Saving Christmas

[dreamposts]

✵ SAVING CHRISTMAS ✵

As the sun sets and the moon rises on Christmas Eve, a strange sound of jingling bells is heard high in the sky as the snow suddenly begins to fall heavily upon the town. A heavy weight of sleep slowly overcomes everyone, and just as their eyes close they'll hear a loud, raging bellow—

That damn bastard!! I won't let you ruin—!

Before the words are finished, everyone will suddenly jolt awake and find themselves scattered in a strange looking town called Whoville. Although it looks as if it's supposed to be festive, none of that holiday cheer is evident. The town is completely ransacked with torn up decorations, broken gift boxes and toys. Even its colors seem faded, music distorted and muted.

All through the town the Whos stare listlessly at their hard work now ruined, some crying openly while others remain indoors in their grief. A brave few young souls try to help clean and bolster some cheer, chanting, "It's not too late, we can fix this! We can't let that Grinch get us down!" But many just shake their heads, their eyes dim. No one seems to have noticed the sudden arrival of new faces.

In the meanwhile, the tapirs appear to inform the Dreamwalkers that they are inside another large dreamscape similar to the one during Halloween. This time, however, an entity called "The Grinch" had suddenly appeared and attacked it, stealing all the presents and leaving everything to ruin as they see now. The tapirs point to a meter floating high in the sky, and although it's not rock bottom, it keeps wavering and lowering as time passes. The Dreamwalkers must help raise the meter to save the dreamscape from turning into a nightmare.

"But the big guy is really angry now," the tapirs chatter among themselves. "If they help fix things, maybe they'll gain a powerful ally!"

Dressed in Christmas themed attire, it will be up to the Dreamwalkers to try and restore the Christmas spirit before the day is ruined forever.

I. HELPING WHOVILLE

The town is an interesting looking place with its unique architecture, bright colors swirling and curving about that it make it look like it could be made of cake or candy instead. It's supposed to be adorned with all manner of Christmas decorations and lights, and yet all of it is missing and instead everything looks so drab and dreary, the colors faded and nary a carol sung. Its tree has also been stripped bare, the presents pilfered, and the much too big Christmas Star gone.

A. Gift Retrieval. The Grinch has scattered all of the presents and decorations throughout the surrounding forests and they need to be returned before Christmas is over. Dog sleds big enough to load up found presents are provided to be used, and the dogs will help track down presents. However, those who enter the forests should be cautious. While there aren't any huge threats, there are present mimics, monsters that pretend to be present boxes only to attack any who approach. They will also eat real presents, so be careful they don't reach the sled!

» BONUS: PRESENT DELIVERY. The last objective is to deliver the present to their rightful owners. However, it's possible the Grinch may have tampered the presents, and this will only be revealed upon opening. Players must RNG 0-5 to determine if the recipient likes the present or not.

» BONUS: SPECIAL PRESENTS. There are some special marked boxes that are guarded by present mimics. Get past them to retrieve the present. However, upon touching the box, it will disappear in a poof of orange and be replaced with a pumpkin pie that will help amplify one's dreamotion abilities if eaten.

B. Fixing Decorations. With broken ornaments and torn wreaths and ribbon everywhere, a massive cleanup is in order along with repairing and redecorating. While anyone good at crafts can help, positive emotions and dreamotion abilities will be key to help brighten everything from its current dreary atmosphere. Creative minds can help produce the necessary decorations while the athletic can figure out ways to bolster their skills to reach those high, hard to reach places. Another RNG for rating is here as the residents will judge their work.

» BONUS: JUDGMENT. Anyone can throw up decorations, but will it be to the residents' liking? Players must RNG 0-5 to determine what kind of rating their efforts receive.

» BONUS: CHRISTMAS STAR. The original Christmas star was smashed to bits so a new one is in order. Although anything can be used, the Whos do have some preferences on what can be used on the star, even if those materials may be hard to find. Rainbow crystals found in the forest will surely help give the start that glittery feeling; they prefer to have it gold; and it needs to illuminate on its own so some kind of light source is needed.


C. Christmas Carols. Carolers are doing their best, but everyone is stumbling over their verses and instruments are out of tune. A bit of positive reinforcement and Christmas cheer will help sort things out. Those who are musically inclined can lead the way by singing and even creating new songs to help inspire others.

» BONUS: A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CAROL. In the designated thread, a new carol will be composed by the dreamwalkers. Each one will supply their own verse in response to the previous (click here for example). The thread is only for the verses, but there will be another thread where players can go ham for their characters to comment on the song as it goes on. Anyone can participate multiple times but must wait for another comment to be made first.

II. SANTA'S TOY FACTORY

Just beyond Whoville with just the Winter Forest to separate them is one of Santa's toy factories. It, too, has been attacked and smoke rises from the damaged buildings. With machines malfunctioning, toys are running rampant and everything is chaotic. If not fixed soon, there will not be enough toys for Santa to deliver.

A. Elf Rescue. The Grinch not only stole the presents and destroyed the toys, but they also sabotaged the machines running the factor. Now elves are trapped inside and are in desperate need of rescuing as toys malfunction and start to turn on them. The machines are even trying to box up the elves as gifts instead! Behaving similar to the present mimics, boxes, wrapping paper, and ribbon bounce around in search of anything to wrap up. Dreamwalkers must venture in to try to turn off the machines and rescue the elves without getting turned into a present themselves. The more elves rescued, the more allies gained to fix the factory and more favor earned from Santa.


B. Reindeer Games. The reindeer have been scattered all over and the only way to bring them back is to attract them with fun and games. In order to do so, dreamwalkers will transform into reindeer and will have additional abilities granted to them, such as flying and manipulating snow. As for what kind of games, they can choose from any of the following:

• Ring Racing. High up in the air is a flying course with rings made of magical frost. Racers must pass through each ring to count, but they must fly quickly. As soon as they approach, the ring will start to contract, and if too late it will close and the racer will be disqualified.
  
  
• Sleigh Pulling. This is a contest of strength! Sleighs will be piled high with presents and, if not enough presents are available, large rocks to weigh it down. Each reindeer must then try and pull their sleigh down a simple straight lane to the finish line. Just beware, rogue toys will appear on the track and will need to be dealt with somehow. There are no restrictions—each reindeer can use whatever ability or skill they can think of to help pull the overloaded sleigh. The contest can be 1v1 or 2v2.
  
  
• Robot Reindeer. All the excitement does attract many of the reindeer back, but unexpected guests arrive as well—and they're not friendly. Sent by the Grinch, robotic reindeer will suddenly descend from the skies to ruin the festivities. It will be up to the dreamwalkers in their reindeer form to fight back against them—or try to convert them to help out instead.

C. Gingerbread Army. Giant gingerbread men occasionally appear and try to smash through the toy factory, hampering rescue efforts. Fortunately, they are only made of gingerbread and easy to fall apart. Unfortunately, they will not only regrow lost parts but grow from severed parts. Their weak point is the glowing gumdrop located among the many gumdrops on the body, and destroying it will destroy the gingerbread completely.

[Mod Note: Details can be read and questions can be asked on the Event Details post. Submit all special threads and ratings to the Event Thread Submissions form.]

Comments

[lonelysmiles]

We'll find out! The worst that can happen is I end up electrocuted, but that won't matter: I'm already dead! Ha!

[With that, Alastor takes the strand of lights and winds it around his upper arm to keep it from tangling. Then, he teleports up onto the roof, his shadow hovering around to make sure he doesn't slip as he starts bending over the edge.]

Along this ledge or should I go lower?

[lethechained]

Wh-- dead?

[ Naminé looks (perhaps understandably) perplexed about this development, although it doesn't take long for her to do the math in her head as she watches him wind up the string of lights. Soberly, ]

... Oh. I guess that makes sense, since you said you're from the Underworld.

[ Evidently she'd assumed some things incorrectly, but elects to focus on the matter at hand instead. She jumps a little when Alastor blips up to the roof, though of course it's a very efficient way of doing things. With a small, thoughtful hesitation, Naminé's answer turns out to be, ]

I think that's fine...!

[ Mainly because it would probably give her a minor heart attack if he were to lean too far over the edge, even if he does have a safety net. ]

[lonelysmiles]

Come come, my dear! If it's not right, it's not right! If we're going to be restoring Christmas cheer, it needs to be perfect!

How about this?

[Yup. Gonna lean over a bit more.]

[lethechained]

[ Sucking in a breath, Naminé looks Visibly Concerned, her free hand curling into a fist. Yes, maybe Alastor is dead already, but still-- ]

That's-- [ No, she's already tried settling; if he's going to call her on it, she'd better be sure. Reluctantly, ]

M-maybe... a little lower?

[ A very little bit, lest the poor girl pop a blood vessel. ]

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor hums calmly as he leans over even more. He can feel gravity threatening to yank him towards the ground but he's not worried about it.]

Here?

[lethechained]

[ Is it just that he's always smiling? Is that why he looks so calm? Or is it because he doesn't actually have anything to lose? In any case, at least now she can say-- ]

Perfect...! That's perfect right there.

[ She actually means it this time, although she says it more emphatically than she otherwise would. ]

[lonelysmiles]

[Little bit of Column A, little bit of Column B.]

Excellent!

[And going to hook the strand in place, humming to himself the whole time.]

That wasn't so hard, now was it?

[lethechained]

[ Slightly abashed, Naminé shakes her head after only a brief hesitation. ]

N... not for me, [ she says, despite the fact that it probably was harder for her even though she wasn't the one actually performing the task in question. (It's tough sometimes, caring so much about the wellbeing of others.) Her arms sink slightly as she quietly composes herself, then observes, ]

If you string them all up at that height, it should look much better once you're through...!

[ And less like the sad, holiday-cheer-lacking mess the building appears to be right now. ]

[lonelysmiles]

Wonderful! This shouldn't take too long!

[And going to make his way along the rooftop, humming "Jingle Bells" to himself as he sets the lights in place. Sorry for the heart attack, Namine.]

Looks like I'm going to need another string to finish this off!

[And just gonna teleport down to you.]

[lethechained]

[ Watching attentively as she is, Naminé realizes ahead of time that Alastor is going to need more lights. She's already fiddling with her sketchbook before he finishes, not quite conscious of herself starting to hum along with a, ]

Hm hm hm, hm hm hm...

[ Only for his sudden appearance to cut her off with a small squawk and a 'hmh--?!' Slim shoulders jumping, the girl gives a start before calming quickly enough to look embarrassed thereafter, cheeks coloring slightly as she clears her throat. ]

I'll have one ready in just a second...!

[ Look, she's already partway through pulling it out of the paper. She'll devote her attention to that task and not the fact that he might have caught her humming just now. ]

[lonelysmiles]

[With those big fluffy ears of his? Of course he heard the humming. Somebody who enjoys good music should be encouraged!]

After we've finished our little task, how about a little break? Say, for a jolly holiday dance?

[He grins down at her.]

I did enjoy our last one!

[lethechained]

[ Even for all her bashfulness, the way she brightens immediately at Alastor's suggestion says plenty regarding how Naminé feels about that idea. Her expression is one of pleasant, wondering surprise before she manages to clamp down on it and pause, stymied by her practical nature. ]

That-- does sound like fun. [ Regretfully, she casts a hesitant glance down the street at the other buildings. ] But there's so much left to do...!

[ She really enjoyed that last dance, too, though. Still contemplative, she returns to pulling the string of lights out into the dream's version of reality for a handful of seconds. Then, ]

Although I suppose... a little music could help everyone else cheer up, couldn't it?

[ And that's at least part of what they're here to accomplish. ]

[lonelysmiles]

Absolutely! And I know just the songs to get everyone's toes tapping as they get into the holiday spirit! You're proof of that: You've been humming along with me!

[lethechained]

[ The girl gives a soft, embarrassed, 'I--,' but doesn't actually object. She's no liar, after all, so she admits, ]

Yeah, I guess that's true...! Even if I don't count, though, I'm sure you're right. You're a wonderful singer...!

[ Alastor's clearly got the goods where music is concerned, based on her past experience. Naminé, however, seems to feel as though she doesn't, because after a hesitant beat, she adds, ]

Sorry-- if I didn't hum it right.

[ Actually, she's got a pretty good memory for the tune, but given her inexperience with putting that into practice... ]

[lonelysmiles]

[Alastor waggles his finger at Namine.]

Now, now, sweetheart, no apologies are needed! How can you be expected to perform a tune you've only heard once before?

[lethechained]

[ The lass tucks her chin at that waggling finger, but it's simultaneous with the appearance of a shy smile. It might be that she likes that title, now that the idea of having a heart to be sweet with is a little less of a hopeless daydream and a little more of a supposed inevitability for her. ]

I suppose I can't, [ she admits, in the careful tone of someone unused to not blaming themselves. Then, after a beat, the further confession; ] I haven't really sung at all before. It sounds so nice when you do it that I-- [ A touch embarrassed, ] I really want to, but... I'm not sure I know how.

[lonelysmiles]

[Oh, Namine. You are just winning this old demon right over. If you're ever in trouble, he's going to eviscerate whoever threatens you.]

[He dramatically clutches at his chest, gasping with mock horror.]

Never sung at all?! Well, we'll just have to fix that! Song and dance are two pleasures no one should be denied!

[He reaches out to take her hand and give her a light spin.]

All the more reason for us to finish these lights!

[lethechained]

[ Totally oblivious to any winning over she might or might not be doing, she can't quite hold down her smile at his performative reaction. The tone of the way she brightens at his claim, though, is more awed than amused. ]

Really?

[ 'You'll teach me?' she wants to ask, but then his little twirl sets her to giggling quietly to herself, momentarily unsteady though it makes her. For all that she has such big, sad eyes, her delight is so unhesitatingly genuine even when she very nearly trips over the loose string of lights still dangling from her sketchbook. Breath clouding the air as she tries to catch it, ]

Right...! We'd better hurry, then.

[ Starting to pull the lights up to hand them to Alastor, she meets with some resistance - since apparently she's standing on part of the wire, now. Flushing slightly with embarrassment, she shifts her foot over. ]

I'm-- um-- I'm sure they'll still work, [ she reassures, since there doesn't seem to be any damage.

They might have to work on the dancing part, as well. It's kind of impressive the poor thing manages a walk some days, let alone anything more graceful. ]

[lonelysmiles]

Absolutely, my dear! Why, we'll have you charming the birds from the trees in no time!

[He'll probably have to teach her, but that'll be grand! All the more excuses to spice up the soundtrack of her life!]

[He laughs.] I'm sure they'll do just fine!

[He snaps his fingers, and the lights are suddenly free of her legs and coiled in his free hand.]

[lethechained]

[ The idea is such a silly one - no matter how many times coaxing woodland creatures into singalongs might or might not have happened in any given fairytale land which actually exists where she comes from - that Naminé can't help huffing a laugh that clouds in the chilly, dreamy air. ]

Even the birds? [ It's doubly funny for her to picture Donald-grumpypants-Duck enthralled with anyone's singing, let alone hers. Smiling broadly, ] That would be impressive...!

[ Achieving such a feat seems unlikely, but a girl's got to have goals. The lass gives a jolt as the snap of Alastor's fingers sets her free of her almost-hazard, her lips rounding with her surprised gratitude. ]

I hope so, [ she agrees belatedly, both because she wants to help liven the place up as soon as possible and because there's something else for her to look forward to as well, now. Regarding the lights with half her attention, ] You really know a lot of neat tricks, Alastor...!

[ The fact that she's enjoying finding out about them isn't hard to tell by the way she says it. ]

[lonelysmiles]

The birds aren't enough?! Why, Miss Namine, you are ambitious! [Alastor's grin doubles in size before sweeping her into a side hug, gesturing towards the sky.] Charming the stars and moon it is, then!

[He's being a little hyperbolic but, hey, he's an entertainer. Being a bit extra is something of a requirement.]

[He releases her as he looks at the string of lights in his hand.]

Thank you, sweetheart! Unfortunately I'm a bit limited in what I can do here. Have to pay for my weekend pass somehow, it seems! Ha ha! Ah, but if you could see my powers at their best, you'd roll your eyes at my current cheap parlor tricks!

[He gives a sharp clap of his hands to refocus his attention.]

Well, these lights aren't going to string themselves! Let me get back on the roof and you can tell me where to put them!

[He disappears into his shadow, reappearing back on the roof.]

[lethechained]

[ With a soft little 'wh--?' at his accusation of her ambition, Naminé can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, bending naturally into it without resistance as he sweeps her up. ]

Do the moon and stars where you come from even have ears--?

[ It wouldn't be the strangest thing she'd ever encountered, to be sure. Sighing out some more of her amusement as she's let go of, the girl steadies herself on her feet, still smiling that soft, warm little smile of hers up at him. ]

Well, I don't think I'd roll my eyes at them. They're still things I can't do, after all.

[ So that makes his supposed parlor tricks impressive to her in themselves. But she'll nod firmly with his redirection of their efforts, giving a quiet noise of confirmation to indicate that she's ready to assist him. Holding her sketchbook in one hand, she indicates the bare portion of the roof adjacent to where the lights have already been strung. ]

If you keep it the same, that should look alright...!

[ Neat and consistent are usually aesthetically pleasing with these sorts of things, aren't they? ]

[lonelysmiles]

The man in the moon might but I haven't seen them!

[He laughs gaily as he goes about his business stringing the lights. Nice and even though more than once he has to pause to adjust his footing. Just because he can catch himself and prevent becoming a mess on the ground doesn't mean he's going to be careless.]

[lethechained]

[ It's nice to see him laughing - almost enough so to prevent Naminé from unconsciously watching his footing for him, although of course she can't help herself but to get back to that sooner or later, no matter her distraction. Brows high with her amused surprise, ]

Your moon has a man in it?

[ Drifting a bit closer to the building, she calls that question up. ]

[lonelysmiles]

Just the image of one's face. I doubt he's actually alive but who knows? "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy!"

[He sets the last part of the strand into place.]

How does it look?