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

[There's definitely something familiar about those movements and it doesn't take him long to pinpoint why: the hospital. After Hiyori was hit by the bus and he went to check on her. Only this time she's got an actual tail that resembles her cord.

Along with ears and whiskers and-- cotton candy.

Yato's big eyes grow rounder still as realization dawns on him, and this time he's reaching out for an entirely different reason. Like he wants to glom onto the kitty.]

H-Hiyori?!

[ can she just meow and pretend she's some stray cotton-candy cat of candyland? ... no, she can't do that.

instead, hiyori tries to make herself even smaller than she already is. ]

Um. Y-yes...? [ cat sigh. ] Yes, it's me. Please don't ask. I don't know why I'm like this--

[ more importantly! this is yato. right? despite being ice (?), she would know this smell anywhere. no matter where it went. no matter how faint it got. but it's yato... and he's small.

her ears perk up and her tail sticks STRAIGHT up. ]

H-hold on, Yato, are you a child?!

[ just like in those memories she saw. ]

[Aw... Seeing kitty!yori all hunched up makes him feel bad for scaring her. ...and considering tasting her. asdlkfj]

That's not what I was gonna--

[Seeing her tail suddenly point upright, he stops moving, hand outstretched towards her like he's trying to call Uesama over to him. W-Why. This is Hiyori, not a regular cat! Oh well, at least the gesture is a friendly one.

Here kitty kitty kitty~]

No, I'm a duck. What do you think? [C'mon, Hiyori, keep it together! Floating closer to her, he uses his little ice hands to pap her cheeks. Heaven to Hiyori, come in!] Don't tell me they turned your brain to fluff, too?

[ STOPDLKGLD

she's a human girl in this pink candy fluff cat body!! and what's with this sass? a duck! she bristles for it. however, cats don't blush but if they did? him papping at her cheeks would make her.

with a paw, she bats away his hand (without claws) and looks very indignant! for a cat. ]

That's not what I mean! It's just-- when gods turn to kids that means they reincarnate, right? But if you remember me, then you didn't... you're still Yato. But you're also... ice. A kid Yato made of ice.

...

[ she lays down on the ground, curling up. mumbling. ]

..... I think I'm going to eventually go crazy trying to keep up or make sense of this place.

[You'd be sassy too if you suddenly only came up to people's knees! He's supposed to be an awesome God of Fortune, not this bitty kiddy!

He frowns at getting his hand swatted away, though it comes out as more of a pout than anything. They both got a raw deal, huh.]

Ah... [Oh. Right. Reincarnation. He still had all his memories, so he kinda forgot that she might think... Now he wants to hug Hiyori to reassure her that everything is okay. Well, at least as okay as the continuing weirdness can get. Instead, he settles for petting her head once she curls up. Don't be a dejected kitty...!]

We'll get used to it eventually. I hope. C'mon, it's not really that bad, is it? I mean, we're together at least.

[ you can be awesome and small! consider yukine!!

try as she might not to react to his petting, she

purrs.

it's very embarrassing. but he's right, too. they'll get used to it sooner or later. exposure desensitizes you to things.

her head lifts and she blinks her pink eyes at him, untucking herself so she sits on her haunches again. ]

You're right. We're together. [ except for one, but... maybe that's a good thing. she isn't as sure anymore. ]

Are you here to help the Ice Queen, too?

[This is very true! He's the perfect example of awesomeness coming in a small package! ~~Can we say that after the heaven arc.~~

O-Oh. Oh no. Purring Hiyori... That's just. Too damn precious for words. He can't help smiling as his hand continues stroking over her head. She's actually kind of cute like this...]

So there's nothing to worry about! [With her sitting up, he takes his hand back, clasping both behind him as he floats there in front of her.]

You betcha. Think of how much renown I could earn if it got out that I played a key part in helping to save her!

[ ~~WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!!!!!!~~

smiles don't fit on cat's faces. they don't have the right facial muscles for it, but it's there in hiyori's eyes when yato assures her there's nothing to worry about.

she believes him.

as soon as that soft feeling warming her in her chest is there it's gone and she all but snorts at yato doing it for renown. she stands from her spot and her tail gives a flick as she pads over to the bright red starting square. ]

As long as you're helping then. Do you want to go first? I haven't played this game since I was little.

[~~BC I'M TERRIBLE~~

Hiyori would be able to smile no matter the form she takes, her soul is just that bright and beautiful. Even in cotton candy form, it maintains a light that illuminates Yato's world.

Of course, he's also doing it to help because that's just his nature, but there's nothing wrong with aiming to get a little self-promotion out of the deal as well.]

Sure! I've never played before, so it's exciting to see what's going to happen.

[He grabs onto the gummy die and tosses it, rolling a four. Blue space for them, huh.]

[ ~~UR STILL COOL~~

yato, whoever you pray to, beg them not to get a 2 in these rolls because if she heard that unfiltered thought just then...? well. maybe cats COULD blush.

nothing wrong with having goals and striving to accomplish them.

anyway. blue space! hiyori follows yato along on all four paws and tail high until they reach the right square. ]

... I don't remember wha-AARGH, WATCH OUT!? [ hiyori dives at ice yato and they go tumbling along the board -- pink fluff and frozen water god. where yato was just standing? WHAM!! a HUGE jar of jelly beans lands on the blue square with them. there's a note attached!!

"Eat five to thrive on!" ]

[Who do gods pray to? There may be one answer for Yato, but he won't be telling unless they land on said square.

Having reached the blue square, he was just getting comfortable when Hiyori's cry rings out and she goes flying into him, sending them sprawling across the ground. Big blue eyes stare skyward as he processes what the hell just happened, then gradually sits up to see... a jar of... jelly beans? The hell?]

Well, that was unexpected. [To put it mildly. Checking on her, he wiggles out from beneath her fluffy form in order to go read the note. Eat five, huh? That should be easy enough to do - he simply grabs a handful and shoves the lot in his mouth, chewing with an increasing reluctance with each motion of his jaw.

...okay, maybe that wasn't one of his better ideas.]

Bleeeeh...

[ there's a long winding road to play, in that case... they're bound to eventually land on a 2. once or twice.

and what is that gross underreaction!? he nearly got squashed! there's such a thing as being TOO used to the strange and insane! it might be because yato has been alive for a long time, seen a lot, not much would surprise him while every CANDY FLUFF IS ON EDGE FOR HER.

aaaaaand he's shoving jellybeans in his mouth. ]

Yato! You have got to stop eating random things without thinking about it![ THE SPIDER'S WEB in the LABRYINTH? the CANDY GOLEM GLOOP stuck to his leg? there's probably some other stuff. probably her bad cooking at first, too.

another gummy die appears next to them. ]

My turn. [ she bats at it like a cat with a giant toy. roll, roll, roll, aaand--

that's a five. another blue square.

OKAY THIS TIME SHE'S READY FOR THE JAR. ]

Heads up!

[Call the underreaction a result of his combat prowess; he has to be used to the unexpected and dangerous during a fight, so something like raining jelly bean jars is only mildly startling. Though he has to admit that seeing a cotton candy kitty poof up in shock is kinda hilarious, terrible as it makes him feel.

His punishment for said amusement is swift with the muddled flavors of jelly beans coating his tongue. There's some definite stinkers in there, so maybe it would've been best to just eat five instead of a whole handful...]

Ugh... I think you might be right... Yuck. [He finally finishes swallowing, making one hell of a face as he does so. She does have a point. He has been awfully quick to taste things without giving it much thought. It's probably a good thing that he's a god in case he ingested something dangerous. But better him than Hiyori!]

Okay, go for it! [Another blue square. Geez. Thankfully they're getting the hang of it and can easily avoid jar number two. And once it's down, he plucks out five simple beans to eat, with much better results.] Mmm! Popcorn. Okay, my turn.

[Three, huh. Yellow. Moving on to the space, he doesn't notice anything amiss. It makes him kinda nervous, tbh.]

Your go, Hiyori.

[ there's a point to be had about expecting the unexpected, huh? but no, it's fine. it's hilarious. that puffball cat tail alone is a riot.

she almost laughs at yato's immediate agreement regarding the consequences of his actions. at that disgusted face he makes, too. actually, ] Pff.

[ she tries to smother it with a paw, her tail swaying back and forth. who laughed? her? no way. ]

A popcorn jelly bean! [ SHE WANTS TO TRY TOO HEY....

hiyori follows him to the yellow square and tenses in anticipation, but it does seem like this is a freebie square? ]

Okay! Here I go. [ paw bats at the die for GUMMY ROLL!

I shit you not, I rolled a 2.

SO OFF SHE GOES TO THE ORANGE SQUARE. when she stands on it, yato may hear this:

Yato made a funny face after all those jelly beans he ate, hehe. Or I think he did. It's more difficult to tell when he's made of ice. But he's pretty cute as a kid... ]

Edited 2023-12-17 10:31 (UTC)

[So far this has been pretty fun and amusing, he has to admit. He's sure that he's providing plenty of entertainment as well with his antics given how much he always does.

He can hear you snickering over there, Hiyori... Not that he rebukes her for it. It's all fun and games until somebody gets smooshed by the jelly bean jar.]

Too bad~ Guess you'll have to wait until the next time! [He playfully sticks his tongue out, feeling more childish than usual in this form.]

'kay. [Orange this time, is it? Wonder what'll happen now...

Not that he has long to wait. It sounds like Hiyori's talking to herself. How odd. But he self-consciously feels over his face with pudgy hands, wondering just how different being an ice sprite makes him appear. T-Though she did call him... cute. Cute. For a being made of cold, his cheeks suddenly feel hot.]

H-Hiyori...! [Huffing to himself, he joins her without glancing her way. Similarly, she may pick up:] Geez... Saying something like that... Just what the hell is she trying to do, make me melt?? Aaahhh...! My face is so hot, dammit. Get it together, Yato--!

[ good or bad, one way or another, yato is always entertaining. she can admit that much.

will not admit to snickering. nope.

from the call of her name, she turns toward him. ]

Huh? What is it? [ what did she do?? the longer she looks at yato and hears his voice but doesn't see his mouth move, the more quickly she can tell something is very off. something has gone crazy just like with everything else in this place.

Are these... Yato's thoughts? Did I gain some ability to now to read Yato's thoughts for some reason?! I wasn't trying to make him melt. That'd be bad. What is he talking about? I didn't say anything but popcorn jelly bean! Wait, if I can read Yato's thoughts...

Can he read mine?

candycat hiyori looks toward yato with alarm, tail bristling. ]

[No admittance necessary, he knows what he heard! Not that he's bothered by it.

No, far more disturbing is the way it seems like they can't help talking aloud. Only... they're not talking. It's thinking aloud. Her thoughts are drifting over to him on the wind, like rustling leaves in a breeze. He stares at her with wide eyes as she hones in on the issue quickly.

Their eyes meet and his turn horrified.]

Oh, shit-- If I can hear her, and she can hear me, then... Don't think anything inappropriate...! Boobs. NO! STOP IT, YOU DUMBASS! Wait what if she doesn't have anything on under that fur-- Stupid! And I wanted to taste her right off the bat. Good thing I didn't. Holy shit, I could've accidentally eaten Hiyori-- I wonder what she tastes like-- Oh no, she's listening in right now, isn't she-- Shit, Hiyori, I'm so sorry, I can't...!

[Even though the words aren't coming out of his mouth, he clamps both hands over it, trying to get his stream of consciousness to chill for a few seconds.]

Innocent thoughts! Innocent thoughts! ...Yukine! I wonder how he's doing. I wouldn't mind knowing what goes on in his head. He's such a good boy, I hope he's not having too much trouble while we're here. He'd probably hate this. I think I might, too. Think, think, think...!

[ this is a lot. yato's train of thought barely gives her room for her own as she listens to it all. from him trying not to think of anything inappropriate and immediately failing at it (boobs). to wanting to TASTE HER (yeah, good thing you didn't eat her DON'T WONDER WHAT SHE TASTES LIKE) to his frantic apologies.

to thinking of yukine. his innocent thought. pure as untouched snow.

Yato, relax! Even if you are an idiot for thinking of boobs after telling yourself not to think of anything inappropriate. I can't believe you wanted to taste me! Ugh, no, I'm not making this any better. Look! We have to keep playing the game to get to the Ice Queen, so don't get too distracted with being able to read my thoughts and me being able to read yours. Most things I don't hide from you, to begin with. There's just one thing I haven't told you and I'm still figuring it out for the past month, myself. ]

[ .............. ]

[ PRETEND YOU DIDN'T HEAR THAT. PLEASE ROLL THE DICE. IT'S YOUR TURN.

hiyori lays down and puts her paws over her head.

TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA.

ad nauseam. ]

[As Hiyori almost immediately confirms his worst fears (Fuck!) he starts reciting colors over top of other stray thoughts that end up muddled together. At least until Hiyori goes and spills the beans on herself. That silences him long enough for a single clear line to come through.]

There's something you haven't told me? Because you're still figuring it out? Sounds a lot like me. Huh... I wanna know what it is... If I did something wrong. Or was it something I didn't do? What happened in the last month that would've made something change? There's been a lot going on, I can't even begin to think what it could be. Which is probably a good thing since she doesn't want me knowing-- shit! Rolling the die! Rolling the die!

[He puts action to word and rolls the die - a one: red. He hurries forward, thoughts still rambling: Good thing I didn't think about how I--

Both feet leave the orange square at that moment, triggering a series of cherry bats to appear and start flying towards him.]

Crap! Should've known there'd be monsters around here somewhere.

[ TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SAMA. TOUNO-SA, I can't tell you because--

as soon as both of them are on that red square, their broadcasted thoughts get cut off.

good thing he didn't think about how he... what?

she's not shocked in the slightest that he wants to know, but he can't know. not like this. not when he's the ice-type of his child self and she's a cat made of cotton candy. he didn't do anything wrong. it wasn't anything he didn't do. it's everything he's done since she's known him.

this past month is a concentrated version of the year she's spent on the far shore. it's been just the two of them, in that treehouse, for a little over a month. sharing space. laughing about a cooking mishap, bickering over whose turn it is to get more tea.

she catches herself staring at him too often. for too long. she too easily joins him on the couch, right at his side, with two mugs of tea in her hands. she only glances over her shoulder at him, when he stands at her back and gives her tips on how to do this or that over the stove now. if yato comes back covered in snow, she huffs and helps him dust it all off at the door before telling him to go take a bath to warm up, ushering him forward with her hands on his shoulders. ]

Wh-what are these?! [ one flies too close and she hisses at it, swiping with her claws in retaliation.

better to fight bats than have her thoughts on blast again. you would think.

but hiyori is a tiny, light, cotton candy cat and one of those bats swoops down to pick her up easily. ] Ah?! Yato!!

[This isn't a good way to reveal anything important. He knows this, yet still curiosity burns within him almost as much as does the relief at having his own secret kept. He resolves to ask again once he has the strength of courage to let Hiyori know just how much she's come to mean to him over their time together. But not here, like this. He doesn't want them to be physically trapped with nowhere to go in case the news isn't taken well.

That and, well, he's too scared to say anything yet. Too terrified of ruining what they have. Which is a lot, he's come to realize.

They have each other's back when it comes to looking after one another, such as when Hiyori accidentally burns her fingers while cooking, or he gets tangled up in his super cool new Fluffy Fluff Scarf DX and needs her help getting out. Him getting stuff from the higher shelves for her, and she playing games together with him to alleviate his restlessness.

There's so many quiet moments he's come to appreciate, little gestures from her, to overt displays of care. He can't imagine risking that even for potentially more. He values it too much.

That's why when the bats drop in and latch onto Hiyori, about to steal her away, he literally flies through the air, dreamotion sword appearing in a flash as he screams.]

LET HER GO!!

[His weapon is a flurry of movement as he hacks the thing to bits before disappearing in order to allow him to catch her in both his smaller arms, alighting on the ground with ease.

Still, he finds himself breathing hard despite it not requiring a lot of effort.] A...Are you alright, Hiyori? [Hugging her to himself protectively, he jumps up and gives another nearing bat a kick, sending it flying.]

[ he doesn't need to tell her how much she means to him. it's there with how quickly he (literally) flies to her rescue. every time. it's there from her, too, in those quiet and little moments of subtle and overt care.

many a time she's seen yato's skill when it comes to the blade, but he's always so confident and so cool when he's fighting ayakashi. he's so focused and precise when he's going head-to-head with another god. not a movement wasted. his cry to let her go startles her with its intensity. how vicious he slices on a small cherry bat as she falls into his arms.

she blinks up at him. ]

Y, yeah. I'm okay. I-I'm okay, I promise. [ he saved her. she doesn't try to squirm out of his grip as he holds her. if anything, she curls up into a tighter ball against his chest, seeking his safety. her small head tucks and her ears lay flat.

the kick sends the bat flying and the rest seem to decide not to pick on the two anymore, fluttering away. the candycat would've been an easy meal... but not with a god protecting her. ]

They caught me off guard. Sorry, I... I didn't mean to worry you. [ comes hiyori's small voice. ]

... You're cold.

[Given Hiyori's current state as a cotton candy creature, his reaction had been an immediate fear that the bat might try to eat her, hence the viciousness of his retaliation. He doesn't know how this dream-within-a-dream works, but he's not about to let her find out if getting hurt here transfers to their normal bodies.

Landing with a soft thump, he glares at the bats' retreating forms, hugging Hiyori just a little bit tighter to his chest as he lets out a breath through his nose. A huff of indignant annoyance. Though when he directs his gaze down at her his expression softens into one of relief. Thank goodness...]

I'm glad. For a moment there, I thought you might-- [He closes his eyes, sighing heavily. No point going through the what-ifs. She's safe now. That's what matters.]

You don't need to apologize. There was no way of knowing what was going to happen. Just be careful next time. You can always hide behind me if you need to due to that form. [He ducks his head, pressing it against the top of hers with a smile. Though at her next comment, he jolts back, cheeks turning purple instead of pink.]

Ah, sorry--! [He goes to put her down and... finds that he can't let go. His fingers seem to be frozen in place, preventing him from loosening his grip. He tries again. Same result.] Uh, Hiyori... You're gonna have to climb down. I can't move my hands.

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