「 TDM 02 」

[watertrade]

i. Arrival

There isn't any strange feeling or sudden blackout to warn someone of what's to come; it simply happens. One moment they're in their own world attending to their own business, and the next they're underwater. Specifically, the dark, cold waters of the Sumida River. While it's not freezing outside it's still not a pleasant experience and the sudden shock leaves new arrivals at risk of drowning.

Luckily, they aren't alone. The crews that constantly patrol the river are quick to fish the newcomers out, dry them off, warm them up, and explain the situation. Maybe the words and names mean something to said newcomers, and maybe they don't. No matter the case, they're the same for everyone: you're in Yoshiwara, near the city of Tokyo in the country of Japan, and you're here to stay. If your surroundings aren't familiar, that's to be expected; this world isn't the one you know.

New arrivals that feel up to the task are encouraged to help with retrieving other newcomers. Those that don't welcome to huddle under blankets until the boats return to docks. Once there everyone is given directions to a nearby dormitory, where they can find temporary housing - and maybe a change of clothes - before their faction assignments are finalized. Those that still feel overwhelmed are permitted to mingle on the docks. There's not much to do but sit around and shiver, but at least there are friendly locals that are willing to answer any questions for them.

Those that wander the city will find it a touch disorganized. Between the visible police patrols and half-repaired storefronts it's clear that something just went down. Asking around will net newcomers brief explanations about a recent epidemic caused by a strange drug with withdrawal symptoms that drove users berserk. They'll be immediately reassured that there's nothing to worry about, though. The police apprehended the dealers, so those that have just arrived should go and enjoy the parties happening throughout town.

ii. Hanami

After all, a little bit (or a lot) of chaos isn't enough to deter the residents from doing what they do best: charming their way into visitors' wallets. Hanami is the perfect excuse to celebrate, and this year's exceptionally beautiful and fragrant blossoms have drawn a larger crowd than usual. Picnics and parties can be found in all of Yoshiwara's parks, and while many of them are private a fair number are open to all comers. A few groups will be generous about sharing their food and drinks (though either may be spiked with apho, alcohol, or both), and there's always the option of simply playing games and making conversation with other partygoers.

But while the newcomers are encouraged to take it easy and enjoy themselves, there's limits to how much they can do for free. Luckily, someone has already taken that into account. Newcomers that want more food, drink, or excuses to socialize are encouraged to pair up with both established workers and other newcomers in order to put on a show for Yoshiwara's guests.

The shows don't have to be lewd, however. As a general rule, the guests are most interested in the new beginnings and blooming romances associated with early spring, so they're largely content watching Yoshiwara's workers play ice breaker games. 'Would you rather', 'two truths and a lie', and 'corrupt-a-wish' are all popular options and many workers can satisfy guests simply by indefinitely chatting with their partners.

Guests are free to make requests, however, and if two workers have good chemistry they may be encouraged to ramp up the flirtatious behavior. If it feels a bit demeaning that's because it is, but it has the potential to pay well. In addition to free food and drink, workers that put on good shows can expect to receive tips (and more than a few phone numbers) from their happy customers.

iii. Kiss Kiss Fall In Love

Of course, hanami itself is still a celebration, and newcomers and old arrivals alike are encouraged to take a break from work to relax and enjoy the flowers - but the longer someone sticks around, the more likely they are to experience some unexpected side effects.

At first, the scent of the sakura will simply lull someone into a pleasant, fuzzy sort of relaxed contentment. Eventually, the 'fuzzy' element of that relaxation can be identified as mild arousal underscored by directionless affection. It's the desire to touch and be touched, and it seems like the only way to rid yourself of that pesky warmth is to cuddle up to someone else. That's not always enough, however, and sometimes cuddling up will only intensify the arousal and affectionate feelings.

This effect is most likely to take hold from dusk to dawn, with the bright light of day chasing away the worst of the trees' aphrodesiac. The feeling will linger, regardless of contact, for up to an hour after leaving the area of the trees, leaving ample time for anyone to find a partner and make their escape to a more private location.

iv. Portentous Moments

Sex may sell, but that's not the only industry in Yoshiwara. Stores and stalls hawking a tremendous variety of goods and services can be found all over the city, and rather esoteric goods are no exception to this. Anyone wandering around the central district may stumble across a fortune teller, swaddled in a heavy cloak, sitting at a small table situated at the end of an alleyway. She calls any passersby over in a calm, soothing voice, inviting them to have their fortunes told for the low low price of free - no strings attached!

Anyone who approaches and accepts the offer will be handed a deck of tarot cards and told to shuffle, after which the fortune teller will take the deck back and ask her customer to draw a single card. But no matter when a character arrives, where they draw the card from, or how thoroughly they shuffle the deck, they'll only ever draw one of three cards - the Lovers, Death, or the Three of Cups. The fortune teller will offer no explanation as to what each card means, only promising that good things are to come before shooing her customer away. The fortune teller will vanish the second her customer departs, leaving said customer to figure out the effects on their own. That won't be hard, though. The effects aren't subtle.

The Lovers creates instant chemistry between strangers. Not just in a romantic or sexual sense, but in a platonic one as well. Hateful misanthropes will find themselves draw to and intrigued by other people, who will in turn find said misanthrope charming. Those afflicted by the the Lovers card may be aware of how strange this reaction is, but realizing that isn't enough to shake the attraction they feel for their new friend, crush, or lover. This effect can last for several hours before it wears off over the course of a few seconds. It may not wear off both parties simultaneously, however, leaving one party to wonder what they've done to make the other act so cold.

While the Lovers card draws people together, Death drives them apart. Those that draw Death will find themselves both regarding others and being regarded by others as a mortal enemy. It's just that the vehemence of those feelings doesn't always match the 'crime', and something like cutting in line at the grocery store may be treated with the same severity as burning someone's village to the ground. Arguments over the most minor of infractions are breaking out all over town and things are starting to look ugly, but no one will get hurt. As soon as the arguments escalate to the point of either personal insults or physical violence, both parties will suddenly snap out of their rage. Neither party will have any idea of why they got so angry, though whether they apologize for losing their cool or simply continue the fight is up to them.

The Three of Cups works a bit differently from the other two. Anyone who pulls it will be inflicted with 'wrong luck'; that is, incredibly good fortune that doesn't benefit them at all. Vending machines will dispense two cans of their least favorite drink. They'll win a free meal at an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet despite their deadly fish allergy. The cops decide to let them off easy after harassing them for crimes they didn't commit. The Three of Cups may also get stuck to either the Loves and Death cards, and thus the two effects can combine. That said, the Three of Cups' effect lasts until the character gets a solid night's rest, even if the paired effect wears off well before then.

While the Lovers and Death can't be drawn at the same time, they can interact. Should someone afflicted by the Lovers encounter someone afflicted by Death both effects may kick in for both people, leaving them with intense and complicated feelings for one another. Alternately, each person may only experience one of the effects, which won't necessarily be the same effect for both of them.

v. Rainfall

cw: mild gore, mentions of death
Did you know that underneath every cherry blossom tree a corpse is buried? The roots tangle themselves around the body and feed off its nutrients, and by absorbing its blood their pure white blossoms are dyed a soft pink color.

... That's the story, at least, but it's an easy one to forget in Yoshiwara. Even when the town's bright facade cracks and the seedier dark side shows through, such grim urban legends rarely take center stage. Newcomers that aren't already familiar with the story are unlikely to hear it before they depart the docks and start familiarizing themselves with the city.

Which is unfortunate, since knowledge of the story might spare them some trauma. As they go look at the town's various trees, some of them may be overtaken with a strange compulsion. It's as if the trees is calling to them, filling them with the urge to stretch out beneath the branches and take a nap. Of course, if they do make themselves comfortable they'll find it increasingly more difficult to wake up; even the sensation of being slowly but steadily buried under falling blossoms may not be enough to rouse them. If they can't work up the willpower needed to wake up and walk (or at least crawl) away they'd better hope that a helpful stranger stops by.

As for those that don't feel compelled to lay down, they may find that it's suddenly raining despite the clear skies. It only takes a brief look around to realize that rather than falling from the sky, the rain is falling from the cherry blossoms - and that instead of water, it's blood. The droplets well up from the center of each blossom, staining the petals red before finally falling to splatter against clothing, hair, and skin. The 'rain' is limited to the immediate area surrounding whoever happens to be watching, and it stops the moment they leave. While the rain can only be witnessed by the person being rained on, the blood does not conveniently vanish. Hopefully the observers weren't wearing anything nice, though there's no helping the alarmed looks they'll receive for their blood-splattered state.

vi. Wildcard

Hanami may be in full swing, but there's plenty of other things to do. Perhaps some newcomers will want to poke around the town's various locations, check out its assorted businesses, or even visit a legitimately haunted house. There's plenty of things to see and very few limitations to exploration, so there's no reason someone has to stay in the parks if they don't want to.

OOC

Hello, and welcome to the second TDM for Yoshiwara Nights! Use this post to voice test characters, decide who you want to app, and get a feel for the game and your fellow potential players.

Events of the TDM may be kept as game canon. Once you've been accepted you can submit a thread of your character pulling people out of the river (Arrival) to gain bonus reputation with your starting faction. You can only submit one thread, and it must have five comments from you to qualify.

Reserves will open on April 3rd! Our monthly schedule can be found here. If you haven't already please make yourself familiar with our information pages.

If you have any questions about the TDM prompts please direct them here. You can also follow us on Plurk at yoshiwara for further updates.

Comments

QUESTIONS

[watertrade]

Direct any TDM-specific questions to this comment.

Zidane Tribal | FFIX

[gambits]

[ ★ — arrival ]

[ Man. This has got to stop happening to him. Another blackout, another dock, another world. Another new place with nothing and no one, no way to get back and no idea of what became of those he left behind.

Zidane sulks for a while, figures he's entitled to at least a little bit after everything he's been through in the last 24 hours alone. Stares at the water, thinks of home.

He'd just finally figured it out, too. Where home was. Who it was with. What it meant to have somewhere to go back to.

Here we go again.

Sighing out his breath, he drags himself to his feet. Stretches. Does a quick inventory of his things. Then he turns, heading towards the town. Might as well ask around and see if Kuja wound up here too, all things considered. Before the guy can get himself into any more trouble.

He walks up to you, yes you, and puts on his best innocent, upstanding young man smile. ]

'scuse me, you seen a guy with long silver hair? Talks a lot, mostly naked, probably insulted you within the first couple words?

[ ★ — hanami ]

[ Wandering around a bit has led Zidane to present festivities, and he's nothing if not a guy who rolls well with whatever's happening. Flirting for food? Sure, heck, back home he does that for free. Gets shut down for free too. Sometimes even gets escorted out of nice establishments for free.

So he looks around for a likely mark victim partner and when someone makes the mistake of making eye contact with him, he hops down from the tree he climbed up for better vantage and lands with a somersault that tucks neatly into a roll and ends in a flourish, grinning proudly at the person he's now crouched in front of. ]

Hey there! Have we met?

ashuu yuuta ★ b-project!

[bouncier]

1. as idols do - hanami

[ there's a voice in the back of yuuta's head that sounds a lot like one of the other members of thrive. it is almost always yelling, and it usually is yelling things like "you're an idiot, be more careful". at the moment, it's yelling that yuuta should be more worried about the fact that he just got dropped into the water when he was just asleep in his dorm. or the fact that he hasn't seen a single member of thrive. or tsubasa-chan.

but, in typical yuuta fashion, he's ignoring it! instead, he let his feet carry him to hanami, and was plucked up to start working almost immediately. yuuta matches the atmosphere: he's dressed casually in cute, fashionable clothes, and the blossoms that fall off of the tree blend in with the color of his hair. as a professional idol, he fits into the atmosphere a little too well, and he's clearly living it up with his partners as they're given to him. ]

Okay, okay! [ cheerful and bright, he offers his newest partner a grin, and pats the spot next to him for their little 'show'. ] C'mon, let's play never have I ever! What'll happen at hanami'll stay just between us, promise!

2. and us makes two - kiss, kiss, fall in love!

[ that show thing really was just that: work. yuuta loves being an idol more than anything, but he's ready to give someone else a chance on 'stage'. some lost wandering and calling for his unit mates (and friends) didn't amount to anything, and the soft smell of the sakura floating through the air is just starting to make yuuta feel floaty. he's had a good meal, a little sake, and in the process of all of this, has managed to get himself completely and utterly lost.

plus, he's been wandering around for long that he's starting to get lonely, too. where's tsubasa-chan when you need her? she gives the best hugs...there's a weird itch under his skin that he can't quite describe, too. it's just...weird. something's weird.

ugh. he's thinking too much! with a soft "mouuuu," yuuta throws both of his arms in the air and, unceremoniously flops backwards to drop onto the ground on his back, arms spreadeagled.

this lands him right smack on someone's hanami blanket. hope you wren't busy. ]

wildcard.

( got a better idea? want some kisses? i'm open to just about anything! yuuta is an adult (though age unknown... thanks bpro) and open to m/f or m/m! send me a pm if you have an idea or are unsure but i'm probably good with anything. ♥ )

hijikata toshizou | hakuouki

[unrelents]

[ ❀ — hanami ]

[ Hijikata once loved spring. He remembers those feelings like a distant dream, standing here in this corrupt approximation of a festival dear to his heart. It's not the same, not the celebration he once knew, but it's close enough that if he closes his eyes, he finds himself swept away. It's the sounds and the smells and the sights, the boisterous commotion of happy people with their festival foods. The wind in the sakura trees, the fragrant blossoms drifting down all around.

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to play along, even just a short while. There's nothing else to do, nowhere else to go. So he takes a tray of sake from one of the booths and goes to greet people as someone encourages him to do. ]

You there. [ The words are gruff, but Toshi offers a faint smile. ] Have you ever been to hanami?

[ ❀ — kiss kiss fall in love ]

[ Hanami was a mistake. Existing to begin with is also a mistake, but Toshi's trying to focus on the little things for now lest he go completely mad. This entire nightmare world has been dizzying, with the ever-present disconcerting sensation of being in his own home except another family lives there and has always lived there, and all he has are memories that will not quite map to what is undeniably real before his eyes.

The semi-familiar trappings of hanami managed to tempt him for a time, the weary samurai even finding it in himself to schmooze and charm as he was once known to do in his much younger, more promising years.

But of course there's an even deeper undercurrent of wrongness beyond the obvious. Toshi finds his thoughts far cloudier than simple drink would cause, scowling through a fog of longing he can't seem to force down. He should... get out of here, but he can't quite remember the way.

When he turns, it's abrupt and he collides with-- ]

S..sorry. Who--?

[ ❀ — rainfall ]

[ Toshi smells the blood before it hits him, a sudden dryness scorching his throat as pain crackles through him. At first he can't tell where it's coming from, just that it's so overwhelming and present that if it's an injured person then they are most certainly a corpse.

But then he hears the rain, feels the sticky wetness on his skin, and his eyes go briefly wide before he's overtaken by a full-body shudder.

Don't. Don't open your mouth. Don't lick your lips.

The thoughts crash through his mind as he breaks into a sprint, the stench of blood so strong it fills his lungs, coats his throat.

He's well away from the tree before he realizes he's out of the downpour, breathing hard and hair ash white, his eyes as bright red as the blood against his skin.

Something moves near him, something with a pulse. He tenses, turning his face away from the stranger. ]

Leave me!

princess allura | voltron

[juniberries]

i. arrival (boats)
[it isn't in Allura's nature to remain idle. and, admittedly, waking up surrounded by new faces is hardly a new occurrence. her pink paladin armour has kept her relatively bone dry for the most part, it being built to withstand the cold vacuum of space is certainly helpful, but her hair still clings wet and loose from its updo.

so she doesn't need to huddle under a blanket, and instead sets out to help retrieve others like her who were fished out of the river.

she's strong, too, so when the boat she arrived on comes upon another body, she reaches into the cold waters, hoisting them in anyway she can, and lays them down onto the floor of the boat.

when they wake, she takes a blanket, and crouching at their level she places it over their shoulders, offering a bit of a welcoming smile, one that still gives tell to her obvious confusion.

and, following that:]

Before you ask, no, I have no idea how we arrived here.


ii. cards
[to Allura, cards and fortunes mean very little beyond a bit of fun and mystery. so, while the cloaked figure of a woman has her a bit cautious, she has a bit of coin to spare in something that seems a bit harmless.

she accidentally draws two cards in her pull, the scrawling words Lovers catching her eye first, followed by the Three of Cups. unfortunately, she's no eye for tarot cards (they didn't have them on Altea), and so she's incredibly frustrated when the old woman doesn't tell her what it means, either the cards themselves or what it means to draw two at once.

so Allura leaves in a huff, and only a few ticks later she's stopped by a cop.]

"You stole something, didn't you?" [it's said gruffly, a hand at her forearm]

Excuse me?? I most certainly did not! I was just-- [she turns towards the fortune teller's table, in an attempt to seek her out for help, but...the woman and her set up is gone.]

I can assure you, I've not stolen anything! You have the wrong person!

[isn't this just her luck.]


iii. hanami
[and to think, she thought that entertaining the masses with Coran's 'Voltron Show' would be the worst possible means of entertainment she'd have to put on.

what's expected of her here is...well, not something she'd choose on her own.

so, to whoever finds themselves paired with Allura to entertain Yoshiwara's guests, I hope you enjoy playing 'Would you rather' for however long she can manage it.]

So... [she taps her fingers together.] Would you rather...be stuck to a Yelmore for an entire deca-phoeb, or be trapped inside a Weblum for just as long?

nazuna nito ★ ensemble stars

[pronounces]

1. hopping eyes - arrival.

[ on the other end of the cute idol spectrum is nazuna nito, who has, in fact, panicked over being dropped into the water. like a normal person, he comes to the surface gasping, small limbs frantically flailing, trying to push himself up for air.

to a kind Samaritan who grabs him, nazuna's as light as a feather and easily lifted. the minute he's grabbed onto, he throws his arms around the person's neck as instructed to be easily lifted out of the water, the panic reaction kicking in before the pride.

sopping wet and shivering, he's stuck there for a second, trying to process as he's being held above the ground by whoever picked him up, still clinging to their neck. nazuna's not sure what just happened (could anyone be?) and he looks up at his savior, all wide, pink eyes and thick eyelashes, delicate features, his fine blonde hair stuck to his face near his bangs, a boy so beautiful that a fool jumped out of a window from the second story of a building to get to him. he's dressed in a (now soaked) sailor suit, in the irony of all ironies.

look at this damsel in distress, saved! (in a few moments, once he gets his bearings properly, you may realize he is not a damsel. certainly not a doll, either. he's still in distress, though.

but don't expect this behavior to last long.) ]

ii. hoppin fight - arrival two

[ at five foot three, nazuna's not exactly the most helpful at helping people out of the water, but he is good at crowd control. once he's off the boat, had his proper fit about being embarrassed, and has a towel of his own, his big brother mode kicks in.

he's one of the first people to the dormitory, and despite what he looks like, nazuna seems to be fitting in pretty quickly. as people start to get annoyed or cranky waiting around for clothes, he ducks past the people working at the 'check in' and almost immediately gets involved, reaching for what looks like a pile of warm, dry pajamas and holding his arm up. ] Here, come over here, let me get you something to wear!!

[ broadcaster voice or not, nazuna is... really small, so you might only see his fingertips over the crowd, but the people working at the dormitory don't seem to mind the extra volunteer hands too much--especially when he waves off the idea of pay. it's the least he can do!

(plus, the thick hoodie he found in the pile is so warm. it's dark colored and dwarfs him so his hands are completely covered when not raised, but now that he's comfy, he's ready to get down to his nii-chan business.) ]

iii. hopping heart - at hanami

[ look, nazuna just wanted to get one of the sweet, strawberry flavored drinks at hanami. that's it. how he ended up here, playing these weird ice breaker games with a crowd of people watching. it's mostly like putting on a dreamfes, or a sports festival, and while he really would've rathered a chance to take on the chance to emcee this little event, or something, he's currently a participant.

sure, that's fine. there's a small bowl at his hanami blanket, with slips of folded paper inside. "truth or dare", supposedly, is the game, and he puts his hand in the bowl to withdraw a question for his own lame answer of truth.

whatever's on that paper makes nazuna turn pink, though, surprised. ] Wh--what kinda queshion ish that shupposhed to be--I'm not ansherin sat!!

[ rip.]

iv. wildcard.

[ no one saw my computer glitch and just post my toplevel early right? right. :')

anyway, if you'd like to do something besides these options, i'm open to all! nazuna will be 18 as of his canon point, and i'm more leaning towards m/m for anything overtly nsfw, but lighter fare is OTA! ♥ ]

Keito Hasumi | Ensemble Stars

[lotusbloom]

( ii. )
[ Keito's very dubious of this whole setup. He's used to ice breaker games, and he's used to having an audience, but both at once is a little... something. It's a little something. It feels unsettlingly intimate.

Still, he's trapped in this town with no money, no food, and only one change of clothing. He's used to idea of having to work to earn his keep, and whining about it won't get him anywhere. So he sighs just a little, turns to his partner, and starts the game. ]

Would you rather never be able to read books again, or never be able to read manga again?

[ Ah. It seems like Keito's glasses aren't just for show. ]

( iii. + iv. )
[ Keito is, if nothing else, a traditionally-minded individual. Hanami may not be his favorite holiday, but passing it up unless he has to isn't likely. He's found a spot for himself on an empty blanket, just large enough for another person to join him. And the average person might not be so forward about that, but when Keito sees someone pass by he flashes them an uncharacteristic smile. ]

Are you looking for somewhere to sit?

[ Cause he's got space, and between the strange scent from the trees and the Lovers fortune he drew earlier, there's nothing he wants more than to keep this new person company. ]

( v. )
[ Well that was... horrifying. And annoying. Keito's (brand new) clothes are already ruined from getting extensively splattered with blood from the cherry blossoms, and he's earned his share of terrified looks on his way from the tree to the nearest pond. A glance at the water's surface has confirmed that, yup, he looks positively ghastly right now.

He has no idea where the nearest bathhouse is, but he knows he can't just wander around looking for it while looking like this. Which means that his only option is so do what he can right here. Keito is very aware that washing his face with the pond water isn't very sanitary and isn't very normal, but right now it's the best he can do. So when he invariably catches someone staring at him... ]

What?

[ He snaps out his harsh question with little concern for the fact that he's really not the person here that should be asking that right now. ]

( ooc. )
I'm open to both m/f and n/n smut for prompt iii. + iv! Keito is 18. Feel free to PM me if you want to plot for that or any other starters!

masunaga kazuna ☼ b-project

[pianissimost]

[ ☼ — hanami ]

[ There's so much on Kazuna's mind it's difficult to focus on work, which is disconcerting to him in of itself as a professional in the entertainment industry. This work in particular is so lax and low-demand it should come as easily as breathing, but again and again he finds himself distracted by the present situation. Not just being transported to another time and place, but attacks on local businessses? Dangerous drug outbreak?

When the person he's trying to entertain shakes him out of his thoughts a third time, he apologizes and excuses himself to take a quick break, just a brief walk around the festival to get his head on straight.

Come on, Kazuna, get a grip. Focus on the things you can change, not the things you can't.

When he gets back, he's smiling again but can't seem to find the person he was previously entertaining. Ah, well. Straightening his shirt, he looks around for someone else looking a bit lonely or out of sorts. ]

Hello, I'm Kazuna. [ He greets you with a smile, giving a polite bow in introduction. ] How might I best serve you?

[ ☼ — portentous moments ]

[ Having just had his fortune read much to his own confusion, Kazuna shrugs it off as the Lovers card certainly can't be an ill omen, right? So he just gets on his merry way, mentally going over a list of errands he's going to need to get done before the night is out. Groceries, cleaning supplies, finish getting himself acquainted with the layout of this sector of the city, check on his neighbors, introduce himself to local establishments...

He's so lost in thought he walks into someone turning the corner, dropping his stationary and writing utensils all over the street. ]

Oh, excuse me--

[ ☼ — wildcard ]

[ Hit me! If your character knows Kazu already or you want to presume they know Kazu already or if you just want to jump straight into cuddles under the demon corpse eating sakura trees just hit me up! ]

rider ☣ fate/ ☣ ota

[cybele]

☣ arrival;

[ the city name of "tokyo" is one of the few rider recognizes. for now, she can tell that it's not the holy grail that is giving her the gift of being able to understand the locals; it's an entirely different sort of magic. there's a supernatural feeling that buzzes through the air and envelops the whole city, but her disoriented state prevents rider from putting a pin in what, exactly, is going on. it's like there's a static covering her senses, deadening them and making it a little difficult for her to tell which way is which. usually she can navigate her way around without worry, but that mask on her eyes is now a hindrance. letting her mystic eyes survey the scenery, however, is not an option, so removing the mask she does not.

if she bumps into your character, she'll mumble a soft "excuse me," and rest a hand against the wall, or a trunk of a tree. she will stay still for a moment before continuing on, trying to stay in the flow of traffic to find her way to the dormitory for a change of clothing. with her long purple hair and her tall stature, she certainly does stand out, looking more awkward than usual. this is so weird. she would like her senses back at 100% please.

later on, at the dorm, rider has found her glasses in the box of newcomers belongings and has been wrapped up in a mulberry kimono by the friendly locals. it's a surprise to her that they had something that would fit her size, but she doesn't argue as they tie up her obi and send her on her way. ]

Excuse me, do you know where the nearest library is?

☣ hanami;

[ she tried to get out of this.

but she didn't try hard enough.

by now she's used to being told to do dumb little errands for either her master or her sisters, so she takes this assignment in stride, swallowing down her embarrassment with a sigh. a maid's apron covers her kimono now, and there's a tray full of hanami sweets in her hands. ]

I have two older sisters. I am the tallest in my family. [ now a lie... uh ... ] I dye my hair.

[ for those supernaturally inclined, it's as though a faint cry can be heard from that loose braid under rider's shoulders, a dozen tiny voices crying out in panic before being silenced. ]

☣ kiss kiss fall in love lust; nsfw & blood possible, men only

[ ah... the faint smell of aphrodisiac. rider doesn't immediately recognize it for what it is, but it doesn't take long to figure out that's what the fuzzy feeling in the atmosphere is. and she can use this to her advantage.

rider takes a seat on a large hanami blanket near one of the sakura trees. she has undone the top of her kimono, letting it fall open enough to display the curve of her breasts, and any man who looks her way will be met with a laid-back gaze and a curl of her lips. her long legs peek through the slit in her dress, and the material falls to the side. if she's lucky (rider is rarely so, but she will take this gamble), perhaps an unwilling mouse will fall into the viper's pit. a servant can live without magical energy for only so long and rider is loathe to make a contract with a stranger so soon. blood, however... a little blood can sustain her for a few more days. ]

wildcard;

[ so there's a glowing white pegasus galloping through the streets, parks, rivers, whatever area of the city you're in. he looks distressed. maybe you should help him out. ]

( ooc; heaven's feel route spoilers inevitable, but rider here is from fate/grand order, post time temple! pm or contact me on bloodfort if you'd like to plot something out or if you'd prefer a custom starter! please let me know if you would like to opt-in to rider drinking your character's blood on the nsfw option! by default, her prey shall escape after sex. )

akira kurusu ★ persona 5

[larcenies]

I. icebreakers ★ hanami

[ While not necessarily the most sociable person - he didn't make many friends at Shuujin, outside of the misfits that became his confidants - Akira regardless knows these ice breaker games. When he gets assimilated into a group, spread out across their blankets with their drinks and treats and laughter, he figures, well. Do as the natives do.

This results in playing the ice breaker games, when engaged by those in the group. His suggestion? Feels rather sardonic, especially when said with the pleasantry so common to his civilian mask as he adjusts his glasses. ] Have you ever played corrupt-a-wish? You just come up with a wish, and whoever "grants" it will do that - but corrupt it. Like you wish for a million dollars, but it winds up being a million dollars in board game money when it's fulfilled.

II. fortuitous(?) readings ★ portentous moments nsfw possible

[ The fortune teller is a little bit of deja vu, if he's being honest here. At least this one's not asking for a ridiculous amount of money this go around, and she doesn't seem like she's going to dropkick him through a mysterious door tucked in this alleyway.

So Akira shuffles the cards with a practiced hand, accepting the appraisal of the old seer as he does. With a satisfying snap of them at the end, he gives them back to her and lets her do what she needs to - and, oh. That also requires he takes a card. Well, that's fine with him.

... and then he's shooed? Not necessarily something he was expecting, after interacting with Chihiro, but he returns The Lovers - with some measure of fondness for Ann in mind - and Three of Cups and lets himself be directed away. A glance back is less shocking, given his Velvet Room attendant(s), and their penchant for appearing in random places, but. He has a bad feeling today is going to be something interesting.

Go figure he runs right into someone once he's cleared the alleyway and returns to the main street. ] Excuse me -

III. unfortunately familiar ★ rainfall

[ This can go one of two ways.

a. Akira, for all his apparent meekness (a lie) and seemingly aloof attitude (more accurate), is not about to let something happen to anyone that might need help. He's never been the type to stand idly by, so when he notices that someone is getting buried in the petals that are falling from the tree they're under? He's going to help.

That means that if you're one of these poor unfortunate saps that got suckered in by the allure of the tree, a hand enters your field of vision to grab hold of your shirt, your arm, the first thing that he can get ahold of. ] As comfortable as this looks, you might want to get out of there.

[ Or, b. Which is particularly unfortunate.

The last time the skies rained blood, some... well, terrible things happened. People were just as oblivious at first, too, and Akira would rather not look back on that moment of his life if he can help it. Yet here he is, finding blood on the cuff of his sleeve that becomes a drop on his shoulder, another on his cheek, until he's splattered in red even as he's vacating the spot he found himself getting drenched in. ] What the hell...

[ He takes his glasses off, staring at where the petals are soaked in blood, even as he tries to shake himself out and clean off his glasses. ]

IV. namesake ★ wildcard

[ hmu with anything that you might fancy - you can either drop a starter, ping me at folklorist#9385, or plurk at folklores ♥ ]

hanami

[flamebringer]

[all Allura gets in response from the person sitting across from her is a somewhat quizzical squint. the game is easy enough, but the first question right off the bat is... uh.]

... I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that jargon. [as cross-cultural exchanges typically go.]

[juniberries]

...oh. Right then! [she clasps her hands together now, brow furrowing in thought as she tries to come up with scenarios that are more universal.

a few seconds of silence go by. then another few.

and then...] How about...you ask the first question?

Momo | IDOLiSH7

[leftrepeat]

ii. hanami

[Momo, like many attendees, wanders around admiring the flowers, looking for this and that in the way of entertainment. He mingles and rubs elbows, making friends and taking on way too much to drink. He's probably a little tipsy by the time he gets paired up, and he laughs loudly, generously, as he takes the hand of whoever he's been told to put on a show with. They sit down on some cushions in a little area, encircled by a growing crowd, and Momo wins a quick bout of rock paper scissors, so he goes first!]

Alright, alright... Would you rather be famous, but hated; or universally loved, but totally obscure?


iii. kiss kiss

[He's not questioning how he got here, but he finds himself draped over the shoulders of someone he may or may not know, his eyes half-closed and his speech pleasantly muddled by drink and the flowers. He's an idol, so this is totally inappropriate, but he just can't resist. Smiling, he takes the other person's hand and pulls it up to intertwine their fingers.]

You're pretty, just like the flowers...


v. rainfall

[After all is said and done and Momo has returned to the site of the trees, he feels utterly compelled to get closer. Closer and closer he goes to a tree, until he leans his back against it and slowly slides down the trunk. It disrupts the state of his clothing, but he doesn't seem to care. Mumbling to himself about something or another, he slowly reclines, and finds himself comforted by the blanket of blooms forming on his body. Someone walks by, and he smiles up at them sleepily before closing his eyes...]

I toooootally get it, now...

Himari Uehara | Bang Dream!

[solocheer]

one;;

[they may have recently gotten back from Inoshima, but that doesn't mean Himari's grown any fonder of being cold and wet since then. it's jarring enough to suddenly find oneself in the water when only second before they were strolling downtime, but the information she's given after being fished out somehow manages to top even the chill slowly creeping into her bones.

Yoshiwara? she wasn't exactly the most interested in history, but even she could recognize that name. how in the world had she ended up in a district that by all accounts shouldn't still be in existence? she wants to ask her saviors if perhaps they'd gotten the name wrong, but with so many other people still struggling in the river she can't quite muster up the willpower to hassle them like that.

and when she realizes that one of her belongings is missing...well, the oddness of the situation completely flies from Himari's head. now every blanket that she diligently doles out to each new boatload of shivering people is accompanied with a question; she does her best to remain cheerful and casual, but there's an unmistakable sheen of worry to her expression.]

Um, hey...while you were out there you didn't happen to see a bass guitar, did you?

two;;

[hanami! it had been a little too early for the sakura blossoms at home, but here the timing seems to be just right. Himari can barely contain her excitement when she sees the familiar picnic blankets spread out beneath the trees, practically hurling herself into the festivities.

before really settling in she'd strictly told herself that she couldn't afford to be a pig and that she absolutely had to limit herself to the free snacks, and for at least twenty minutes she adheres to her mantra of self-restraint. however...the sweets were just so good, and they looked so picturesque beneath the cherry blossoms that soon enough she finds herself getting to 'work' to earn some more.

judging by her wide smile, she doesn't mind a bit. she's used to entertaining a crowd, after all.]

Oooh, oooh! How about whoever guesses the lie wrong has to sing a little karaoke?

[if you want to protest this idea, you better do it fast. she's already unzipping her bass from its carrying case.]

five;;

[even after the festivities have mostly ended, Himari remains amongst the cherry blossoms. with the excitement of the day ebbing away, she's left with her thoughts - and the loneliness of having experienced all of this without any of her friends.

were they looking for her back home, she can't help but wonder? or had they not noticed yet, only becoming concerned when she doesn't arrive at school tomorrow? staring through the gaps in the tree branches, she wishes that she could send them some sort of sign. even if they couldn't come get her she wanted them to know that she was fine.

but maybe she could? the bonds of childhood friendship were powerful, after all. maybe, by watching the sunset through the veil of sakura, she could send her feelings to them in a way that her body was incapable of. the thought is so wonderful that she immediately settles on it and fixes her eyes on the horizon as the sun begins to creep towards its descent.

when it begins to drizzle gently, she isn't even bothered...until she goes to brush her hair back and spies a flash of red on her hand in her peripheral vision.]

Huh..?

[this was...blood? Himari can feel her own freeze as she stares at the crimson droplets on her hand, the number slowly increasing as more falls from the sky. looking straight up, she's even more horrified to find that it isn't some twisted sort of rainfall - it's dropping down from the cherry blossoms themselves.

with a loud shriek she scrambles backwards as fast as she can, stumbling over her own feet in her haste to escape the now-bloody forest and tripping in reverse - right into any passersby who might be unfortunate enough to be strolling past at the moment. in her blind panic, she doesn't even have the presence of mind to apologize. all she can do is keep screaming.]

wildcard;;

[if you'd like to do something other than these prompts, super go for it! I'm open to everything and everyone. for those concerned about age, Himari is sixteen. c:]

[flamebringer]

Very well. [it's her turn to think now, fingers brought to her chin in brief contemplation.]

Would you rather be buried alive in sand, or eaten by feral Volffs?

[and she looks so satisfied with what she came up with, too... maybe she kinda missed the intended vibe of the game, whoops.]

Hanami

[scalpedsociety]

[Aramat doesn't know why she called over one of the maids to her picnic. It was for a lark. (And the maid was cute, she admits it.) Aramat cajoles her over, encourages her to play some games, join in food and fun. At least she's willing to play along and for that she's grateful.

Aramat looks over at the maid. She's met her fair share of punk runaways that dye their hair that exact shade but none of them have that amount of health.]

Hmmmm.

[She pretends to think for the sake of everyone else and the maid.]

arrival

[featherbrain]

Woah! Woah, woah, woah, woah!

[Rakan waves his hands wildly in a "stop" gesture. He did not take the time to sulk or put himself together. Almost immediately he was up and exploring and searching and if that had tired him out it certainly didn't look it from the half-manic expression on his face.]

No! Mine first! [with that established,]

Have you seen a girl with dark red hair? Long ears, so gorgeous you'd probably die, actually she probably might have already tried to kill somebody?

[He knew Xayah was capable of taking care of herself, still, it was like there was some pounding longing in the back of his head. Xayah, where's Xayah, this place seems fun but he wants to walk around it with Xayah...]

ii

[featherbrain]

[Rakan was having a bit of trouble sitting still throughout this whole thing. The first ten minutes had been okay. He'd gotten to try a drink that was as sweet as nectar. He'd had a snack that was chewy and kept his mouth shut. Now, though, he was losing track of what this whole thing was supposed to be about. Looking at flowers? Well, yeah, the flowers were pretty but that wasn't really best enjoyed on the ground, was it? Maybe he should climb a tree.]

[Only the vaguest sense of self-restraint keeps Rakan from abandoning his new partner to climb a tree. Even though it's a simple question,]

Depends! What's a manga?

[And judging by the fact he looks like some sort of MMO furry this is less a "comics vs manga" thing and more a complete absence of knowledge.]

v, kinda, but not really,

[hospitalies]

[ Eichi, for a moment, is convinced that if he looks at Keito too long, Keito's image will turn into someone else, dissipate like a dream that Eichi will barely remember having by tomorrow. Instead, Keito remains there, splattered with blood, with a familiar irate expression on his face.

There's still a chance that it isn't really Keito, though, and so Eichi slides up behind him, infuriating smile already on his lips as he ventures: ]

The blood is an interesting choice, shinigami-san, but you are attracting an awful lot of attention.

[ He sure will immediately start with the teasing. Best way to make sure it's Keito. ]

Shu Itsuki | Ensemble Stars!

[clothwaltz]

i. Arrival (option one)

[It's cold. That's the first thing Shu thinks about as his feet touch the bottom of the body of water he's in, and he feels the world start to close in around him. But no! No, he won't just lay down and be defeated like this. He's come too far, recovered so much of his own life... There's no reason to lay down and die now! So he plants his feet on the bottom and pushes off, swimming carefully back to the surface.

As soon as he arrives there, before his vision can even resolve, he feels strong arms lifting him out of the water, and he knocks against the side of a boat. He thrashes a bit at the contact, dignified but unhappy as he's bodily dragged up. And once he's on solid deck, he simply moves away from his savior as quickly as possible.]

Off, off! You'll ruin it more!

[Why the hell was he just in a river, in one of his performance outfits? This makes absolutely no sense.]

(option two)

[Now warm and dry, Shu wanders the city in search of... what? A familiar face? Something productive to do? Anything but the designated tasks. Something... that suits him better. But as he passes by one shop, full of lush kimono fabrics and inexplicably mismatched trims, his outrage drives him inside. Once inside, he launches into a discussion with the shopkeeper, and comes out later with a small bag full of fabric samples and a better idea of his situation. Longingly, he checks behind him, glad there's this small comfort in a strange place.

And he runs directly into a passer-by, dropping his bag.]

Honestly... Watch where you're going!


ii. Hanami, or Eating Is For...?

[Shu doesn't accept any food or drink that doesn't resemble plain water at the festivities, so by a few hours in, he finds himself hungry. He'll deny it, of course, but a wise person may catch him pausing longingly in front of a food stall, a hand over his stomach. This crowd is getting to him, and so is his hunger. It's a dangerous combination of hunger and anxiety.

His stylish outfit suits the occasion perfectly, traditional and beautiful, more simple than his usual Victorian-influenced fare. He looks like he might well be attending a festival. Which... yes, of course, he is. He's in front of just one such food stall when he checks him empty purse for the tenth time, then huffs lightly.

Pride gets him nowhere sometimes, which is utterly ridiculous and pointless. But it's best that he get this over with. The nearest person with similarly empty hands is about to get verbally accosted.]

You, you there. There's a way to make money for the food, isn't there? Stop being useless and come help me.

[Because with his attitude? Nobody's being very generous.]


iv. Portentous Moments, or Basically The Worst Thing Ever

[He looks at the card in his hand, scowling. The Lovers?]

This? But you won't even explain what it means? What a pathetic excuse for a fortune teller, when you don't tell anything.

[He turns around, dropping the card on the ground and walking away. This whole thing has been a waste of time, and he's had to be in a crowd all day. Frankly, it's all a wash, and he's about to call it quits. But then, just a few minutes after leaving the fortune teller... Then, then, then, he sees something lovely. A person. He hasn't felt this way about seeing someone in quite some time, but there's the oddest feeling that grows as he stares... that he's found his muse.

They disappear in the crowd, and he gives chase, bumping past people in pursuit, heedless of the crowd and the bustle around him at last. There's nothing else in his world but this beautiful person.]

Stop! Wait!

[He's being utterly inelegant, but how can one simply abandon their muse to the hordes? He wouldn't dare miss out on this fortuitous meeting.

Finally, he catches up, and he reaches for their hand, pulling them to a stop. Once they notice him, he pulls his hand away like he's been burned, or done something wrong, and looks at it oddly. Yet there they are. His muse. His inspiration. And he is simply staring.]


vi. Wildcard

[Please DM with other ideas and suggestions!]

Haru | No, Thank You!!!

[libidos]

one ❚ kiss kiss fall in love

[It'd been difficult for him to figure out what to draw his attention toward, the beautiful sight of those grand trees and their pink blossoms fluttering through the air, or all the delicious food being offered. Even the games, as silly as they were, seemed like a whole lot of fun to fool around with. But there's something about the scent in the air that just relaxes him completely, makes him feel a little woozy, almost like he's drunk. The trees start to lose the appeal, and he no longer has much of an appetite.

Thankfully, Haru recognizes what hits him almost immediately. He's an affectionate person by nature, and he has a penchant for squeezing himself in others personal space without warning.

Translation: he's super needy for attention and also kind of horny. And he has no problem trying to find someone to keep him company.

It doesn't matter who you are, man or woman, human-looking or not, if he likes what he sees he'll sidle up beside you, take your hand in his or cling to your arm. There's a wide smile to his face, a flush of his cheeks as he chirps up happily.]

Hi! Are you lonely? I'll keep you company if you'd like.

two ❚ rainfall

[Something drips onto his cheek, and Haru blinks, unsure of where the water came from. Has it started raining? He didn't see rain clouds up above in the sky. He looks upward, yet all he can see is a canopy of pink blossoms.

...there's red. They seem to shimmer with, dew? But as the water wells the petals go red, and it drips downward, plopping right into his hair. More and more droplets fall, a light shower of red droplets, and Haru can only stand there in confused awe as blood continues to sprinkle down upon him.]

three ❚ wildcard

[Feel free to set up any other sort of scenario from the original prompts or contact me through PM for a custom starter. As an important note Haru will be absolutely willing to have sex with your character. Don't even ask. He'll do it. He'll have sex with anyone I'm not even joking. He has no limits though for the time being I'll say no characters younger than 18. Of course if you'd prefer to keep things on the more PG side with just lots of cutesy affection and flirting then let me know!]

arrival

[solocheer]

[Himari's managed to pull herself out of the dockside moping fairly recently herself, and is only just starting to explore the place when Zidane approaches her. she's a trusting girl - and knows very keenly what it's like to be looking for people right now - and so his question is returned with an apologetic smile.]

No, I'm sorry. [she laughs a little] He sounds like he'd get along pretty well with a friend of mine, though.

[although Moca would be asking for something to eat first before running her mouth...]

two

[solocheer]

[she wasn't busy beyond enjoying the petals floating down from the trees, no, but...]

Ah! I-I think you landed on my mochi...

[that was going to stick all over his back, given how many she'd piled onto her plate. forget the tragedy of all that mochi being ruined - she didn't have any napkins on hand to help the poor guy out.]

two

[featherbrain]

[Protest? It's the best idea he's heard all day! Maybe. It's the best idea right now, definitely! He swoops up to his feet, his bright and feathered cape flourishing out.]

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!

What songs do you know? The Yordle and the Demacian? Elegy of the Bearded Lady? If we want to get a liiiiiii~ttle racy, I can do The Milkmaid and the Minotaur, but! Only if you're into it.

[Someone, off to the side, reminds him that this was part of a larger game. His ears briefly droop and the feathers of his cape seem to as well.]

What, so we gotta lose to sing?

[He turns to Himari, looking to her as the authority even though he's got a solid amount of height on her.]

Okay. how do I lose?

[priorities]

rainfall

[solocheer]

[this far from the sakura trees, Himari isn't thinking about hanami. she's exploring the district, trying to familiarize herself with its layout while scoping out any interesting-looking places at the same time. it's both useful and a good way to distract herself - but when someone dashes past her covered in what looks like blood there's no way she can ignore it.

she approaches worriedly, although when the man lashes out with his demand she finds herself freezing in place. he seems so forceful, and she's so ignorant of the present situation, that she very nearly takes his advice and leaves him alone.]

Um...

[wait, what the hell was she doing? she'd promised to stop being so paralyzed in critical situations! there would never be any way she could help if she simply stood silent like some kind of idiotic statue.

reaffirming her determination with a sharp nod to herself, she speaks up a second time. this time her voice is significantly firmer.]

H-hey, no way! You're covered in blood, I can't just leave you here!