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

[ siiiiigh. no, this is just yato.

hiyori's gaze is drawn to the flickering ears, brow furrowed. feels weird? what does he mean by that? she doesn't get a chance to ask, either. ]

Those are cat ears, aren't they? You've petted cats before. They're soft.

[ like he's given some implicit invitation at the mention, hiyori reaches up for one of those ears

and brushes it with her fingers, curiously. ]

Oooh, they are soft...!

[Don't sigh like it's a bad thing!!

He doesn't have the opportunity to explain before she's going in for his ears as well. As her warm hand touches it, he lets out a tiny squeak and hunches up his shoulders, cheeks tinging pink.

It-- It feels... nice. Yet he doesn't dare ask for more than that. It's all he can do to keep his voice even when he dares to speak, curling his tail around to his front in order to hug it against himself.]

S..See what I mean? Some cats have coarse fur, but these are really plush. I thought it'd feel more like my hair.

[ as if struck, she jerks her hand back at yato's squeak. she stares at him, at her traitor hand, at his face coloring, and feels hers start to go warm too.

why did she do that? WHY DID SHE DO THAT!!! ]

I... I've never touched your hair so I wouldn't know!! [ that's not true. she has a few times. once after calling his name. his true name.

ANYWAY. she's not going to acknowledge that reaction with a five-foot pole. that was embarrassing. for both of them. ]

A bunch of weird things were happening before, right? You know, with the House of Mirrors and the rides and in the labyrinth? Now that's different, too. [ her tail sways behind her as she takes on a more contemplative pose. ] I wonder why...?

[ hiyori's pink soul-tail sways, sways, sways. ]

[Yeeeaaaahhh... The less said about that noise, the better!! It didn't happen, okay. If they pretend it didn't, then it didn't!

Though his face scrunches up at her blatant lie; he recalls every moment of being in Yomi, the hell he had to go through, and the relief when she was finally able to drag him back to the surface by figuring out his given name. He remembers landing on her, the exhaustion, the relief, and finally the comforting warm of her hand on his head.

But if she wants to pretend it didn't occur that way, then who is he to argue? He's still going to huff though.]

Hmph. [Besides, they have bigger fish to fry. ...mmm. Fish... No-- don't get distracted, Yato! Pay attention!]

Yeah, things just seem to keep changing around here, but I dunno what's up with... that...

[He trails off as his eyes lock onto her cord, watching it bob back and forth, back and forth, until-- He can't take it anymore and pounces, catching it lightly in both hands, his own tail swishing rapidly.]

[ she's trying to keep things from turning awkward, yato. please. PLEASE. she doesn't want to talk about how your hair felt against her fingers and how it compares to downy soft kitten ears, you ABSOLUTE WALNUT. ]

I think it has something to do with all theYAAA--H?!

[ more surprised than anything, hiyori yelps at her cord being grabbed. the edges of her vision sparkle and glimmer, but it's nothing near when he yanked her tail out of the way of an ayakashi.

that

was not pleasant. very painful. would not recommend. 0/10. ]

YATO. [ GIVE THAT BACK. ]

[Walnut is right, given how nutty he's suddenly become. For once he has hold of her spirit tail, he starts rubbing his cheek against it, a soft rumble coming from his throat.

Is that.... yes, yes it is indeed a purr.

A smile breaks out across his face as he sticks his nose in its 'fur', inhaling deeply. It smells... nice. Like Hiyori. He thinks. Did Hiyori have a smell about her normally? Sometimes her shampoo, but nothing that was distinctly her. This is different, though. Is this what her spirit smells like...?

Despite being lost in thought, her voice finally reaches him, although he's still distracted enough to need her to repeat what she just said.]

Hmm?

[ LDKGLDKSJGLKSDJG WHAT IS HE DOING. rubbing his cheek against it? S-SMELLING IT?? he's smelling her soul that's even worse than grabbing it!! this is why she can never tell yato she can smell him.

aaaand he's purring. nope. not today. ]

LE, L-LE-LET GO. S-STOP THAT.

[ she's going to die of embarrassment if she doesn't kick him in the face first. the only reason she hasn't is because he has her soul in his hands and that's...

a lot to take in. currently. ]

[You can almost hear the Jeopardy music as her words then his own actions sink in, as went it does the moment is clear for her drops her tail like he's been scalded and smashes both palms against his face in shame.]

H-Hiyori--! I... I don't know what came over me, it's just--

[No, wait, he does know. Feeling his own tail waving behind him vigorously, he pulls his hands away from his now reddened face with a growl.]

--it's these damn ears and tail, is what it is! Stupid things...!

[Abruptly, he reaches up and yanks on both ears, causing himself to cry out with a yelp.] OW!! That fuckin' smarts, son of--!

[Somebody save him from himself...]

[ yato.......

yato, you really are an idiot. the biggest walnut on the tree. ]

[ hiyori clutches her tail to her chest protectively. the end wiggles in her grip as she stares, SO WARILY, at him.

until he starts hurting himself. don't worry, she's here to save him from himself. ]

Don't pull on them!! [ releasing her tail, her hands flutter nervously between them. like she WANTS to help but also doesn't want what JUST happened to occur again. ]

Let's... let's go get some fresh air! That'll clear your head. [ yeah, that. WHEREVER THEY ARE CURRENTLY, she's now pushing against yato's back to march them both outside of it. ]

Mmnn... Maybe you're right.

[Now rubbing his poor new assets, he allows himself to be guided outside into the crisp autumn air. Immediately his ears perk up, swiveling this way and that in spite of himself. There's so much to hear...! Insects calling, people talking off in the distance, the wind blowing around their ankles. It's almost overwhelming how much his senses have improved.

It could be for that reason he stops abruptly, turning enough to catch Hiyori by the hand without a second thought, his tail puffing up again slightly as it droops down between his legs.]

Is it just me, or is it a lot louder out here today?

[ hold on she is silently flipping out over yato grabbing her hand. not because they're super clammy, which they SUPER are, but it's as much of a shock as yato clinging onto her dramatically. less so than grabbing her tail, though.

deep breath. in, out.

okay. this is fine. she lets him hold her hand. he seems... disturbed about something, anyway. that tail says it all. just like hers does. ]

It sounds pretty normal to me. [ it's breezy so there's the occasional whistle of wind. she can see his ears swivel back and forth and her lips part in understanding. ]

Oh, your ears! Are cat ears stronger than a god's hearing? Or is it a godcat's ears?

[ hiyori. ]

What do you hear?

[This time they're sweating without him even needing to fight. The source of which is clearly something emotional rather than physical.

But he doesn't seem to notice, too intent on picking out what new sounds he can hear from their surroundings. There's a lot, so much so he hardly knows where to start. So he begins with the closest thing:]

There's tons of insects, lots of leaves rustling... People talking everywhere, chickens...? Some sort of rumbling that's almost like thunder.

I swear I couldn't tell all this apart just an hour ago. It must be these ears. [He reaches up, stroking one carefully.] It's... a little overwhelming, to be honest.

[Don't you laugh at him, Hiyori Iki! He's putting his trust in you here!]

[ she would NEVER, when he sounds distressed and admits he's overwhelmed by it all.

it reminds her of the first few days of her soul slipping out of her body. how overwhelming and strange it all was to her, too. how she just wanted to be normal again. it's almost eerily similar. what with him having a tail, too.

she goes for smiling as reassuringly as she can. ]

I'm sure you'll get used to it? [ she did. ]

Would it be easier to go somewhere more quiet? Outside the town?

[She's much more mature and kinder than he ever was, teasing her about losing her body and being a ghost and all. It's more than he deserves, really. The irony isn't lost on him. He's only glad that she's too kind to rub salt in his wounds.

Doesn't mean he won't get a bit huffy at the suggestion of basically running away from the problem.]

It might be, but I can't just up and let a bunch of noises drive me out like some scared child.

[Taking his hand back, he rubs it on his pants to get the moisture off before shoving both into his pants pockets.]

Besides, I wanted to ask for your help. My jersey's gone missing and I think I know what happened to it - there's been a clothes thief running around lately and all the information I've got points to a tree in the wilds. I was wondering if you're up for helping me tackle the asshole.

[He turns to look at her expectantly, hopefully. He has faith she could hold her own in a fight.]

[ too kind for a lot of things.

ah, maybe that was the wrong thing to say to a god. hiyori didn't mean it in a "running away" note. more like a "let's take away the thing that's bothering you" way. her hand hovers midair as he pulls it back, slowly dropping back to her side. she curls her fingers into the hem of her shirt. ]

[ his jersey

has gone missing.

is that such a bad thing...? ]

[ no. of course, she'll help. jersey-san.

besides!! yato doesn't often ask for her help. hiyori just DOES things whether he likes it or not. her eyes are wide at his request before a smile breaks out across her face.

is this because of the candy corn golem? she's so. HAPPY? PROUD?? BOTH??? ]

Of course, I'm up for it!! [ TAIL WAG WAG WAG ]

We've got a criminal on our hands that needs to be stopped!!

[ why take his jersey. weird. oh well. ]

[A war god such as himself can't help but see retreating as an admittance of giving up (even if it's sometimes necessary.)

And see!! He needs his jersey because what would he be without it?? DRIPPY-SAN. And he can't have that. He needs it - it's part of his image!

It took a lot to come to the conclusion that it'd be best to tackle this fiend with a partner. He debated it all night but finally decided that after their excursion at the carnival, discretion is the better part of valor. He's not keen on learning what happens to people (or gods) who get killed in Songerein. It's not likely to be pleasant at the very least.]

Hah! I thought you would be. You're so determined when there's a challenge in front of you.

[It's one of the things he admires most about her. Turning towards the road leading out of town, he glances back over his shoulder with a grin.]

Think you can keep up with me?

[ tactical retreats, yato!! it's a sound strategy ok.

it's a part of his image that wouldn't be so bad for him to drop? well, doesn't matter. hiyori has already promised to help him get his PRECIOUS jersey-san back.

yato is a battle god. prideful as he is, he isn't... ok, he is an idiot, but NOT with war. while this isn't war on a scale that severs countries and tears scars into the earth, it's a personal war for yato. this thief has declared war on the GOD of war, yatogami.

big mistake. ]

A-am I? [ hiyori's clenched fist lowers as she thinks about it. the hammer game was more about taking that rude dude down a peg or two back to humble. the paintball game? total accident. also? mostly yato's fault. she was more competitive as a child than she is now.

but yato seems to believe it. her cheeks warm as he turns away and looks over his shoulder.

something within her sparks -- a faint light. she's never had to race a god before. yama-chan, the fastest girl in her class as an elementary student, was the toughest she had. it's how they became friends when hiyori bested her. ]

I don't know. We'll see. [ she rolls up the sleeves of her sweater and stands next to yato, dropping into an 'on your mark' after retying her shoes.

she's getting into it....... ]

[Sound strategy, but not his favorite!

Don't make him pick between two of his most precious things in his life... The jersey might win out. It doesn't complain about him. ~~So there!~~

And for an idiot war god, earning his ire is truly a terrible idea. Especially where things he values are involved. It can only lead to a Bad Time for those fool enough to cross him.]

I think so. [Just like how with him presenting her with the opportunity to compete has her raring to go. He flashes her a grin as they get into the same stance ready to run. His cat ears prick forward and his tail swishes behind him excitedly and he spares her one final glance before turning his gaze forward.]

Ready? Three... Two... One... Go!

[He takes off like a shot, feet barely touching against the ground thanks to his godly lightness. Only once does he look over to make sure Hiyori's following before putting his all into it, guiding them towards the clothing thief's lair.]

[ WOW!!! fair point, though.

in this instance, she can agree. but it's ONLY because yato dared to say something like "think you can keep up with me?" who WOULDN'T get at least somewhat riled up by that?!

hiyori has no ears to turn forward but her tail winds around in the air, too, curling and flicking. her hips raise at one. and at go--

THEY'RE OFF.

the commentator that isn't here: yato takes an early lead, but hiyori is hot on his heels! it doesn't look like she's going to give up that easily, folks. yato may be a god and hiyori might only be a human, but she's got nerves of steel. going head to head with a god? what do you think that's going to do for her career, joe?

joe shmoe commentator #2: well, john, that depends on how this race ends up. not many people have placed their bets on her. she's got a 100:1 ratio against the yatogami. meanwhile, that guy is a shoo-in. hiyori doesn't even know where she's going. she has no choice but to follow yato for the majority of the race or she'll get lost!

commentator #1 john: right you are, joe. seems like the odds are not in her favor, but, incredibly enough, she's managed to keep up this entire time! that girl is running like a woman possessed to catch up with her competition. she's putting her all into this one, folks!

it's true. her chest burns with the effort. only to stay in yato's peripheral. this must be how yukine feels when she's strict in grading his homework. there is no leeway. in hindsight, racing to get to a place where they're going to have to confront a criminal? not the best idea, but she got caught up in the moment. and yato's challenging grin.

she's proud of herself for keeping up for this long, her breath harsh and hoarse. her heart loud and fast in her ears. ]

[Certainly not high school girls with a penchant for wrestling and putting gods in headlocks!

For what it's worth, Yato starts to seem a bit winded himself about three-quarters of the the way there, straining against his muscles as his feet begin to actually need to hit the ground in order for him to keep up outpacing Hiyori. And even though he maintains his lead by a fair margin the whole way, she gradually begins gaining on him as the treeline comes into sight.

Unlike Hiyori who by now knows her tail-like cord inside and out, Yato's balance is suffering from the way his own tail whips about, sending him first a little one way then the other unbidden. By the time they've reached the trees themselves, they're neck and neck, with Yato keeping the lead by sheer stamina alone.

With their goal only about a hundred feet away, he begins flagging to the point where Hiyori could reach out and touch his tail were they perfectly in line with one another. But the longer their competition goes on, the more unsteady he becomes, until he staggers into the tree that houses their goal and leans against it bent over and gasping for breath.

As she comes up to the tree as well, he flashes her a tired grin in between pants.]

Hah-- Looks like... I managed to... beat you... But just barely--!

[He shakes his head, sliding to the ground to give his aching legs some rest.]

Not bad for... a mortal...

[ on the other hand, hiyori bends over with her hands on her knees, gasping for breath. ugh, she'll get a sideache like this but she's so tired. she peeks up wearily, this time, as yato announces his victory and all but collapses to the ground. she keeps on her feet, neglecting to answer and just bowing her head again. that was stupid.

that was stupid and fun. if she had any oxygen to spare, she might've laughed.

she's so winded that taking in air stings her lungs. not bad for a mortal, he says! says the god!! she's a half-mortal like this. she'll take it. putting her hands on her hips, she narrows her eyes slightly at him on the floor but looks around at where their race has ended. only when she's managed to catch her breath, where air doesn't slice through her chest, does she let herself talk. ]

I'm just glad I... kept up with you...! [ and he didn't get so caught up in winning that he left her stranded somewhere outside of town. in this still relatively new place they're kind of trapped in. ] Next time-- [ she shakes her head. ] The thief is here somewhere?

[ where is he hiding out? is it an underground bunker!?! that would be cool...

ugh, she's still recovering though. yato!! why did you have them race!! ]

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HIYORI PLZ

YES ?? :'D

thinking of abandoning his jersey, how could you ;;

BUT SHE DIDN'T!!!

TRUE!! HE THANKS HER FOR THAT

anything for da god