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

[ Phew. It's a relief to be away from... whatever that was, but she's not really happy. It's still out there, after all, and people will continue to be in danger. Still, she's not rude enough to dismiss this... human, she thinks they're called? So she nods, her face stoic. ]

Yes, that was me. I was attempting to take down that monster by myself... but it's clearly not something I can do with my regular abilities.

My name is Black Raisin Cookie... and since you saved my life, I am in your debt.

[ She bows her head a bit, showing her gratitude. ]

[ okay, barring how cute that name is and how she is bowing and everything--

flustered, she waves her hands. ]

N, no! Please, it was only the right thing to do! You're not in my debt at all!

[ after a moment, she bends down even farther so they're a little more eye-level. ]

Besides, you helped me out just as much. Neither of us would have been able to get out without each other, I think. [ ... ]

I'm Hiyori Iki. You can just call me Hiyori, though.

Hiyori, then. Very well.

[ But she turns away, looking in the direction from whence they came. ]

... That sort of creature... is that common here? It will likely go after others. But... with my size, and my power, there's nothing I can do...

[ A heavy sigh. Clearly this is something both new and frustrating for her. ]

[ which gives her ample opportunity to engross herself in the adorableness while BRC isn't paying attention. waaaa... WAAAAAA...

some ayakashi were small and cute like this, but they were ayakashi. messing with those was a quick way to get blighted. ]

[ whether it's common or not isn't something she rightfully knows. she wishes she had a helpful answer. ]

H-hey, hold on, that's not true! You helped me. [ standing back up on her feet, hiyori stands proud. ]

We escaped together. I bet there's something we could do if we partnered up.

[ maybe??? ]

And, um, I like your size. Plus, you seem good at cutting stuff! I know someone else like that, and he's powerful. Don't underestimate yourself, Black Raisin... Cookie... [ this is a mouthful. ]

Sorry, but you wouldn't happen to have a nickname, would you?

[ Fortunately, BRC is so entangled in her troubles, and so unused to being fawned over, that she's oblivious to Hiyori's blissful gaze. She glances back at that last part, though. ]

... Call me whatever you want. More importantly, my attacks only delayed it temporarily. It can reassemble itself easily... what's needed it something that can destroy it completely. But I don't have magic... and I'm assuming you don't have any either.

[ whatever she wants? oh boy, she needs to think of a good name. she's not great at those. um, um. she'll come back to this.

more importantly... right. ]

No... [ hiyori glances away with a furrowed brow, the feeling of being useless is being picked up. ]

What about... a leaf blower? Er, or a giant fan? During the fall, I would sometimes see custodians on the street blowing leaves away off the streets. It could keep them from reassembling.

[ they're in FAIRY TALE LAND with BARELY ANY TECH. there's no way there's a leaf blower. a giant fan, though? ]

But you were cutting the leaves with something, too! What was it?

[ Those suggestions get a slow blink from her, as if she has no idea what Hiyori is even talking about... because she doesn't. Such technology is not something she's heard of or used to.

At he last question, she lifts her arm out from underneath her cape - in a 'blink and you'll miss it' moment, Hiyori may be able to see that BRC only has one arm. Anyway, it holds a regular knife, one used for battle. ]

This? It's merely a weapon. There's no magical property to it. I've used it all my life to cut down anything or anyone that would be a threat to my village. It's nothing special.

[ fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, hiyori is too shrewd to miss it. she doesn't blink.

it truthfully only makes BRC more incredible, though. ]

[ TINY KNIFE!!!!! ]

... You've... been fighting since you were young?

[ She turns away, as wind dramatically blows her cape. Time for the Tragic Backstory! ]

... My village is in a desolate part of Earthbread. None of us have a single coin to our name. The lands are surrounded by monsters, and because of how little food we have, many of the Cookies are weak and can't defend themselves. That's why... I took it upon myself to defend them. To be their protector, so they would have one less thing to worry about.

[ oh boy tragic backstories! SHE LOVES THOSE.

the expression on hiyori's face falls as she listens and her brow furrows. how awful. she already had a feeling she was a noble person-- er, cookie, but this proves it. ]

Alright then, BRC. [ she decided on a nickname. she offers her hand again for her to step onto. ] While these monsters are creating trouble in Reverein, you won't have to do everything on your own.

Because I'm going to fight with you!

[ She turns to face Hiryori's hand... but doesn't step on it. Not just yet. ]

... I never said I was alone. They may not be able to do more than me... but every ounce of strength counts.

[ With that, she raises her arm... and suddenly, in the distance...?

"Caw, caw, caw!"

There's a flurry of feathers! A flush of shadows! And then... crows!

Itty bitty crows. You thought BRC was tiny? They're even smaller! One sits on her head, another on her shoulder, with three more hovering around her. They are... the Raisin Crows! ]

... Eh? Oh. Um, I-I guess you didn't. [ but she made it seem like it. if the villagers couldn't defend themselves because they were so weak, then they would be more of a liability. yet strength always came in numbers. and maybe having something to protect made BRC strong, too.

she pulls her hands to her lap and clenches her fists because she should already know this lesson well.

what's that sound? she turns, wide-eyed at the tiny shadows coming closer. at tiny, bitty crows landing on brc.

she can't take it. ]

Uwwwwaaaaah! They're so cuuuuute!!

[ She seems a bit... startled at that, clearly not expecting that reaction. A few of the crows seem quite pleased at the compliment, preening and wiggling. ]

... Well, I've always thought they were, anyway...

[ B-Blush. Behold, her weak spot! ]

Th-the point is... I've trained them to take me where I can't go on my own, and they aide me in combat. As if I have several knives at once... but we've already learned that merely cutting will do nothing to those creatures. We need something more.

[ She's doing her best to be serious about this! ... And the crows aren't helping, they are still puffing up and doing little happy "caws". They like being called cute. ]

[ behind her, hiyori's tail seems to be wagging.

it's okay. cute things are hiyori's weak point, too. first, her smile seems to widen at the cookie blush. second, at the happy "caws".

ah! so that's what she meant by not being alone? wow, she trained them well. ]

Yeah, but what are leaves weak to? Blowing them away with wind only stopped them for a little bit. [ also doing her best to be serious but she's so enthralled by these small creatures. ]

And, um, not to... completely derail from our discussion about the leaf problem, but do they have names?

A plant's major weakness would be fire, but we have no way to...

[ "Create some", she would say, but the crows are being distracted! One or two lightly boop Hiyori's nose, as if to thank her for thinking of them.

Blushblushblushlbush. She clears her throat, making them return to her. ]

... Apologies. They're usually better behaved than that. They've yet to really settle in this place. They are my Raisin Crows, but they need no names. They know who I call when I command them.

[ HIYORI DIES FROM CUTENESS.

just kidding. she doesn't, but her smile can't get any wider. ]

It's okay! I don't mind. I think you've really raised them well, BRC. [ if anything, she's absolutely delighted for being booped. ]

They don't? How do you tell them apart? [ SO MUCH FOR NOT DERAILING TOO MUCH. ]

S-sorry, um, fire is a plants weakness. That's true... [ she is considering the fire. that seems dangerous, though. it would have to be in a controlled environment where none of the buildings get caught in the flames.

she's no firefighter, though. ]

On the other hand, what if we made them soggy with water? That doesn't seem as risky as using fire around town. I don't have enough confidence in my dreamotion abilities to be able to control that sort of thing.

Edited 2023-11-27 22:31 (UTC)

And I have never used dreamotion at all. Such magic is completely unfamiliar to me... in Earthbread, only certain kinds of Cookies have such fantastic powers. So if we are to use these sort of abilities... you must be the one to lead and guide me.

[ And as if to acknowledge how she's the superior in this relationship, she bows her head. The crows copy her action. ]

[ a whole planet. of cute cookie people. hiyori would ask more about that but, once again, she's waving her hands.

when she said "I don't have enough confidence," what she really meant was: "I have ZERO confidence." ]

H, hold on! [ SHE HAS NO IDEA WHAT SHE'S DOING EITHER. PLEASE DON'T BOW. ]

I-I've only used it once! To make some light.

It's still more times than I've used it. I've been distrustful of an ability that is granted so easily... but now it appears I've no choice in the matter.

Show me what must be done. Every step counts.

[ no pressure or anything... ]

[ you know, that's... fair. being distrustful of an ability you get easily. hiyori just thought "wow, neat"

NO!!! PRESSURE!!! ]

Eeehhhh-- um, okay. Alright. I'll try and form some water, first? Here goes...! [ what did yato say? you have to visualize the emotion? what kind of feeling does water evoke? something cool and soothing. healing. she thinks of long soaks at night. or the crisp and bracing vigor of purifying water at a shrine.

a little droplet of water starts to form in her palm. crystal clear. it's not much. it's about the size of one of the raisin crows but!! she's doing it?! ]

[ Hmmm. So this is how to works in the flesh... or the dough, so to speak. ]

... To truly create something out of nothing... the magic of this world is astounding. What is going through your mind as you do this?

[ please ]

Huh?

[ concentration broken, the droplet dissipates into her palm. ]

Um, well. [ she stares at her wet palm. ] Someone I know who is really good at using dreamotion told me that the trick is to visualize what you're trying to do and the emotion correlated with it. For water, I thought of things like a bath after a long day or purifying water at shrines. Water is healing, for me.

[ hiyori wipes her damp hand on her skirt. ]

Why don't you try?

[ BRC closes her eyes, trying to connect emotions with visuals. Hmmm. ]

... As you can imagine, food and drink are hard to come by for our village. Every drop is precious... but... eventually, I had to leave the village, for an important mission bestowed upon me by Pure Vanilla Cookie. Because of that... I saw the ocean for the first time in my life. It was... beautiful. I could never have imagined it before. I wish I could have shared that view with everyone in the village. I will never forget the sight...

[ She holds out her flat hand, color starting to swirl slowly but surely in that very small space. Much like Hiyori, it's only a droplet at first, but perhaps it can grow in time!

... Except... hers is kind of. Bubbly? Like soda water? ]

{ a bit leafy }

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