeship in the Magical Manor of Amberfall or Tower of Potions of Coldreach. Especially with potions, as those are more advanced than what they are showing.

Of course, armor and weapons aren't the only things that can be enhanced anything is possible as long as it's a non-living thing.

Part 2

A group of mischievous Imps are causing trouble. They're doing everything they can to make people angry (like dropping items on people's toes) as they try their magic. This could happen to anyone, even otherworlders testing their new magic.

Due to their mischief, a group of magical performers who were meant to enhance some animal statues to make them move around in a show ended up cursing a lot while the magic was happening. Because of that the animal statues did come to life, but they're angry and started running around, ramming into people left and right. It's especially alarming when one of the statues enhanced is a giant elephant, and some of the statues were meant to be used in a bullfighting show. Those are some very, very angry stone bulls coming at people in high speeds!

The natives don't want to break the statues, but they would like the statues to be stopped. With kind and loving words the effects of the curses will vanish and the statues will calm down and act like they were supposed to.

Of course they would appreciate catching as many Imps as possible so they could be returned back outside into the Summer Segment.

OOC TIPS

- Ask Questions here

- Smut is not allowed on the event post, so if your thread is heading that way, please move it to a private entry of your own (your own entry or a new locked post on the comms).

- Remember to content warn as necessary!

- Event starting date is March 17th, but the opening day of the guilds and the elemental dance lessons happen for a week so everyone who wants to attend them can have a chance to do so.

- NPC Power Holders can be interacted with, but it will all be handwaved. Feel free to ask questions on the questions thread if you're unsure of how the interactions would go.

- Starting in April, quests will be posted bimonthly and there will be a Quest Mingle available for people to use to thread out the quests! This format is just here because it's the first event where they're introduced.

- These particular quests are canonically open until end of month.

code bases by tricklet

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A hammer? No, I don't think so.

[ She most certainly did not! If Cloud doesn't know though, then they likely do not have a hammer at this time.

... she has not pushed it to the ground yet because of this. ]

[ Sigh... ]

My fault.

[ But rather since his peg is partially buried and won't go anywhere (unless it gets gusty out of nowhere), he suddenly pushes himself up onto his feet and looks down at Ayaka. ]

Plan B, then. [ Before he does anything crazy like, y'know, whip it out without explaining, Cloud sets his hand on the handle of his Buster Sword still attached to his back. ] I lay my sword down on it, you jump on it.

[ It didn't matter how light Ayaka was. Standing on the very wide flat of his Buster Sword would sink these pegs in no problem.

...

Don't let Zack (or Angeal) ever hear he used it like this. FSDJKHAL ]

[ ... what a silly idea! It seems like something a child would do, but Ayaka cannot deny that it could work. Which is why she cannot say anything bad about it, let alone refuse.

She does laugh a little, though. At least it's just the two of them! If Zack were around? Oh god- she wouldn't dare... ]

Just like cracking garlic, hehe.

[ Okay!! Time to show this tent who's boss. She gets up and dusts off her skirt. ]

[ When she laughs, he doesn't need to think very long as to why. Not when he joins her with a gentle shake of his shoulders. Even Cloud never would have thought this would be how he ended up using such an important sword but.

...

I mean.

They have no hammer, so. ]

... I'm not calling this anything else anymore.

[ Cloud draws the Buster Sword, kneeling down once Ayaka's gotten up and out of the way as he makes sure the peg is straight and lined up. He doesn't have to be too accurate. That sword is wide as hell. But now that it's laid down, blade-side facing away from Ayaka's ankles, ]

Okay.

[ It's set! He'll even apply pressure and help bring it down with her with a hand on the handle and the other along the base of the weapon.

This is so stupid. But here he was...unable to help smiling as he looks up at her. ]

Crack it.

[ The 'garlic' that is. ]

Right.

[ She will be careful, Cloud! Internally hyping herself up and counting to herself up to three, she then hops onto the flat of his sword. She's so light that it doesn't really do much, but there's enough weight before she steps down that the peg gets pushed into the ground. ]

We did it!

[ This was just like how excited she got to start climbing a tree all by herself. Really, these were the things that you did when no one was looking. Even Cloud was starting to see how liberating it was. Around others, she can be pure, dignified, reserved about letting this side show. Around others, Cloud can be the calm, collected yet stern merc-turned-adventurer, reserved in his own right.

Together? They can 'crack garlic' and strip away all layers of armor they held around themselves.

She hops on, and combined with him pushing? It sinks in with a single push. Nice and flush. Once it's down, and Ayaka hops off his sword, he lifts it and sees, sure enough. ]

That worked better than a hammer.

[ No, he's not kidding. That Buster Sword is stupidly big and having someone step on it and push a peg into dirt was...yeah. This was actually easy. Really silly, but easy. ]

'Kay, let's wrap up the other three.

[ Which meant Ayaka gets to hop on his sword again. Cloud was the taller one, so he could lift up the middle of the tent and let Ayaka slide the bending poles through the corners! That was the next step. And after that? It was...honestly going to be done. Just throw their belongings in the tent and set up the rest of the campsite and they were prepped. ]

[ Right!! She's on the other side immediately, waiting for Cloud to set up his sword on top of the peg so she can hop on it again. Then the other, and whatever else is needed!

When they're done? She'll have to get a towel to wipe away the dirt she put on the blade from her boots. ]

I'm glad you're here, Cloud. Thank you.

[ When it's all said and done, his Buster Sword is a combination of grassy and with some prominent boot prints along the flat. Something that he notices as he steps back once they've successfully laid out the base of the tent and secured it with the pegs. Inspecting his sword as he holds it at his side tip down, he can't help but laugh. ]

Perfect footprint.

[ He points it out among the other spots where she hopped on. Only to blink at her when she mentions how she's glad that he's here. At first, he wasn't sure what she meant. Here no this trip? Here in this world? ... in her life at all? All of it, and seeing her in that beautiful dress, even with her hat on, she looks like she really did pop out of a storybook. His cheeks gently glow pink, a smile growing on his face before he can sheath the Buster Sword. ]

Wouldn't wanna be anywhere else.

[ How many times has he said that now? It feels like it's been on loop... And even though they since left the world bound by a stable loop in time...he wishes he could repeat these little moments over and over. Much like her dance. Or any time she smiled at him. Any time she stole his words with but a single glance of her pure, grayish blues.

He can loop time. As many times as he wants. It's just in his memories. In his heart that belongs to her. ]

'Kay. Time to pitch it.

[ This part won't take long at all. And sure enough, with Cloud holding the top of it as he leans over the tarping, they manage to successfully get it up! The poles bow neatly and create a stable structure! Inside is a clean, empty space big enough for two people. All that was left now was to put their sleeping bags in it among other personal belongings. He feels a sense of triumph wash over him as he turns to Ayaka.

Then without even thinking, ]

Nailed it.

[ He has his hand up, open palmed as he prepares to go for a high five. ...then realizes what he did and just. Leaves it hanging there for a moment to see what Ayaka's response would be. Um.

Oops. ]

[ On this trip! Specifically to help her! He shouldn't have, and were she with anyone else, she would have been so embarrassed and upset with herself for failing to do what seemed like a simple task. Cloud helped her not take the failure too seriously, even if it meant he had to do the whole task with her.

When the tent goes up and seems ready for occupancy? She claps her hands together a couple of times. They did it! Well, mostly him, but it is still a victory for them both!

Cloud lifting a hand up, Ayaka takes it as a sign of victory. Like a fist pump, or something! She's certainly seen him do the latter before, and she's seen the townsfolk of Inazuma cheer with their hands up and all. And so, she clenches both her fists, lifts her arms up some, shakes them a little. ]

Congratulations to us both!

[ And then she turns around to get the rest of their belongings so she can put it inside the tent.

... sorry for leaving you up in the air bro ]

[ Moreso than being left hanging, Ayaka clenching her fists and pumping them a little in triumph catches him by surprise. Instead of laughing, when she turns around to get their belongings and organize them inside the tent, he instead looses a sigh before lowering his hand.

Hold that thought for later, Cloud. Much later. ]

Hmm...

[ While Ayaka gets in the tent and starts ~~decorating~~ organizing, Cloud glances upwards towards the branches and full-bloom sakura petals hanging higher up. ]

Lemme know when you're all done in there.

Edited 2023-03-29 07:03 (UTC)

I will be out soon!

[ Shush Cloud, she is not decorating!! She's just putting stuff inside! 😡 And she gets out the picnic mat, as well as the bento she brought for them 😡!!!

This may not be a camping trip. It is an actual dangerous quest! It doesn't mean Ayaka can't enjoy the view, though, or the safe moments with her beau. She still has her guard up, and she most certainly will not be all lovey-dovey in the face of danger. They still got this!

Once she's out and has everything she needs? ]

I brought out the snacks in case you're hungry.

Sure. Thanks.

[ As he draws his Buster Sword, he decides if he's going to be sitting down, he may as well just get it off his back for a little before they go out one more time.

It's not a camping trip, no. But they won't be leaving until early tomorrow morning since it wasn't safe to continue marching into the night in territory they knew so little about. ]

Wanna grab firewood with me after? [ A beat, a modicum of embarrassment on his face as he looks down for a moment. ] Didn't think to do that while I was scouting the area...

[ At the very least, they wouldn't have to travel far to find another tree. And making firewood out of it was going to be easy. ...it also doesn't hurt that she's with someone who can literally cleave steel locomotives in half. ]

[ Ayaka didn't really consider it either, but that's okay!! Cloud doesn't have to be embarrassed about anything. (Then again, Ayaka gets so embarrassed whenever she makes a mistake...) ]

How long might that take? I don't know if leaving the camp alone on its own for a while might be a good idea.

If I go at it hard and fast? Ten minutes tops.

[ She brings up not leaving the camp alone...and for someone who hasn't done this before, Ayaka's covering a lot of points that he wouldn't have glossed over otherwise. Which leaves him surprised! He's the one whose been letting down his guard more, it feels like. As nice as this all was, they still had to keep something of a cautious eye and ear out for trouble. ]

Good point. [ Okay then! He stabs the tip of the Buster Sword into the earth for now, standing up to Ayaka's side, tapping her shoulder to get her attention as to where he's looking off to. ] See over there?

[ A small patch of trees on their own, separate from the forest in the distance. ]

You can literally watch me chop one down and haul it back from here.

[ ... Okay. So maybe he wants to show off for her a little. It's because of her he's gotten comfortable with himself again. 'Normal' as she makes him feel? If Cloud has super strength? He's taking advantage of it, damn it. 😤 ]

Edited 2023-03-30 05:32 (UTC)

[ That's not too far! And the view seems good, even if Ayaka's standing from their campsite.

She doesn't really consider that Cloud might just want to be with her, even if he's gathering firewood. '^' Instead, she thinks he might want her to watch him in case danger's coming! Which is really the logical thing here, and not Cloud wanting to show off... ]

Alright. I will be a good lookout.

[ She will guard him from here!! 'u' ]

I should polish your sword too, when you're back. I did not intend to put dirt on it.

[ She offered snacks, but the firewood should probably be procured a little faster. Especially if he really was going to make short work of it. If they hadn't set up camp already, than he'd have wanted her to come with him for firewood. ]

Eh. It adds character.

[ Dirt on his sword, anyway. But he's kidding. When he gets back, she can clean up his sword as much as she likes. Pulling the Buster Sword out (that he just put in the ground...) he sets it on his back, taking a few steps away from the campsite as he does a couple of squats as if preparing himself. ]

Right. Be right back. [ A beat. ] Then snacks.

[ The nice thing is that they still managed to have reception out here! So if something urgent really came up? She could call him. In the meantime, Cloud suddenly sprints off in the direction of the circle of trees. The Spring weather was moderate enough that it didn't feel blistering hot; he could only imagine what it'd be like traversing through the Summer Seasonal region. From Ayaka's point of view, he would gradually grow smaller...and smaller...and smaller..., until he was only faintly visible as he finally stops sprinting. Barely breaking a sweat as he stops at the foot of the trees, Cloud only lets out a short huff as if that was all that exhausted him in running as hard and fast as he did.

Sizing up the trees, they're big enough that when cut down and split, they'd make decently sized logs. It doesn't seem like it's rained in a while either, so healthy as they were? They wouldn't be so wet and resistant to burning on the inside. The tree's about...three? (Maybe four) times his size?

Deforestation might have been a nono to some. But. Well. Like somebody once said, sword drawn,

"Like I give a shit." ]

Okie dokie...

[ He's found his tree. It wasn't going to be like ripping through wet tissue or anything. And trees were pretty resilient. Than again...so were whole chunks of debris and other various obstacles before they met a former SOLDIER. Despite being a little figure in the distance to Ayaka back at the campsite? Said little figure is moving with great force, winding up as he exerts a lot of effort into his swing. ]

Hmph—!

[ And even from here, with how peaceful and quiet this area was? The audible crack of wood being split reaches and echoes out across the fields. That was either going to scare wildlife away? Or draw some curiosity later. It's a clean cut...except Cloud was unsuccessful in doing it in one swing.

Nope.

... the tree is literally hanging on by a thread. Maybe he got too used to training with Tsubaki, which required less brutish force and more precision in how he moved... But no matter. He almost did it. With a little bit of effort as he wedges the Buster Sword through the end of his chop, the tree is freed from its base, crashing down to the side of Cloud, branches and all. Loosing a sigh as his muscles relax, he looks at the downed tree with a unbeknownst smirk to himself. ]

Timber.

[ ...think you're supposed to say it like "Timbeeeeeer" but. Close enough. ]

🌸 🌸 🌸

[ True to his word, Cloud doesn't take long in returning with a healthy amount of firewood. Rather, after cutting the tree down, he chopped it again from the middle, seeing as they wouldn't be needing the whole thing.

Which meant Cloud was still literally dragging half of a whole tree with him by one of its thicker, leafy branches. This looked like it took a little more effort. But all he had to show for it was a couple scratches down his arm that didn't even break skin, a little sheen of sweat and lightly flushed cheeks. There's plenty of leafy foliage along with branches and twigs they can snap off for fire kindling! Not to mention he can break the trunk down later into burnable logs. ]

Nothing to it.

[ ~~He fetch. He fetch big stick. He good boy.~~ ]

Edited 2023-03-30 06:51 (UTC)

[ THE COOLEST!!! He is so cool!!! And Ayaka watches it all, from the moment he sets foot away from their camp, all the way to when he makes it to the trees, swinging his sword and all. She dares not take his eyes off him, both to keep watch and make sure nothing comes out to surprise him, and also because there is something interesting about watching someone you care about hard at work.

It is fascinating, actually. And she wonders what else Cloud can do. She knows there are a lot of feats he can achieve, but it's different seeing him in action, small as he looks from where she's standing. (At least the hair is easy to distinguish from afar!)

Do excuse her for when she takes a video... and sends it to Zack. That's the only time she takes her eyes off her beau.

Once he's coming back and is just a few metres away? Ayaka already sets up the picnic mat so he can sit down and rest for a bit, but she doesn't wait for him there. Instead, she waits for him with water in hand and a towel, like a good and loyal assistant and cheerleader. \(★ω★)/ ]

You did well.

[ Her beau is so amazing!! She hands him the towel first once she's by his side. He may not need it, but it'd be good not to be sticky when he relaxes!! And hey, maybe they can take a dip in the river later, too. Ayaka sure would want to clean herself up some. ]

[ She's already set a picnic mat down... What did he do to deserve her? He won't look this gift horse in the mouth though. ]

Thanks. [ He accepts the towel first...but not before he listens to that impulsive little voice in his head that tells him 'kiss her' and do just that. Just a quick one before he begins to dab himself with the towel. Wiping the sweat off his brow. ] Just gotta cut away enough twigs for kindling later.

Zack told me to tell you that you looked good while you were out there.

[ Hehe. Beaming a smile his way, she shows him the messages she sent him, as well as Zack's own for her! ]

Why don't you leave that to me? [ It's just twigs. Surely she can do this on her own without needing any external help... ] You've done a lot for the day already, Cloud.

Did he now...

[ Hands on his hips, Cloud leans in to have a look at the messages. ...along with the little video Ayaka took of a dot that's her beau chopping down a tree so swiftly. He can't help but smirk a little. ]

I should message him once we're settled for the night.

[ "Why don't you leave that to me?" ]

Hm? [ The twigs? Cloud blinks, curiouser now as he slings the towel over his shoulder while taking a sip of water in his other hand. Taking a couple steps back, he's curious to see how she would actually clean the tree up. Seeing as this kind of experience was new to her. ] Sure.

[ Though if he's going to do anything else? It's on hold as he can't help but curious about what she's got planned. It's not prickly or rough like pine would be, and the twigs themselves should break off with enough force. Did she plan on cleaning them up by hand? Or- ]

Hehe, you should. I also asked if he would like to go out for ice cream when we are back, but I'll wait for his response before scheduling anything.

[ She adores Zack too, Cloud. She loves spending time with him!!

Putting her phone away and gaining some distance, she summons her sword. A gold flash of light as the guides it to become longer until the flat of her blade is on her palm, and she's unsheathed it and is holding onto the hilt with her other hand. ]

I should be able to cut through the branches. Please give me some space.

[ She says "should", but with a little more effort? It really wouldn't be a problem. And so, before she gets into position, bending her knees and focusing on her breathing and all, she flashes her beau a small smile. To let him know that he can leave it to her. Not to mention, looking at him gives her a bit more confidence. This will, after all, take up some energy. ]

!!

[ Kamisato Art: Kabuki!

It doesn't even look like she did anything after exhaling. Strikes that are lightning fast that cut through every branch perfectly, smoothly slicing through the wood without any dents. They all fall to the ground at the same time unceremoniously.

~~One spike may also accidentally fall to the ground if he didn't move away JAHDJADJHSF~~ ]

All done.

Knowing him, he'll find the time.

[ Especially when it came to Ayaka. She'd become rather close with his best friend, in a way so different from the kind of admiration and moments she shared with her beau. Knowing what he knew now...he can only hope that her presence was a comforting one for him in turn. Stepping back far enough once she's summoned her sword, he still can't help but look a tad awestruck when it materializes in a golden flash of light. It's something he hasn't learned how to do just yet...

But if the rumors of what awaited them at the top of the great tree were true, than he would have something to compensate for not being able to dissipate his weapon the way Ayaka can. Let alone her brother. When she flashes him a little smile, his heart suddenly skips, and it feels like he's stopped breathing altogether as he awaits for what she's about to do. He's seen this technique before...but it never ceases to amaze him.

He should have seen this coming...the traces of silver upon the wind as the only sign of her slashes. Literally blink and you'll miss it. He doesn't even see her hand move behind where the sheath for Mistsplitter would be. And upon exhaling...the branches and twigs around the head of the tree he hauled back are cleanly shaven from the trunk. And they all fall to the ground before his very eyes. She has to be the fastest swordswoman he's ever met.

Hell. She has to be the fastest with a sword, period. Powerful and lightning fast swipes? Of course he's witnessed Sephiroth performing such feats. But so rapid...and yet so elegant. Never once losing her balance or grace. It's a real sight to behold.

~~AND his hair remained intact. Bonus! ]~~

......

[ Cloud, you should saw something. And mayhaps pick your jaw off the floor. ]

Beautiful.

[ What; the sword? the technique? or the girl? ]

[ Oh good! None of the spikes fell. Cloud's hair is safe!

(For now.)

Ayaka looks pretty proud of herself, even moreso when Cloud reacts in that way. Heh... he doesn't have to say things like that, not unless he wants his girlfriend to fall more in love with him. Then again, he doesn't really have to do anything for that to happen. Ayaka's too far gone. ]

We make a great team, don't we?

[ Say yes. He can't say otherwise. He's not allowed to, else Ayaya will be sad. ]

Yup. In the kitchen, or elsewhere, [ the only thing Cloud has to do now is chop the wood into smaller pieces for proper burning tonight! He might as well take care of that now that they've secured their campsight and set up the tent. ] now camping.

[ Cloud walks down towards the opposite end of the tree, towards the naked trunk as he observes and deliberates just how thick he needs to make each little log. No sense in cutting them into discs. Give each piece some length. ]

Not gonna lie... [ Speaking of being a team... ] Been kinda looking forward to doing something like this with you.

[ He sizes up the base of his tree currently lying on the ground, lifting the Buster Sword up before taking it in both hands. ]

Hopefully we won't get in any serious trouble, but—

[ Don't mind him, Ayaka. He's just going to be casually talking while chopping wood. It only takes a couple or so strikes to cut through without putting excessive force behind his chops. ]

—I like watching you fight.

[ They're 100% going to get their snack on now. Cloud can start a fire for their light and to keep them warm. Ayaka's going to settle on the mat and prepare their food. It would be best if they retired early tonight so that they could start early the following day. There's still much to see. Not to mention, it might take them another day to get to their goal.

Just as he listens to her? Her are attentive, listening to him in turn, even when they're both doing something else.

Oh! Zack finally responded... Ayaka will invite him to have ice cream with her once they're back. Right— ]

I'd been looking forward to doing something like this with you again, too. We spoke of it, but never had a chance to do so in Nippon.

[ Beyond it being something newer, something that would test their capabilities and their synergy, they had met on a commission. There is a lot of sentimentality to Ayaka's reasoning, but it makes her feel that her bond, deep as it is, could become even deeper in a situation like this. ]

I have less armour on in this dress, so I must be on my guard even more.

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