jikan_rpg | May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Noctis' reaction isn't so surprising to him anymore. He's had enough time to remember that yes, this wasn't his planet. Not everyone was going to be familiar with concepts from his world... On the other hand, he also wasn't quite aware of how familiar some things were between their worlds otherwise. In the meantime, Cloud acts rather nonchalant about the fact he just restored the health of himself and his new sparring partner. The relief that soothes his aches and cuts also seems to do a good job in quelling that nagging voice that told him he needed to seek dominance over others. His fighting edge has waned for now...and luckily, Cloud's feeling a little more like himself again.

Hell of a fight, either way. ]

Yup. [ ... Okay he'll give him more details then that. Popping the sphere off the slot in his bangle, he holds the gently swirling orb of green magic out for the Prince to take. ] It's called Materia.

S'also how I gave you a shock earlier.

[ Noctis looks down at the Materia in Cloud's hand, hesitating a moment before taking it. It's unlike anything he's ever seen before, absolutely fascinating to him. It's beautiful, too. It sure would be nice for others to be able to use magic like this in Lucis, though he could see where something like this could be dangerous were it to fall into the wrong hands.

He hands the Materia back to Cloud. ]

Yeah, I'm familiar with the shock you gave me... I can do it, too. I just don't have the need for Materia.

[ His ability to use elemancy and magic is not something he's ever shown off before, not something that he even makes known to those outside of his inner circle of friends and those who are familiar with the line of Lucian Kings. Using magic and harnessing the power of the Crystal wears on him, though, so it's not something he does often, choosing to infuse weapons and canisters with elemental magic.

He holds out his hand and blue sparkles appear, summoning a small magic flask. He holds it out for Cloud to take. ]

I was able to extract elemental energy from deposits around Eos, using the power available to the Lucian royalty. [ He pauses, laughing a bit because it sounds ridiculous. ] I can make energy drinks into potions, too.

Lookit you go.

[ Cloud's not all that concerned. If anything, he thinks it's better that his raw set of skills be honed finer. But strategically? It just makes sense to load out with the correct Materia to prepare yourself for varying situations. Consider him impressed when the King summons the little flask, getting a good look at it as he rolls it in his gloved grip.

Noctis may find it ridiculous when said outloud, but to Cloud? ]

Cool. [ A beat. ] Guess there's more in common across worlds than I thought.

Makes me wonder what else our worlds have in common.

[ Magic seems to be one of the things they share between their worlds, with both men able to cast similar spells and use items to achieve the same end result. While magic is only available to the Lucian Kings, it seems readily available to anybody who is willing and able to learn in Cloud's world.

He thinks about the chocobos. The big yellow birds are another thing that his world has in common with other residents of Nippon. Prompto said he'd spoken with several people who knew what the chocobos were, had even ridden them before, which is wild to Noctis. Chocobo racing is the Lucian national sport, so the prospect of racing his chocobo in Nippon was exciting to say the least.

And then Noctis thinks back to his fight with Sephiroth. ]

Your speed while we sparred... [ He pauses, hesitating slightly ] I fought with somebody several weeks ago who moved with the same speed and accuracy as you. At the time, I'd never seen anything like it. Even I'm not capable of that in battle... and he eventually overwhelmed me until I summoned one of the Six.

[ He offers the little flask back to Noctis before crossing his arms in thought, mulling over the possibilities. It's true that the two shared similar abilities, albeit deviating in big ways elsewise. Yet when he was frozen over by the Prince, he wonders if they classified it all the same way. Blizzard. Blizzara. Blizzaga...? Ayaka certainly didn't label her ice powers by those names, her techniques steeped with the element of 'Cryo'.

As for the chocobos? It was only a matter of time before the Ex-SOLDIER would connect the dots. He still didn't know Prompto lived here, too! The guy from the network that he somehow made the birds dance.

"Your speed while we sparred..." ]

?

[ Cloud listens, intently, only for his gaze to lose some of that former softness as his brow furrows some. He mentions the "Six", and puts a pin on that in his brain so come back to it. Even if he's dreading the answer... ]

Silver hair? Carries a big sword?

Yeah, that's the one.

[ Noctis knew the minute he saw Sephiroth move that he was way out of his league, but he's stubborn and a little impulsive, so he wasn't going to back down from a challenge. He hadn't shown up that night intending to fight Sephiroth - the man offered a demonstration of his abilities as a SOLDIER - but things changed as soon as Noctis was faced with saving himself or killing an Ayakashi. "Why not fight me yourself?" Sephiroth asked... And Noctis, well, he did exactly what Gladio and Ignis would have taken measures to prevent. ]

I've seen a lot in my own world, but his abilities were far beyond anything I'm capable of. I've trained my entire life, I have the power of Lucian kings flowing through me... But I got my ass handed to me.

[ He knows his own story isn't finished since he's yet to fully harness the power of the crystal. And that's the only thing that could give him the edge against anyone, he thinks, something he's never been able to do in his lifetime due to his childhood injury. The only thing that saved his ass against Sephiroth was Ramuh, and he wouldn't have summoned the god had he not been fearing for his life.

Noctis pauses, turning his attention back to Cloud. ]

You know him, don't you?

[ Everything that Noctis describes further, only serves to make the pit of his stomach grow heavier. On the surface, he remains cool and focused, but there's a certain twinge to his brows as they twitch, a fleeting sense of vulnerability. Uncertainty as he mulls over what that man had said to him upon arriving here. That he was his own person. That he wasn't the same one that Cloud had come to know. And he was just supposed to accept that? ]

I do. [ Perhaps it's best that he try and temper his words. Steel his thoughts so that he didn't divulge too much right now. But most importantly... Cloud's putting his trust in Aerith when he holds back on his words. He'll tell him the truth. ...in halves. ]

He was a comrade in arms, when we were in SOLDIER. [ He nods, as if to affirm that what he said was indeed correct. ] Sephiroth's strength is unreal. Not even the stories about him do him justice. Even then, in person...

[ Well. Noctis got a taste. ]

I don't think I was really prepared for what I saw in person.

[ He thinks back to the first thing Sephiroth did, calling a number of ayakashi only to raze them all in one swift motion, so fast that Noctis saw nothing but their dead bodies on the ground. It was one of the most impressive displays he'd ever seen; things not even himself or the Kingsglaive were capable of. ]

He wanted to see what I was capable of, so I showed him... [ He sighs ] Like a dumbass. I've fought two of the Six, tested by both to earn their favor, but I still wasn't ready for Sephiroth that night.

[ He leaves out the fact that he nearly died fighting the Hydrean. ]

Only had one potion on me, though, so I had to call Prompto to come get me.

You were lucky. [ Cloud huffs as he places his hands on his hips, looking up to the sky as he tries to imagine Noctis' struggle. So even in his time during SOLDIER, the man was keen on testing those who interested him... He said that he was his own person...right?? ] Knowing that— [ —bastard. Ah. Temper yourself, Cloud. Don't give anything away. ] He was probably holding back.

Holding back?

[ That's going to be a small detail he's not going to share with Prompto. He doesn't need to know exactly how close Noctis came to dying that evening, he was already mad enough with his stupidity in going out there with Sephiroth alone.

He doesn't turn his focus away from Cloud, watching him as he looks toward the sky, lost in thought for a moment. ]

What, exactly, are SOLDIERs capable of, then?

...

[ "Ş̸̄Ō̴̜Ľ̴̳D̶̖͝I̸̛̖Ẻ̵͉Ȓ̷̮ ̴̲́ì̷͎s̷͚̾ ̸̹͛l̶̜͝ȋ̵̮k̵̝͗e̸̢͠ ̷̭̎a̵͍͛ ̶̞͝d̵͙͋ȅ̵͓n̵̺̕ ̴̛̦o̴̦͂f̶̡͝ ̷̗͝m̸̜̄o̷͍͝ñ̶̝s̷̯͆t̷̘̑ė̸̗r̴͈͘ṡ̵̺.̴̮̈ ̷̧̇D̸̞̓õ̴̰n̴̟͘'̵̙͌t̴͍͊ ̴̡̇g̵̗͝o̶͖͛ ̷͉̏i̸̱̓ñ̶͈ṡ̸̭i̶̘̇d̶̖̈́ė̸͔.̵̬͑"> ]

I don't know... Even I'm still figuring that out.

[ New depths of power. New abilities that were otherwise lost to him after he even made First Class. Even being able to keep up with Sephiroth for a few crucial moments was something he never would have thought possible before. ]

One First Class SOLDIER is an army on their own.

[ Second and Third Class were also imposing within their own right. ]

Yeah, believe me, I noticed.

[ He leaves it at that, deciding that if Cloud has any more questions about his fight with Sephiroth, he could ask them if he so chooses. Noctis isn’t pleased that he ended up being saved by one of the Six, as they usually only lend their aid when things are going south rather quickly. But he knows had he not taken Ramuh up on his offer, things could have ended much worse than they did.

His focus doesn’t shift from Cloud, though, still very interested in this whole SOLDIER thing as Sephiroth’s demonstration did little to answer Noctis’s questions about the elite group. He wonders if they’re similar to the Kingsglaive, if they get their abilities from somebody or like the Glaive do or if they are born with it or… something else. ]

So, what does that make you, then?

[ Cloud turns to Noctis then, with the same softer glow in his eyes that the young prince had stared down in the monster of a swordsman. That was a good question...ever since he came here, he'd been questioning it deep down. But at the same time, his mind would continue to shuffle the answers around to fit the narrative. A narrative that kept him on his feet, moving forward, and no longer beaten down and broken. But he doesn't know that. Not yet. For all that the acerbic swordsman was aware? ]

SOLDIER. First Class. [ ... though after saying such a simple, albeit perhaps unsatisfying answer, his expression finally looses into something softer as he sighs through his nose. ] 'Cept you faired a lot better against me apparently.

[ His subtle way of saying that, if this were a serious fight? He would always bet on himself, but...he also knew when the odds were stacked against him. ]

You're something else, Noctis.

[ Most of the time, his friends keep his ego in check, but they’re known to praise him on and off the battlefield from time to time, when he’s done something that’s particularly cool or maybe actually acted the part of King of Lucis. Noctis isn’t used to that from other people, though, from people who haven’t known him his entire life and seen the struggles he’s gone through to get to where he’s at.

And he’s not sure how to respond.

He looks away from Cloud, slight frown on his face. As far as Noctis sees it, he was one Astral short of getting his ass handed to him by another SOLDIER. He hardly considers that “something else.” ]

What makes you say that?

[ Cloud at this time of encountering Noctis may not fully understand the past yet, but it'd only taken him a week of meeting everyone in Midgar for flecks of the true Cloud to start appearing. With a little bit more of an open mind, he wasn't about to talk himself down about how their fight ended, but he should at least let the other man know. The answer is a foregone conclusion to him. ]

For keeping up with Sephiroth in the first place.

[ He doesn't move to set a hand on the Prince's shoulder, but his deeper blue eyes study his face, realizing he's got a frown on his face. And he thought he put a high bar on himself...after nearly getting his ass beat for seeking out spars in the first place. All the same, ]

Anyway, thanks for taking me up on my callout.

[ For the time being, the heat that sweltered deep inside him had waned thanks to this workout. ]

Yeah, any time.

[ Noctis enjoyed himself, if he's being honest. Without Gladio, there aren't many options of people who will challenge him and not go easy on him. Most people don't want do this sort of thing in the first place, but Noctis is used to it. Training like this always been part of his life, with the exception being the years he spent recovering from his injury.

And Cloud? Much more enjoyable than Sephiroth. ]

If you ever want to do it again, give me a call. Or, if you want to do something else, I'm up for that too. [ He flicks his wrist and his fishing rod materializes in his hand ] I've got a few other tricks up my sleeve.

[ Cloud takes a step back out of reflex when Noctis flicks his wrist to summon a...fishing rod? If he was aiming for surprising his new friend, than consider it a success. A Prince. A warrior. And... ]

Well I'll be damned.

[ He smirks. ]

Never been fishing before. [ But he takes it this is one of Noct's past times. ]

It's fun, relaxing. The guys back home didn't think so, they'd stand behind me and play King's Knight while I was fishing... but I like it.

[ They were always right behind him when he was fishing, supporting him and even jumping into the water to haul in a huge catch if needed. None of them really enjoyed it, though, but they were good sports regardless.

He flicks his wrist and the fishing rod disappears in a flurry of blue sparkles. ]

I'd be happy to lend you one of my fishing rods if you want to try it out one day.

[ There's a thoughtful hum as he considers it for a couple seconds. Was it something he could see himself doing? Not originally... Would he get hooked? ~~Heh.~~ Also not likely. But a lot of those self-imposed questions come from a place and time wherein Cloud Strife the Ex-SOLDIER wasn't about to fit that in his schedule when chasing his nemesis across the Planet. What about Cloud Strife the wayward swordsman in Nippon? ]

Fine. Why not. [ A beat. ] Thanks.

[ In due time, that excitement within him would grow. When the moment came for the boy from a small little mountain town to come around. When he got a chance to ask himself what that Cloud wanted to do. More pressing in the present, however... ]

What's King's Knight?

[ As soon as Cloud asks Noctis what King's Knight is, the Lucian King's face lights up. This is the moment he's been waiting for, his whole video-game playing life has lead to this moment: he gets to introduce somebody to one of his favorite games... And hopefully make it sound as fun as it is, despite it being a game on his phone. ]

Dude, King's Knight is only the best mobile game I've ever played.

[ He pauses, patting down his pockets but his phone isn't in them. It's fine, he can tell Cloud all about it without showing him. ]

So, the Dark Dragon Tolfidan shows up and conquers the kingdom of Izander. And because he's not satisfied with just that, Tolfidan abducts Princess Claire of Olthea which starts a war with the neighboring kingdom. [ A breath ] You can play as one of the four Chosen Heroes and you have to storm the castle and rescue Princess Claire. There's even multiplayer mode, which is what Prompto and I would play with our other two friends.

[ This boy may be King of Lucis and incredibly talented in combat, but he's also a giant nerd. ]

[ A...mobile game? Like a video game on a cell phone? It's a side of the King that, whilst he literally only just got to know him? Wasn't something he was expecting. But as he crosses his arms and listens, he cants his head as he doesn't break his gaze. Some of the names fly over his head, admittedly. And his kneejerk reaction is to think that, while he asked? It was something he wouldn't have time for back home.

...yet there he was, slapping on a VR headset and tussling with fabled Summons to give some young Shinra intern combat data.

His arms unfold, a hand moving to his hip as he gives a little nod along at the multiplayer mode aspect. ]

Cool.

[ No, actually? If this guy who can go toe to toe with a member of SOLDIER wants to play a video game? ...yeah, you do that, Noct. ]

Can't say I've ever seen games on a phone like that.

Edited (okay for real ilu adkjfshl) 2022-07-27 09:18 (UTC)

You're missing out.

[ His smile fades a bit once reality hits him again. It's been... a while since he's been able to play King's Knight with his friends, since they've been able to focus on anything other than staying alive and getting to the Crystal. But now isn't the time to think about all of that, bring his mood down and risk Cloud seeing the irreparable damage behind the strong front he puts on. Nobody needs to see how weak the King of Lucis actually is, how the cracks simmer just below the surface, ready to break open at any moment due to the weight of the world on his shoulders.

That's not something he needs to worry about in Nippon. There's nothing he can do about the state of Eos from his new home in Tokyo. ]

But I'll stop bothering you about video games. [ They're not everybody's thing, and he gets it. ] Not like we can actually play them here, anyway.

You weren't bothering me about 'em. [ Cloud says it matter-of-factly, without giving the weary King much of a chance to let his own words sink in. The former SOLDIER almost responds too quick to that, as if he was objecting to the idea that he didn't like them. Then again...his cooler-surfaced demeanor didn't really help his case in sounding all that enthused. With a shrug, he admits: ] I just...never really had the time for that stuff. Even before I made SOLDIER.

[ Noctis shouldn't have had time to do that sort of thing, but his father let him have the most normal experience throughout his teen years as he possibly could. So, thankfully, he got to enjoy video games and movies and hanging out with his friends (Prompto). He got to be a kid instead of taking on the weight of the world that was waiting for him... And then everything changed overnight. ]

Guess you've got the time for it now. Maybe you can come fishing with me one day since we can't really play video games here.

[ He pauses, thinking for a second about the situation they've found themselves in, about this new world and lifestyle that's so different from what he left behind. ]

I'm not sure Nippon has use for your skills as a SOLDIER.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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