October | Event: A Night of Moonless Splendor

[jikan_mod]

A Night of Moonless Splendor↲ OOC Plotting

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On the morning of the 14th, as citizens throughout Nippon prepare for final day of the Tsukimi festival, the refugees will receive a message on their magi-comm from MRU in Kyoto.

"To all refugees who will be staying in the Western Kingdom for the annual Sakumi Festival, please be aware that there is a curfew for all Humans and Hanyo before sundown. It is for your own safety that you heed this curfew, and remain indoors until sunrise.

The Festival will continue until the night of the 31st. It is recommended that refugees do not look at the night sky for the duration of the festival. If you must go out, make sure to hide your face behind a mask.

Should you or anyone else you know experience strange symptoms after dark, such as erratic behavior or transformations unrelated to the side effects of Kizuna bonds, please contact the MRU right away. Affected individuals are encouraged to remain indoors and in brightly lit rooms, away from any open windows.

Additionally, we have a prepared a special area of refuge for those who have not been able to secure safe transit to the Eastern Kingdom, located in Tengoku's Skytower. More information will be available in the coming days.

Please enjoy the festival, and may the gods bless you all."

Understandably, this message is not met well.

Upon hearing of curfews and strange happenings, many refugees choose to flee, flooding the last train to Tokyo and contacting the NRL to secure accommodations in Nihonbashi on short notice. But they aren't the only ones, as most of the seats have been reserved by native Hanyo and Humans, as those who can afford it are also choosing to leave until the end of the month.

But what's the big deal? Weren't people excited for this festival? Well, as it turns out: it's only "celebrated" by Yokai. For everyone else, the Sakumi Festival is the worst time of year to be in the Western Kingdom.

A Festival of Darkness

According to legend, the moon was a gift from the gods. Once a beautiful string of pearls, now only one remains, the others shattered by greed and war, their remains gathered together to form Gaia's ring. This is the story of the Tsukimi Festival, celebrated throughout Nippon.

But there's a continuation to this story, told only in the Western Kingdom. Because this gift was no ordinary gift. It's said that the light of the moon is what allowed the Yokai to evolve from mere Ayakashi into enlightened and intelligent beings. However, that same intelligence is what would prove to be their downfall, as various clans rose in power and sought the magical radiance of the pearls for personal gain. As more and more pearls were destroyed, fewer and fewer ayakashi were able to benefit from their light, with the last remaining pearl not strong enough to offer even the slightest of blessing.

As punishment for their greed, the gods took back the final pearl, with no intent of returning it. Without its light, the Yokai became twisted, devolving back into their basal instincts, and feasting upon one another with reckless abandon. Saddened by their plight, the gods quickly reversed this decision, and the final pearl returned to the sky after 15 nights of darkness.

This is the Sakumi Festival, held in honor of those fifteen days their ancestors spent in perpetual darkness. As the festival begins, on the evening of the 15th, the full moon will begin to fade away, like a lightbulb that's gradually losing power. Within an hour after sunset, it will have disappeared entirely, causing the rings around the planet to dim in turn.

All through the Western Kingdom, Yokai will be celebrating late into the night, and most of them will be wearing strange masks that are designed to reflect their inner-self. Perhaps the Refugees should follow suit?

Monster Mash Western Kingdom, Nippon
Those who stay indoors between sunset and sunrise, or who simply avoid the Western Kingdom all together, won't notice anything special about this festival. But for those who venture out into the darkness of the moonless sky, they'll find themselves transforming and turning into monsters.

The exact form of these monsters varies widely. Some simply become more monstrous forms of themselves. Others may not transform at all, instead gaining supernatural abilities or minor cosmetic changes. And even others may become entirely unrecognizable. These transformations will last until sunrise, and will return every day they go outside or look up at the night sky. And as refugees from different worlds, the monstrous forms they're capable of taking seem nigh endless.

But what now? Well, that depends.

For some, they remain completely lucid throughout the transformation, merely transformed in body but not at all in mind. This is most common for those who choose to head indoors upon transforming, away from the transformative effects of the darkened night sky. For these refugees, the transformations are just a fun quirk of the holiday or an inconvenience. Thankfully, this is generally pretty easy to avoid happening more than once, as they won't feel compelled to transform again.

For those who were unfortunate enough to stare at the sky for any extended period of time, their transformation may be more extreme, as their personality becomes corrupted. Certain aspects of their personality may completely overtake everything else, while others may act entirely out of character. But perhaps the worst part is that those who experience this corruption will feel a strong desire to trigger it again, despite the lack of a guarantee that it won't be any worse the next time.

And for the truly unlucky, they may find themselves in a state the Yokai refer to as a lunar curse. Those who are under the effects of a lunar curse will be overwhelmed with an insatiable appetite, hungering for any number of things, be it a specific type of food, a heightened sexual appetite, or even a desire to feed on the flesh and blood of others. As it turns out, this is the most common side effect, and is the true reason for the curfew: as Humans and Hanyo caught outside by a Yokai afflicted by a lunar curse may find themselves attacked or even devoured. Once someone has been afflicted by a lunar curse, they'll do whatever they can to continue the cycle the following evening, growing irrational and violent near sunset, even while wearing a mask.

You've Got Mail Everywhere, Nippon
But even those hoping to avoid the Sakumi Festival by fleeing to the East will find that the holiday spirit has followed them. With the advent of technology, mischievous Yokai have found ways to send curses via text message, which just so happens to overlap with the festival. Upon opening a message that will appear to be from someone on their friend list, they'll be directed a website that automatically activates the spell.

The exact spell seems to vary depending on which variety of curse they happen to receive. Some of these are quite ordinary, and will simply send salacious or otherwise overtly sexual messages to their friends or even complete strangers, with some capable of combing through their magi-comm for compromising photos to share. Of course, the latter feature is quite buggy, so the photos sent alongside such messages may in fact just be random.

But others may find themselves opening something more dangerous. Among these, one such curse will trap whoever opens it in an enclosed space alongside whoever happens to be nearby, forcing them to perform specific actions to escape. While some are relatively harmless, such as a dance more or shouting something humiliating, others will demand the pair perform particular sex acts in order to escape.

These closed spaces can occur anywhere, but to an outsider, they won't look like anything. Those trapped will look as though they've disappeared until the curse is lifted, but they'll still be able to see the world around them through the magical walls. So those who choose to browse their magi-comms on their morning commute best be careful not to open any suspicious links, lest they be forced to fuck on a crowded train.

Fly Me to the Moon

After a few days, all Refugees will receive notice that an area of refuge has been created for any Refugees who weren't able to leave the Western Kingdom prior to the festival starting. Provided by the Tengu of Tengoku, those looking to flee the chaos will be asked to meet on MRU campus on the morning of the 20th to be teleported to Skytower.

Unknown to many Refugees, Skytower is the only city of Tengoku that floats in the sky high above the Eastern Kingdom. Built long ago during a period of war between Humans and Yokai, it now serves as a watchtower to report on any danger approaching either kingdom, due to its strategic location above the Chubu region.

As the effects of the moonless sky do not exist in the Eastern Kingdom, it is believed that this location will prevent the Refugees from experiencing the transformative aspects of the Sakumi festival.

Or at least, that was certainly the intent.

Castle in the Shadows Skytower, Chubu
Perhaps due to their unusually high magical resistance, Tengu are rarely affected by the Sakumi Festival, and can often be found stationed as guards throughout more populous cities. This remains true at Skytower, where the Tengu monks who lives there assure their guests that they will not be harmed by anyone who calls Skytower home.

"For generations, we Tengu have watched over the lands of Yokai and the lands of Humans. We show no loyalty to anyone except the peace we have worked to maintain all these years.

"Rest assured, although you may be closer to the moonless sky on this sacred tower, you are not in any danger. May Tsukuyomi, goddess of the moon, grant you her protection during this time."

Refugees will be housed together in random room assignments, and although the rooms are small, every amenity they could ask for is provided free of charge. In addition to gourmet meals and access to an exclusive library that few humans have ever set foot in, extravagant outdoor hot springs that seemingly floating atop the clouds are available for the Refugees to relax in at any time of day.

Still, there are some spooky happenings at Skytower. As an ancient tower built many generations ago, many of the passageways throughout the tower are quite narrow and dimly lit. Refugees roaming the halls at night may find their shadows behaving strangely, moving on their own and even creating the sensation of being touched when one shadow reaches out to caress another. These effects are only mildly stimulating, and may even be mistaken for some kind of prank. Only those who dare bathe in the hot springs at night will encounter something more, their shadows engaging in blatant sexual acts under the water, leaving the shadow's owner to writhe as they experience every little sensation.

Curiously, this never seems to occur when the Tengu are around, and those affected may leave such encounters believing they hallucinated it.

Still, true to their word, for the first few days, Refugees at Skytower will be otherwise completely unaffected by the Sakumi Festival, regardless of whether they wear a mask or stare up at the eerily dark night sky.


Please note: Players have the option of having their characters leave for the Eastern Kingdom by airship on the 24th if they do not wish to engage with the second prompt.

Generic Horror Movie Title Skytower, Chubu
But on the 25th, as the Sakumi Festival enters its final week, those bold enough to look up at night sky will notice that the stars are disappearing. The sky will appear to grow blacker and blacker, absorbing any nearby light and appearing more like a dark void overhead than a night sky. Even with the lights on, Skytower will be notably dimmer, making it difficult to navigate the corridors of the tower at night.

Ordinarily, this would simply be yet another aspect of the Sakumi Festival, and one that should be avoidable due to their location on Skytower. But as paranoia among the Refugees grows, Kizuna powered by their fear manifests by causing the area of effect of the Sakumi festival to grow, reaching beyond the borders of the Western Kingdom, until Skytower is enveloped by it.

As the sun sets, an otherwise peaceful night will turn to chaos, as every Refugee on Skytower begins to change due to the power of the moonless sky. A number of Lunar Cursed Refugees begin prowling the tower, driven mad both by fear and by the effects of their own monstrous transformations, attacking everyone and anyone they come across.

And for certain refugees, the gradual loss of the stars and the moon will have more devastating effects. Those with an affinity for stars, space, the moon, or who have begin learning Sora magic will begin experiencing bouts of sudden weakness, causing them to collapse or lose consciousness. This effect escalates as the night goes on, as those afflicted will begin to fade away, their bodies growing translucent the weaker they become. Only prolonged contact with someone they've bonded with seems to have a positive effect, slowing or even reversing the symptoms. But others may disappear entirely until the festival ends, only capable of reaching out to loved ones through their dreams.

Refugees with mild symptoms will be tasked with assisting the Tengu in securing the Lunar Cursed refugees, as well as reaching the control center at the top of the tower to put out a distress signal. By the end of the night, all Refugees will be evacuated by airship to Kyoto.

Paper Faces on Parade

All of this culminates on the final day of the festival on the 31st, during which the sun never rises. A perpetual night blankets the nation, as the final celebrations of the Sakumi Festival take place.

Following news of the disaster at Skytower, Emperor Katsuragi decides to take matters into his own hands. Utilizing his own immense magical power, he cloaks his palace in a protective shield that will limit the transformations produced by the Sakumi Festival. Although negating the effects of the moonless sky using magic is borderline sacrilegious for a devout Yokai, after everything the Refugees did for the people of Shikoku last month, the least he can do is try and support them during this difficult holiday season.

And so, on that morning, all Refugees, no matter where in Nippon they may be, will receive an invitation to a Masquerade Ball to be held in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Those who want to attend need only wish it, and the invitation will automatically bring them to the castle grounds.

Additionally, all Refugees who disappeared as a result of the moonless sky will reappear thanks to the Emperor's power, just in time for the Ball to begin!

Kink Convention Gion, Kyoto
The Imperial Palace is much different from the Emperor's villas: a vast, sprawling mansion that seems to defy the laws of physics, with certain floors and walkways arranged in a way that makes them appear impossible to reach. Thanks to the many enchantments, those who walk the hallways of the palace won't notice if a corner suddenly twists, turns, or even has them walking along the ceiling of another room.

But the palace is far from empty! Exploring the mansion will reveal special rooms tucked away with certain enchantments, with many designed to entertain guests who happen to be staying there. Aside from generic things such as black and white movie theaters, libraries, and spas, some of these rooms seem to be tailored for this specific event.

One room is offering demos and workshops revolving around particular kinks, specifically designed to get the most fun out of whatever transformations they've been dealt by the Sakumi Festival. Refugees will be able to rent out sex toys and devices to use throughout the palace, and will even be offered a map of hidden and secluded spots to play in without getting caught.

In another room, a Yokai-turned-tentacle-monster teaches on the importance of safety during bondage sessions, complete with a live demonstration that will require volunteers. Whether this demonstration is simply about proper binding techniques, or an outright public tentacle-fuck, seems to depend on the enthusiasm of the volunteers.

And in another part of the palace, those who want to indulge in their desires anonymously will find special stalls seemingly designed for completely anonymous play, with variously shaped holes cut into the walls to reach out and touch one another. The way the room is set up, there's no way of knowing who is in each stall, as each one has a separate entrance. There's even a special stall that instead blankets the pair in complete darkness, allowing full-body touches and embraces with relative anonymity.

Just don't wander too far. Those curious enough to venture deep into the palace may instead come across a number of cursed rooms designed to trap intruders. Those captured will remain in these rooms until an attendant happens to find them to let them out. In addition to rooms filled with aphro-laced incense, some contain complex mechanisms designed to fully bind intruders, with some even doubling as fucking machines. Thankfully, there are multiple warning signs posted, so only those feeling especially naughty will end up in these corridors.

Party in a Labyrinth Gion, Kyoto
Those who are familiar with the Emperor's penchant for parties won't be too surprised by the offerings on display tonight. Although officially a Masquerade Ball, in which all guests must wear either a mask or appropriate costume, the actual theme is a bit more raunchy, and all Refugees will be welcome to choose from a selection of outfits that come in varying degrees of sensual and erotic.

Refugees will find no shortage of fun and interesting things to do at the party! A live music performance will play throughout the night, allowing guests to dance their hearts out on the dance floor. Food and drink are plentiful, with all alcoholic and uki-laced goods carefully labeled for the Refugee's convenience. And of course, those who want to indulge in their Sakumi transformations can do so knowing they're at no risk of becoming Lunar Curse and will retain their wits about them until the festival ends.

But as the night grows long, a more traditional event takes place in the palace garden, where the various Yokai attendants and aristocrats present gather around a large bonfire for the Sakumi Festival's end. They dance and sing, and then give prayers to the moon goddess Tsukuyomi, begging forgiveness for whatever sins they committed during the festival.

Refugees who are curious enough to take part in this Sakumi Festival tradition will find themselves compelled to confess their guilt for anything they may have done during the festival as a result of the moonless sky's effects. Whether these confessions are truly anything worth feeling guilty about is up to the individual, of course.

As the clock strikes midnight, all masks are thrown into the fire, and the sky lights up with a brilliant display of stars as the moon takes its rightful place in the sky once more.

But as for Katsuragi? He can be found curled up in a corner, thoroughly exhausted from using so much magic, with his head resting in the lap of a certain individual. Probably best to leave them be.

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

• If you do not wish to participate in this event: characters who are able to flee to the Eastern Kingdom will not experience any of the effects of the moon's disappearance.

• If your character would flee but you want them to participate, it's entirely possible that they may find themselves utterly unable to secure a ticket to leave the Western Kingdom, given there is only one train. Additionally, all teleportation terminals to Tokyo will remain offline until November 1st, and due to the lack of the moon, teleportation magic may be weakened.

• While the sky will continue to look spooky in the East as well, this annual phenomenon is explained as a scientific one. As Gaia's moon and rings are magical in nature, the increase in energy expelled during the Tsukimi festival causes them to release a gas-like by-product that blots out the sky at night for a period of two weeks. This has been proven to be true, but the reason this happens at the same time each year is still unknown.

• You have 100% freedom to pick whatever sort of monster your monsterfucker heart desires, be it from Japanese lore, your character's canon, or another canon all together. Whether transformations are painful or not is up to you, and monsters with supernatural powers or abilities will also be allowed to keep those powers! Go wild!

• As a reminder: there are roughly 10,000 Refugees in Nippon, so if you would like to utilize a random Refugee NPC for monsterfucking purposes, this is of course allowed!

• As stated above, characters who go to Skytower will have the option of leaving for Tokyo before things turn sour. These characters will still be able to attend the Emperor's Ball on the 31st!

• Please be kind to your fellow players and utilize content warnings for any graphic monster-related violence, kinks, etc! If you're not sure if something needs a warning, warn for it anyway!

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Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy VII Remake

[sultanofsquat]

Erratic behavior... Unexpected transformations... A curfew for human and hanyo alike. As the message spreads across the magi-comm network, Cloud can see the streets crowding as families and other native humans and hanyo are beginning to make their way to the train station. Tokyo was about to become much more crowded. If it were just Cloud, with no sentimental attachments to the Western Kingdom, he may have very well taken extra caution and just toughed things out on this side as best as he could. Stay in the light. Avoid the darkness. Close all windows. But he wasn't the only one here. The Travelers, even Tifa had a place here before... Most of his companions from home were on the other side of the railroad. But most pressing and urgent to him? His neighbors down the street. The Kamisatos. What would happen if they stayed here, or left whilst the streets became even more dangerous at night?

He decides to investigate the situation, and see just what kind of odds they had of actually leaving. Cloud could stay with Zack. He has no doubt that Ayato's position in Nippon's government meant that Ayaka would also have a safe place to stay as well if they needed to leave for Tokyo. But as he soon comes to find out...most of the seats are taken. Every train that comes and goes, reserved. There was no scrambling to get on or shoving his way in, least he wanted to draw unnecessary trouble to himself. As the acerbic swordsman watches the last train depart, the sun beginning to set on the first night of the Sakumi Festival, his brow furrows as he takes his leave of the station knowing that for some time, he'll be stuck here now.

Cloud will just have to keep a close eye on fellow refugees and friends that were staying on this side for now, also. So long as he didn't look up at the moonless sky, he can even keep a watchful eye on certain places. Scout them out and make sure no yokai or transformed monsters alike lurk to cause trouble. It's going to be a long and tiring next couple of weeks, but...he thinks he understands the gravitas of the situation now.

What our former SOLDIER didn't understand was that despite his best efforts?

He was about to become part of the problem as night falls...

Event Prompts

[sultanofsquat]

Monster Mash

A. Night One

[ Night befalls the land a little too quickly this time of year. As by the time Cloud's vision blurs and he wanders down a street leading to where he thought was his house (where he winds up? up to you in the air), he soon finds himself clutching at his chest. His heart starts beating erratically, and his breath turning ragged as he leans against the nearest lamppost. As darkness falls, the lamp lights illuminate the streets and the now emptier roads lend themselves to sound carrying much farther than normal. This isn't like anything he's ever felt before. Not even when he was being manipulated by the mysterious call of 'Mother' when infiltrating Shinra HQ. His headaches had been gone for some time now, but now they've returned with a vengeance. ]

H-Haa...ggh...! [ He can feel his body burning from the inside out. His head throbs. Cloud stayed out too long, and being that this was only the first night... While the transformation that was about to take place wasn't going to be grotesque, it's still causing him to fight against the urge to start convulsing regardless. Confused. Lost. He fights against the urges that are trying to grip his mind, ironclad as when your character happens by, whether you approach or not, his voice is now torn between something feral and desperate. Desperate to not hurt whoever's there by what's going on. ]

Stay back!

[ He glares, his eyes flickering to slits as the Jenova cells inside his body fight against the invasion of the curse. Just as quickly as that hint of what's inside of him comes, it leaves, in their place eyes that glow cerulean with flecks of gold, as if the blue was but a false layer masking the true color wishing to emerge underneath. Letting out a long exhale, coupled with a growl, that's when...

...adorably fluffy blonde wolf ears pop up through his spiky hair. A matching bushy wolf tail rides up and out of the back of his pants, immediately uncomfortable thanks to the fact there's...really no tail hole in his trousers to begin with. As Cloud catches his breath and his heartrate returns to normal, his nails feel incredibly tight beneath his gloves, not having realized the transformations to his body yet.

Luckily, so far as he'd come to know, these were the only changes made to his body as he tugs off his gloves to reveal his nails have sharpened to more claw-like points. ]

The hell...

[ He's lucky these were the only changes he's gone through. So he should still be approachable now, having realized he caused quite a scare with how distressed he seemed. Loosing a sigh, his lupine ears seem to drop with his mood as he watches you apologetically. ]

Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you.

☽ ☽ ☽

[ The start of his first night out during the Sakumi Festival could have been worse. Far worse. But no matter how his first night ends, and even when he acquires a mask in a bid to help ward the curse that's already befallen him... The first night he falls asleep, unbeknownst to him as he finds himself restless, tossing, turning, accidentally leaving his bedroom window open throughout the night...

An uncharacteristically wicked smile, fangs and all, crosses his features before slumber finally claims him. Day to day routines really won't be seeing any changes for him... But it's the subsequent nights... ]

B. On the Hunt (Fight)

[ He's cut the fingers off his gloves, still preferring the feel of them when gripping the heavy weaponry he carries with him, but also to let his new claws breath. The mask does nothing now, not even when he steps indoors. Embracing the bestial traits that have taken root, wolf ears, tail and all, Cloud can be seen prowling around various locales around Kyoto. Up and down the street between his home and just outside the Kamisato Estate, as if he were patrolling with cold, violent intent. It seems that despite his ramped urge for battle and bloodlust, the real Cloud Strife was still in there, opting to make use of his new "gifts" to guard places he wishes to keep safe and out of the reach of would-be invasive Yokai.

But whether it's patrolling familiar streets...or letting his nose guide him further and further away from the proverbial beaten path, he takes his Buster Sword with him, a comforting weight on his back. In his mind, he's not doing anything wrong... Right now, something about this just feels right. Like he wants to find the next person he sees with a weapon and assert his dominance. In truth, the night has claimed him, the blond swordsman leaning heavily into his violent impulses and a SOLDIER's penchant for fighting. And right now?

Cloud is in the mood to crush someone, and expand his territory. Yokai, Hanyo, Human...none better get in his way. Because as he catches onto somebody's scent and begins to stalk who he deems a 'threat', he is not in the mood to be gentle.

C. Prey • Lunar Curse (NSFW)

[ Despite being a "lone" wolf, Cloud finds himself thriving these subsequent nights. Yokai are drawn to him like a moth to a flame, and his drive for combat has shot through the roof in the process. Healing Materia remedies the wounds he endures as various spirits of the night attempt to maim or even devour him. But the desecration the one-man army leaves in his wake becomes increasingly staggering. For the most part, Cloud's hunger for blood has been sated by fighting either fellow transformed refugees, or even when flecks of his true self persist through the curse, rescuing those in need. Or were you just lucky that Cloud was there at the right place at the right time?

Regardless, whether you've been "saved" by the lupine swordsman, being stalked like his prey, or perhaps even luring the wolf in with matching intent, Cloud's mismatched gaze of blue and gold is that of an equally insatiable urge. He has your scent... And it's sparking the fire deep within his stomach as his body flushes with waves of intensifying heat.

(Not again...) his shred of sanity laments in the back of his mind, finding the raw sexual desire welling up inside him reminiscent to the way Daikoh and Daishoku Yokai would put him in heat. ]

You know being out this late's a bad idea. [ Unless they wanted to be out. ] Right?

( OOC; I'm also more than happy to play both the buildup, FTB, starting with midfuck and jumping to midfuck! Risky places and/or indoors applicable. I'm flexible. )

You've Got Mail

A. Sextual Misfires (NSFW)

[ A reprieve from the "thrills" of the night, at least the magi-comms haven't given up on him. It's been an effective way of keeping tabs on friends and loved ones alike. Except for the last time he opened a notification from what was supposed to be a contact on his device. Because the second that he does...

Somebody, friend or stranger alike, was going to receive a variation on a few texts buzzing their magi-comms. From 'User: ExSOLDIERboy'. ]

1. [ Sans straps, it's a picture of Cloud's upper body, flexed, lean muscle and all. ]

Told you I was feeling hot.

2. Still remember your taste in my mouth. Wouldn't have minded staying down there a little longer.

3. [ Send. This is indeed a genuine shot of Cloud, so teasingly close along with the message, ]

Lower?

4. [ Misfire right back at him!! ]

B. Build-Your-Own Escape Room (Optional NSFW)

Gotta be shitting me...

[ As if this festival couldn't have gotten any more stressful. Whether he's still in Kyoto, having finally hitched a ride on the train to Tokyo or back to Kyoto because R E A S O N S, in a park or leaning against a wall down an unsuspecting street...

You're both stuck together now. Not even tapping his hand on the invisible wall that makes him look like he's doing a terrible mime impression was going to get them out. But more curiously...it's as if nobody can see them? Or at least, they're being entirely ignored. Of course, brows furrowed, Cloud just knows that there's a catch behind all this. So regardless of where you two are now, ]

Feels like the Trials all over again.

[ And for those who didn't venture off to Kyushu this past June, there may be some explaining to do. But to Cloud, it's deja vu all over again. Only...they're probably not in private. OOPS? ]

Fly Me to the Moon

A. Reading Week

[ Unless roomed with somebody that he knew and trusted, especially after his behavior earlier in the festival... Cloud wasn't going to stay in his room for very long. If anything, the sky tower, breathtaking as the view was of the world above the Kingdoms and beyond, and as nice as it was to no longer have to contend with his thirsting bestial side, he's opted for spending most of his time in the library.

Ironic, that only now that he can sleep soundly at night he chooses to stay almost exclusively indoors.

Yokai Lore. Myths and Fables. Art of the Ōdachi: Vol II ...

Come study and vibe with him? Or if you're already settled cozily, he might come around and steal a peek at what you're reading, mayhaps unintentionally realizing he's snooping. After what this month has done to him...he could use a distraction or three. ]

B. Shadow Springs (NSFW)

[ Soft... Soft and drawn out is how he exhales upon sinking into the springs that seemingly float upon clouds. Healing Materia may do well in nursing and magically sealing wounds away, but the wear and tear on his body deep down is still present. Which is why the instant he sets foot into the soothing hot waters, the bliss on the blond's face is palpable. Especially when he thinks that he's alone by himself...none the wiser at first to just what his shadow was doing beneath the surface.

At first he thought something seemed odd upon passing by certain people in the hallway leading out to the Tengu-blessed springs. A hand on the back of his neck, his precognitive senses not telling if the person passing him did anything. A slender hand tugging his hand or trying to lace fingers with his. Cloud really couldn't make heads or tails of it, which is why he seemed so eager to hurry to the springs so he can be alone. Or if anyone was even around, at least having enough space to collect his thoughts. Let himself stare up at the starless sky without feeling that throb of hunger and desire.

Instead... ]

Haa— What...?

[ Hands...soft curves...lips... Sensations that set his body off like sparks as he feels his hands gripping the edges of the spring where he's currently leaning against. Biting his bottom lip, he glances down to himself in the water, already beginning to show signs of arousal. Yet there's no fantasies strewn about in his head...none that were there before this happened, anyway. Instead, he remains unaware of what his shadow is having done to him. ...or rather, what his shadow may be doing to yours.

The owner of said shadow was having one helluva hard time keeping a straight face, face flush and breathing becoming something more ragged. What the hell was happening to him? And why...did he not feel like doing something about it like leave? As if he were losing himself in a dream?

So go ahead...as a reprieve from the terrors of the night. Dream with him. ]

Paper Faces on Parade

Party in a Labyrinth

[ The last time he was here at the palace, he'd originally meant to seek an audience with the Emperor. Back when he still held a great amount of distrust for the world he'd been so suddenly whisked off to. Even still, this wasn't typically Cloud's MO; the only reason he showed up was that he just imagined what it looked like this time of year, only to suddenly find himself in the grand hall alongside many other would-be partygoers.

It's a masquerade! The first one he's ever attended, even if impromptu... Once presented with his new mask as his other lupine features, ears, tail and all have returned, Cloud clicks his tongue. He's tired. But if this was how the festival was going to end, having reached the finish line alongside everyone else, ]

Hell with it.

[ Cloud likely won't be approaching anyone he knows to go dancing with him, save for a very select couple of people. And even so, he's not about to be smooth or gung ho about it. You may find him wallflowering whilst observing the others partaking in the festivities, his wolf tail rhythmically swaying to the music on occasion without his knowing it. He has a drink in hand, blood red in color... It reminded him of the Cosmo Canyon drink Tifa prepared for him one time. Otherwise, it wasn't so bad!

But with enough goading, giving the proverbially 'cornered' animal no escape when he gets jovially shoved onto the dance floor, be it your character or partygoers he doesn't know, Cloud clenches his fists...grits his teeth...growls and—!! ]

Let's just get this over with.

[ He huffs. He puffs. But more importantly, regardless of the mood of music playing, or who he's with... Just because Cloud will say that he doesn't dance, doesn't mean that he can't dance. ]

Wildcard & Notes

( Want something more specific or have a scenario of your own for this event? Drop me a line over at my plot post! DM/Discord/Plurk all work too. For all raunchy spicy things, M/F pref but if you have questions about embarrassing shenanigans regardless, let me know! A w o o . 🐺 )

You've Got Mail A3

[gangfanged]

[Okay, like. She's gotten a couple of these before and they're pretty tame, but damn. That is an enviable set of abs, to say the least. It's not for her, but Lilja... has never shied away from potentially embarrassing possible new friends. Or sex partners. Or--you get the idea.]

My my. Offering more without even asking for one in return? How bold. I don't mind, you know.

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ It's not until he receives the return message back that his magi-comm decides to buzz him. Seated in a park somewhere, Cloud opens the message up from a new user. Seems that weird site was gone now, but now? ]

Not sure what you ain't minding.

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ And all it takes is one scroll up to find his message. And a very sensual image that looks strikingly familiar to him. Wait a second. Those are his abs. This wasn't Ayaka's account— ohhh sweet jesus ]

how did you get this

[ 'You' sent it, Cloud. Um. Duh? ]

[gangfanged]

[he can't see her, sitting there with her legs crossed and her chin in her hand as she waits for the moment of realisation. and when she gets it, the reaction is almost sillier than she expected, really.]

Well, I'd guess either you misdialed orrrr you clicked on a sketchy button and it sent that out. You tell me, handsome.

But to answer what I don't mind, I meant about offering something in return. Harmless fun, really.♪

On the Hunt

[formyeternity]

[ While not pleased this time of year has yet rolled around once more, Ei felt compelled to stay here. If only because she wished to see as little harm come to the people as much as possible.

She had taken a lot of time to lovingly craft herself a mask. Something both simplistic but beautiful, the design had very much spoken to her and would work to ward off most of the negative effects here, as the time that Ei had chosen to do 'patrols' were at night when things were the absolute most dangerous.

Though, while Ei was still in control of her senses, there had been some minor changes to her form. A pair of deep violet, fluffy ears and a matching tail had appeared alongside her pupils becoming slitted. She also sported slightly longer nails that resembled claws. It did nothing to at all slow her steps as she walked with her spear held in one hand at the ready, steps soft but not hesitating at all whatsoever.

After some time, though? She became aware of someone stalking her and exhaled a soft sigh while stopping in her tracks. ]

Come out at once.

[ There's no asking here. Whoever was there clearly wished for a fight and she'd give it to them. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ While it wasn't the first time he felt his impulses twisted by the roots of this world, this was his first experience dealing with the sweltering effects of the Sakumi Festival. This wasn't his first night on the prowl now. Even if most of his ventures saw him hunting down Yokai or and other armed refugees...that didn't mean that he was innocent in his bestial state of mind. Far from it. Not when he'd caught the scent of someone else. A smell he's never followed before...yet there's an allure nonetheless. It's only when he lays eyes upon the Raiden Shogunate patrolling in the still of night that he faintly remembers... In the same vein as other guests to the Kamisato Estate during their housewarming, she is unfamiliar to him. He never approached her, opting to keep to himself and the select few he met via the party's arranged duels or the houseowners.

He's heard the stories. He knows everything of what the Raiden Shogun had done in her pursuit of 'Eternity'. The Sakoku Decree. The Vision Hunt Decree. How she was their Electro Archon. Their God. How the tides of time were finally shifting as Inazuma could see brighter, more ambitious days ahead. A shame he wasn't more of a social butterfly back then... Else the wolf would know just exactly which prey he was stalking.

Or was she the hunter, setting a trap for the beast? ]

Taking the hunt right out of it, then...

[ He has no idea who this woman is; her scent was...not like others. But the poise in which she holds her spear at the ready, the Electro sigil he sees in the base of the blade catching his observant eyes...it sets the hairs on the back of his neck upright. He says nothing about it. As he steps into the empty street, lampposts flicking as mismatched gold and blue eyes study the woman with his Buster Sword at the ready, his lupine tail wags with excitement. ]

I've got an itch I need scratching. [ And that's Cloud's cue, raising his massive blade up and into both hands, the muscles in his arms tensing as he stares her down. What last fleck of restraint he has left before things get rough. ] Nothing personal.

[formyeternity]

[ As soon as she heard the voice, it was clear to her that her intuition had not been mistaken whatsoever. It could have been attributed to the cat ears atop of her head, listening for sounds of anyone approaching, or just her innate sense as a warrior that knew when she was being hunted like some kind of animal.

Violet eyes were sharp beneath the mask as she studied the able bodied young man who stepped out onto the street. His posture and musculature spoke of a skilled swordsman, as did the large blade he carried. Recognition also flashed faintly within her gaze, remembering him from Ayaka's housewarming party but it had been in passing since she had been pre-occupied with Yae's arrival at that time. ]

Is that how it is?

[ Ei doesn't seem like she's bothered entirely, ears flicking atop her head even as she shifted her position slightly to bring up her spear a bit more. It was glowing faintly in places, as if imbued with her very own electro energy but who could say exactly why it was that way.

She was no 'prey'.

A woman with 500+ years of fighting under her belt; someone who's seen many lives end at her own hand and others. If this man was truly picking a fight with her though? Ei would oblige gladly, if it meant he were not going after innocent people who may lack the ability to hold their own against someone like him. ]

Very well. Then I will allow you to make the first move.

you've got mail b

[mistsplitter]

[ It comes as a surprise that sends Ayaka's shoulder's jumping- Cloud cursing, his voice generally displeased and all. At their usual spot in their usual teahouse in Gion, it was meant as a simple date to have some tea. Just a quick one, because they do need to be back indoors before things go crazy again. It's when Ayaka, thinking she received a message from a colleague, clicks on a link and—

Well. . . that explains Cloud's reaction.

Ayaka lowers her head immediately, realising what she's done. Especially when the head waitress passes by, sees the empty table and looks around. "Huh, I wonder where Kamisato-san and Cloud-san went?"

Maybe they left already? Who knows, but she starts busing the table. ]

... Please forgive me. I thought it was an online shop that sells ornamental fans.

[ ... Yeah, Ayaka doesn't have anything else to say beyond that. Another beep! gets heard, coming from both their devices at the same time. She doesn't check it yet, opting to not to anything with her phone for now, especially with Cloud seemingly angry. But that text? It contains what they have to do to get out of this situation. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ In the same vein as their forays during the 'Month of Love', the less they said about the night he "caught" her, the better. Not...so much out of regret. But rather the two of them were still reeling and processing what in the Electro Archon just happen. If push came to shove and their personalities didn't take any drastic turns, however...would it happen again? Truly, those were answers best kept for the night. They would find out together. In the meantime, returning to the teahouse over in Gion had become something of a comfort for the young couple. But they couldn't run the risk of getting sleepy or letting themselves get too cozy for long.

A quick one, after all, before night fell. He would either retreat to the Kamisato Estate with her or give her a place to stay with him. Rather...that was the plan until— ]

Not gonna blame you for something you didn't do.

[ Cloud even if something was her fault you still wouldn't. Be real. ]

They can't see us after all...

[ Hand in hers, he gives it a reassuring squeeze as his brow furrows, seemingly looking around for any signs of anything being off about the teahouse or their surroundings. Save for the invisible barriers that isolate them to their table. Just when Cloud was prepared to push himself to his feet and help her up with him, both their devices go off.

Beep! ]

?

[ If Ayaka wasn't going to check her device any more, with his free hand, Cloud would. Even if his gut was telling him that was anything but a good idea. Yet he heard right, right? ]

Did yours go off, too?

[ The magi-comm doesn't even display the typical network, or even tabs for other contacts. Instead, as he taps the screen and it lights up for them both to see... ]

...

[ "You must make your partner cum three times." The second part he says amidst softened murmuring and stinging red cheeks. ]

"Use the table at least...once..."

[ ... .... ..... HERE?!? ]

[mistsplitter]

Yes, I got a message.

[ Well? If Cloud's gonna go check his device, then she'll do the same! Only to not interpret what she's read anymore because Cloud got the same message she did.

She almost drops her magi-comm from how surprised and flustered she is, but she holds it tighter as she looks at Cloud. ]

This is... but...

[ Cloud D:!!

Looking away, her phone gets put away and she squeezes her beau's hand tighter. It's her way of calling his attention even though she isn't looking at him. And if he looks at her? He'd notice her ears and neck have already turned red. Her cheeks even moreso, but he can't see that now. ]

We- We have to do it here?

Escape Room

[seventh_heaven]

[Tifa was rather confused as she looked around. It had been pure coincidence that she had managed to get on the same train as him. She was still getting to know the country, but she had managed to get herself a small apartment close to Neo Midgar.]

What trials?

[Like him she tapped the wall. This wasn't good. At least she wasn't claustrophobic. Was someone playing a trick on them because of their past? She wasn't sure, but she looked over at the blond as she tried to figure out what they were going to do.]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Honestly, getting on the same train with Tifa was a relief in of itself. At least now, save for closing his eyes and meditating, Cloud has a focus to keep his motion sickness at bay- something that's had a penchant for returning full swing at a moment's notice. For now? They're safe! As Tifa taps the imaginary wall, Cloud's gaze observes the rest of the passersby. They don't recognize him... They don't even see him waving. ]

(Can they...not see us?) [ he asks internally, brow furrowing before Tifa asks him about the trials. That's right. She was newer to the world by then. And he hadn't seen her out that way when it all happened. With nothing to hide, he explains with a gesture of his hand as he leans against the support bar behind him. ]

Have you been to Kyushu yet? [ A beat. ] It's a land occupied mostly by Oni. While I was there, a lot of us underwent trials to demonstrate Kizuna bonds.

[ He sighs. ]

One of them involved being stuck in a cave with someone till you fulfilled a task together.

[seventh_heaven]

Ah.

[She was still trying to learn this place and get through everything that she had bottled up since her arrival. She had an uneasy agreement with Reno to earn a bit of money that she could save to start up her own bar. She was debating on seeing if she could get a loan to cover the startup costs.]

That sounds like anything could have happened. I'm glad you made it out all right. I still don't quite understand Kizuna, but I'm trying to learn.

[She tapped the barrier again. No one seemed to be reacting to them.]

I don't think anyone can see us. Has this ever happened before?

On the Hunt

[jarinza]

[ Dain is often alone in his wandering so he makes himself a prime target should anyone wish to deal with him. He's unfortunately a rather skilled fighter so he doesn't see the need to be on guard most of the time.

But he does have a sneaking suspicion and feeling that he's being watched right now. Dealing with the abyss has lent him an advantage in terms of trusting his instincts in regard to being followed and kept a close eye on. He doesn't say anything yet but he does turn down a rather empty and wide street that leads off to an abandoned-looking area in the city. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Even deep in the dark, Dain stands out whether he likes it or not. What began as genuine recognition of the man as he followed him...slowly began slipping further and further into the manic state he's fallen into now. Silently, he follows. His footsteps are deceivingly light despite the weight of the Buster Sword he carries upon his back. And for a while...he seems to be simply following him. Many streets have long since been abandoned at night here in Kyoto now, with only the distant roars and eerie whispers of lingering Yokai to fill the air beyond their breathing.

Maybe Cloud was simply keeping a close eye on him... It's what he would have done if he wasn't already steeped in the Lunar Curse. Yet as he steps out from the darkness, his hand raised and mismatched eyes narrowed down on his target... ]

Grr...

(Wait...)

[ A voice, pushed far away into the back of his mind, tries reaching out to the wolf man. But on the surface, he wasn't listening. Sparks of lightning trickle along his fingertips, the Lightning Materia adorning the Buster Sword on his back glowing in response. Closer... He stalks closer... ]

(Cloud, don't—)

[ It's as if Cloud was in a trance on the outside, so deliciously close to landing his target. The thrill of the hunt. The eagerness to just pin someone down. Prey. His gloved hand curls, digit by digit as clawlike nails threaten to dig into his own flesh when it tightens into a fist. The voice inside him, his voice, pleads to stop and break free of this curse. Not him. Not this man. Don't do it...! ]

(Look! Stop! Stop! That's—)

[ The wolf man casts the spell, at the same time his voice rips through the night and ferally calls out. A warning? Or a challenge? It's too late, however, ]

—DAIN!

[ He's already cast the Thundara spell, burning bolts seeking out the once-knight of Khaenri'ah. ]

[jarinza]

[ Dain was silently preparing for this. It's not as if he wasn't always on high alert or preparing for a sneak attack from the abyss order back home. Being alert and on edge was just something that was commonplace for him, if he's being totally honest. But this place...it was making him lackadaisical in his normal methodologies and routines.

So the fact that Cloud catches him by surprise is no small feat, or wouldn't be if he was being lax in his own way. The thundara grazes him in the arm and there's a shout of pain as Dain twirls to dodge the remainder of the spell. He narrows his eyes as he pants, pain in his left arm throbbing and compounding on the pain that's caused by the curse. Damn this wasn't good. Cloud. This man is a proficient fighter and he hardly wanted to get into a tussle here of all places. ]

Have you lost your senses?

A2. text | un: kingfisher

[sleepsalot]

dude what the hell???

[ Noctis isn't a praying man, has never really been one to give much attention to the Six... But, in this moment, he's saying a silent prayer to the Six asking them why the hell his friend just sent him that text in the middle of the day. He follows the first text up with another text seconds later ]

pretty sure you meant to send this to your girl cause my dick hasn't been anywhere near your mouth

1/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ Oop. ]

[ ... ]

That it hasn't.

2/2

[sultanofsquat]

[ followed rapidly by, ]

That wasn't me, Noct. Shit's been acting crazy online ever since I opened that link.

On the hunt

[darkdisgrace]

[Cloud won't have to search very hard to catch a scent that smells like a threat, certainly. Chuuya smells like ozone, fresh blood and leather even from a distance. After all, he's already put down a few yokai who underestimated him as easy prey.

But it's not enough. It's not enough to cool the fire in his veins, the bloodlust filling him to bursting, the maddening itch beneath his skin to kick and claw and tear into someone. He wants more.

So when Cloud finally locates the source of that scent, he'll find a much smaller man with an eager grin, stormy eyes bright with interest as he turns to him. It's rather hard to sneak up on a mafioso, and the sharper senses offered by the kitsune-like transformation were a boon.]

Well hello there. What a big sword you have. Y'know how to use it?

[There's something about the lilt of his voice--full of eagerness, delight, thrilled... almost flirtatious.

Cloud isn't the only one hunting, it seems.]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Ozone, flesh and blood...fine leather. Having already been threatened down the gullet of gnashing and gnarling Yokai before tonight, before rendering them headless in a traumatizing sight, the lone wolf that survives continues the hunt. The last flecks of humanity he has stay buried beneath the surface- never snuffed out, but beneath the layers of monstrosity that manifest as the Lunar Curse takes hold of the acerbic swordsman when he tracks down the kitsune man.

"Y'know how to use it?"

Cloud doesn't pounce. Not yet. His claws dig into the red handle of his Buster Sword as he clutches it tighter. Blood and viscera line the blade's end as it leads down to the point, slowly pulling from his back as he raises it above his head...and back down as he falls into a stance. On the surface, he seemingly looks calm and cool. But the mismatched gold and azure of his eyes screams of the conflict between man and beast. And how he desires nothing more than to take out that conflict upon a fellow hunter.

The night belongs to only one. The time for lament and regret can come after they've seen the end of this scrap and the morning sun returns them to sanity. ]

Real question is if you can handle this much.

[ Whether the flirtatious nature behind that lilt was lost on Cloud or not... He's just in the mood to play. And for whoever makes the first move, it wasn't going to be pretty. ]

On The Hunt (Lucy)

[scarredhorns]

[After what happened last year, Lucy made sure to heed all the necessary precautions, yet even then she couldn't completely avoid the effects. Her legs had fused together, forming a blue fishtail in their place. Sure, she could've used her vectors to get around, but then she'd have to concentrate 24/7, which was why she rented a wheelchair. At the very least, she could easily lift herself up into the wheelchair with her vectors, or use them to move the wheels when her physical arms grew tired. The tail wasn't the only change to her body. Her physical hands grew webbing between the fingers, and patches of iridescent scales were scattered around her body - on her hands, forearms, neck, and face.

She would've stayed indoors the entire night, were it not for the feral, lunar cursed Yokai scratching at the door, forcing her to don her mask and step (or rather, wheel) outside to get rid of them. With her powers, she could've easily killed them, but she doesn't, choosing instead to knock them unconscious, even if it meant beating them into submission to be able to succeed, filling the surrounding area with the scent of blood.]

Hm?

[The last of the Yokai falls just as she sees another figure approaching. When it comes closer, she recognizes him.]

Cloud? [That look in his eyes. He wasn't all there. She shakes her head, speaking sternly.] Don't do this, you're not gonna like it.

[Lucy's not about to back down. If she had to literally knock some sense back into him, so be it.]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Blood... Now there's a lure. A moth to the flame. A shark in the water. A wolf on the brink of claiming the biggest prize in the wild. In contrast to Lucy, who'd taken a more defensive role in the night, Cloud held little remorse for the Yokai that threatened him. That dared to pile him, tear into him, soak his boots in traces of viscera. But they chose the wrong wolf to isolate. This lone wolf was a one-man army. Unhinged and bloodthirsty when pushed... So as he stalks and approaches...he only vaguely recognizes the woman set in a wheelchair. His eyes are bloodshot, flecks of gold and azure as he grips the handle of his Buster Sword tight.

He looses a feral growl, a worn yet heated sigh leaving him as he eyes up the wheelchair bound mermaid that warns him.

"Cloud?" ]

?!

[ She speaks. Sternly. "Don't do this, you're not gonna like it."

And yet...he approaches nonetheless. Slowly, Buster Sword at his side with more instinctive intent. Yet as he gets closer...as he lays eyes on the woman whose face and striking red eyes... ]

Lu...cy...?

[ It's as if he's in a trance. As if one wrong move would set off that prey instinct of his. Somewhere deep within the back recesses of his mind, however... ]

Get- Hah- [ He's in there. Buried deep beneath the bloodlust and his wilder drive to clear his path of anything that stands in his way. To dominate whoever's in his way. ] Get...out of here...

[ Despite his words, Cloud raises his Buster Sword in both hands, poised and ready to strike. As if his feral state was at odds with his subconscious. He never wanted to hurt anyone. But Lucy? Nyuu? Between everyone he's assaulted and the debauched acts he's committed throughout these long, long nights...his sins only continue to mount. Unfortunately for Lucy, those were likely the last shreds of his humanity he could muster. So if she was going to knock some sense into him, as he suddenly lunges forward to bring his massive blade down upon what should be a sitting duck...

Now might be a good time. ]