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.

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[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.

...

[He just closes his eyes as he leans into her touch.]

This is enough.

[Which means, no, he does not want to talk about it. He doesn't want to think about it.]

[Her smile breaks free from under the worry, but it still lingers in her gaze as she tries to keep her eyes trained on his face and not on the wound. She accepts his answer and lowers her head until her forehead is resting over his where she closes her eyes. If he'd rather not talk about it, even if she would, then she won't push him.

She's much too tired to argue, anyway.]

Then this is enough for me, too.

[And the pup has fallen asleep again, so it doesn't look like they'll be able to get up anytime soon.]

Did you wanna sleep a little longer? I didn't mean to wake you.

[He's silent got several moments as he seriously considers...but then he shakes his head.]

I'll feel better if I move around.

[And not risk having even the smallest of nightmares. Getting hit by that nightmare energy has made him wary of what kind of effects it may have on him, and while he does truly feel fine, one slip and it could be trouble. He'd rather not risk it.]

[She moves then, sitting up and immediately offering him her hand.]

Okay. We can walk around the temple a little if you'd like... until you're feeling better.

[But she's not leaving his side. At least, not for a little while longer, until she's sure that he really is fine and that this nightmare energy is as good as gone.]

Maybe the wolves will know a way to help. Could also use something to help clean this up.

[She lifts her hand, her fingers still sticky with the flower honey.]

[He takes it and is slightly reassured when he stands and doesn't feel vertigo or any kind of dizziness from any remaining fatigue. He definitely will need to take it easy, however, especially if he wants to be sure he can be ready for the next fight.

So he just nods.]

Let's check on the moon fragments and the defenses as well.

[Refusing to not provide some assistance. But he will also not try to push Tifa away. If anything... What he didn't say earlier as he did not want to give it away is that he needs her most right now. Those fears he had, the nightmares he doesn't want to foster—they were mostly related to her. So having her with him is a reassurance as well.

And of course, when he stood up the pup had fallen and gives a small yelp and bark of protest. How rude! But Eustace just smiles a little fondly as he bends down to pick him up.]

We should return this fellow as well.

Okay. But you'll promise to take it easy, yeah?

[Yes, they can check on the moon fragments and the temple's defenses because she knows Eustace too well to know that he won't be able to sit on them for long. He wants to help, and she isn't going to stop him, but those defenses need dreamotion energy to work, and if they plan on going out there again later, they're going to need to save up all that they can again.

Her hand gives his an earnest squeeze, a silent plea to promise her that he won't overdo it until he's feeling better.

The pup barks in Eustace's arms, begging for their attention again.]

Alright, alright. Let's get this guy back to his parents first. [As she leads Eustace by the hand to the door.] How'd he end up with us anyway?

I promise.

[And off they go with one hand still holding hers and his other arm occupied with the pup.]

He followed me when I carried you here. Given how he had the flowers and the jar, I can only assume his parents helped and allowed him to stay with us.

That's sweet...

[The pup gives a little bark in return! Yes, very kind and generous and thoughtful of him and they should definitely give him a treat or something for being so very kind and generous and thoughtful!!!

But when it doesn't come, he flops helplessly against Eustace's chest.]

We'll have to be sure to thank his parents for letting him take such good care of us before we go, too. Maybe a treat too, if we can find one.

[YES! The wolf barks and barks, his tail flapping madly in Eustace's arms.]

[There's a small laugh.]

He's starting to be spoiled.

Just this once.

[Tifa waggles a honey-covered finger at him, and he tries to lick some of it off before she pulls away.]

That's if I can even find a treat fit for a pack of wolves, though.

[She's not even sure what they eat, but as the thought occurs to her, a pair of wolves pad up to them, their coats not so different from Tifa's and Eustace's in their wolf forms that she can't help but tip her head at the uncanniness. Is this why he had grown to feel so friendly around them?]

Guess it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Seeing its parents, the pup barks and wags its tail before jumping down to greet them. The wolves express their thanks, the mother immediately licking the pup's face because where did it get this honey from what a mess. When asked to give the pup a treat, the two wolves lead them over to where some mooncakes are shelved. Taking one for each, Eustace hands one to Tifa before feeding it to the pup who happily eats it. Mmmmm mooncake. Best treat of all!

After Tifa feeds hers and they spend a few more minutes playing and speaking with the parents (mostly Eustace catching up on things), they're left to watch the family go. Seeing the pup leave and how it's happily back with its parents... Forms a strange prick in his chest. Briefly he thinks of something, but then shakes it off as he's reminded of the dogs waiting for them. Specifically, how the flower pups have also grown...

...]

...Hm... [He slips an arm around Tifa's waist as he watches on a little wistfully.] Think I want one of our own.

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