songerein | { a bit leafy }

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{ a bit leafy }

A BIT LEAFY

More details on everything can be found here.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

I. LEAF STORM

During the first week of November, a storm of leaves will pass through town. It starts innocuous enough, with just a bluster of leaves carried in the wind that looks normal for the changing of the season. But as the days progress, there are large bursts even downpours of leaves that just fall all over town. And with this storm come strange things…

A. Leaf Monsters. As the leaves pile up and people attempt to rake and blow them away, there will be some strange movement...until it's revealed that oddly shifting pile of leaves suddenly rises up to try and attack, blasting sharp leaves and even trying to "engulf" the unexpecting, trapping them in piles of leaves. Time to deal with this sudden leaf invasion! (Note: the leaf monsters will be most active during the first week of the month and then taper off by the end of the second week. By mid-month, only a few will pop up here and there.)

🔥 Burn Burn Burn! Using any kind of wind will only disperse the leaf monster and make them split into more. They need to be destroyed completely, and the best way is through fire. Dreamotion fire especially.
🪤 Trapped. But be careful with that fire! There may be those trapped within the leaf monster itself, and burning it may hurt those inside. This is the one time using wind to disperse the leaves may be warranted, but maybe a "controlled blast" will help to keep the monster from spreading.
🐌 Animal Aid. While fire is the most effective, there are other methods—mainly through certain critters. The chickens around that statue from the Dream Board could probably help scratch and break them apart. Finding some special rainbow snails from the lake just south of town will also help as their glittery slime will not only trap the leaves, but also break them down quickly.

B. Leafever. The strange leaf storm and the leaf monsters are also bringing a strange cold-like disease, likely spread through the pollen or spores attached to the leaves. Those who get caught by the leaf monsters are most likely to catch it. Fortunately the effects are mild and only last a few days, week at most, but can be caught multiple times. There is also a cure, but it requires the same leaves that brought it.

🤧 Achoo! While having the leafever overall feels no different than a bad cold, some of the symptoms and side effects are a lot more…unusual with little consistency between individuals. Some may find themselves sneezing bubbles, others secreting slime as they sweat, and all dreamotion effects going haywire.
♨ Incense Burner. One way to help ease and lessen the effects of the leafever is to burn the leaves in a special incense burner infused with special dreamotion focused on healing and soothing emotions. A special stone must also be used, and it can only be found in the hot spring caves in Dragefjell, Dragon Island.
🍂 Leaf Sap. For the actual remedy, sap must be collected from the leaf monsters. How? Well—that's for everyone else to figure out, good luck. Maybe try squeezing the leaves? Or cook them?

C. Dryad. The most severe side effect of the leafever is the individual slowly turning more tree-like, some becoming similar to dryads. There are no serious side effects and will only last for about a day or two. In fact, those who "turn dryad" will feel healthier and livelier than usual. But it may be an interesting experience regardless.

🌲 A bit stiff. As the skin turns more bark-like and limbs become a bit more "wooden," those affected may find their movements a bit more limited at first. A bit of exercise and a gallon of water dumped on them will help loosen them up.
🌷 In tune to nature. While in this state, there will be an increased sense of awareness regarding all things plant. This includes the leaf monsters, allowing them to sense and pinpoint any that may be hiding or lurking around. There will also be a brief time where they can even control and call upon plants to do their bidding.
🍃 Big shed. When the symptom finally ends, all the leaves, branches, and bark will just fall completely off the individual and they will return completely normal without a single blemish. …And clothes. Hope this isn't happening out in public, ahem.

II. INFESTATIONS

With the changing of the seasons, all kinds of critters are either passing through on their migratory route…or burrowing in to start hibernation. Usually it's not a problem, but perhaps due to all the strange dreamotion energy flux over the past year, the creatures are behaving a little differently and getting in the way more than usual. The storm of leaves isn't helping matters, aiding in some of them to travel through. While some will appear during it, the majority will cause problems from around the second week onward.

A. Bugged Trees. Those living in treehouses are going to have a bit of a time as a number of insects will be looking to find a new place to chill during winter. Specifically, their home. Those who are under the dryad effect may want to be careful of any bugs that may be attracted to them.

🪲 Giant Beetles. Some may remember these fellows from previous years. The beetles are quite friendly, but they are quite large, large enough to ride on. They can also cause some rough damage on gardens and yards, their massive size creating large holes as they burrow into the ground. However, some are really useful with their pincers, capable of pruning unwanted branches. If not chasing them away, perhaps one could use them instead? (Especially against leaf monsters.)
🐞 Ladybugs. These ladybugs are average sized (thank goodness), but they have quite the attitude. Preferring colorful and well tended flowers, they will speak their mind should they find any that are wilting. They will also drop critiques on anyone with poor etiquette and living poorly. Those who have well kept homes will have an easier time with them…and also suffer large groups coming in hosting parties in the branches.
🦗 Crickets. The crickets are of the musical sort, ready to put on a performance to try and endear themselves to receive temporary lodging. Just for a few days! Their range of music is wide, from classical to punk rock to country to jazz to even rap. And while they try to be polite, well… Sometimes music jams happen whether they should or not. Like late at night. Crickets are nocturnal after all.

B. Migration Migraines. As if dealing with bugs wasn't enough, other critters are either migrating or looking to hibernate around town. One would think the Wildlands would have plenty to offer, but some may find the easy access to food in town a bit more enjoyable.

🦡 Honeycomb Badgers. These interesting looking badgers have a honeycomb for a back. While they will dig up gardens in search of tasty flowers, they need to "shed" their honeycomb and are deliberately going to people to offer it. They are not harmed and will just reveal normal fur beneath before a new honeycomb forms.
🦒 Flying Giraffes. A flock of large winged giraffes will be flying in and roosting on various tall buildings. They act a lot like Canadian geese, so…beware.
🐻 Cotton Bears. These cute little bears look like they could be living teddy bears with how small and plush they appear. And for winter, they are looking to sleep somewhere nice, soft, and warm. Like a bed. Now they don't really care if they are occupied or not, so maybe it would be better if some dens and beds could be made for them instead.

C. Field Foes. The farms situated around the outskirts of town are preparing to harvest their fields, but there's trouble. Unless it gets sorted quick, food might be harder to come by for the winter!

🌾 Scarecrow Rebellion. Something is wrong with the scarecrows, but no one is sure what. They're either sitting in the fields not trying to shoo away the numerous wildlife that have decided to come through, or actively waving their pitchforks at the very gardeners and farmers they're supposed to help. Perhaps they feel a bit underappreciated so some word of thanks could help them get back to work. In the meantime, some help clearing out the fields of unwanted visitors, especially the crows, will be needed.
🍄 Hopped Up Hares. Among the unwanted "vermin" are some hares that have somehow gotten into some…strange green mushrooms that have made them behave a bit erratic. They're digging up tunnels, wearing carrots on their heads, and stare blankly out into the distance. Catch them and drive them away! And maybe feed them some special pellets that will help cure them of their, uh, "ailment." It's not recommended to eat the mushrooms should they be found, but if one does…well, enjoy the same dizzying, heightened experience the hares did.
🍆 Oversized Veggies. Some young "genius" thought creating a special formula mixed with dreamotion would help the crops grow larger and faster. However, it only caused the vegetables to overgrow to as large as an adult person and are now rolling dangerously through the fields. Some even get into town! Pumpkins, carrots, lettuce, corn, potatoes, cabbages—all manner of vegetables are rolling around, so stop them before they cause too much destruction.

I. LEAF STORM

II. INFESTATIONS

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Naminé's wholly unaware that he's unaware of who she is, and gives a hesitant smile. ]

I'm glad you weren't really frightened, then. I've been trying to stay out of trouble, but... it's hard when I blend in like this, now.

[ At his offer of removing the water, though - she's quick to shake her head, before she's had the chance to actually think about it. There's still water dripping off of her, but she's not actually doing anything to change that. ]

No - I'm okay. I don't mind.

[ It's kind of nice, actually, which is a thought so weird that Naminé purses her mouth and keeps it from being spoken aloud. (Is this really what it's like to be a plant...?) After attempting to clear her throat only to find that's not as anatomically feasible right now as it used to be, she adds, ]

Have the leaves been giving you trouble? I was hoping they might listen to me if I asked them to stop, but it doesn't seem to be working.

[ It's a rare chance to see how Demyx behaves with people he doesn't know and frankly there's not a whole lot different, he's just not carrying the baggage. ]

Yeah, yeah, I'm totally fine! [ He smiles warmly, reassuringly, and at the comment, he tilts his head at that. ]

Oh I guess that makes sense if your a plant and plants love water. [ He does know that much about science. ]

They don't seem to be listening to anyone at all, but fire seems to work the most.

[ Naminé's not yet fully aware of what, exactly, she's witnessing here - although she does feel a note of pleasant surprise to see how kindly Demyx smiles. She'd almost think him to be in a good mood, were she not witness to his reaction a few moments prior. A little bashfully, she admits, in reference to her sudden preference for hydration, ]

That must be it. I'm still-- trying to figure all of this out, I'm afraid.

[ Exhaling a small sigh at his other statement, the lass folds her hands together with the fingertips meeting - very much like herself, despite her appearance. ]

I'm sure it does. But it's a shame, don't you think, to destroy them? [ Plant sympathy doesn't really come much more easily to her than it already did, but she'd hardly need the encouragement. ] Even if they are a bunch of troublemakers.

[ Demyx's brow furrows a little bit as though he's thinking it over and he offers a bit of a shrug. ]

I uh, don't really know. I never really thought about it.

[ He heard they had to get rid of them and acted on that. He hadn't considered the consequences so much. ]

[ Well, at least he thought about it - although now that he says that, Naminé curls a hand to her mouth hesitantly, wondering whether she might be over-thinking it. ]

I guess maybe we can't afford to. No matter what, it does seem like we'll have to stop them by force.

[ Little as she likes the idea, it might be a moot point to fret over the morality of it all. ]

Maybe... it would be better to stick together for a while? At least that way it'll be harder for them to catch either of us off-guard.

Yeah, sure, I don't mind.

[ He smiles. ] I'm not really tired or anything yet, I've still got lots of magic in me.

[ Demyx is fine with rescuing people and taking down monsters. It's not his preferred activity, but he can do it. ]

[ The lass smiles gently back - or as much so as she can manage with her features distinctly less fleshy and malleable than they usually are, anyway. ]

I'm glad to have some company, then.

[ Speaking of which - ]

Were you on your way to do anything else, or-- shall we see if there's anyone nearby who might need our help?

Nothing really specific, just giving a hand. They're kinda easy to burn.

[ It's good fire practice. ]

I see.

[ Makes things easy if they've nowhere to try to fight their way to, in theory. ]

In that case, I suppose we can just keep it up. [ A beat. ] But, um...

[ Is it rude to say-- ]

If you don't mind, I think I'll stand back a little bit next time.

[ No need to have a repeat incident now that it's already been proven she's a fire hazard! ]

Yeah, I get it. Sorry, sorry. [ Demyx apologizes. ]

Fire's new to me, I'm working on it. I didn't mean to burn you a little bit.

[ It's fun learning new things, at least for him, but all the same he's not one to start fights or attack people with intent to hurt them. ]

[ The lass puffs up a bit at his apology, leaves bristling subtly before she shakes her head. ]

No, I-- didn't mean that I thought you were careless...!

[ She seems a bit fretful about having potentially given offense-- ]

Just... that I know I should be cautious, for both our sakes. Actually, I'm a little surprised I haven't set myself on fire yet, or something worse.

[ He's not offended, he's pretty new to it after all. ]

Yeah, but uh, don't worry about it too much. [ Demyx pats Naminé's arm...? Branch? A little awkwardly. ]

We'll be cautious anyway.

[ Her expression seems to ease a little at his reassurance, despite the slight, curious raise of her brows at his gesture. She appreciates it, regardless! ]

Right, [ she agrees gratefully. ] Thank you, Demyx.

[ Of course she recognizes him, even if he doesn't recognize her. ]

[ Huh...do they know each other? Demyx just smiles and keeps moving along but he's wondering. ]

No problem.

[ A swirl of leaves ahead spell potential trouble, but it's nothing that they can't handle. ]

[ Naminé remains quite unaware that he hasn't yet recognized her, and stays alongside him as they walk. Even though they're on the hunt for monsters, her demeanor is fairly positive - although of course she's still keeping an eye out, and spots the leaves without delay. ]

Heads up...!

[ Indeed, between the two of them it hardly seems to be much of a threat, but it pays to be cautious...! ]

Got it, got it.

[ It's pretty evident because it's just coming into place, there's no one there, this time at least.

Demyx raises a hand and swirls some fire in that direction. He's not as comfortable with it, his movements aren't as fluid as he would be with water, but he gets a bigger output hands free with fire than he would with water.

Magic is weird. ]

[ Naminé, for her part, seems to have no trouble conjuring fire despite her plantlike state. Snapping a hand out, she casts her flame forward alongside his; it burns bright and ferocious, clearly something she's practiced before.

Only... between the two of them, the flames might be a little too intense. The leaf monster is eliminated handily, but - some extra piles of leaves get ignited, too. ]

-- Oh.

[ Maybe they should be taking turns instead? Now might be a good time for some water regardless, if they don't want the fire to spread too much. ]

[ Water is definitely needed, but fortunately it's Demyx's specialty. Playing with fire is fun and all, but not enough to overtake his love of water. Water comes so much easier and it protects them since those leaves were definitely smouldering. ]

Oops. It's alright, not a big deal.

[ Naminé exhales a sigh of relief as the fire is expunged, curling a hand against her chest. Belatedly, ]

I'm-- sorry about that. I shouldn't have been so careless.

[ She never has been good at judging her own strength, so it's par for the course, unfortunately. ]

Nah, you're fine. I think it worked out okay.

[ So a few extra leaves got singed. It's probably not the end of the world, right? Demyx is pretty sure, at least. ]

Mm. [ She's comforted enough by the words, although there's still a faintly embarrassed tone to her, ] What is it that they say? All's well that ends well?

[ If nothing else, it's been proven that they've each got something to offer each other while working together. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

{ a bit leafy }

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