(no subject)

[acutabove]

⌛ Who: Childe and YOU!
⌛ What: October event shenanigans + various
⌛ When: 15th-31st
⌛ Where: Western Kingdom since he lives here, all over
⌛ Warnings: Violence, gore, smut (public and non-public), Childe Things


I - Blindside Date

[ It's only a few days into the warning that Childe manages to escape Zhongli's watch, waiting until the other man had been sufficiently distracted with sleep before dressing himself and leaving the apartment to go see what was going on in the world.

When he'd first heard that it was dangerous to go outside at night, Childe hadn't known what to expect. Maybe the sky would be on fire, or monsters would be roaming the streets ripe for the slaying. Perhaps the roads would be overtaken by highwaymen in need of a good thrashing or maybe he might even have his abilities taken away from him, making his next few fights a challenge.

What he was not expecting was a repeat of the transformation he'd undergone so many weeks ago, when he'd been afflicted with a pair of bright orange ears that matched his hair and nine tails coming out of his backside. It was much the same this time around except instead of nine tails there was, mercifully, just the one, perhaps because he'd managed to wander indoors before the change could permanently root into his body, who knew. It certainly didn't reverse, it, but it didn't make it get any worse, either.

Whatever the case, as someone who was a tall, relatively good looking human on most days and a seasoned fighter on top of that, boasting a pair of ears and a tail only added charm points to his overall appearance. It's also charming enough to catch the attention of a few others on the few nights he spends at the festival in Nara, drinking and trying his hand at smoking with mixed results. As the days go on and Childe becomes a frequent sight on the festival grounds, it doesn't take long before he gets approached by a monstrous-looking Yokai to be "auctioned off" to the highest bidder and, good sport that he is, Childe goes along with it.

It probably helps that the Yokai nods to a select few in the crowd that look like they would put up a good fight, citing that they wouldn't mind the taste of "human meat" should they win.

In any case, as he's led up in an orderly line with the other humans who look increasingly wary and nervous about all the murmurs and the chants of "fresh meat", he's just going to sit placidly off to the side, regarding the crowd and the array of potential opponents with those giant fox ears perked in interest. ]

II - Filthy Full Frontal Express

[ He had always intended to return home, of course; at the end of the day, there was only one place he would prefer to lay his head, and thankfully the trains still ran even late into the night. There are of course none that run to Tokyo, but that's fine since the transit system is pretty connected anyway all throughout the city.

It's long past the hour of curfew by now and the people that occupy the car are a mismatch of yokai; some big, some small, some nervous and still retaining the last vestiges of their human forms. If he had recognized any of them before they were unrecognizable now, and besides that they all seemed rather... occupied with other things to pay him much mind.

Actually, when he considered it, a lot of them all seemed to be in various states of undress. A few seats away he could hear the familiar sound of skin slapping skin, and then off to his other side he could hear rising moans and wet noises that seemed to amplify tenfold in the cramped space of the train.

Try as he might to ignore it, the fox ears certainly didn't help matters and he finds himself shifting awkwardly, trying to ignore the rising heat under his collar. As the ride goes on it gets progressively worse, the few yokai and yokai-humans unable to keep their hands to themselves and making no effort to hold back their grunts and moans of pleasure as they fuck openly on their seats. Even the ones that had laughed earlier from either embarrassment or mortification at the provocative, inappropriate displays find themselves falling into the same frenzied state moments later until the air is filled with the sound of desperate, frenetic thrusting and cries of pleasure.

His gaze shifts to the side; if he happens to catch yours there's an invitation in his expression that's little more than a heated look and a coy smile before he looks pointedly at one of the amorous couples nearby. ]

III - Wish for the Moon

[ As the nights progress and more and more beasties take to the streets, Childe can be found in the heart of the carnage itself. While he doesn't feast on the people themselves, he comes pretty damn close to it; he is one of the few that adapts to the carnage with carnage, pursuing those feasting yokai with blade and spear and, when his hands shift into weapons themselves, with claws rending their flesh into shreds and viscera and splattering whatever or whomever happens to be close.

The unfortunate thing about everything is that with the fading of the moon so too, fades a little bit of Childe's own humanity. For someone that has thrilled in the pursuit of battle and all the trappings of violence associated with it, it should stand to reason that he takes to the anarchy and the chaos like a fish to water.

Perhaps you've stumbled across him during a particularly gruesome victory. Maybe you've just happened to be the human that was saved by him carving out a would-be attacker or foe; whatever the case, if some action is not taken to distance yourself from this odd, fox-eared man currently lapping at a smear of yokai blood on his hands, it isn't long before his gaze turns to the last standing body available - and the smile that cuts across his face like a blade is sharp and challenging, made even more macabre by the blood splattered on his skin that mats his hair to his cheek.

There's no mistaking the expression on his face; you're next. ]

IV - Wildcard

[ Feel free to either come at me with a prompt or else plot with me here! ]

Comments

III (DNA Voice)

[scarredhorns]

[ooc: For convenience, the DNA Voice will be referred to as "she/her."]

[It had been quite some time since the DNA Voice managed to gain control of the body, but the best part had to be that she'd awoken during a time when no law enforcement or military would penalize her for killing, so long as it was "self-defense." In reality, it was more like she was purposely putting herself outside as bait to welcome any confrontation with savage glee. Her transformation hadn't been as dramatic as some of the others, so besides her longer horns and completely black eyes, the DNA Voice appeared small and fragile.

She crosses paths with Childe just in time to see him standing over his latest opponent, or rather, what remained of them. Like him, there's blood spatter on her clothes and face from her own recent victory. Their gazes lock with each other, and the DNA Voice returns Childe's challenging fox grin with a smug smile of her own, even making a "come here" motion with her right index finger.]

[acutabove]

[ It's unfortunate - or fortunate - for her that Childe has absolutely no qualms about picking fights with people based on their gender. That is to say, he doesn't shy away from fighting with women if the need calls for it no matter how diminutive they are in comparison to his own height. He'd been around plenty of short men all his life that could give as good as they got, after all. Why should it be any different for women should they step up to challenge him?

That's why, even though he recognizes her as being the girl from the photoshoot he'd done last month, he doesn't stand down or make any kind of motion that he might show her the kind of mercy someone else might.

There's challenge enough in that gesture, and Childe, with his blood surging white-hot and rapturous through his veins, the inherent chaos in his body swelling to a crescendo, feels a compulsion to respond in kind. Said response manifests in his sudden forward lunge, feet kicking at the ground to propel him towards her at a vicious speed. Already his Hydro spear is forming into his hands, water shaping and sharpening into a point at both ends. ]

[scarredhorns]

[Oh? a spear made of water? She's not sure if she can grab it with her vectors and wrestle it away with him, but that doesn't take away from the excited and almost predatory gleam in her black eyes, like a lone star shining in space. It seemed like this one just might last a little longer after all and provide her with more entertainment.

Two vectors emerge from her back to slam their palms against the ground, pushing the DNA Voice up into the air as well as propelling her forward so she's able to fly over the charging Childe. Her vectors hit the ground again to steady her as she lands behind him. A third vector zooms in his direction, intending to grab him by the fox tail and use it as leverage to slam him into a nearby wall.]

[acutabove]

[ even in the darkness her pink hair catches his eyes as she abruptly flies over him, propelled by a force that's almost impossible to see in the dark. but he's been in much, much darker places before, glimpsed a darkness that was almost suffocating, and after a moment's adjustment he can see movement which is more than enough for him.

even so, it takes little else to convince him to dismiss the weapon, Hydro fading into droplets as the entire thing dissipates.

when he hears her land is when he makes his move. instead of the reappearance of water fashioned into a blade, instead - purple, angry lightning dances shimmers into a barrier around him before it bursts out from his form in a shockwave, lancing out in all directions in a net of bright, crackling electricity and catching everything that happens to fall into its path. ]

[scarredhorns]

[Her eyes widen as the purple lightning lights up the dark area with a purple glow. She's never had to fight opponents who use magic before. Lucy and Nyuu have both been taking lessons for how to better control their Mizu magic, but neither is skilled enough to ward off all the electrical currents zipping their way towards the DNA Voice.

Her only hope for right now is to use the Mizu magic to the best of her ability to mitigate the damage. She's not sure she can escape it entirely, but at the very least she could make the attack survivable. There's no theatrics with the Mizu magic, but the DNA Voice does feel her very blood tingle as the magic braces her body for the electricity.

Of course, that didn't mean she was just going to stand there and take it without making some sort of attempt to protect herself. With no regard about whether or not there are people on the other side, her vectors tear down a section of a brick wall from a nearby building and slam it down in front of her to use as a shield.]

[acutabove]

[ His blood is thrumming, singing with the adrenaline pumping through his veins, alight like the sparks dancing in front of his field of vision. The Electro lightning web shudders and crackles with a noise like billowing thunder as it rams into the impromptu shield in front of her, mitigating much of the damage while, unseen, her magic helps her to endure the brunt of the attack.

But Childe has been chosen by the Tsaritsa Herself to be Her Harbinger, and that is not a title given lightly. There's a reason why he's the youngest in Her employ, a reason why he was conscripted into the militia at the tender age of fourteen. There's a reason why he was granted the power to wield two elements and not just the one granted to him by the gods.

The Electro scatters into sparks that dissipate in the air in a flurry of fluttering lights, thickening the static charge around them in herald of what was to come. It's easy to bring them back, the lines of his magic condensing into one shape, laying over each other again and again as it manifests into something truly massive, something created with intent to destroy.

If Lucy is at all familiar with what a whale looks like, she's probably able to tell what it is Childe's creating at first glance. The elements of lightning weave together into the massive horn that seemingly bursts out of the ground, the entire length of a true-to-life scale model of a prodigious narwhal looming high overhead once it emerges to its full height.

And then - it falls, and if she's not quick she's going to be find herself very quickly crushed with a whale-sized amount of electricity. ]

[scarredhorns]

[Pieces of the brick wall go flying as its struck by the lightning, but some of the energy still manages to reach the DNA Voice. Even with the internal protection provided by her Mizu magic, pain alights her nerves as the lightning crackles through her body. It's as though her entire being is cramping up, and she can't even cry out in pain as her jaw is clenched shut. Just as suddenly as it rammed into her, however, it ends.

She drops to her knees, and it's only thanks to her magic that she's able to catch herself with her hands instead of falling flat on her face. It's also thanks to her magic that she didn't sustain any burns or have any seizures. But there isn't much time to be thankful that it worked as she can hear the crackling again, only it seems to be getting louder with each passing second.

She jerks her head up to find the narwhal horn popping out of the ground right where her brick wall shield was, completely destroying it into thousands of little pieces.

What the fuck? That thing was huge!

Her vectors push off the ground to catapult her away from the beast. There were definitely going to be scrapes and bruises on her skin as she tumbles along the ground when she lands.

Yet despite her heavy breathing, once she's taken a moment to just lay still on the ground, she laughs. A hearty, almost maniacal laugh.]

You came at me without fear, but more importantly, the intent to kill. That's how it should be! [More laughter as she picks herself up from the ground.] All the cowards in my world had the intent to kill when they came at me, but they let fear get the better of them. But you...

[She shakes her head while grinning wickedly.]

You're far more entertaining! I've never had a human get my blood to sing as it is now.

[Normally, the DNA Voice would be irritated that a human could match, or even surpass her in strength, but with the lunar curse, she's more excited than annoyed, both from the adrenaline and... something more primal stirring within her. Perhaps it was in part due to the electricity, but her body was beginning to tingle, only--it wasn't in a numbing or unpleasant way.]

[acutabove]

[ Childe regards her with the same sort of expression, eyes wild in the moonlight, hair raising slightly with the static churning in the spaces between them. Using his Delusion and his Vision in the middle of a fight? It was practically a rarity. The last times he'd used them in Tevyat was when he'd been pitted against challenging odds with a time limit, or when he'd faced off against the Traveler at the Golden House.

Both fights had left his blood singing with praise for the thrill of their bouts, left him craving more if only to improve upon his strength and his lust for the fight.

To find yet another person in this world who he could go all-out against like this, someone that wouldn't be defeated after a single hit? He was practically brimming with excitement. Although he would have preferred not to be thrown into a completely different realm against his will, he had to admit there were a lot of perks to being pitted against people from other worlds, people who would have never run into during his lifetime.

The whale hits the ground and explodes in a shockwave that spans the entirety of their makeshift arena. Static jumps and dances, currents of electricity zap wildly across the surface until they eventually fizzle out and leave only the faint sensation of electrical discharge and a thrum in the air as aftershocks to indicate they were even there at all. The glow of purple Electro disappears into nothing, leaving the pair of them with only the moon as their light for the rest of their fight.

At his belt the Delusion ceases glowing and the Hydro Vision begins to shine again. His ears and tail, noticeably fluffed up by the discharge of energy in the air, twitch and perk in interest even as the water blades are forming in his hands again. If one were to look his pattern would be almost too predictable; he swaps between both elements with ease, never quite lingering in one for very long before he shifts to the opposite one. It's as though his attempts to be unpredictable only make him even more predictable. ]

The best fights are the ones that push you to give it your all, push you to the brink of life and death. I am glad to find an opponent that recognizes the beauty in a fight - even more so one that can hold their own against me.

[ The blades shift a little, the ends reaching out for one another until Childe slams them together to make his favored polearm. This he spins expertly, droplets spinning in their wake, hefting the shaft against his back and the blade pointed downward, ready for an inevitable attack. ]

That magic of yours is a neat trick. I've never seen anything like it before.

[scarredhorns]

Yes, for only then, when your back is to the wall, can you find out what you're really made of.

[Her hair is a mess from all the jumping, rolling, and scrambling. Some of it clings to her face from the sweat, and other parts are frizzy due to the electricity. The DNA Voice (or Lucy for that matter) is not the type to worry over such small things when engaged in combat, though, especially when the fight's good.

She laughs.]

And I've never seen anything like your magic either. The humans of my world were not only cowards, but weaklings as well. None could lay a hair on me [not while the DNA Voice was in control], but you did.

[She stands still for a moment, considering her next move--as well as that persistent tingling sensation in her body. Childe is too far away for her vector's usual two meter range, so the DNA Voice slowly walks towards him. There's no aggression in her movements or body language, not that she expects him to drop his guard completely, but risks be damned. She could now recognize the tingling sensation as arousal.

Once he is within her two meter range, three vectors extend from the DNA Voice's back. One places itself on his weapon, and if he allows it, the translucent hand points it downward. The other two vectors reach for Childe himself. Rather than wrap around his throat, one begins stroking his hair while the other cups one side of his face. Since the vectors have no blood running through them, they're cool to the skin on his face. She practically purrs, tongue poking out of her mouth as she swipes it over her lips]

You're strong. Powerful...

[And that's what makes him worthy in her eyes. The fact that Lucy had gotten the birth control shot pissed off the DNA Voice. In the Voice's mind, it was a missed opportunity to produce more strong Diclonii. But... She supposed she could still get physical pleasure out of this situation at the very least.

She continues to walk closer, albeit cautiously since she isn't about to drop her guard entirely either.]

I can feel your sweat. [The vector in his hair moves to his forehead and then brushes back towards the back of his head.] Your racing heart. [The vector on his cheek moves down to his chest to rest over where his heart is.]

[She reaches for his face again, but with her right physical hand this time, collecting the blood that's on his face with her index finger. She lifts the now-stained finger up to her own lips and licks the blood off, all while staring directly into Childe's eyes.]

And you wear your kill on your skin proudly. [That only entices her more.]

III. i'm just gonna throw up a spoiler alert for elde menancia lmfao

[ilqaras]

[unfortunately, the nights have not been kind to Dohalim. perhaps it was the misfortune of reliving his nightmare in the shrine. he'd been shaken up about what he witnessed again, the pool of shimmery silver liquid at his feet and the screams distant but terrifyingly loud, ringing in his ears.

perhaps the transformations of his own body; one couldn't possibly be okay with their hands suddenly growing what seems to be claws made of wood sprout from his hands. he might have been okay with that, and the pointed ears, but it was more distressing to see ivy vines weave in and out from his skin, or said tiny vines tangle themselves in his hair, with small rose buds blooming on their edges.

or maybe the fading moon and stars that concerned him. what would have been a more innocuous viewing of the new moon and constellations Dohalim isn't familiar with turns sour as he feels something stir in him as the stars and moon fade out.

or maybe it's all three mired together that triggers his master core, bringing about his more primal instincts as a Renan, and not wanting those he knew to get caught up in whatever it is he could do in such a state, escapes to the outside world. but he soon finds himself in a clash with several yokai; while he's more placid when it comes to his usual self, and would rather not participate in battle, in this state, he can't help but want to cut them down. after all, it's not like he would allow himself to become their food.

but as soon as he's about to take care of another yokai, Childe comes in and finishes it off. how dare he. and to have the audacity to challenge him next...

Dohalim, undaunted by Childe, raises his elongated staff. his eyes narrow as they glow indigo, drawing power from his master core. if Childe wants to fight, then a fight he will get]

[acutabove]

[ although he's never seen this man before in his life, Childe knows a refugee when he sees one. the people in Nippon all look similar in varying ways - eye color, height, skin color, hair color, reverence for the non-natives - and this man had neither of those. it was possible to write it off as an after-effect of the yokai transformation, but he doubts it; even his clothes seem to be out of place.

perhaps if he'd seen a Vision on him Childe might consider the man a native to Natlan from his own world. the tendrils of plants and ivy spoke of a Dendro user even though such allogenes were quite rare even in Tevyat, at least beyond the borders of Sumeru. it wasn't completely unheard of, of course, but still uncommon enough to be noteworthy.

the challenge presented by the man is enough to stir the fox-eared man into movement. Hydro coalesces beneath his feet, forming into water ripples that spread throughout the vicinity, picking up the trails of blood and gore and carrying them far and wide. it thrums with life, vibrating, pulsing - and without warning several large, thick tendrils of pure Hydro energy burst into existence, grappling at the nearest thing in their reach - which would be the man's legs and ankles - in an attempt to immobilize him and keep him prone.

a similar elemental makeup forms into existence between his hands, the weapon of his choice elongating into points at either ends and a sharpened water blade at one side. Childe, ever one to show off, dexterously spins this between his fingers and over his back before he twists and hurls the entire thing as hard as he can at his seized foe.

it's just water, right? how hard could it hurt?

(clearly very sharp, if the way it whistles as it jets through the air is any indication.) ]

[ilqaras]

[at first, it doesn't seem like Dohalim is keen on moving at all. he watches the water tendrils as they come to life, and as Childe's weapon hurls towards him in speeds he might be impressed by if he were in a right state of mind.

however, this is not the case. at the last second (perhaps, a little too last second as a foot catches on a cirrus of water), Dohalim manages to dodge out of the way. only just, though, as the sharp blade embeds itself into the ground, too close to his foot for comfort.

he must commend Childe's bravery for contending against a lord. or perhaps, he's just foolish.

despite the lack of his usual of grace, Dohalim's dashing sprints towards Childe are calculated enough as he spins his rod, picking up rock and gravel as the ends dig into the dirt, flinging the debris towards him]

Know your place.

[as he brings his rod down over his head, vines burst from the ground with every intention of ensnaring the man, attempting to wind themselves around his legs. if this is the game he wants to play, Dohalim will retaliate in kind]

[acutabove]

I don't even know who you are.

[ perhaps it's a little of both, really. bravery and foolishness could easily go hand in hand with the right person, and Childe has no qualms about throwing himself into a fight even if the odds are stacked against him. all the better, he thinks; so long as he has at least an opportunity, a chance to seize victory with his own two hands, there is always a chance that the battle could be turned in his favor.

Dohalim has the misfortune of being matched up against someone who has specifically thrown himself into fights that might threaten his life if only the sheer thrill of it all. the battles that might very well be his last are always the most exhilarating, after all.

so when he sees the dashing sprint and hears the sound of something long and heavy whinging through the air as Dohalim's rod spins in a graceful, calculated arc that flings debris and rocks at his head, he wastes no time in reacting. the rod comes down, the vines burst out of the ground to seize his legs and keep him immobile. they're strong, but not nearly strong enough to throw him entirely off his game, and he has scarcely a moment to look up before a purple, vibrant shield shimmers into existence between them, crackling with electricity.

Childe's hand surges up - does he intend to stop him, maybe? grab the rod? - but his intentions become clear when there's the sound of a mighty thundercrack that lights up the sky overhead, heralding the immediate lance of Electro that spears down from above to electrocute everything in its path. ]

[ilqaras]

[unfortunately, this time, Dohalim doesn't manage to dodge the next attack quite as quickly; as his eyes follow Childe's hand, only to see the sparkling of electric currents in the air, Dohalim spins on the ball of his foot to try to get out of the way. though not a direct hit, he does feel a bolt hit him in the arm as he throws his rod away in arching spins, so as not to direct the entire blunt of Childe's attack to his own person.

to the eyes of those unfamiliar to Dohalim's fighting style, one would question the idea of tossing a weapon away in the middle of a battle. but to Dohalim, he heeds it no mind as his eyes glow bright indigo, casting an arte over Childe, which should feel like something akin to gravitational force bearing down on him, if he doesn't dodge it.

if he does, Childe will have to act fast lest he get hit by the spinning rod boomeranging back towards Dohalim's outstretched hand.

the smallest, most insignificant part of him, right now, is telling him he should stop fighting, however. does he really want this? it's hard to say. but most of him has a yearning to fight this person, to see blood spilt, to hurt. he's already caused so much harm in his years as lord. his hands are stained red, and while this would usually distress him, at the moment, all he wants is more.

and the thought only adds fuel to the flame as he dashes forward again]

[acutabove]

[ clever, Childe thinks, even as the static in the air bristles the fur on his ears and tail, the space between him and the stranger charged with electro. his teeth are bared in a laugh before he even realizes it, eyes bright and wild and gleeful, the prospect of finding an opponent to give him a run for his money more deliriously heady than anything so far. he's had no shortage of those since coming to Nippon, but that never dulled the delight in any capacity whenever he encountered another one.

he's fought enough times with Chuuya to recognize the force of gravity pressing him down, weighing all his limbs as heavy as rocks and bringing him to a cow effortlessly. but because he's also sparred with Chuuya enough times to know when outside forces are being manipulated against him, he knows how to counter it.

the only warning Dohalim will get is the sharp, whip-loud crack of lightning that shoots out in shockwaves all around him. it ripples and lances out, seeking, piercing through whatever it can reach - not in the sense of a knife or a pointed weapon, but in the sense that electrical currents run through a body to fry everything in its path - and then he

disappears

only to reappear beside the man with a burst of static and light - had he traveled on the currents? who knows - his hands immediately reaching, fingers curling around Dohalim's neck as he throws the entirety of his weight against the man in order to take him down. and while Childe is light on his feet and athletically slim, he knows enough of the places on a man to apply pressure into in order to take him down. he bears down on him, blue eyes wild and hungry and joyous, and it's perhaps fortunate it's just in time for the rod to go spinning over his head. ]

[ilqaras]

[it's honestly lucky that Dohalim has no his neck rings; usually for cosmetic wear, but in this case, a useful barrier against Childe potentially squeezing his hand around his throat. but to doesn't mean it doesn't completely surprise him as he's thrown off balance. he manages to catch his rod as he throws his hand up to grasp at it, but it does nothing for him in terms of offence in this position, but he does manage to slip it between the both of them as he presses the shaft against Childe's throat.

if he could just keep their distance even in such a precarious position, then he might be able to switch this in his favour. he just has to time it right.

but as his back its the ground, he lets out a groan as the air is forced out of his lungs; he has to take a moment to catch his breath. not the most ideal place to be, honestly, and it does put a slight damper in his plans]

[acutabove]

[ the look in Childe's eyes is absolutely maniacal, feral; if Dohalim is aware of the curse that afflicts the people of this city, there's no mistaking that Childe has already fallen prey to it. the staff is the only thing keeping them separated, and even that is being tested as the man continues to bear his weight down upon Dohalim with the snapping of teeth and playfully aggressive growls.

"playfully" aggressive but really, the closer Childe inches to him the more his teeth snap, like he's actually about to rip the man's face off. ]

You're not scared, are you?

[ it comes out as a taunt and, even this close up his voice thrums into a vibrating growl deep within his chest. ]

What's the matter? Are you afraid I'm going to kill you?

I | harasses the fox

[leafwhistle]

[Childe isn't the only one that had chosen to join the festival fully; while Kazuha had taken heed of the warnings, and had cautiously approached everything in the beginning, eventually he had discarded his own mask to join in the festivities. The samurai couldn't resist the temptation of a new experience.

Ah, besides, how can he resist temptations as special sake only brought out for this occasion?

He was already somewhat drunk by the time he makes his way to the date auction, having witnessed one the other night and had enjoyed the excitement and drama of it. Kazuha had no intention of ever bidding on someone. He really wasn't— he's extremely careful with his finances. His mind changes the moment he sets his eyes on Childe.

While the Snezhnayan is immediately recognizable to Kazuha even with the transformations, the ones the samurai had undergone were a little more extreme. The young samurai was quite notably a rabbit, complete with the large ears, elongated rabbit feet, and the tail, there's more going on with him— what appears at a distance to be crimson fluff along his shoulders and neck are what appear to be hundreds of small layered leaves. The scar along his hand has grown two quarters up his arm, now a bright electro purple, with branches like lichtenberg figures.

He's also notably showing more skin than usually, dressed in a comfortable pair of hakama and some bandages. It was a bit too itchy to wear his kimono over the leaves.]

Ten thousand.

[He calls out, raising his paddle to indicate he was joining the bids. He fixes a warm smile on his friend.]

[acutabove]

[ As the first of the bids goes up, Childe regards each individual bidder with an appraising eye as though trying to decide how much of a fight they'd give him. A few looked more human than he and it was easy to ascertain they were probably the humans that had tucked themselves away and dutifully worn their masks as soon as everything started going crazy. While he didn't think he'd be fighting them outright, he could imagine that it wasn't his looks they wanted him for. Even dressed as he is it's easy to tell he holds himself with the gait and discipline of a seasoned warrior. He wouldn't mind going to someone who would use him as an attack dog of sorts to survive the coming nights.

But then he hears a familiar voice ringing out over the murmurs, and, subconsciously, his tail begins to give a little sway behind him before settling into something of a lazy wag. It doesn't take much to pick out Kazuha from the rest of the crowd even if his transformation is as extreme as it is. The fluffy rabbit ears looked picture-perfect on top of Kazuha's head but, combined with everything else about the samurai, even Childe had to admit he looked like something out of the fairy tales he would tell his siblings; not necessarily all the good ones. Perhaps that's what's even more endearing about the Inazuman's transformation.

Having never really been in a date auction, he's not quite sure how this works, but it probably doesn't matter: he's already getting to his feet and making to hop off of the stage to make his way over this friend much to the surprise and sputtering of the yokai carrying on the proceedings.

The only thing Childe will say by way of explanation is "that one, I want that one" and it's perhaps lucky that there aren't many in the audience who would contest his claim - save for one particularly burly demon who already has his paddle half raised and looks very much like he'd eat either one or the both of them should he win. ]

[leafwhistle]

[It's probably not the way that date auctions are supposed to go, but all the same Kazuha was already turning towards the payment booth when Childe starts to get to his feet. With his back turned to the foxish man, even the haori that the samurai has draped around his shoulders can't hide the fluffy tail that was another reason for the alteration in his preferred way of dressing.

At least, he was turning, until he spotted the yokai looking to place a bid. A sudden surge of hostility stabs through him more fiercely than usual— not only was this a potential predator, but also he was moving in on something he'd considered claimed.

If Childe ever hunted or his family ever kept rabbits in the past he might notice the signs of aggression, though Kazuha isn't being subtle at all anyway. His ears are pointed straight towards the demon, tail up, pupils dilated. The leaves that make up the "fur" around his neck and shoulders stand up, fluffing out, as the samurai's hand drops to his sword. His foot stamps loudly, trying to warn and intimidate the yokai off. It's not that Kazuha thinks that Childe needs anyone to fight for him, though the small Inazuman is possessed by the need.

The demon stands up, facing him.]

'Sir?' [Festival staff behind Kazuha attempt to get his attention. One of his ears swivels towards them, listening at them, then swivels back towards the yokai.] 'Please don't fight in the festival grounds. We'll have to have you escorted out and you'll forfeit your bid.'

[The small rabbit samurai growls, baring pointed teeth in annoyance, his foot thumping twice more out of reflex. Then he collects himself again, swallowing back some of the ferocity when he manages to break his eyes from the demon and cast them back towards the redheaded Fatuus on auction.]

You're mine, Childe-san!

[Now it’s Childe’s turn for someone to spend a chunk of money on him. Kazuha makes sure to make eye contact with the burly yokai as he reaches into his haori to take out his money pouch. Wasn’t the samurai supposed to be broke? Seems like he’s acquired a chunk of money recently.]

[acutabove]

[ He certainly has hunted, and rabbits were among some of his favorite game. Their small, quick pace proved as much of a challenge to him as the larger prey did, and he had fond memories of nights spent out in the frozen tundra of his homeland, setting traps and scouring the surrounding area for tracks or other signs of life.

Perhaps that was what had immediately caught Childe's attention when he'd first spotted the samurai, more than the promising nature of the brutish yokai among the crowd. Given the past encounter he'd had with Kazuha it's not really surprising that he should feel this way and, coupled with the foxish ears and tail he was sprouting, it could really all be pinned on the nature of... well. Nature.

Given that Childe has never been one to shy away from a little rule-breaking when it suited him - mostly in the situations where there was a fight to be had - him hopping off the stage and choosing who he wanted no matter what amount they put down should be expected. Honestly, Kazuha could probably offer up a handful of leaves and he would accept. He could always donate his own money to the saiwaika deer upkeep later.

But then Kazua quite boldly, quite blatantly declares his ownership over Childe, and well. That stirs something in him he hadn't quite expected. Perhaps it was the act of laying claim to him in such an aggressive way, or maybe it was because Kazuha proclaimed him as his and not the other way around; either way, Childe's interest in going off with the Inazuman only intensifies, and he scarcely notices the hefty chunk of change Kazuha is handing off to the auctioneer.

Yeah, that's hot. Color him interested.

It's perhaps fortunate that, after seeing that Childe has no intent of being swayed - and after another fresh crop of dates are brought out to replace the bought out batch prior - the yokai gives up the promise of a fight and sets his sights on other, more tender morsels. That leaves Childe free to make his way to Kazuha's side and take in the Inazuman's appearance more personally, his gaze drinking in the fluff of leaves around his neck, the pointed ears and the perky tail sprouting out of his backside.

Understandably, Childe's own tail will begin to sway back and forth to signify his interest. ]

Look at you. [ He breathed, and the look in his eyes turns suddenly sharp, predatory; an absolutely foxish, hungry expression that didn't seem completely out of place on his face. ] You look good like this. I could almost eat you up, Kazuha.

[leafwhistle]

[It's pretty likely that when he's done feeling half crazed with bestial territorialism, Kazuha is going to be mortified about the way he blatantly laid claim to the Fatuus in front of the whole auction audience. At the moment, he's still riding the adrenaline high of aggression, his ears swiveling in the yokai's direction long after he sat back down.

With the price paid — ancestors, forgive him, since he has just spent unwisely — the short Inazuman turns his full attention on his newly acquired prize. Mirroring the slow sway of the redhead's tail, his own fluffy lepus tail flicking in response.

Very boldly, he sets his hands upon Childe's hips, looking up with him with a wide smile that's as mischievous as it is warm. It seems the moon is bringing out the more feral, playful side of the samurai, one that generally pokes its head up when his inhibitions have been lowered.]

You would need to catch me first, enemy of hares. I wouldn't be so easily devoured.

[acutabove]

Oh, so you intend to make me work for my meal? You'll hear no complaints from me.

[ It's especially hard to complain when there's hands on his hips, and he would probably be more endeared to the sight of Kazuha's smaller hands on him if he wasn't already enchanted by the smile on his face. For someone like Childe, it's easy to feel affectionate towards people that are well-deserving of it, and Kazuha is just straightforward and blunt enough to appeal to his more honest nature.

For now, at least. He's sure the samurai has his secrets, and the fact that Childe won't pry speaks volumes of his respect for him. Perhaps soon he'll have to test his worth in battle, see if the Inazuman can't give him the sort of fight that ignites his blood.

For now, though, he sort of just... juts his hips forward a little, letting Kazuha touch at his leisure, while his head dips down to mouth at the tips of one of his furry ears. He'd been paid for, after all. ]

After all - it's good to work up an appetite before one tucks into a meal. Though if you're not quick about it, I might be tempted to have you right here.

[leafwhistle]

[The same aggressively primal side of him that had so boldly claimed the ginger in front of a crowd of yokai feels a flush of heat crash over him at just the thought of Childe lifting him up and having him right here in front of an audience. It would show just how claimed the Fatuus was.

Kazuha drags his fingers into the dips of the taller man's hips appreciatively, his grip firm and far from shy. A little sigh leaves his lips, remembering the last time he'd seen them bare.

His tail wiggles back and forth him excitedly, though just like a real rabbit, the mouthing at the tip of his ear tickles quite a bit, and he flicks it, twapping Childe in the face with the fuzzy ear.]

I'll have you breathless.

[Standing a little taller on the tips of his rabbit-like claws, he dips his head in, then licks a long, warm, wet stripe up the front of Childe's throat, sliding over his adam's apple, then just as quickly he lets him go. Kazuha jumps back in one smooth action, agilely evading stalls and people, and then he twists with another jump and then begins to bound down the street.

It's not a fight, it's a chase, but the monstrous samurai had no intention of making it easy for the fox. Already little swirls of blue wind and ghost-like leaves were swirling around him, leaving a small trail behind him, but they make his steps almost lighter than air, letting him bound effortlessly onto the first roof he finds.]

[acutabove]

[ Absolutely, because nothing quite screamed "claimed" like having your recent acquisition bury himself dick-deep inside your belly. That's absolutely how that works, though if Childe had any thought that Kazuha might enjoy and be all for showing off in public, he'd probably act on it here and now. It wasn't like he didn't have any kind of inkling, given the last time they'd been together for an extended amount of time they'd spent two weeks fucking on and off in the wilderness. Those poor animals.

The touch on his hips and waist feels good, and he can't help but to let out a low rumble of approval at the treatment. It's a familiar sensation, putting him in mind of long nights spent under a starry sky, the sound of the water lapping on the distant shoreline a soothing metronome to the frenzy of their coupling. It's hypnotic, soothing in a way, and he can't help but to sink just that much more into the samurai's presence with his gaze half-lidding.

And then the other stands on the very tips of his toes, licking at the skin of his exposed neck in a primal display that only serves to encourage him, to call to the feral nature of the fox he's changed into. His fingers reach, curling, trying to get a hold of any part of the rabbit Inazuman just as Kazuha dances out of reach and sprints off into the crowd.

Childe needs no further prompting to give chase. While Kazuha is short of legs and stature, Childe is taller, has longer limbs, and it's probably to the other's advantage that the Snezhnayan does not have mastery over air and anything that would help his pace. But he's not slow in any sense of the word so, while the other gains the advantage and a significant lead in their chase, Childe certainly isn't slacking and keeps up the pursuit with the sort of dogged determination he'd become known for.

Getting onto the roof is no easy feat, but he has the call of Hydro at his command. It's easy to push himself up, not with air but with the propulsion of a jet of water, the act not so much lifting him as it is launching him in a graceful lunge that he adapts to quickly enough he can grasp at the roof's edge and haul himself up in an impressive display of flexibility and upper body strength. He doesn't expect Kazuha to stay still and watch while he struggles his way up, so once he's got his bearings he's setting off again, hauling himself onto the next if need be. ]