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

[Even while continuing to sing, he squeezes her paw back and starts trying to drag her to the gummy die, improvising as he goes along. I like to eat apples and bananas~ Eat eat eat with my feet feet feet~ Give me a treat~ That can't be beat~ Heaven help him...!]

N-No reason!

Don't think it, Yato! You can do it! C'mon, lucky number whatever--!

[Hurtling the die, he gets a six. Shit.] Okay, we can handle this.

[Nervously, he leads them to the purple square, where once they step onto it, dark storm clouds appear above them, ready to rain down more sludge. Raising his free hand towards the sky, he focuses on the palm of his hand and those same feelings he usually keeps under wraps.

Again there's a burst of light as the purple slime pours down, but instead of hitting them, the light seems to cut through it, blasting a hole in the storm and keeping all but a few drops from landing on them. He... he did it again. He's getting the hang of this!

Though afterwards his breath comes in heavy gasps as he sinks down onto his knees, still holding Hiyori's paw. He lets out a quiet laugh, head lolling forward.]

T-That takes a lot out of you...

[ with no choice, she is dragged and listening to his insane improv skills on a kid classic. ]

Y-Yato...

He's definitely hiding something. What are you trying not to think? What won't you tell me? Why can't you tell me...? Oh no, not a six. Right, he's right. We can handle it. Can I hide between his legs? I'm small so--

[ she's tense with anticipation as they exit the orange square and walk onto the purple. hackles raise and a growl rumbles in her chest as those clouds blot out the warm sun. she can do nothing but stare at yato raising his hand in direct defiance of those clouds and the danger they pose within.

before one drop can touch her, yato disperses it all with a blinding bright light. so radiant it could be amaterasu.

amagiri-no-mikoto at it again, huh? ]

A-amazing...

[ stunned, she utters this but as he falls to his knees, he pulls hiyori down with him. she scrambles to check on him, lifting his face with her other lil paw. ]

Yato! Are you okay?! If it takes a lot out of you, don't do it! You hear me?!

Edited 2023-12-18 12:24 (UTC)

[There's one fleeting thought in the moments before they step off the orange square:]

I'm sorry, Hiyori... I can't--

[And then it's showtime. He wasn't sure he could manage it without Yukine, hence the foregoing of his sword altogether, but it seems he still has plenty of his own power left even in this form. Although using it is another matter entirely.

Shaking his head, he lets her direct his blurry gaze up towards her face and offers a weak smile. She's so... so wonderful. That's why he can't tell her. He can't let her waste her time on him. Her precious life.]

I have to, though... I'm your God of Fortune, aren't I...? What kind of fortune would it be to allow you to get hurt?

[After sitting there for a couple of minutes, he staggers to his feet. He definitely can't float in this condition, and even his legs feel weak.

They're not gonna make it, huh...

But he has to get Hiyori to safety, at least. That's all that matters. Even if it wears him down or tears him apart. He'll endure it for her. Everything for her. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze.]

Roll the die, Hiyori.

Edited 2023-12-18 12:36 (UTC)

[ why can't he? she questions desperately.

this must be how he felt when hiyori was weakly stumbling around as a pink blob covered in slime, moments away from dissolving and disappearing completely. damn it. ]

You are my God of Fortune... but... Yato, don't... [ she whispers, unable to take him putting himself in the proverbial line of fire in front of her. cold washes over her. neither does she have a solution to give him because she knows yato can't allow her to get hurt as much as she doesn't want him to get hurt.

terrified, she can only observe him getting back to his feet and follows suit cautiously.

she doesn't want to roll the dice, but she nods stiffly and knocks at it with her tail.

it turns pink. huh? she smacks it again with another whip of her tail.

2. orange. thought reading again. this time, she'll--!

in a flash, they end up somewhere else entirely. all around them is the peppermint forest. ]

Wha--?! What?!

[Thankfully Yato's not quite to the breaking point yet. With each passing minute he seems to recover a bit more, to a point. His head no longer hangs, but there's dark circles developing under his eyes, like he hasn't slept in days. And he clings a little tighter to her paw, both for moral and physical support.]

...I'll try not to. But if it comes down to it, I'm gonna save you. [He can't stand their either and see her caused pain. He can handle it, he's a war god, after all. He's used to the stress and agony that comes from being injured. She can't. She's a precious mortal. It's his job to protect her.

When orange comes up, he curses inwardly. It's getting harder and harder to keep it from Hiyori, from himself. But he can't let her know... It's for her own good to remain ignorant of his feelings.

Setting his jaw, he braces for more free-flowing thoughts once they step onto the orange flooring.

Instead, there's light and then-- candy canes? The hell?]

Now where are we?

[They're approached by some gangly-looking peppermint dude, who gives them a rather long-winded explanation about needing some of the peppermint forest chopped down in exchange for weapons and candy. Yato glances at Hiyori with a shrug.]

Why the hell not? Could help us out. Let's do it.

[He picks up a axe in one hand, hefting it a bit to test the balance. It's going to be a bit awkward and a little dangerous with them stuck together by their hands, but he should be able to manage getting a few down without hurting either one of them.]

[ those dark circles worry her, but she makes sure she grips back. even if they weren't stuck by a yellow square she would be clinging on.

she knows... she knows he'll save her, that's the most frustrating and harrowing part. war god or no, seeing him struggling doesn't make it any easier for her. it's only yato keeping his chin up and moving forward that keeps her from telling him how much it pains her to see him in agony.

... she has to admit that cutting down peppermint trees seems a lot more safe than anything else thus far.

but she still feels so useless as yato picks up the axe and she has to stand there, only able to watch to not get in the way. carrying the peppermint trees is even beyond her because she's a CAT. ugh.

their (read: yato's) reward for it all is some special peppermints, on top of whatever they can make out of the white and red trees. mister mint explains they're re-energizing and she perks up. that's perfect! just what they needed. ]

They are? R-really!? Yato, eat these! Maybe you'll feel better!

[Despite being human, there's strength to be had in Hiyori's grip. It gives him courage and determination to keep her safe. To make sure she gets home in one, whole piece. It's got little to do with him being a god or even her God of Fortune, anymore. It's because he loves her. Maybe one day he'll tell her... When the time is right.

Thankfully the candy guy doesn't want too many peppermint trees; there's only so much Yato can do in his current state, and by the time he finishes, he's in need of a nap. Stifling a yawn, he blearily watches as Mister Mint rambles on some more about their reward. Head starting to bob as sleep sets in, he jolts awake from Hiyori's excited outburst.]

Huh? Oh...

[He eyes the candy dubiously. Isn't she the one always cautioning him about putting weird things in his mouth...? Oh well, what the hell. If it knocks him out, maybe he can get some rest, at least.

In goes the peppermints, which he crunches away at. They taste pretty good if nothing else? Slowly though, he feels more and more awake, and strength returns to his limbs as the circles under his eyes fade away. Soon enough, he's standing tall (well, as tall as a kid can get) and swinging their attached hands.]

It- It worked! I feel great! We can do this, Hiyori! Let's go! Thanks, Mister Mint!

[He waves before scooping Hiyori up and floating on forward back to the path, to the waiting gummy die. Without stopping he kicks it onto a three. Yellow again! Shoot!]

[ humans are hypocrites and even hiyori can be one sometimes, too. BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT.

with bated breath, she watches yato munch away at the hard candies. it's obvious when some life returns to his limbs, though, even through all the ice that covers his form. the tension on her heart eases as relief washes over her and she lets him swing their attached hands.

thank goodness!! hiyori pops open her mouth to thank the tall, long-limbed peppermint patron too but she is le scoop'd and carried off.

a three. their hands shouldn't be stuck together anymore now. this cat form won't be utterly helpless now that she has use of her paw.

yet she doesn't let go. she keeps hold. ]

Okay. My turn. We have to be halfway there by now, right? [ smack. roll.

th-three again. hah. well, she's still holding onto him as they walk onto another yellow square and their hands are stuck. once again.

WHAT THE HECK IS GREEN!!!! ]

[Yato doesn't even realize that their hands had become unstuck since Hiyori never lets go before they're back to being attached once again. But it's not such a bad thing, holding hands like this. A little awkward at times, maybe, but not bad in the slightest.

It's comforting and makes his heart beat just that little bit faster. She likes holding hands with him... She likes sitting together. She likes... him?

It's slow to dawn on him, but once the realization sets in, his mouth slowly falls open. Hiyori likes him. Like likes him. Like he likes her. He doesn't know what to do with this information, now that he knows. What can he do? But tell her that he feels the same way. Although that should be obvious from all his grand displays of affection. What do??]

Ah, yeah, you would think.

[Little do they know they actually went backwards for a bit, but thankfully got teleported back to their previous location. This time Yato gives the die a kick, sending it bouncing along onto a...

Four.

No, really. THEY FINALLY GOT GREEN! HURRAY!! What is it~? What is it~? Although maybe he shouldn't be so happy after the sludge... Oh well, here goes nothing. Onto the green!]

...there's a bed there. [It looks so comfy... He wanders over, setting Hiyori down on it before crawling up on it himself.] Soft...

[He can just rest his head here a moment, right...?]

[ does she like him? yes, obviously. they're friends. of course, she likes him.

can they tell each other how they feel? as much as hiyori is realizing, since coming here, that what she feels for yato isn't... strictly platonic, she isn't sure if that's a good idea right now. or when it would be. although she promised him that she would be the first to know if she ever developed feelings for anyone.

but can she tell him? is this another promise fated to be broken? similar to at least one of his thoughts, she doesn't want to risk changing how things are. yato needs... stability. support. he needs someone to guide him and yukine isn't here to do that. she's doing her best with the latter, but the former is what she's been trying to offer him for a while now. besides, he's a god. immortal, a being of the far shore.

she's human, a being of the near shore.

their plaques... were tied together... ]

Oh!! A four! Hey!!

[ IT IS THE EVASIVE FOUR!!! both of them have some misplaced excitement (skipping along) as they cross into the green color and--

h-huh? why is she so sleepy all of a sudden? is this what the green square is? drowsiness? no, no... they have to get to the ice queen. ] Wait, this is weird. [ don't take a nap, yato! don't put her down on... soft comfort. marshmallow bed. hand and paw together while the edges of her vision swim.

she sinks onto her stomach, curling up and closing her eyes. ] Nnmh. [ purrpurrpurr. maybe just a little nap? powernap. they always help, too. ]

[Settled on the bed, Yato drifts off to sleep beside Hiyori, his free hand reaching out to gently glom onto her tail as it swishes his way. It's so soft, like the bed, only floofy...

Once deeply asleep, he starts to dream - of a future where they're slightly older and still together. Only here in his dream, they're out at a mall, going Christmas shopping together while holding hands and wearing matching outfits (jerseys, of course.) Hiyori looks so adorable with a scarf of her own, longer like her current one but tatty like his. A perfect combination their styles that just screams "DORKY COUPLE" to everyone, loud and clear.

In the dream they stop beneath a huge decorated Christmas tree with people milling around them, so Yato can take her bags with a smile, getting one in return before they both lean in, their lips almost touching and--

--that's when he startles awake, eyes blinking as rapidly as his heart is beating. What a dream...]

Ngh... Hiyori...? Ugh. C'mon, we gotta keep moving.

[He leans over to give her shoulder a gentle shake, face awfully close to hers due to his short arms.]

[ a dream within a dream within a dream within a dream--

which hiyori sees as well because her tail is still the tether of her soul. they are the dumb idiot couple everyone knows and rolls their eyes playfully at.

it's far kinder than the last time she shared a conscious with yato.

with a soft sound, she opens her eyes and yato is a child again with his face hovering over hers. close, just like-- she gasps and sits up on her haunches, looking around. ]

How long was I...? [ green squares are just as troublesome as the rest but infinitely more safe, too. with this, though, they know what every square does. they can deal with them all. ] O-okay, yeah. Let's keep moving.

[ it's a long road. much longer than it has any right to be. the die sometimes shakes and turns pink, so they're thrown back to some location and have to finish a quest before continuing. every slime square is met with yato's power. every stuck square is met with hiyori grabbing for yato's small hand. at one point, she just wraps her tail around his wrist.

orange squares are the most difficult squares with the way they're both put on edge.

but they make it to the end and they're faced with a giant mountain to climb. it's also far, far colder than it's been thus far and hiyori trembles. ]

D-do you think the Ice Queen is up there? At the top?

[Peering down at her, he can't help eyeing her lips. In the moments between him shaking her and her waking up, some dumb part of his brain wonders if maybe, just maybe, he could... sneak in a little...

He finds himself leaning further in, nose almost touching hers when suddenly she makes a noise, startling him back a good foot as his heart leaps into his throat.

Stupid! What the hell are you doing?! He leans back, breathing hard and clutching his chest.]

I-I-I dunno. Couldn't have been too long. But still, w-we should hurry. [At least he feels fairly well-rested now, even if he's all hyped up from nearly getting himself into trouble.

Thankfully they manage the rest of the way, using their candy cane weapons to overcome the bats, dreamotion to fight off sludge, and other manner of troublesome encounters dealt with in turn. It takes a while but they get there, where the cold is drifting down in gusts that blow their hair around and chill to the bone. Thankfully he's not bothered by it and actually feels energized by the lower temperature.]

If she's not, I'm writing a fucking complaint. [All that effort better have led them to the right spot or he's gonna be pissed. It has to be it, right? With the cold and everything.] Anyway, let's have a look. Here--

[He scoops her up in both arms and begins ascending, occasionally hopping from one icy spire to another but mostly floating his way up. Once they reach the top, he slows down so they can peer over the edge. There's a huge path leading up some steps, each side flanked by icy mirrors.

...ugh. More mirrors? Why does he have a bad feeling about this...]

[ YATO SHE'S A CAT A CANDYCAT HIYORI CANDYCAT YOU WANNA KISS A CAT THAT PART OF YOUR BRAIN IS REAL BIG DUMBDUMB

... a cat he can easily pick up. it's so cold and only getting colder as yato floats them up. being an ice sprite makes it easy, but being cradled by a being made of ice in arctic temperatures isn't so easy for her. she quivers and shakes against him, tiny sharp teeth chattering while she curls up in the smallest ball she can to retain any body heat she can.

the sight of mirrors makes her blood run cold. colder. ]

N-n-not a-a-ag-again. Wh-wh-wh-why mi-mi-mirr-mirrors?

Edited 2023-12-18 16:20 (UTC)

[SHE'S STILL HIYORI, OKAY HE SEES HER BEAUTY IN ANY FORM

If nothing else, he manages to use his tiny arms to block some of the wind so it doesn't blow her fur this way and that, though that does nothing for his own icy form adding to her chill. Once she starts chattering, he frowns down at her and tries to think positive thoughts, channeling his emotions into the palms of his hands which then begin to warm up. Not a lot, but enough that it should be like a heating pad for her.

At least until the mirrors. Damn, shitty mirrors.

He gets them up over the ledge so he can land and get a better look at the place.]

This place has a damn fetish for mirrors or something! Ugh, whatever. We can take handle whatever they throw our way, right?!

[He stomps a tiny foot, fuming at the obstacles before them. They have experience with mirrors now, so if there's another doppelganger deal going on here, he's ready for it.]

Let's go, Hiyori!

[Fueled by confidence, he marches brazenly between the pillars and mirrored walls, casting only the occasional nervous glance at them.]

[ OH........ WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHH

it's the heating pad she needs to get by and not turn into a frozen kitty statue. just enough to weather and fight through the bite that stings at her extremities, but especially her toes, ears, and nose.

mirror fetish. she doesn't have the energy to do anything about it or say anything and as much as she wants to agree with yato's warcry of taking whatever comes their way, she's so cold. ]

M-m-mhm. But b-b-be care-careful.

[ no words beyond that. she nods against him before he marches them onward. hiyori elects to not look at the mirrors at all, but yato's nervous glances may start to pile up. it's all it takes. he may see the glimmer of people he recognizes. those old shinki. the multitude of clients he's had over the years who saw his number. who call him when they're desperate and have no other options. faces familiar to hiyori, too, eventually pop up as yato glances at his reflection.

bgm isn't helping either. ]

I-I kn-know this s-s-so-song...

[He'd work to create even more heat for her if he wasn't slightly afraid of melting himself. He doesn't want to risk that, since it'd mean he's turn to liquid and then probably immediately freeze on her.

That and the mirrors are distracting him. He keeps catching glimpses of people in there, people he knows... Every one he recognizes from across the ages, those who never stayed long in his life. He finds himself drifting closer, heedless of Hiyori's words, and stopping in front of the mirrors to stare.

Everybody turning their backs on him, walking away, leaving him alone... It's the same thing every time, again and again and again and again... It never ends, he knows. It's just as his dad said, he's a disaster, a calamity. Nobody wants anything to do with him once his job is done. He'll always be alone in the end.

And that's just as it should be. He doesn't deserve any of them, he'd only hurt them in the long run. Bring ruin to those he cares about...]

Heh. I really am reprehensible, aren't I, Dad...

[His shoulders sag, arms going limp and the heat fading away until he drops Hiyori, seemingly oblivious to her presence.]

[ as she's too busy curling in onto herself, yato shifting closer to the mirrors is lost on her. or it was until yato mentions his dad. alarm bells sound in her mind and she lifts her head, looking up toward his face and then around her frantically.

yato's father? where? where is he?

as a cat, she lands on her feet once he drops her. not without a cry of alarm, however. after checking the area and not seeing his father anywhere in sight, hiyori zeroes in on yato again and how he's staring at the mirror. all the fight has left him.

oh no. what is in there this time? hiyori recalls her run-in with the mirrors in october. the things they reflected at her. with all her strength, she leaps up onto yato's head and covers his eyes with her paws. ]

Y-Yato! D-Do-Don't listen!! Y-Your father is wrong about you! Whatever is in that mirror, it's not real! You're not reprehensible!

[Still entranced by the mirrors, he starts stepping ever closer to them, one hand coming up to try reaching out for it. It's fine, being alone. It's what he deserves, horrible being that he is. Everyone is right to leave him before they get hurt or worse...

His fingers are inches away from touching the mirror when Hiyori throws herself at him, getting her puffy paws over his eyes. Flailing about until he falls back on his ass, his hands coming up to lightly grasp Hiyori as he gasps from shock.]

Wha-- H-Hiyori?! What're you doing? ..... Wait, what am I doing?

[His head twists this way and that as he tries futilely to see what's going on. What was happening...? Oh yeah, they were making their way towards the Ice Queen when-- damnable mirrors! They must've done something to him again.

Settling down, he fumbles to pet Hiyori so she knows it's okay.]

Ah, thanks for that. I thought I saw-- [His mouth snaps shut as the memories hit him, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. He felt acceptance at the situation while looking into the mirrors, but now the pain of what he saw comes rushing back.

But he still has Hiyori. He always has her. Smiling, he lets his head hang a little bit.] ...you're always here for me, huh?

[ the entire time, hiyori hangs on for dear life by covering his eyes. she closes hers, too, not wanting to get caught up in whatever horror the mirrors are casting this time around. she doesn't allow him see anything until he's done twisting his head around, nearly flinging her off, and he settles with his fingers gently stroking at her.

there's a wetness at the soft pads of her paws and she jumps down from his head, landing on his lap. putting herself between yato and the mirror, she braces her weight on his chest. as cold as it is all around them, there's a fire burning in her eyes. ]

Wh-whatever you saw, it's n-not real. It's not true.

[ this cotton candy cat form is so frustrating. hiyori knows how she feels, but she wonders if he can see it in her face as a cat as well as he did when she was human. the shimmering resolve in her eyes. it seems to spread through the rest of her, the pink of her fur going more red.

his head hangs and she pushes her paws against his cheeks to lift it again. those paws are almost... hot? ]

Yato. [ huffs!! of course, she's there for him. they're fri...

... ]

Did you see your father...?

[Feeling Hiyori land in his lap, he directs his gaze there first, avoiding the mirrors by blocking his view of them with a hand in case he's tempted again. There was something strangely alluring about the scenes he saw, horrible as they were. Like they were going to suck him in again, similar to the mirrors at Halloween.

One hand goes to her head, petting her gently as a small smile breaks across his face. She doesn't even know what he saw, but she's still doing her best to comfort and reassure him. He appreciates the sentiment, as misguided as it is.]

It may be true, in a way...

[He really does seem to just cause problems for everyone, getting them tangled in his web of deceit and suffering from his dad. But--]

Still, I won't let that stop me here. We still have work to do. The queen to help.

[Getting his cheeks shoved by tiny, warm paws makes him laugh quietly and reach out to hug her close, cheek resting against her head as a couple of tears roll down his face. She tries so hard, not just for herself, but for him. For him.]

No, but I heard his voice. I saw-- I saw everybody who'd ever left me... all the customers and shinki I've had. I saw Nora and Yukine, and... you. Everyone was... [Abandoning him. Just like in reality. Except for these two. His two bright, shining lights.]

[ hiyori opens her mouth, ready to fight him on this physically if she has to by putting him in a cat submission hold (it won't work), but he snuffs out the argument before it can start with some placating words. words she knows he says just to keep her from saying anything else about it. she sets her jaw as emotion builds behind her eyes. too many to name for the moment.

in what way? in what way is it true? he hides too much from her, she'll let the other thing go about her, the thing he can't say, if he just talks to her about this. she'll--!

she'll get hugged. her eyes go wide, the fight bleeding out of her as she sags. only to tense up all over again, hearing what yato's seeing in these mirrors.

... that's why he said it may be true. he's been alone. nobody remembers. everybody has left him.

it's not true, anymore. ]

Yukine-kun isn't going to leave you. He's your hafuri. I'm not leaving you.

[ never, she wants to say but... that's childish. she's learned since. she's no different from other humans. there will come a time when she'll forget him. her little claws dig into his ice shoulders. ]

If it were up to me, it would never be my choice to leave you. And I can tell you for certain that the "me' in the mirror wasn't real. I'm right here, Yato. If Yukine-kun could, he would also be here to look out for you.

[Thankfully there's no need for any kitty wrestling moves, as the mirror didn't have enough time to really take hold of him due to Hiyori's quick actions. The sights still weigh heavily on Yato's mind, but having her warm here helps to comfort him, grounding him in reality instead of a nightmare.

He's gotten past his long string of bad luck and bad relationships - he's a better person now, with better friends to rely on. Ones who for better or worse, love him.

Especially...]

I know... I know you two won't. That you'll be here as long as you can...

[It won't be the same as with all the others. Things are already different enough, in a good way, that he can tell their bonds are stronger than any he's had before. Since Sakura.]

Both of you have done so much for me, I can't even... You've always got my back despite all the trouble I get into and cause you two. I don't deserve it, but... thanks.

[He's definitely blushing now, purple coloring his icy cheeks as he gradually lets go of her, sitting back. Hiyori's always rescuing him from some danger or another when it should be the other way around, if anything. He wants to be a god strong enough to protect those around him.]

[ it's like no matter where they go, yato's father is there on his heels. isn't there anything else she can do? can't she break the chain around his neck? unshackle him? since witnessed how much he's changed, that's why she can believe he has the power.

what trouble does he cause? nothing serious. he may bother yukine during studying and her, like, all the time during school but that's... harmless. in fact, sometimes she can't help but laugh when yato annoys yukine so much he gets yelled at. but because they're so close. they can yell at each other but still get along and be important to one another at the end of the day.

hiyori sits back too and her tail swishes back and forth. ]

... Why? [ she whispers, lingering in his lap and her big pink eyes not straying away. ]

Why don't you think you deserve it? You've saved me, too. You saved me earlier when the slime hit me. I would have disappeared without your dreamotion abilities. And every time we landed on a purple square after that, Yato, you made sure it never hit me! You used that incredible, bright light. And, and! I would have kept being half-hearted about being a doctor without you, too...!

If you're going to get into trouble, that's fine. As long as you know that--

[ this is a great time for a monster to interrupt, huh? there's a great roar that rumbles and shakes the entire hallway and hiyori looks around frantically. ]

What, what was that...?

[The bastard has been dragging him back repeatedly over the course of a thousand years, so it stands to reason that his hold wouldn't be loosened so easily. If there's a way of fully escaping him, Yato doesn't know. ...no, he does know, but it'd entail risking his lifeline. Risking himself. And right now, even if his dad was here, he's not brave enough to try it. He's too damn scared of the man. What can he do against a sorcerer who's capable of reincarnating?

The best he can do is enjoy his time with Hiyori and Yukine for as long as he can, pretending that everything is fine and their happiness can go on forever, even if it is a lie. Distract himself from the reality that his dad could attack at any moment, could hurt the pair of them the second his back is turned.

All he can do is keep smiling. Which he does now, if somewhat ruefully.]

So many of your troubles would've been avoided had you never gotten involved with me... I can't ignore that, Hiyori. I've brought you so much pain, though I will acknowledge that being here probably isn't my fault. [This time.] And you would've made the right choice eventually about your career given time, I know it. You're kind and strong like that.

That's why I--

[The shaking caused by the roar is enough to make him put an arm protectively over her in case any debris falls, as he glances around trying to pinpoint where the noise came from. Further in, is it? Is something coming for them...?]

Sounds like the time for chatting is over. C'mon, Hiyori, let's do this thing. Together!

HAHAHA...

I FEEL BAD AT HIS DESPERATE STRUGGLE BUT ITS FUNNY

IT'S HIS PUNISHMENT FOR BEING SO EXTRA

BUT SHE IS ALSO PUNISHED

DOUBLE THE PUNISHMENT, DOUBLE THE FUN?

THATS KINKY

PEPPERMINT SPANK, BABY

YATO MADE A PEPPERMINT PADDLE

FUN TO LICK

LICK AND SPANKSKDLKGJLDSKG

CANDYKINKLAND HAHASKDFJ

MILTON BRADLEY DOES NOT APPROVE

BECAUSE THEY'RE CANDY STICK IN THE MUDS

PIXIE STICKS IN THE MOLASSES :D

LMAO YES PERFECT! :'D

also STEALS UR PROMPT PUTS IT IN THIS THREAD

ONE OF US HAD TO DO IT

YEA BC I AM COMMANDEERING THIS TDM ONCE AGAIN

AND I DON'T MIND ONE BIT LMAO

UWU <3

\\uwu\\

🌹

💐

father why did u make babby yato so goddamn cute

to lure unsuspecting victims to their dOOM