genessia | Spring, June 3rd - Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

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Spring, June 3rd - Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Who: Semi-Open. Ayame has only invited her friends and their Pokemon for the camping part, but any run-ins in the forests or just dropping by for one or two activities before heading home are perfectly fine.
What: Outdoor adventures and camping
When: Early morning of June 3, to evening of June 4.
Where: Forests of Fayren
Warnings: None, but will adjust if something comes up.

Intro:

Ayame had been planning for this trip for some time now ever since she heard about camping in a talk show. Now with the Chimera Infection dying down, she figures it's already safe enough to go for it. Inviting her friends who might be interested in this sort of activity via text message, along with their Pokemon, Ayame went ahead and rented some camping essentials in Genessia City for herself and her party. Shrinking them to pocket-size, they shouldn't have any problems carrying anything to the steep hills of their chosen campsite.

Campsite:

Setting their belongings on a flat area overlooking a good amount of the forest and the distant ocean. Ayame's party makes camp with two-person tents that they could share with someone of their choosing, along with a spare one for supplies like food, weapons, and gear. A spot for a campfire is placed in the middle, and a picnic table for later dining. A hammock is in place for anyone who wants to lay suspended in between a couple of trees, safely nestled near the edge of the hill, giving those on the hammock has a nice view of the forest below. Ayame's pet cat Hibiki can be seen roaming around the campsite, and being unlike her Gardevoir Hibana who is being helpful with setting up the camp. Ayame would primarily be in charge of making the food, but she wouldn't be opposed to some helping hands. Other than lounging around and waiting for the next leisurely activity, Ayame brought a projector screen for movie night in the woods. A pack of wolves and a couple of ravens that Ayame had befriended like to visit the camp, and are surprisingly friendly to the campers.

Hot Springs:

A natural hot spring in a secluded part of the forest, with tall trees and thick vegetation providing ample privacy for the campers.

Waterfalls & River:

If the hot springs is too much in this summer-like heat, the cool and clear waters of the river would seem more ideal, there is a small waterfall not far from the campsite that extends into a river. Ayame makes a raft made of bamboo for any campers to ride and make them feel like floating. This river is connected to a descending stream that the campers could follow, leading them to the next area:

Caves & Cenote:

Half-way to the river's path towards the ocean, there is a fork in the stream with the smaller branch that leads towards a cave filled with water. Anyone willing to dive into this natural maze of wonder and mystery is more than welcome to do so. They get to explore an expansive cave system with bioluminescent lifeforms and crystal formations, and a myriad of other things that lie beneath the surface.

Forests:

Whether through wanderlust, a quick morning walk or jog, or looking for something to forrage in this vast forest, campers can run in to anybody who weren't on the invite list and just so happens to be roaming the woods too. Dangers lurk in these woods, so Ayame advises anyone to go in twos, be on high alert, and bring a weapon if they don't have any special abilities. Luckily, Ayame was prepared for that,
and brought some standard-issue energy rifles from the Dubai subarchway for self-defense, lessons, or for when they're drunk and trigger-happy.

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"I won't mind hearing them. But perhaps after a few more power cells." Ayame gestures to the cans, and the energy cells placed nearby. She brought them to the camp just in case anybody with no powers join in, but it seems they're going to be unused so she figures Satsuki might as well have fun with it a little more.

Fast-forward a few empty power cells and hopefully Satsuki having a better handling of the rifle's kick, Ayame and Satsuki eventually make their way to the hot springs. Ayame lead the way while walking side by side on a narrow footpath, taking them into the forest with tall trees and slopes filled with untouched growth. Crossing the threshold of the open nature into this forest was like stepping into a portal. With the sounds changing almost in an instant, and the chirping melodies of birds and animals indistinctly play in the surroundings.

Ayame takes a few steps toward a descending slope of rock and dried mud, towards a big boulder with smoke coming up behind it.

"Normally we would have to shower before stepping into the spring" Ayame speaks while tying her hair up into a ponytail. "But this isn't Japan." she adds, stepping towards the edge of the pool and untying her cover-up dress.

"You can relax. I made sure nobody can catch a peek at us while we're here" Ayame lets go of her dress, revealing a polka-dot swimsuit underneath. Ayame takes her flip-flops off and dips her foot for a second before sinking her entire leg, and then her entire self into the hot spring.

In that time, while Satsuki had a bit of a thrill from firing rifles, in the end it's just going to be archery for her. It wasn't a waste though; at least she'll be more impressive to Ted the next time they hit the shooting range.

"Ah, that's right." Satsuki agrees to the area certainly not being Japan and after getting changed herself, follows after Ayame in her own swimsuit, white in color. And as for the warning, "The worst I fear is Koishi appearing an raising a fuss, really."

"Perhaps it goes without saying but.. I have come to value our time together outside of training." Not to say she doesn't value Koishi's, but it is far less likely that any time alone with Koishi could be interrupted than vice versa.

Edited 2017-06-23 19:54 (UTC)

Ayame finds a spot by the edge of the pool and nestles there, waiting for Satsuki to follow and admiring the swimsuit the deputy guardian is adorning. A faint blush appears on Ayame's cheek as she soaks in the heat of the spring and the sight of Satsuki. That elegant figure just looks like the perfect canvas for any style of fashion. Ayame sighs herself out of her reverie before she looks at Satsuki any longer than she should, letting her body sink a couple of inches deeper into the water, letting the hot spring reach to her shoulders while her knees poke out of the water line.

Ayame didn't make a comment about Koishi, not really knowing the satori well enough to have much to say, but Satsuki's comment after that was enough to make Ayame turn her head to look at her friend. Her blush returns, perhaps even brighter pink than before. Ayame blinks twice, looking to her sides before smiling.

"So do I" Ayame replies, immediately feeling it to be cheap and unworthy to Satsuki's words. But she was caught by surprise and being open with her feelings is something she was never been good at. Still, she feels the need to add something while her hands rub together underneath the water.

"I hope that we get to do these more often in the near future. But I understand..." Ayame stops herself from mentioning Ragyo "... that you're a busy person." she adds, naturally, before going on. "I met Weiss yesterday when she invited you and the other Deputies at the beach. I feel bad that I had to borrow you away for another two days. But it must be nice to have three consecutive days off"

Ayame may feel her response cheap, but she may see Satsuki's expression soften in response. Having someone like Ayame around have made things less stressful, especially with the balance of breaks in being a hardass.

Satsuki settles into the water, seating herself closer to her friend without a second thought. "... Thank you for understanding. But I will do what I can; you have my word." Satsuki then murmurs as she looks down at the water, her tone apologetic. But then she looks up again to the mention of the beach. Her lips twist a little, then she shakes her head. "It felt more like less stressful work. The fact of the matter is I am not fond of half the guardians in our troop. I suspect Lady Schnee ended up being aware of this and thus prepared that unique teambuilding event you witnessed."

Though there are several emotions going on there; Satsuki feels strong competitive emotions toward Weiss, though that probably isn't clear in her dismissal of the days off being nice.

Edited 2017-06-27 00:30 (UTC)

Satsuki's promise helps in further lifting Ayame's spirits. She simply watched the deputy, seeing those eyes look down at the water and listen to the tone of her voice, so clear even in the noise of the forest. Ayame is unsure what to say that would help comfort her friend. She runs her hands along her thighs, essentially leaning forward a little while she hums in thought before resting her back against the rock behind her.

"Hmm... I see. How did it go, if you don't mind me asking."

She had a difficult time coming up with something to ask, but her curiosity is sincere. It doesn't help that Ayame really doesn't know any of the other deputies. She just knows Satsuki in the entire team, and had a brief conversation with Weiss.

Satsuki isn't worried about receiving any words of comfort.

"Successful, in my opinion. But I suppose we will not really know for certain until a time comes where we all must join forces. I would say I enjoyed the triathlon I had against Weiss the most." she murmurs. "There is this desire that burns inside me whenever I face her. A desire to soundly outperform her."

"Anyhow, that does not really matter at the moment.. You said you had an idea to talk about?"

Ayame hums, looking up and away as Satsuki's words seem to have made Ayame sympathize. It's normal to feel that sort of competitive desire. She herself has, and that was one of the things that made her who she is now. So Ayame could only hope that her friend finds an opportunity to reward all her hard work, and feel like she can soundly outperform Weiss.

"Well... Yes."

Ayame looks down on the water, sighing in comfort as the hot rocks on her back help soothe her stress.

"Two ideas, actually. Both involve building. The first one in mind would be a new store, and expand my business to Fayren. While the other, is just building a home for myself in Attleton."

"Another store?" she repeats, "I believe that is a wonderful idea. I tend to avoid Fayren, as I am not particularly in tune with the mystical arts. Generally it is to visit the Komeiji Sisters, but that certainly would be another worthwhile reason to visit."

A home out in Attleton and not Nova? W- Well.. That's fine. It'd be better if it weren't Nova. In fact, it would be much better if it were not Nova, it'd be more difficult to be tracked after all.

Yes.. Yes, that will do nicely.

"I have never built a house on my own," she confesses, "I had the assistance of Wilybots, mechs constructed by the robotocist Dr Wily, to have Honnouji Second built. If you need them," which she doubts the talented Ayame does, "I could lend you a few."

Edited 2017-07-06 01:51 (UTC)

"I will consider that offer. I'm still in talks with contractors in Attleton, and trying to find a deal agreeable for both sides. I wouldn't want to take away jobs from them too much"

Ayame tucks her legs in closer, with her thighs pressing against her breasts and knees poking out of the water.

"I want to experience what it's like to build something for the first time. I've never really had a place of my own to call my home. The closest would be my apartment that's become too small, which I rent a hefty price for despite its relatively miniscule size"

Ayame speaks wistfully, playing with the hot water in her hands, pooling a few drops in her palm and watching it slip passed her fingers. It's a shame to Ayame that Satsuki's in her predicament with her mother, otherwise she would invite them in a heartbeat. Ayame constantly feels lonely that it's become pretty troublesome.

"I confess I had not thought of it like that. From what I had seen when I first arrived in Genessia, buildings for, say, businesses, could appear in an alarming amount of time. I did not find that satisfactory and so I chose the Wilybots to be put to use to build Honnouji Second."

Satsuki, almost in complete contrast, is practically stone still and looks off into the distance as she listens.

"However your line of thinking makes perfect sense.. From what I understand there are numerous advantages to owning your own home compared to renting. Is there anything else in particular you look forward to?"

"Apart from having a much larger two-floored closet space, I... look forward to you visiting me."

Ayame smiles at the thought of having Satsuki around more. Even if the other woman isn't there to live. Ayame doesn't like having it show, but she often gets lonely and depressed.

"I plan to make a dojo that could double as a tatami room, and actually intend to design the house with Japanese inspirations."

Satsuki slowly turns to look to Ayame. While it's perhaps only for a few seconds, she finds herself at a loss for words. Her mouth opens then closes a couple of times before, "Ayame." She tries to sound annoyed, but she's pleasantly embarrassed.

Which makes her realize that, to her knowledge, Ayame never found a roommate.

"I have no doubts that your interior design are as impeccable as your sense of fashion design; I look forward to seeing that. And a dojo?" Another pause. "Have you ever met Mayu Nozaki?"

Ayame lets the image of Satsuki's reaction be burned into her brain, along with the sound of her own name that slipped from Satsuki's lips. As tempting it is to prod at her friend more, Ayame elected to let it go.

"Mayu? Yes, I know him." Ayame nods. "We only speak through the network in text. I met him when I was looking for a housemate some time ago. Why do you ask?"

"I ask because your mention of the dojo reminded me of his situation. I met him when I was looking for a self-defense teacher for my former assistant, Luke Triton. Nozaki is a practitioner of judo, and as far as I know he has yet to find a suitable rival due to his formidable skill at such a young age. Or at least someone who can match his passion."

"As of yet, I have been unable to locate one, though I confess that the priority is not as high after agreeing to meet him for weekly meditation sessions. I do recall him looking for a roommate; the house he lives in used to be home to about five other people. I.." Satsuki seemed hesitant to go further. Oh well, she can't stop now. "I would visit whenever I felt stressed and observed their often chaotic lifestyles. I had never seen such a happy group of people."

Ahem.

"Anyhow, if you two have already met and had not grouped together then it is irrelevant."

Edited 2017-07-25 02:55 (UTC)

Ayame takes note in Satsuki's hesitation, just listening intently to her friend who seems to be uttering more words than usual. Which is a great thing! She chooses not to say anything and ruin the mood. Instead she just hums to acknowledge what Satsuki said, making a mental note to contact Mayu later, on an appropriate time. For now, she just enjoys Satsuki's presence and relaxing in this hot spring until it was time to get back to base camp.

After a dinner of specially prepared roasted chickens with a variety of healthy side dishes and rice, Ayame is quite satisfied to end it with some dessert of ice cream and a movie - an animated musical played on a holographic projector. The story is reminiscent of a classic fairy tale, about a princess being locked in a castle and never seeing the world until she was old enough. It was a story that really resonated with Ayame, who was able to relate to the main character's past and seeing the world, living life for the first time. She was quiet throughout the whole movie, just enamored by the experience of an outdoor movie watching and the film they watched.

After some cleaning up, Ayame retreats to her tent that she shares with Satsuki. With two futons on a carpet and separated by a small night light, Ayame hums a song from the movie while she sits on her part of the tent, after changing to a nightgown that isn't very practical for a night out in the woods.

"So, what do you think?" she asks Satsuki, before clarifying what she was asking about: "The movie"

Satsuki had a somewhat similar experience before watching movies with colleagues, but this time things feel a lot more natural, and the subject matter far less perplexing in where its entertainment value targets.

She doesn't consume too much ice cream, though.

Satsuki looks to Ayame with slightly furrowed brows as she starts without missing a beat, "It-" Oh, the movie. "Of course." Well that saves Ayame from having to hear that she doesn't think the nightgown looks very practical.

"I found the dialogue both well written and spoken. The storytelling over all, incredibly engaging." She raises a hand to her own chin for a moment. "I wonder if this would be appropriate to show Anastasia."

Not very practical, but very comfortable. Perhaps a little too comfortable, since Ayame doesn't seem to notice that the skirt is dangerously short. While she adjusts herself, shimmying on the futon, she accidentally flashes Satsuki with something lacy and purple.

"I don't see why not. She could use some entertainment once in a while"

Ayame brushes her hair with her fingers, pulling them over one shoulder.

"Then I shall."

Satsuki, by the way, changed a floral-print night robe. 'Dangerously short' isn't a word that comes to mind as far as Satsuki is concerned, but she does stare at the ensamble for a moment with a fairly unreadable expression.

"You are hard-wired for fashion, aren't you?"

"Eh?"

Ayame perks up just a little, surprised by Satsuki's statement as evident by the faint blush that formed on her cheek and the way her eyes glanced aside for a moment.

"I-Is that a bad thing?"

"I was hoping you could tell me." Satsuki replies with a very slight smile. "In my case, I enjoy being assertive, but it can sometimes be.. an inconvenience for me as well. I was wondering if inconvenience ever applies to you with looking your best."

"No, I don't think it is a bad thing... There's nothing wrong in wanting to look one's best, and it's never really inconvenienced me before." Ayame blushes and returns her eyes at Satsuki, feeling herself begin to slouch more on her futon. "I suppose if I put on make-up, it will. But I don't really use them"

"Worded that way, it is obvious there is nothing wrong with it. I suppose I confused 'looking ones best' with 'perfection'." Satsuki murmurs, still looking at Ayame. Eventually she settles down upon her back, with one hand behind her head.

"You consistently appear 'perfect', present-time included." Which is, essentially, why she wants Ayame to be her wardrobe stylist.

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Spring, June 3rd - Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

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