jikan_rpg | October | Event: A Night of Moonless Splendor

Entry tags:

October | Event: A Night of Moonless Splendor

A Night of Moonless Splendor↲ OOC Plotting

Minimize

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!

↲ navigation

Threaded | Flat

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...

a 🌸 am i original? (cw for slime & tentacles FSDAGSDHGSD)
[ The first night of the festival was... definitely something worth remembering, but it is not something she would dare repeat again. This time around, while Ayaka continues with her daily duties, she has set an alarm to leave the school early and go home before the sun goes down.

It is unfortunate, however, that the work she has to do for a preschool does not seem to end. Perhaps her fellow teachers find her a bit too hardworking that she's been given more tasks, and as such, she still ends up going home late. This time around, though? She takes her work to a local milktea and desserts shop, opting to work there instead.

What she wasn't aware of was that being indoors? It doesn't save her from the effects of the moonless sky. After all, she'd been affected the previous night already.

The changes to her body happen a little too quickly. Everything about her, from her hair to her face, her skin, even her clothes, turn into something like clear water. And yet, she's not water. Rushing out the shop with all her belongings, they seem to meld into her until she's turned all blob, little sakura blooms and camellias all inside her like some sort of decoration. The only distinguishable feature to what she's turned into is the princess haircut, but with her hair having turned into ~~slime tentacles~~what seems like goo, there's barely any Ayaka truly left.

For anyone near the streets of Gion, beware of a light blue... blob-like creature rushing about? Ayaka's slowly forgetting who she truly is and what she would like to do (ie. go home), and is instead looking for... something. Someone. And if the other person isn't looking? She might just press against them with barely any warning. ]

Please excuse me... [ The need to be close to someone is far too great right now. Is she crying? Or are those just droplets from her icy nature that's beginning to melt? ] I'll melt if I don't stay close to anyone. . .

[ Uh-oh. And if anyone smells remotely floral? She's not just going to press herself against them. Her slimy arms will go around the other as she nuzzles her cheek against them, her breasts simply passing through their arm. ]

b 🌸 am i the only one?
[ Despite how shy Ayaka can be, she... has some incriminating photos of being sexual in her device. Variations of this photo of her without anything covering her chest can be found, some showing more than just her upper chest, even. It was only one that she sent to someone before, but she wasn't able to delete the other. . . "practice shots". Which means because the spell affects her, just about anyone might receive that photo.

Some that have never even seen the light of day may find its way into your inbox...!

The photo may come with a message from white heron. Either real ones that have been sent before...

I miss you very much.

I like it when it's slow. or it could be completely random, and up to the recipient's interpretation...

I am greatly looking forward to our activity tomorrow night. (*^‿^*)

... nocontextayakatheatre.png

Or, perhaps it is Ayaka who is the recipient so such salacious messages! Either way, she's going to be very embarrassed.

... and just a little bit curious. Please. ]

c 🌸 am i sexual?
[ With plans to eventually evacuate now, Ayaka has to make the most of the day to shop for items to bring. She can't very well have nothing on this trip! And even though she feels there may be some bad things happening despite the plan to evacuate... surely, anything is better than what's been happening the past few days, yes?

One will find Ayaka at the market, picking various fruits to bring on her trip. Regardless of whether she's at the market, on her way home riding the train since she ventured a bit far to buy a specific kind of strawberry milk, or she's on her short walk from the train station to the Kamisato Estate, she waves and says hello to the people she comes across, then is back on her phone to check on a message that she's just received!

It seems that after she begins to mind her own business, the rest of the world won't notice her and the other person anymore. Passing them by after the greeting, she finds that she has hit a literal (and invisible) wall. ]

Um...

[ The fuck is this (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞ She takes yet another step forward, trying again. Nope.

Okay, one more time— no. ]

... Oh dear.

d 🌸 am i everything you need?
[ NOW FINALLY SAFE FROM SHENANIGANS (let's be real, it's this very sentence that jinxes Ayaka...), Ayaka has taken refuge in the Tengu Skytower. It's a rather lovely place, one that she has never ever considered ever seeing before! She knows of Tengu in Inazuma, but the intereaction was definitely very different. And... it's not like these sorts of places existed!

Whoever she's assigned to room with, while she may have been against the idea at first, she will welcome with a smile and open arms. No hugs here, but! She will however, immediately ask: ]

Would you like to visit the buffet with me? I feel a little embarrassed to visit on my own, you see.

[ It'll be a good way to get to know her roommate, too! :) ]

e 🌸 you better rock your body now
[ It is nighttime when Ayaka decides to visit the hot springs, hoping for a quite moment to rest and recover from the stress she's experienced the past days. She should hate to set aside her work in order to take care of herself, but this is the best course of action, she finds.

Anyone who enters the hot springs area is met with a nod of her head, while she inches closer to a nearby rock to cover herself. The young girl is shy, but her shadow underneath the water? Not so much. Tall and brave, it extends itself with a reach far greater than the young girl's. So much so that it might even be able to touch the shadow of the other person in the spring.

Not a touch too aggressive, but far too outgoing for someone like her. Yes, her shadow just jumped the other shadow's. Far too relaxed, the owner doesn't seem to notice anything just yet. ]

[ OOC why are these prompts mostly filthy I am so sorry... the event summoned my thirst. :(

that does not mean i am not an innocent and pure maiden though. nothing even has to happen! give me funny or awkward or cute gen threads, too! if nothing strikes your fancy, do let me know!! let's plot. 🌸 ]

Edited 2022-10-16 04:15 (UTC)

1 | Weird Genshin Twilight Fanfic (Vampire)
[Despite knowing this was coming, the Sakumi festival still manages to catch Aether off-guard. And upon venturing out into the night for dinner, he ends up transforming into a similar being as he did last year: a vampire. His skin grows pale, his teeth sharpen into fangs, and his eyes pool a deep red color.]

[Suddenly, all thoughts of normal food go out the window, as he finds himself thirsting for something different. Thankfully, he's not too drawn into the idea of wanton violence, but perhaps some might have found that to be preferable.]

1a | cw: blood drinking
[Upon finding a target, Aether approaches them slowly, arms wrapped around his chest as he seems unwell -- or perhaps even hurt. It's all an act, of course -- but considering how pale he looks, it's a convincing one. And those who saw his network post earlier in the month would be forgiven for thinking this is simply related to his recent sleep troubles.]

Hey... could you help me out? I'm feeling a little faint.

1b | cw: exhibitionism, heat/rut, bring your own monster kinks
[But after having a few mouthfuls of blood, Aether feels a strange disconnect with himself, feeling simultaneously disgusted and aroused. Fearful of encountering anyone else and bringing them harm, he flees the crowded streets and ducks into the nearest alley to catch his breath.]

[But ultimately, the arousal proves to be too strong. And so, hoping the darkness conceals him, his slides a hand down the front of his chest, as the other works to push down his pants. Shamelessly jerking himself off in an alley is probably a new low-- but he's also not quite thinking straight. After all, he wasn't the only monster on the streets. And for all that he came here to be alone, he certainly won't say no to a helping hand or two.]

2 | One Missed Call | cw: chikan, dubcon, bring your own monster kinks
[Unable to secure a train ticket to the East, Aether decides to stick it out in the West as best he can, and currently he's just trying to get some errands done during the day. Which is easier said than done, as most people are now doing the same, utilizing as many daylight hours as possible: so the trains are all packed.]

[And it's on one such train ride that Aether receives a strange message on his magi-comm. And upon opening it--]

[Well, to those simply riding the train, nothing happens. But Aether sees the strange glass-like walls suddenly separating him from the rest of the train car -- and trapping whoever seems to be closest in the box with him.]

Huh? What's going on? Are we... stuck?

[But this is no ordinary trap, as text appears written on the glass walls, visible only to the other person: you cannot leave until you fuck him senseless, complete with a few arrows pointing at Aether.]

[And wouldn't you know it: the sun is about to set, the glass walls forcing them to miss their stop as they become trapped here, just as the monster transformations are about to begin.]

3 | Kinky Party Time
[Upon hearing that the Masquerade Ball would be a safe way to wrap up the festival, Aether decides to return and attend. But those looking for either of the twins might be a little confused as to which one they're looking at considering their choice of costume, simply swapping each other's iconic outfits.]

[Of course, Aether will die before he admits that he's a little more into this than he should be, considering his crossdressing fetish, but it's fine. He's not going to defile his twin sister's clothes!!]

[...or at least, not right away.]

[Aether spends much of the party just relaxing and enjoying a little breather after how intense the past two weeks have been. Perhaps feeling at ease knowing they're here under the Emperor's protection, he opts for some drinks and Uki-laced snacks to give himself just a bit of a buzz.]

[Of course, let's be real, he's probably just trying to avoid thinking about all the wild shit he's gotten up to during this festival. Which is probably why he's wearing a mask, even though the effects here should be milder.]

[Share a drink with him? Ask him to dance? Or just completely mistake him for his sister?]

3a | cw: bondage, exhibitionism, tentacles
[After indulging in a little too much Uki, Aether finds himself curiously poking his head into every room, fascinated by the architecture of this place. Eventually, he stops at one of the kink demos, reminded of a certain book he read back in May. He has no idea what kind of Yokai the instructor is right now (an octopus?), but feeling at ease from the Uki, he volunteers to participate in the demo.]

[Kneeling down with his arms tied behind his back, the Yokai carefully explains how to safely bind the hands, as a number of their tentacles grope around Aether's clothed body. But in order to tie him in a full harness, the Yokai needs to lift up his skirt, causing it to bunch around his waist -- and revealing to the small audience just how much Aether is enjoying all of this, thoroughly tenting the bloomers he's wearing under the dress.]

[Stand back and watch? Join in when the instructor calls for a second volunteer? Or maybe sweep him away from here all together? ]

4 | Post-Event Haze
[Aether is tired.]

[Anyone wanting to check up on him after everything that happened can find him at the Hanamikoji Okiya dorms in Gion, being pampered by a plethora of Kitsune, who seem to be gossiping and giggling about everything he got up to these past two weeks -- information they will happily share with anyone who comes to visit.]

[Please save him.]

5 | Wildcard
[Aether can also be found: attending night festivals while transformed into a Blue Oni, staring up at the moonless sky while bathing in the hot springs at Skytower (with or without groping shadows), fading away and in need of some serious cuddling while fleeing Skytower, or being the recipient of curse-induced lewd text messages.]

[Or, hit me up over here or over at

snarfle if you want a custom starter or want to hash out threads and kinks!]

Edited 2022-10-16 21:51 (UTC)

1. Oh, it's going to be a long, long night... (CW: body horror)

a) Transformation
He hasn't really had a chance to understand communication device he's been given, and so he has largely ignored it in favour of soaking in the atmosphere of the place. Thus he is oblivious to the warnings about staying in past sundown and wonders why the streets are suddenly far emptier than they had been half a bell ago. Those who are about now wear their masks without exception and it seems as though their eyes linger on his exposed face. He fiddles with the red mask hanging before his breast and almost decides to put it on...

But his gaze is drawn to the sky where the moon is fading. Without warning, a sharp pain lances through his shoulder blades, bringing him to his knees. Bone cracks, flesh (and cloth) tears, and Emet-Selch convulses with a blood-curdling scream as two large limbs burst out of his back. Resembling muscled arms, they emerge much like a hatchling cracking open its shell, smearing blood against every surface they brush against. Emet-Selch is left bent double and in shock, shuddering with every laboured breath he pulls. His transformations usually aren't like this. What is happening to him?

b) Late night
Wandering the streets at night, Emet-Selch is barely conscious. He only looks half the mage he ought to be, lacking the raiment of his true form in spite of having all the extra limbs. Something about the darkness not only draws a veil over one's sight - to him it feels like he's wading through a marsh. He craves familiar company to the exclusion of all others, and he WILL fight to keep away strangers or anyone with hostile intent.

He glides slowly onward, heralded only by the soft sound of shifting tentacles and his own quiet breathing.

2. Heaven on High(?)

Now having made it to the safety of the Skytower, Emet-Selch breathes a little easier. Night falls without that strangely addictive transformation and he feels in command of his senses once more.

The ancient mage can be found wandering the tower in exploration - sampling the food, browsing the library etc. The library especially captures his interest and he can be found there most hours, tucked into an armchair with a book in his lap and a glass of wine close to hand.

Alternatively, one can find him in the hot springs during the day (i.e. no shadowplay) enjoying the view from above.

3. The Emperor's Wont

(The smut options are OVER HERE in a separate log post.)

(This is otherwise a generic open prompt for Emet hanging out at the party afterwards. A good chance to meet and admire monstery Emet without the awkward smut.)

4. Wildcard

If you have something in mind or want to run an idea by me, drop a comment over here.

A Darkness Forms Over The Land

[Once the announcement ends, hysteria makes its presence. Refugees and natives alike rush to escape.

Koro...does not want to turn into a monster. He already is one. What would happen if he turned into one with no control over his mind? The very thought terrified him, and he begins to think. He wouldn't have time nor energy to simply fly away from the western kingdom. He could fly to the train station, however...

Yes, perhaps his only chance was to get onto a train. Growing ghastly demon wings from his back, he flies. Alas, he's too late, and people are already rushing to get on. After securing a ticket, he blends in with the crowd and slowly makes his way towards the train as people bottleneck through the doors. By a stroke of luck, the demon successfully makes it inside the car, immediately followed by an announcement saying that there was no more room. Koro lets out a huge sigh of relief, but his relief is cut short when a woman next to him screams out for her child.

What?? What child? Koro looks out into the chaotic crowd still keeping the doors open as attendants try to settle the situation.l, and sees a small girl reaching out and cry as she's shoved back by the insanity. Koro doesn't understand...do the attendants not see her?? Did she get separated from her mother when they tried to get inside? Why isn't anyone doing anything?

Koro can only watch as the crowd is separated further from the door, and then back to the weeping mother. A heavy feeling grows in his heart. An flood of emotions no ordinary demon would experience wash over his body.

And so...he gently shoves people to the side and runs out of the car.]

SIR, DO NOT STEP OUT OF THE TRAIN! THAT'S DANGEROUS! PLEASE COME BACK—

[Koro hears shouts aimed at him but they go in one ear and out the other. In a blur, he seems the child, hoists her up, and charges towards the closing door, whispering a heartfelt apology to the child as he tossed her through the doors, which close merely a second after.

Amidst a crowd of panic, Koro stands still, smiling as much as a stoic man like him could smile, as he watches the mother and daughter embrace behind the window. He slowly walks away from the crowd, his smile growing into a worried frown.

He didn't make it to the train. What now...?]

Mask...I need...a mask...I need to hide...

[...Anyone who sees him might think of him a zombie with how aimlessly he's walking and murmuring words. Or perhaps they witnessed the entire event of Koro's sacrifice and want to check in on him? He's still safe to approach...for now.]

A Shadow Looms In My Heart

[Koro finally makes it or the skytower unharmed, and more fortunately, without harming anyone else. As if a weight has been lifted from his shoulders, Koro looks around, wondering what to do now.]
A.
[Normally a person does this when he's unable to sleep, but as a demon, Koro just...doesn't sleep in general. The incubus wanders aimlessly around the halls at night, admiring the artwork and architecture of the building. But something creeps behind him that he doesn't sense: his shadow. It sports a sinister smile that shadows should not have. It looks around with a desire to cause trouble. Perhaps Koro has sat down onto a bench next to someone else, or passes someone in the hallway? Wherever it is, his shadow reaches out to stroke the back of the other's shadow.]

B.
[Koro makes his way to the hot springs. One might catch his stripping his shirt off in the changing area, revealing his built frame and sculpted muscles. Perhaps one has been staring? Or maybe not paying attention at all. Either way, Koro notices their presence but pays no mind. But the shadow will do anything to cause a scene. Grab the other's sides? Tickle them? GIVE KORO ATTENTION, DAMN IT!!

Perhaps Koro finds a refugee struggling to reach their back at the washing stations. He'd be glad to help. His shadow may have other things in mind, however...

Perhaps one could find him already soaking in one of the springs. Wherever one might find him, they'll be sure to experience being the target of Koro's shadow's entertainment should they dare to interact with this demon.]

A Wild Cards Over Deez Nuts

[ooc: LEAVE ME ALONE I'M FUNNY. ALL prompts can be gen or nsfw, even the hot springs prompts. We can stick to Koro's shadow being more innocent in his mischief such as sticking to tickles or pokes. Have any other prompts you want to do with Koro? Hit me up! Keep in mind I'm a slow tagger, as I have a busy work schedule (⁠´⁠；⁠ω⁠；⁠｀⁠)]

After Sunrise

[The anxiety of it all, even on day one of the festival, was already testing Kaeya's patience. He wasn't mad that Diluc wanted to stay because of the bar and their animals, it was completely understandable and yet he was still frustrated. But there was no use crying over spilled milk, the last train was gone and they were just going to have to make do until there was a solution or just simply wait it out. So, Kaeya would abide by the curfew as best he could but he also carried a mask at his hip for the possibility he couldn't make it home by sunset. It was a deep blue and covered most of the right side of his face primarily. The right eye was covered as well, so it felt more like an elaborate eyepatch than anything else but it apparently sufficed and he kept it on his person at all times.

Which now became a boon as the last patron left just before sunset but Kaeya, in the cleanup and last-minute check on the paperwork, didn't realize it was dark out until he happened to look out the window. He muttered a curse and keeping his eyes away from the sky, he went to cover it up when he noticed movement outside.

He couldn't tell if the individual also wore a mask or was suffering the effects of being out under the moonlight but he knew he couldn't just leave them out there.

Kaeya put on his mask and stepped outside. Again, he kept his eyes away from the sky and focused on the individual before him as he reached down to grab their arm and pull them in.]

Come now, get inside before you cause trouble.

[ooc: please ping me on Discord if you want to do anything specific if your character is becoming a monster. I'm okay with it but I'd prefer to plan it out. mossflower#4962 :)]

Day Time

[Even if it was daylight now, Kaeya still kept the mask at his hip. But he was also determined to keep things as normal as possible to help ease the anxiety he was feeling at the pit of his stomach. He hated this feeling, because it was all for something outside of his control.

So, outside of helping at the tavern when he could, Kaeya was usually a homebody. He just wasn't sure about being outside even in the day time unless he absolutely had to.

Like right now as he went through the marketplace to fill up their kitchen with necessary vittles to keep him and Diluc going without needing to make too many trips. Of course, he was just one person so he couldn't carry it all on his own but thank goodness for horses and carts. Amaya wasn't necessarily a draft horse, she wasn't large enough for that, but groceries were definitely within her wheelhouse of weight bearing.]

Just a little more and we'll get going.

[Sigh, Diluc and his huge appetite. He reached for one of the last of the bags and his hand outright (or maybe just barely missed) smacking right into someone as they seemingly passed on by.]

Ah, my apologies, are you alright?

There's no religion but the moon and stars

[He rather liked this costume. It even matched his mask. The mask that, even as everyone else tossed their in the bonfire, he kept hooked at his hip. Kaeya also kept himself in the background, leaning against one of the beautiful trees as everyone else danced and made merry. His swirled his wine glass, unlaced thank you very much, and was content to stay away from the crowd. His sins were not for the bonfire anyway, but for a world far away. He would like to keep it that way.

After all, even as he had removed his mask, he had his right eye covered. A lovely lace eyepatch that was a little larger than his usual eyepatch.

He was glad for the Emperor's help, but he would rather be a wallflower tonight. This whole festival had worn him out and being self-indulgent in the least debauched manner was what he wanted for now. Of course, the right party could change his mind.]

Wildcard

[I don't have a plot post, but I'm open to working something else out!]

Edited 2022-10-17 19:26 (UTC)

wildcard

( Hit me with something I haven't written here! My plotting comment is here for further ideas or discussion, or you can contact me at exits / exits#8071. )

Edited 2022-10-18 11:56 (UTC)

On the way to Tokyo

[No sooner had Makoto arrived that he felt as though he were being ushered away. He heard about what was going on, but it all felt so overwhelming and sudden. Still, he wasn't going to take any chances and decided to follow the traffic of refugees as he was bidden. He felt like he was being packed like a sardine though, this being the last train out of Tokyo and thus, a lot more packed than usual. He sighed softly, at least he managed to score a seat.

Something that didn't last though as he found himself looking up at a poor elderly woman who looked very uncomfortable between all the people. He wasn't sure it would be much better where he sat, but at least she would be off her feet. She was smaller than him, so perhaps she wouldn't feel as squished. He stood up and offered her the seat.]

Oh, you're so sweet, thank you, dear.

It's alright, go ahead. I'll be all right. [He gave her a smile, eyes closing briefly for the moment as he tilted his head to give her all the reassurance that it was really no trouble. Besides, it was a several hour trip so there was bound to be a way to find another spot in another car later on. If not, he was just going to have to deal. He really didn't mind, though. Times were right, it seemed and it kept his mind off the fact that he was not only in an alternate Japan, but an alternate Japan stuck in the Taishō era. He sighed softly, the jostle of the train had him leaning back unconsciously and he felt himself bump into someone else. It was hard not to, but still, he reflexively turned with an apologetic look.] Sorry 'bout that. Haven't been in a packed train like this before.

Lonely City

[Not that Makoto had a chance to really get his bearings, he found himself feel incredibly lonely. It was ironic, in a way. He was been preparing to got to Tokyo for college, it was only a few weeks away, even. And now, he found himself in Tokyo. But it was different. He even tried to look at a map to see if there was some alternate Iwatobi, but all he found was that if there was anything there, it was in the Kansai region of the West. The very place he fled. It was an alternate Japan, the stuff of anime and manga and all things sci-fi. So he doubted there would be anything he truly recognized.

Makoto sighed heavily and folded the map, sliding it into his back pocket and focused on the food in front of him. He found a place that sold green curry, so he was indulging as he tried to figure out what his next steps would be. Go to college here? Find a job? Decisions, decisions.]

Hm? Oh, you can share my table. [He noticed that, due to the influx of refugees that many places like this were increasingly becoming more crowded. A boon and a bane, he was sure. But, no reason to hog a table when he was by himself. He waved the person over.] There's plenty of space, don't worry.

Wildcard

[Makoto is very new, so probably not so easy to DNF lmao but if you wanna plot something out for maybe masquerade shenanigans or something, just hit me up. mossflower#4962 ]

Monster Mash
Rhea'li paid heed to the warnings, staying indoors when night fell. He had the good fortune of having made a mask with Lilja, a blue painted thing with orange lines radiating from the centre like the sun. But he had missed the last train back to the Eastern Kingdom and only had the choice of waiting until more information became available for travelling to the Skytower, or chancing travelling by foot alone.

At night, he waits, alert.

But perhaps he hears a sound, a scream, a shout, someone else who was not able to make it across the kingdom's borders in time. He can't, won't, turn away from someone who may need help. So he pulls on his mask -- even though he hates wearing things on his head -- and rushes out from the building he's taken shelter in, ready to confront whatever scene lies before him.

Party in a Labyrinth
A party, is it? Rhea'li was never one to be afraid to show some skin, so he picks an outfit in part to avoid having to wear a mask again. It's skimpy, showing plenty of leg -- where an array of circles and other geometric shapes are tattoed on his right thigh in dark ink -- and leaving his shoulders exposed, the tattoo of a sun inked in bright orange bold on his left shoulder. It helps that compared to the other outfits, there is room for his tail to poke out between what could be best described as a buttcape.

Though there are many in attendance still somewhat monstrous in appearance, Rhea'li will bow before you and hold out a hand regardless of your looks, the bonfire blazing behind him.

"May I have this dance?"

[ooc: Rhea'li is a short, under 5'3" man with feline ears and tail (his eyes are normal, tho his left one is slightly discoloured as he's blind in it). If none of these starters work for you, feel free to hit me up in PM or

jesii and I'll make a custom top level!]

Monster mash
[Chuuya's transformation is not what he'd have expected, certainly: fluffy red tails and long ears that are decidedly vulpine in shape. a kitsune of all things.

Not quite what he imagined of himself, but it somehow suits him. The strange red runes occasionally dotting his skin unnerve him at first, just slightly-- but they're sporadic on his skin, artful slashes and whorls on his cheekbones, wrists, and various other places.

He has no recollection of what they resemble.]

on the prowl - nsfw optional
A.
[Unfortunately Chuuya's transformation isn't just physical. The urge to seek out others, to fight and to fuck, is powerful as well.

And well, Chuuya rarely needs much of an excuse to seek out a good fight.

Maybe his approach is a welcome one: maybe someone needs some help fighting off some more violence inclined yokai, and Chuuya steps in with powerful blows that send bodies flying. The real question is if the fight will end there. Maybe it will, maybe it won't.

And maybe, Chuuya is more focused: Maybe he stalks his prey, seeking out a likely opponent. He makes sure he isn't too subtle about it: A swish of tails around the corner, a bump against a trash can. But that's because he's herding them, directing whoever has caught his eye to a dead end alleyway.

The question is if they'll go along with it, or try to take the reins. Either works, for Chuuya.]

B.
[Or maybe someone is stalking him, in which case... well, it's fairly hard to sneak around Chuuya. Years on the streets and a life of crime have sharpened his instincts to a keen edge, and the transformation has made his senses keener still.

Eventually, his path will eventually lead him and his stalker down an alleyway, or towards a quieter corner of town, Chuuya humming idly all the while, tossing a yen coin in his hand. It's a perfect ambush spot, perhaps--

But not for the person hunting him.

A chuckle escapes him, tails swishing behind him slowly.]

Looking for some fun, are you? I'm game.

[That coin is flipped once more-- Before Chuuya twists his hand and flicks it behind him, straight at the person who's following him with the force of a bullet. It's a deliberately wide shot: missing them by inches to embed itself into a wall nearby. As he turns, the grin on his face is filled with vicious delight.]

You've got mail - NSFW optional
[It's somewhere mundane and painfully public Chuuya opens the cursed text, which means he could end up trapped anywhere: A store, a train, a restaurant. Maybe in the middle of the street, with people walking by. Maybe in a bar, getting a drink. The only commonality is this:

He's not alone, and whoever was nearest to him is now trapped in this space along with him.]

Shadows in the depths - NSFW
[To be honest, Chuuya had been a bit confused about the skytower invitation. It wasn't that he doubted the tengu or anything, but also he doesn't get how getting higher in the sky is going to somehow protect them from the lunar curse, further east or not.

But he's quite happy to be pleasantly surprised. The accommodations are pretty awesome as well, Free gormet food and drink, interesting places to explore--

and hot springs somehow situated in the clouds, which Chuuya finds terribly entertaining. The idea of going stargazing during the night from such a vantage point sounds fun, lack of moon or not, so of course Chuuya goes.

He just... wasn't expecting this.]

Hey, what's--

[He'd love to blame it on the heat, but no, his face is flushed because of the phantom sensation crawling up his thigh, like wandering hands--

But whoever's in here with him isn't sitting that close, either.]

What the hell...?

Party in a labyrinth
[Maybe the physics defying arcitecture is unnerving for some, but the inside of the Imperial Palace is absolutely fascinating to Chuuya. The enchantments only make it more fun: Testing how his ability meshes with how the whole place works without a single fear of taking a wrong turn. It's already enchanted anyway, so why not?

But this also means people have to deal with him being a shithead about it.

Maybe he spots someone he knows walking by and reaches down to tap them on the head, or snag a snack from a plate of food with a shiteating grin.]

Hey.

[OOC: Want a custom prompt? Have an idea for something fun? Hit me up! plotting comment is over here.]

1. I'm a broken doll (cw: body horror and doll parts)

[It was a stupid plan, coming out at night. People needed help, she'd rationalised. She could do some good, she told herself. Hilarious, how foolish she's always been. Amore was going to have a field day with this if she ever got here. If only...

The lack of moonlight makes it hard to see exactly what's going on, at first. A shock of undefinable sensation rips down her limbs, dragging a yelp from the young vampire. It's followed by the scrape of something - ceramic? Porcelain? She can't tell exactly, but it doesn't matter. As her gaze falls to her hands (her vision odd and shimmering, she notes), there's a fascinated horror in her expression while they start to lengthen and change. Skin splits at her knuckles, the joints almost seeming to melt away into smaller circles. Honestly, it hurts less than she'd expect, her whole body shifting to something delicate and truly sculpted.

At least, it doesn't hurt until the cracking starts. Low and quiet at first, it grows to an alarming din, and it's with sudden terror that she realises it's her skin cracking. Hairline fissures coil down her arms and one leg, pieces falling free to shatter on the ground here and there. That leaves her howling from the pain, legs giving out beneath her to let her curl in on herself, strings holding tight at the back of her hand. She just has to wait it out. She's okay, she has to be. If it was deadly, they'd not let anyone outside at all, right?]

2. And you're the puppeteer (nsfw possible/probable)

[Later that night, or other nights thereafter, one might find themselves approached by Lilja. Her hands move in delicate shifts, strings on it and her feet pulled taut with each motion. Cracks run down her arms and leg, but they don't seem to bother her any. Depending on how recently she's fed, the crack on the left sided of her face will be more or less pronounced.

She doesn't try to chase or stalk, but simply seems to appear out of the moonless nights, reaching to drape herself over whoever has caught her eye.]

Mm, aren't you out a bit late? Were you hoping for something fun~?

3. Take control from me and wipe away my fears (nsfw)

[Finally free of her monstrous form, Lilja makes the decision to let her roommate have some space and heads down to the hot springs to relax herself. It's nice to just soak in the hot water, and after a while, she finds herself nearly dozing off.

It's not until her shadow meets someone else's that she's roused somewhat from that sensation, giving a soft hum of confusion and peering about the room. As to who's feeling the same...]

4. I don't claim to be perfect (wildcard)

[Obligatory if you don't see something you like, let's plot/hit me with something! I'm happy to write closed starters, too. Lil's going to be all over the party especially, so there's lots of options!]

Paper Faces on Parade-Arrival

[Sylvando, whose house in Nippon was in Tokyo, had avoided most of the chaos by the simple expedient of staying relatively where he was. He'd gotten in some practice with the kizuna powered katana he'd received, worked on a few routines and just generally passed the time as he normally would have, though with the addition of needing to rely on both clocks and electric lights more as the days grew darker.

When he received the party invitation, though? Well he could hardly turn that down. The Great Sylvando miss a party? Perish the thought! The moment he decided to go he was magically whisked away. Which was mildly inconvenient as he happened to be in his bathrobe and slippers when he'd read the message, and so arrived at the palace highly underdressed.]

...You know, far be it from me to disparage our generous host, but I'm beginning to think that the Emperor may be a teensey bit too fond of surprises.

[Be that as it may, though, there are other priorities. Sylv turns to the nearest person who looks like they know what they're about.]

Excuse me darling, but do you know where a fellow could find some proper clothes in this place? I'm afraid I was a tad unprepared when the invitation brought me here, and this is a masquerade ball, not a slumber party. One has to dress for the occasion, you know?

Exploring and Kink Convention- potential NSFW if you like

[The Emperor's palace is suitably fabulous, as well as fabulously huge, and Sylv is having a wonderful time exploring it's twists and turns, nooks and crannies. And exploring the palace's various amenities leads him to all sorts of things! He would definitely be spending some time in one of the spa rooms, for one thing and would happily check out a movie in one of the theaters.

But not all the rooms were carefully labeled. And who knows? He may just peek in on the naughtier offerings on purpose too.]

Party in a Labyrinth

[Of course, once appropriately decked out in a costume and mask, Sylv can also be found being the life of the party at the party proper, dancing and enjoying the food and drink. Heck, assuming the musicians have no objections, he might just jump up on stage and improvise a dance routine to go along with their songs, or sing along if he knows the words. It's sure to be a fun time in any case!]

Edited 2022-10-21 04:43 (UTC)

1. Castle in the Shadows - The trouble with having duplicates is

[When he'd heard whispered rumors of the shadows with minds of their own he hadn't expected how this would play out. Initially all there is, is the innocuous rippling of shadows skirting in the peripherals. The current light source should have his shadow trailing behind him.

Yet, perhaps as a product of his past experiences— his shadow seems to adopt more of a independent, perhaps even a sinister personality. It stands between Albedo and the threshold he means to cross over. As the alchemist brings one hand to rest on his hip his shadow crosses both arms.]

Usually you'd be following from behind, yet you—... Wait——

[The shadow takes off with the intention of having Albedo follow it into a more isolated space. From the looks of it he plans to.]

2. Party in a Labyrinth - A natural habitat for wallflowers

[An outfit fitting for a masquerade; with the long lengths of whites, dark cornflower blues, and gold accents his own is fittingly princely save for the shameless way it puts the absolute territory on display. Between the edge of the shorts coming only to the top of the thigh and the garters on the long knee socks it's as if the framing was intentional.

The mask, on the other hand, is not so ostentatious. A simple stark white one will suffice.]

i.
[Ever pleased to remain in the background to observe; he is in no rush to be swept up on the dance floor. Still, a more classical piece with a 3/4 time signature does begin to play and there's only so much idling he wants to tolerate with the mood he's in.

For that reason alone does he offer out a hand.]

Care to dance? It should help pass the time at the very least.

ii.
[For those who might find Albedo in this moment they will be greeted by a strangely slow to respond and visibly sleepy alchemist. It would also appear that he has been arranged into a half-slump on an aesthetically pleasing fainting chair by a well meaning mystery person at some point. The quantity of the uki-laced desserts that he's partook in is Unknown at this moment of time.]

How can I put it...? [He squints at the nearest person as he spaces out.] I, hm... What was I thinking about...?

iii.
[When it comes time for the bonfire he's not exactly thinking of any sins which he could've committed during the festival; he'd been remarkably fortunate in that regard, he knows. Regardless the mask from is removed with the purpose of throwing in the fire. As flames lick at its edges the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius speaks softly under his breath.

As quick as it is those with a knack for reading lips may catch snippets before Albedo obscures the view by cupping a hand to his mouth in thought. His lips shape around what amounts to an apology and an admission understanding.]

3. Wildcard

{ooc: Please feel free to hit me up with those wildcards/plotting.}

Edited 2022-10-22 22:10 (UTC)

[transformations - sfw or nsfw]
Hythlodaeus is not necessarily great at heeding warnings. Oh, he’s aware that he’d be in a pickle if something very dangerous happened - he’s not very strong in either magicks or matters of physicality - but he’s been alive for a long time, and survived a great many unusual situations until -

Well, suffice to say that he does not feel the need to worry about such things overmuch. So he remains in the Western Kingdom, and even takes a few brief forays into the night air. He is safe for the first two nights - he does wear his mask, at least - but on the third, he finds himself changing. It is briefly uncomfortable, like stretching out too far, but fortunately his transformation is not nearly as bloody or violent as some he’s seen. He finds himself, at the end of it, with a few extra limbs.

And limbs on his head, as his hair has become thicker and somewhat prehensile.

And a much wider field of vision, as his retinas have changed shape.

And the ability to climb up walls.

Yes, he’s become an octopus-creature, and he is going to enjoy it as much as he possibly can. If you’re a friend of his, you may be getting a surprise visit from Hythloctopus, who will waves his tentacles excitedly around to demonstrate his new form. “Look! Look what’s happened! Isn't it wondrous?”

Or, if you are just out and about, you may find him hanging out on a wall like some giant purple spider, or even seeing if he can fit through a hole in a fence or window.

“My apologies!” he says brightly to those who may be perturbed. “Just trying things out!”

[reference, but with a more masculine body!]

[moon sickness - sfw]
The trip to the Skytower brings less exciting changes to his body, unfortunately. He’s fine at first - manages to stay mostly untentacled, if somewhat anxious due to the general atmosphere- but once the moonless night of the 25th begins, he suddenly feels rather faint at odd intervals. Being ill isn’t something he’s used to, so he feels lost as to how to alleviate his sudden weaknesses.

Perhaps some fresh air, he eventually decides, after coming to from a brief…collapse? Nap? He’s not sure. But perhaps fresh air will help - he hasn’t been feeling like this back in the city when he’d been wandering around, after all.

So he slowly shuffles down the corridor, aiming for a balcony he’d seen nearby. He only gets halfway there before his legs give out.

Is his hand becoming translucent?

[the ball - darkness play/anonymous sex - nsfw]

It’s relieving to be fully corporeal again (and if he had a coin for every time he’d thought that…), and Hythlodaeus expresses that relief by hopping right back into his sociable persona. He’ll dance and dine, and when he finds the stall that drapes it’s occupants in darkness, he steps in. There is something both comforting and exciting about focusing solely on touch after the threat of becoming intangible, plus he finds the magical darkness intriguing. He pokes around a bit in the tent to see if he can determine it’s source before he hears a rustling behind him. Someone else has joined him in the tent.

He turns, though he knows he won't be able to see them; listening for them to settle down so he can approach. Or talk, if they would prefer that, but he's happy to just jump right into things. That is why they're here, isn't it?

Edited 2022-10-29 18:22 (UTC)

Monster Mash

[it was a simple curiosity that led Zhongli outside, as is his hobby of walking to pass the time. one never knows where their feet will take them, after all. he’d made many a discovery in Teyvat that way, and he hopes that any knowledge gained from doing so in Nippon will yield the same results.

it’s not that he’s unaware of the masks the locals and some refugees are wearing, but he thinks nothing of it, though he does make a mental note to pick one up at some point so he can fully join in the festivities. that proves to be his mistake, as he looks up at the sky in wonder as the moon fades, seemingly into nothingness. a rare phenomenon in and of itself, he’s sure, but still a mistake nonetheless. it’s almost instantaneous as horns sprout from his head, tail unfurling from the small of his back (and threatening to ruin his clothing), to the now sharpened canines peeking from his lips. how…

(a) at first, it’s easy enough to ignore, despite his chagrin of the actual transformations itself. Zhongli is aware that there are those in Nippon who are from Teyvat; he doesn’t really want to explain the tail and horns if he runs into someone who’s more versed in the lore of Rex Lapis. how troublesome… but not as troublesome as his tail, and the waistband of his pants digging into the underside of it. he really does need to find something more comfortable… perhaps he might be able to haggle for a nice hanfu…

(b) it’s one thing to try to ignore the physical changes of his body, to a form he hadn’t indulged in for quite some time, but the primal urges are a little harder to push aside. there’s an insatiable hunger that he just can’t alleviate, as he shuffles through the streets of the Western Kingdom, hoping that no one will run into him.

(c) the consecutive days after the initial transformation, however, only get worse. he’d managed to find more comfortable clothing to change into so he can let his tail swing about freely (after deeming it futile to hide it under his hanfu), but those animalistic urges only grow. there’s a confusion to that as well; one moment, he’ll want to press himself up against the closest person he runs into, or… if someone were unlucky enough to come across Zhongli, with amber reptilian eyes slitted and teeth barred, they best run, or hopefully be able to hold their own. hopefully whoever does choose to fight has experience in fighting a humanoid dragon]

[don’t wanna do this one prompt? wildcard me, let’s plot something out!]

Threaded | Flat

Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy VII Remake