songerein | { Moon's Haunted }

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{ Moon's Haunted }

MOON'S HAUNTED

Elimei, the female winged kirin twin from the Tree of Stories, was suddenly taken by a large, gruesome figure wielding a butcher's knife with a bear at its side. They appeared from a black portal and everyone in the room at the time was unable to move due to a sudden increase in gravity and heavy weight of nightmare energy. The figures disappeared into the black portal leaving behind no trace—except Elimei's feathers tinged with nightmare energy. Using Elimei's feather, researchers in the Observatory were able to pinpoint her location within a foreign moon. By this time, the moon mirror created by the fae has collected into its glass the stories of various moons gathered by Madhuri. Powered by this enchanted mirror and with dreamotion energy, they are able to create a dreamscape-like gateway to this foreign moon.

Unfortunately the power was so great it acted like a dreamshift and sent in everyone. Now everyone finds themselves on the surface of this strange moon, but fortunately they have allies in the form of lunar wolves to help guide them. To help combat against the noctasers, which are an evolved form of Erasers that have consumed great amount of nightmare energy, the special potions that were created back from Halloween and are effective against Erasers will be available. They will work in conjunction with dreamotion energy and other items useful against nightmare energy; perhaps a new solution can be made.

For more details on the event and to ask any questions, please refer to the Game Notes. Reminder that this is forward dated to the end of the month.

I. MOON PHASES

At random intervals, the moon will change between full and new phases. When the moon is full, the moonscape becomes ghostly white; when it is new, it becomes pitch back. There are both advantages and disadvantages for each phase, and everyone needs to be mindful as it will change without warning. Although we have some generic prompts for each phase, the phases and effects carry over through all the prompts, they can be used at will.

A. Darkest of Nights: New Moon. Whenever the moon phase changes to the new moon, it becomes so dark it's almost difficult to see. Light sources will need to be found to help traverse through the moonscape unless one uses dreamotion to help guide them. The new moon phase is also when nightmare energy is at its peak, the ground seemingly seeping with it and noctasers lurking. Some characters might find themselves transforming into some nightmarish creature in response to it. Perhaps into something that reflects their greatest fears or anger; some may even start to relive or have nightmares. Those who are easily influenced by nightmare energy should take caution, but must also remember that nightmare energy can also be harnessed here. For those who want to try and control it, the new moon phase is the best time.

B. Light of the Full Moon. Whenever the moon phase changes to the full moon, it is almost blindingly bright in some places. During this time, dreamotion is at its peak and it'll be easier to fight off the noctasers should they be encountered; of course during this time the noctasers will go into hiding. The black goopy puddles scattered around will be most suspicious, and this is the perfect time to clear them up with dreamotion. Just be careful not to get trapped in them or it'll be like quicksand. Anyone who was transformed during the new moon phase will slowly begin to transform back but will still need assistance; otherwise they'll just remain and continue transformation when it changes back to the new moon phase.

II. LUNAR WOLVES

For those who wish to help the lunar wolves that inhabit this moonscape, they live in a brightly lit temple that is impossible to miss. With a unique "wolf blessing," characters can transform into a wolf to help blend in with the environment as well as gain temporary powers: ability to conjure moonlight to use against noctasers; powerful howl attacks capable of knocking back small objects and creatures; ability to see clearly in the darkness during new moon shifts; increases speed and other heightened senses; ability to see the leftover "moon dust trail" from the moon fragments to track them down. Appearance of the wolf form can be whatever the player or character wishes and while partial transformations are allowed, whole transformations will be stronger. The blessing will last for up to an hour, and characters can willingly change back at any time. However, they'll need another blessing to turn back into a wolf unless they can do so on their own through their own dreamotion ability. The wolves will also be around to help give aid when they can.

A. Defend the Temple. Noctasers are becoming more aggressive as they attack the temple the lunar wolves are based in, aiming for the collection of corrupted moon fragments the lunar wolves have been guarding in hopes of later purifying. Some may even notice the moon fragments depict certain images or have unique characters that may look like the moon from their own world. Maybe that fragment is from their home world. Characters need to use everything they have to help protect these fragments and fight alongside the wolves.

» BONUS: DEFENSE BARRIERS. Shoring up defenses and creating dreamotion barriers to help keep the noctasers at bay will also help. The wolves will inform of special flower that needs wishful based dreamotion energy to make it grow large enough as a shield that can help repel the noctasers.

B. Retrieve Moon Fragments. Some of the noctasers still manage to break in and steal several moon fragments, scattering them all over the forests surrounding the small temple the wolves dwell in. While some have been dropped and can be found a little more easily, others are still in the clutches of the noctasers that must be destroyed, especially if a noctaser consumes it. While safe to handle, the moon fragments must be collected into small glowing jars to ensure their protection.

C. Save the Wolf Cubs. In the chaos, a few wolf cubs got separated from their families and ran into the forest, with some having the bright idea to try and find the moon fragments on their own. This is a disaster waiting to happen, so they need to be brought back quickly! Wolf transformation will be mandatory as the cubs will be wary of anyone else who approaches. They are also clever cubs and will hide in deep thickets and tree hollows. Luring them out with mooncakes will help win them over.

III. ITEM COLLECTION: ELIMEI

Certain items are needed to help defeat the Mutton Man and its Bear steed, as well as to find and heal Elimei. Thankfully they won't be going in blind and Baba Yaga will make an appearance to inform them of what they'll need. Although primarily to be collected and given to those who will go out to find Elimei, all items can also be collected for personal use to be against noctasers and other effects. There's plenty to go around! All items will be found in the swamp area.

A. Follow the Moonflies. In the outskirts of the swamps, there are special fireflies called "moonflies" where they produce pure moonlight from their bulbs. They are attracted to darkness as they will absorb it to produce their light. Gathering these moonflies in special jars will allow those seeking Elimei to help track her down as the moonflies will fly towards the darkest area of the swamp where she is being held. They will also be useful in blinding the enemies as they will fly up to them, attracted by the darkness the nightmare energy brings. They are also great to use as lanterns during the new moon phase.

B. Lunar Honey. The petals of this flower can be crushed up to create a delicious sweet honey that can help soothe any tormented soul. While not a cure all for nightmare energy, they work similar to the Glowing Dawn flowers back in Songerein and will be valuable for those affected by nightmare energy and monster transformations. Although ineffective against the Mutton Man, the Bear may find the sweetness irresistible.

» BONUS: KEEPSAKES. Collect the flowers to eventually bring back to Songerein so they can be used for additional treatment.

C. Moon Crystals. Special crystals which illuminate in the darkness and turn black during the full moon phases. They will absorb nightmare energy and convert them to potent dreamotion energy to a poisonous degree. Thus those afflicted with nightmary energy will be good sources for these crystals but must be handled with care. Anyone who is punctured or cut by a crystal risks becoming crystalized and will need to be taken back to the wolves to be cured. The crystals will serve as the main "weapon" against the Mutton Man and the Bear, and can be deadly against noctasers as well.

D. Swamp Threats. Beware: the swamps are filled with not only noctasers but also hostile moon creatures, mostly of the reptilian side, such as snakes and alligators. At least the latter can be soothed with dreamotion unless they have started to corrupt from nightmare energy. Be careful not to follow the red wisps as they will lead unsuspecting rescuers deep into the swap to black pools where kelpies in them, ready to pose as Elimei and drag them under.

IV. ITEM COLLECTION: KAGUYA

To help get Songerein's moon fragment back, certain items will be needed to help evolve the moon mirror and purify the corrupted Rabbit Kaguya. All items can be used for other purposes and will be found around the bamboo forest.

A. "Holy Hand Grenade." This has a few steps as the "grenade" needs to be made. First, a golden bamboo stalk must be found and cut down. The crystals that pour out of it must be quickly collected in a crystal globe provided by the wolves. Dreamotion must then be channeled into it to melt the crystals and then the globe must be capped off. To use, one must count to three and then throw it at the target. This only has a purification effect, but it's very potent. It should only be used on anyone who is fully corrupted and is either close to or has become a noctaere. Even then care must be given as it will knock them out completely. Using it on someone with only a small amount will cause them to have too much dreamotion energy and make it more of a poison, requiring the excess dreamotion energy to be drawn out or counter balanced with nightmare energy. Handle with caution.

B. Bamboo Slicer. To get through the corrupted bamboo thicket to chase after Kaguya, special tools will need to be made. Cutting silver bamboo stalks well produce various metals to pour out, and with these metals blades can be forged via dreamotion. The blades can be of any shape and form, they just must carry enough fortitude, strength, and tenacity to cut through the stalks. Blades lacking that kind of dreamotion will remain dull and brittle.

C. Mooncakes. One of the easier items to collect, the mooncakes can be found growing off the leaves of the bamboo stalks. The trick is being able to climb high enough to get them; alternative cut or shake down the stalk to reach them. Just beware the lunar bees—they find the mooncakes delicious and will angrily attack anyone who gets in their way.

D. Don't Get Lost. Everyone will be warned to avoid entering the bamboo forest until everything has been gathered and designated groups are set, but should any accidentally further than necessary or get lured in somehow, they will need to find stone lanterns and light them up with dreamotion to help guide their way out. It will be relatively safe during the full moon phase, but during new moon there is higher risk of those trapped to hallucinate their worst nightmares and be lost in them until someone helps them.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Tifa had been busy with one of the wolves, listening and learning about how they might be able to erect a barrier to protect the temple. It tells her of a flower that uses dreamotion energy that would be needed for it. It shouldn't be much of a problem, assuming they can time the start of their journey in search of them right. The constant shifting of the moon has left her feeling a bit disconcerted, the darkness being too dark for her liking, but if they can head out right as the change to full takes effect, they might have some time...]

I think we can help you.

[Her hand rests atop the wolf's head and she offers it her most reassuring smile. By 'we', she means her and Eustace—wishful dreamotion energy shouldn't be too hard between them, if they put their heads and hearts together.

It's just as his name crosses her mind that she hears it. His footsteps—she would recognize them anywhere, instantly—rushing towards her. No, bolting. But he doesn't stop when he reaches her, or when she turns just in time to catch his gaze and the wordless tell that something is wrong. Immediately, she knows. He's learned something and he expects her to follow.

With a quick apology to the wolf, Tifa takes off after him with a frustrated grumble of his name. He's out the door and down the front stairs by the time she's at the entrance, his wolf form already fully taken shape. With her own blessing in possession, Tifa knows she shouldn't wait—that her hesitation might cost her, but she hasn't done this yet...]

Please work...

[Tifa takes a leap, and before her feet find ground, they transform to paws as her wolf form takes effect so that she might stand a chance in catching up to Eustace. Being smaller and more agile, she does quick enough, appearing at his side as the forest closes in on them both.]

What's going on with you!?

[She hasn't even had the chance to get used to being a wolf yet!?]

Edited 2022-06-12 15:15 (UTC)

[As he expected, Tifa has soon caught up to him and he glances at her. However, he doesn't slow his pace as they near the forest line.]

Lost cubs.

[It's a bit strange how running like this feels as natural as running with two legs. She had expected it to take some getting used to—maybe she might trip over her own feet, or paws, but it's as if everything is as it should be. And knowing him, Tifa's the one who picks up the pace a little, leaping ahead several feet and leading him into the shadow of the trees. It's dark—too dark for her liking, if she's honest, and she wonders if running in like this is such a good idea.]

Eustace.

[Her voice is firm as she spins around to put her at his side again.]

Hang on...

[She knows it's a tall ask for him, but with all of the noctasers running about, the poor pups are probably so terrified that the smallest sound will spook them out of their hiding places.]

[He narrows his eyes before he obliges.]

What?

[Tifa stops, putting herself directly in front of him and padding her way to breach some of that distance so that she can lower her voice. Meanwhile, her ears are turning, pricking back and then to the sides, and then forward again.]

The pups don't know we're coming. For all they know, we could be another one of those things. We need to take it slow.

[She nudges him with her nose.]

I know you're worried, but it'll only make things worse for all of us if we scare them, yeah?

[He just looks at her with impatience, but...

He sighs, his muzzle lightly brushing against hers.]

You're right. But we've already been in this full moon phase for some time so it won't be long before it change to new...

[Ah wait.]

Over there, some pawprints.

[And he's already quickly trotting over.]

[She turns to look up to the skies, the mention of the new moon coming bringing about a twinge of nervousness. She doesn't know why, but the idea of the moon being dark at all leaves a bad taste in her mouth. But by the time she turns her head back, Eustace is already trotting over, following the footprints.

He really is a puppy himself when it comes to other dogs... And all she can do is give a rueful smile before she follows, bringing her voice low again to gently remind him.]

Eustace... Take it slow.

[The prints themselves are tiny, their own double in size, and from the looks of it, they lead into the bushes. Her ears prick forward, her nose twitches, and she thinks she hears a quivering up ahead.]

I know.

[Just a slightly annoyed response as he tries to concentrate on the tracks and the scent before he also picks up on the sound. This time he doesn't say anything and just quietly walks alongside the tracks before stopping in front of the bushes. It doesn't take long to see the leaves rustling and together when they push back the brush, they can see the white trembling ears and nose of the pup stuck in there.]

[Tifa's eyes narrow, and she gives a small growl of frustration in response back before she follows the tracks as well as the sound. They get warmer and warmer, the bushes far off the beaten path of the forest floor quivering. The closer they get, the clearer the small whines become, and it's with her nose that she shoves the brambles aside, her eyes closing at the roughness against her face, and her eyes widen at the sight.

The smallest, most frightened looking wolf pup she's ever seen. Unlike the others back at the temple, this one is either far too young to be separated from its parents, or a runt. Either way, when it looks up at the two of them and tries to bark, but all it can manage is a scared whine, she feels her heart break into a thousand little pieces.

She isn't even sure what she can say to comfort it, or if it will even understand them, so she only allows her eyes to soften before gently shoving more branches out of the way. Its fur is white as snow, but there's some red staining it along his hind legs and near his tail.]

I think he's stuck...

Edited 2022-06-13 17:23 (UTC)

[Eustace momentarily stiffens when he sees the white cub, the image of the one of his past briefly coming to mind.]

Vi... ...

[No of course not, that would be absurd. The resemblance was just...too striking that he couldn't help but voice the name at first before he stops himself. With a quick shake of his head, he narrows his eyes as he looks at the situation.]

If he keeps moving he'll only worsen that injury... Let's try and coax it so we can get closer.

[And then a small laugh.]

At least it'll be easier compared to that owl chick.

[Tifa hears him mutter to himself, and she casts him a sideways glance, a sad smile crossing her eyes. She remembers the time he told her about Vitty. It was long ago. The very first day they met in Celliwig. It was the singular moment that Tifa knew there was something more to this man than met the eye. That he cared a little more than he let on, simply by the way he spoke of that wolf.

It was that moment when Tifa had decided that she wished to know more about him.

She doesn't press it, but there is a noticeable, comforting nudge against his side when she pulls her nose out of the bush before she can get a better feel of how this little guy ended up looking like this.

When Eustace speaks, the cub barks again, but he still trembles in the leaves.

Tifa offers a gentle laugh in return.]

Yet, we still managed somehow.

[That chick was an... adventure, to say the least.]

How do you figure we can get him out? Didn't think to bring anything with me...

[He feels that little nudge and it helps relax him further.]

I could transform out... But that may spook it further and this area is already cramped enough as it is. Let's try and grab a few branches and bite them off. Might have to dig a little as well.

[Tifa looks at the branches, then looks at him, her tongue flitting out to lick at her nose as she already feels the discomfort. Maybe she won't mind the taste or the feel of them now that she's a wolf? She's certainly never had to or wanted to bite at branches before...

But she isn't going to question it. This wolf is more important.]

I'll start at the bottom.

[Tifa kneels right down against the dirt and gently shoves her nose in through some of the branches, getting a better look at the pup as it stares back at her.

With the gentlest voice, she tries to calm it down.]

It's okay. I know you're scared, but we're going to help you. It might hurt a little bit, but we promise that it'll all be over soon, and we'll take you back home.

[There's a little "arf" in return, and it tips its head at her, then at Eustace as Tifa grabs a small bundle of the branches gnaws them clean off.]

[Eustace is already hard at work tearing down the branches, having done this several times before back in Avalon with his animal magic. Or at least having to use his animal parts and being creative in not using hands.

But when he breaks through another large chunk of brush and pauses to look at the pup, he catches it staring at him. Bright amber eyes, ears perked forward. It's still clearly nervous with how it trembles every now and then, but he can also see the spirit in its eyes, ready to be free.

...It really does remind me of Vitty.

The thought passes through his mind and he steps closer, close enough so that he can stretch out his neck and lightly nudge the pup's muzzle with his nose.]

You've done well holding out for so long. Just a little longer.

[The pup slowly wags its tail as Eustace moves to work on the branches closer to it, reaching up with his paws to push them back as well.]

[From below, Tifa watches, her eyes going soft the way they always do when she sees him with the dogs. It's so charming, so endearing... just another reason why she was so drawn to him... The way he handles the pup, it's as if he's somehow managed to chase away all his fears and opened its heart up to their help.

As they push the brambles away together, the branches snap and he stumbles forward, and Tifa rises just an inch or so to catch his front legs with her head.]

Oops! Careful...! [Then, to Eustace.] I've got him.

[She adjusts so that she's holding him gently in her mouth, giving Eustace some more room to untangle the bush so that he'll be able to lift him free from up top.]

[It's tough going, but now seeing Tifa supporting the pup...that's pretty damn adorable. He can't help but smile a little as he works to get the rest of the branches to give him clearance.]

Easy now...

[He lightly grabs the pup with his mouth and pulls him out. The pup does squirm a bit, but it whimpers from the pain on its leg. Carefully he'll set the pup down on the ground.

After giving a small lick to its head and comforting nuzzle, he looks over at Tifa.]

Tifa, can you heal his leg?

[She gives herself a gentle shake when she pulls out from beneath the bush, leaves and shreds of wood flying from her fur before she's looking over the pup. A sinking feeling settles in her stomach when she sees the stains of blood on his beautiful white fur, and Eustace's question earns a surprised whine out of her.]

Me...? [Sadness crosses her features, and she hangs her head, ears pressing down against the top of it.] I'm... not sure... I don't think my magic works here.

[Namely, her materia which, she notes, don't appear to be on her in this form. Her voice grows small, and she sits next to the pup, sniffing and looking closely at his wounds as he sits and flaps his tail at the two of them.]

I could try, but... it might not work.

[Seeing her hesitate, Eustace moves over to lightly bump his head against hers, nuzzling her.]

It's fine, I believe in you. Just think of how your magic normally works and then channel your emotions to the wound. I've found hope, desire, and determination are helpful for healing.

If not, I've learned how to heal a bit with dreamotion.

[The nuzzle of his head on hers and his words of encouragement surprise Tifa, but she leans into it easily, her tail automatically waving wildly back and forth as she leaves a few kisses on the sides of his face. He always knows exactly what to say...

She's never tried to do it before. In the past, she would always let it all happen naturally. The fire is what comes to her most, and perhaps that's part of why she never wanted to. There is always that small prickle of fear that rather than heal someone, she'd lose control of it all and would end up injuring them instead, but... it only occurs to her now that Tifa's never had Eustace by her side to do it before now, and there's a warm flutter of affection that passes through her as she presses her nose into his fur like she would his hair.

The pup plops down on his bum and barks up at them, and Tifa looks back, smiling before she's kneeling down close to him and his wounds.]

It's okay... [she whispers to him again. Her eyes move up to Eustace for one last look before she closes them and focuses on his voice, and the words he'd said.

Hope, desire, determination... Love.

She thinks back to that afternoon they spent together not long ago. To that surge of feelings she felt when he had asked her those questions, and the warmth and desire in his eyes as he asked.

"Tifa, you are my partner now, and I want you to be there in my future."

"...Do you want to get married?"

"Should I start calling you my wife?"

And even further back, Tifa remembers how it felt being tucked away in his pocket as that little, helpless rabbit, and how he looked so fiercely determined to protect her. To protect his home and his friends. The things she felt when she had seen him wield Flamek that way... And...

"You are my new resolve, Tifa. Everything I do is for you."

There's a warmth that relaxes all around them, and as she silently focuses on those feelings, star flowers bloom all around them, their soft yellow glow washing them in light in the shadows of the trees.

From them springs another light, wrapping around all three. It comes and goes at first, flickering in and out as she tries to maintain focus. It's ticklish but warm, and it carries all of the weight of her feelings in it. Powerful. Soothing. Like the spritz of the ocean on a hot summer's day. Or a breeze that rustles the wind chimes. Or the sound of a bird singing her first morning's song. Like his fingers combing through her hair, or the press of a tender kiss...

The pup licks at Tifa's nose and it has her opening her eyes, and she can see his wounds already beginning to heal. It's not enough to completely heal them, but he'll feel less pain, which is a start. She doesn't dare say a thing yet lest the spell be broken, but she smiles before she returns the kiss. However, she can already feel herself growing weary.

Did she really do it?]

[Eustace is sitting next to the two of them patiently, ready to give Tifa further encouragement and advice if needed. Watching her gathering her focus, he's eyes widen in surprise when all the star flowers appear. What....is happening. Is this how her healing ability manifests?? What is she thinking about to create such an effect...

But it's working, and he gives Tifa another affectionate nuzzle along with the pup's.]

You did good. I'll seal it off so don't strain yourself.

[It'll be his turn, but it's going to be a lot simpler as raises a paw over the remaining wound. Little snowflakes and light appear and soon a cool patch of frost covers the wound like a bandaid.]

[It's only then—when she feels his nuzzle atop her head and as she relaxes her body—that she realizes what's around them. Had... she done all of this herself? She's never tried to create healing magic before so this is all brand new to her, but she thought it would be something simpler. Something more like a little light like a real Cure spell, but this is so much more than that.

She falls against the flowers, some of the glowing petals fluttering loose and scattering around her, one landing on top of her head between her ears. Tifa's amber eyes follow Eustace and she's momentarily stunned by how mesmerizing it is that the yellow lights seem to twinkle in his eyes when he focuses his energy on the little wolf.

And as she feels the bundle of cool air pulsing near her nose, Tifa allows her eyes to close, savouring this fleeting moment of bliss among all the chaos.

The pup whines as he chills the wounds with the frost, and once he's finished, tries to turn to lick it away, but tumbles sideways into the flowers instead.]

You'll get used to it.

[A small chide to the pup as the ice healing takes effect before it finally settles. Soon it will warm and feel nothing more than like a light fabric. Eustace will also carefully pick up the pup to set it back closer between them before looking at Tifa.

...It's a bit strange since they're in these forms, but... Tifa lying in the flowers with the ground still light and peaceful stirs something in his chest. He can't help but lower his head and lightly nuzzle near her mouth, lips brushing for a wolf version of a kiss before licking her lightly over her cheek.]

What were you even thinking to cause all this...

[More of a rhetorical question than a real one, his voice a small sigh as if helpless.]

If you need me to carry you back, I will.

[At first, the only movement she gives is the twitch of her ears and her nose when he leaves her a kiss, but it's followed soon after with a content sigh into the flowers, and some of the petals bristle from the air she puffs out before she's lifting her head—only slightly—to look at him.]

No, I'm good. I just need a sec.

[And she will give herself a moment to rest her head against his neck, watching as the pup leaps and bounds around in the flowers as if it hadn't just been lost or scared at all. To be a child...]

I thought about you... [she offers gently, the warmth in her voice so compelling that it's almost tangible. Even as a wolf, she feels her heart flutter again.] About us...

[And as the pup makes another leap and vanishes with a light poof! into the flower bed, she laughs.]

Just glad that it worked.

[He stares at her in disbelief before a small, breathy laugh escapes.]

That's not what I meant for you to think of...we'll have to work on it later.

[A light, teasing smirk before he suddenly lifts his head, ears pricked forward as he stares out into the deep shadows of the forest.

...]

...But we need to get moving.

[He didn't want to ruin this moment, but there's a growing silence around them and he can sense something in the distance, hidden as if waiting.]

[He only gets a small laugh back, because she has no time to say anything before her own ears twitch, turning not forward, but to the sides and back to listen where he might not be. Perhaps it's some new wolfish instinct or her increased hearing abilities, but she isn't about to question him, beautiful and short-lived as that moment was.

She wishes it could have lasted a little longer, but alas...]

Yeah. [Her own voice is serious now, the warmth snuffed out by the cold dread that she feels settling around them.] Moon phase'll change soon too. Think we can make it back to the temple before then?

[Tifa buries her nose into the flowers and scoops up the little pup into her mouth, and it whines and wriggles at her before he finally gives up.]

🐺 awoooo

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