open 🌠 you see the shadows

[starshower]

Who: Tifa Lockhart & you!
Which: Open log + interactive dream
Where: Around Reverein, Mount Nibel
What: Mount Nibel Incident dream, and a couple of dream board postings.
Warnings: N/A for now



✨ i. "the day mom died..." — interactive dream

[There's a winding, rocky path overlooking the town of Nibelheim below, but where it should be clear, the mountain the path leads up is shrouded in a fog that only grows thicker with each passing moment, with what the eyes can see morphing and twisting in and out of view, almost as if the entire landscape isn't sure what it should be. There's an unshakable sound of static in the air, and a rumbling underfoot that isn't too threatening, but it's noticeable enough that it makes itself known.

On one ledge of the path up the mountain are four children. Three boys, whose faces fade in and out of clarity, and a girl with long, dark-brown hair, all looking up at the mountain as they talk, but their words are cut out by the static.]

"Mt. Nibel is scary. Many people have—there."

"—one crosses that—alive."

[The girl turns to face them all, revealing a much younger Tifa, not a day older than nine-years.]

"How about—died? Did—pass through—?" [Tifa wanders past the boys watching her, up the path.] "I'm—"

[Two boys follow while one runs the other way, threatening to bump into any dreamwalkers as he rushes back in the direction of the town. If Tifa is followed, they'll reach a bridge that she crosses fearlessly and without a word, but like the rest of the mountain, it fades in and out of view as well. There, the two boys who remain rush off, leaving Tifa to venture up the rest of the mountain alone.

...

But they stop upon seeing someone new. Someone who might be able to help?]

"Please, you have to stop her! It's dangerous up there! We're going to go back down and get Mister Lockhart."

[And off they go together without another word.]


** ( ooc: Because Tifa doesn't remember this event in full, I fully encourage anyone to have your character influence the setting as much or as little as you'd like! )

✨ ii. freeloading reindeer

[Having done some work on the communal gardens already, Tifa's grown handy with a hammer and nails. Not that she wasn't already proficient enough, but there's a difference between fixer-uppers around a bar that she knew like the back of her hand and building wooden flowerbeds and fences, and the latter has allowed her to at least learn some proper techniques in woodworking. Hell, she's even started learning how to sand and polish, so something like this should be a piece of cake.]

There. I think that's the last of it.

[She'd been hauling wood around all morning, the large planks thrown over her shoulder before she sets them down out in the middle of the farm where there's plenty of room to build out. It's nothing but a pile of wood and a bag of tools, and whoever else has come all the way out here with her, and around them, the reindeer will be grazing and curiously watching from afar, still not sure if it's safe to approach.]

So, it was a new stable for them and a fence, right? Gotta say, biggest thing I've ever built was a flowerbed so this'll be new to me.

✨ iii. new year's noctaere

[It is a little terrifying going up against the Noctaere, especially when she knows little of what to expect upon entering the dreamscape, but Tifa was never one to sit back or sit still for very long. Not when there were threats that needed to be taken care of. She might not be the most experienced partner in the dreamscapes, with her skills in dreamotion magic leaving plenty to be desired, but she can pack a punch when needed, and it has come in helpful in a lot of cases.

That isn't to say she's completely useless at magic, but she'd prefer to let her fists and feet do the talking if it came down to it. Which it will.

And just before stumbling into the dreamscape, she looks over to whoever has volunteered for the job with her, and gives a firm nod.]

You ready?

** ( ooc: if you have a preference for the dreamscape, then please let me know in the subject line! Otherwise, I'll randomize which one we end up getting! )

✨ iv. wildcard

[None of these prompts work? You know the wildcard drill! Feel free to leave something else below, or contact me via PM or @ crystariums if you'd like to plot out something! Tifa can be frequently found at the communal gardens, at the edges of the forest training, and just in general wandering around Reverein, so she's easy to bump into. Also okay with any of the dream board postings!]

Comments

[starshower]

[Nope. Not happening. She will not hear another word of that. No one will be absorbing anyone's negative emotions in this dreamscape today, or any day. At least, not while she's around! She knows what happens to those who are taken over by too many, so they'll do what they can to help calm their surroundings down first, before taking drastic measures!]

Right...

[To the right she goes, at a quickened pace so that they can find something. There's a thump as something hits her side—something metal that feels like a very large door handle.]

Over here! We might've found a way up top, but... with the way the boat's rocking...

[It might not even be safe yet...

...

From Tifa's hands, flames spring forth. It isn't enough to light the entire cabin, but it should shed some light that they can at least see their immediate surroundings, and get an idea of where the other is.]

You see a rope anywhere?

[darkcharge]

[ She can try to stop him. If Tifa can find a way for that process to be voluntary, then Vanitas would surely implore her to share that with him. As it stands, it isn't really something that he can control. Sucking up negativity is simply a part of his existence.

Looks like his idea works though. Tifa's found something and even using her magic to light up the place. Vanits isn't too far from her. Only a bit to the left. ]

I don't, but hang onto that thought.

[ Just because they are struggling a little with the rocking and the dim lighting doesn't mean... It doesn't mean that his Unversed are so restricted. So Vanitas releases some of his pent up irritation - a couple of Flood scurrying off into the darkness of the cabin. ]

If there's any out there, then they'll find it. We've just got to hang on.

[ Don't worry so much. They'll come back in a couple of moments with at least two different bundles of rope. ]

[starshower]

[Hang on she does. Quite literally, she hangs on so tight to the door handle that she's sure her knuckles have gone white underneath her gloves, which is why it's a relief when those Unversed return with the ropes. She hadn't even thought of that, and... the thought of it makes her miss her familiar in Camelot... if she were here, they likely wouldn't even be in this predicament anymore. She'd just swim them to safety, or use her magic to control the water...

Tifa has to pull herself free from the thought as she beckons for the ropes. One, she'll start tying the end of it to the steel door handle (it should hold, right...?) and the other, she'll throw to Vanitas.]

Tie one end of that around yourself so we can stick together. I'm going to make sure we don't fall off this boat when we get up there.

[darkcharge]

[ The Unversed are a part of Vanitas. They come from him and are an extension of himself in many aspects. It stands to reason that, when he really puts his mind to it, that control of them comes naturally. When he is this close to them, it requires no effort at all. They'll only become hostile if Vanitas himself does or he commands it. Since that's not what is going on in this scenario, Tifa doesn't have to be concerned, even if it does make them seem like docile familiars rather than the monsters that they are.

But hand over those bundles of rope they do. Once their task is completed, they simply dissipate and find their way back to Vanitas. It stings, of course, as it always does... However he's becoming reacquainted with the sensation and doesn't seem to flinch. Instead he takes what is being offered. ]

Are you going to tie us to the railing or the mast?

[ It's a valid question, he thinks, as he swiftly seeks to comply. He wants to get it good and snug before the storm kicks up and knocks them off balance again. ]

[starshower]

The mast would be safer, wouldn't it?

[Not that Tifa can boast knowing much about ships, but that's the big wooden post in the center that holds the main sail, right? With one end secured around her waist, she winds the rope once around the handle of the door for more security—until they can get up top—before beckoning for Vanitas to do the same and leading the way out of the cabin.

The storm up above is so much worse. There's rain and seawater battering them both that Tifa can hardly see past it all out to the water. That noctaere can't be far now, if the weather is any tell of that, but they need to get to the mast first. She has to claw her way there, being knocked over and staying on the floor where it's safer across the ship.

And when she gets there, she throws her own rope around the mast first, draping it about so that she can tie the end of it nice and tight before reaching out for Vanitas.]

How are you doing?

[darkcharge]

[ Yeah and the storm just adds to his desire to just not ever be on a boat. There's too much wind and water being thrown around. He's wondering how they are ever going to keep their footing. He huffs, sticking down on the stairs for a moment. Tifa getting knocked over has him hanging on to the railing. She's not going to get thrown off the ship with her being connected so he just stands there. Grounding her until she decides to start to move against the floor.

Vanitas sees that it really makes this easier. So he gradually comes out, dropping to all fours. Thus he follows behind, bracing himself when the winds pick up and threaten to push him towards the railing.

It's slow going, but eventually he reaches the mast. And he can feel the negativity growing. ]

I'm fine. We need to find that noctaere fast. I can feel it growing.

[starshower]

[Tifa looks back at him at that, and wonders—]

Can you sense where it is with that?

[The fact that he can feel it growing is concerning, but... if they can use it to their advantage, even for just a second, then maybe they can get the upper hand on it. There's a beat, as she clings onto the rope when the boat rocks again, and she shakes her head.]

But please don't push yourself.

[darkcharge]

Yes, I can.

[ His gaze shifts towards the front of the ship. There. It's definitely there, at the head. Interesting that it would choose to be there rather than behind the "wheel" so to speak. But maybe that's where the source of emotions like fear would be? Maye the source of the nightmare in general stems from a fear of drowning from a storm at sea.

Either way, they need to head towards the front of the ship. Whatever it's called. Vanitas points on ahead. ]

Don't worry about me. You can do that once we've gotten out of here.

[starshower]

[Too bad, worrying is part of who Tifa is, but she will not let that get the better of her when they have a creature to destroy. She trusts that he knows how to handle it if worst came to worst, so she looks to where he's pointing—to the front of the ship—and starts to move. Quickly.

Something creaks underneath them, as the front of the ship rocks and groans as something pushes on it. Something very large and very angry... And it emerges from the water, its bright red eyes glowing in the storm, with wings on either side of its long, slender, snake-like body that she can hardly make out in all the water that violently rains down on them, soaking them right down to the bone.]

No...

[The ship lurches forward to collide with the water again, and the impact is so strong that it will knock them both off their feet, sending them reeling and tumbling towards it with only the rope to save them.]

[darkcharge]

[ There's definitely not anything like this where Vanitas hails from. Or, rather, he hasn't come across anything like some giant water serpent.

Thankfully, he will ALWAYS be ready and able to fight. And the thing seems to be slamming down onto the ship. Vanitas has fairly quick reflexes. Immediately his Keyblade is out. Stabbing down into the floor to keep himself from sprawling out.

At the same time he'll reach out to grab Tifa by the arm. ]

That's definitely it. [ As if that's in question. ] Attack when it lifts itself up. I'll create an opening.

[starshower]

Right. I can do that.

[This is just that VR fight all over again. All she needs to do is avoid where its head is pointing, and—

The thought is interrupted when its tail comes up on the other side of the ship, as if its body has wrapped around the bottom of it, and the wood groans and creaks when it squeezes, darting its tail at them as if to strike them down where they stand.

Well, this is great.

Tifa jerks away, the rope pulling and burning her skin when she dodges, but as the ship begins to tip again when it rises further from the water, she swings around the mast and holds on when she feels her feet lifting into the air again, and she hangs there, watching Vanitas carefully while she waits for his go-ahead.]

[darkcharge]

[ Well that's just lovely isn't it? Now they don't only need to contend with jaws, but with a lashing tail as well. Are they going to have to eventually divide and conqueror? Vanitas has a feeling that this is more than likely going to be the case.

He keeps an eye on Tifa, also rolling out of the way. Getting smashed by either of those body parts are going to be any fun.

But then he twirls his weapon. Vanitas can and will temporarily pull all of the negativity surrounding them into himself. Ideal solution? No, and if Tifa catches onto that then he's probably going to get scolded for it later. But right now he hardly cares. The temporary power boost provided to him will make the Fark Firaga that he launches at the beasts' mouth all the more effective. ]

I read that last sentence as "will make him Fart Firaga"

[starshower]

[Fortunately for him (right now), Tifa is in the middle of dodging another onslaught of water to notice him taking in that dark energy, and even if she had, they've got much bigger fish to fry at the moment than have her pause to scold him, so that will have to wait.

Anything to get this thing off their backs and get them the hell off this boat...!

When the spell lands, the leviathan reels its head back, its roar so shrill and so loud that it shakes the floor of the boat and raises water from below. But it does create an opening, just as he had promised, and it's one that Tifa is going to take advantage of. Using the rope and the mast, she uses it to swing herself around again, kicking off the ground with enough momentum that it throws her at the beast's head many, many feet above the surface of the water.

It's there that she lands a somersault kick, knocking in its teeth and sending its head snapping back.

It won't go down so easily, though—from behind her, its tail strikes, wrapping around her ankle and pulling her back...!]

Shit—!

LMFAO I MEAN...

[darkcharge]

[ That's where Vanitas jumps in. Yeah, this thing won't go down easily. Look a the atmosphere it's created.

Vanitas tsks. ]

Brace yourself!

[ Because he's rushing forward all right. Going to drive his Keyblade into that tail as best as he can and then cast a Blizzard spell. Thunder will just hit Tifa as well. But the cold... That should be enough to shock it? ]

[starshower]

[The rope around her waist snaps taut when she's pulled, and Tifa holds onto it, glad for her gloves saving her from the burn of it on her skin. The thunder grazes her, fizzling at her ankle where the leviathan's tail is wrapped, and between the magic and the keyblade, it flies back away from her with a mighty roar.

And she wastes no time in jumping back to her feet with a quick 'thanks' his way, her ankle a little sore and swollen from its tight hold, but nothing that she can't handle. She'll look into it later.

At least the spells have bought them a little time as it dives beneath the water to find its bearings again.]

I think we might need to take one each. Head and tail separately...? No way it's gone down that easy.

[darkcharge]

[ Tifa doesn't look any worse for wear. At least not from any quick glances that Vanitas can tell. Anything else will just go unnoticed by him for now - unless her performance starts to waver.

Though right now it would be convenient if he could just quickly remaster some of the healing techniques that he had learned elsewhere. Alas...

He shakes his head at her "thanks." They are partners working on this together, it's to be expected. ]

That sounds like a plan. Who would have thought that it would use its tail like that. I'll stick with the tail.

[ Since Tifa seems to be tough enough to handle a snapping jaw coming her way. Vanitas can utilize magic and his Keyblade so, really, he's better suited. ]

[starshower]

And I'll take out its big ugly head.

[Tifa wastes no time in parting with Vanitas, rushing to the front of the ship where she feels the rocking strongest, and where its head will inevitably resurface. It's as if it's trying to knock her off balance, but she's prepared for it this time, digging her feet against the wooden floor and using that momentum to push herself off of it just as its head looms over her.

Meanwhile, the tail is at the back for Vanitas, moving to coil around the ship.

But she knows that simply punching it out isn't going to work. If they want to take it down, she's going to have to fight against it with her emotions as well—positive ones at that, given what the beast is made of. Although how... she isn't entirely sure. Her own positive dreamotion magic manifests in flowers and bursting stars, and they're about as helpful as wet noodles in a thunderstorm.

Even still...]

Worth a shot.

[She mumbles it to herself, and with a spin—

There's a loud pop near the leviathan's head, as what looks like a firework bursts near its eye, sending it rearing its head back and roaring with pain. It's just as she thought.]

Ugh, need to hit it with magic...!

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas wonders if he's picked the wrong target. Because it is moving pretty dang fast. Vanitas can handle the smacking as it bears down on him repeatedly. Like a great flail attempting to get at him and score a blow. Vanitas is holding up his Keyblade and blocking, but it isn't giving much opportunity to strike himself.

Finally he gets agitated enough that he uses a burst of strength to hook the "teeth" of his Keyblade around the barbs of the tail. Rips it away and lunges. And this time when he goes to use magic - ]

The tail isn't damaged by magic at all!

[ Which isn't really the worst thing for Vanitas. Yet he's contemplating this. About allowing some Unversed out. They could use magic or physical attacks. Extra bodies. ]

[starshower]

[Tifa affords herself a look back at him, teeth gritting, and she calls back, her knees bending as she gets ready to spring back if his answer is anything like she's expecting.]

You're better with magic, yeah?

[Better than she is, at least.]

[darkcharge]

Maybe better than you.

[ Looks like he's got a moment to actually be a smug little turd. But she doesn't have to speak out loud for Vanitas to know what she's asking.

They're going to pull a switch.

Which Vanitas provides another opening to do so, by launching a fireball at the mouth of the beast. ]

[starshower]

[He has every right to be a smug little turd.]

Can't argue with that.

[Tifa works much better with her fists and feet and so she'll happily admit to it. Her gloved hand grips her rope and she swings around to the back of the boat just as it teeters and groans when the leviathan reels back, taking the ship with it from the fireball's impact. And as she veers around, she takes Vanitas' rope and gives it a mighty tug to give him some momentum to send him to the opposite side.

And with that momentum, Tifa uses it to bring herself up in a somersault kick at its tail, smacking it out of the way when it tries to whip its spines at her. Much better!

She grabs on to its tip when it swings around again and wraps around it so that she can bring it down to the floor of the ship and twist it, and there's a resounding crack from her Divekick, breaking the brittle bones in the tail.]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas appreciates what Tifa's doing here. He's getting a feral grin spreading across his features. Of course he's also enjoying himself. But a little more... Just a little more soaking up some of that negative energy floating around the area. Enough to give Vanitas just another small boost.

Tifa provides him with momentum. The creature is already dazed from the fireball to the face. It's the perfect chance. An opportunity. Vanitas rushes it - allowing for a couple of Unversed to form. Chilis. Mustards. All he needs them to do is float around and launch fireballs and small bolts of lighting. All distractions so that he can imbue his Keyblade with the same Darkness that he's gathered and bring it down on the thing's head.

There's a roar - a pained cry from being assaulted on both sides - and Vanitas decides to go for it. Or, well, he would. But in a fury, the beast comes bearing down on him with it's jaws wide. Vanitas can stop it with his own Keyblade. Then it becomes a struggle, teeth scrapping against the metallic surface. He'd attempt to wrench the weapon back but he has another idea...

Casting a Blizzard spell in it's mouth. ]

[starshower]

[From the other end, it retreats its tail back with what strength it has left, and Tifa tosses fire at it for good measure, although the damage has already been dealt. With its tail now limp and no longer a threat, it's up to Vanitas to take care of the rest, and Tifa turns just in time to see the ice spell burst in its mouth, shattering its teeth back against it, and with that mighty roar, it begins to sink.

And hopefully Vanitas gets out of there in time!?

The boat rocks this way and that as it finally frees it from the coiling bind of its body, and the end of it smashes down against the water so hard that Tifa almost falls. She's holding onto her rope as tight as she's able to keep herself balanced.

Already, the storm begins to clear and she can see the rays of sunlight trying to fight their way through the clouds.]

You did it!

cw: juuuust a little bit of vom sorry

[darkcharge]

[ The blast of ice is enough to shatter teeth and pierce through the top of the beast's mouth. It doesn't take too much effort to rip his Keyblade out of that mouth, taking a few more teeth with it. He fires off a Lightning spell for good measure. ]

Stay down!

[ Which it appears is what's going to happen. Already the boat starts to shift as the waters calm. It seems to be brighter too, but the creature is sinking and that's enough to continue to rock the ship enough so that Vanitas is steadying himself with holding onto that rope.

Too bad he can't respond to Tifa's outburst of celebration. Rather, the boy is all of the sudden dropping to his knees. Hands brace against the wood and his Keyblade disappears. Drawing in all of that negative energy and not releasing it through the Unversed properly has its own problems.

In the next moment he's coughing and hacking. And what comes out of his mouth, as if he's choking on it, is black tar. It hits the wood with a wet plop as Vanitas desperately tries to inhale fresh air. ]

[starshower]

[Tifa's smile fades with her excitement when she sees him topple to his knees, and she rushes up to his side to fall down next to him, her hand immediately going to rub at his back. Her mouth opens to ask him what's going on and if he's going to be alright, but then something falls onto the deck of the ship—something black that makes her stomach drop with dread, even further than it already has.

She gives him a moment to catch his breath before she grips him by the arm.]

Are you okay?

[It seems like such a silly question given what just happened, but...]