MOD EVENT #001

[oblivium]

A CHAOTIC RESPITE

It isn't rare for the seasons in the Netherworld to be a little erratic, though many days have passed now without much of a hint of its typical mercuriality, a good and a bad omen all at once. This respite is commonly referred to as the proverbial "calm before the storm", but it also marks the beginning of merrier celebrations. The Moons above are gilded silver, the twilight sky edged with faint pink and orange -- a sunrise phantasm, spilling over the horizon. It's an infrequent spectacle, accompanied by a dulcet breeze and light drizzles that seem to encourage growth nearly everywhere. Unfortunately, under its influence, people seem a little on edge, quick to anger, but no matter; around Stygia, Restless have begun hanging decorations and ornaments on trees and windowsills, left to catch the moonlight and give off marigold and ginger glows, warmly lighting up the city. Rather than fish, the smell of freshly ground spices permeates the air in the Harbors, Mirth keeps its doors opened to all, but just before the festivities officially begin, a cacophony of chimes resounds all over, a transmission difficult to ignore.

On the screen of your cellphone, nothing; only a voice, ragged, out of breath...

“The woods... Oakwoods! They've come alive! O-One minute he was complaining about the water seeping into his boots, and the next he was... he was being yanked up into the trees! We didn’t see what happened to him, but we heard... the screams, ohh, the screams. Please! Come to Serene, I beg you. This is our safest sanctuary, and the lan... oh, no... wait, no, please... please... NOOO--”

...and the feed abruptly ends, a dull chirr of static. Will you ignore the stranger's call for help and feast, or venture into the woods?

► I. KNOCK ON WOOD (OH PUCK, HE'S HOT!)

When you cross the gates of Serene, an old woman welcomes you, palm flat against her chest and disquiet in her eyes. Myrtille, her name. Oakwoods loom dense and dark in the distance behind her, groaning low as leaves rustle without wind. The Mourning Lantern was stolen, and malevolence rose in turn, dooming them all.

“It was once kept here, a sacred Artifact crafted from the bones of Serene's first founder, who gave her heart’s blood willingly to the woods in an act of contrition. It's the absence of the lantern that is contributing to the wood’s unusually active malice, and if you lot cannot retrieve it, then we must sacrifice another. Go! Take these torches and go, before Oakwoods swallow us whole.”

So you've decided to be brave. Commendable, or foolish? The wood is dark and shrouded in mist, and the trees crowd around you, an absent wind somehow whispering foul nothings in your ear as dead leaves rustle around your feet. Your Shadow basks in the murmurs, sensing the malign presence in Oakwoods as a faint, garbled scream echoes in the distance. You wander deeper and the canopy thickens, thin streaks of moonlight peppering the woods in deep patches of darkness. Behind you, a creature you can't see hisses, and a fluttering of wings nearby alerts you to the arrival of snickering harpies lurking on branches. “Dead,” they croak, in a sing-song chorus. “Dead as daylight.” Oddly enough, they seem content to just watch and stalk you, perhaps expecting you to die quickly, an easy and effortless meal.

It's a frustrating errand if you've ever known one. You barely know what you're looking for, and your Shadow thrives in the dark, taunting, coaxing. You hear it then; a haunting melody, the silhouette of a boy on a fallen tree trunk, strumming. “Come,” he says, with a voice that shimmers like the sun on moving water. If you remember what that's like. “Rest a while. Forget your troubles.” For anyone familiar, you'll recognize him as a Puck, famous prankster, and from his hand dangles a lantern.

► If you attempt to take the lantern from him, he'll immediately drop it to the ground, causing it to break. You may choose to kill him and offer his blood to the woods, or let him go and bleed in his stead. Myrtille should be able to repair what's left of the lantern once the offering's been made.
► If you politely ask to return it, he promises that he will... if you indulge him for the night.

No matter what you choose, you will come across camps, either on your way in or on your way back: pitched tents, most moth-eaten, and some containing vestiges of prior expeditions such as putrid corpses or rotten food. You've been wandering for a while, and sleep sounds terribly inviting. Unfortunately, a wind finally picks up, and leaves begin to blow around you. A nick, then a cut, then a slash reveal the leaves to have razor sharp edges. Sleep well yet? If you've spared the Puck, he'll encourage you to sit with him around a campfire, where he'll sing and tell stories. Or are they. Perhaps you've heard of Bloody Mary before. Slenderman? The Devil that'll make you dance until you die? While the lantern remains in stranger hands, the thread between reality and fiction narrows; protagonists from the Puck's legends come to life, and the only way to rid of them is by quenching the flames of the fire.

Your journey unfortunately doesn't end there. The Puck has a riddle for you: I am a word that is hardly there. Remove my start, and I'm an herbal flair. What am I?

If you fail to answer correctly, he'll vanish before you, and you can bid the lantern goodbye. You'll be forced to gather the bones from the corpses scattered across the woods, and feed it your blood -- or a friend's -- before you escape and return to the woman. The offering will leave you drained and exhausted, weak on your legs. If, on the other hand, you do answer correctly, the lantern is yours, and you'll be teleported out of the woods with a boon in your pocket: a piece of parchment invites you to visit your home in the Shadowlands. There, you'll find an object (or a pet) that belonged to you in your world.

the answer to the riddle is sparsely! it's up to you whether you'd like your character to fail.
legends told around the campfire can be any of the ones mentioned above or any other that might strike your fancy! go wild, have fun!
remember that if you pick an item from your character's world as their boon, it'll eventually disintegrate unless reforged with a soul.

.

► II. GO BIG OR GOURD HOME

Welcome to the Frightful Harvest, a festival that marks the beginning of the Respite, a temporary period of tranquility between seasons. It acknowledges the blessings offered and the role that both good and evil play in the Netherworld. It is a time to give thanks, but more importantly, it is a time of reflection and warding. Warding against not only the darkness of the next seasons to come, but of the nefarious creatures and struggles that will undoubtedly follow.

Carved pumpkins and straw bales are placed everywhere around the city, and streamers and banners are hung from every home and storefront. Decadent cakes, candies, and pastries are made in over-abundance in order to accommodate everyone, and from the lush gardens of Radiance, an elderly, dark-robed man addresses the Netherwork. You'll learn by eavesdropping on nearby Restless that his name is Doran, the oldest among you and loved by all. His smile stretches kind, and while not an official member of the Hierarchy, it's clear he has certain privileges -- well-deserved, or so you hear.

“Let us gather, feast, dance and celebrate. Let us hold our glasses high for those who heroically perished, for goodness, and for the Ascended. May their journey inspire us to change our lives and the lives of others, to resist evil, and to triumph. To you, dear friends!”

And without further ado, let the festivities begin!

► BARDIC BLITZ
The bardic blitz is a friendly competition that pits talented musicians against one another in an attempt to win over the affection of the crowd through festive melodies or personal compositions. Although it can be hosted just about anywhere, the bardic blitz is normally held in a large canvas tent directly in the heart of Mirth, though smaller crowds also gather in Serene and the Harbors around bonfires.

► FEAST
Although all cultures around Stygia bring their own tastes and specific flair to the celebrations, there are a few staple trade goods that you can find at nearly any celebration of the holiday throughout the city. Many producing the various cakes, beverages, and cookies also use the time to test and perfect their recipes, teaching others or using them as guinea pigs.

► Firstdawn Tea: This revitalizing crimson tea soothes the mind and body and is brewed from the roots of the dawn flower, which only sprouts during the Respite.
► Grablenuts: These fist-sized brown nuts have a hard, stippled outer shell and soft, delicious spicy centers. A single bite will slightly lower your inhibitions, and you may find yourself seeking proximity and warmth.
► Elysium: A nonalcoholic beverage that smells and looks as bad as it tastes. Only those with the strongest will manage to gulp it down. Once drunk, the person experiences true bliss, which seems to last for hours; in reality, it's only a few minutes.
► Will-o-the-Whiskey: Whisky with minor hallucinatory effects, visual and auditory.
► Sundrop: A pound cake coated in a sugary lemon drizzle. No side-effects, just delicious!
► Shadowfell Candy: Chewing on this candy will grant the character a deep and rejuvenating sleep, during which they will appear dead to anyone.

. ► HARVEST HUNT
The harvest hunt happens in a corn maze located in Mirth's amusement park, specifically created for the occasion. Because of the labyrinthian horrors dwelling in the Tempest, some find the terror-free replica a little inappropriate, yet participants still abound every time. A favorite seasonal game of the exuberant and athletic, characters take on the role of either hunter or prey, racing through the maze to either corner their quarry or escape the hands of their pursuer. As long as Shadows behave, it's a relatively safe activity. Friendly spars sometimes occur, picnics, and star-gazing.

► THE PARADE
The parade is the activity most looked forward to by younger Restless. Citizens clad in colorful costumes walk the streets to the rhythm of festive music, and according to tradition, it helps ward away any lingering evil that might try to hide in the community. For reasons unknown, incidents where Restless unwillingly swap bodies sometimes occur.

► III. WAYWARD SUN

The Warding Ritual is a private affair, a behind-the-scene execution on the last day of the festival as you dance and feast and frolic, blissfully unaware. Something goes awry. First, a shriek in the distance, and soon, birds flying away in apparent surprise as the landscape rustles with the sounds of creatures and Restless alike fleeing. A vague sense of dread knocks the air out of your lungs, an iron grip around your throat. And you see it then, a headless figure shrouded in a black veil of cloth, sword in one hand and a bright flaming pumpkin in the other. Its head. It thunders through the night on its skeletal horse, its blade flashing in the moonlight in search of prey. Heads fall. You might get injured during the chase -- collateral damage. 10 members of the Hierarchy won't ever rise again, and the rider eventually charges into the Tempest, leaving behind bloody puddles and a slather of confusion. If you opt to help clean up the mess, you might come across stained sheets of paper on the ground, a painting of a white scorpion in the middle. Otherwise, it's time for you to go home.

---

ooc note

► Welcome to Nightfell's first event! If you'd like additional, more casual prompts, the Notice Board is right here! New prompts will be added next month, if you've already had your fun with them!
► You'll find some answered questions here, but if you'd like to ask something else, please comment below!
► For a little spooky ambience in the woods.

Comments

[nagano]

[ Don't give in to temptation, Hibiki. You can do it.

...Then again, the more Sixty-nine talks, the more Kaito feels tempted to throw his fist at his damn fae-ce. It doesn't help that he's whipping things out of the nether like it's in vogue.

S̴t̴u̴p̵i̷d̶ ̴f̷u̶c̸k̶i̸n̷g̵ ̷f̸a̵i̶r̷y̵.̵ ̶T̵h̶a̷t̸'̷s̵ ̶O̴U̷R̸ ̴g̵i̷m̷m̶i̷c̶k̷.̶

...I don't often agree with you, but just this once, I'm making an exception.

He's about to grumble when he feels the blonde's gaze (or at least the intent behind it). While Puck drones on, he returns the glance. A small nod to confirm her unasked question.

It's gonna be Weird Fae Shit™.

Kaito looks back to Puck. ]

I'm vaguely familiar. A girl takes in a dragonling, and raises it in secret.

[windsongs]

Yes, that would be the one! A truly tragic tale, no doubt about it!

[ At the first strum of the lute, Hibiki feels something strange. Not quite a tug at her subconscious, but still a familiar sensation nevertheless. One she hasn't felt since coming to this place, but as soon as it stirs, flickering like the flame on a candle, it's gone once more. Did... did she just imagine that? That had to be it, right?

As Puck begins to sing a ballad of a young girl and her beloved pet wyvern, an eerie calm begins to roll in like a fog. The distant cries of harpies go quiet, along with any other sounds from the forest. His voice becomes the only thing that they can hear, as the world outside of the campsite is there and gone in the blink of an eye. Did it even exist to begin with?

A little thought exercise for two nosy Restless to wrestle for another time perhaps. If they make it out of this fairy circle in one piece.

Coming to the end of the tale, the fae bard grins at the pair as he slowly strums the last chord, one note at a time. ]

Though the young girl mourned for the loss of her dearest friend, I believe we all know that a dragon of such power would never be felled by a single spear's strike.

[ WOOSH

From outside the circle, a raucous wind tears through the trees. One gust. Then again. And again; each time growing closer. Hibiki jumps to her feet, her head whipping toward the sound.

The grin on Puck's stupid fae-ce nearly splits it in two, as he also stands, lute winking from existence one more before he grabs both bottle and lantern. Sweeps an arm in to give the two a bow before disappearing like his lute. ]

I hope you two can give this tale a proper conclusion!

[ And right on cue, a massive, green wyvern appears from the void, ricocheting itself at the pair with talons ready to tear through anything in their path. ]

[nagano]

[ The little ditty isn't very compelling for Kaito—not when his eyes are constantly darting about in search for some kind of surprise. He occasionally steals glances at Hibiki, and it's a small relief to see that she's still keeping her cool.

...Wait.

It strikes Kaito far too late, as Puck is wrapping up his tale. His eyes hadn't been set low enough.

This entire campsite is a fairy circle.]

Motherf̴u̵c̷k̴e̴r̴—̸

[ WOOSH.

That's a fucking WYVERN. The loss of one (1) motherpucker is also infuriating, but right now the empath's priority is getting off his ass and preparing for some exercise. Maneuvering behind Hibiki, he leans in to speak. The sound of water seems to flow in tandem with his words. ]

Brace yourself!

[ Rearing back, Kaito raises his arms over his head. A sphere of water begins to form between his palms. When it looks as if he'll fall over, he snaps up and YEETS the now phone booth-sized ball straight at the divebombing beast's head.

If it connects, it's going to hit like a semi. ]

[windsongs]

[ As Kaito darts behind her, a fierce wind begins to pick up around her, the slowly-forming cyclone adjusting to account for him without a second thought. Swirling near their feet, it begins to pick up speed as she focuses. She might not be able to see what he's up to, but the sound of water gives her at least some indication. If he's standing behind her, then-- ]

--!

[ A flash of insight forces her to duck, giving Kaito more space to pitch the oversize ball of water straight at the wyvern's wide head. It may be stupid, but it knows enough to get the fuck out of the way when someone's launching a giant anything at it, wings flapping wildly as it changes trajectories. Didn't Puck just say that this thing was no slouch?!

But interestingly, as the spell flies into the void... Did it hit something out there? It sounded like it made an impact.

Hibiki however doesn't take the time to question it, and as the wyvern readjusts to continue its dive bomb, she shouts back at him before grasping for his arm. ]

Jump!

[ The tempest coiling around them surges, collapsing in toward the pair with a strong updraft. Has he ever been flung before? Well, there's always a first for everything, as the pair are rocketed up a short distance. Maintaining grip on him, she forces the current to split--one attempting to launch the wyvern into the sky, and the other tossing the pair to the other side of the circle. The landing is a little rough, with the gust pushing her back into him. She takes a breath, then-- ]

Holy shit, that actually worked?!

[ Well, the wyvern wasn't flung, but its briefly stopped its charge as it regains it's footing (winging?), weaving from side to side in the air. But congrats Hibiki, you can now yeet someone other than yourself. ]

[nagano]

[ Haha, dumb wyvern.

Kaito doesn't really have time to properly process the fact that his spell found purchase outside his sight. Their opponent is still en route to crash into them, and just as he's about to attempt a very risky teleport, he hears Hibiki's voice.

There's no hesitation. He jumps, and that burst of wind sends him propelling skyward. To answer the other disembodied voice's question: this is, in fact, not his first aerial rodeo. Kaito's well-adapted to thinking off his feet, so when Hibiki manages to vault them away from the beast, he conjures a slender wall of silver aura near their projected landing spot.

Pro: it makes for a great stopper when he lands rough and then has to catch her stumbling form.

Con: he's going to feel that sandwiching impact in the morning. A weak wheeze leaves him as his ribs are almost crushed. Once they're all straightened out... ]

Hurk... I see you're... also someone who plays fast and loose... Whew...

[ Having slouched to rest his hands on his knees, Kaito finally glances up—and he's grinning. ] Nice job. We're gonna have to work on that later. For now...

[ Slashing his arm across the air, Kaito crafts a long rope of water. The aura plank he'd created earlier uproots itself from the ground before positioning itself in front of the rope. Pulling his arms back like he's miming, The Spectacle™ begins.

The Spectacle™ being: a giant slingshot made of water that promptly ejects its chosen ammunition—a large rectangle made of pure energy—straight at the wyvern at a breakneck pace! ]

[windsongs]

[ Note to self: Kaito is down for Stupid Shit. Filing that away for later, once they get out of PuckMaster69's circle.

Despite the absolute work that her shadow has been putting in since he first made it to the scene in this creepy corpse copse, there's a surprising lack of back-biting as Hibiki flings the both of them backwards. Even as he nearly gets bodied by another body, there are no snide comments.

O̵k̴a̴y̸,̸ ̷t̸h̸a̸t̶ ̶w̶a̷s̸ ̵c̷o̷o̶l̶ ̴a̵s̷ ̴h̸e̶l̵l̷ ̷a̷c̶t̸u̷a̶l̴l̷y̵.̷

...You know what, she will take that as a partial victory. Her and Kaito can go 50/50, like any other good (purely business) partnership.

Righting herself before practically hovering over him, genuinely concerned she might have done some damage, she can't help but feel a rush as he grins at her. It doesn't divert her attention for more than a split second, as the wyvern lets out a shrill, piercing roar as it races toward the pair. It doesn't get enough time to react before Kaito looses the bolt of energy, piercing through scale to graze skin, drawing blood--and pissing the creature off.

Hooking her arm around his midsection, Hibiki attempts to drag Kaito out of the way as the emerald terror tries to clumsily kebob him with the barbed end of its tail. Fully expecting that it would have plunged it deep into the wielder of whatever the hell just shot at it, venom drips onto the ground below, burning a hole through the detritus.

Okay what the fuck is that. Puck what the fuck is that?! ]

Yep. Fae are officially the worst!

[ S̷e̸e̸?̸ ̷T̷h̶i̸s̷ ̴i̸s̵ ̵w̸h̷y̵ ̶y̵o̴u̴ ̷s̶h̸o̶u̸l̵d̴'̷v̸e̶ ̶l̶i̷s̸t̴e̷n̶e̷d̷ ̴t̵o̶ ̴m̶e̷ ̸a̶n̴d̶ ̴j̷u̸s̸t̴ ̶k̸i̷l̵l̷e̷d̷ ̸h̸i̴m̸.̵

NOT NOW! ]

[nagano]

[ Nice! Now it's pissed.

...

N̶i̶c̶e̷.̶ ̸N̸o̴w̵ ̵i̴t̶'̴s̸ ̶p̴i̴s̵s̴e̵d̸,̷ ̴d̷u̷m̸b̴a̵s̶s̷.̶

Kaito typically doesn't care much for being manhandled, but exceptions can be made when getting jerked around is the alternative to being gored by a spiky, acidic venom-dripping tail.

While he isn't sharing the same sentiment as his partner (BUSINESS partner), he sure isn't amused. ]

Don't speak too soon. Gods are way more annoying...

[ Sighing, Kaito takes in a deep breath—and exhales a seemingly endless stream of cool, cloudy mist. It fills the entire space of the campsite, obscuring both them and the wyvern from each others' view. He's just barely visible next to the blonde.

This should hopefully buy them a few seconds to chat. ]

I wouldn't recommend trying to brute force our way through this wyvern's hide. Even with our combined powers, we'd probably run ourselves ragged trying to confront the beast on its terms. How confident are you in punching some holes through its wings or severing its tail? We'll want to disable it before going for any decisive strikes.

[windsongs]

[ Well, she wasn't anticipating having to deal with any gods outside of the one she's somehow pals with, but Kaito will still get A Look after making that statement. Great. Something else for her to look forward too once they get out of here and go on with their (not un) lives. ]

...Okay, they're the worst right now.

[ As the mist begins to billow through the campsite, the wyvern tries to combat this by beating its wings harder in an effort to thin it enough to see the pair. But it doesn't seem able to make it budge, letting out an angry, piercing howl as it thrashes about blindly.

Good. At least that will keep it busy for a while. ]

I think I should be able to tear through its wings, but I'm not strong enough to cut through its tail. That thing took a hit from you like it was nothing, so unless we find something a soft spot, preferably somewhere vital...

[ And that thing is going to undoubtedly protect its underbelly, so what else other than that would be a decisive hit? Something that isn't protected by scales or a thick hide. ]

...What about the mouth? It's risky, but if one of us provokes it, the other can take the shot.

[ And given he's the one that managed to land a hit, Hibiki already knows what her role is going to be. ]

[nagano]

Tsk. If I was at my proper strength, things would be different...

[ Yeah, yeah, cope harder. Kaito's got a few ideas to target the wyvern's tummy, but Hibiki's suggestion draws him out of his thoughts for more reasons than it being a sound plan. Glowing blues lock to her not-really-glowing-blues. ]

Good plan. I'll distract it. You're fast, but I've got contingency plans for if I actually get hit. Do you?

[ Given how pointedly he challenges her, he seems to be confident in the answer being a 'no.' ]

[windsongs]

We do what we can with what we've got. We just need to be smart about this.

[ Normally she would be more encouraging, but this isn't a great situation. But at least the shadow in her head is giving her some space to think. Is it actually cooperating with her? Self-preservation is a hell of a drug.

Giving him an extremely displeased look as he challenges her, Hibiki can't really refute that. But basically all of her experience is at point-blank range. If he's not going to let her act as decoy... ]

Deal with it if it happens. So no, I don't. [ She pauses before sighing, a tense smirk tugging at her lips. Trust that he'll have your back, Hibiki. ] Alright, I guess that means I need to get creative. You okay with me trying a few things?

[ This isn't a great time for her to be figuring stuff out on the fly, but what choice do they have. ]

[nagano]

[ Kaito Nagano Is Always Right.

His initial response isn't to speak, but instead to dispel the mist and reveal Wyvern-bro thrashing about like a total moron.

Moron.

He takes a few steps towards it, then tosses a smirk over his shoulder. A vibrant glow begins to bleed out from his chest, enveloping his entire body. ]

You've got all the time in the underworld—until I get tired.

[ Winking, Kaito claps his hands together and draws out a silver spear from his aura. Turning to the fae's minion, he pushes off his feet... and water jets out from beneath his soles to launch him forward at breakneck speeds—speartip-first. ]

[windsongs]

[ Why is he winking at a moment like this, Kaito what the hell.

Wyvern-bro is super pissed, and as soon as the mist dissipates, it makes that fact known, letting loose a loud, shrill screech. Kaito charging at it at high speed doesn't seem to phase it, and with a heavy flap of its wings, it launches itself skyward. Drawing its tail up as it ascends, it swings back down in an attempt to spike him into the dirt.

But instead of gaining altitude, the flying vibe check gets buffeted by the same wind it creates, tossed around as it briefly fights against it. The current nips at the membrane edges of its wings, creating a few small tears.

The culprit? Definitely not the woman standing at the other side of the clearing, a hand outstretched and positioned like she's plucking at the string of a harp. There's no wind here, and she already knows she can't produce any unless it's around her. But if something else happens to kick something up-- ]

Keep it moving!

[ She's going to use that to clip its wings. ]

[nagano]

[ Up it goes. Kaito's ready to phase shift and neutralize the wyvern's next attack when its flight... flubs. He glances over his shoulder one more time to see Hibiki with her hand stretched out, and the pieces fall into place rather quickly. ]

You're a mean one, huh.

[ Whoever could that be directed towards? Kaito won't answer—instead, he propels himself into the air with a burst of water before another torrent sharply sends him diving down. In an attack much like his attacker would liked to have attacked with, he thrusts his spear into the wyvern's back, carving out a light gash through the scales.

Rather than land on the beast, yet another liquid blast sends him careening to the side. He gets a good swipe at the wyvern's wing along the way to keep its ire focused on him. ]

Let's go, slowpoke. Keep up!

[windsongs]

[ The wyvern doesn't seem to realize that the unruly wind tearing at it is coming from someone else--or Kaito does enough to continue to draw its attention. The beast lets out another screech as he manages to pierce through scale and hide.

But as Kaito attempts to juke to the side, the wyvern's whips its tail in that direction, flinging caustic venom at him in rage. With a few more strong wing flaps, it chases after him, talons bared and ready to tear through flesh the moment it catches up with him.

Except it doesn't get the chance, as the poison gets thrown back at it. Venom sizzles and burns as it is flung back at the wyvern, and while it doesn't look like it does anything to the scales, it burns through thin membrane without any difficulty. A visceral howl rips through it as it gains more than a few smaller holes in its wings.

Okay, now it's pissed, and assuming Kaito is the one behind the attack, it cuts through the air to try to get to him. But flight becomes harder, as the wyvern struggles to maintain its trajectory. But even with a messed up wing, it still manages to keep at pace with Kaito, and the moment it gets remotely close, it will take a raking swipe at his midsection with its talons. ]

[nagano]

[ While soaring across the campsite, silver light bleeds out from Kaito's open hand. A thousand thoughts blur together in his mind, from trying to predict the wyvern's attack patterns to considering how he can best facilitate Hibiki's magic.

Amidst the monsoon of possibilities, one stands out. Kaito decides to pull the trigger. His spear melts away.

By the time he lands on his feet, the wyvern is mere yards away. He whirls around to face it, staring directly into the jaws of death—and the beast's talons shear through his midsection with little resistance.

Little resistance save the water that clings to its nails. Quietly, Kaito's Shadow exhales a sigh. Is that relief or exasperation?

It doesn't matter. That glowing aura in his hands has disappeared. Or rather, relocated. High above the makeshift arena, a giant gunbai materializes. Kaito swings both arms from left to right, and the construct sends a strong draft towards the ground.

It lacks any actual destructive power... but someone else can take care of that. ]

[windsongs]

[ Much like the wyvern hurdling toward Kaito, Hibiki doesn't get much time to react before things start getting Really Stupid. He's lucky that she's some level of precog, because while she doesn't know the exacts on what he's doing, she knows what she needs to be doing in response. Bounding toward the clash, she feels the subtle shift in airflow even before she notices the gunbai in the sky and taps into it.

Quite literally. As soon as she breezes past, a hand cutting through the downdraft as her brows knit in deep concentration, the downward pressure exploding as one gunbai swing drives the beast into the ground with the force of a freight train. Poor Puck this shit I'm out's fairy circle looks more like a donut now, with the impact creating a sizable crater perfectly in the middle.

Sliding to a stop, the small blonde whirls around to face the wyvern attempting to climb out of the hole. The tears in its wings don't look any larger, but considering the odd angle at which one of them is bent, it won't be taking off any time soon. ]

Why didn't you tell me you could do that?!

[ What 'that' is she talking about? Go ahead and pick one, Kaito. ]

I believe that that, as they say, should be my line.

[ A familiar voice calls from the comfort of his log, which is currently floating (with fae sitting on it, of course) from the top of the tattered tent. The bottle from before hovers in the air, while he continues to hold the lantern in his hand. How long has he been there? Doesn't matter. Time is a lie and he's here now. Look, he's even waving hello with his free hand.

Hello down there, how are you kids doing? Having fun yet? ]

[nagano]

[ Kaito whistles as her handiwork sends the wyvern into a conveniently placed crater. It's impressive, but he's also relieved that she managed to do anything—he would have been a sitting duck for the next attack otherwise.

A̴s̵ ̴i̶f̴ ̴y̶o̸u̴ ̷d̴i̷d̷n̵'̶t̸ ̷h̶a̴v̴e̴ ̷f̶i̶v̸e̸ ̷m̴o̶r̴e̸ ̴p̴l̸a̵y̴s̶ ̷t̴o̷ ̸r̴e̸s̶p̵o̶n̴d̶ ̴w̸i̸t̸h̷.̴

When she turns to confront him, he merely shrugs. Right on cue, Puck resurfaces. The giant fan still hovers in mid-air, and Kaito maneuvers it to the ground before hopping on and gesturing for Hibiki to follow.

Once she's on (she will join him on this stupid elevator, right?), they're lifted to eye level with the fae. ]

Un-life's no fun if you spoil the whole book. In any case, I do believe we've trounced your current champion.

[ And that's as far as he gloats. Kaito isn't looking to invite any unnecessary extra work on the pair. ]

[windsongs]

[ As soon as he gestures, Hibiki hops on without hesitation, trusting that the fan-elevator will hold their combined weight. Once at eye level with Puck, Hibiki offers a faint shrug before her gaze briefly flicks toward Kaito, long enough to catch his. Her attention directed back toward the fae, she puts on a small smile. ]

And gave this story a proper conclusion, even if it was a little over-the-top.

[ Yet judging from the tone of voice, she doesn't sound remotely bothered by that. Whatever that was that just happened was beyond insane, but now that they don't have the threat of (another) death looming, she seems almost proud. But they did just take down a bargain bin dragon, so she has every right to be.

The fae grins right back--but not before boosting himself up slightly higher. They can be at chin level. Holding the lantern up near his face, the flame floods his features with an eerie light. ]

Ah, right you are! I must say, there have been a number of creative storytellers joining me at the fire, and you two certainly did not disappoint. Would you care to join me for another tale? I promise, this one will be far grander than the last!

[ Hibiki doesn't miss a beat, her eyes locked on the fae. If this asshole makes them fight something else... ]

[nagano]

East meets West, and it made a crater.

[ Oh, you little shit.

Kaito doesn't care much for Puckity Puck's lift, so a subtle waggle of his fingers lifts the pair back to eye level. Again. ]

We'll be passing on that, too. The wyvern's tale has reached and end, and so too should our gallivanting. There are many more guests to entertain.

[windsongs]

[ Oh, Puck knows. Which is why he will once again boost him and the log he sits on higher. How does shoulder level sound? Is that good for you, Kaito? Because it's great for him. This is fun!

Only he doesn't maintain the higher "ground" for long, as a swirl of wind sweeps under both gubai riders' feet, boosting them up and leveling the height difference. The smile on her face stays the same as she holds a hand out. ]

We would like to take the lantern back now, before the next set of guests arrive.

[ The fae purses his lips in thought before heaving an over-dramatic sigh. All right, all right. ]

Aye, I will need some time to clean up the mess you two have made of my camp, so I suppose it is time for us to say our goodbyes. But first--

[ Y̵e̵p̴,̷ ̸s̸h̵o̸u̶l̶d̸'̴v̶e̶ ̸l̸i̶s̶t̵e̵n̶e̴d̴ ̸t̷o̸ ̶m̷e̸.̴ ̵G̶o̷d̷,̶ ̴h̷e̵ ̸j̷u̷s̴t̷ ̴w̶i̵l̴l̶ ̴N̷O̷T̷ ̵s̷t̷o̴p̷ ̶t̸a̵l̴k̸i̸n̷g̸!̶

Ugh, she thought she was done dealing with this. Come on, Pucker, just let them leave with the lantern... ]

An oldie but a goodie; a riddle that I have not told in centuries! Answer correctly and I shall relinquish the lantern and send you two children on your way. But should you fail to give the answer I seek, there will be consequences most dire!

[ Swinging the lantern back and forth, his form begins to disappear once more, even as his voice lingers; ]

"I am a word that is hardly there. Remove my start, and I'm an herbal flair. What am I?" Do answer quickly, I bore quite easily. You would not want me to lose interest in this game.

[nagano]

[ This little shit—

Oop. Before Kaito can spitefully lift the fan again, Hibiki's beaten him to it. Golds glimmer as he steals a glance her way. ]

Remind me to high five you later.

[ Back to this Puckass. Kaito's expectations are so low that he can only sigh when the fae spits out another stipulation. A riddle, at that.

O̵n̷E̴ ̵n̸O̴t̵ ̸T̸o̴L̵d̶ ̷I̵n̴ ̶C̷e̴N̴t̵U̵r̸I̴e̷S̷.̷.̶.̷.̷.̵ ̴W̴h̶a̴t̵ ̸a̶ ̸l̷o̴a̵d̸ ̶o̸f̴ ̸s̴h̴i̵t̷.̵

Again, he's inclined to agree with his Shadow, but... after a moment's frustration, the empath's features brighten considerably. ]

Gee, Puck. Do you push all your riddles so eagerly on your playmates? We've sparsely any time to respond.

[ Float aside, you shitty fairy. It's the demi-god's human's turn to wear that shit-eating grin. ]

[windsongs]

[ She's tired, this voice is still echoing in her head, and This Pucking Guy keeps throwing in more stipulations. Momentary cheekiness aside, Hibiki wants to get out of this forest, preferably before her shadow decides to start tearing into everything and everyone around.

Thankfully, someone has their head screwed on right and happens to be good at corny riddles. As soon as Kaito delivers his answer, the floating lantern in front of them does a mid-air march toward them, bobbing up and down as if walking toward the pair. ]

What a clever pair you are! Or I suppose one of you is!

[ Hibiki's smile pulls thin at the corners with that comment, trying not to be personally offended by this asshole fae. Her shadow has more than enough to say on that matter anyway.

As the lantern stops in front of them, it sways back and forth as Puck's voice chimes in once more. ]

Please, take it. But do try to do so at the same time; otherwise, I cannot be held accountable for what will happen to you!

[ Turning her head to look toward Kaito, she waits for his signal before reaching out to grab the lantern. As both grab hold, the world around them goes pitch black, the wind swirling beneath their feet dying as they fall about a foot, landing at the far edge of the Oakwoods. Voices call in the distance and torchlights dance as more search parties appear to be filtering in.

They made it out in one piece, with lantern in hand. ]

[nagano]

[ 'Fucking finally.'

Kaito doesn't wait. A nudge to Hibiki's hand is his tell, and they snatch the lantern simultaneously. Good riddance.

When they emerge from what's likely Puck's teleportation (or whatever it is), Kaito's hand is visibly trembling around one of the lantern's handles. He quickly recomposes himself and lets go.

Back to business. Golds are leveled to blues as he straightens up. ]

You okay? Looks like we're not the only ones who made it through.

[windsongs]

[ Hibiki fully expects to be transported somewhere else entirely, given what (little) she knows about fae. So when she sees the familiar treeline, her first instinct isn't to let out a sigh of relief but to make sure that she isn't alone.

Once she sees a gloved hand still holding on to the handle, she relaxes a little. She sees it tremble, but she's shaking a bit herself, so she won't tell if he doesn't. Catching his gaze quickly, she uses the voices of those search parties in the distance as an excuse to look away. ]

...Yeah. Yeah, looks like.

[ A̵n̷d̸ ̶y̵o̶u̸ ̸w̴o̵u̶l̵d̷'̸v̷e̶ ̶b̶e̴e̸n̶ ̷o̶u̷t̵ ̶j̴u̵s̵t̸ ̶a̴s̸ ̸q̵u̴i̷c̸k̶ ̶i̸f̷ ̷y̷o̸u̸ ̷l̶i̷s̷t̵e̴n̴e̴d̵ ̸t̷o̴ ̷m̵e̵ ̵i̶n̶s̶t̸e̴a̸d̸ ̵o̵f̷ ̶t̴h̷i̷s̶ ̸g̵u̴y̴.̶ ̵S̴o̴ ̷w̸h̴e̸n̴ ̶a̶r̵e̵ ̵y̷o̵u̷ ̴g̶o̷n̶n̶a̷ ̸d̷i̶t̵c̷h̷ ̴h̸i̵m̶ ̴a̷n̶d̴ ̴g̸o̶ ̷b̶a̸c̷k̴ ̵i̴n̶,̸ ̴h̷m̵m̵?̵ ̷I̵'̴l̷l̴ ̸w̸a̵t̷c̷h̶ ̵y̶o̴u̶r̸ ̵b̸a̸c̷k̸ ̸t̷h̶i̶s̴ ̷t̴i̷m̵e̸~̶!̶

Taking a deep breath, her grip on the lantern tightens, as the blonde avoids his gaze. Of course her shadow knows she wants to make her way back in, to try to secure as many fragments as she can. But there's a clear internal struggle on the methodology. If there are multiple groups going through, at least a few of them must have brute forced their way through, right? Maybe that really was a viable option...

Turning to look toward Kaito, she puts on the best smile that she can muster. ]

I'm gonna go drop this off. ...Make sure you don't get yourself into any trouble out there, okay? [ She assumes he's also going to try to help others through the woods if he can. ]

[nagano]

[ The question was almost rhetorical. Despite his little scare (he's never feared the dark, not before...), Kaito's attention is almost entirely on the blonde. As she diverts her gaze, his own just settles deeper. It's his curse to read the emotions of everything around him. It's his gift to focus that curse on a singular aura and take in every facet of its emotions.

So when she speaks, he closes his eyes and shakes his head. ]

You have no plans of simply departing to hand over the lantern. Even if you did, I'd be coming with you.

I'm not letting you out of my sight until we're either back in town or at your Shroud. In your current state, you worry me too much.

The adrenaline is dying down.

That means all those intrusive emotions are going to flood back in. Your Shadow's probably bitching up a storm. And above all else... I know I wouldn't be satisfied with just one lantern piece. You aren't, either.

[ Golds flit open, and a gloved hand finally lifts to settle on her shoulder. Kaito will not mention the instant regret (and nausea) that comes from a stronger link to her aura. ]

Let's go back together, Hibiki.