May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

[jikan_mod]

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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[historicallyloaded]

Miss Thea...!

[ The sharp inhale of breath at the surprise of seeing her in combination with the Uki smoke, predictably, coaxes a brief round of coughs out of Brickston. He covers his mouth with his fist and turns away from her, the other hand quickly works a small palm sized case from his pocket. Well practiced fingers snuff out his current stick of totally-not-rolled-up-self-produced-Uki on the metal rim and he stashes the rest of it away in the case, presumably for later. With a tiny clack he closes it up and tucks it away, then scoots over on the bench politely. ]

Been better, I'll admit.

[ He gestures loosely to his chest, taking a deep inhale and trying to sit up straighter and more dignified. There's little dignity here, though he smiles for her in spite of it.

The thing about this disease is it's fairly symptomatic. His brow furrows at her little cough, wondering if she's going through the same thing, or coincidentally something very similar. ]

...and yourself?

[decori]

( Is it a terrible thing to be relieved that someone else is sharing your affliction? Perhaps, but Thea feels it anyway. )

... Much the same. ( Her expression twists, briefly, into one of discontent. It isn't pleasant to admit such things, but Brickston is a sweet man and there's no reason to lie about it.

When she coughs, the residual smoke tickling her nose and throat, she shows him the blood-stained periwinkle petals that fall onto her linen handkerchief. )

Do you know what is causing this?

[historicallyloaded]

[ His lips part in a silent gasp as she shows him the blood-stained handkerchief, his own green and gold monogrammed handkerchief balled up in his pant pocket no less different.

Now he feels particularly shitty about ignoring his own condition as he sees it reflected in a woman he cares about. The guilt, contradictingly, makes him want to smoke the sentiment away. The easy quick fix. He wants smoke in his lungs like he wants real air. His fingers curl and flex around his knee for just a moment, willing the urge (with some considerable effort) away. For her sake. ]

Hanahaki. A very rare ayakashi that possesses flowers. [ He rasps quietly, like the word it self just give the little plant snaked in his chest more power. A disease. [ Others called a curse, but he prefers a more clinical and frank definition. ] The pollen's in your lungs, and those pretty flowers are growing inside.

There is a cure, but... [ He averts her gaze. ]

[decori]

( Well. That's more than she knew five minutes ago. And so Thea listens, intent, her gaze fixed on Brickston's face as he speaks. )

... But?

( Her hand reaches out, covering the one on his knee lightly in a bid to get him to continue, or at least look at her again. Unless it involves chopping off a limb, it should be doable, right? )

[historicallyloaded]

[ When Bricks learned that was the supposed cure he didn't want to believe it. What correlation would a plant have with secrets? But then again, why would the city erect all these ema board places around in such haste and why were they so popular already? He fidgets a little. Being more direct about it, he presumes, would have more immediate direct effects but honesty is the most difficult policy, isn't it. ]

Miss Thea do you have any... [ Her touch is encouragement enough, though he looks apologetic for what he's about to say. ]

I-I mean I'm not even sure it works but... [ Cough. ]

Supposedly it's the disclosure of a secret.

[decori]

( Secrets?

The cure is as left-field to Thea as it was to Bricks. She blinks, frowning, but unwilling to speak lest she riles up her throat again. This is agonising.

What could it possibly have to do with her secrets, though? )

Who doesn't?

( She swallows down a cough with eyes watering, the tang of blood thick in her mouth.

Hm.

They are going to have to deal with this, though. Which means either trusting that what Bricks has heard is true (possible, after all, they are in a very different world than her own) or discovering something else.

And the latter seems unlikely. )

... I... Prefer not to talk about who I was before I started sex work.

[historicallyloaded]

Understandable. [ He says, throat threatening to run dry on the last syllable, his slightly embarrassed chaste acknowledgement of her profession. ] I suppose I could go first. For the sake of experimentation.

[ His mind frets on what to say. Do these plants have ears? Do they understand language? What exactly qualifies as a secret? He inhales and titters, fingers threatening to fidget again but still from her palm. ]

I once drugged a nobleman so he'd miss his court hearing with the magistrates... I-I suppose the initial plan was just enough so he'd look incompetent and lose an appeal to keep his art gallery open and lose the bid on another property but I'm not even sure he made it to the hearing at all. [ He softly laughs, eyes growing wide when he recognizes it didn't hurt his chest nearly as much nor come with a side of coughing. ]

I think that helped, actually...!

[decori]

( She listens intently to his words, refraining from expressions, or laughter, or anything but a gentle lean towards him and bright blue eyes seeking his. )

... I've known many who would deserve that.

( The upper crust always was full of assholes. But more to the point... )

You're sure?

( Fine.

She supposes she'll try this as well. )

I grew up in a place we call The Avenue. My family name known to most anyone with enough magic reserves to have power in our society. I'd planned to follow in my father's footsteps...

I suppose, suffice to say I grew up with anything I could want delivered to me at the snap of my fingers.

( It's helping, slowly, the pressure relieving itself word by word as she winds out the story. Something she's only ever told to Aisling, and even then, never in so much detail. )

Then the Avenue began to change. Families around us started to speak of Alexapro. It seemed like nothing until they began attending meetings, donating money and magic to this group. People changed. Friends I'd known since I was a girl would only talk of this new world order Alexapro would bring. Even my ex...

( That one hurt. They may not have been together, but she did still care for him, and watching him consumed with this feverish devotion to an idea which came out of nowhere left Thea aching. )

When my father came home, suggesting that we attend a meeting, I... I knew nothing good could come of it. But no one would listen. So I ran.

( She lifts her hand as she finishes speaking. Her chest feels light, free of the curse which had plagued her, replaced by tears pricking at her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. )

[historicallyloaded]

[ He listens carefully, taking note of everything she says. The mention of magic getting a raise of a brow, something he wasn't sure he'd believe in before arriving here, now a constant curiosity for him. There's also a brief but visible pang of discomfort—relatability to his own position of privilege. Growing up a Penderyn he could have mostly anything he ever wanted, though it came with the stipulation that his parents permitted or humored it. Always agreeable to frivolous thigs, rich kid things... anything more daring, salacious or not class-conscious they'd deny as much as possible. You know, for his protection.

Mention of her ex gets the other eyebrow up—personal curiosity, yes, but he empathizes with the personal pain of what must have certainly felt like betrayal to this Alexapro. ]

You ran. [ He parrots, continues carefully, fidgeting. ] I... envy that strength. [ He turns to her, more assured. ] Really I do Miss Thea, and it is a strength.

I had an opportunity to run once. I even tried it but... in the end I wasn't strong enough to resist my mother.

[ It hurts to say that, but it's a truth he cannot deny. His devotion to his mother runs deep, painfully so, a very real part of him. Admitting that he feels more of himself in his chest again. There's more strength and clarity in his voice, even a little mirth. ]

You'd have a laugh. I literally tried to throw myself out a window and she caught me.

[decori]

( That strength?

It's something she's told herself for the longest time, convincing herself that she wasn't simply a coward who couldn't stand up to her family, but hearing it reflected in the words of others is a relief.

And an ache, the more Brickston talks. His own family life seems rich with complications, a filial piety which he can't get away from. A contrast to her own ache. She liked her life before Alexapro invaded the Avenue. Quite frankly, she would have been happy to stay there.

But then, she likes this version of herself too. This version learned things that her younger self would have scoffed at. Corrected misconceptions she'd been brought up to believe. It's hard to say whether one version of herself would have been better than the other.

Never mind that, though. She looks vaguely affronted at being told she'd laugh at that anecdote. )

Whyever would I do that! That's quite dangerous! ( But swatting his thigh is just fine? O ok. )

[historicallyloaded]

[ Swatting at his thigh is enough of a tease to get him to laugh lightly and continue anyway. It's embarrassing but all this seems to be working and further it's... sort of nice to open up like this and just talk. Just talk with someone like her who gets it. ]

Well I was looking at a painting and she didn't quite approve of. So she locked me in the cellar for a bit. [ A bit being literally two days but that's just her being protective...! Totally normal mother things normal mothers do! ]

Eventually picked the lock and made my daring escape up the stairs and but was blockaded by my butler on one end of the hallway and guards on the other. There was— [ He furrows his brows and licks his lips, stifling back another bitter laugh as he recalls the moment to moment vividly. This was... so ridiculous and sort of awful actually. Testament to his reckless nature. ]

A um, a window. Right there in the middle of the hallway. Beautiful glass, but quite breakable with enough force. If I made it out that window, if I successfully defied her she would have disowned me in that moment. [ In retrospect, the thought terrifies him. What would he have done? Where would he have gone? He'd have no money. No. Money. No resources. No amenities. Nothing. A stain on his family name. ]

I tried anyway. I don't know why I thought it would work.

She caught me in her arms before I could. Blink of an eye. Too fast for me.

I didn't struggle. [ He smiles, bittersweet. It was for the best. ] It was a silly idea.

[decori]

( Thea, by nature, is not a person predisposed to anger. It's an ugly emotion, distracting and easily taken advantage of. Something she learned to channel into action from a young age.

But Brickston's story makes her angry. It flares, uselessly, in her stomach. She can do nothing about his home life, nothing but listen to what he has to say and hold his hand while he speaks. Life on the Avenue wasn't what anyone would call easy, even before the cult, but her mistakes were never repaid with imprisonment. )

Oh, darling. ( She leans in, lips brushing a soft kiss to his temple, gentle and affectionate. He really is a darling. Too kind to have been treated such a way. ) You tried because you knew you deserved more.

( Much like she ran because she knew she couldn't win. )

[historicallyloaded]

[ His chest shudders with a different kind of ache at her soft touch. The Ferrymen consoled him after that incident. He tried vehemently to insist it was normal. Not a big deal... but he was so appreciative of their support. They said similar things. That he did not deserve that. If he didn't want to completely listen some part of that truth wouldn't hurt the way it did.

Away from them he feels small and alone for a moment and Thea fills that gap. He stays canted forward in her embrace, forehead to her shoulder, hands tightly wrapped in hers. His eye feels wet and he tries to blink it away before he can look so indignant in front of her. Time gets lost to him but he manages to find his own composure. Realizing he was able to breathe so much easier now certainly helped. ]

I've done an awful lot of talking Miss Thea. [ He rasps quietly through a small smile. He lifts his head and smiles, bittersweet. ] Thank you for listening.

[ Then, a more considerate smile. ] Are you feeling any better? Is it working?

[ It goes unspoken but the way he looks at her expectantly, silently offering his ears if she wanted to leave any more secrets with him. ]