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

[There it is up ahead. The edge of the forest. They're almost home free from the clutches of the darkness, and she can hear Eustace right behind her, and his little orbs of light help to illuminate the thick trees and their roots as she winds through them, leading their way back. The air here feels thick with nightmare energy, and she gives a low growl as if hoping to stave some of it off, but no...

Just a little further.

They can do it...]

We're almost the—

[She calls it back to him over her shoulder, but her words are interrupted by the sound of a yelp, and a small body hitting the ground. Growls soon follow, and then she hears the slam of a larger body—or two—as they tumble through the dirt, and then a whine and a skid before whatever's been thrown hits a tree.

Tifa paws come to a grinding halt, her sharp claws digging into the earth to help stop her, and she's immediately spinning around. The lights around her help to illuminate some of it. There is Eustace on the ground, his beautiful white fur covered in mud, and the pup whining at his side. She can see what she thinks is blood oozing from a wound on his shoulder before her eyes move to the noctaser recovering from the throw, shaking itself off before its eyes are on Eustace again.]

No no no no... Not again...

[There's a deep sinking feeling of dread in her stomach as she sees him lying there. It takes her back to the day she'd heard the awful news. This... this is what she had been afraid of happening. That she would be there with him, at his side, and not able to protect or save him. His words echo in her head again—him telling her that she may have to run, to take care of other things—and her eyes do move to the pup as it desperately licks at Eustace's wound.

She can imagine him telling her to take the pup and go...]

I'm not leaving you.

[From where she stands, there's a growl followed by a loud bark to draw the noctaser's attention to her. Her sharpened teeth are bared, and she looks as if she's grown in size even as she crouches low to the ground. Her tail bushes out, her paws spread open, and her eyes are burning with a flame so wild that she can feel it pulsing in her blood. She barks again, and then again, the sound of them echoing through the trees, and from the ground, hot embers begin to flutter up, surrounding her in their fiery red glow.

They were so close. They had almost made it out. Just a few more steps and they could have gotten this pup home to safety and had been done with all of this. But no...

He's had to save her so many times. Even tonight, here in this very forest, he'd risked himself to get the noctaser out of her and the pup's path. For all the times he's saved her, there are five of them that she failed to protect him. Today would be different.

Amber eyes flick to Eustace's body on the ground before they fix on the noctaser again, her growls surging louder and louder. The noctaser screeches back, all of its attention now on her as it turns its body, preparing to lunge at Tifa instead.

Good. She's going to tear this thing limb from limb for laying one of those ugly claws on Eustace.

She leaps at the noctaser and as soon as she reaches it, her jaw clamps down on whatever extremity she can reach. It turns out that it's one of its legs, and she can feel the nightmare energy seeping from its shadowy skin. Eustace will hear more growls and snarls as she attempts to tear it off, her claws digging into its body to hold it still so that she can. Only glimpses of her can be seen, but the embers that have been following her up until now have started to burn the things around them, leaving trails of fire in her wake as she tosses and tears at it.

Tifa hurls the beast at a tree, and it hits before she's rushing at it again, but partway through her jump, she transforms out of her wolf form, and by the time she reaches it, her hands are able to catch it by the throat. Fists rain down on it in a combination of punches and kicks, that she ends it with a fiery Starshower and Somersault. Her dreamotion fire catches it as she hurls it several feet away where it screeches in pain, writhing and crawling and clawing as it tries to fight off the flames.

She's wasting no time in rushing to Eustace's side, brushing past the flaming trees and bushes without bothering to check if the noctaser is dead or still breathing.]

Eustace!? [Her voice calls out to him, but the second time she does, it's weaker.] Eustace...?

[But as she's running, she feels her knees give out from underneath her first, followed by her feet, and then she tumbles forward to the ground. She reaches her arm out as she hits the forest floor, his paw just out of her reach...]

[It's taking Eustace more time than he'd like to shake off the cold dread that spreads from the wound, but the sounds of growling and the pup whining snap him out of it long enough to witness a sight he never would have imagined.]

...Tifa...?

[He can only watch wide-eyed as she attacks the noctaser, never having ever seen her fight like this before. Wolf form notwithstanding, the way as she seems to dance through the air with her kicks and punches. Despite her target getting beaten to a fiery pulp, to Eustace there was a powerful elegance to her savagery, one that leaves him awestruck. ...And also gives him a mental note to never piss her off—

Yet even though it's clear she's handling it, he struggles to stand, not wanting to leave himself so vulnerable. What if another noctaser appears while she's fighting? How can he protect the pup? The wound isn't so deep that he can't heal it, it's just a matter of pushing through the nightmare energy that tries to affect his mind, and eventually he's able to push out some healing ice over it, clarity returning.

Now Tifa is running to him, but his heart drops when he watches her fall forward.]

Tifa!

[He pushes himself up, breaking out of the transformation to return to his normal form. Hands immediately reach out to her face as he kneels down next to her, his heart hammering in his chest. He didn't see her get hurt, then why—!? Is it just exhaustion? Just let it be exhaustion—]

Hey, can you hear me?

[The pup is momentarily stunned to see the two wolves suddenly turn human (well mostly human for one), but it whines and licks Tifa's face in worry.]

Edited 2022-06-22 04:38 (UTC)

[He comes in and out of focus when he transforms and kneels next to her, and she can feel the warmth of his hands on her face, her nose crinkling ever so slightly when the pup licks at her. She's suddenly too tired to keep her eyes open so they've fallen shut, but he'll at least see the rapid rise and fall of her chest as she tries to catch her breath. With what little energy she has left, she spends it on leaning her head into his palms and covering one of his hands with hers to let him know that she can hear him.

But her brow furrows, and she frowns, remembering the wound that she had seen opened up on his shoulder, and the nightmare energy that oozed out of it.]

Are you hurt...?

[She tries to get up to look at him, but her muscles give out before she can so much as shift to do so, and her hand now wraps around his, clutching and gripping at it as if it was the only way to keep him tethered to the living world. With a strained, upset voice, she rests on the ground again.]

You were hurt...

[There's some relief when she speaks, and he pulls her up to hug her to him.]

It'll heal. I'm not the one about to pass out on the ground.

[A small rebuke to her worrying, but he's just glad she has no real injuries and just clearly needs some rest. ...However, this does now pose a problem. As much as he just wants to be with her, they can't stay here for much longer. It's still the new moon, and distant sounds are coming closer. As he is now, carrying her and the pup will be difficult, especially if they get ambushed again.]

Just hold on, I'll carry you out of here.

Edited 2022-06-23 06:28 (UTC)

[She curls up against him, grateful for the warmth when the air feels so cold in spite of the flames still burning away at the bushes. They have to go, she knows, but she at least takes a few moments to allow herself to be relieved and glad that he and the pup are safe.

Her arms reach out to scoop up the wolf into her arms and she checks him over for any injuries. Nothing, fortunately—he just seems both confused and happy to see them both okay, albeit a bit less wolfish than he thought.]

I'm sorry... [she murmurs, holding him close and leaning into Eustace.] I should've been quicker.

[Maybe if she were, she could have dealt with it before it had gotten its teeth sunk into him. She can see the wound from here, and she grimaces at it, and at herself. She had seen the edge of the trees and must have gotten ahead of herself.]

[A small shake of his head as he kisses the top of hers.]

You made it in time, that's all the matters. Thank you.

[With one last squeeze of his arms, the air becomes a little warmer when he turns back into a wolf. This time he's much larger than before, large enough for Tifa to ride on.

...Ah. This brings back memories.]

[She imagined he would carry her back in his arms, so when he turns into the wolf again, she only has so much energy to be surprised about it before she's climbing onto his back. She, too, thinks back to the only other time she's done this...

It was back in Camelot what feels like eons ago now, but even though it's now a distant memory, she hasn't forgotten a single detail about it.

She climbs onto his back silently, and he's big enough that she can lean forward and relax comfortably nestled between his shoulders. The pup lays down next to her in his fur, but she still holds him steady anyway, a secure hand over his back as the two of them lie there together as Eustace carries them back to the temple.

From where she lies, she can see his wound. She can see how he's coated it with ice to heal it, but beneath the frost, it's there. It makes her stomach turn. If only she had just been quicker, or maybe if she hadn't been fleet-footed at all... If she had been at his side, she might have been able to stop it...

Fiery ash begins to flutter up in a trail behind them, and Tifa closes her eyes, trying to shake those spiraling thoughts away and to replace it with happier thoughts... and after a moment, she smiles.]

... Do you remember the last time I rode on your back like this...?

[He waits patiently for her to settle onto him, his ears turning back to her before he starts moving.]

...Mm. Hopefully this time we don't get chased by a bear or need to find a cave.

We're almost out...

[No bears or caves around here. At least, not yet. Some of her optimism has been dashed by that attack.]

When we managed to escape, you were about as small as this one.

[The pup whines next to Tifa, his ears perking up from where he rests his head, with only his eyes moving to look at her, and she smiles at him before her eyes move back to the wound, and she can feel tears starting to burn the corners of her eyes when she sees it again.]

... It feels like it was forever ago. Almost a year now...?

[She doesn't actually know. Time feels so skewed now that she has all of her memories.]

Something like that... Maybe two for me.

[It really is hard for him to judge how long it's been. And they really have been in this world for almost a year now.

Hearing something rustle nearby, Eustace picks up the pace while trying to not jostle them too much. The lightning orbs help light the way as he weaves through the trees, but everything is starting to thin out a sign they are getting closer.]

[Tifa's entire body stills on his back when she hears the rustling, those little red embers picking up again, burning bright along with his lights to wash them all in a purple and red glow. If anything were to come at them now, would she be able to protect him, let alone help?

Her legs squeeze around him to keep herself on his back when he picks up speed, and her arms slide to hug around his neck. She and the pup will be fine back here, even if he breaks out into a run...

And Tifa leaves the conversation at that for a while, at least until they're safe out of the woods and into the open space again but she knows that even out here, especially with the new moon, they aren't completely safe, but she's going to fight those thoughts still anyway. It's the only thing she can do in this state to help deter any nightmare energy that might try to find them.]

Hm. Eustace...?

[Her voice is quieter now.]

Let's do something fun together when we get back.

Edited 2022-06-23 14:56 (UTC)

[He does indeed break into a run, not wanting to risk another attack with them all so vulnerable. He feels a little strain on his shoulder, but he endures even if his gait falters every now and then the farther they go. But they soon break the trees and it's just a clear run to the temple.

Hearing her voice, his ears flick back before she can feel the low rumble of his voice just loud enough for her to hear.]

...Mm. Bit overdue for a vacation.

[Now probably isn't the most ideal time for it, she thinks. Or maybe it is. Maybe it's just the thing that they need to spur them forward. To motivate him to run faster, and to motivate them to get through this quicker so that they can finally return to their lives in Reverein...

Her arm clutches at him tighter, and the pup as well, and when they can make out the temple ahead, he lifts his head and whines quietly. Almost there, little one, almost there...]

Yeah. Let's figure it out when we get home?

[Tifa buries her face into his neck and tries to relax again, and she can feel her body starting to tire out, her eyes slowly closing.]

Mm.

[Another quiet, low rumble as he picks up the pace, the sight of the temple like a beacon. And fortunately, as if luck is finally deciding to play nice, there are no other encounters and Eustace is able to make it to the temple and up the steps. Although he doesn't show it, by now he's panting a bit, breathing heavily from using so much dreamotion in maintaining the form, the lights, and the healing on his shoulder.

Once there the wolves greet them, some eying his wound warily, but he lets them take the pup first before he makes his way to a room where he can put down Tifa and properly rest and treat himself. His footsteps are heavy, the exhaustion kicking in, but he pushes himself until he reaches an empty room. It's sparse—it's a temple run by wolves after all—but there are some cushions he walks over to and just...heavily flops down against, careful not to let Tifa fall so she more or less slides onto them.

After that he finally transforms out back to his original form, wincing as a wisp of black nightmare energy rises from the wound on his shoulder. As he starts to apply some more of his healing magic, he hears a familiar whine and looks up in surprise to see the pup had followed him.]

Hey, go back to your parents...

[But he's too tired to really push too hard, especially when he notices the pup is carrying some of lunar flowers and honey.]

...I see, this is for me, huh? Thanks.

[A small ruffle of its ears as he starts with the honey, smearing some of it on his shoulder before sighing and looking over at Tifa. ...She's really going to worry about him...

Too tired to do much more, he positions himself so his good shoulder is beneath him and he hugs her close, his eyes closing as it doesn't take long for him to doze off. Seeing this, the little pup worms its way in-between them, as if wanting to help comfort both.]

[Before they could even reach the temple, Tifa had fallen asleep on his back, and not even the rocking from his run could wake her. The use of her dreamotion in both healing the pup and destroying the noctaere has finally taken its toll on her that she can no longer move or keep her eyes open. She thinks she can hear the wolves as they return to the temple, and Eustace's voice rumbling in her head, but it could all be nothing more than a dream and she wouldn't know the difference.

It's closer to an hour, maybe more, when she finally stirs. It's the warmth that she registers first. It's so warm... so soothing... so safe. She knows those arms well that she doesn't need to open her eyes to know that they are Eustace's, and they are cradling her so easily, the same way they always do. And in between them, she can feel another, smaller body nestled against her chest.]

Mm...?

[When Tifa blinks her eyes open slowly, she sees the pup snuggled in a safe little nook between their bodies, and that Eustace has turned back to himself again. And the two of them are fast asleep...

She doesn't move, but she does look around at the room from where she is. They're resting on a pile of cushions, the walls are high, but the room itself is pretty bare. They must be back at the temple, somewhere within it. She can hear stirrings outside—the howls of wolves and the chatter of the others who have stuck behind to help them nothing more than a distant buzz of white noise.

Her eyes move back to Eustace and she shifts her head carefully on his shoulder, not wanting to wake him, and they land on his shoulder. It looks like he's treated it some, but Tifa still can't help but stare at it, her heart sinking low. She wishes there was more she could do than worry and fret over it...

The pup rouses then with a yawn and a stretch, and if that hasn't woken Eustace up already, then the pup's stretching and licking at both of their faces is sure to be the thing that does.

Still, Tifa presses a finger to her lips to hush the little wolf.]

[Very unusual for him, but Eustace doesn't stir when Tifa wakes, or when the pup licks his face. Well, his brows furrow a bit but he just readjusts to shift closer to Tifa, drawn to her warmth. Their escapade had taken quite a lot out of him, so it's no wonder he needs the rest to recharge.

As for his wound, little flakes of snow periodically appear, whitening the area as it continues to heal the physical portion of the wound. That at least will heal cleanly, but the nightmare energy... Small wisps continue to appear and disappear. Fortunately it's a lot less than before, it lingers, as if threatening to change that peaceful sleep to something else.

Sensing Tifa's unease, the little pup noses the jar of honey and the flowers towards her, a small bark and a wag of its tail trying to indicate to her to use it. Eustace had only put on a small amount before he was too tired to do more.]

[Tifa's attention is piqued when the dog barks at her and nudges the curious jar and the flowers in her direction. Her eyes linger on the black wisps a moment longer, that sense of unease only deepening as they swirl and flutter from the wound beneath the frost, but she's careful as she sits up even as his arms wrap tighter around her, not wanting to wake him.]

I can use this to help?

[She whispers her question to the wolf, and he barks his approval. Looking over his shoulder, it looks as if he'd tried to put some of it on himself... not enough, she thinks...

Tifa shuffles closer, and the pup goes with her, hopping into her lap as she opens up the jar and dabs a finger into it. She's gentle as she reaches out to spread some of it over his cut, flinching at the cold that it emits against her fingertips, but she powers through, gingerly smearing a fresh layer of honey over it.]

I was so scared... [she starts, wondering if he can hear her.] I don't know what came over me out there, but the thought of losing you when I could've stopped it...

[Her unhoneyed hand brushes back the locks of his hair from his forehead before it rests over the side of his face.]

I promised I'd protect you... and I know you're gonna tell me to stop worrying, but I can't help it...

[He continues to sleep, but his body seems to relax more under her touch. The nightmare energy also fades a bit, disappearing bit by bit.

But eventually he does rouse and his eyes slowly open.]

...Tifa?

[And there's a small bark from the pup. Don't forget him, too!!]

[As soon as she hears her name, Tifa is leaning over to press a long-awaited kiss to his lips. It's delicate, almost feather-light, but still carries the same weight and urgency as the wave of relief that tides through her. She knew he would be okay—that they would be okay, but she finally has a chance to embrace that. So, she does.

The pup barks again, and Tifa parts with him, her thumb stroking gentle lines over his face as she smiles down at him, and the wolf leaps up onto his lap for good morning head pats.]

Yeah. I'm here. I'm here...

[The wolf whines. What about him!]

We're both here. [A little arf! of approval.] How are you feeling?

[The kiss is somehow soothing and welcomed, and there's just a small laugh at the pup, giving him it an affection pat, before he grimaces a little.]

Still a little sore, but I'll be fine with a little more rest. Used up more dreamotion than I'm used to.

[Tifa nods along with him, and her own body collapses over his, her head falling back to its rightful place on his shoulder while she finishes up dressing the wound on the other.]

Yeah. We can stay here a while.

[They've earned a rest, she thinks.

It's the first time she's able to get a decent look at the room now, but it's almost barren on all sides, with more cushions tucked away in the other corner.

The pup finds a spot on the other side of Eustace this time, and he turns once, twice, before he flops against him, his nose barely sticking up over his body.]

... What about this?

[She touches the honeyed cut gently. Those black wisps... the ice cold feel of it on her fingertips... She wishes she could say that she was glad he was okay, but is he really? Can she believe that he is?]

Edited 2022-06-24 04:50 (UTC)

...It's just from when I was hit.

[He tries to reassure her, but he knows it's difficult.]

At worst it brought up my worst fears on the initial hit, but now I don't really feel much of anything.

[It is difficult, and she doesn't think it's "just" anything, but she doesn't argue, doesn't bark a retort back, but she does click her tongue under her breath at it. If he says that he doesn't feel anything there anymore then she'll believe him, but that doesn't make her worry any less.

Especially when he says—]

Your worst fears?

[Tifa rises slightly, propping herself up on her elbow so that she can look at him, and brush the hair back from his eyes.]

Did you see them, or...?

[He had a feeling she would ask, so while he hesitates for a moment, he eventually resigns that he can't hide everything from her.]

...Briefly.

[Doesn't mean he can't still be his usual short answer, vague self!!!]

[Tifa gives him That Look and That Tone. The one that begs him to stop being his usual short answer, vague self!!! ~~#married~~]

Eustace...

[Her fingers curl against his jaw, and she sighs.]

If you don't wanna talk about it, it's fine. I get it... but... I want to help.

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