songerein | { halloween }

Entry tags:

{ 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

II. LABYRINTH

COMMENTS

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's ~~stats~~ dreamotion 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.

I. CARNIVAL

II. LABYRINTH

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He had a feeling it would just be easier on them both if he took the lead and got them going on one of the rides. Just like they've been pulling one another along since those first days they met. Whatever anyone outside their personal bond says, their fates are intertwined into something inexplicable, something wonderful. It's a destiny he can't and won't dare to change, not when Hiyori desires it to stay the course. For he's already sworn to make her the happiest girl in the world, so if she desires their lasting connection as a means to her happiness, then he'll maintain it against the heavens themselves if need be.

Thankfully there's no gods here to try tearing them apart. No one save Hiyori herself getting all flustered over sharing a ride. Pressed up against her back with his arms wrapped around her so he can hold on to the handle in front of her, he rests his chin on her shoulder, smiling.] Can't we? I didn't see any notices saying only one occupant per broom. Besides, look around! Plenty of others are doing it.

[What he either fails to notice or mention is that those others are either families with small children or couples. The first category they decidedly don't fall into.

Not that there's any time for further complaints, as the ominous clicking noise precedes the sudden unscheduled flight away from the ride, leaving Yato yelping in surprise. One hand immediately goes to Hiyori's waist to hold onto her, his other still tightly gripping the broom.]

I-I DUNNO! THIS ISN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN, IS IT?!

[Pushing on the broomstick, he tries to gently steer them back towards the ground, but instead sends them hurtling towards it at a faster speed than expected, with him screaming all the way.]

PULL UP! PULL UP! PULL UP!!

[ hiyori screams, too. ]

I'm trying! I'M TRYING! I'M TRYING!!

[ for the record, it's not supposed to happen. even if the teacups at capyperland sort of did the same thing. haha, ha. thanks, kofuku.

hiyori pulls upward on the broom with all her strength and clenched teeth. for a half-phantom with one foot in the living world (?) that's a lot of strength. and just before they slam back into the earth, hurting themselves and possibly even others, the broom swoops back into the air, and they're up in the sky. wind whips at her face, forcing her to squint against it as she breathes a sigh of relief. for the moment, they're safe. just in time, too.

because the view from up high is pretty incredible. ]

Ooooh! Woooow!!

[ okay, sure, she should probably still be concerned about how they're going to get down. he would get an elbow to the gut if she realized he had his arm around her and his chin on her shoulder, too. honestly, she should be using this vantage point to look around for her unconscious body anywhere too, but

but she's not. she's beaming as they fly around the carnival and she can see everything. even the labyrinth they had been in! she laughs brightly, as taken in as she had been the first time she walked on powerlines and felt as light as air. ]

This is amazing! Can I steer-- [ before she even finishes her sentence, she nudges the broom a little to the left and they VEER that way. a little sharply. almost too sharply. she tilts to the right with a yelp. ]

[Yato doesn't respond to her attempts aside from a grunt as he helps yank on the broomstick in an attempt to keep them from crashing into the ground. Thankfully with Hiyori's strength added to the mix they manage to keep clear of disaster for now, sailing back towards the skies instead. Only once they're flying level with the earth again does he breath a sigh of relief, allowing himself to lean somewhat against her back.

She's right to be amazed, though - the view from up here is spectacular. They're high enough to sail clear over any and all attractions, to watch people wander around like little toys among a playset, see the changing trees from a new vantage point, watch the wind whipping leaves through the street in distinct patterns.

It really is beautiful.]

Heh... It sure is something else, isn't it?

[For his part at least, he keeps scanning the area below them for her body - eye on the prize as it were - while admiring the sights as well. It's not too hard to do both, not when he's busy worrying enough for them both. That doesn't keep a smile from his face at Hiyori's delight, though. He's somewhat glad they've flown off if it makes her this happy. They can worry about getting down later.

As she attempts to steer them again, he covers one of her hands with his own to try helping gauge how much movement is needed for them to direct the broom without jerky movements.]

Easy-- Small adjustments. Slowly and steadily. There you go, just like that.

[His voice comes out in a confident murmur as they both slowly get the hang of how to control their mount, allowing them to sail more smoothly and loop back around over the carnival.]

[ ah. she has now been reminded that yato is leaning his chest into her back. that he's sitting right behind her. that he's covering her hand with his own. why is he so... touchy today? and he's talking WAAAAY too close to her ear that it gives her violent, visceral chills. and it's not from the brisk autumn air. she clenches her hands tight around the handle of the broom but follows his directions. only because she's too bewildered to do anything else. her first instinct is to throw him over her shoulder in a fluster.

what keeps her from doing so is she can't get the leverage. there's nothing under her feet. she's riding a damn broom. if she throws him he's going to fall many, MANY feet before he hits the ground and makes a crater. she might fall, too.

but why is her heart beating so fast? what are they doing? why did he just climb on the back of the broom with her instead of getting his own? what does this all mean?

so she just clams up and blushes to herself, letting yato take the reigns as it were. if she were a little more aware of the moment, she would realize how romantic it all is.

it's crazy romantic!!

a flash of pink catches her eye and she blinks a few times. blinks out of her own head. out of yato surrounding her every sense. ]

H, hey! My body, I think I see it! [ hiyori points somewhere near the pumpkin carving area. just like she thought. from this high up, she looks like a Polly pocket-sized hiyori laying propped up against haybales and napping peacefully all curled up. ]

I'm okay!! Hold on, me! I'm on my way!

[Seemingly oblivious to all the distress he's causing Hiyori, Yato continues holding firmly onto her to so that in case of any turbulence she won't suddenly slip and fall. He likes being this close, sharing their warmth in the cool autumn air. It's cozy despite the heights to which they're soaring, making the trip an enjoyable one. It's not like he's trying anything brazen, like intertwining their fingers or hugging her in a way that could be suggestive.

It's perfectly innocent. Right?

Well, there is the way his chin rests on her shoulder, with his lips all too close to her ear than is strictly necessary. But that's so she can hear him over the wind rushing past, surely.

It's hard to tell what goes on through a god's head at the best of times, let alone one like Yato who's so focused on the moment that sometimes he can't think minutes ahead. Was all this calculated? Or just a mishap from his spur of the moment decision to join Hiyori on her broom? Who can say.

Certainly he can't - won't - not when she's spotted her body finally, safe and intact among the hay down below them.]

Alright...! Now all we need to do is pick you up! [Steering them gently downward, he gradually alternates between diving and pulling up to regulate their speed, allowing them to come to a safe halt a good five feet above the ground or so.] Heh, think I'm starting to get the hang of this.

[He waits on the broom for Hiyori to hop off and check on herself, and hopefully find a way to get back into her body.]

[ you know! it all seems like it's going to plan. yato has become an expert at broom-steering at some point and puts them right where they need to be. hiyori hasn't shoved him off the broom, which she is actually pretty damn proud of herself for. even if he might deserve it for encroaching onto her personal space like this. with the licorice webs, she at least had a warning. ]

Why are you so good at random things...?

[ hiyori wonders out loud.

nothing ever goes to plan though, right? not with them. as she gets ready to hop off and rejoin her soul to her physical body, the broom shudders beneath them and she goes still. ]

-- Um?

[ what's happening now? she throws yato an unsure look over her shoulder. as she does, all hell breaks loose.

that is to say, the broom zips off and away in a hurry and hiyori scrambles to hold on with half her body dangling in the air. one leg is hooked around the handle while the other kicks to get back on. ]

GYAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

[ screaming again as they ascend higher and higher and the ground gets farther and farther. ]

[Strangely enough, it's not too different from riding a horse when you get right down to it; a light touch, a bit of gentle encouragement, and a smattering of discipline when necessary, and all is right with the world. Though perhaps it's going too smoothly. Not that Yato sees anything wrong with this development. He has had years of practice at a number of activities - it stands to reason that broom-wrangling could be yet another to add to his repertoire.]

Years and years of practice.

[He beams at her, proud of his latest accomplishment, when their ride decides it's not going to go so quietly.]

Huh...?

[He meets her gaze with an uncertain shrug of his shoulders, seconds before the broom takes off with Hiyori hanging from it. Like lightning, Yato's hand is around her wrist, holding her in place while his other hand grabs at her waist to try help pulling her back up onto the broom.]

HIYORI---!!

[Forgoing any thoughts of propriety, he grabs her flailing leg and pulls, forcing her further up onto the broom so she's balanced evenly on it. Breathing hard not from exertion but terror, he then wraps both arms around her middle, hugging her tight to himself.]

T-That was a little unsettling, huh...?

[ you know, she wouldn't be too surprised if yato was a horsegirl at some point in his long life.

he wrangles her well enough, too; grabbing and hauling her back onto the broom so she doesn't plummet to her dream!death. her tail is frazzled and puffed out as she sits there, stunned, being squeezed tightly to his chest.

never in her life, never since KNOWING yato has she been through so much in such a TINY WINDOW OF TIME. she has been through a lot, that's for sure, but not this much. maybe it would be better to wake up and escape this dream place. she gets the feeling she'll go insane before long. mainly if this is how it is all the time.

unsettling? yes. terrifying? there have been moments where hiyori would have been okay with accepting her death. this... is not one of them. ]

Ha, haha. Yeah. Unsettling. Wh-what's the score now? [ hiyori asks, still shell-shocked. enough so that she doesn't immediately shove his arms off her as the broom flies them back to - what she can only assume - the carousel. ]

Me saving you versus you saving me...

[He likely was, given how many years he lived through before the advent of modern technology pushed them out of the forefront.

Once they're both securely seated on the broom, Yato allows himself a moment to just... drop his head against Hiyori's shoulder in relief, letting out a long, shaky sigh. Dream or not, he couldn't stand to see any harm befall her. ...heh. Fall. So not funny.

Worried for both her safety and sanity given everything that's happened thus far today (tonight?), he gives her a gentle squeeze, allowing the broom to carry them... wherever it so desires. At this point he figures fighting it is probably not the wisest of ideas; he's more focused on making sure Hiyori doesn't go anywhere.

As they sail gently back to the carousel, he lifts his head with a wry smile on his face and a nervous laugh for her comment.]

Haha... I... I think that makes us even. [Once they're securely attached to the carousel - something he's fairly sure of due to the click that echoes as the broom takes up its proper place - he hesitantly slides off the damned thing, wobbling a moment before turning to help her down as well.]

Well! That was fun. What shall we try next? [Feel free to hit him for his cheekiness, Hiyori.]

[ 🚓 weewoo come to put you in PUN JAIL 🚨

dropping his head on her shoulder and squeezing her, too? he's lucky that she doesn't have the energy to shove his arms off of her and make a fuss. for once, hiyori doesn't fight yato's lack of understanding when it comes to personal space. her shoulders sag and she leans against her backrest (yato) until they land at the carousel. the broom clicks itself back where it needs to be and that's the signal hiyori needs to stiffen back up and find her personal space back.

as soon as he makes his impudent comment, she swats his hands off of her and then at his shoulder with a red face. she can't believe he sat with her. she can't believe he saved her... she can't believe how close he was!! there's no real strength in it. her limbs feel weak from near death and some other things she doesn't want to even think about, much less acknowledge. ]

No more rides if that's how they all are. Maybe there's something we can eat or I would be fine just walking around and looking atMY BODY!! [ tail whipping, hiyori heelturns starts to run off in the direction (she thinks??) her body lies. haybales! where are the haybales!? ]

[Arrested for crimes against punnery!

Even all her swatting only gets a light chuckle out of him, so relieved is he that they're back on the ground and in one piece. He knows she isn't always the most keen on sharing her space, but given the ride and what ensued, it's probably a good thing he ignored that fact.

Once Hiyori takes off full speed, though, he hurries after her with a slight frown on his face. They do need to locate her body asap. To that end he veers around a different direction, signaling her with a wave of his hand.]

This way!

[Having made careful note of where they saw her body, he leads them among the haybales near the pumpkin carving station, to where a couple of kids have found her sleeping form and have started poking at it.]

Oi! Don't go messing with her, you little punks!

[With his shout having scared the kids off, he hurries up to her body and kneels beside it, reaching out to brush some of the hair from her face, a look of tenderness crossing his features as he does so.]

Looks like you're okay at least...

Don't!! Yell at...

[ hiyori slows to a walk and then comes to a stop some feet away, observing him kneeling next to her and that expression on his face. the phantom touch of him brushing her hair aside makes her head tingle. she says nothing, only twists some of her shirt up in her hands, trying to understand that look and that gesture. does she WANT to know what it means? those kids he chased off peek at them from some other haybales because that lady has a tail!! hiyori is too busy watching yato and her sleeping form.

it's not like his usual disrespect of personal boundaries. maybe this is just... the outcome of what happens when it's only yato and hiyori. she's suddenly overly aware of his mannerisms and what he does-- no, she's always been aware. it's just always been too much.

but that? she doesn't know what to do. what to say. ] Y, yeah.

[ it comes out in a breath and she crosses the distance to kneel beside him. ]

... She's always been okay, in the end. [ hiyori reaches to touch the knee of her sleeping form, but nothing happens. she sighs and drops it back to her lap with a furrowed brow. ]

But I still haven't been able to figure out how to go back on command.

[Once he's inspected her body for injuries, Yato finally allows himself to put some space between them, stepping back enough for Hiyori to get at herself without him getting in the way. It's probably a touch possessive, the way he hovers over both of her protectively, as if those kids might try something to do them harm. Though his expression hasn't changed from the softness that appeared when he first laid eyes upon her sleeping form. If anything it's only grown fonder watching her interact with her own body.

Such a special existence, a half-ayakashi. Though he'd probably think the same even if she were fully human, truth be told. It has nothing to do with what she is, but who. It's Hiyori herself that's remarkable, jumping out in front of a truck to save him, risking her life to carry him back to Kofuku's when Yukine blighted him. Not many people, let alone humans would have gone out of their way, put themselves in danger to save a nobody god.

That's why he can't help but look down upon her fondly, with something more than friendship in his heart. Not that he'd ever admit as much, oh no. There are some secrets a god should keep, and that's one of them.]

Hmm... [Crouching down beside her, he rubs his chin with a thoughtful hand.] Let's try something, okay? We can't leave you hanging around by yourself while we explore the place.

[He reaches into a pocket, pulling out a five yen coin on a string and dangling it before her face.] Just watch this and relax, alright? One, two, three...

[ saving him from a candy corn golem not once, but twice...

is their score even? ah, but who's counting? it's never been about doing it so yato could owe her favors, anyway. it's been about doing what's moral and what's good. if she hadn't jumped in front of that bus, if she hadn't carried a blighted yato back to kofuku, she would never be able to live with herself. for not trying to do the right thing. for not doing everything she can to help others.

hiyori blinks at him and then gives the five yen coin on a string a wary glance. ]

You're going to hypnotize me?

[ look, she read that stuff only works on people that WANT to be hypnotized. or something. though she sighs, she watches the coin swing back and forth. relax, he says. in the middle of a carnival that has nearly killed them both? multiple times? ]

As much as I may want it to work, I don't think it's going to. And why do you... just have that...

[ eyes drooping, hiyori's argument trails off and she lists to the side. before she can collapse to the ground

phantom hiyori disappears, the essence of her soul drifting back into the body napping on straw. real hiyori groans softly and shifts. there's a bunch of hay stuck in her hair. ]

[It's true that Yato may still owe her at least one, maybe more. But that's the kind of relationship they have - he'll help her as much as possible, just like she'll save him whenever she can. One borne of mutual trust and understanding, even if it didn't start out that way.

From behind the gently swaying coin he smiles at her, nodding.]

That's right. It's a simple little trick I picked up years ago.

[Probably when he was trying to learn to be a magician, knowing him. Certainly it wasn't through another divine possession - Hiyori was his first there as well, of course. As the coin continues to sway steadily, he keeps counting up in a soft monotone, eyes fixed on hers.]

...four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten...

[As her phantom form disappears, he reaches out to check on her human body, making sure she's breathing properly. Not that there was any cause for concern if that groan is any indication. She seems just fine, if a bit stiff from sleeping in an awkward position. Well, he can do something about that. Lifting her up, he stretches her body out so that she's laying down then starts plucking bits of straw from her hair while he waits for her to wake up. Then, after a moment of inspiration, he slides underneath her head so she can use his lap as a pillow. Much better.]

[ hiyori naps on yato's lap for another couple of hours.

just kidding. maybe a handful of seconds later, she inhales deep through her nose like most people do when they're waking up. as her eyes open, she's met with a blue sky that's starting to go pink and orange with signs of a sunset. her body is itchy from laying on hay for so long, but she's... oddly comfortable besides that. the rest of the sounds around her become more clear, too. kids playing. the mechanical whirr of carnival rides. smells, too, come filtering in. sweet, savory, and salty.

and her favorite smell in the whole world. ]

Smells nice... [ she murmurs, drowsily.

and then her eyes shoot open, looking at yato above her with that... that look still on his face.

everyone, even hiyori, expects her to react by putting yato in a wrestling hold. some move to throw him off into the distance, but she sits up quietly with more straw clinging to her back. at some point, he put her head in his lap and just sat there. happy as a clam.

WHY DID HE DO THAT?

why did he do that...? ]

It worked. [ about his hypnotizing. ]

[And thus a couple of happy hours pass by~

Or at least a few seconds. It's almost too soon for Yato, having Hiyori there like this in his lap, perfectly content in her sleep. It brings him an overwhelming sense of calm to watch her sleep peacefully. Perhaps some might consider it creepy for a god to watch a mortal nap, but he can't help what he feels. And when she starts to wake up to the dream world again, he smiles down benevolently upon her, glad to see her brilliant eyes once more. Her comment gets a chuckle as he breaks out into a grin, unaware of the true meaning behind her words.]

That'd be the carnival food. We should go try some before they run out.

[He fully expects to get her arms around his neck, or perhaps just in a headlock, but it's a punishment he'd readily welcome in exchange for these few precious moments more. But thankfully the attack never comes, and instead he's able to help her sit up, then plucking at the straw all along her back.]

So it did. Toldja so~ [He beams at her, proud of his handiwork, before standing up and offering her a hand.] You hungry? I know I am after all that!

[ y-yeah!! that good smell is the carnival food. nothing else. DEEP-FRIED GOODNESS.

just a second. her brain is struggling to keep up with everything. kind of like it has shut down. yato cleaning off her back when she can't. his bright, innocent smile. how he offers her a hand. since she didn't deck him a second ago, she should deck him now. it should catch up to her.

nope. with some confusion on her face, she curls her fingers around yato's and stands. ]

... You're always hungry. [ ah, there, that's more like her usual. she'll... she'll just kick his ass another time. yeah. stock it up for when he REALLY messes up and not when--

when the moment is kind of too nice to ruin, honestly. maybe in spite of all the WRONG that has happened to her today, life (dreamland) is giving her something kind. all her memories are precious, but... ]

Okay. Let's go find something to eat. [ she hasn't let go of his hand..... ] What are you in the mood for?

[Attributing the lag between Hiyori waking up and her actions to sleepiness, he simply waits for her mind to catch up with her body, unaware of the potential threat of bodily harm lurking in the corners of her mind. He figured that if it was coming, it would've happened by now; she tends to be reactive when it counts most, quick on her feet and with her hands.

Noting the confusion, he cocks his head to one side, curiosity reflected in his face as an unspoken question as he helps her up.]

What can I say? Gods appreciate good food! That's why it's such a popular offering. [Yato in particular appreciates it given how long he went without regular meals. It wasn't until Kofuku and Daikoku took him and Yukine in that he had any semblance of a meal schedule.]

Yeah--!! [Gripping her hand more firmly, he starts them off towards the food stalls, practically skipping. And when she asks, his answer is immediate and definite:] Funnel cakes! I haven't had one of them in ages!

[Sniffling loudly, he uses both his nose and sight to direct them to the stall of his choosing, eagerly waiting in line until it's their turn and he can hold up a couple fingers on his other hand without letting go of Hiyori.] Two, please~!

[ there's no impending threat. yato may have gotten waaaaay closer than hiyori would normally allow, but it never felt... wrong. or perverted. or over the top. or annoying. eating webbing off her legs came close, but he WAS doing it to help her. not only that, but she promised not to kick him.

it could be that that promise is carrying over. or it could be simply that since arriving here, she finally feels some semblance of safety. familiarity. beating him up never chased yato away, so even if she DID kick him in the underjaw he wouldn't be gone for long. crawling back like a cockroach...

it could also be why she doesn't let go of his hand, either, as he grips it and skips along. she keeps up with a small jog. yato's happiness has a resigned smile on her face, but she blinks in shock. funnel cakes. weird, she was just-- she hasn't had one in forever either. not like it matters much. maybe a few years.

"which toppings, dearies~?" ]

Uh, um, strawberry, please. [ there are some SPOOKY!!! themed funnel cakes, too. pumpkin funnel cake. one with purple whipped cream. one shaped like a bat. hiyori said strawberry but it looks like they're calling it VAMPIRE funnel cake. because it looks like blood.

this is more like the carnivals she's used to. good, wholesome fun. ]

Uwah, that one is green with eyeballs. [ POINTS AT THE PICTURE OF IT. with the hand not holding his............... ]

[This may be one of the few days in which he might get away with not being pummeled! And he's thankful for that - he's had enough being beaten up on by golems and spiders, thank you very much. No more picking on the the delivery god, okay??

Besides, the lack of beatings means that Hiyori is happy, content. Which is all Yato wants for her. Maybe that's why she hasn't released his hand, much to his surprise. But there's no way he's going to call attention to it by pointing that out. It's a gesture that's much to precious to risk over being smug.

When questioned on the topping, he hums thoughtfully.]

Just powdered sugar works. [Tempting as the pumpkin one is, he kind of just wants something plain and simple. He'll be more adventurous when it comes to the next food they decide to sample.

Especially once Hiyori points THAT out. He looks at the eyebally one with clear distaste in his expression.] It'd be like eating an ayakashi, no thanks.

[Once their funnel cakes are done up, he reluctantly releases her hand inorder to eat the thing, snarfing it up with gusto. Much better than some weird green one, that's for sure.] Yum~! How's yours, Hiyori?

[ yato woke up on the smart side of the futon today -- or fell asleep, considering where they are. ]

... Ah, it does! [ now that he mentions it. can't unsee. what was probably just a spooky and gross-looking idea thought of in the spirit of halloween now gives her trauma. eating an ayakashi. ew.

ah, but she's half... ayakashi. not that she wants to be eaten! definitely not, but food for thought. haha, food.

🚓🚨

their hands released (which hiyori flusters and blushes over because what???? she was holding his hand that ENTIRE TIME???), she picks up her own treat and is much more polite and slow about eating hers. she breaks off a piece and puts it in her mouth --

yummyyyyy! ]

Mhm!! [ that's it. that's her answer. and a thumbs up. too busy enjoying fair food. look, she's even licking the syrup and powdered sugar off her fingers. good choice, yato. ] You just got powdered sugar, right? Do you want to try some of this one?

[ INNOCENTLY... OFFERS.... ]

[He has those occasional days! Nights?]

Yeah, just a bit. [It's those eyeballs. Why do ayakashi have a thing for eyeballs? When they go on about smells so much, you'd think they'd be made up of noses, wouldn't you?? A mystery for the ages.

Less of a mystery is that of Ms. Half-Ayakashi. Yato could certainly eat her, I mean-- COUGH. Ahem. ~~Wee ooo here comes the heavenly guard to take him away--~~

Thankfully Yato is so fully engrossed in his food he fails to notice Hiyori's flustered expression, oblivious to all the world until her hum of delight breaks through, allowing him to catch the thumbs up with a grin. A pleased blush creeps across his cheeks at her seeing her so happy, though it spreads when she offers him a taste of her own cake.

But. He's not about to turn down this offer, oh no. For one, her looks delicious, for another, it's Hiyori. He could never say no to anything offered from her. Provided she's her and not Izanami. Big difference there.] Yes, please...!

[Opening his mouth a bit, he waits for her to feed him, thinking that might be the best way of doing this, without realizing the implications behind it. Innocent!Yato is a go!]

[ truly a mystery. on the other hand,

POLICE!!! THE MAN WHO CALLS HIMSELF A GOD IS BEING LEWD.🚨🚨 ~~he's already eating her somewhere else lmao....~~

yeah, this is hiyori. not izanami with hiyori's face being all seductive. can hiyori BE seductive?? more mysteries!!!

hiyori stares at him opening his mouth, not quite getting it right away. innocent or not, why is his first thought that she would feed him? that THAT is what she meant by trying some of hers. well, he could have gone the super pervert route and really gotten an ass-kicking. this is innocent indeed. while she doesn't use up all the stocked Beating-Up Energy that's being saved up, she does blush madly and stomp her foot. ]

I! Am! Not feeding you!! You have hands you can use! So use them!

[🚨LEWD GOD ALERT.🚨 ~~True dat haha...~~

Two mysteries the world may never see solved...!

Only he's hardly being intentionally lewd. In fact it's all quite innocent, so much so that when she literally puts her foot down on that idea, he looks taken aback momentarily, not unlike a kicked puppy. He thought it was a good idea...! Because then he could've turned around and fed her some of his. It would've been like they were on a d-a-t-e~!

Although in hindsight maybe that's why Hiyori is protesting. Oh well. He lets out the tiniest of disappointed sighs before reaching out to break off a piece of hers with the sauce on it, nibbling away at it. The taste really is something else with the addition of the syrup, but his heart's not in it.]

's good! Did you want to try a bit of mine? [He asks looking hopeful, thinking maybe there's still some way to salvage the situation without turning Hiyori into a flustered wreck.]

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