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

B there or b squared

[shinbunshinobi]

Very funny. Does "Sasuke Sarutobi" ring a bell?

[ Yeah, he's in a girl's body right now, but he didn't think he looked that different...

Granted his Sengoku self dyed his bright hair darker for better stealth reasons or that's my excuse/reason to solve the "CAPCOM seems to never know what hair color he has" problem..., so the historical Masamune could be more forgiven for not realizing this bright boy... girl... is that monkey who caused so much grief. ]

No worries! Life has been busy for me as well

[shinbunshinobi]

A few days? Then let's make things easier for the weekend.

[ It doesn't hurt to be prepared. Sasuke starts making the calculations for multiple batches of the spreads and sauces. He's not going to go overboard, but he's also making enough for at least 3 times the current orders. ]

Well, at least for lunches. I don't think sandwiches are gonna cut it for dinner and breakfast. Do you have plans for those too, Master Chef?

[shieldher]

Sen . . . pai . . .

[The word feels like it's being crushed out of her lungs under the weight of Ritsuka's awful little laugh. The memory of Roman had been uncomfortable. The apology Mash hadn't expected to come out with here and now had burned her throat. But this is something else entirely. Every swallow feels like a herculean effort, and her eyes sting with the sudden threat of tears. . . . Mash can't dwell too hard on the details. It's as if, in her own mind, she's holding up that shield against the onslaught of emotion this time rather than the onslaught of the Beast, because if she doesn't . . .

Then what? It's just that the image is too much for her to carry: Ritsuka lifting her shield after she fell. Is that how it had happened? Ah, she's thinking about it, it's breaking through after all—

Mash trails off into a choked sound. And maybe this isn't what Ritsuka wants, but it's the only thing she knows how to do: she pulls her hand away so she can turn in and throw both arms around her instead, in a tight, clinging hug. All of the force of this rush of emotion goes into that instead of trying to say anything more meaningful.]

[shieldher]

I'm not!

[Fortunately or unfortunately, Mash is too caught up in pursuing the truth! to make much of a fight about that. She just rejects the notion firmly, already moving to push past him and head down the hall in that direction instead. He can follow her or not! She kind of hopes he does, because this is getting pretty freaky, but whatever! Despite her full awareness of the creepiness, though, she moves with confidence—if quietly. Somehow, the idea of being caught and scolded is as bad as or worse than the idea of running into some kind of evil spirit at the end of this hallway.]

[shieldher]

Here I go!

[She says it a little more like she's heading into battle than salting fish, whoops. She's just an enthusiastic girl! But she's also a quick student and not squeamish about touching the fish, so here she goes indeed, seasoning the fillets as directed.

And, since she was (kind of) asked a question:]

Chaldea is where I live. Senpai—Fujimaru-san comes from the same place. I'm not sure if you're acquainted with her. It's a research base in Antarctica where we're both staff.

grips your shoulder NO WORRIES....also bless you for this tag omfg

[hackerlad]

[MASAMUNE THIS IS BAD AND YOU SHOULD FEEL BAD because 9S is...absolutely eating this up.......

He's kind of making a close equivalent to the surprised pikachu face about now, anyway; Masamune settles back, but 9S is leaning forward at his perch in turn, elbows planting on his knees and features alight with--fascination??]

You know--it might just be, right?! If we're in the same area, and it's some kind of resort... [Of course, the baths are no longer particularly bloody if not actually kind of mildly cursed for sure oops, but it was...probably a little while ago. How old would a human dad's dad be, anyway? Hmm--he could crunch the numbers if he tried, but in the end that's kind of beside the point too. 9S feels like he's got more of a gist of the definition behind "yakuza" now, even from a story like this--some kind of group organization, then...with rival groups, apparently? But even more importantly--]

You think they're still around, then? The spirits! Can we go see them?

[He's got a rough concept of what "spirits" are, anyway, the same way the rough concept of a "curse" also hangs around. The prospect of spirits being an Actual Thing in This Actual Location, though......

Well. 9S certainly seems more excited than actually alarmed--very sincerely so, too. MASAMUNE WHAT HAVE YOU DONE....]

[shieldher]

[Aha, everything makes sense now! And, on top of that, is very interesting to listen to; Mash sits up a little herself at last so she looks a little less pathetic for the conversation. New knowledge is always worth sitting up for!]

I really should have realized. I guess I was caught up in the moment and acted without thinking. I really am sorry! But . . . now that I'm in here myself, I can completely understand!

[She swishes a hand through the water, thoughtfully. Even just feeling the warmth through her fingers is soothing. Is this the power of the natural world or what? Maybe she's just been more stressed than she realized?! Well, that one's very likely. It's probably a combo of both.]

There's something about it that makes me want to push my body to the limits of relaxation! . . . That sounds a little strange when I put it that way. Maybe it's an oxymoron, but that is how I feel . . . so, I think I know where you're coming from. I don't think I could last for five minutes, though.

[Though it would be more of a close match than if she were an ordinary human. Not that she's thinking of a competition or anything. Of course not . . . ]

Is this your first time, then? It's mine too.

IT'S ALL A DISASTER FROM HERE

[powerhittou]

[TWO CAN SHOCKEDPIKACHUFACE, PAL.]

-Huh? Stuff like that doesn't creep you out?

[He may have underestimated this guy... Then again, it's not surprising that 9S' enthusiasm for the trip itself would extend to any hauntings. Masamune can respect that sense of adventure... except in this case, because he's the one who'd probably scream at the sight of a ghost.

He just made it up, so it's fine anyway! Obviously this spring isn't haunted!

(What if, though.)]

I was going to bust outta here after curfew anyway, so I guess if you're that interested... [Actually, this is perfect. He has a partner in crime! This'll make stuff like hopping fences way easier.]

But are you sure you're gonna see them? [Finally, FINALLY gesturing to the blindfold.]

[powerhittou]

[Sounds better than mood ring eye

He raises his eyebrows, but doesn't look all that impressed. Really, this brat thinks he'd fall for that?]

I may have heard of him once or twice before. And?

GHOST ADVENTURES GHOST ADVENTURES--

[hackerlad]

[Ah, it's like looking in a mirror.....im so jealous you actually have a shockedpikachuface icon too oh my god

Evidently this question is news to 9S, if the quizzical tilt of his head at it is anything to go by.]

Creep me out? ...Not really? I mean--spirits come from dead humans, right? From what I understand they're not even exactly physical...so, it doesn't sound like they could do very much. [Like, a blob of misplaced residual energy just kind of floating around, or something....why would anyone scream at this?? 9S waves a hand idly.] --Besides, I still have no idea how this stuff works anyway! But it sounds really interesting...so I want to know more about it!

[Like, sure, there's going to be rule-breaking involved in this, but also: this has literally never stopped 9S from doing anything, once his curiosity gets going...

And it's in full swing about now, for sure! 9S is even standing up from his bed, as if he's about read to head out through the door already--but that last question does manage to stop him in his tracks.]

--Huh? What... [??? 9S...slowly mirrors the gesture, visibly confused--but it clicks when he realizes where it's actually pointing, at which point he's shaking his head.] --I mean, yeah, of course I'll see them! My eyes work fine! That's, what you're wondering, isn't it...I get that a lot. Look, this is actually a visor! Even if it doesn't look like it.

[Because blindfold visors are definitely part of...foreigner aesthetic, evidently.....9S sighs after this, dropping his hand.]

...Unless maybe I should take it off? I'm not actually sure how much this would effect seeing spirits, exactly...not like I've ever seen any before anyway. Have you?

[shinbunshinobi]

... That's my name. Yeah, I look a little different, but I'm still me.

[ He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. ]

Whatever game you're playing at, can it wait? I need to figure out how to reverse this. I've been stuck as a girl since yesterday.

[pivotpoint]

[Chidori encourages him to lean against the edge of the pool. She'll work him over until her arms get tired, and then she'll settle next to him. Her arms folding to create a soft surface for her cheek to rest on as she winds down beside him.]

See, since humans are made of organic material it eventually wears away or breaks down, but you can't replace it. You can only correct what you did wrong and hope you heal. A lot of jobs aren't great for posture, and large chests can make your shoulders curl in and cause rib pain. Sometimes being a human... it can be inconvenient. But I'm glad you can join us to enjoy one of the good parts.

[Her voice is soft. The warm water and the tiredness of her arms lulling her into a tired state. Soon she might be dozing off.]

[pivotpoint]

I guess you can take a girl out of the school, but you can't take the student council out of the girl. I feel like I've had to run around babysitting half the people here.

[With a sigh she sinks into the pool. Allowing the water to reach her shoulders.]

[crabeye]

Like I said before this Masamune is worried his mother will try and exclude him from the inheritance. And me? Well I guess I'm just worried I can't find a job that will let me live comfortably without having to ask my ass of a father for help. Besides... marrying each other would probably have the added bonus of pissing them off.

Besides I'd rather spend my whole life running around picking up after y— [ah. She stops herself to correct this, and becomes a little sheepish.]

Picking up after Masamune than marrying some dimwit my father would try to pawn me off on.

[powerhittou]

...you don't say.

[He crosses his arms and shifts his weight to one side, getting some nice Sassy Hips going. Scrutinizing Sasuke with a cold gaze. Sure, he'll play along... mostly because something doesn't feel right with his own body, either. Maybe. He's not sure.]

Well, it turns out I'm not much in the mood for games either. You say you've been here since yesterday? Then clue me in and tell me what the hell's going on, ninja.

[shinbunshinobi]

Ninja... well, I like that nickname better than kid or monkey.

[ Starting to walk down the hall, Sasuke motions for Masamune to follow. He might as well get back to doing what he had planned on doing before running into Masamune. ]

If you haven't been in a hot spring yet, don't. I'm pretty sure they're all cursed. or maybe this entire place is. I'm checking out the library to see if I can't dig up something more.

C can be for Cookey!

[synastries]

[ She looks up in hesitation, the voice is unfamiliar that it took by surprise on who she's seeing before her very eyes! It's Sasuke!

But is it her or does Sasuke seems cuter than usual? She tilts her head curiously as she leans closer. A wing reaches out to touch Sasuke. ]

[synastries]

[ What is he doing? Is he making fun of her predicament? She knew that Mitsunari can be a little huffy or even outright strange-- okay, maybe very strange what with the katana, but it isn't like a certain percentage of the school knows how to fight back if push comes to shove. Either way, she's annoyed that he's picking now of all times to make fun of her. Now if only there's a way to tell him especially with how weird he's acting.

She moves in carefully this time, one leg at time before leaning her forward. She lets out a hiss at him. ]

[shinbunshinobi]

There there... That's better. What are you doing here, Little Crane?

[ He offers a hand for the crane to investigate. It's slender, soft. Sasuke stays still, lets the crane do what it pleases. ]

[hackerlad]

[New knowledge is always, definitely, worth sitting up for!! How relieving, that they've managed to find the key to moving past mutual embarrassment like this....(by mutually nerding out over hot springs, apparently, but look. If it works, it just works!)]

Hah, I don't know about strange...but it does sound kind of intense when you put it like that! ["Pushing the limits of relaxation" sounds like a self-contrast if he's ever heard of one, for sure, but the idea's earning a good-natured laugh.] I think I sort of get what you mean, too? Like, being able to see just how much you can relax...or something like that. May as well go full out while we can be here, right?

[A competition would probably even fall under that category too, to be fair....a breath-holding tournament would sure be a way to pass time in hot springs. Are hot springs games even a thing normally? Maybe they should be!! But anyway--]

First time...oh, being to one of these resort things, you mean? Yeah, definitely! I bet it's been kind of obvious... [As the earlier awkwardness is gradually eroded by the much less mortifying topics at hand now, 9S starts to wade his way over to Mash properly, until he's settling more beside her as opposed to hovering an embarrassed yard away. So they're at a more conversational distance, finally!] It seems like a lot of people here have done this before, or at least know what to do? You'd never have any luxuries like this back home, though... [He shrugs, water swirling around his shoulders, and then beams at her.] It's actually kind of nice to know I'm not the only one that's new to this after all! Do you think you've gotten the hang of it yet?

[fujimaru]

Loose. They're definitely going for the whole genuine Japanese service, I guess.

[ The question is the easier part to answer, but once she does, she gives it only a couple of seconds before she goes on: ]

You'd be surprised at the kind of stuff I've heard about. But if they're that regular, it definitely sounds like something to talk to someone about. It doesn't have to be me.

But if you want someone who's a safe listening ear, I'm willing.

[powerhittou]

She could do a lot worse than that...

[Muttered to himself as a sick, private little joke, but it isn't really all that funny. He stares off to the side while letting the rest sink in, trying to remind his sake-foggy brain not to think about this plan in the context of what his life is like. He does understand it, deep down, but he can't pinpoint just what makes it click for him.

He stops among a cluster of small rocky pools. Something about the scent of natural minerals and the bubbling of water compels him to turn and really look at Kaname for a long moment.

Ah...

He's dizzy after all.]

--Okay, let's get this show on the road already. [He unties his yukata and shrugs it loose, and then... holds his arm out to the side. What, you think a lord dresses and undresses himself?]

[crabeye]

[Kaname is undressing as well. Her obi is loose and she's about to shed her own yukata when she realizes he's waiting for her. There's admittedly a long pause before...

She just starts laughing. Doubled over and holding her mouth as she tries not to giggle.]

D-do [ahahahaha] do you want me to strip you?

[powerhittou]

[Oh. Oh god he did it without even thinking, having Kojuro there to handle these things for him is just as natural as breathing to him. He bites the inside of his cheek and stubbornly keeps his arm out.]

What? You don't want the practice for your "good friend?" Suit yourself.

[Okay, NOW he can strip. Nice save.]

[crabeye]

[Before Masamune gets a chance to wiggle out of his clothes himself Kaname steps in. Obi fallen aside and yukata hanging loosely over her shoulders. Her hands grab his and make sure his arms stay out so that she may undress him like he originally expected.

However she leans in just enough that her breath will puff against his ear as she speaks.]

I'm not some handmaid, but if you ask I might not say no.

[The amusement hasn't left her voice, but she's more confident now. Smooth and low she speaks with this new voice of hers. His flustered behavior was enough of a price to pay for now, and she relieves him of the yukata.]

Just keep that in mind if this doesn't happen to be your magic spring.