songerein | { frozen nightmare }

Entry tags:

{ frozen nightmare }

FROZEN NIGHTMARE

On the morning after Christmas, December 26th, everyone will awaken to dark clouds that have come in overnight, or how the snow keeps falling and falling and falling throughout the entire day…and the next until it's less snow and now a blizzard of sleet and hail, threatening to freeze over not only Reverein, but to the lands beyond, including Dragefjell, dragon island. Everyone is forced to take shelter inside, and while some dare to go out, it's dangerous.

On the fourth day, before people really start going mad, strange messages written in frost will appear on their windows:

hElp
mAd
qUeEn
Not ominous at all. Nor is how everyone will suddenly fall asleep and awaken in a strange dreamscape, with a young man floating in front of them. Well, what looks like a young man. He's a bit… Fragmented, his entire body made of shards of ice. He will be the one to help explain the situation: his name is Jack Frost, and the Ice Queen has succumbed to some nightmare he can't wake her from. He needs their help to figure out the cause of her nightmares and free her. They must traverse through a strange candy land to reach the ice mountain the Ice Queen is currently in. Unfortunately, he doesn't have enough power left to do more than appear like this, so it's up to the Dreamwalkers to save the day. Again.

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 December and will remain in Songerein from anytime in December. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December 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 December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.

TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view)

Ace Attorney - Simon Keyes
Amazing Digital Circus - Pomni
Final Fantasy XIV - Hermes
Genshin Impact - Furina de Fontaine
Genshin Impact - Nahida
Genshin Impact - Paimon
In Stars and Time - Siffrin
Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds - Ravio
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Malon
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Fi
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Mineru
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Purah
Limbus Company - Dante
Miraculous Ladybug - Gabriel Agreste
Undertale - Frisk

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. REVEREIN

A. Stuck Indoors. Upon waking, anyone who looks out the window will see that everything outside is frozen solid. There was a terrible blizzard the night before, and it left Reverein an icy wonderland. It's beautiful, but freezing cold and potentially deadly. But the real challenge will be trying to prevent cabin fever as the days go on. Perhaps some games over the journals could help stave off boredom. There will also be shelters quickly made for those who need better living arrangements, and various games and food will be provided for those in need as well.

B. Outdoor Help. Due to the sudden nature of the blizzard, not everyone was able to find shelter, especially those who were out in the Wildlands which have also been hit by the blizzard. Those able may need to try and help rescue those caught outside.

⛑️ Rescue efforts. Not everyone made it out of the blizzard safely, either entirely by coincidence or due to sheer stubbornness. These people are stuck outside frozen and need help being taken to safety. Thaw them out and bring them inside!
🐿️ Animal help. There are little critters, too–ones that didn't get back to their own homes in time. Don't overlook the littlest residents of Reverein, because they need help, too.
⛄ Snowman aid. The snowmen that popped up during the previous weeks will help assist those who may need it. For a brief time they can create a little barrier around the individual, stopping some of the cold, and will even hop over to give anyone stuck their own scarves, mittens, and hats should they have any.

C. Delivering Heat. While dreamotion can help keep the hearths warm, there are more efficient ways to keep the heat through fire cores. Orkili has also sent word that they will send heating devices, and the dragons will also make the flight down to help replenish stocks so everyone can stay warm for as long as this mysterious blizzard lasts. Now the question is, how to deliver everything.

🎿 Braving the cold. The most direct way to try and get anywhere is to venture outside, but that can be a risk in itself. Those who try should bundle up! Those who can use either ice dreamotion to control the cold, or fire to help generate heat, will be best suited for this.
🚧 Tunnel system. The gnomes will try to clear some entrances to allow anyone stuck outside or trying to travel around a way to do so safely through the crystal tunnels that sprawl beneath Reverein. However, other creatures have also fled to the warmer caverns so beware. Some are just as frightened and will be harmless, but others will be aggressive for the same reasons.
⛏️ Stuck sandworm. The Orkilins were already working to create a connection between Orkili and Reverein via underground tunnel system. The blizzard has hastened this endeavor, which unfortunately means a rushed job that leads to the sandworm crashing through one of the crystal walls and becoming stuck, with the gnomes not happy. Help dig it out! In the meantime, others can work to deliver the heating devices it carries to those who need it.
🐉 Thawing dragons. Unfortunately, even the mighty dragons will succumb to the might of the blizzard, their wings freezing over as they try to fly down. Since they can't really burn themselves, they'll need someone else to use their dreamotion or some other means to help them out. However, they may be grateful enough to just stay around and help keep things warm with their dragon flame along with the fire cores they carry.

D. Ice Elementals. As the sun sets, a rumble disturbs the quiet of the snow that blankets Reverein. Two enormous ice elementals have appeared on opposite sides of the city, and they are determined to smash their way through the town. They stand five stories tall, icy blocks of fists can send anyone and anything flying, and their frigid breath can leave people encased in ice in seconds. They're tough, but not impossible to take down, especially with a group. Party up and beat these things back!

🔥 Flamethrowers. The Orkilins that arrived to help already had some flamethrowers packed to help get rid of the snow, and they are now allowing those facing the elementals to use it against them. The power will increase by those who are capable of using fire dreamotion.
🧊 Ice against ice. Those who can use ice dreamotion can try to manipulate or control either the ice elementals themselves or their attacks. It will only be a brief time, less than a minute, but even that much might be enough to provide openings!
🦵 Aim for the knees! Due to their towering size, aiming low may serve better than trying to go high. Destroy their legs, and they will topple over. However, they can slowly regenerate, so act fast!

II. CANDYLAND

Welcome to Candyland! Everything here is wintry and sweet, and so is everyone else. Upon awakening in this dreamscape, everyone will find themselves transformed to match. Perhaps drastically changed into a unicorn in any combination of colors and sparkles, or part of the winter landscape as an ice sprite, with forms varying from cute pixies to elegant fairies to blocky ice creatures. Some may find themselves mostly the same, but made out of candy. All abilities can be called upon and new ones based on their form can be developed. But those who usually use weapons may find them changed to match their form and setting. Those who turned into unicorns, well—horns and hooves count as weapons, right?

The Ugly Get-Along sweaters from town will also appear inside, which may make crossing through Candyland and the mountain ahead a bit more…interesting. But everyone must hurry through to reach the Ice Queen.

(Note: Players do not have to strictly follow die rolls and can select specific prompts or locations if they wish, but it is otherwise encouraged for more silliness and fun!)

A. Playing the Game. Traversal through Candyland is akin to a board game with some changes. Dreamwalkers must roll a large gummy die to determine what color square they must move to. (Number corresponds to position on the list, ie 1 = red, 2 = orange, etc). Simple enough, but there's a catch–each color space has an effect, and they are unfortunately at the whims of the board. Only after the effect is enacted can they roll again and keep moving forward. The effects will be strongest on the square and can last for a little while even after moving from the square. (Note: rolls are going to mostly be for the individual character for ease of meeting others on the board, however the die may randomly decide to be used for the group for a few turns.)

🟥 Combat alert! Here come the cherry bats–fight them off!
🟧 People can suddenly hear all unfiltered thoughts and they can't lie about them.
🟨 Oops! The first thing they touch is now stuck to them and can't be removed until either the next yellow square or until the end of the game.
🟩 Time for a little nap. No one's in a hurry, right? Go on, just lie down on that marshmallow bed and close those weary eyes for five minutes. (Or longer.)
🟦 They must eat five random flavors of jelly beans from a jar of every flavor possible. Pick a winner and see how well they do.
🟪 Everyone is suddenly slimed, causing their movements and speech to be sluggish as if in slow motion. This effect will last for a few squares.

B. Special Locations. Sometimes the die will suddenly shake and turn completely pink and change to an eight sided die. Players must now roll again and see which location they will be ported to. Each location will provide some kind of item or bonus that can be helpful for dealing with the frigid threats and dangers of the ice mountain. (IMPORTANT: A character can potentially go through all locations, but they are limited to two items or buffs gained. They can swap what they have as they progress, but they will still only end with two rewards gained from the locations.)

🌳 Gingerbread Plum Trees. Where Plumpy sits eating plums from his gingerbread trees. Help him collect some plums and in return he will let them take a small basket. Give these plums to anyone who is starting to freeze and they will immediately start to thaw.
🍬 Peppermint Forest. A snowy thicket of peppermint candy canes. Mr. Mint will ask those who arrive to help chop down the canes and will let them have one or two to turn into durable weapons to fight against the monsters of the mountain. Mr. Mint will also give them a handful of special peppermints that will help re-energize those who may be sluggish from the cold.
🏰 Licorice Castle. A black and red licorice castle with licorice bats. Help Lord Licorice clear the bats and he will reward with both red and black pieces of licorice. Red will burn for a long time, making it useful as a torch. Black is a risky one to eat due to its taste, but it will help warm one's belly—or give fire breath.
⛰️ Gumdrop Mountains. A shortcut to bring players closer to the mountains. Jolly will help guide them through and tell those who make it to mine all the gum drops they can, as they can be used as destructive explosives that can break through ice and walls.
🥜 Peanut Brittle House. A cottage made of peanut brittle with peanut plants growing outside. Gramma Nutt needs part of her house repaired by using a bucket of peanut butter and smearing chopped nuts over the broken patches. In return, she will give peanut brittle bombs that will explode and make everything sticky.
🍭 Lollipop Woods. A forest of rainbow lollipops resembling trees and easy to get lost in. Guide Princess Lolly out of this confusing forest by finding and following the swirling lollipops. Upon reaching the exit, Lolly will give them a special lollipop wand that will conjure a set of swirling portals that will allow those who go through to cross over short distances.
🍨 Ice Cream Sea. A bubbly ice cream sea where Queen Frostine resides. To pass through, they must build ice cream float boats or else swim through the sticky sea. At least it's tasty, and traversing through either by boat or swim will grant everyone an ice resistance buff that will last for half an hour upon entering the mountain. It has a long cooldown before it activates again.
🍯 Molasses Swamp. A swamp of molasses with brown popsicle plants guarded by Gloppy. Those who end up here will end up having to trudge through the sticky swamp, but collecting some could be useful to help slow or even trap hostile foes in the mountain.

Bonus: Liopleurodon. At random times, a strange creature will appear in the space Dreamwalkers are trying to get onto. It will only move if they can create a candy made of dreamotion and feed it. They have three attempts, and if they fail or the taste is not to its liking, the liopleurodon will knock them with its tail back several spaces or to a random location. If they are successful, however, then it will send them ahead several spaces. (Players will roll again to determine what space or location to use next.)

III. FROZEN MOUNTAIN

Should they manage to reach the end of the board, they will find themselves staring up a giant mountain. From the distance it looked like any other mountain, but closer inspection reveals that it, too, was once made of candy. However, it's all frozen over and instead of sweet, delicious delights, monstrous creatures lurk within its halls…including music that just continuously plays.

Transformations will remain, so this trek may prove challenging to some. Utilize the bonus buffs and items gained from the game to get through!

A. Don't Freeze. Forget about Jack Frost nipping at their noses, the chill from the mountain will constantly threaten to freeze everyone inside. They must work hard to keep warm, using dreamotion, positive thoughts, and other means to do so. Otherwise they risk freezing into a frozen statue and must be dethawed or they'll be kicked out of the dreamscape. Jack Frost will help by trying to drop random items that can be used for warmth: coats, gloves, scarves, blankets, torches, pocket heaters, hot water bottles. Hey, he's an ice spirit he can only do so much.

B. Monsters. There are numerous monsters and aggressive creatures that lurk through the halls of this frigid mountain. Fire is definitely the way to go, but any candy buffs and items received from the Candyland game will also drive them away. They apparently don't like sweets.

❄️ Ice elementals. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they will cast freezing magic and those caught in it will slowly start to freeze up. Gum drop bombs will destroy these quick, with the licorice, plums, and peppermints aiding those frozen. Those who are Ice sprites may be able to sneak past without being noticed.
🐻 Yetis. These large creatures will hurl giant snowballs. Counter with the peanut brittle bombs to hinder their movements. Those who are made of candy will deter yetis as they are not a fan of candy and will run away in fright.
🐐 Five-horned mountain goats. These goats will charge at anything they see and those horns are not something you want to get maimed with. Molasses will be great to slow them down. Those who are unicorns may find themselves with an admirer instead as the goats will find them quite lovely and enchanting.
🐍 Ice snake. One look from these white snakes will instantly freeze any caught in their gaze. The eyes on the ice surface will also cast the curse. Any of the Candyland items will be good against these, especially if they can cover the eyes, or use the lollipop portals to try and skip over them. Plums will be needed to rescue anyone caught. There is no transformation advantage.

C. Ice Mirrors. Made from frozen ice, the mirrors will reflect twisted visions of loss and abandonment. Loved ones suddenly leaving; homes in ruin or desolation; their own reflection in an empty void. Yet rather than despair, there will be a strange feeling of acceptance as the cold begins to wrap around them, as if it's better to be alone than to have things around them. Not only must the affected be pulled back, but the mirrors must be destroyed. Doing so will release a golden colored light that will fill a crystal chalice that will just mysteriously appear and disappear. The more lights captured, the fuller it will get.

🪞 Mirror effects. Those who stare into the ice for too long will be drawn towards it, and should they touch the surface they will begin to freeze over. They must be pulled back and warmed up both physically and convincing them of good things from their lives.
💥 Destroy the mirrors. Break the mirrors in any way possible. Dreamotion and Candyland items, especially gum drop bombs will work.

D. Ice Queen. Those who make it through the mountain halls and the mirrors will find the throne room where the Ice Queen sits. Right in the middle of her chest is a giant shard of glass stained black, the nightmare energy palpable even from the entrance. That's clearly the problem, and the solution? The crystal chalice will appear and Jack's voice will be heard urging them to somehow pour it over that shard. Getting there will, of course, be a challenge as the Queen herself will stir upon hearing Jack's voice and start shrieking like a banshee, creating an ice storm within the room and summoning beasts that must be fought. Physical attacks will be effective, but dreamotion and anything based on positive, warm emotions and ideas will also help, especially to stave off the intense nightmare energy that will be around. The lollipop portals will also be useful in traversing through the room, even if cast in mid-air.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ it was 100% going to eat her. she's candy. yato wanted to eat her, himself! or taste her.

when he holds her tighter, the pink candy around her cat cheeks deepens and her eyes widen. still, she doesn't squirm away. she's only half-listening to yato when he cuts himself off again. when he tells her not to apologize and to be careful. that she can use him as protection. ]

Y, yeah. Okay. Got it.

[ only when he pushes his head against hers does she suck in some air sharply but quietly through her nose. with him being this close?

Smells so good. Even when he's made of ice.

thank god he can't hear her thoughts now. as yato tries to put her down, her cat feet dangle and she stares at him. he can't move his hands?! ]

I-I can't climb down when you won't let go.

[ jiiiiiiiiii-- ]

... Did your ice melt into my fur from holding me?

[Why does everything want to eat her/them? Can't they just deal with normal shounen baddies who pump their muscles up and want to fight for dumb reasons?? Geez...

With his head pressed against hers he can't help savoring how warm she is, her cotton candy being like floofy fur, soft and insulated. It's so tempting to dart his tongue out and have a lick, but that would be weird and entirely inappropriate. He might be crude, but he has some decency.]

I'm not gripping you that tightly. [At least, it doesn't feel like he is. He keeps trying to wiggle his fingers to no avail.] Wha-- No! I don't think so? Nothing feels strange, other than the fact I can't move my hands.

...how the hell are we going to keep playing the game like this?!

[He fumes, kicking the gummy die aaaaand earning them a six. Huh.] ...guess that'll work. Well, hang on then, Hiyori!

[Kicking off, he floats with her the appropriate number of spaces, landing on the purple square. At first it seems like nothing happens again, but then the sound of rushing water appears from above them. He has just enough time to look up and see purple slime pouring out of a cloud before it hits them, drenching the pair from head to toe and causing a crash landing.

The hell?!

Sputtering, he tries to get them upright but finds it difficult with Hiyori still attached to his hands. That and he seems to be moving in slow motion.] What... the fu-- peh...! Grosssss....!

[ at this point?? yeah. not that things eating her is something she's not used to. the ayakashi always want to consume her. and yato.

but, thank you, yato's bit of decency and impulse control. licking hiyori's fur would end in disaster. they're already deep in it seeing as he can't let go of her and hiyori can't wriggle free no matter what they do.

hang on to what?? she doesn't get a chance to ask. she immediately flails into his arms, clinging tight, as he leaps them off to the next purple square. as free as yellow supposedly was.

yeah right.

they look up at the same time. hiyori yelps, panicked. cotton candy and any type of liquid is dangerous?! she'll dissolve!!

now covered in slime and still attached to yato, she is not having a great time. some of her is dissolving away too so she gets all sludgy. floof is gone. hiyori lays in a unmoving heap of pink on top of his chest. ]

I-I don't feel good... Yato... [ but she has to keep going to help the queen. ]

[Blinking through the stream of gunk, he notices something different. That the precious package in his arms feels... stickier than usual. Realization dawns on him and he sucks in a breath, starting to tremble from fear for her safety.

Okay, this is far worse than he first imagined. He forgot about Hiyori being actual cotton candy, not that he could've done anything about their roll. He tries shaking his arms to get some of the gloop off of her in the hopes that'll help some, but his movements are so sluggish that it doesn't do much.]

H-Hiyori--! Hang... Hang in there...!

[He goes to kick the die again, only for it to shake and be replaced by a pink eight-sided one. Still, he doesn't hesitate, knocking it clear across the space. Two, huh? He moves forward said number of spaces, where the ground glows and they vanish, reappearing in the Gumdrop Mountains.

Seeing the sugar-capped candy scenery, Yato rushes over and rubs Hiyori against it, hoping that'll replace the sludge with sugar since that's what she's made of right now, right?

...right?]

Please be okay... Please be okay...!

[ blight wasn't too different from this. the sensation of something eating away at your soul and stinging you. it's not as painful. there's that but she doesn't know if she prefers the pain or the loss of her sense of self. like going numb in places.

she is hanging in there, by a thread. fighting to keep her control on the present. on yato's frantic, fearful voice. she wants to comfort him but can't move. don't be afraid. it'll be okay! it's always okay, right?

she's a gloopy mess in his hands when they teleport to gumdrop mountains and he desperately tries to gather sugar with her body. it works? a little. some of that sugar tries to cling to the mess dripping off of her. it starts to turn into pink fluff but there's still so much slime.

it's enough to get her eyes peer open. ]

H-hey. [ a small barely formed paw touches his cheek. ] I-I'm okay...

[ she is still mostly pink slime sludge. ]

[At least with blight Yato knew what to do, where to go to heal it. This, though... He's guessing at. And it doesn't seem to be working as well as he'd hoped. He has to do something... anything...!

When she focuses on him so weakly, he can't help tearing up. Which is stupid because crying on her isn't going to do any good. If anything, it'd only make her condition worse. Yet he can't stop the sudden stream of tears.]

No, you're not, stupid...!

[He keeps at it, scraping off the slime bit by bit, rubbing more sugar on her wounds... Hoping that he doesn't have to see her vanish before him into nothingness.]

Stay with me, Hiyori... Don't... Don't--!

[Don't leave him alone.]

[ it too breaks her heart to see his heart so broken.

maybe she's not okay... but she couldn't say that. her condition hasn't gotten worse but it's hard to tell if it's gotten better, either. the paw remains on his face. ]

I'm not going anywhere... if I can help it... promise. I promised you that.

[ hiyori's tears aren't actual tears, but little globs of sugar that roll down her face like cubes and get absorbed by her body. he's gotten a good portion of the slime off but if he does it anymore, he might also risk scraping the essence of her off. ]

Yato, p-please don't cry... I'll cry, too...

[ too late. ]

[He finds himself nuzzling against the soft candy paw, seeking what bit of comfort and reassurance he can. He does feel like a child again; so helpless and powerless to aid the person he cares about. Would things be different if he was stronger...? If he wasn't stuck as a kid?

He doesn't know, but he can't stop trying. He has to keep going for her.]

And you keep your promises, remember...?!

[Staggering somewhat, he presses onward, ignoring the strange creature trying to guide them to a mine. There's nothing he can do with Hiyori stuck to his hands, and he wants to hurry, anyway. To find some way of helping her further.]

I... I can't help it... You're melting Hiyori--!

[He hugs her tighter against himself as he begins flying faster. Perhaps the cold wafting off of him will help solidify her form somewhat...?]

[ she remembers. well, she remembers telling him she keeps her promises while holding her pink umbrella over him. telling yato that she'd come to visit every day, so he wouldn't worry so much.

she is melting. as yato hurries along, another thick drop of pink slides off of her and sticks to the ground. yato hugs her tighter and she buries her face into his ice chest, silent sugar tears rolling off her face. sinking into her body.

maybe... maybe this will be their way of knowing for sure. if she dies, does she wake up? will she sit up in her bed in her grandmother's house? or will it be in their treehouse?

some of the slime freezes on her, yes, with yato keeping her tucked in close and carrying her to who knows where. ]

I... I promise it'll be okay. Ever since you told me that after the attack on the hospital, I've kept it in mind. I've believed in your words. So, it'll be okay!

[This isn't supposed to be happening. This is all wrong. Hiyori isn't supposed to be the one injured when things start getting rough, it should be him. He's supposed to protect her...! What kind of God of Fortune is he if he can't keep one believer safe?

What the hell is he going to do?!]

That's not... That doesn't apply here...!

[Now back on the map, he finds another gummy die and kicks it. Three. Yellow again. He races to the square, forgetting to fly. And once his feet hit the color, Hiyori comes unstuck from his hands, leading him to fumble her like a bad football play. He stumbles and they both go down, with his face ending up against her stomach with a yelp.]

Hiyori...

[Kneeling beside her with scratched knees, he leans over to throw his arms around her neck, crying in earnest now. He can't lose her, even temporarily. He doesn't want to be alone again--]

Tell me what to do--! How can I help you...?!

[ it's not supposed to be him, either. she would be just as distraught, if not more, if it was the other way around. it's too close to one of her worst fears.

what he said to her has been her one comfort in this, and her expression lifts in shock when he says it doesn't apply here. wh... why not? it's one of the only things keeping her calm (that and yato being here). as they come unstuck, hiyori lands on that yellow square with yato's small face in her gross candy slime stomach. when he lifts his head, slime and candy alike are smeared on his cheeks and nose with his tears.

she's so weak that she can't lift her paw anymore when he says her name in a wrenching way.

what do they do? how can he help her? ] I-I don't know. I'm sorry, I don't...! [ she doesn't know!! this is out of any realm of her experience. when cotton candy dissolves, it's the end of it. there's no way to salvage it.

but... she can't disappear here. she can't. she can't leave yato by himself if she can help it. she promised and she's already broken the promise of never forgetting him. if she could form her own body out of--

wait. ]

Dreamotion... [ their only shot. ] M-maybe with dreamotion...

[This is one of his worst fears, Hiyori being injured and him unable to help her in any way. This has gone from a fun dream to a horrible, rainbow-colored nightmare.

With tears running trails through the gunk on his cheeks, he shakes his head. This isn't the same as her turning into an ayakashi. She can't pull herself back from the brink here, can she? It's a physical blight, not an emotional one. And he doesn't have any means of fixing it...

Watching her strength drain away, Yato curses himself for being so weak and useless. Good for only killing people. Maybe his dad was right, he can't save anybody.]

But you gotta...! You're gonna be a doctor, remember?! You must have some idea--! Please, Hiyori... [A sob escapes him as he scrubs furiously at his face to keep any tears from falling on her, hurting her more.

Out of the near silence comes her voice again, startling him into hiccuping. Dreamotion...? Of course--!]

G-Got it! Hang in there...! [He places both hands over her, focusing solely on one particular feeling, so strong that within seconds there's a glow emanating from where he's making contact. Gradually, the gunk disappears, replaced with fresh cotton candy that sparkles in the light.

He... he's doing it...!]

[ some of that dream turned nightmare reflects in their surroundings, too. some of the candy has wilted and lost its color with yato's despair and hiyori's dwindling hope. the fear that grips her because it seems like there's nothing that can be done.

except this one thing. almost forgotten entirely until the last possible moment.

this is nothing like their struggle to make light form in the cavern. whatever that feeling is, whatever that emotion he's thinking about, the slime dissolves instead of the cotton candy. and slowly but surely, strength returns to her. if only she was human.

she would throw her arms around him in relief.

as a cat, with a fresh puff of pink as her body, she stands up on her shaking paws and looks down at herself. ]

Y-you did it. [ she's okay. she's going to be okay! ] Y-you did it!! Yato!

[Relief shines in his watery eyes as Hiyori's form becomes what it was - bright, puffy, and pink. Full of fluff of bounce. He doesn't stop until she stands, and even then the glow in his hands takes a while to fade. Purple colors his cheeks as he stares up at her, a smile gradually breaking out over his face.

She's okay... She's okay...!]

Hiyori...

[He's not crying, dammit. There's just... ice in his eye!]

I'm so glad. I thought you-- I thought I was really gonna lose you there for a minute...

[He leans forward, hugging onto her and shamelessly burying his face in her candy floss. The air starts to smell sweet again, another sign of his happiness manifesting around them. He did it... He saved someone. He saved one of the most important people in his life. Take that, you bastard!]

[ you know... if they weren't transformed into their dreamwalking forms, yato would be burying his face in hiyori's chest as he holds her. that might be why hiyori squeaks in surprise as he leans down and gathers her in his arms, pressing his face into her.

this isn't the first time he's saved her. it won't be the last, either.

slowly, her tiny paws rest around his head and she exhales over his head. she can't lie -- she thought she was a goner, too. but because this place is made of dreams and magic, yato saved her.

no. it's not just that.

that light was so bright and instantly healed her. what kind of dreamotion WAS that...? ]

Yeah... but you saved me. [ she puts her little nose against his crown. ] Thank you...

[It just goes to show how emotional he is over what just happened - he doesn't even notice where his face has gone, knowing only that he wants to be in her warm fluff, with her safe and sound.

Thank goodness... That's all he can seem to think. Just thank fucking heavens...

There comes a quiet sniff from her chest along with a nod. He's acting just like a kid might, but he doesn't care. He's just so, so relieved. She's okay. It's okay. They're okay.

Everything will be alright. They'll make it through this, come hell or high water.]

You're welcome... I'd do anything for you, Hiyori... [Anything.]

[ oh, yato. he can stop crying now! they're okay. both of them.

at this point, they know what all the squares do now as well. so they're prepared to face whatever is next. slime? avoided at all costs. cherry bats also need to be avoided but she could probably scratch at a few. was the yellow square the reason she was stuck to yato? that would make sense.

the only color they haven't landed on is green.

her thoughts and strategy planning come to a halt for yato's promise. anything, he says. this... this is why he's her god of fortune. her god of happiness. there's a lot she would do for him, too. maybe she can't fight through yomi to save him, but she won't give up on him. never.

pulling back slightly, she waits for yato to lift his head to look at her.

maybe she does it because she's a cat and he's a kid but just like his kid behavior, hiyori does a very cat-like bump of her forehead to his and purrs quietly. ]

[Now they're tears of happiness, at least! All the same, he scrubs at his face with both of his tiny hands, cheeks flushed as he finally looks up, beaming at her. Quite literally, as beams of light shine down upon them from a break in the clouds, warming them both up.

He isn't even thinking about what the damn squares are doing, although he probably should be. Hiyori is okay...! That's the only thing that matters right now. Not the Ice Queen, not their stupid game, not even this whole dream world. Only Hiyori. She is his everything, or close to it. That's how he was able to save her. With the power of l-- l-luck! Yeah, that's it! Luck!

When her head bumps into him, his eyes widen in surprise, but he laughs (okay, it's more of a giggle) and reaches up to pet her ears. She really is so cute as a kitty... It's a shame she can't keep some of the traits, like the ears. Those would be cute to have around the house.

And maybe a little hot. Hehe.]

Guess we ought to get going, huh?

[Pulling back somewhat reluctantly, he stands and takes her by the paws to help her up as well. Just in case she might still feel a little under the weather, that's all!]

[ yato's relief and happiness is such a strong emotion, it really does affect the world around them. from a break in the clouds to a ray of light seemingly coming from behind his head as he smiles at her.

luck sure is a strong emotion. this just proves he is a god of fortune, though, if it's his luck that saved her.

that makes her quiet purring grow in volume when he scritches her ears, which she involuntarily leans into and closes her eyes at. aaah, that's nice. what a nice feeling -- yato's happiness and affection.

yato liking the idea of MORE cat-like hiyori checks out, tho. ]

Mhm. [ when yato takes her by the paws, she laughs aloud because of how silly the picture they may paint. an ice sprite holding the front two paws of some cotton candy cat. like out of a kid's storybook. ]

Is it my turn? We at least know what most of the square do now, right?

[ where is the-- ah. she bats at the gummy, watching it roll.

3.

yellow square. hmmm, well, she can test it. as soon as she's on it, she holds her han-- er, paw out. ]

Hold my hand.

[Yup, his "luck" was out in full force today! If he could always harness that feeling, then he might be a nigh unstoppable god here in Songerein. Thankfully for everyone involved he's far too embarrassed by that little outburst to keep it up for long, allowing the light to fade.

And he's focused on Hiyori being absolutely adorable with her purring and cat-like manners. She makes him smile wider and laugh, using both hands to gently get behind her ears. So cute... Maybe he can get them matching cat headbands when they get back to wear around the house. ...or would that be too much like role play??

Blushing harder now, he nods in agreement. They do have an idea of what to expect now, so they can better prepare for it. He thinks. When she offers out a paw, he blinks.]

Ah?

[But does as instructed before they move onto the yellow square. What was the effect of yellow again? Seemingly nothing... Except--

He tries to tug his hand away and finds it to be stuck to her. Oh boy.]

Uh, guess we know what yellow does now, huh?

[ that "luck" feels as though it's always out in some sort of force. not that hiyori knows anything about THAT.

nothing at all as she purrs and purrs and purrs with his doting, contented by his smile and laughter like it's a balm on the fiasco more than healing her ruined body.

he can try the headbands. good luck giving her a good enough reason to wear it, though. ]

I had a feeling! So you stick to whatever you touch! [ rather than being upset, she's delighted by finding out the truth. extremely unbothered by having their hands (paw) glued together, too. ]

So all that leaves is green...? I wonder what it could be. One of us has to roll a four to find out. [ his turn. pray it's not another slime square. forming an umbrella out of dreamotion may not be a bad idea. ]

What if it's of those squares that teleport you forward really far? Or back...

[Maybe if he makes the headbands part of the official Yatogami divine garb?? He could even work in tails onto the tracksuit...!]

You knew?? [He stares up at her, slightly exasperated. But he guesses it's better they go into knowing what to expect than getting randomly stuck again. Glancing at their hands, his cheeks color purple slightly.]

Yeah, we still haven't gotten one of those. But if it takes us backwards I'm gonna eat the damn die. [He's already had enough of this place, thank you! Walking them over to said item, he picks it up in his free hand and tosses it.

Two. Another orange. Oh boy.]

Here we go again...

[He sets his face into a determined grimace and strides forward with her onto the square, trying to prep his mind for what's about to come.]

At least we can just treat this as another way of talking once we put out minds to it. Just gotta try not to let it wander too far.

Soft paw... I wanna do this more.

Aw, shit--

[He slaps his free hand over his face, color spreading up to his ears. Betray him, why don't you, mind?!]

[ that's a stretch, but WHY NOT GIVE IT A SHOT.

yato practically shoots her with his eyes and an exasperated look. sheepish (if cats can look sheepish) she ducks her head slightly and averts her eyes to explain. ] It was only after I wasn't stuck to you anymore after landing on the yellow square a second time. That's when I had a hunch.

[ it's her turn to look exasperated. ] And I keep telling you to stop eating random things.

[ hiyori stiffens at the number he rolls, which color it correlates to, and all but holds her breath as he pulls them both over to it. yato's thoughts hit her first.

she goes pinker with the confession. ]

That doesn't sound bad.

[ treating it as another way of talking? holding handpaws? aw, shit? well, probably not the last one. ]

I just don't want Yato to take it too far like he does with other things. I'm not against holding hands, hugging, or sitting next to him on the couch. I thought that was obvious. Does he want me to tell him I like those things? Maybe I should.

... Or my thoughts are already doing it for me, right?

Edited 2023-12-18 11:09 (UTC)

[HE'S GONNA TRY IT! FOR SCIENCE! Actually for fun, but whatever. Science sounds cooler.

At her insistence on him refraining from eating stuff, he sniffs and sticks his nose in the air. Yes, mother.] Yeah, yeah. I hear you.

[But off they go then, back into the fray-- He sure isn't expecting the reaction he gets from her. Doesn't sound bad...? Really?? He feels his cheeks flush further and toes the ground, unable to meet her eyes. She likes this-- And there's more.]

H-Huh? Really? She doesn't mind it when I do those things...? But I always thought-- Too far? Do I really go that overboard? I just want to convey what I feel. It's so much sometimes, and I don't know what to do... It works on TV and in manga, so why not in real life? Maybe I am kind of pushy and obnoxious about it. But I l-l-love apples and bananas~! I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas~!

[Yes, he's burst into song in his head. Sorry, Hiyori, but deal with it.]

[ SCIENCE, SURE, UHUH.

he's a kid in the best of ways (cute, giggly, small, cute) and in the worst of ways (petulant, stubborn, sassy) too. like a mother would at her misbehaving child, she throws him a scowl.

as for those new slew of thoughts? woof. I mean, meow. the sudden singing startles her so much she squeezes yato's hand in her lil paw. ]

Wh-why did you suddenly start singing?

Why is he so weird sometimes? And he's not serious about thinking things that work on TV and manga work in real life, right? That stuff is scripted! Wait, he's hiding something. What was he going to say...?

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