thenearshore | 016 | The Good Old Days

Entry tags:

016 | The Good Old Days

Who: Everyone!
What: Ageswapping
When: July 15-17
Where: Everywhere
Summary: A breach in the space-time continuum is messing things up.

Edit: OVERFLOW is here!

The Far Shore has been dealing with a lot of space-time pulsating through the past week or so and everything is culminating on the night of the 15th, even though the Heavens are preparing for an all-out Obon bash. They had planned to have the celebration on the 15th itself, but Amaterasu asked to postpone a day due to the horrible feeling that is permeating the Far Shore.

And it turns out she was right to postpone everything. In fact, it will have to be postponed another whole month at this rate...

Before

Late in the day on July 15th, the new batch of shinki will arrive to a Far Shore with a thick, tense atmosphere. All night on the 15th it feels like something is about to happen - and it's difficult to tell whether that something will be good or bad. Any attempts to contact the management of the Far Shore have fallen on deaf, slightly harried ears and so everyone is left to their own devices to try and figure out why things are so tense.

July 16

Just after midnight, an explosive shock wave rips through the Far Shore, bringing on the age changes with it. Even the spirits of the Far Shore seem to be affected - for example, the library goblins are either toddling around on wobbly legs or are dragging themselves from place to place and looking decrepit. There are a few gods and shinki that seem to have been exceptions from the change, though it is not clear why.

July 17

Another wave of energy comes in the early morning of the 17th. Fewer people are affected this time and it seems to alter those people's ages a second time. There is no rhyme or reason to who is being affected further. Several of the library goblins have just dropped dead from severe old age. Oops.

Aftermath

Late on the 17th brings about one final burst from the energy that has been plaguing the Far Shore. For a short moment, every new temple glows with a soft light, seeming to beckon to their owners. But the light is gone quickly and everyone will find themselves back to normal with complete memories of everything that happened during their age adventures. The goblins that died, though, are still very dead. Looks like the library will need to get some new help soon.

In Summary:

Meet the newbies
Get aged or de-aged
Deal with other too young/too old people
Try to handle the consequences
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Heh. He looks funnier in such baggy clothes when he's upside down. If Sousuke's gonna (almost) laugh at him for having a weird beard, then this is only fair!]

Oh? The king?

[At least it's not princess this time. Rin straightens up again, this time turning on his starting platform so he'll be facing sideways, legs hiked up into a crossed position beneath his knees. Just like that, he's comfortable again, all tension left in his system dissipating into the ground.]

Then I'm making you the queen.

[Snicker]

[You’re still in baggy clothes too! Well, maybe not as baggy as Sousuke’s current pair. So much for them being mad at each other. The feelings drip away like water and Sousuke feels the same old same comfort all over again. Complete with taunting and ribbing each other. Like normal.]

Uh-huh.

[The king of weird. Yeah, could’ve said princess, but… meh, had enough of that for now. Sousuke leans his head back a bit as Rin pulls himself up, eyeing his best friend with a “superior” expression as he turns to face him. Definitely gearing up for a proper comeback with that position. He recognizes it, especially with the crossed legs—

Guh--?!] QUEEN?!

[And he just spared you the ‘princess’ comment!!! Ungrateful little stinker! Sousuke drops his shoulders from his sudden, surprised hike, and the shocked look on his face abruptly smooths into a smug one as he walks to Rin, upper body leaned forward in an “intimidating” poise. Until he’s right in front of him. All smirky and stuff.]

Then ‘off with his head’!

[And quickly swings one arm around Rin’s neck, putting him in a—loose—headlock.]

[Yeah, but at least he has the smart idea to tie his shirt up in a knot at the side so it won't bug him! If you need help with that, bro, you can just ask.

Hah! Score. Looks like that one got to him good~ Rin snickers in victory, one little sharp fang poking out when he grins, but that all fades once he spots Sousuke stomping on over to him. Oh, so you're gonna go and be all smirky too, are you? You can't out-smirk the master!

... And you can't go headlocking him either!]

Mouuu, Sousuke!!

[he squeaks, arms coming up to grab at the other boy's arm to try and push it off. Legs kick out and he pushes back into his chest while he's at it. You're the stinker!]

Lemme go!

[Yeah, but at least he has the smart idea to tie his shirt up in a knot at the side so it won't bug him! If you need help with that, bro, you can just ask.

[There’s a reason he’s not asked, bro. Because he looks good like this and you can’t tell him otherwise. Besides, he’s got way more important things to do than mess around with how good his shirt looks on him. Like keep this big mouth in a headlock and rub his hair until it ignited! Hah! You should learn not to mess with him, Rin! He’s bigger and stronger (and a lanky noodle right now) and better than you!

His smirk is totally deserved. Who’s got the upper hand now, “King” shark? Rub rub rub. Victory is his! Hail the “Queen”! (Don’t you dare.)

Sousuke “wrestles” against the grip, refusing to release him. Whoa! Calm down! Stop kicking! Oy! He braces his feet on the floor, trying to keep his balance.] Oy! Rin! No! [Stubborn is as stubborn does. But Rin’s not making it easy and finally, Sousuke releases him with a quick yelp, barely avoiding a heel to the foot.]

Hah! You should see your hair. It’s all… poofy!

[As if! He can take care of his own fashion sense, thank you very much.

Just like he can take care of fending you off of him before you end up lighting his scalp on fire. It may not look like much yet, but he's trying! Smacking at Sousuke's arms in between laughs, lanky legs flailing out in front of him so he can pick up some momentum and strength. Ugh, he's always been good at the headlocks, but usually it was Kisumi who ended up stuck in them. This is just unfair!

Finally, that arm drops away and Rin pitches forward with a gasp, head shaking to straighten his hair back out (somewhat) and legs struggling to find their place back on the ground instead of into the water. Ugh, he likes some volume in his locks, but not this much!]

Souuusukeeee...

[he sneers, spinning around in his seat to face his best friend, arms extended with fingers twitching. Oh, that does it.]

You asked for it!

[And lunge! He leaps from his starting block and shoves his hands forward, aiming to get them right at Sousuke's sides where he knows his weakest, most ticklish spots are.]

[You have fashion sense? Sousuke might be boring, but he’s not a trainwreck like his best friend. Anyways, he’s still not planning on letting this kid go! The longer he holds him, the more “frustrated” Rin gets and the deeper Sousuke’s digging his own grave. Yes, he knows this to be true. At least he’s not rubbing his head hard enough to hurt. Just mussing his hair and making himself a general pain as he keeps him stuck. This is obviously more about “I’m stronger than you, nyeh nyeh” than lighting his hair on fire.

There’s no such thing as unfair in friendly fire!

But ultimately he lets go, deciding his feet are more important than showing off his admittedly-very-lanky strength. Sousuke lifts both arms in a show of “I give” as he backs up a step or two to let Rin catch his breath. Doesn’t stop him from being all smug about his victory though. Nose slightly up in the air, a grin plastered on his face, and chest rising and falling in slight exertion with his breaths.] Phhht… [That poofy red hai—

Urk-

He freezes, a trickle of sweat dropping down the back of his neck and the corners of his mouth twitching. Uh-oh. Sousuke thinks he’s the one that has the edge when it comes to the number of times they’ve growled like that at each other. But funny thing is… Mr. Romantic can be Mr. Really Freaking Scary. The sneering look and tone of his name earn a quick gulp and Sousuke double checks the position of his feet. Because when those arms come up, fingers all claws and ready…

RUN FOR IT!]

YIPE!

[Oh crap! He’s too late! Sousuke’s half twisted when he feels fingers right at his sides and his eyes go as wide as saucers.] OY! RIN! DON—MPHHT! [Not there! Hey, dammit, don’t try to tick- Don’t ti—RIN!]

[Come on! After all the trouble he went through this morning to keep it in perfect condition after their bath? Leave his hairdo alone! And quit showing off your strength while you're at it, ugh. Can't you stay lanky and noodley like Rin and leave it at that?

Well, at least he still has his ace up his sleeve and for once Sousuke's smart enough to notice. Maybe he'll dodge in time, maybe he'll run away back up the stairs... or he'll totally screw up on the turn and give Rin the perfect amount of room to attack. Well, well! This is quite the turn of events!

He grins wide, victorious, and immediately gets to work wriggling his fingers. Take that! And that!]

I got you now! You can't escape me!

[TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE]

Now you'll have to beg for mercy!

[What’s struggle? You get out of the shower and it falls right into normal style: looks-like-you-just-got-out-of-the-pool hair. He’s not going to leave it alone any more than you hold off on scruffling his hair like a pupper! And come on, don’t be jealous that he’s a stronger lanky noodle than you; that’s his natural blessing. Nyeh nyeh.

Not that it actually is of any help when his legs completely screw up and he almost faceplants on the floor. Is Rin concerned? Hell no! He jumps right on him like a monster taking advantage of its prey! Jeeze, cut it out! Rin! He’s trying to breathe here! Can’t you hear him gasping and panting through his laughter?!]

Riiin! [Get your noodle arms and legs off him! Ugh! He’s trying his best to swat and kick (half-assed on the kicking part) and wriggle his body on the floor in any attempt to get away from those wicked hands!] Oy-oy! Qu-quit it! Gah! Rin! [More laughing and he’s starting to get red in the face from embarrassment and trying (and failing) to hold in his laughter. How’s he supposed to look cool when he's gasping like a fish?!]

St-stop it!

[No begging! Never! Swat swat swat!]

[How's he supposed to hold off on ruffling your pupper hair when you basically are a pupper? That's attempting to do the impossible!

Anyway, you're darn right he's after his prey and like any respectful predator he's going to take advantage of this weakness to the very best of his ability. That includes leaping and never letting up a single second, even when his best friend goes toppling onto the ground in a wriggling, giggling mess.]

You gotta ask nicely! Come on, I can't hear you!

[TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE]

[He’s not a pupper! He’s a big strong boy! Curb your romantic instincts, you heathen princess!

Not that he can say any of that when he’s doing his damnest to try and get some breath back into his lungs. Sousuke bats and swats at Rin’s hands with growing desperation, air shooting out with every laugh. Stop it! He tries to get some bearing, get a hand behind himself, push himself up, but one good slip and he’s splat back on his back, wheezing and shoving at Rin’s shoulders one moment, then yelping and going for his hands the next.

Ask nicely?! How about just trying to ask?!] R-Rin! [Breaking into gasping breaths, he bursts out laughing again, clenching his mouth shut a second later and doing his best to keep it in. Which just means some pathetic hissing and snorting that makes things a billion times worse.] I-I can’t… can’teventalk! [Well, barely. In sheer anxiety, he shoves both knees and legs up, clamps them around Rin’s hips, and wrenches to the side. Look, if he can just… get on top of you… he can pin those arms!

Still laughing and wobbling and failing. BUT NOT BEGGING!]

[Hehe~ Whoever thought it would be this easy to get Sousuke to submit? It's not exactly a secret, but Rin does feel proud being one of the few to know. Just a little wiggle and a nudge and poof! Instant defenseless Sousuke.

Whoa! Hold on there! You can't expect to pin him down that easily! Rin wrestles back, mustering every ounce of strength in his tiny body to throw off the momentum in Sousuke's legs in the opposite direction so he can stay upright. Well, at least it does get him to stop tickling for a second. So that's one success, isn't it?]

Mouu, you're so wiggly! Stay down!

[Who the hell are you calling “easy” you weirdo?! He’d like to see you keep your breath and legs when someone’s mercilessly attacking your ticklish spots!! But dammit, Sousuke’s so busy trying to stop the hands running all over his spots, he can’t focus enough to mount a comeback and go for all Rin’s!

His attempted twist and wrestle fails halfway and one good jerk the opposite way leaves him right where he was previously. With Rin stuck between his legs and those stupid hands still stealing his air. He grunts at the exertion and suddenly—Oh! Those hands aren’t on him anymore! (Well, they’re at least stilled for a second.)

ATTACK!]

Down?! You’re on top of me!

[And abruptly shoves both hands towards his best friend, fully intent on locking right onto that sensitive area and TICKLE YOU TO DEATH!]

[He really is a little daredevil trying to tickle the soul out of his best friend when he has his own ticklish bits to protect, but Rin's more than confident he'll be able to keep Sousuke's wiggly hands away. It's a bit rough though, having to focus on that and keep them from rolling over into the pool--]

Wha--! S-SOUSUKE! Hey!!

[Dammit, he left himself exposed for too long! He jerks back once fingers find his sides then struggles to twist his body so he can try and scamper away on his hands and knees. So aggressive!]

Qu-quit it! I mean it!!

[It’s called good old fashioned “getting even” and Rin should know all about it by now! Sousuke’s out of breath and doing that weird panting/gasping thing, but dang it if he doesn’t recognize the sudden chance and capitalizes on it without mercy. He’s all grins as his hands land right where he wants them to and a devilish light gleams in his eyes as he bears down on those spots.]

Paybacks!!!

[Nuh-uh! He doesn’t let Rin escape backwards and shoves forward, sitting up at the waist as best he can to keep his lanky arms in reach. Gah! Where’s he going?! Trying to twist to the side and run away on all fours?! Get back here, you coward! You owe him big time!]

You didn’t “quit it’ either, so there!

[Hopefully with all this reaching and rolling and yelling by the edge of the pool, they’re not going to end up falling in.]

[Owe him? With submissiveness? As if! There’s no way he’ll lay here on his back and just take whatever Sousuke’s got. Who knows when he’ll lose energy or interest? Probably never! So wriggle away he goes, only to end up smashed back down on the ground once his shinki successfully seats above his waist to keep his spine from twisting.

He’s all squeaks now, a pitiful mix of gasping and laughing, neither of which sound remotely boyish.]

Y-you’re so–haha!–so rough!

[One more attempt to squirm sends his body tipping to the side, but that’s hardly reason for celebration... considering he’s rolled in the opposite direction he wanted and half his body now dangles freely just over the water’s edge. Oh shit, oh shit...]

[You can’t blame him for demanding it! Lay down, roll over, and take it like a naughty, guilty person who already did it first should! And there’s no way he’s going to lose interest or energy in this until he’s taken every bit of revenge owed to him. And success! Sousuke grins as he manages to tackle his best friend back to the ground and perches atop him wearing a big, happy grin, all cocky and proud of his accomplishment.

Not that it excuses Rin’s sides from getting tickled. He’s still going after those sensitive places, thoroughly enjoying the laughs and gasps and all those other girly sounds (cause yeah you do sound girly, deal with it).]

I’m not rough; you’re just pathetic!

[Broken up by laughter and more grins. Sousuke tries his best to keep astride Rin, feet planted on the ground and his body rocking with each twist and turn. He yelps slightly when the other boy manages to wrench to the side, but he tenses up when Rin’s suddenly dangling over the edge of the pool.] Oy! Rin! [Sousuke quickly lunges forward, grabbing onto the other boy’s shoulders and holding him back.] Moh, you’re such a spaz. [Just ignore the fact he’s practically laying on top of you, Rin.]

[Ooh, he could punch you for those words. Just you wait. Once he gathers his strength and catches his breath he's going to make it happen! No part of you will be safe!

Well. At least that would be the plan if his head didn't almost go dunking in the water. He freezes just before it happens and thankfully it gives Sousuke enough leverage to grab his shoulders and yank him back to safety. Whoa. Almost got a little light headed there from the rush. ... Hang on! He almost fell and Sousuke calls him a spaz??

Puffing his cheeks, Rin tries to sit up, but that's not exactly doable when he's got an idiot laying on him like a pillow.]

Oh, yeah? I wonder who's fault that is! [said as he lifts his hand, trying to poke his best friend in the forehead.]

[Yeah you better make sure you punch him quickly because he’s got a good hand of his own. He’ll supplex you into the pool for that, breath or no breath! (And really, is any part of him safe from you ever? … Didn’t think so.)

But all that aside, he’s still not about to let Rin end up drowning himself with his legs stuck on the “shore.” What kind of pathetic end would that be?! Like some kind of lanky, floppy knight, Sousuke rushes in and saves the almost-floundered prince, hauling him away from the water and back. Luckily they don’t end up crashing into each other and stuff, but at least he’s not dangling anymore.

And yes, you are a spaz. Deal with it!

Sousuke grunts when Rin pushes up at him and he finally drags himself backwards, straddling Rin’s hips as he sits up on his knees and shins. A wry frown covers his face and he whines when he gets poked in the forehead for his efforts. Then sinks down and sits on Rin’s knees. Or between them. Whatever.]

Yours, dork! You’re the one thrashing around like a worm.

[Maybe when he's asleep you're safe... but even then you're likely to be kneed in the gut or smacked with an arm with how much he squirms. So yeah. Maybe no part of your is ever safe. Imagine that.

At least Sousuke does let up on him and, short of breath, Rin finally pushes himself up onto his elbows. Looks like he's safe. For now. But don't go getting any funny idea while you're sitting up there, mister. You might've saved him this time, but next time there's no guarantee he won't drag them both to the bottom of the pool with his wormy wiggling.]

Because you were tickling me!

[More pouting then a scoff as he pushes at Sousuke's leg.]

Mouu, you're impossible. And heavy. Get off me already before your butt leaves bruises on my knees!

[Wow, what in the world made him fall in love with someone as dangerous to his wellbeing as you? Guess he’ll just have to wrap you up in the blankets at night to save himself from all those bruises and other unpleasantries. Or just sleep on top of you. You know, pin you down with his bigger body and all.

But yes, at least there’s no one going to the bottom of the pool this time. He sighs and rubs at the side of his head while Rin pouts up at him. The ‘reason’ just earns a scoff and Sousuke shrugs nonchalantly.] Doesn’t count. You started tickling me first. [So there. Fair’s fair.

Anyways, that comment about him being heavy and all earns Rin a knee to the ribs. Not hard, but not soft either.] Your knees’ll leave bruises on my butt before my butt does. Bony boy. [But pushes himself up anyways and stands. He crosses one arm over his chest, stretching it.] Anyways, what’ll we do now? Swimming’ll feel weird.

[Fall in love with? Whoa, whoa, whoaaa there, since when!? You sure this whole age reduction this isn't getting to your head?

Anyway, clueless to all that as ever, Rin rolls his eyes--yeah, ok, so he started tickling you first, but you didn't have to get payback or anything!--then sits up all the way once Sousuke's finally off of him. Ugh, now he can try and get some feeling back in his legs. Also, this ground's pretty abrasive, you know! Not the most comfortable place to roll around on while you're being so brutally tortured.

Rin stretches his legs out in front of him, hands planted between them so he can work out any cracks in his arms and shoulders. Come to think of it, it's weird his shirt hasn't fallen off yet with all that. It's not sitting right on his body, no, but for it to be on him at all is nothing short of a miracle.

Sousuke earns himself a kick to the foot for that knee by the way. Also not hard. Also not soft.]

Why would swimming feel weird? Don't tell me that's just some excuse you made up because you're tired.

[Probably! It’s a mess of years and times and new memories and feelings in here! Give him a break over getting confused and swept away by stuff. He hangs around you and your romantic notions all the time, remember?

All that aside, of course he has to get paybacks for ticking him and making him laugh (face his own weakness, ahem). But whatever, they’re done and up now and he drops his arms back by his side, the warmth of a good stretch and some nice exercise still bleeding through his body. Sousuke makes a wry face when Rin tries to get feelings back in his leg. Oh come on! He wasn’t even on your legs that long! Dramatic maniac… You were pinning him and torturing him all over this unpleasant ground too, you know.

Sousuke leans to the side, instinctively moving into some basic stretches. Reaching down to grip his ankles and pull, making the muscles in his thighs and calves drag taut. Ugh okay that feels good. And yes, his shirt is still right on his body. Well, it has switched shoulders, in that now his right one’s exposed instead of the original left. And it’s tousled. Not like Rin’s shirt fared any better. Mr. Ruffled Clothes.

Oy! Kicking again? Look, he’s going to pretend he doesn’t feel it and let Rin off for free.]

No! [Defensive shoot.] Just you were whining about feeling weird when you woke up in this body. So swimming’d probably also feel weird.

[Oh, so we’re stretching now, are we? Not a bad idea actually. Being in this tiny body makes him feel light and not as flexible as he should be. He might have more energy in him, but that all means nothing if he can’t spend it in the right place. Can’t get lazy though. Just because he doesn’t have any visible muscles, doesn’t mean they’re not there. He just has to work on them! It’ll all balance out once he’s back to his normal self.

While he’s still seated, Rin starts stretching out his arms next, one after the other as he pulls them to his chest and gives his hips a twist.]

Maybe. I bet the pool would feel longer.

[Not saying he’d tire out easier or anything like that. He’s still a great swimmer! Thinking it though, Rin looks out over the water, an odd feeling of longing tugging at his heart strings. Tsk. Every time he wants to swim, it’s never a good time anymore. What’s the use of having a pool this huge if he can’t use it? Back to Sousuke now before he stands up and shakes out his clothes as if that’ll keep them un-creased.]

... I still wanna try though.

[He’s pretty sure they’re just as flexible, since youth does that to kids and all. The energy, however, who knows. Teenagers versus little kids can be a toss up. Obviously Rin’ll tease him about being as energetic as a log when he’s a teenager, but right now, whatever. He arches his back once more and then goes for his other leg, swinging in front of his body and getting his hands around his ankles to pull his chest to his thigh. And yes, even though he’s a tall, lanky thing, he’s got a tiny, tiny bit of more obvious muscle on him than Rin. Hah!

Plus it’s good to know that him stretching prompts Rin to also stretch. Ah it feels good to be the inspiration for once. Bask in it.]

It’ll feel longer.

[Sousuke’s words are quieter as he looks out at the pool beyond them. Right… In this body, it looks positively massive. Are they even going to have the energy to make it across, much less do a return lap. Hmph, of course they will! It’s in their blood, right? He’s still a professional swimmer, an Olympian natural. So Rin’s told him before. And his body’s proven. Besides, it’s kind of been a while since they’ve swam together. Which… is kind of sad.]

We’re not gonna try. We’re going to. Just like we always do.

[He'll never bask in it! He's just doing it because he's getting restless, that's all! If he can't swim, then he has to occupy his time doing something else! Don't get so cocky!

But of course he can only stretch for so long before he gets tired of that too. Hn, maybe it's not such a good idea to stay standing down here doing nothing. They could at least head over to the workout room next door. Even if they can't lift all the weights or pull themselves up on the bars like they used to... Rin's about to make that sad suggestion before Sousuke stops him... and prompts Rin to tilt his head ~~like a pupper~~.]

Really?

[His eyes might be beaming. Only a little though.]

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