kaisou | 2; THE BEACH EPISODE

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2; THE BEACH EPISODE

WHO: Everyone!!
WHERE: Starting on the network, then The Beach!
WHEN: Forward dated to the last weekend of August
WHAT: Beach Episode!!
WARNINGS: None hopefully??

[With no context, no preamble, no nothing. Early on the last weekend of August, Eunie greeted the network with a message.]

text; un: fortuneclovers

hey
Eunie here, changed my un
so this month was fuckin awful
im goin to the beach. Maybe have a little fun there to get the mind off all the bullshit
if you’re seein this youre invited too. come on and lets have a good time, bring what you want

Oh yeah
im bringin a volleyball for the nets
anyone who wants a game come at me. >:)

🌭 getting grilled

[So ended the text one humble weekend morning. Eunie didn’t have specific plans for this, she just sort of ran off and invited the whole app to the beach without considering the logistics. She did say to bring what you want but she was social enough to arrange some things for a bit of a beach gathering.

It wasn’t a lot, a few coolers and BBQ grills people can hand around and either loiter or cook at if they have the capability. If they don’t though they will be removed from the grill. But maybe that’s part of the fun.]

🌊 ocean owned

[Aside from the coolers, there’s obviously the beautiful sea people can surf or swim in all they want! The water is fine, a little cold but in a way that felt refreshing from the hottest days of the last legs of summertime. The tides were even and there was no real risk of drifting away, but don’t go too far out unless you’re a strong swimmer. There are lifeguards on duty but we’ve had enough trauma this month, we don’t need a drowning scare. Or do, I’m not your mom.]

⛱️ avoid the burn

[Not a swimmer? Well then catch up on your tan under the share umbrellas and towels laid on the sand. Or your sunburn. It is a bright and sunny weekend after all so no matter what you’re catching up on, get your sunscreen on too.

It’s also just as good for a little break from the swimming and the music to steady yourself before you head out or head back into the water or some piers you can walk down on your own for the same experience to just catch the sea breeze while staying up and about.]

🏐 bolleyvall bapped

[That being said, Eunie was not joking about there being volleyball. There are a few nets on the beach for a few different games to go on at once. Organize a tournament or just play casually. Remember though that there are normies on the beach and any Earth Shattering volleyball spikes might cost some property damage claim money. This isn’t death soccer, people.

Who am I kidding, this is going to turn into a disaster either way. Go ham, challenge the bird girl or just watch the chaos unfold and place your bets, kids.]

🎇 bonfire lit up your life

[As the day winded down and night settled on the beach, some folks were headed home or have gone there already to get the sand out of their shorts. But those who stuck around will get the pleasure of sitting by a bonfire ~~not me~~ as they bid a fond farewell to the summertime and summer vacation.

Or get in touch with their inner arsonist in a less destructive way.

Sit, relax and socialize, take in the ambiance of the twilight by the fire, roast some marshmallows or hot dogs. Maybe decide to camp out for the night. It is a pretty peaceful time, and it’s these small moments of calm with friends and loved ones we have to cherish the most when in recovery, right?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i. grillin time

[ You know who has barely gone to the beach? This nerd.

But when Eunie puts out that message, Lapis figures there's no harm in going - she's even made sure to dress cute for it too, very much uncaring about the scar now on display. People here have seen way worse.

And immediately she goes for the grills, having brought some supplies with her. She may not have used them before, but she's a quick study - after watching the others for a while, she's soon joining in and helping with food prep.

So anyone who ~~hovers~~ is looking will get a glance, expression fairly peaceful as she goes back to keeping an eye on the grill. ]

I'm making a variety of things, but let me know if you want anything specific.

ii. rock pools

[ Despite being at the beach, going into the ocean is not on the agenda. Lapis is horribly vain about her hair and salt water would not agree with it, so no swimming for her.

Instead she's more focused on what's at the edges, hidden under the sand and within rock pools. She seems... very intent on one spot, gently poking about before she lifts her up treasure -!!

- A dainty little hermit crab peering out of it's shell. She loves it already. ]

Oh, it's so cute... [ She almost looks like she's sparkling as she cradles the little thing in her hands. Almost. ]

iii. volleyball

[ I have nothing fancy to write here, Lapis just wants to play volleyball. She will happily play with anyone, but she is also incredibly competitive.

There will be no massive craters, she's not that strong, but she will absolutely want to win. If a "powers are allowed" rule is in place, expect shadow manipulation abuse. ]

iv. bonfire

[ As things wind down, Lapis will be one of the people around the bonfire. Her hat is either long gone or put away somewhere, but now she just ties her mass of hair out of the way as she settles down - content to simply listen to others.

And with the grills now off, making s'mores is on the agenda; while she's made some for herself, she'll also quietly offer one to anyone who sits near her. ]

[Apparently someone didn't get the memo because there's a very lost-looking goth guy dressed in a button down shirt and black jeans, and he's looking around trying to figure out what holiday he forgot about this time. It's hot enough that he has his blue-black-maybe-ombre hair tied up with a pair of plain takeout chopsticks. Scrunchies are for losers. (He doesn't own any.) The reason for him emerging from his apartment? He has a controller for some kind of thing in his hand and an unrecognizable homemade robot under the other arm.

He thinks he recognizes Lapis. The network, maybe?

He edges slowly into her field of vision, though he's a good twenty feet away. You know, just in case.]

Did you find something?

[He sounds about as enthusiastic as Nathan Explosion going to the dentist.]

[ While her attention had been on the little crab in her hands, she does quickly notice the figure edging towards her - her head lifting up now as she looks over at him, brows furrowing just slightly. He sure sounds... thrilled to be here.

But between that, how he looks and the robot in his arm - ]

I wasn't expecting to see you here, Blade. [ Judging by how he's dressed though (are those fucking chopsticks in his hair???) it doesn't seem like he was aware of the gathering. And she has a feeling that if he was aware, he wouldn't be here.

Either way, she's going to close some of that distance between them, mostly just so she can actually show him what's in her hands. ]

I did, it was this little one... [ And she holds her hands out to show the little hermit crab peering out of its shell, still being gentle so she doesn't jostle it. ]

I've only seen them in pictures and videos before.

I was not expecting to see you or anyone else, either. Your name was Lapis, was it not? [What the hell did he miss...? Maybe he should check the network more often. He's trying not to live on it.] Is today significant? I came to test this robot I pulled out of storage. [Hence why he looks like he did not dress for a party.

Lapis comes closer, though, and while there's some hesitation, he doesn't step back. It's not like he's going to explode at any moment—not unless that dragon guy shows up again.]

A crab. [He sounds unenthusiastic but that's just how he sounds all the time. Don't take it personally.] This is my first time seeing one as well.

[He doesn't say anything for a moment, just watches the hermit crab with its big black eyes and wiggly little legs stare at them from the safety of its shell.]

It's... [...] cute.

Edited 2023-08-25 23:05 (UTC)

Mmhm, that's right. Nice to meet you in person.

[ Ah, just as she thought, he didn't know... ] Nope, it's just a gathering. Someone on the app put out an invite to come to the beach, which is why there's quite a few of us here.

[ They just needed a beach episode after all the everything some of them have gone through.

And if she notices his hesitation on her approach, she doesn't mention it - he hasn't stepped back, and she's still keeping some space, so it seems to be fine. Just ignore the dragon guy fishing somewhere -

Also something about hearing Blade say the word "cute" in the most unenthusiastic tone ever is a little funny - enough so that she lets out an amused huff, a clipped giggle as she pulls her hand back. Considering her issues with expressing herself until recently, it's more familiar than anything else. ]

It's very cute. I'm glad I managed to find it. [ Then she cants her head, mostly so she can better peer at the robot tucked under his arm. ]

What kind of robot were you going to test?

Mm. [Just. That noise of acknowledgment. He's not happy to meet anyone, but she's nice enough, so he's not being openly rude? She'll break through his defenses yet if she keeps this up, though.]

I suppose I should have looked at the app. [He's not happy about that, though, because it means he's going to have to take his focus off what he's been doing these past few days, i.e. pulling equipment out of storage and working on the things Jusis asked for.

He notices her laugh, but doesn't pay it much attention. His focus has already drifted back to what he came here to do, though her interest in it surprises him.]

... It's a drone I modified to be a terrain rover some time ago. [Because drones are overdone and he didn't feel like dealing with the FAA.] I thought it might be suited for exploring Hyrule autonomously.

[He sets it down on the sand. Though the core is some kind of drone brain, mechanical legs have been attached to give it a crablike silhouette. It's obviously been fucked around with, though the level of slapdash is on par with the rovers they send to the moon. So like, a little, but not "surprised it's still working" level of junk.]

This was meant to be a prototype. A proof of concept, if anything.

[He knows it's not as cute as the hermit crab.]

[ Considering her only companions for years were demons and she's living with one of the biggest tsunderes in existence, his attitude doesn't bother her in the slightest. He's not being super rude, and that's all that really matters to her. ]

Stuff like this is rare, but... [ She pauses, mentally going over the dates. ] I would recommend checking the network on the 1st and 15th of the month at least, that's when Zodiac tends to post announcements and it can have some useful information.

[ Also you can't just work constantly, Blade!!

But she nods along with his explanation, quietly considering his words as he places the drone down. Something like that would be useful in Hyrule, especially considering how vast that gate is.

After a moment, she crouches down so she can both better peer at the drone and also release her little crab friend. Though once set free, it seems more interested in... exploring around the drone - skittering around it. Maybe it thinks it's an actual giant crab, with those legs?

Well, it may not be as cute, but she's still intrigued all the same. ]

... Would it be able to detect holes? Specifically big ones.

Edited 2023-08-26 14:45 (UTC)

[Blade sounds like he's doing an unintentional impression of a Telltale character.] Hmm. I'll remember that.

Toward the end of the month, I should also look for information from the seers. [A pause.] Perhaps not a certain one specifically, but the others.

[He's pretty sure he burned that bridge!!!!

He's distracted by the tiny crab skittering into the shadow of the bigger one. This is fascinating actually. The drone doesn't appear to be on, though, so it just stands there... providing some nice shade for the little guy.]

It should be able to. There are sensors on each side meant to act like automotive radar, as well as beneath it and above it. That doesn't include the cameras, which are also able to parse information in both advanced and basic data streams and compare it to a known dataset that I have been updating near-constantly since I first set foot in there. Though working a traditional forge has been taking most of my time, the horseshoes are done, and now it's a matter of repairing the leather and tack that Jusis tasked me with...

[Wait, she probably has a point to asking this.]

Why do you ask?

[ And guess who didn't see that particular freakout, so she just glances up at him with a raised brow. ]

... Did something happen?

[ But also the crab is cute, it's easier to focus on that as she... does her best to keep up with what Blade is saying. She thinks she gets it, kind of, though the mention of horse stuff?? Throws her off-kilter for a second. She knows he can make things, and an assortment of things at that, but it still has her blinking up at him. ]

Sounds like you're incredibly busy. [ To put it lightly. ] Just make sure to take breaks still.

[ And ah yes. The Hole. ]

Because there's a hole in Hyrule. My cousin and our friend fell into it and it's pretty deep, they had to get help to get out. So I'm not sure if a robot could survive the fall.

[Blade glances away. Back to the robot, in fact. Perfect excuse not to make eye contact.]

Nothing happened. The beast showed its face. That's all.

[Why does everything he say only make his situation sound worse? Fuck.]

This is how I always am. I don't need breaks, I need breakthroughs.

[Ah yes, the good ol "haven't slept in five days" eye bag chic.]

... Hmm... I haven't encountered anything like that yet. I'll have to make some modifications. [He reaches down and presses a button on the side of the robot. It beeps in a little musical way, kind of like starting up a pleasant kitchen appliance. A small screen lights up on the controller. There's the sound of a camera adjusting as it scans its surroundings, then looks up at Lapis and focuses the lens.]

« Beep beep. »

[He presses a couple of buttons. The robot shuffles a little sideways, then rotates atop its own crabby legs and starts moving away from the rocks.] So far it appears to be performing as expected...

[He's going to stand here and press more buttons, but at least he'll still talk to Lapis while doing it.]

[ Wow Blade that sounds incredibly concerning. He not be looking at her anymore but she sure is squinting at him. ]

That's the exact opposite of "nothing happened". But so long as you're alright now...

[ Just going to point that out. And her expression, somehow, flattens even further when he gives his view on breaks. That is not how it works, at all, and already she's plotting ways to at least make him eat. ]

And I would be more inclined to believe that if it wasn't for the eyebags and takeout chopsticks in your hair.

[ That is so upsetting to her. But the robot coming to life grabs her attention for the moment, canting her head once more as it looks up at her. Sure it's still not as cute as the actual hermit crab - who skuttles away as the robot starts moving - but it's still interesting to watch as it moves around.

His verdict gets a curious hum, and for a few moments she's content to simply keep watching the robot in silence. Then she stands with a stretch, taking a second to re-adjust her hat. ]

Do you have any restrictions on what you can eat?

I am. [He didn't even show up covered in blood today, because he's not a wild animal. Mostly. Maybe. A little bit.

He misses her face journey since he's already moved onto the next thing, but as he's called out for the chopsticks, that actually makes him pause.] ... I couldn't find any hair ties. [He won't argue the circles around his eyes though. His sleep isn't the best.] It's not like I ate with them. They were in a drawer.

[He really is a little shit, sorry.]

If I had them, I don't remember. [Why is she asking... never mind, he doesn't care.] Nothing has given me problems as of yet.

[No clue what his favorite food is, though. Everything just feels like an inconvenience on his way to the next thing.]

[ ...

........

Is she going to have to do something about the hair ties issue too. She has a feeling that he'll just keep doing that instead of actually buying more. If she gets hair sticks shaped like swords maybe that will encourage him to use them -

But there's a nod, before she turns on her heel and heads back to the grills. A simple hamburger should do the trick, and she'll take over a couple of bottles of water too - she's not sure whether getting him to eat or drink is possible, but she sure can try.

So she returns shortly, food and drinks in hand, before she holds out the burger to Blade. ]

Here. [ Eat it. ]

[He raises an eyebrow as Lapis disappears, but chalks it up to... her whims, or something, and continues doing routine tests with the little robot. He's still there when she returns and completely absorbed in it until she says something.

He blinks. Looks at the hamburger. Looks at her. Looks at the hamburger again.]

... You didn't need to get me anything. I am not part of the... party.

[Now that he's holding it, though, it's... smelling really good...]

[sigh] Thank you. [He's not ungrateful. But as he goes to set the controller down, there's a shrill beep from the robot. Blade whips his head around just in time to see the drone attacked by an entire flock of seagulls.

He mutters a swear word under his breath, shoves the hamburger in his mouth, and then uses both hands to wrangle the controller so he can get the drone running away from the gulls. However, the programming goes on the fritz as the gulls continue bullying the hell out of it, and the drone suddenly goes running right toward the water.

Shit.

Burger still shoved in his mouth like he's an anime protagonist late for school, he drops the controller and goes sprinting toward the waves so he can rescue his poor crabbot before the next wave hits and shorts it out. This is not a man who runs for no reason. That's like 250 hours of work!!!!

A big rolling wave sprays up to his knees and nearly bowls him over. Blade staggers but manages to keep his balance, holding the crabbot aloft (while a couple of gulls try to peck at it). It's mostly dry. Success!!! Even if he had to sacrifice his doc martens and his sanity in the process.

Maybe there's a reason he doesn't go outside.]

So? That doesn't matter.

[ But he's taken it, and that's enough for her. And for the moment, Lapis looks pleased with herself.

Though things immediately take a turn for the absolute worse when she notices the little robot being bullied by the seagulls. First instinct is to try to chase them off, until the robot just fucking beelines for the water as if it's very existence depended on it.

And then Blade is rushing after it with the same kind of energy. What she witnesses can only be described as something in the leagues of the bullshit Eizen and Jinwoo get up to, and she saw Jinwoo being pelted with pissed off brooms about fifty times. Though once the robot is safely stopped from creating its own watery grave, Lapis swipes the controller from the ground - lest a seagull goes for that next - and makes her way into the waves. ]

H-here, let me carry it. [ She holds out her arms, let her carry the poor thing back to safety ( any remain seagulls are smacked with some shadows she conjures up ) since he's still balancing food in his mouth. ]

Are you alright? [ Pause. ] Is the robot alright?

[Lapis' quick thinking makes this next part easier. When she holds out her arms, he actually hesitates for a moment-- and then he gives it to her, shaking off a gull in the process. That's when he notices that the other gulls have been subdued or driven away by shadows all around them.

... Not an ability he's seen before, but very cool nonetheless.

With his hands now free and the crisis dealt with, he takes a minute to chew and swallow the bite of hamburger he'd been hanging onto this whole time. ... It's not bad.]

It should be fine. The circuitry is housed in the core, which managed to stay above the waves until I got there. There are no exposed wires in the legs, so that if it rained it wouldn't be in danger.

[He sends a brief glare at the gulls circling far overhead, and then he looks back at Lapis.]

Was that your magic just now?

[ Lapis does make sure to cradle the robot carefully, one arm tucked under it while one wraps around the top to shield it - controller still firmly in her grasp. Okay, robot is safe from further gull bullying and Blade has managed to actually eat; she considers this a success.

Though she does squint up at the sky for a moment, wondering if she should scare the stragglers away... She has her summon, so there's that. A dog-sized bird made of shadow should be intimidating enough, but seagulls are vicious little things.

But she relaxes a little at his words, despite the looming threat. Good, little robot is safe. The question does gets a blink, and her eyes glance up at Blade in return. ]

That's right. I can create and control shadows, it's pretty handy since they can be solid as well. [ As demonstrated when a seagull attempts to swoop in again, and is just slapped with another shadow tendril. ]

Though I only got this power after arriving here, so I'm still learning different ways to use them. [ Now she starts to make her way out of the water, making sure the precious cargo doesn't get splashed as the shadows trail behind her. ]

... How's the burger? [ Okay she's still pretty pleased with herself about that. ]

I've never seen anything like it. [Not that he's an expert on magic or anything, and his tone doesn't sound judging either. He's curious, though he's not about to ask to dissect her or anything. He's only interested in magic insofar as it can be applied to weapons, as one would expect.] It sounds convenient.

[He follows her back out of the waves and tries to ignore how the water had lapped around his ankles, so now his jeans are soaked up to his mid-calf. Uuuuggghhh. At least docs are water resistant.]

Mm? [He swallows.] It's fine. [Also where did it go? Looks like he was hungry after all. He washes his hands together, which makes his bandaged left hand much more noticeable.]

The tests were mostly successful despite avian interference. I couldn't say the same if you hadn't stepped in. [A slight bow of his head.] ... I appreciate it.

[He's all gruff about it and not entirely making eye contact, but clearly he's not as bad as he tries to seem.]

It is. Especially since one of my friends can't really go into the sun, so when I'm around I can give him a little more freedom.

[ And of course it's useful weapons-wise too. She does love her shadow claws, even if it gets a little messy -

And there's a sympathetic wince when she notices how his jeans are soaked; too bad the only fire ability is a chain whip, and she's not sure that will be a safe way to dry clothes. At least it's at the beach, so being partly soaked is the norm, if slightly uncomfortable - and luckily the shoes seem to be unscathed too.

But once they are back on dry land, she offers the robot and controller back to him, blinking at how the burger is just... gone. Before being pleased with herself all over agin. ]

Good. If you want some more, let me know. I can make other things too. [ Good thing she has high points in cooking -

- Though that bandage catches her attentions, brows furrowing for a moment. Only a moment, since his appreciation?? Gets a blink, and even as he avoids eye contact she's still peering up at him. And she'll even allow herself to smile for a moment. ]

I'm glad I could help. [ Another pause, as her previous concern comes back to mind. ] How's your hand?

He can't go into the sun? [That's weird.] Is he a vampire? [....... wait, that's actually possible.]

As good as it was, asking you to cook for me would be unfair. I'll just pick something up later.

[He is so incurably stubborn. When she brings attention to his hand, he looks down at it and flexes his fingers.]

It's mostly healed. [His eyes narrow, glowing an ember red while they stand in the half-shade of the rocks.] I may have mentioned this before, but the beast always takes my blood. Be it for the beast's enjoyment or the use of my magic, this incessantly-healing body always pays the price.

It is less a torture and more of an annoyance. The hands are easy, though it slows my work.

Yep, that's right. [ The most casual response. A vampire isn't really one of the strangest things in this city, when it comes down to it.

And she raises her brows again at his answer, humming under her breath as she squints. ]

I wouldn't offer if I didn't want to. And I'll probably end up getting something for you later, so best to let me know either way.

[ He may be stubborn, but so is she!

Her eyes quickly drift back to his hand, and there's a pinch of her brows as she listens. It's a harsh price to pay, even if he simply views it as an annoyance.

So she's silent as she brings a hand closer to his - only hovering nearby as she lets the modicum amount of healing magic she has speed up the remainder of the recovery. It only takes a few seconds before she pulls her hand back, bright gold eyes peering up at him once again. ]

How does it feel?

[Blade looks a little startled that he was right. Jesus. It's only brief, but wow he hates what his life has become sometimes. But he can see her squinting at him. This girl really won't give up. He sighs and relents after a moment.]

... Fine, do what you want.

[She wins this round.

The healing magic is unexpected, too. He hesitates as the remainder of the wound knits together—a familiar sensation by now—and then he glances down at her.]

It—

[Those eyes remind him of someone. It hits him hard enough that he reaches up and clutches his temple. It's not right, it's not right, it's not right. Who is he trying to remember? What did he forget? He winces and squeezes his eyes shut. Not now, not now, not now...

Finally he responds through his teeth.]

I should go.

[He turns away and almost drops the robot and controller, but manages to save his fumble. He needs to get out of here. He can feel the beach closing in, the cool wind coming off the water suddenly oppressive in nature, like a tornado tearing at his foundations.

He's broken. This is just another reminder.]

[ She wins!

Not that she has much time to savour her victory, as concern quickly overtakes everything else when she sees him wince in pain. Is it that beast he mentioned before? Though she also doesn't get much time to ask, as he turns away. It leaves Lapis stunned for a moment as she processes what exactly is happening, a question on the tip of her tongue. ]

Wh -

[ It lasts all of a second when she sees the fumble, and she quickly moves back to his side again, ready to catch the robot and controller just in case. But they're fine, Blade is still very not fine, and she can't just leave him like this. She told him she would try to help, she wants to help, and she's not going back on her word now. ]

Wait, Blade. What's wrong?

[He takes a few more steps and slips again, and this time he doesn't quite get back up. His head feels like it's splitting open. He needs a moment to gather himself, to make sure he isn't about to black out again.

Eyes like the sun. Gleaming, judging from atop the steps. The guards haul him and his shackles closer. He recalls the yapping of a dog.

"I remember."

Remember how he watched. Remember how he did nothing. Remember how he smiled with a sword in one hand and opened the other. Three must pay the price. He already... paid the price.

Her voice cuts through the nightmare. He remembers to breathe.]

I—remember. [He doesn't want to remember.] I don't want to remember. [He doesn't want to remember!] Every time... every time, it's like this.

Just take my blood, beast. I know it's what you want.

[He tears the bandages from his left hand. Though she had healed it earlier, his palm bears noticeable scarring. This has been going on for a while.]

Lapis, [he says, not looking at her face.] You should not linger.

[ He slips again, and once more she's by his side - kneeling down as concern and worry propels her actions, uncaring if he may present a danger to her. None of that matters, when he's so clearly in distress. How can he expect her to just leave him? Especially when those scars tell her that he's had to deal with this for so long. ]

I'm not leaving you like this. [ Softly spoken, but firm all the same. With how unsteady he is now, she'll be reaching for the controller and robot to carry herself; tucking both under an arm so one is still free.

And with that arm she reaches for his - she never likes touching someone unless given an okay, but it seems less and less likely he can walk on his own. So she'll help him back to his feet, urging him to lean against her if he's still unsteady. She may not have much in the way of muscle, but she does have some strength from years upon years of fighting. ]

Come on, let's move somewhere else.

[ This is still a little out in the open, so time to duck behind some of the rocks. ]

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