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songerein2023-10-17 02:06 am
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Entry tags:
- !event,
- -tdm,
- aang,
- aerith gainsborough,
- aglovan,
- alastor,
- alisaie leveilleur,
- anastasia romanova,
- azula,
- barok van zieks,
- black raisin cookie,
- blitzø,
- chai,
- denji,
- ei,
- ereshkigal,
- erichthonios,
- estinien varlineau,
- eustace,
- g'raha tia,
- gen asagiri,
- general nuadha,
- gina lestrade,
- goro akechi,
- helga pataki,
- hiyori iki,
- iris wilson,
- iroh,
- isabela madrigal,
- joshua rosfield,
- kazuki kurusu,
- kazuma asogi,
- kazuya minegishi,
- ken amada,
- link (botw),
- link (oot),
- maedhros,
- magilou mayvin,
- martel yggdrasill,
- nahida,
- najaran,
- naoya,
- nico di angelo,
- octavia of the ars goetia,
- pauline bonheur,
- percy jackson,
- prompto argentum,
- ralsei,
- revali,
- rufus shinra,
- ryunosuke naruhodo,
- sandalphon,
- scaramouche/wanderer,
- senku ishigami,
- sheik (zelda),
- solanaceae,
- somnus lucis caelum,
- tifa lockhart,
- venti,
- yato,
- zelda (ss)
{ halloween }
HALLOWEEN
Another Halloween has arrived in Reverein, and the Nightmare Troupe returns from their mysterious origins to help transform the carnival grounds to fit the season. They've added a new feature attraction: The Labyrinth, where everyone just runs around to fight spooky baddies for candy, prizes, and flex one's combat abilities in dreamotion. It's all in good fun, of course!
More details on everything can be found here. As a reminder, events double as our TDMs and information can be found here. Any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in October and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of October 25th, just before the event ICly begins. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count October as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.
IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.
TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open October 25th and Applications will open on November 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until January.
TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)
Bokurano - Jun Ushiro
Cookie Run Kingdom - Black Raisin Cookie
Dead by Daylight - Zarina Kassir
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Edgin Darvis
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - Xenk Yendar
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core - Genesis Rhapsodos
Final Fantasy XIV - Emet-Selch
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Final Fantasy XV - Somnus Lucis Caelum
Full Metal Alchemist - Alphonse Elric
Genshin Impact - Ei
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Great Ace Attorney, The - Iris Wilson
Hey Arnold! - Helga G. Pataki
Hi-Fi Rush - Chai
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Zelda
Noragami - Yato
Original - Astralin Turnont
Touhou - Maribel Hearn
We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.
I. CARNIVAL
While the carnival grounds still have the standard fare of attractions themed up for Halloween, there are a few new ones popping up thanks to the Nightmare Troupe. Some are similar to what appeared last year, but with a different look to them. Some, perhaps, more terrifying than before.
A. Personalized Costumes. All throughout Reverein boutiques and tailors are in full swing to create costumes for those who wish to wear, either by renting or buying. However, for those who are a bit adverse, the fairy godmothers are out and about ready to employ their fashion magic to grant anyone and everyone a special Halloween costume, just for them! There might be the slight side effect that the wearer may behave like the costume itself, but it's just a temporary phase. 
B. Vampring Frights. The vamprings are still out and about, nibbling on nightmares. But now they are also appearing outside of dreams, deciding that a bit of fear could make as good of a snack or meal as any other. Only the ones that are truly hungry will appear, so a little purple blob will bounce and latch onto any part of their target's body they can reach (though they particularly like the top of the head). Those who are bitten in this manner won't try to bite others, fortunately. Instead, they will become something like a "Vampring minion" and try to invoke fear and scare others. (For more information and use the original version of the Vampring, read here.)
C. Monster Swaps. Small monsters will roam the carnival grounds and will swap bodies with random people to go around pulling pranks and tricks in the person's body. The person is now trapped in the monster's body, but has access to the monster's trickster, spooky abilities as well (ie, players can make this up). To return to normal, they must find their original body and bite it. Otherwise, they will have to wait for the monster to get bored and return to switch them back.
D. Carnival Fare. Here are a few of the general games and attractions available for carnival goers to enjoy.
🔫 Zombie Shooter. Ride through a rickety car through a building and shoot the "zombies" that pop up with bright green paintball guns. While most are cardboard, there are a few volunteers that dress for the occasion. Don't mind their pain as they get hit, they're fine.
👻 Spooky Stories. Instead of a fire, there is a boiling cauldron set up where people can gather around and try to conjure up their spookiest story. The steam over the cauldron will change and twist to try and illustrate the story as it goes, and should it proof particularly scary, a manifestation of the terror will crawl out of it to terrorize everyone for a little bit before disappearing.
🍏 Poisoned Apples. Special caramel covered green apples are handed out throughout the carnival. One bite will inflict one or more of the following effects: floating, dizzy, sugar rush, creepy, frightful. (Players are free to be creative and come up with additional effects!)
🧹 Broom Carousel. The horses have been replaced with different styles of witch brooms, letting everyone have a safe experience of flying on a broom. Until the brooms suddenly fly out of the carousel and into the carnival. Hang on or stop that broom!
🎃 Pumpkin Carving Challenge. Pumpkins can be found all over the grounds, and there is a challenge to carve them with dreamotion and light a special candle in them. Doing so will bring the pumpkin to life and behave like whatever expression or drawing carved on them. Whether they behave nicely is a different matter. Blowing out the candle will stop the pumpkin.
E. House of Mirrors. The House of Mirrors will have new mirrors installed that have new special effects…many making everyone inside feel not quite themselves.
🎭 Jekyll and Hyde. A black framed mirror where the opposite version of the viewer appears to taunt them.
💅 Narcissism. A gold framed mirror where one will see the best version of themselves and will stand stuck in front of it admiring themselves. They will need to be forcibly dragged away…else they may get stuck on the mirror.
🛌 Dream or Nightmare? A silver framed mirror that will reflect either a good dream or a nightmare that's on the viewer's mind. It will be a strong image, so strong that the viewer may be tempted to dreamwalk into the mirror, either to be a part of it or to destroy it. Some help may be required to help them either accomplish their goal or pull them out.
🪞 Mirror Version. Sometimes, a "mirror version" of the viewer may reach out to switch places, trapping the original inside the mirror while the mirror version goes out to cause some chaos. The trapped person can only traverse through mirrors, and can only be freed if the mirrored version is shoved back into any mirror. One way to tell a mirror version apart is that they will randomly reflect things off their body.
F. Haunted Ryokan. A haunted Japanese styled inn is the theme for this year's "haunted house." On the outside, it looks invitingly eerie, with life-sized traditional Japanese dolls as their hosts and guides. They hope their new patrons will enjoy their stay…forever.
🏮 Peony Lantern. At first a beautiful woman will appear holding a lantern and take a person's hand to lead them through the narrow halls lit by floating lanterns. But whenever they pass under a lantern, the woman's form changes into a skeleton. Once they are noticed, they will screech and chase them through the hallways and rooms to the next location, but if left alone it will quietly lead them without issue.
🛁 Bathhouse. Somehow they get to the bathing area where the steam rises thick around them. Without warning a ghostly figure of a long-haired drowned woman will crawl out and chase with a bloody knife. Fish spirits will also fly out to impede them, but they could be used to smack the woman instead. Should someone slip in the water, they'll feel hands grab at them, trying to pull them under…
🪦 Graveyard. Past the courtyard is a graveyard where all manner of Japanese inspired ghosts and demons roam. A special paper talisman is available, and once powered with positive dreamotion it will create a shikigami that will help ward off and defend against the ghosts. But it must have constant dreamotion poured into it, so should it ever go out, the ghosts and demons will suddenly rush into chase.
🐕 Shiba Statues. Should anyone be having a truly terrible time, special little shiba inu statues will trot in to dispel the "evils" and give the visitor some much needed comfort and respite. They will even guide them to the exit if needed. Those who manage to pass through on their own will also meet the shiba inu statues and have a chance to play with them as if in congratulations.
II. LABYRINTH
A big structure now occupies the area just beyond the Fairgrounds. Towering stone walls hide complex pathways inside, and it turns out its express purpose is not to get people lost, but for a little bit of exploration. There is no entrance/exit, just a special circular teleportation pad that will take them inside and there is no end goal. It's not difficult to get out once inside, but the winding paths encourage visitors to check behind corners for treats because there's a lot of treats AND tricks!
A. Halloween Creatures. The labyrinth is populated with silly creatures held together by craft glue and duct tape both dreamotion and nightmare. These creatures will attack on sight, but subdue them and reap the rewards: candy and silly toys! It's all for fun, after all.
🦴 Skeletons. Their bones are made of rubber and most physical attacks will bounce off them. Have to get in close to blast with dreamotion!
🕷 Glow-In-The-Dark Plastic Spiders. Will shoot sticky licorice webbing that will trip up and trap any caught in it. Have to eat through it to get out, and the flavor could either be red or black.
🔺 Candy Corn Golems. Chuck giant pieces of candy corn that are delicious, but hurt! Golems will melt under intense heat.
B. Mysterious Doors. Sometimes, you may find a door at one of the dead ends. Knock, and most of the time a kindly old lady (where did she come from? Don't worry about it–) will present you with special trick-or-treat bags. The other times, a swarm of genuinely sinister nightmare creatures will come pouring out. Oops! Try again next time! Here are some of the items the old lady will give and their effects (they can be taken home after the event):
🧙 Witch's Hat. The hat will automatically fly on top of the person's head and will allow them to cast silly hexes of misfortune on their targets.
🧹 Witch's Broom. Can fly at fast speeds for a few minutes at a time. Only goes up to three feet in the air.
🤓 Plastic Fangs. These fangs will fit themselves in the person's mouth and will allow them to bite any candy corn golem or sticky spider licorice webbing with ease. And normal foods, too.
🕸 Spray Can of Licorice Webbing. Releases a spray of licorice webbing similar to the ones used by the plastic spiders.
🧻 Roll of Toilet Paper. Exactly as it says.
🍫 Nougat Center. A delicious treat that will temporarily boost one'sstatsdreamotion abilities.
C. Beware of Steve. If you're very unlucky, you may hear an ominous clatter in the distance... The low rumble of a revving chainsaw... Those who spend lots of time in the labyrinth will know soon enough–those are noises that mean you need to run. Because STEVE, THE 20-FOOT-TALL CHAINSAW-WIELDING SKELETON, takes no hostages, and he's out for blood!!! He will continue chasing people until fought, and anything goes with this foe. While dreamotion attacks will work, using the items given by the old lady in the doors will inflict greater damage. Anyone who is "killed" by Steve will be knocked out of the Labyrinth unharmed.
D. Grand High Viscount of Candy Corn. On the other end of giant "horrors" is a giant golem made of candy corn with a large top hat that may appear out of one of the doors. Its main attack, besides trying to punch and pummel, is spewing sticky candy goop that will trap anyone caught in it. It'll wear off, but until then, any caught in it will at first feel very energetic and attack more quickly before becoming sluggish and unable to do much, as if they suffered an extreme sugar crash.
no subject
Enough!
[He doesn't shoot--the last thing he needs is to incinerate the very thing he's trying to get back--but he does erect a barrier around the stranger so he (hopefully) can't run. He's been practicing, and it's not entirely up to snuff. It doesn't help that he's keeping the fire weak, almost like a warm, pleasant breeze instead of a blazing inferno.]
[Joshua holds out a hand for the book, his expression tempered down from its original anger. Diplomacy may be the only way he can salvage this situation that he had no small part in creating. He'll chide himself for losing his cool so easily later.]
I know not what I've done to earn your ire, but I only want to go about my evening. If you take exception to that wish, then we can settle the matter without resorting to destroying others' property.
Please.
no subject
Ooh, aren't you the prim and proper type, huh? 'fraid not, though, sir. I've decided I like this one, so I think I'll be keeping it~
[Briefly, he crouches down before springing into the air, almost weightless, backflipping over the barrier and landing on a nearby roof, where he seems to shine reflectively in the light.]
[Once up there, he takes the time to read the page in his hand... before shoving it into his mouth and eating it. Whut.]
no subject
[The absurdity is almost enough to stun Joshua into silence, but that book was very important.]
[And now it's been stolen, and at least one page eaten.]
No!
[It's kind of pathetic, really, that all he can bring himself to do is yell out an impotent cry. Could he fly after this malevolent trickster? Maybe. He wouldn't even have to lift a wing.]
[But to prime here is a reckless action that would ruin more than a few evenings.]
[Part of him--the angry part--wants to hurl a few fireballs up there instead, if for no other reason than catharsis. Catharsis at the cost of someone else's property, most likely, and he's sure that it would only bring more joy to his tormenter.]
[It's all a game to that bastard, isn't it? And Joshua's realized all too late that the only way to win is not to play.]
[So, with grit teeth and a final, bitter glare, Joshua heatedly turns around and starts to salvage the rest of the books. He's careful as he can be with them, given their condition, but there's a certain aggression with his movements as he shoves them into his bag that surprises even himself.]
[It's then that he finally catches the sound of banging. The fact that its rhythm matches that tantalizing tap from moments ago doesn't go unnoticed.]
Who's there?
[Again, way more aggro than he intended, but if who or whatever this is has some sort of relation with the fiend-ler on the roof, then he's not going to waste what precious energy he has left on decorum.]
no subject
[On one hand, he's slowly damaging the book, but on the other, at least he hasn't fled with it?]
[Certainly Joshua's distress over the book's condition is enough to keep not!Yato from noticing the banging emanating from a nearby mirror, where there seems to be a second version of the god hammering to get out. The distressed Yato runs from that mirror to one even closer to Joshua, where he tries knocking again.]
Hey, you there! A little help, please?!
[He's all tears, looking pathetic in the warped surface of the mirror. A clear contrast to the fellow sitting up on a roof not far away, yet still the same-ish person.]
no subject
[Then, he catches sight of the same guy? In a mirror? What kind of magic is he pulling now?]
[Pathetic as he may look, that doesn't change the fact that this Yato looks exactly the same as the other Yato. That doesn't work in his favor.]
[Still...]
You bear the face of a man who takes pleasure in bedeviling me, and dare to beg for help?
no subject
[But he doesn't let that deter him for long. He gestures upward towards his double, vehemently shaking his head.]
I know what it looks like, but that's not me! I need your help stopping him so I can get out of here! Look-- I'll grant any wish you want if I can once I'm free, if you'll just give me a hand...!
[He trails off, staring plaintively at the other man while looking like a kicked puppy. Would you really deny such a sadsack, Joshua? Even if he has a twin that's a buttmunch?]
no subject
[No more than a few seconds after Yato finishes speaking, Joshua’s expression softens. It isn’t the despondency, the frantic begging, or even the promise (doubtful) of a wish that convinces him.]
[It’s the undeniable earnestness that underlies his words and actions from beginning to end.]
[Joshua nods and sets his shoulders. The irritation in his voice melts away into something calmer.]
Alright.
What must I do?
no subject
I just need you to shove THAT GUY into a mirror. Any mirror will do. I saw somebody else in the same situation solve their problem that way. That should let me out while trapping him in here.
Think you can manage that for me? I know you can-- you look pretty tough!
[He turns back to Joshua with a beaming smile that could win awards, bouncing on his heels. A little flattery never goes amiss, right?]
no subject
[But.]
[He gives Yato's instruction serious consideration. With how nimble the menace proved to be already, knocking him into a mirror of all things isn't going to be an easy task. It's one that Joshua's willing to accept, especially if it means ridding Reverein of his mean spirited antics, but he's under no delusion that it won't be out of his way.]
[He gently places his books at the foot of real Yato's mirror.]
Pray watch those for me. I cannot afford any more damage to them.
[How this guy would even begin to protect the bag-o-books while trapped is anyone's guess, but Joshua's been given a mission. He'll complete it to the best of his ability.]
[Joshua takes a healthy number of steps away from the mirror and fixes his gaze back up at the roof. He calls out to the figure holding his library book hostage.]
I will give you one more chance to resolve matters peacefully. Neither of us stand to gain from further conflict.
no subject
You got it! You can count on me-- I'll keep them safe for you!
[Meanwhile the doppelganger has been watching the proceedings with a sullen expression; he's not keen on having his fun interrupted, and now that his target knows the whole story it's unlikely he'll be able to continue on as he was with impunity. Clutching his bargaining chip to his chest, not!Yato blows a raspberry Joshua's way when he's addressed, edging towards the next rooftop.]
All I stand to gain from heeding your request is being stuck back in a mirror! Why should I listen to you, Mr. Goody Two-Shoes?
no subject
Because the state in which you enter that mirror relies heavily on listening to me.
[Joshua is very much not a tough guy. Not when it comes to the aesthetics of trading barbs or showboating strength.]
[Thankfully, his powers don’t rely on such frivolities.]
[He calls upon his flames so they hug and dance around his arms and legs. Then, after taking a running start, he uses them to propel himself into the air and onto the roof. For a split second, the faintest image of fiery wings--blink and you miss it--trails from behind him. They’re little more than a ghost; Joshua has no idea what impact semi-priming would have yet, and so far there’s been no reason for it, so he refrains.]
[With that in mind, he does know that can’t give this specter the chance to retaliate, so, although he's not one for head-on combat, he still rushes forward.]
no subject
Says you. You're not getting me to go back in there. I'm not done having fun yet.
[Slamming the book shut, he prepares to leap to the next rooftop when suddenly his not-opponent is engulfed in flames of all things. That catches his attention, stunning him into stillness as the jerk actually flies up to his height and lands not far away, hardly waiting a second before making a mad dash for him.]
W-Whoa! Waitasecond! Not fair! That's cheating...!
[Bracing for impact, the doppelganger holds the book up in front of himself like a shield, hoping that'll deter Joshua somewhat, however briefly. He staggers backwards towards the edge, stopping when he feels nothing beneath his feet and stealing a quick glance downward. He doesn't want to lose his position on the high ground, well away from the mirrors, but it's looking less and less likely.]
You'd attack an unarmed opponent?!
no subject
[That makes it all the more poignant when his already low pitched tone deepens more—]
You made your choice.
[—and he full-on bodyslams this one asshole in particular.]
[Dramatics aside, it isn’t Joshua’s intention to cause grievous harm. His dreamotion is controlled so that the flames don’t burn not!Yato (or worse, the book), acting more as a support for and against the impact of their collision. He wants them both on the ground below, closer to any nearby mirrors.]
[The sooner this is over, the better. There’s only so long that he can use his power.]
no subject
[If only not!Yato knew how special getting attacked made him, he might feel some semblance of pride in being the one to force Joshua's hand like this. Only he doesn't and isn't in any position to learn, now hurtling off the building with the blond in tow. As they slam into the ground the doppelganger lets out a pained yell, losing his hold on the book and sending it skidding off towards the mirrors.]
[Though it doesn't take him long to regain his strength, flipping himself over and scrabbling after his bargaining chip, fixated on it as he is. Once he gets his hands back on the book, he scrambles to his feet and whirls around, forming a dreamotion sword in one hand and holding it up to his inanimate hostage.]
O-One more step and the book gets it...!
[Noting his position relative to the mirrors, he begins sidestepping to get out of the way of them so Joshua won't be able to simply bodyslam him into one. Once his back is to a hay bale instead, he throws a glare at his opponent, daring him to try anything.]
[From the mirrors actual!Yato has been following the fight as best he can, wincing when they land not far from him and banging and hollering at his twin to stop being a jerk and ruining his reputation. As the other gets backed into a corner though, he turns his attention towards Joshua, calling out to him.]
Careful! You don't know what he might do - he's not as harmless as he looks!
no subject
[Between the blade and Yato's warning, it's clear that this shadow is very willing to hurt him. Maybe even kill him.]
[Matters have escalated well beyond simply getting the book back.]
[Which only serves to prove that Joshua needs to contain the situation quickly. If for no other reason than to ensure the safety of the festivities. Speaking of, he'll have to be very careful around that hay. The last thing anyone needs is a raging fire on top of all of the other nonsense.]
[Unless...]
[...no. Not worth the risk. Not over an already tarnished book, no matter how important it is. He nods to confirm he's heeded Yato's warning, and turns to the copy.]
You've done naught to show you wouldn't destroy even if I left you be.
[Joshua stays rooted. He won't move forward, but he's also not going to let this guy slip away again. So, better to keep him talking. He allows his flames to dampen to a dull flicker. Still present, but far less intimidating.]
'Tis a pity you threaten it on a whim. That book contains powerful knowledge, enough to make this entire city your playground, and you would sooner tear it apart than take a moment to peruse its contents.
[It's not a lie. Technically. There's material in that book regarding treating those plagued by nightmare energy. Someone with ill intent and a creative mind can twist that information into a means of gaining control of others. Not quite the shortcut to prestige that Joshua's insinuating, but if not!Yato wants to know that, then he's going to have to take a look for himself.]
no subject
The injustice of it all makes his blood burn brighter than Joshua's cloak of fire as he grinds his teeth in annoyance at those pretty words. Real versions can always afford to have the prettiest things...]
It's in my nature to destroy. Our nature. You would force me to deny who I am for the sake of others?
[Not!Yato visibly relaxes as Joshua's flames dim, deeming it safe enough to not be on such high guard. Or apparently so - his piercing eyes remain fixed on his opponent in an accusatory glare, tinged by a hint of hurt.]
[Though he can't help glancing at the book as Joshua describes its contents, interest flickering through his expression in spite of himself. He fingers the book almost tenderly at that point before squirreling it away down his jersey, freeing up his other hand to summon a second blade.]
Thanks for the tip, pal. I'll be sure to let everyone know they have you to thank for divulging that bit of information to me. Once I defeat you!
[Lunging forward, he swings with one sword, aiming for what he's guessing is Joshua's dominant arm on the right, using his other sword like a shield in preparation to block any incoming blows.]
no subject
[Sorry, not!Yato, but you're not going to get Joshua to play even the world's smallest violin for you. In his relatively short time here, he's learned that there are plenty of people (himself included) who lock their powers and curb their desires for the sake of living peacefully with others. Deal with it.]
[Except the dealing will have to wait.]
[The doppelgänger moves too fast to trade any further quips. As he lunges forward with that second blade, Joshua's flames burst into a new barrier, this time to protect him against that first blow. It lasts just long enough for him to take a couple of steps back and pull his own sword out of its sheathe and for him to regather them in his left hand.]
[Two swords, and the shadow is fast. This isn't going to be an easy duel.]
[But if he insists...]
[Joshua returns the lunge with one of his own, blasting fire forward to both obscure his movement and limit his opponent's.]
no subject
[Maybe it's because he's a mirror version, or perhaps it's just due to him being Yato, but his willingness to rein himself in runs from slim to none. He'd much rather fight for his freedom and the right to do as he pleases, even if it means hurting his perceived oppressors.]
[And that includes this belligerent bookworm.]
[Repelled by the flame barrier, the double staggers back several paces before regaining his footing in time for the burst of fire to come shooting towards him. Crossing his blades in front of his face, he blocks some of the flames with his arms. Though it also prevents him from seeing the oncoming attack until it's too late.]
[As their blades clash, he braces himself, pushing back with teeth grit. Failing to get the upper hand that way, he ducks off to one side to allow Joshua's forward momentum to carry him.]
no subject
[A fight that he needs to direct towards the mirrors. That’s the only way this is going to end ‘well’.]
[Moving in a half-circle, he brings his blade around and brings a heavy vertical slash down on not!Yato's defensive blade, channeling the momentum gained against his opponent to try to force not!Yato back.]
no subject
Tch--!
[Shoving his attacker's blade aside, he plants his feet again and swings wildly at him with his offensive weapon, aiming to cut him on his exposed side. All he needs to do is injure him enough to get away... To escape with his prize. Then maybe he'll have the secret to remaining outside the mirrors...!]
no subject
[Despite the years Joshua dedicated to learning how to fight (not many, comparative to his brother and other, actual soldiers, but still), he hasn't gotten rid of all of his bad habits.]
[He left himself open. Again.]
[Sure enough, he has to clench back a yelp as his opponent's blade glances against his side, catching mostly layers of thick fabric but still managing to bite into his skin.]
[But he presses forward, used to pain and dampening it with purpose. He'll just have to remember to heal himself when this is all done (he definitely won't regret ignoring it later).]
[It's also clear that this shadow has him all but completely bested when it comes to swordplay. That unfamiliar style combined with blazing speed makes for a challenge Joshua hasn't time nor energy to study and overcome. It's all he can do to defend against any oncoming blows until he can regain his footing.]
no subject
[As not!Yato feels his blade hit flesh, a grin spreads across his face like blood through the fabric, urging him into pressing his advantage with swing after swing, metal clashing against metal from Joshua blocking his blows.]
[He can't help a breathless laugh of sheer joy at having an opponent who can actually stand up to him for some measure of time. All the other residents of Reverein were worth was childish tormenting via pranks and general destruction of property. But this--! This is glorious! It makes his war god blood pump with a fervor like nothing else.]
Come--! Come on, you can do better than that, can't you?!
[He lunges again, aiming his blade for Joshua's hand in an attempt to disarm him this time, while actual!Yato helplessly cries out for him to dodge.]
no subject
[The pathetic thing about Joshua's performance here is that he can do better than this. He has done better. The fact that he's alive now to take part in this mess proves as much.]
[But he's off. The month has been taking its toll on him, and today was no exception.]
[Joshua isn't quick enough to fully deflect nor dodge per the Yato in the mirror's insistence. His gloves are enough to keep his hands relatively safe (the blade connects, but he will thankfully be keeping all of his fingers this time), but even if Burning Thorn doesn't drop, his form has been forced open, and he has no choice but to surrender some ground to the doppelgänger.]
[He grits his teeth in frustration, but doesn't indulge that jeer with a retort of his own. Instead, Joshua's mind races elsewhere, trying to figure out a way to turn this fight around. He'll probably have to resort to more of his magicks again. Dangerous, given their flammable surroundings, but if he's not given a choice, then that's just a risk everyone will have to take.]
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[Almost as if he's sensing the other's awkwardness, the shadow growls in frustration at how easy it's gotten to push Joshua back. This isn't why he chose to fight. Even if his base nature is to kill, he wants there to be a firm resistance to it. He wants to see him fighting for his life, like really means something.]
[As their blades clash together and stick, wavering between them, not!Yato leans in to hiss in his face.]
If you were just going to lay down and die you should've done so from the start--!
[Getting another foot up between them, he kicks the young man backwards before leaping back in, slashing in a wild frenzy unlike anything before. He's gotten both serious and reckless, foregoing defense in order to focus on aiming for a killing blow. It panics Yato enough that he follows them frantically to the nearest mirror, yelling to Joshua again, hoping his voice will reach him.]
--ra! Sakura--! Use the name Sakura...!
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[But when it does, it's just in time for a strike to crack his barrier. The next one is sure to shatter it.]
[It's now or never--and never is a mere swing away.]
S-Sakura!
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