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

[ 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. ]

[He doesn't fight to keep them. At this point he's considering throwing them aside and just sprinting for home, but when he lifts his head, his vision swims. He sees red splotches like spider lilies.]

Ugh... why do you insist on...

[He isn't in much of a position to refuse, though, so he leans against her. He's a tall man but frighteningly light, all things considered. He isn't nearly as strong as the man in his memories. It's all in his arms, if anything.

When they find a place behind some rocks, he doesn't hesitate to flop down on one. He doesn't care about the sand. He throws his arm over his eyes. Though they haven't gone too far, he's breathing like he just ran a marathon.]

Stop. Stop. I don't want it. I don't want to know!

[It's not directed at Lapis, though that may not be comforting.]

[ It is absolutely not comforting in the slightest. As she crouches by his side, her mind frantically turns over what she should do - what can she do. Luckily, this place has given her back a power rarely used, but could prove vital. The calming aura she possesses isn't powerful enough to wipe this away completely, but it's a start and even that much is valuable right now.

So she lets that wash over him, faint but still there, as it starts to soothe and calm - softening the worst of this. Even if she can't stop this, she can try to make this more bearable. ]

Blade. [ Her voice remains as calm and gentle as ever, despite the buzz of worry under her skin; fingers clenched tightly as she keeps a careful eye on him. Last thing he needs now is someone else being frantic, and Lapis is certainly skilled in keeping her emotions under control. ]

I need you to listen to me. Can you do that?

[ It may seem like a strange question, but right now she needs a way to cut through what her power can't ease. If she can get him to listen and even respond back, that's at least something. ]

[At first it doesn't seem like it has much effect, but then she says listen to me. His breath catches in a soft gasp. He isn't hearing Lapis, suddenly, but another woman in his memories.

"Listen, don't think about anything at all."

He swallows hard. His head feels like it's splitting open. He isn't sure if it's the memories or the demon, but the pain itself isn't unfamiliar. Every time he remembered something from before his accident it was the same way.]

I'm listening.

[His voice sounds too quiet to his own ears, but it's because the sound of blood rushes through them. A ceaselessly pounding heart no matter how many times the sword finds it.]

I'm...

[If he blocks out everything else, if he closes his eyes and focuses on her voice, maybe he can keep this feeling at bay. His trembling fingers grasp at the rock he's shoved himself against, though he keeps his other arm over his eyes.

When he speaks again, he is also struggling to keep his voice even, but at least he's not panicking as much as he was. The effort makes his voice flat and almost emotionless.]

What do I need to do?

[ It's working. Or at least doing something, but he's listening and responding, however flat his tone may be, and even just that much is a relief. Lapis just needs to keep this going.

Her hands flex, all nervous energy, but her voice doesn't waver; still even and calm, speaking steadily and clear. So long as she gives Blade something to focus on, he should - she hopes - be able to get through this. ]

Just keep listening to me, don't focus on anything else.

[ She makes sure that the aura keeps washing over him too, even if it is only helping the tiniest bit. She has this power, so now is the best time to use it. And as she keeps speaking, an idea comes to mind. Who knows how effective it will be, but if listening to her is helping - ]

Now take a deep breath, hold it for five seconds, and release it. Keep doing this, and I'll count you through it.

[ Hopefully hearing her guide him through this will help, even if the exercise itself may not do much. ]

[This is familiar. It's so familiar. And though he can't remember her face, he remembers the sound of Kafka's voice. It's a different cadence than Lapis but he finds it comforting all the same.]

All right.

[He's trying... He's really trying. He is doubtful it will help, but she'll find that he does follow her directions. He breathes in deeply and holds his breath, counts to five with her silently, and then lets it out through his nose.

Gradually, the trembling in his fingers subsides.]

[ He is trying, and she is glad for it. If she can keep urging him along, then maybe he really can get through this. As long as she keeps speaking. ]

Good, good. You're doing well.

[ She keeps counting with him - a glance down at his hands filling her with a sense of relief now that they're no longer trembling so much. In that moment she feels some tension leave her, shoulders sagging, but she doesn't stop just yet. It's not all clear until he's back to normal (or what counts as normal for Blade) again. ]

How do you feel? Better, worse? Take a moment and try to answer if you can.

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