Hot Springs and Ryokan

[battymynameis]

Guess what, y'all. It's time for a field trip. We're heading to a Hot Springs and an Inn for the weekend, and everyone is invited. This place is huge, and has multiple springs both indoor and out. There's separate bathing, mixed, and even a spot for foreigners and prudes who like to keep their swimsuits on. Table tennis? Got it. Room service? You bet. Massages? Possibly. Ghosts? Maybe.

1. Hot springs: after you rinse off come take a relaxing bath. There are multiple options as to what kind of bathing environment you can have, so please choose wisely. Also, please read the signs. None of the springs will kill you, but if you choose the wrong one you might end up with some... adverse effects. Cursed springs might just be a Thing.

2. The Inn: you'll be here for a few nights so find your rooming buddy and get friendly. Whether bonding over food, games, or even just exploring the place there's certainly something you can find to occupy yourself. Just don't be too curious after curfew. The staff are pretty insistent, but they aren't cops so responsibility for your actions are your own.

Comments

[fujimaru]

You worry too much about me.

[ She says it gently, more calm than anything else. Her arms tighten around Mash, and after a couple of seconds, she leans in again to press their foreheads together. ]

I'm doing okay. I promise. Things got pretty rough for a while there, but I pulled through. And you were there for me where it really mattered.

[ She'd stayed by Ritsuka even when Goetia had made his case, offering her a place by his side. Her shield had protected Ritsuka first from the blast of his anger, and when she'd been forced to stand alone. And when the ground had literally crumbled away from under her feet, and she'd known, absolutely known, that she was done for -- there'd been Mash's hand, reaching out to her.

In all the ways that mattered, Mash has always been there for her. ]

[synastries]

['You're just like me,' hearing those words immediately got her to pull back from the hug and nod her head furiously at Sasuke. Exactly! She's exactly in your situation right now! It's your junior in school and your friend Tsuruhime!

How can she show him that it's her, though? Writing with a pen is impossible, and sounding out words would take longer. Instead she puts a wing on her hips and another pointing the sky before making a twirl. This looks familiar right, Saru-oniisan?]

[shieldher]

. . . You really are stronger than I am. You don't give yourself enough credit.

[But neither does Mash say it with too much self deprecation. It's a fact she's coming to realize, and only feels strained about when it really matters—when she can feel herself falling to pieces in battle, which happens less and less these days, but doesn't happen never. She'll probably never hit never. That's how she knows. She knows because she still has moments every single day where she's briefly crushed under the weight of everything that's come before and everything yet to come. She thinks of the Doctor, and she hates that she can't think of him anymore without sadness and regret, when she knows he wouldn't want that, and it feels selfish besides. All of this . . .

Still, with her head pressed to Ritsuka's and her eyes fluttering closed, she feels the certainty within herself that she's strong enough to make it through.

Ritsuka gave her that.]

I'll do my best.

[hackerlad]

[Wow look it's not his fault it's entirely possible to wear cool eyepatches without having to sacrifice any eyeballs whatsoever!! YOU CAN'T JUST USE YOUR EYEBALL MISFORTUNES TO GATEKEEP RAD EYEWEAR SIR--

--But, being entirely oblivious to the actual source of Masamune's ire over there, the Aggressive Pouting being leveled in 9S's direction is just sort of confusing more than anything else. Can't pick up any hints from what's actually being said either, so...? Well, seems the best he can do is to smile and continue on. Which isn't too hard anyway, considering the exciting topic at hand...]

Yeah, I mean, I guess it technically is a sort of camera...spirits pick up really easily on those, you think so? Sounds like a good way for me to keep an eye out, then! [Ah, should he mention that even without a visor, his eyes could also very technically count as cameras in themselves too....? Well, in the end he doesn't, if only because it's not a distinction that actually occurs to 9S to point out.

Instead, very wholesomely assuming that they're prepping for a team adventure with no imminent petty revenge whatsoever:] You know, I never actually heard anything about being able to fight them...but in that case, we should definitely be able to take care of whatever ends up coming at us, huh? [Aah, neat, neat. Is it actually possible for 9S to be any more visibly excited about this prospect? Apparently the answer is yes, because he sure looks like it, beaming and gesturing towards the door.] You can take point, anyway! Since you've got more experience, and all that. Think it's late enough to check things out right now?

[It looks dark enough outside anyway, let's go!!! TIME TO DIE FOR THE VINE YET AGAIN....kizuna challenge--]

[traceon]

Shirou. You can call me Shirou.

[ Not that he minded the nickname the girl gave him. But it would be nice to get to know the person who was taking the time out of her vacation to help. Once the water starts boiling, he places the spring greens inside to soften down. ]

Whatever's on the menu, really. Baked salmon, traditional western bacon and eggs, [ Nothing too fancy/extra could be done about that, but hey. Breakfast was breakfast, right? ] it's all there. To be honest, I'm impressed by what they have for stock.

[traceon]

I see. [ For the time being, Shirou sinks down into the pool beside her. For once, this seemed like a nice chance to catch up, even over the simple and little things. The mention of a student council has his hears perk up a little. He wasn't a part of the council at his school, but he may as well have been with all the help he provided. ]

Guess that's just in your nature. If Issei were here, I get the feeling he'd be doing the exact same thing.

Or, at least trying to, anyway.

[ It's said with a hint of fondness in his voice. He really was a workaholic, after all. ]

[traceon]

[ While he doesn't necessarily laugh (he's tempted to!), Shirou does little to hide the amusement behind her enthusiasm. For the time being, he moves over to check up on another order once she's finished seasoning the fillets for marination. ]

Thank you, Mash. We can leave those to marinate between five to ten minutes before patting out the moisture with paper towel.

[ After he offers those instructions to her, waiting to tell her about the onion, carrot and shimeji mushrooms she can prepare in the meantime, he listens as Chaldea is brought up once more. And then? A last name he recognizes. And it almost comes naturally to him, casually remarking, ]

Ah, you're friends with Ritsuka! [ He thought he recognized the name Chaldea! Since there was a small lull in the business and they had the time, he raises the back of his hand for Mash to see the command seal there. ] I'm a Master too.

now i crave red meat. MISTAKE.

[powerhittou]

[Oh... not a trace of hesitation even under pressure! But also, he's about as scary as a kitten anyway. Masamune's not sure if it's confidence or just plain stupidity, but he figures it might be interesting to stick around and watch after all. That way he can call Shirou out the second he messes up, or steal the recipe for himself if he ends up loving it.

He crosses his arms, actually behaving for once and staying nice and quiet through the instructions. Although a fraction of his attention is distracted from the meal prep, glancing around for some kind of a/v setup. He feels like he's on the set of a cooking show... or at least a youtube video.

The only thing to do when things are going so smoothly is pile on more challenges, obviously.]

Alright, alright, you know your stuff... I can already taste it. But while we're waiting for that, what about dessert? If you can make zunda-mochi to my liking... then I'll acknowledge you as Top Chef.

[Well that escalated.]

[powerhittou]

[He can gatekeep and bully cute and earnest boys all he likes! He won't even feel bad about it!! There is no way this could possibly backfire on him in any shape or form. Maybe if 9S' special eyes help him revive his streamer career Masamune can even forgive his non-crimes. Only maybe though.

Deferring to his superiority is a pretty good step, though. He takes a peek at his phone and makes a small 'huh' of surprise. Time sure flies when it makes a thread convenient.]

It is after curfew already... Okay! Let's go kick some ghost ass! [wait, when did that become the goal-] Just follow me!

[Here we go, proudly marching out the door.]

[powerhittou]

[...library... ???

Well, this is the best lead he's got whether this is the real Sarutobi or not, so he might as well follow.]

A little late for that. I have a feeling that spring has something to do with how I got here in the first place.

[powerhittou]

[Again. A good thing he's indestructible.

He cracks his eye open to glance at the bottle, but closes it again at the thumbs pressing into his flesh. She sure is forward and touchy-feely with a guy she knows isn't actually her husband good friend... and Masamune won't complain. It's a surprisingly comforting kind of pain she's drawing out.

And a surprisingly familiar anger.]

...That Silver guy.

[hackerlad]

[Well first they'll have to see if he can even be hooked up to the local wifi before any streaming career dreams start taking off........but to be fair, it's probably true that you won't find a higher-quality camcorder than an actual android--!

Also clearly they both just finally reached their assigned room here kind of late in the day, being busy with Fun Hot Spring Things up to this point!! But who needs sleep when there's ghost hunting to be had?! --Well, 9S tends to sleep a lot less frequently than humans anyhow, and he's certainly way too alert to consider powering down right now...it's fine, this will totally be fine. Maybe it'll even be sort of fun? Just--messing around with a stranger-in-crime like this is really a pretty exhilarating idea! Opportunities like this would ever even be allowed to happen in the first place, back home...

Uh, not that they've even actually done anything just yet, though. Out of the doorway they march, and true to his word 9S waits for Masamune to take the lead, as tempting as it is to just eagerly start in a direction of his own volition already. Huh, when things are sort of dark like this, even this hallway here already has a different sort of atmosphere to it...]

Okay, so...where are we headed first? Is there a type of area spirits like to gather in more than others, or something? [Flex that occult expertise you've been bragging about, Masamune, tell him how this works...!]

I want it too. Researching food is a double-edged sword.

[traceon]

[ It's an unaired episode. Roll with it, Date. ]

Zunda-mochi? [ Alright, even for someone as enthused in helping others as Shirou was, things are starting to pile on. And it was true, anyways. It'd take a little bit for the tongue to marinate before the grilling comes. That? Was the quickest and best part, to be honest. He hums it over for a moment. ]

I saw mochi in the freezer— [ Since keeping them refrigerated wasn't the best idea, and they'd go bad if out longer than a day at room temperature. ] But that's using an edamame paste, right?

[representment]

[Okay... That looks more defensive than anything. He figures he should keep his arms held out but back away slowly.Maybe the bird'll follow him as far as a door outside.]

Come, you beast! You have no business here!

[shieldher]

[Whoa, wait! That adds a new dimension to things; Mash's eyes widen in surprise. She hadn't really expected to encounter another Master here. At least he's clearly on good terms with Ritsuka, and so there's no reason to be anything other than fascinated. Honestly, it's something of a relief to have someone else around she can be open with who'll understand the situation between Mash and Ritsuka—she can hardly go around telling just anyone that Ritsuka is her "Master." It sounds a certain way.]

Oh! I didn't realize . . . then I can tell you I'm her Servant without it sounding strange.

[There's pride in her smile. Mash knows she has a truly great Master. Why not feel good about it?

But they are also in the middle of something. She almost forgot!]

—Oh, what else can I do while we wait?

[pivotpoint]

[Chidori is like a cat. Standoffish and prickly with those who like her. Annoyingly pushy and in-your-face with those who don't. And Masamune's sour attitude the first time she met him has her acting like the latter. Besides, when her Masamune returns he'll reap the benefits of having those knots worked out.

But his reply causes her to halt.]

Huh? You remember Leonard?

[shinbunshinobi]

Third time's not the charm...

[ He mutters to himself. Well, he makes progress somewhere in his life only to go backwards in others, he supposes. The only thing he can do is to just. deal. with. it. Like most things in his life. ]

Then, caffeine is my only savior. That and sometimes cuddling my boyfriend, but caffeine preventing me from sleeping has more consistent results.

[ He sighs and pushes a cup of tea over to Ritsuka. ]

You'd think the universe would give me a break and let me sleep peacefully if it was going to force me to be a girl during my onsen trip. Was it wrong of me to hope that I could actually relax?

[fujimaru]

We both will.

[ She squeezes Mash again as she says that, her hands pressing firmly to her back. It's a gentle gesture, meant again to be reassuring.

And honestly, it's comforting for her, as well, to make this gesture. ]

No matter what... we'll get through things together.

[ That's such a cheesy line. Out of Mash's sight, Ritsuka makes a brief face at herself. How ridiculous, saying things like that -- like she's an actual hero out of a story -- but at the same time... it's not wrong, is it? As long as Mash is by her side, she's not afraid of anything that fate might throw her way (ha ha). ]

[shieldher]

[Cheesy, or exactly what they need to hear? Could be both. Mash smiles at it, anyway, taking it for the comfort it is, which she does appreciate. They can stay like this for a bit. As long as Ritsuka wants, really. They may not be looking at the stars anymore, but the night still feels serene, like a blanket wrapped around the two of them here together.]

I know. As long as you're with me, I really believe that. Senpai . . . just let me help however I can. Even if it's just listening to your thoughts. I feel like I'm the one always making you listen to mine.

[hackerlad]

[Honestly, it's not as if 9S wouldn't normally have at least a few reservations about moving closer to a naked girl in turn himself--but the water's got a pale quality to it here (something about the mineral composition in it?), making it harder to see through and easier to forget about the little things, like awkward nudity or what have you. Not to mention the soothing heat of it all, and the genuine interest of the conversation at hand...with everything combined, he ends up closing the distance without actually thinking too hard about it, eventually settling beside Mash with his back against the edge of the bath. This makes it easier to follow her line of sight from the rafters to the distantly audible strains of Shenanigans off in the distance...ah.....

(Really, 9S is starting to fall under the unfortunate impression that petty slapfights are just, always a thing in places like this...but yeah, it sure is a crowd here, isn't it?)]

Hah, I'd never even read anything about something like this before...never found any records about this sort of thing, anyway. I'd always heard about humans constructing whole facilities to spend free time at--like amusement parks, and things? But a resort dedicated to a bunch of giant hot baths... [He laughs, shaking his head.] I mean, it even sounds kind of weird out loud! To me, anyway? Not that it's a bad thing, either, but I sure don't know how people actually think up things like this!

[His glance shifts back to Mash eventually, though, as his attention does the same; 9S smiles ruefully.]

I mean, I dunno, you did manage to notice me ducking under water for way too long.... [Never mind how that fell a lot more under "looks like drowning" than "looks like he has no clue what he's doing"--] Still, that's fair. I didn't know you were here too! I'd like to think I'm usually pretty good at tracking my surroundings, but there's, uh. A lot of distractions here... [He shrugs, the movement eliciting a bit of a splash, before tilting his head a little.] --Oh, speaking of which, though. What's "table tennis"?

Wait for it...

[representment]

[He's pretty sure the crying wasn't even coming from that direction...? Then again, it does seem to be from a new source every time it reaches his ears. Maybe this is why. Someone's running around and doing it on purpose after all.

Well, it's not like he can just go back to bed and leave this be now, can he? He's invested. And he wants to know who the culprit is so he can make them repent. So he follows Mash, quickly catching up and even overtaking her HIS LEGS ARE SO LONG. HE'S ALL LEG. JESUS

And then. THEY TURN THE CORNER.]

[powerhittou]

[Fine, they can start with pre-recorded footage and then work their way up. As long as Masamune gets to live the dream of recklessly endangering himself AND getting attention for it. Buy dat Dragon Merch.

That's for later, though. Now is ghost hunting time! W...Why does Masamune keep letting himself start to get caught up in 9S' excitement when he knows this is all a dumb prank of his own design?! It's like trying to trick a puppy! You still get all into it! He mentally kicks himself in the ass and shoves his hands into his pockets while he goes, uh, left, he guesses.]

They're probably all over the place, but I guess they'd be most active wherever there was the most violence... The baths right where they died, then!

[And then. HE TURNS THE CORNER.]

2/3

[powerhittou]

[Just in time to run into these idiots.

At least one of them starts screaming.]

OKAY.

[representment]

[This one joins in.]

THE GANG'S ALL HERE FOLKS......

[hackerlad]

[And this one--well okay, no, he doesn't actually scream. But like, you know, it's startling enough to round a corner and suddenly find more people on the other side! Stack that on top of already being kind of hyped up about ghosts...alongside just how jarring a bunch of sudden screams in a dark quiet hallway can be in, general--

Yeah it's less a scream and more a small shout. Hard-coded impulse kicking in before thought does, 9S is grabbing at Masamune's shoulder to attempt yanking him back to safety with one hand, while his other arm whips up.]

--Gah, hey! What the--

[Ah--ah--he just barely manages to stop himself from pulling a sword out of inventory right then and there, but it's a near thing; instead 9S's reaching hand grasps at empty air over his shoulder where the hilt would be, as visceral surprise passes and the faces in the dark in front of them actually begin to register a bit. One of them is entirely unfamiliar, but the other one...well! It definitely puts the possibility of a spirit encounter right out the window pretty quick! Since--]

M-Mash?!