May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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The month of love is in full swing! But there are some who are probably wondering: why is May the month of love, and why only in the West? Over in Tokyo, no such celebrations are being made, and even the Hanyo of Shitaya aren't gunning up for any major festivals of any sort, despite most of them having come from the West. But it's not because it's a new holiday. Rather, it's simply a Yokai specific one.

Because traditionally, May is the period where a Yokai's sex drive is the strongest. And while for most, this simply manifests as a desire for deep, emotional connections, for others, it's a month-long orgyfest.

And as the mysterious little flowers continue to bloom across Kyoto, something else begins to bloom between the refugees themselves.

The Season of Sex

Towards the middle of the month, refugees are sure to notice a change in the way the Yokai are behaving, particularly the group known as the "beast Yokai", which includes Kitsune, Bakeneko, and Inu Yokai. As it turns out, these three are among some of the only Yokai who still occasionally undergo a heat-like event, with most of these falling around the month of May.

But what does this have to do with the refugees? As many of them will quickly find out: they also will experience a heat-like state through the rest of the month. Upon contacting the scientists, they explain that because the Yokai were the indigenous people of Nippon, bonding with Nippon seems to have caused the refugees to become part Yokai in a way that differs from the native Hanyo. This is why they're able to use magic, and why many of them grow Yokai body parts when experiencing high levels of Kizuna.

"Oh, don't worry your pretty little heads! Sure, you lot seem to be more afflicted than us Native Yokai, but no one's going to judge you for your... biological needs, teehee!"

As the Yokai researchers explain, heats have become less common in the modern era, so it's entirely possible that some refugees won't experience anything at all. Feel free to use this to opt out of anything that makes you uncomfortable!

You All Know What This Event Is About Maryouku University, Kyoto
When a Yokai goes into heat, they tend to adopt one of three characteristics, known collectively as KSJ. Although most Yokai will always lean more heavily towards one in particular, some may experience all three throughout their heat:

Daikoh (大攻) causes Yokai to develop unusually dominant and possessive tendencies. While some may search for a single partner to keep to themself, others may try to gather as many partners as possible. Even passive and friendly Yokai may become inclined towards violence or unusual roughness, including marking their partners. Some may experience an inexplicable desire for passionate romance, while others may feel a desire to breed.

Daishoku (大食) causes Yokai to give off a magic aura that may trigger a heat in those around them. These Yokai are insatiable, seeking endless pleasure from anything and everything they can find, be it food, entertainment, or sex. It's not uncommon for them to have one thing in particular they become fixated on, though others may simply desire everything. They may even find it hard to sleep without some kind of stimulation to calm them down.

Daijuu (大受) causes Yokai to develop unusually submissive and needy tendencies. They crave physical affection to such a powerful degree that going without it may even become painful. It's not uncommon for these Yokai to only feel comfortable when wrapped up in a nest of blankets to simulate being wrapped in the arms of a lover. They may feel a strong desire to be cared for by another, or even impregnated by a mate, regardless of gender.

Obviously any of these would be pretty inconvenient, but perhaps the worst part is they can strike at any time. One might simply wake up in heat, while another may find themselves suddenly overwhelmed upon seeing a familiar face. And the truly unfortunate may find it happening in public, or even on a long train ride.

While most heats tend to be very mild, often to the point where one might not even realize they're going through one, some Yokai have the misfortune of going through an extreme heat, where the effects of KSJ becomes far more pronounced, even to the point of appearing to have a complete personality shift. Daishoku Yokai may fuck until they pass out, Daikoh Yokai may peruse individuals they would never otherwise be interested in, and Daijuu Yokai have been known to crawl into the beds of strangers to satisfy their need to be held. Heats can be as brief as a few hours, or as long as a few weeks, with varying levels of severity throughout. While most only occur once a year, you're free to utilize heats as a Severe Kizuna Effect at any time!

Discount Dildo Emporium Gion, Kyoto
Just in time for the month of love, a new shop has opened up in downtown Kyoto. The elderly owner of Iyarashii Ryuu, an infamous dildo shop in Tokyo's Shinjuku, has partnered up with an equally amorous young Kitsune to open up a sister store in Gion. And if the large painting on the wall is anything to go by, their relationship probably goes beyond business partners... that's one feisty old lady.

Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in every shape, size, and function of dildo one can imagine, but unlike the Tokyo branch, the Gion branch of Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in enchanted dildos. These dildos are capable of moving on their own, growing in size, changing in shape, and even glowing in the dark! Because why not.

However, these are still a very new product, so they're depending on customer feedback to improve the spells! As such, anyone willing to test out a prototype enchanted dildo will both be allowed to keep the prototype, as well as select from any finished dildos in the shop free of charge.

Of course, some may not realize what they're getting into when they agree to test a prototype. One is designed to change size on command, but contains a bug that may cause it to grow larger than intended, and even develop a distinct knot. Another is designed to allow the one wearing it as a strap on to feel sensations as if it were real, but has a bug that instead causes both partners to feel both sensations, resulting in an extreme case of over-stimulation. Another is designed to move independently like a fucking machine, but seems to lack a means of turning it off. And another glows in the dark so brightly that it can be seen from the outside. Which isn't necessarily a bug, but it sure is something worth seeing.

And hey, for all you natural-dildo-havers, they're also testing a line of condoms designed to do the same things, with the added security of safe sex practices. Very sexy! Just watch out for that size-changing one, though. Some have reported feelings of insecurity upon watching their dangle return to its smaller size.

Fickle Flower Petals

In the midst of everything happening this month, refugees will begin to hear rumors of strange symptoms popping up around Kyoto. Flowers growing out of people's hair, sprouting from the ground with every step they take, or even tumbling out of their mouth. It's only then that the people realize what's happened: those little flowers from before weren't entirely harmless. They're sprouts from a Hanahaki, a very rare ayakashi that possesses flowers, named for the curse it inflicts on those who inhale their pollen.

Thankfully, Hanahaki is treatable, and can even be cured without the need of a specialist. But until the sprouts wilt, those living in Kyoto will simply have to bear with the symptoms.

Post Secret Kyoto, Western Kingdom
In its mild form, Hanahaki causes flowers to grow from a person's hair. These flowers range in size and species, and can grow over the course of mere minutes or many days. Those affected will be encouraged to allow the flowers to wilt naturally, as plucking them may cause permanent bald patches.

While this form can seemingly effect anyone, those hiding secret feelings of love or desire may instead develop a form that causes flowers to bloom on every surface around them. Although certainly the most charming, it's also the most conspicuous, with tiny gardens building up around them whenever they stay in one place for too long.

The true extent of the curse will become obvious to anyone riding the trains, as the entire inside of each car has become blanketed in thick green foliage and flowers. Some may discover that the flowers can even sprout on the other side of walls, potentially filling their neighbor's apartment with unwanted greenery. And let's not even get into the personality types that cause a nuruname to bloom. Best stay away from those folks!

So what's the solution? Well, seeing as not everyone is open to the idea of sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, a workaround has been discovered. All around Tokyo, refugees will find small wooden plaques known as ema hanging in populated places. Those affected by the Hanahaki are encouraged to write anonymous confessions on the ema and hang them up where they can be seen. After enough people have seen their confession, the effects of the Hanahaki will begin to go away.

Just make sure you're not seen hanging a confession up, or it'll defeat the purpose of it being anonymous!

To submit play-made secrets for characters to see in Kyoto, please see this post!

Tell No Lies Kyoto, Western Kingdom | cw: This prompt contains Hanahaki-adjacent body horror.
With most cases manifesting as mild, some may be wondering why the curse is referred to as Hanahaki, meaning to spit flowers. In truth, the name is derived from the severe form of the curse: in which flowers begin growing internally.

The most common location is the throat, causing those affected to cough or hiccup flower petals throughout the day. But for those who are especially unlucky, they may grow down into the lungs, causing severe pain, a bloody cough, and trouble breathing. Due to the likelihood of choking in one's sleep, this form is considered the most dangerous.

This form of the curse manifests in those prone to frequently keeping secrets or telling lies, be it intentionally or as a result of being a rather private person. Much like the mild form, it can be treated naturally through open communication. However, the workaround used for the mild form will not work here. Only by opening up about themselves or the secrets they've been keeping will the flowers begin to wilt.

For those who are still opposed to the idea, a healer can forcefully remove the flowers with a spell. However, this method carries a 25% chance of losing whatever memories are tied to those secrets, ranging from the secrets themselves, to all memories of the people they wish to keep in the dark. Surely such a risk isn't worth it, right?

Party Time

Although the Emperor of the West has grown busy these last couple of months, far be it for him to forget his beloved Refugees during the month of love! And so, on the 25th, all refugees will be extended an invitation to an exclusive party in the Uji district of Kyoto.

Those who assisted in clearing it out earlier will be shocked to see the transformation the building has taken in just a few days, as bright and colorful décor can be found on every corner, and the scent of incense hanging in the air.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it would be most rude to refuse an invitation from the Emperor himself, wouldn't it?

With a Bang! Uji, Kyoto
Taking place at one of his many private villas, refugees will be met with an extravagant affair, filled with Humans and Yokai alike. During the day, there's no shortage of musical entertainment and dancing, along with free food and drinks, and a large outdoor garden to relax in. But at night, the mood of the party shifts dramatically. After a full day of pheromones tickling their senses, and no shortage of uki to go around, it was time for the main event: an orgy to celebrate the season of love.

"Greetings and salutations, my dearest friends from another world! I am Katsuragi no Mikoto, emperor of the Western Kingdom, and on this day, I invite you all to enjoy the many pleasures our world has to offer! Please, those who are inclined, make merry! And rest assured, this is a safe place to indulge."

The main room of the villa itself is designed with an array of sliding doors that can become walls to quickly close off corners for an illusion of privacy, as well as private and secret rooms for those who desire it. In the upper floors, rooms filled with all sorts of enchanted toys and costumes can be found, in addition to a small outdoor bathing area. And in the basement, there's what can only be called a sex dungeon, filled with all sorts of restraints and gear for whatever one's heart desires.

Any guests who stick around for the orgy will be asked to select from a number of colorful kanzashi they'll pin into their hair to convey what they're looking for:

Pink: Platonic, non-sexual physical affection only.
Red: Bondage, restraints, and sadomasochism.
Yellow: Open to kink negotiation or discussion.
Orange: Toys, magic or supernatural powers during sex, transformations.
Green: Costumes and sexual role play.
Blue: Powerplay: light blue for submissive, dark blue for dominant.
Purple: Public use, anonymous sex, exhibitionism.
Gold: Open to anything and everything.
Silver: No physical contact, watching only.

Outside of the Purple and Gold ribbons, all kanzashi are imbued with a spell that will sound a loud alarm if they person wearing it is touched in a manner they didn't consent to, upon which the one who activated it may find themselves thrown into the cold waters of the pond in the garden out front. Refugees are free to take as few or as many kanzashi as they desire, or swap them out as the evening grows long.

Denouement Engagement Uji, Kyoto
The party lasts well into the next morning, with guests welcome to stay the night with whoever they happened to bond with the night before. A nearby bath house is open exclusively for party guests, which is for the best, given the nature of the festivities. There will be no walks of shame coming from the Emperor's villa!

But those who actually manage to stick around this long will have an opportunity to witness a rare event.

In the garden just outside the villa, Katsuragi can be found seated next to a young man who some will recognize as Karu, the emperor of the East. The former is once more clean and dressed in his finest regalia, while the Eastern emperor appears in more subdued colors, a parasol in hand in some attempt to hide himself. Perhaps most would be giving them some space, but those who sneak closer will be able to overhear their conversation. Katsuragi speaks of uniting the two kingdoms, and supporting Karu as the face of the Emperor, so he may focus on his "continuing recovery". For his part, Karu is almost completely silent, though it doesn't seem to impede on their conversation.

But one doesn't need to be eavesdropping to realize what's happening when Katsuragi gets down on one knee and gently takes Karu's hand into his own, prompting the latter to drop the parasol in shock.

What happens next, unfortunately, is just between the two of them. A snap of his fingers, and both Katsuragi and Karu vanish in the blink of an eye. Did he notice they was being watched? Or was he intentionally letting them see that much?

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's May event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• As with all Kizuna effects, you are free to opt out of any of the KSJ effects as well, or simply utilize the ones you are interested in. A Daijuu yokai could simply desire being held, with no sexual or breeding-related connotations, for example. Likewise, as this is inspired A/B/O tropes, you are welcome to use Kizuna as an excuse to utilize any additional tropes not included in KSJ.

• Feel free to mix the effects of the prototype enchanted dildos to include multiple effects at once, or create your own magical effects! With magic, the only limit is your imagination!

• Although not necessary, Japanese does have it's own language of flowers if you would like the flowers your character sprouts/spits up to have greater symbolism. A wider list of plant symbolism can also be found here!

• Hanahaki can produce native plants to Nippon, but cannot produce plant-like Ayakashi. So they can grow Uki in their hair, but cannot cough out a Higanbana.

• In case you missed it, the post for submitting IC secrets is over here!

• Players are welcome to handwave their character sleeping with the Western Emperor himself at the orgy, but don't expect him to remember their name the next day. The Eastern Emperor will not be present until the next day.

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Comments

[currysseur]

( It's the situation, among many other things, that explains why she's hugging him. Weeks in this place without any familiar faces has been... something. A hard adjustment, let's just say that. The heat flowing through her body, and the drink that she's imbibed throughout the afternoon don't help matters either.

But at least it's Banri-kun, who is generally pretty cool about things. She gives him one last squeeze before pulling back, a reluctant peel away because this is her actor, her Banri-kun, and she doesn't want to let him go. She wants him to know how grateful she is to see him again. )

Uh... It's not. ( She'll agree to that, despite how red her cheeks are. It certainly wasn't what was planned, but Nippon is a whole different ballgame with different rules. ) I was thinking it might be interesting to look at as inspiration for plays but...

( It might be a bit too much even for Izumi's dedication to theatre. )

Do you wanna get out of here?

[fridrich]

[If this were anyone else, Banri would definitely call bullshit on that reason. But this is Izumi talking and, to be fair, he was caught off guard by the orgy too. He hadn't attended the party with that in mind. It might be the same case for Izumi.

Banri glances around. Things are already getting pretty hot and heavy: he can only imagine how the night is going to continue.] Yeah, that might be for the best.

[And Izumi may have pulled away, but he keeps an arm low and protective around her waist. His heat isn't bringing out any sort of possessiveness. This is just his natural instinct to protect her. To ward off anyone suspicious.]

Your place?

[currysseur]

( It definitely wasn't what she had in mind when she heard party, though given Nippon's proclivities, maybe she shouldn't have been surprised by it. At least people are enjoying themselves? It certainly sounds that way, and Izumi doesn't need to glance back at the scene behind them to feel her face heating up or that heat stirring low in her belly, all too intense.

It would be fine, were it not so inconvenient.

There's a protectiveness built around all of Mankai, in a way. Izumi feels a fierceness towards the safety of the theatre and the people within it even outside of the context of this strange world and the stranger heat that's pulsed through her all month. But that fierceness is her role as a director, and has nothing to do with the way her hand slides over the back of his as it rests against her waist, or the slight lean of her weight towards him, little ways of placing a claim on her actor.

Sense tells her she should think twice about behaving this way, but that voice finds itself silenced by the urges pulsing through her. )

We'd have to get back to Tokyo... ( There's plenty of time to do that — the sun is still setting, after all — but that trip suddenly feels unbearably long now that Banri-kun is here, his body warm as it brushes against hers, his shoulder a tempting pillow for her head. ) Maybe we should find a hotel instead?

[fridrich]

[They'll both know better next time. Though whether they'll both still want to avoid it remains to be seen.

Currently though, Banri can't help but agree. Getting back to Tokyo wouldn't be that big of a deal but Izumi's hand on his is hot in a way he doesn't quite understand. There's an antsy feeling beginning to crawl under his skin.

But he laughs it off in his agreement.] Lead the way. I'm still figuring out where everything is here.

[As they're walking, the antsy feeling only continues to grow. They keep brushing up against each other and the space between them seems get smaller and smaller as they walk. To the point that when they finally arrive at a hotel, it feels like they're actually glued at the hip.]

Feels like Masumi's about to come out from 'round the corner and beat my ass...

[currysseur]

( That garden is one heck of a walk. After that, the couple of streets to the hotel seems relatively little, and she's wishing she hadn't opted for heels. Sure, they look cute with this dress but her calves are burning and she's grateful to see the elegant sign declaring this place a modest little 3 star hotel. )

I... haven't seen Masumi-kun. ( She almost said he wasn't here, but she thought no one from Mankai was until this week. There's a soft sigh with those words, a prayer that he isn't. Not that she plans on taking advantage of all that Nippon has to offer, really, but he's overly protective back home.

She's not sure she wants to see him dealing with the idea of a place that openly offers orgies to the refugees.

But, never mind that. )

I hope they've got a room.

( Oh. They do. But generally when you come in as a duo all but draped over each other, there are conclusions drawn, and offers made. Such as a discount on a last minute cancellation for one of the luxurious couple's suites they have on the top floor (amazing views! the receptionist says).

It also happens to work out cheaper than the twin rooms, once that discount is applied. )

U-uh... Are you okay with that, Banri-kun?

[fridrich]

S'fine. No need to spend more for one night. [And in Banri's defense, he is fine with the idea of it up until they're standing in the open doorway to the room.

The room itself is nothing unusual. Standard. He's seen plenty similar in dramas or even some of the saucier of Muku's manga collection. It's dressed in warm colors and the whole atmosphere is certainly... inviting. Banri's eyes are drawn to the bed, front and center. The main event.

The bed is big. A king, surely. That isn't the problem. The problem is him. The sight of the bed, thinking of sharing it with Izumi and sleeping by her side makes him feel strange. That hunger from before is replaced by a heat that craves touch more than any sort of entertainment.

He should have released his hold on her several blocks back.

His saving grace is only the little love seat tucked against the wall.]

Actually, I'll just take the couch.

[currysseur]

( It's a pretty room. Nothing out of this world, but clean and cared for and exactly what was described.

A nice couple suite.

Izumi swallows, the realisation that she didn't come prepared for an overnight stay hitting her like a tonne of bricks. There's bathrobes and towels in the wardrobe, a quick snoop finds, but nothing else. Which is normal, but doesn't help this stirring heat inside her, or the flush on her cheeks.

Maybe she'll just have to sleep in this dress? At least she can take off these heels, carefully massaging her feet and running her hands up her calves as she sits on the edge of the bed. )

Eh? Are you sure? That looks uncomfortable.

( It's awkward, but Banri is way too tall for that love seat. )

[fridrich]

[Banri's eyes follow Izumi's hands as they run along the smooth line of her calves. They follow the up and down motion until he keeps looking upward, past her knees. The translucent fabric of her dress looks so good against her skin - her thighs - and the solid fabric hem stops him right in his tracks.

It's then that Banri realizes he can't beat around the bush with this.]

I don't wanna do anything that we might regret later. Been feelin' weird since I got to Nippon.

[He turns his gaze explicitly away from her.]

[currysseur]

( Oh, that's right. Izumi's cheeks flush when the pieces fall into place.

Of course Banri wouldn't know. It's likely no one got around to explaining it. Which means she has to.

This is just great. )

... The researchers said that some of the refugees might experience heat.

( Why couldn't they have explained this to Banri? Her face feels like it's on fire, and talking about it only seems to draw more attention to the sensations thrumming through her own body. That possessiveness, that urge to draw in close to Banri and show him how much she appreciates him, those things that make sharing this bed sound like a good idea rather than a terrible one. )

[fridrich]

... they might'a mentioned something like that. [The researchers had a lot to explain to the newcomers: it was easy to miss the information about heat amongst everything else. Or be high and mighty enough to think, oh that wouldn't happen to him.]

So, yeah, couch. I'll manage. Go ahead 'n get comfortable. [So Banri says, but there's a split second where he hesitates before moving to the couch. He's still looking away from Izumi, too, as he kicks off his shoes and slips off his jacket.]

[currysseur]

( He's probably right, even if her body, her own heat flooding through her so incessantly that she almost wishes they'd stayed at the party instead, wants to disagree. There's an employer/employee dynamic to consider, and Banri's still young.

Yep. Maybe she'll just think about the fact that he's barely out of his high school uniform. That'll knock this on its head quickly. That blazer and thhat soft looking hoodie she could just sink her fingers into as she pulled it off—

Ah. Okay. That's not working. Hm. )

I-I think I'll go shower. ( Right. That'll work. If she stops looking at Banri (eyes slipping down from his face more often than they should), it'll be fine, right?

Okaythat'stheplanbYEEEE. She dashes into the en suite, pushing the door closed behind her (but neglecting to flick the lock as she does) and hurredly switching on the shower. It's fine. She just needs to undress and get in and she can wash away these thoughts. )

[fridrich]

[Banri stares at the empty space where Izumi used to be for a brief moment before his ears finally register the sound of the water running. Then he takes another moment, thoughts racing in every which way, before punching the couch cushion with a groan.] Ugh!

[He really tries to think rationally about it, but the more he thinks, the more the thoughts run away from him. He's not forming coherent sentences anymore: just single words strung together that barely make any sense. But they all have to do with Izumi.

How cute she'd looked. How close she'd gotten to him while they were walking. How he'd always thought she was attractive even without the influence of the heat. How nice it would have been to draw his hands up her legs, hike up her dress and -

Banri stands suddenly. He's got to tell Izumi that this isn't going to work. He's getting too riled up just being in the same room as her. Except he stops short again when he tries the bathroom door (why had he even. why couldn't he have just called to her through the door. what is he doing) and it's unlocked.

The door squeaks open.]

Izumi-san.

[What? What, what, what?]

On second thought, I'll join you.

[currysseur]

( The water's running, the steam is filling the small en suite... and so is something else. The soft breaths of one (1) Izumi Tachibana, her back pressed against the wall, eyes fluttering shut as her fingers dip between her thighs. )

A-ah... Banri-kun...

( Wait.

Did the door just open? And... )

B-B-Banri-kun!

( Her hands hurry away from where they were touching, and she very nearly slips in her rush to get back to the present moment, and away from the fantasies she'd hoped to purge out of her mind before she re-entered the bedroom. But—

Here Banri-kun is. Offering to join her. )

Sure.

( Welp, there goes any hope of professional decorum. But she doesn't exactly have a lot of it left after being caught right then, does she? )