songerein | { dream faire: part 2

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{ dream faire: part 2 - dragons }

DREAM FAIRE: PART 2 - DRAGONS

Early morning on the fourth day of the five day Dream Faire, something strange is spotted in the distant skies. At first most just think it's a large cloud or large beast flying in the distance, but as the vendors begin setting up for the day, the strange shadow has grown larger and closer. At this point there are reports from the Observatory that one of the large floating mountains usually spotted around the Outer Edge has flown towards the town at incredible speed. At first everyone is excited, thinking perhaps the mysterious residents there have come to join the fun.

Unfortunately, they would only be half right.

At around noon it's all thrown into chaos when the mountain appears directly overhead and thunderous roars rip through the skies as an army of dragons fly off from the mountain and descend down into the town. Though large, those familiar with dragons will notice that they are smaller and sleeker in stature, closer to the size of large wyverns. Without warning they start tearing apart the glittering jewels and gold that decorate the city—but others ignore the treasure to search frantically instead, overturning every wagon, crate, and smashing through doors and windows.

As chaos erupts throughout town, some fae and others who can understand the dragons make a startling revelation. The dragons are not here to just mindlessly destroy the town—they are there to take back their treasure and find their missing clutch of dragon eggs.

This is the second part of our double anniversary event! ICly, this log covers the fourth day of the Faire with the festival portion contained in its own log here. Part one is still active, so don't feel as if you cannot participate in the other log! For general information and to ask any questions, refer to the Dream Notes.

I. DRAGONS

As the word spreads, efforts to fight and repel the dragons lessen and attempts to help take their place. However, with lack of proper communication and the word of the truth spreading slowly, misunderstandings will crop up. Costume effects are still active, so some may find what they're wearing useful in handling the different problems around town.

A. Treasure Salvage. One of the main purposes the dragons are invading the town is to rip up the various gold, jewels, and other priceless relics and artifacts that had been used to decorate the town. Given their enraged state of mind, they're not being very "delicate" about it, but at the very least they haven't started to completely raze the town—yet. Many people will take up arms to try and defend their homes, but those who have heard what's going on can try to help convince people and remove the treasure to return to the dragons. Of course, there are others who are taking advantage of the chaos to try and steal some of that treasure for themselves. If they get caught, however, it won't bode well…

B. Dragon Minions. As a result of all the hostile emotions and desires for revenge, the dragons' magic seeps out via dreamotion and it's so strong that it's capable of influencing those around them. Those who are unable to withstand the overbearing weight of the dragons' rage will become corrupted and side with the dragons. There are no physical changes, just the mindset has changed to follow the orders of the dragons. Since it's not a deliberate spell, one only needs to knock out the "corrupted" individual to break them from the dragon's influence. However, they should be taken away as they will remain susceptible for some time and could be "corrupted" again.

C. Dragon Fights. It's inevitable that there would be those fighting against the dragons, and with many from different worlds and backgrounds with them, seasoned fighters are the first to grab their weapons to fight them off. Given the destructive nature of the dragons, self defense is needed as they get overzealous, especially when the various elemental flames go off. But attempts should still be made to try and calm and work with the dragons instead—and convincing the dragon fighters might be just as hard.

D. Dragon Eggs. What was once thought as ornament eggs, dragon eggs can be spotted rolling around through the streets and other random places such as trees, rooftops, wagons. While some are intact, others are starting to hatch with their little wings and legs poking out and helping their movement. And then there are the ones who have hatched completely. They are small and adorable, but they are a handful. They have very little control over their dreamotion and their powers, which specialize in one of the following elements: fire, ice, lightning, wind, earth, water. The hatchlings are trying to find some tasty jewels to eat, but they are also afraid of what's going on. Returning them to an older dragon will alleviate a lot of the stress from both young and old dragons, and giving a few small jewels or other treasures to the hatchling will help calm them down.

D. Catch Those Leprechauns! Some may recall that it was the leprechauns who not only endorsed and provided much of the treasure, but had asked for assistance in collecting treasure in a strange dreamscape (see Prompt Section III). It soon gets out that they are the ones who stole from the dragons and the dragons are quite keen to exact proper justice on them. Help chase and find these hiding thieves to bring them to the dragons, which will help appease them. Just beware, those leprechauns have magic of their own, such as hiding, deception magic, and conjuring illusions, and will also try to frame anyone as the culprits. They will also try to bribe others to help them, their ability to deceive and charm others is quite effective.

II. DRAGONNAPPED

While the dragons are focused on retrieving their treasure and missing dragon eggs, some dragons can't help old habits—kidnapping royalty. Whether it's a prince or princess, a few will take anyone who happens to catch their personal interest. It could be because of personality, appearance, or even scent. Once they find their special prize, the dragon will fly them away to their lair, which could be a cave high in the mountains or an old castle tower. Now there's a rescue mission on top of defending the town.

A. Escape Attempts. Not everyone wants to stay a damsel in distress. Although the dragons will leave them in their lairs, no one is bound and is free to move around.

Mirror Mirror. There are a lot of magic mirrors that connect between the various lairs and castles, allowing everyone to communicate through them freely. They might even happen to see fellow captives through the mirror's glass. Tall, wall length mirrors act as doorways, allowing individuals to travel from one area to the other. The catch is once it's used, it can't be used again. But it's better to work together than try and figure out a way alone, especially with everything like a huge maze.
Enemies Everywhere. Beware of other creatures that lurk nearby, from fire salamanders to various imps and large bats. Castles will have stone gargoyles that will come to life while the caves will have stone golems instead. They can all be defeated, but some may find themselves lacking suitable weapons. Fortunately, there is an abundance of magical artifacts and weapons at their disposal. While a bejeweled golden sword may be more decorative and actually useless, it's better than nothing! The creatures can also be distracted by throwing treasure their way. Bonus appearance: those corrupted by the dragons could appear here to guard.
Flying Steeds. The real question is, once they get out of the cave or castle, how do they get down and off the flying mountain? There are a few giant eagles and pegasus around, but taming or coaxing them won't be easy. It's not that they are wild in nature—in fact they are quite intelligent and will understand whatever is being said. They just don't want to get mixed up in whatever trouble is going on—these are dragons after all. Only those with the bravest of hearts will be able to approach…but feeding them their favorite foods could also work. Catch some rabbits or gather some golden apples and maybe they'll help out.

B. Brave Knights. For those determined to save the dragonnapped victims, help has arrived just in time! Appearing seemingly out of nowhere, several hot air balloons that look similar to the ones from Oz descend from the skies, a few flying monkeys waving in greeting. In addition, giant owls wearing gondolas fly in, ready to carry anyone who needs a lift. Giant Butterflies have also been enlisted, so there's no shortage of transportation up to the dragons' flying mountain. But it won't be easy. No matter which method they use, the winds around the floating mountain are strong and stormy, making it difficult to navigate through the skies. Having a partner to help use dreamotion to create more stable winds will help. Once there, the now dubbed "knights" have the following options in trying to save the dragonnapped.

Operation Stealth. Sneak in through a hidden entranceway. Those who are inside the lair or castle can help guide them through, especially if they toss down a mirror to help communicate. Unfortunately they can't cheat and use one of the mirrors from the outside, but once inside they can try to use the mirrors to make it out.
Persuasion. Should they encounter the dragon, it won't be happy. However, it might be possible to persuade the dragon that they're all on the same side and that everything was a mistake. Surely it would be better to have a dragon as an ally than an enemy?
Bribery. Maybe just talking isn't enough. If the knight happened to bring any treasure, dragon eggs, or a hatchling with them, this would be a great time to offer it up and score some big points.
Boss Fight. When all else fails and the dragon is determined to keep their prize, the only way out is to fight. However, although the dragon has the home field advantage, it's also its greatest weakness. Use of the treasure and artifacts will inflict more damage, and threatening to break anything has a strong chance to weaken the dragon until they give up. Bonus appearance: those corrupted by the dragons could appear here instead or to assist the dragon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

. . . Nngh.

[ Susato stirs, and it still feels like all the wind is gone from her body. The last thing she remembers is trying to reason with one of the creatures, offer them help finding their eggs and taking back their treasure, if only they would spare the town. Actions speak louder than words however, and as she moves to dodge--to prove to the dragons that she would help--one catches her in its claws with a metallic clang against her armor, sending her straight into the wall.

Now she can feel a heavy weight against her stomach. Gravity pulls at her limbs, hanging like noodles, though she still doesn't know which way is up, or down. Her hair is everywhere, covering her face, in her mouth, and she has to spit some of it out.

She starts coughing, feeling a familiar presence as she is jostled about almost rhythmically. She has no idea how much time has passed since then. All she can see is the ground when she opens her eyes, and it appears to... move. Ever forward. One foot after another.

Footsteps. ]

...?

[She may even hear the occasional chirps from Fang, walking nearby.]

It's fine. [Kazuma's voice speaks up, a picture starting to come together. It was Kazuma's footsteps Susato was hearing, Kazuma is currently carrying her in a rather unflattering manner. The noise of the dragon's attack were behind them. The air might start to feel cooler and damp as they enter inside a building. Fang's chittering gets more excited.]

Oh...? [The movement starts to slow, Kazuma glancing at his prized possession.] You're awake.

[ ...... Is she though? In a place like this, it's hard to tell. Her head is definitely pounding, and distantly, she can still hear the chaos she was trying so hard to keep contained. "It's fine"-- is he speaking to her?

...No, she can hear the familiar chirps from Fang. Sweet, precious girl...

Susato speaks sluggishly, arms flailing a bit as she tries to climb down out of whatever awkward position this was. ]

What happened...? I was--

[ The dragons... The town...

......! ]

[Kazuma is going to refuse her flailing to be put down, tightening his hold.]

It's all right. We're out of harm's way. [Calm down. They start moving upwards as he heads up a stairway. Fang was still making noises that seem concerning.]

[ Well, that didn't answer her question. She does stop struggling, but only because her stomach protests to the pressure as he tightens his hold. A moment longer of glancing about and she's figured out that she's looking in the direction they're coming from, meaning she's now looking down the stairway that looks like it would have been right at home in 19th century London, England.

They're climbing up... ]

Then... why are you not letting me down?

[ And Fang... She must be walking ahead of him. She tries to catch a glimpse of the girl. Is she OK? ]

It's just a few more steps. [He'll let her down at the top, probably. When she does stop struggling, he'll stop squeezing her at least.] How are you feeling?

[ His behavior still strikes her has strange. He's always been respectful of her physical boundaries, but she'll take his word for it for now that their destination is not far.

Wherever that is. ]

It's difficult to get my bearings like this, I should be alright to walk on my own.

[No. He needs to keep holding onto her, until they're at the end of the stairway. Fang is sitting at the top, waiting anxiously. True to his word, he will put her down at the top of the stairs. A simple room awaits them ahead.]

Let's continue our talk in the room.

[ A simple room with a familiar air of loneliness.

After a glance at the anxious Fang and an attempt to give the girl some reassuring pets, Susato enters the room first, though what relief she felt at her "freedom" is quickly sucked away. Light only comes from one small window, far too small to crawl through, and a meager candelabrum that looks like it may flicker out at any moment in the dead air. ]

...Why did you bring me here? [ This castle. This room... ]

To keep you safe. [Kazuma remains at the doorway, keeping her from leaving the room. Fang, pacing about just behind him. Something is very not right that it's upsetting Fang.]

It's too dangerous right now to leave this place.

[ If nothing else, Fang's behavior makes it the most obvious, though Susato already had her suspicions. His implications are strikingly clear as she makes a casual movement to sidestep him, which he seems intent on blocking. Her eyes follow Fang's pacing...

She clenches her fist. ]

You-- You can't.

[His arms cross, following her movements whenever she tries to get pass him.] Why not?

They'll destroy everything. We have to continue trying to reason with them. And besides, I...

[ What ever words she might have said catch in her throat. There's a pause, and she finishes: ]

Fang is upset.

Besides what? How do you plan to reason with them without getting torn to shreds, or burn to ash? [He shakes his head.] You must stay here. [He's completely ignoring how agitated Fang is]

[ Being ignored does not help ease the poor dragon's worries, but she is loyal to him. Susato can tell. She sees some of that same loyalty in herself, but something about this is wrong. There is nothing for her here, he must know that. ]

And do what, exactly? Hide behind you as I always have? [ Always a step behind, always a moment too late. Even now. She couldn't stop whatever was happening to him. ]

If this is about last month, I... We have already discussed it at length. You must trust me!

[...] I trust that you'll listen to me and do as I say. [Was there a yellow glint in his eyes?]

We are staying here until the danger has passed.

[ The familiar yellow glint. At first, she doesn't think much of it. One of his lingering snake features, perhaps... but then it hits her where she's seen it before. It's a glint matching the eyes of a dragon. Probably the last thing she saw, just before she hit the wall.

She can still feel the lingering dull ache at the point of impact. She ignores it for now though, relaxing her shoulders. Has she given up, or does she have a new plan? She has always been bad at saying no to him.

...How can she pull him back from this? ]

Fine. I understand.

[ She closes the distance between them slowly, then cautiously reaches a hand to gently caress his cheek. ]

I've worried you again, haven't I?

[And he's well aware of her habits of never backing down. So even if she appears to relax, he hasn't. So when that hand goes up to try and touch his cheeks, he reaches to grip it, gently.]

It was quite a hit you took. As a matter of fact...how are you feeling?

[ Even when he is stopping her, she can still feel that he is holding back. She glances at his hand, gripped firmly at her wrist. She's not surprised exactly, though one look at her eyes, glanced sideways, as well as the tone of the very breath she takes, will betray the hurt she feels.

After all this time they've been together, he still won't let her in. There is still a wall. Maybe it's her fault for ever thinking that she could take it down.

...or deceive him. ]

I don't want to be here.

[He'll be mad about this later. Right now, there are two sides fighting inside him. The mad desire to protect his treasure, and the sensible side screaming that this is all wrong. But this is Susato, why would he not want to keep her safe? He shakes his head.]

I'm sorry. I cannot permit you to leave. [He felt a nudge on his leg, Fang affectionally rubbing against him out of concern.]

But... But we can leave together! [ Fang's nudging turns into nibbles at his pant leg, as if trying to tug him out of the way. Perhaps there is a part of her that always wished to stand gallantly at his side. ]

We can keep each other safe. We can protect Reverein!

[Together...? For a moment, his mind seem to be working, but then he shakes his head.]

The only one that needs to be protected is you. [He moves his leg when Fang continues to tug at him.] We'll stay here, together.

[ You. It sounds accusatory, and for a moment she falters in disbelief. She feels the weight of everything pulling her down, from being unable to reach Eustace, unable to save Tifa--and unable to save herself, from the dragon's attack, turning him into this. ]

I'm sorry... I'm sorry, but this is not the kind of protection I need. If you won't permit me to leave, then...

...then I am nothing but your prisoner, and this is my punishment.

[Prisoner. He could hear the hurt in her voice, and it reaches somewhere deep inside him. He doesn't want this, not for her.]

I... [His brow furrows, clearly in conflict with himself. He shakes his head.] I don't want to lose you.

[ Susato can certainly relate to that. Nevertheless, she shakes her head, audibly sucking in a breath. Her hands move to touch his face again, gently trailing down his cheek. ]

You haven't. Rather... it feels like I have lost you.

[ It wouldn't be the first time, either. ]

So...

⚔ kazuma asogi (chippedsoul)

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