{ Moon's Haunted }

[dreamposts]

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.

Comments

[starshower]

[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.]

[flamekthunder]

[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.

[starshower]

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?

[flamekthunder]

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.

[starshower]

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.]

[flamekthunder]

[There's a small laugh.]

He's starting to be spoiled.

[starshower]

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.

[flamekthunder]

[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.

[starshower]

[As they watch their new friend trot off with his parents, Tifa slides up easily against his side, her body molding to his as her head finds his shoulder and her arms around him, a whimsical sigh billowing out of her. She's exhausted still, and she's already beginning to feel it again in her legs.

Yeah... she answers at first, not quite registering the exact words he's said until the very second the word comes out of her mouth. Immediately, she feels her cheeks grow pink, and she lifts her head to look up at him, her eyes wide and frightened, and her voice has gone up a pitch. Her arms drop to her sides as if they're suddenly made of sand, and she takes half a step back from Eustace, afraid that her heart is going to leap right up out of her chest so that it can burst all over him because it very well might right now, and she would have no power to stop it.]

Huh? W-wait, you want what?

[One of their own? Her eyes dart to the wolves, then to him, to the wolves, then back to him.

He doesn't mean... No, he can't possibly. Can he? No. That's not even possible here, is it? Is it...? She doesn't even know, but if it were, wouldn't it be...

Tifa, you're spiraling!]

[flamekthunder]

[He's surprised by her reaction, eyes widening as he stares down at her confused.]

...A wolf pup?

[??? ??? IS SHE THAT MUCH AGAINST IT LIKE okay sure he already has a lot, but—a puppy!]

[starshower]

[...

????

...????

A wolf... pup...

Her eyes move to the small family as they find themselves a corner to rest in together, so that mom can take care of her baby now that he's safe and sound.]

Oh... Right.

[Tifa's shoulders droop immediately, and while there is a giant wave of relief, there is also a small pang of... something else deep in her chest. An ache, a fleeting one, but there, nonetheless. She really should have expected that, shouldn't she?

She tucks a hair behind her ear before sliding her hands shyly behind her back.]

Uh... well...

[Now she's just embarrassed for misunderstanding!!! How does she even piece together a sentence again? Does her tongue work? Why is it so swollen all of a sudden? Why is her face so red?]

Could always get another dog...!

[Wait, no! There are already twelve!!!]

[flamekthunder]

[Staring.

Staring.

Hmmmmmm.

His eyes flick between Tifa and the wolf family. Again he thinks of something else, and given Tifa's reaction... Did she have the same thoughts?

There's a light smirk as he steps in closer, voice lowering a bit as he leans in a bit.]

One or two?

[Is he talking about puppies—]

[starshower]

[Is he? He must be!

Tifa doesn't budge when he leans in but instead dips her flushed face away from him so he can't see it.

Has she ever thought about it? Sure, maybe she has in the past thought about the idea. It's crossed her mind once in a blue moon since, after affirming her feelings for him, and then again more recently after that debacle of a dream about Flamek, but she'd never brought it up out of fear and the impossibility of it... But as she watches those wolves and their pup...

Wait, what?

Right. Yes. She is also talking about puppies!

Tifa wanders away from Eustace, several strides in front so her back is to him.]

Start with one and see how it goes?

[flamekthunder]

[Another low hum as he watches her wander away before he steps forward. It doesn't take long for him to catch up to her, stepping up alongside her.]

Personally I'd prefer at least two.

[Puppies?? Also, at least—]

[starshower]

[She turns and is surprised to find him standing so close to her, but even as she bites down on her lip to stifle it, a smile blossoms across it. The idea—of a new puppy!—is incredibly terrifying, but somehow, at the same time, it doesn't seem so bad? She could see herself with one, maybe two later down the line—new pups!—and funnily enough, or maybe not so funny at all, she could see herself raising them—the puppies!—with Eustace.]

Honestly? Me, too. [Maybe three... She wouldn't mind it so much.] Gotta let the first one grow a little, though.

[The puppy.]

And with the dogs around to help, it might not be so bad.

[flamekthunder]

Mmm...

Boy or girl first?

[Puppy.]

[starshower]

A girl.

[The answer comes so quick that Tifa surprises herself. She didn't even have to think about it, but her mouth already knew what her brain had taken an extra second to comprehend. Growing up, she always wondered what it would be like to have a little brother or sister. It might have been fun, she thinks, if her mother had been around longer...

And it only makes the blush in her face deepen.]

And then a boy.

[Because that would be cute! For the puppies.]

[flamekthunder]

[He can only hum and smile a little at how quick she answered. Having had an eldest sister and him being the second born oldest son in his own family, he finds her answer a little amusing.

Of course they are talking about puppies—]

I don't really have a preference either way...just as long as you're happy.

[His pace slows as he takes her hand, leaning a little closer to her ear as he whispers those last words.

And of course.......this is just about puppies. After all...anything other than that is likely a pipe dream. More than they could have even here.]

[starshower]

[She gives his hand a squeeze in return.]

Then I guess we'll have another thing to talk about when we get back.

[Though, that ache begins to spread through her heart because yes, anything more than just new pups is a pipe dream. No matter how badly they wanted it, now or later down the line, they never could. It's not even an option for them... And while she hadn't had any plans for it anytime soon, at least knowing that she could one day would be a comfort.

But she tries not to think about it too much because this really is just about puppies...

Tifa turns to face him and takes his other hand in hers.]

I am happy, though.

[She doesn't need to say it to convince either of them of that—she knows it in the deepest parts of her soul that she is truly happy these days, but she still felt she should say it. Just as a reminder.]

[flamekthunder]

[It is bittersweet. Despite it all, there is definitely a double meaning here, one that he had thought about briefly since the beginning and had been literally shoved in his face during the Flower Festival. Of course to even find himself considering for even a second at this point in his life... Really is something only found in dreams. So even if reality says otherwise, it's at least nice to know they share the same feelings about such things.

So he just looks at her warmly before he leans in close, lips brushing against hers—]

...Me, too.

[—before he gently kisses her.]

[starshower]

[She leans up when he moves in, rising on her tiptoes to meet him halfway for what she already eagerly anticipates. And when their lips finally meet, she smiles into the kiss, a happy giggle bubbling up in her throat. Relief, contentedness—it all comes to a head in that one tender gesture. After everything they had seen today, after fighting their way through the darkness, it feels nice to finally smile.

The kiss has to end quicker than she would like it to, because as her hand rests on the back of his neck, there's a pair of very pointed whines right next to them, and when Tifa blinks an eye open to peek, there are two wolf pups sitting there, staring at them...

...

....???]

Ah... [She turns away from them, nuzzling her face into the crook of Eustace's neck, embarrassed at being caught.] Not in front of the kids...

[They bark and then trot away to join the others again, and once they're gone, she looses the breath she'd been holding in with a laugh.]

We should check on those fragments anyway.

[flamekthunder]

[He can't help but laugh in amusement as Tifa expresses her embarrassment, and he just watches as the pups leave, surely thinking "Gross adults" or something. But he just smiles in contentment as he gives her one last affectionate nuzzles.]

Sure.

[Even if there are dire situations right now, having this moment of bliss does a lot of good for him, especially after what had been inflicted upon him earlier.

Of course...as is their luck, things can never just stay peaceful for them. Although they never truly split up too far, there were times when they had to separate to help finish tasks faster. While at the bamboo forest, Eustace informs her that he'll be help out in finding some of the bamboo shoots that provided the materials needed to create the other items. It had just turned full, so it should be enough time to get in and get out before the next phase change.

However, when the shift changes, Eustace has yet to emerge from the forest...]

[starshower]

[Like him, their moments of quiet together after all the chaos are just the thing that Tifa needs to recover. Physically, she's still exhausted, but emotionally, she feels... uplifted. Energetic. Like she could take on the world after a single kiss. So, after some time of helping out around the temple—feeding her emotions to the flowers, playing with the pups—she doesn't let Eustace too far out of her sight as they finally wander out again. Not after that wound of his.

She journeys to the bamboo forest at his side but splitting up to gather as much as possible before the next phase change felt like the best plan at the time, as long as they would keep their promise to return to the edge of the forest before the new moon. Tifa is out there waiting with mooncakes in a sack, the stalks of bamboo suddenly feeling taller and imposing as the darkness creeps up them. The light is disappearing, and she's getting restless. He said he would be here...

He said he would be here, and he isn't... and Eustace never breaks his word...

Tifa leaves the bag behind and pushes the bamboo aside, and immediately, she's met with darkness. Glancing up at the skies, she has maybe a minute of the full moon remaining, but... Her lips press together and with a deep breath, she rushes into the forest. Her feet carry her faster, her urgency and desperation rising as she pushes past the bamboo, ignoring the scrapes that the stray pieces leave behind.

She has no longer has an idea of which way is left from right, so after some running, she stops...]

Eustace!?

[Her heart is thundering in her chest faster than she can breathe air into her lungs, and she can feel tears starting to burn the corners of her eyes, the panic having already set in.]

Eustace...! We said we'd meet outside... Where are you...?

[Please? A sign? Anything?]

CW: DEATH/BLOOD/TRAUMA/ETC NOT COOL STUFF

[flamekthunder]

[As if in answer, she'll hear a loud crackle of thunder, lightning cutting through the pitch black darkness. Fortunately, it's not too much deeper into the forest from where she is, but it's a pretty good sign of who it's coming from.

And when she clears through the thicket of bamboo, she'll find jagged black ice spikes covering the floor, electricity sparking off each of them as lightning continues to strike down haphazardly. The storm clouds swirl high above, thunder deafening. But the loudest of all is the anguished cry of the source of it all.

In the center, down on his knees is Eustace, the black mist of nightmare energy thick around him. His face is contorted in pain as he grips his arm. She'll arrive in time to see it darken before scales erupt, tearing through his sleeve to reveal a familiar, hideous clawed arm.]

No...not again...dammit...don't—!

[His voice is strained, desperate, eyes unfocused as what he sees is completely different from what Tifa sees—although it may not really be that much better. For in his mind he is staring down at the bloody mangled corpse of Tifa, the reason why he had stopped short and caught in this mess to begin with.

He had tried to be careful, even had a few crystals on him, but the direct infection of nightmare energy had been exacerbated by the previous two incidents, but they had been milder in comparison. This? Before the new moon had fully arrived, he had felt that prick in his shoulder, an uneasiness as if trying to warn him to hurry out. He didn't have much farther to go, but somehow the illusion had caught him, digging deep into his darkest fears. In fact he thought the body had been the real one—her seemingly lifeless form enough to make him divert from his original course to see.

But it was just an illusion—there's nothing there, not even a rock or anything to even pretend that it was Tifa's body. And now he's trapped as that memory begins to replay itself, his emotions running amok.

What killed her? How did this happen? Why wasn't he there? How could he have failed her? All his fears gathered in this one spot.]

[starshower]

[Her heart does a leap when she sees the storm, and it's a strange mix of emotions that well up within her. Relief, on one hand, for having a way to find him, but fear on the other because she knows what those thick, black storm clouds mean. Something is wrong, and he's in trouble. Tifa takes off through the forest, the stalks rustling as she forces her way through them on her way to the brewing storm. His cry makes her pick up her pace, and just as she thought earlier that she's never run any faster than she had been then, that's proven wrong. This is the fastest she's ever moved. The arcs of lightning that strike help to light the way, along with the fiery ash that flutters up in her trail, until she finally stumbles upon him.]

Eustace—!

[But she stops dead in her tracks the moment she sees them. Sees the scales spreading like wildfire over his arm, tearing through his shirt. Memories flood back of that dreamscape, and Tifa freezes and her breathing stops, as if all of the air has been sucked out of her lungs. Those scales... Those silvery scales. The claws... the very same ones that had crossed over her skin and opened her up. Her own fear gets the best of her, and she staggers, her knees suddenly about to give out beneath her as it threads deep into her heart.]

Eustace...?

[Her own voice crackles with worry. She wants to move closer, but she can't. She's trying to make sense of what she sees and how to approach this, and the things that he mutters in that hastened, broken voice of his. He's looking down at his claw, and at the ground, but... there's nothing there?]

... What's going on?

[Can he even hear her?]