I See A Bad Moon Rising. (open)

[ilqaras]

⌛ Who: Dohalim and you!
⌛ What: October catchall
⌛ When: All of October
⌛ Where: Western Kingdom
⌛ Warnings: Spoilers for Elde Menancia in Tales of Arise. Will be vague in most prompts, but will put up warnings within. Potential smut/dub-con, blood and gore and slight body horror. All around, a fun time.



I. Seven Minutes in Hell:

[for all he’d done in Elde Menancia, Dohalim will admit that there were never any festivals held within his realm. In fact, there weren’t many festivals he knows of, even in Lenegis, aside from the bestowment of lordship, or the crowning of the Sovereign after the Crown Contest winner is announced. But then again, those weren’t festivals per say, but ceremonies. So, to bear witness to such culture, Dohalim is more than happy to participate in. Especially if that means he gets to look at some art.

Though, that turns on its head rather quickly. At Chogakuji Temple, he treats the visit as a solemn affair. While excited to view the paintings, the sense of the macabre weighs heavily in his soul. But he feels his stomach drop as the door of the room he’s in suddenly closes. Alone with the painting, he figures, while creepy, it can’t be that bad.

Until he looks down at the floor, as silver liquid pools at his feet. No, he thinks to himself as he steps back, but otherwise, is petrified in fear. In his ears, all he can hear is tortured screams of slaves, and of his dear friend as they ring in his head]

II. Wereyokai:

[the transformations would have been fine. He could live with claws replacing his hands, seemingly made of wood. He would have been able to live with the pointed ears. Hell, even the ivy vines sprouting rosebuds tangled in the red tresses of his hair Dohalim found rather pleasing to the eyes. What he isn’t okay with are said ivy vines and leaves not only running up his legs and arms, but the fact that those thin vines are weaved in and out of his skin. Not painful, per say, but more than a little concerning. The temptation not to pull the vines away, however, are great.

What a befitting curse to fall upon a lord of the earth realm.

However, this is not the worst of the transformations. No, what’s worse is what comes after. He’d made the (unknown) error of skywatching, curious of the unfamiliar night sky, of the moon and constellations he’s never seen. Stars that are inspiring to wax poetic about, as catharsis settles upon him.

It was like a trigger, something that he felt start in the pit of his stomach that soon spread to every fibre of his being. Each night, he feels that it grows, like a monster trying to claw its way out. Maybe it was, in part, the dark astral energy in him that grew with the monster. Maybe it’s the master core that triggered something in him. As the sun went down every evening Dohalim had a moment of lucidity before that slipped away from him as well; all he knew he had to do was leave.

(a) Every night, he would feel that monster stir in him as he stumbles down winding pathways, not knowing where he’d be making his way to, but every so often, a passerby will be stopped by Dohalim with an outstretched, clawed hand brushing against a shoulder, or chest. Or perhaps, he’s brushing a hair out of their face]

You should not be out so late at night.

[any attempt to leave will find themselves quite literally rooted to the spot, as vines that seem to have sprouted from the ground suddenly wrap around their ankles.

(b) Or, said passerby may find themselves, again, stopped by Dohalim, though, not in the more docile of ways. In fact, they may be stopped by way of watching in horror as he tears through a Yokai, eyes glowing indigo with every spell he casts, trapping them in thick vines and flowers, or furies of movements as he spins his staff, catching them in wild whirlwinds. He’s somehow careful not to get too much blood on his clothes, but does, in fact, render the offending Yokai as smears of blood on the ground as he looks up.

Anyone who’s made themselves familiar with Dohalim when he first arrived in Nippon will know that the wild look in his eyes is not normal. Hope you can hold your own against him]

III. Day of Darkness:

[(a) as the end of month grows, so too does his appetite for the violent and the debauched. Long gone is his demureness, replaced by hunger. A hunger that he cannot satisfy, no matter the blood spilt, or the euphoric, orgasmic high. All he knows is that he wants more of it.

Maybe it’s misfortune you come across him like this. Maybe it’ll be good fortune (or, at least, as good as it can be, given the circumstances). It just depends on his (and your) mood.

(b) But as he finds himself in the shrine, in front of a raging bonfire, he looks into its roaring flames. Within him, too, his sins rage on, bubbling up his throat and sits on his lips for any who will listen. As much as he doesn’t want to lay out his secrets, he can’t help it. And, who knows? Perhaps it’ll be good to let them go.


(c) He’d prefer to be alone as he picks up the tattered pieces of his own self. He ignores any eye contact to those around him as he slips away from the shrine, head bowed as he shuffles back home. Dohalim makes sure to take paths less crowded. He’s exhausted, and would like nothing more than to sit in a warm bath as he hopes to forget everything that had transpired[

IV. wildcard

[if you have any other plans, or if you want to do something before this shit show, hit me up on discord! permissions and kinklist are here]

Comments

II - A

[negeotiation]

[The figure Dohalim stops is certainly one of the transformed: Those curling horns about the man's head glow with a golden light at the tips, as does the man's eyes when he turns to face the man. His gaze is steady as he examines the other man, taking in his appearance: the claws, the vines, the jewelry.

Hm.]

And do you perhaps think I need an escort for my safety?

[There's just the barest hint of amusement in his tone, the flash of fangs, cheeks decorated with scales. He seems perfectly unbothered by the man's proximity, calm as stone. Something swishes behind him, long and dark-- a snake? No... a tail.]

[ilqaras]

[Zhongli, stay away from his embellishments :|

Dohalim does see the movement in the corner of his eyes; they flick down to Zhongli's tail. he supposes he shouldn't be too surprised, considering what his own body transformation had done, but it's interesting all the same]

An escort, or possibly just some company.

[he leans in a little closer, a clawed finger gently brushing against those scales, careful not to hurt him]

Your scales are rather beautiful.

[negeotiation]

[Listen he has to notice these things, okay--

He smiles a little against those fingers, the scales shifting with the slight movement. They catch the light oddly: though dark, they shine with a sheen like a precious gem or metal.]

Why thank you. Your blooms are quite enchanting as well, sir.

[He reaches up with a hand that is more draconic than human: a scaled hand tipped with long, clawed fingers that ever so gently brush against one of the rosebuds with his knuckles.]

Protection I do not need, but company I would eagerly welcome. The night is long, after all.

[And this man seems interesting.]

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim watches those scales shine with a sort of appreciation of their beauty, before watching Zhongli’s own hand touch the rosebuds in his hair. The ivy vines seem to have a mind of their own as one gently wraps itself around one of Zhongli’s claws. Dohalim can’t help but smile softly]

I truly appreciate the compliment.

[and he isn’t sure why, but he’s happy at the acceptance of his invitation for company]

If we are to spend some of the night together, I suppose we should be on a named basis. I am Dohalim il Qaras.

[negeotiation]

[That smile is returned by one edged in amusement from Zhongli as those vines curl around his claws. For a moment he lingers, letting his hand become a trellis for their caress, leaning just a bit closer to inhale the scent of flowers.]

Dohalim... or do you prefer Il Qaras? It is a beautiful name, either way.

[There's something about his voice, a soft rumble beneath the words. Like the friction of the earth... or the growl of a beast.]

I am Zhongli.

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim continues to watch the thin vines dance around Zhongli's claws; he can feel a slight flush on his cheeks as he leans closer]

Dohalim is alright. And thank you for the compliment, but I'm afraid I cannot take credit for it.

[a small, cheesy joke, but it does get a light laugh out of him. the sound of Zhongli's voice is comforting, like the music the very earth itself creates as it shifts; powerful yet, to Dohalim, soothing]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Zhongli.

[negeotiation]

[That flush only adds to Dohalim's appearance, in Zhongli's private opinion. It matched the roses so nicely, bringing focus to his eyes--

Yes... he really did look lovely, right now.

His smile quirks just slightly at the joke, and as he finally detangles his hand, it is only to offer it to Dohalim.]

The pleasure is all mine. Did you have a destination in mind for tonight? If not, there are many places I'd be happy to suggest.

[ilqaras]

[as Zhongli pulls his hand away, Dohalim finds himself very quickly missing the touch, only to gently take Zhongli's hand in his; he feels himself compelled to gently brush his lips against the back of it. a practice performed on him by his own subjects, but a rarity for him to do so to someone else.

Zhongli just... seems like the kind of person he'd want to pay respects to in such a manner.

he shakes his head]

No, I have just been mulling about in my own thoughts. I would be glad to accompany you to where you see fit.

[negeotiation]

[His eyes warm just a little at the gesture, though there's still that gleam of strange amusement lingering within.

Perhaps because he is not unused to receiving such treatment, in the past.]

Then if it interests you, I do know of a wonderful teahouse with private rooms where we can talk at our leisure.

II - A

[whitepierrot]

[ Having ended up here out of sheer curiosity, it was good that he did remain here when things started going awry. People were transforming into different beasts and it hadn't seemed that bad at first, until there were attacks and Allen felt compelled to step in.

When he didn't have Crown Clown activated, he had a similar mask on his face to try and circumvent the effects. It'd been hard not to look up at the sky and make the changes so quick that it was like he didn't have his mask on, patrolling and intervening anytime he spotted anyone getting violent.

He'd stopped to take a breather when he felt something brush against his shoulder, the accompanying voice allowing him to know it wasn't anyone who had any ill will. This wasn't his world where people could be unpredictable or an akuma, though he was struggling to get used to it. He adjusted his mask on his face, not finding the need to activate his weapon yet. ]

I know. I just wanted to do one last sweep and see if anyone needed some help.

[ Allen ran a hand through his hair, just noting now that there was some definite things off about the man here with him. He'd been affected, so he had to be careful and keep his wits about him. ]

I may have pushed myself a little more than I intended to.

[ At least he wasn't trying to run away or anything? So that was a plus. ]

[ilqaras]

I can assure you that there are no victims here.

[after all, Dohalim had been favouring this particular spot to roost for the night, and aside from a few skirmishes with the Yokai, it's been relatively quiet in the area.

he brushes a claw up Allen's arm, before letting it settle gently on his shoulder]

You should not push yourself. It is best to get some rest.

[though, Dohalim does nothing to lead Allen to a resting place; no, it only seems like he's subtly trying to draw him closer]

[whitepierrot]

[ So far everything seems generally fine and this fairly attractive man didn't seem to be out to do any harm, though his gaze did tick downwards as that hand came to rest on his shoulder. It could be his imagination but he felt that he was being drawn in, even now. ]

That's not a bad idea. You seem to have this place handled though, so I can get out of your hair if you'd like.

[ Always so polite even now, his smile kind and not at all distrusting. This was fine. He couldn't pick up on any malice and he knew akuma didn't exist here, so he was giving the benefit of a doubt. ]

[ilqaras]

[the unassuming smile on Allen's face only entices Dohalim further as he watches the man. he really has no idea, does he...

he offers Allen a sly smile, before shaking his head. he hasn't let up on his shoulder, and he certainly has not pushed him away. in fact, his other hand comes up to gently press against the small of Allen's back]

Come rest with me. I would not mind the company.

[whitepierrot]

[ Something about the man's overall style spoke of some kind of royalty or a noble, though he wasn't sure if it was just his general appearance or the way he spoke.

Either way, he was more focused on the hand that had come up to the small of his back. This felt weirdly familiar, like he'd seen someone else do this to another person but he didn't know when or who it could be at the moment. ]

Ah, alright. If that's what you'd like, I don't mind joining you for a bit.

[ A nagging feeling pressed at the back of his mind, though he was positive the man was just being kind? Surely? There were things he didn't have experience with, so naturally he didn't quite realize the full extent of this situation. ]

[ilqaras]

[Allen's assumptions are more accurate than he thinks, but without Dohalim mentioning it as such, who's to say what his position or station is?

but that's neither here or there at the moment. all he knows is that he's ensnared Allen enough to convince him to stay with him for a few moments, though, he can only hope it will be longer than that.

so Dohalim leads Allen to what seems to be a flowerbed large enough to comfortably lay on, and what seems to be ivy vines and bushes built and shaped in a way that it looks like it'll be comfortable to rest in]

Please, if you would be so kind.

[whitepierrot]

[ It's really impossible to hide the awe that flashed across his face once he saw the flowerbed, as it was much like General Tiedoll's Maker of Eden ability but much more colorful and bright. Such distracted him for a second that he almost hadn't heard the man speak to him, blinking his gray-blue eyes before nodding. ]

Thank you.

[ He's still got that smile, soft and kind as ever while moving to sit down carefully. Initially he didn't know how sturdy that would all be since it was all plants, but it was surprisingly comfortable. ]

Did you make this whole thing yourself?

[ilqaras]

Yes, of course.

[Dohalim sits beside Allen, before moving to lounge on his side; he reaches up to tug Allen's arm to pull him down]

Is it to your liking? Or is it too uncomfortable?

[he isn't sure why, but the nest of vines and roots feel like an inviting bed... could it possibly be because he's a plant like creature, now? has he acclimated to the usually roughness and sharpness of the roots?

honestly, he could only help that his companion is just as comfortable]

C is for PAIN

[wallbuster]

[ It'd been a good few weeks since he'd seen Dohalim, but he know how well the man could take care of himself back home and he imagined the same could be said here, too. So as Law ends up spending a relatively eventful weekend doing all manner of entertaining things, he doesn't find himself thinking about the man until he hears a familiar shuffling of shoes and glances up in time to see the man himself come into the room. ]

Dohalim, you're b-- whoa.

[ Whatever he's going to say falters as he takes in the state of the man's dress, the slumped shoulders, the - is that blood??? ]

Uh. Hey, man, are you okay?

also putting up a spoiler alert for menancia just in case lmao

[ilqaras]

[it had been a rather gruelling trek home, exhaustion settling over him, weighing him down. the entire time, he'd hoped that he'd be able to sneak into his shared living quarters unnoticed, in an attempt to put himself back together by himself.

unfortunately, he isn't so blessed to be given that luxury. he looks up at Law, eyes widening for just a brief moment, before he looks away. he rolls his shoulders back as his back straightens; he won't allow the boy to see him in such a state. doing so will only raise questions he'd rather not answer]

I am perfectly fine.

[the words come out harsher than he intended, which almost cause him to recoil. but he thinks nothing more of it as he removes his stained shoes with ease (more ease than he'd always played up, at least), before reaching up to undo the clasp of his cape. fingers fumble around as he crosses the distance from the door to the bathroom; he needs to clean himself up. as he passes by Law, he doesn't stop, nor does he ask for help undressing him, as he is usually wont to do. instead, he keeps his eyes away, now trained on the floor]

I appreciate your concern.

[wallbuster]

[ now, Law might not be the brightest bulb in the box, but even he can tell when there's something wrong.

he's dressed down himself for bed - having changed into a pair of thin pajamas that make him look like the teenager he actually is, without that ridiculous amazing wolf's head on his shoulder. by all rights he's ready to just tuck in, and with Dohalim's dismissive remark he could leave the man to brood and not even spare him a second thought.

but he knows better. he's been there before. ]

You don't look fine.

[ his eyes linger on the stained shoes before he watches Dohalim struggle with his cape. without another word he gets up, moving over to the other man's side to help with the nightly ritual of helping undress him. ]

At least let me help you get out of these clothes. You're gonna scare all the girls.

[ilqaras]

So bold are your assumptions of my current state.

[Dohalim's voice is flat, and he's still not making any sort of attempt to look Law in the eye. he isn't sure why he's avoiding it, either. maybe shame? no, probably not. but... it has to be something.

but as soon as he see's Law's hand try to help with the clasp, Dohalim can't help but react by suddenly grabbing the boy's wrist, as if to stop him. it surprises even him to react in such a way that he looks down at his hand; the dried blood on his otherwise perfectly manicured fingers is enough to churn the bile in his stomach.

at least, when his hands were claws, he couldn't see the blood.

he quickly lets go of Law and steps back, shaking his head]

I... Thought that I would attempt the task myself tonight. After all, you've said it yourself, I should not have to rely on someone to undress me, anymore.

[wallbuster]

It ain't an assumption if it's true, you look like shit.

[ physically, at least. he supposes that's to be expected when one wanders away from home for a week or two, but they'd been camping in the wilderness together long before they ever came to Nippon. surely Dohalim knows how to do that much, right?

... of course, this is the man who didn't even know to put out the campfire when he was done ...

as soon as his hand touches the clasp to his cape he feels an iron grip on his wrist halting his progress. surprised, Law blinks first at Dohalim, and then at the hand - ]

-- what the hell is your proble--

[ - and the blood underneath his nails is hard to miss with how close they are. Law stares at it before squinting up at Dohalim as the man backs up, and concern and worry furrow his brows. ]

Hey.... hey, what happened? Dohalim?

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim doesn't answer right away, but instead takes a deep breath in and out, before attempting to undo the clasp again]

It is nothing you need to concern yourself about.

[he murmurs the words softly, putting in the effort to keep them sounding steady, despite the turmoil stirring in him. looking down at his fingers only makes him feel even more nauseous--

the clasp finally unpins itself; Dohalim wastes no time slipping it and the epaulette on his shoulder off him, careful not to tangle the aiguillettes as he does so. he gives Law a slight nod as he folds the fabric over his arms, hiding his hands from both his and Law's view]

See? Not a problem at all.

[wallbuster]

[ listen maybe he likes undressing him at the end of the day okay

He can hardly spare any thought to looking proud of Dohalim for actually getting the clasp undone properly, his brows still furrowed in concern over the man's mental state. They'd been together in a party long enough that he'd like to think he can tell when the man is bothered by something. If anything, the blood under his nails is absolutely a dead give away. ]

Yeah, okay, what about the rest of it?

[ Because even Law has trouble with those garments on a good day. Without giving the other man a chance to even attempt to try undressing himself, Law is going to set both his hands on the other's shoulders and push to gently try and steer him in the direction of the paths. ]

Come on, man, what if any chicks walk in? Don't get naked here...

[ilqaras]

[wow don't tell Dohalim that, he'll make ~assumptions~

Dohalim was going to make a comment on how Law was the one who stopped him, but instead tries to shrug him off as he's lead away]

Please let go of me.

[his voice is curt as he pulls himself away from Law; he stumbles for a moment before recovering quickly. his shoulders hunch, and he can feel himself cracking ever so slightly. he needs to send Law away and as fast as possible, lest he sees him in such a vulnerable state.

or worse, before Dohalim hurts him. while the curse has no effect anymore, he has no way of knowing that. sure, his transformation has reverted back, but what's to say that the monster within may or may not strike out? who's to say that he won't want to use the power of his master core again? he doesn't doubt that Law can defend himself, but he doesn't want to put the boy in a position to do so in the first place]

Go to bed. It's late.