Event #5: Fractured Melody

[beautifuldreamermods]

There's never been an Excursion quite like this. Groups are usually kept small to keep things from getting too chaotic but today, practically every Dreamer in Yumemigaoka has assembled at the northern exit of the Slumbering City. The air is tense – apprehension and fear of the unknown and a whole host of other feelings that nobody quite dares express out loud just in case saying them makes them true. This is the Dream Sphere, after all.

Suffocating sunlight pours down from the sky and catches off the water as everyone wades their way down the tracks. Just at the point that the surroundings begin to fluctuate and the barriers of the dream are just shy of being breeched, Dreamer Ange takes point and turns to address the group.

"I get that this probably goes without saying but whether you're new or an old hand, this is not going to be like any of the Excursions we're used to going on. We don't know for sure how dangerous all this is going to be – all we know is that there's somebody in there who can't protect herself and she needs our help. Keep smart. Stick together – use a buddy system if you have to. Don't even let yourself be alone if you can help it. And anytime you think you're in real danger, head back to the other side and wake up. Understood?"

She waits for a noise of affirmation from the group before turning back around and taking a long, slow breath.

"Let's go."

Like heat haze mirages, the air around them ripples. Making way into a new dream is usually as easy as stepping from one room to another, but finally breaking through to this is more like tearing back a curtain that resisted you every step of the way. And most alarmingly of all is the feeling that settles over everyone when they first set foot in what's waiting beyond, a sort of dizzy hyper-lucidity like a false awakening. It passes quick, but it's unfamiliar... especially since it's a sensation that will be very familiar to some Dreamers...






Welcome to Beautiful Dreamer's very first Disturbance event! To recap from the monthly post, Disturbances are surreal and dangerous dreamscapes that draw directly on the struggles, fears and emotions of a single character, similar to the TV world dungeons in Persona 4 or the Heartscapes in Blue Reflection Second Light. They're unique among Outlying Locations in that they vanish once resolved and incubate extremely powerful enemies at their core who must be defeated to save the person at its heart – in this instance, the idol known as Mio Kasuga.

Using the descriptions in the log below, you may freely toplevel and have characters explore and investigate as you please! The descriptions given in this log are to give direction and progression to the events but please feel free to play around within the bounds of what's established as much as you like. Characters wishing to investigate and uncover additional hints and lore nuggets at the heart of the dungeon should indicate they are investigating in the comment header of their toplevel.

Since this is our first Disturbance event, things are relatively simple. To clear the event and prevent a negative outcome on the plot that will effect both the Dream Sphere and Yumemigaoka, characters must clear both the Mid-Tier and Boss Combat Encounters by the OOC deadline of September 30th.

FRACTURE MELODY

Upon entering the dream, all Dreamers will first find themselves standing in the paved courtyard of a grand concert hall built from shimmering white marble. It's an imposing structure – somehow, it looks more like a siege fort or a prison than anywhere you might want to go for an evening's entertainment. Despite the dark night sky above, the courtyard where they stand is well-illuminated with most of the lights crossing to center on a massive banner overhead announcing: "Mio Kasuga Live in Concert."

Well. At least you know you're definitely in the right place.

The air is charged with anticipation and a hint of nervousness – all around there's the bustle of excited voices and footsteps of people coming and going but it doesn't seem like there's anyone else at all in the courtyard apart from the Dreamers. And... the sound can't be coming from inside because there isn't a single window on the entire building you can see. Just one way in – a huge ornate door carved in thick, black stone that looks like the door to some sort of dungeon.

As if anticipating guests, it swings open.

Once inside, the Dreamers will be able to split up and explore as they like but for now... looks like there's only one way to go.

♫ Closed Communication – Blue Reflection: Second Light



!

LOBBY

Upon entering, the Dreamers find themselves in an opulent lobby, spacious and open with dizzyingly high ceilings and wraparound balconies that are perilously out of reach for even the most determined of Dreamers. Like the outside, the building's inner walls are crafted from white marble that seems to glow from within and crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, catching the light to send shimmers of rainbow light across the floor and walls. The white marble floor is polished to a mirror shine but whenever someone stops to try and peer down at their reflection, it will fracture and undulate beyond recognizability until they look away.

Along one wall, red velvet drapes cascade from floor to ceiling to frame the entrance to the main stage and all around, various side doors and hallways split off into different directions. Faceless shades – not Torments but not Figments, either – mill around the hall, giving it the appearance of a crowd. But if you pay attention, it becomes clear none of them are actually moving with any sort of purpose; they're randomly drifting here and there to give the illusion of movement and activity. It's clear that these faceless guests are just as much a fixture of the dream as the chandelier is.

It's oddly, eerily silent aside from the scratchy recordings of Pure Candy's songs playing over some unseen speakers. Even that meagre filler noise occasionally gives way to record scratching sounds and indiscernible babbling before lapsing back to the cheery, happy pop of Pure Candy.

That same unpleasant tension from outside is simmering under the surface but by all appearances, this lobby should serve as a safe zone for regrouping and resting as explorations continue.

!

MAIN STAGE

Ducking under the curtain and entering the main stage, the Dreamers find themselves amidst a sea of empty, crimson velvet theater seats dimly illuminated by the glow of the overhead crystal chandeliers high up on the ceiling. The rows and rows of seats are arranged in a semicircle around the stage, packed so closely together and to the stage itself that the whole thing feels remarkably claustrophobic.

The stage itself is a vast expanse of obsidian-black marble that captures and amplifies every hint of light, creating the illusion of a swirling galaxy beneath a Dreamer's feet. The effect is something like stepping on a glass floor at the top of an enormous tower; a horrible sense of spinning vertigo. An ebony grand piano stands at the center, its surface speckled with starry reflections both from the spotlights and the backdrop of the stage.

A huge, towering mosaic looms behind the stage, an intricate pattern of shattered mirrors and crystal fragments suspended in mid-air by invisible threads. Each fragment casts light in a slightly different hue with odd perspectives that subtly warp the reflection of anything inside them. Look long enough and you might see a flash of something – or somebody – else. Mio Kasuga as she's seen up on this stage, laughing, smiling, dancing, screaming, singing, crying, performing, laughing, laughing, laughing–

Oh. She isn't in there at all, actually. What were you looking at again?


⧖ HAZARD ALERT: If the Dreamers approach the grand ebony piano at the center of the stage, they will notice that the keys seem to play of their own accord, growing louder and sharper the closer they get. Ethereal notes that fill the air – pleasant at first but then the very pretty melody starts to turn discordant and ramps up in volume as each of those ear-splitting notes resonates with the obsidian stage beneath their feet, creating violent waves of sound that pulse through the main stage.

The hazard here lies in the piano's unpredictable melodies. The resonant waves of sound can cause the marble stage to vibrate and shift, making footing unstable. At times, the vibrations can become so intense that sections of the stage rise and fall like waves, creating gaps and uneven terrain. The Dreamers must time their movements carefully to avoid being thrown off balance or falling into these gaps, all while the hauntingly beautiful music of the piano plays on. Destroying the piano or otherwise putting distance between it and the Dreamer will stop the performance... at least temporarily.

⧖ HAZARD ALERT #2: As the Dreamers explore the seats, they notice a series of spotlights positioned around the perimeter, seemingly at random, each casting a brilliant beam of light. However, if they step into these beams, they realize that they cast long, elongated shadows that move independently of their actual positions.

When the Dreamers step into a spotlight's beam, their shadows take on a life of their own, seemingly pulling them in unexpected directions or shoving them around and tripping them. The only way to disperse them is to shatter the light that created it in the first place... but good luck even getting close when your own shadow is determined to pull your feet our from under you!

!

BACKSTAGE HALLWAY

Once they manage to find a way around the stage's hazards, the Dreamers will be able to make their way into the wings of the stage. Passing through a discreet side door, the Dreamers enter a dimly lit backstage hallway, a stark departure from the grandeur of the main stage. The walls are lined with peeling wallpaper that might have been a vibrant red once upon a time but time and neglect have faded it to a dull, muddy pink. Sconces are placed intermittently along the walls but the light they provide is dim and flickering and only really succeeds in casting eerie shadows that dance across the cracked and weathered floor.

Along the hallway, the walls are dotted with framed photographs that seem to be moments from Mio's life as if captured on film... but they seem oddly distorted, as if the feelings associated with them have caused them to warp and contort. As you progress further down the corridor and the walls narrow to a slightly anxiety inducing squeeze, you'll be able to follow their progression. Mio as a young child in the audience of a stage show, looking awed. Mio as a grade schooler at a piano with her brow furrowed in intense concentration. Mio as a middle schooler despondently watching a competition going on without her. Mio posting an envelope. Mio at some sort of audition. Mio on stage as the centre of Pure Candy–

The last frame has been pulverized by some terrible force, glass shattered and photo almost shredded to pieces. From there to the end of the corridor, every single remaining frame has been broken as if someone had struck it over and over again in the midst of a rage.

At the end of the corridor, in place of a door is... a full length mirror? How strange.


⧖ HAZARD ALERT: As the Dreamers approach the mirror stands in place of a door, they become aware of a menacing presence – the mirror seems to radiate an aura of anger and frustration, and the air itself crackles with malevolent energy. Once they draw close enough to see their reflection in the mirror, they'll get the shock of their lives once it starts moving all by itself! It seems like whatever lays beyond is protected by the presence in this mirror who is delighting in forcing them to play along. The presence can be appeased with a little game of 'follow the leader' in which Dreamers must perfectly follow their reflection's movements until the door swings open. A single failure, however, will have their reflection vanish altogether and they'll be forced to wait for another Dreamer to come along to take a second shot at the game.

Of course, there's always the brute force option... but shattering the glass will result in a whole swarm of Torments exploding out of the mirror and you'll be forced to battle your way through in the narrow corridor! Keep on your toes!

!

DRESSING ROOM

With the mirrors blocking the way crossed one way or another, the Dreamers emerge into what looks at first glance to be a regular dressing room – then with a blink, the oddness of the whole situation asserts itself. The room is divided almost perfectly in two with one side pristine and glamorous, white walls adorned with photographs of "Miomio" posing and beaming at the camera – moments of radiant success, her radiant smile and glittering costumes befitting an idol adored across the nation. A grand dressing table sits against the wall in this half of the room with expensive cosmetics and trinkets scattered across its surface – a sparkling tiara, remnants of glittering confetti, and a copy of Pure Candy's first ever album release. It all sits glittering prettily in the soft light from the chandelier above... but something about the scene feels plastic and hollow. Something about it is wrong.

The other half of the room is in stark contrast – dark, dingy and neglected. It feels dimmer, even though it's under the same light, as if struggling to hold back the shadows. The walls are papered with what was one probably a striking crimson velvet wallpaper but neglect and damage have left it torn and frayed, its rich color faded to a sombre, muted shade. The walls bear faded and torn posters, have ripped from the wall and while there's a second vanity on the other side, it's not in much better shape than anything else on this side of the room. The vanity mirror on this side is cracked and fragmented, reflecting a distorted image when the Dreamers peek into it and empty makeup containers and brushes are in disarray all over the table. It's dirty and dismal over here but... something about it feels more honest, too.

Initially, this appears to be a dead end. However, looking into the shattered mirror will reveal a door in the reflection that does not exist in the actual room. Nothing you can do will make it appear but touching the mirror will allow you to pass through into the reflection (though uh, getting up onto the dressing table is a little awkward...). Once you're in the reflection side of the room, the door can be opened and things start getting really bizarre from there...

There are no hazards here, but interfering with any of the trinkets on the pristine side of the room will spawn a particularly aggressive and surprisingly powerful Torment!

!

MIRROR MAZE

The Dreamers pass through Mio's dressing room and straight into madness. Behind the mirror room door, they will find themselves entering a gigantic labyrinth, a colossal glass structure impossibly suspended in an infinite expanse of darkness. Its transparent walls extend seemingly infinitely in all directions, creating an eerie sensation of being adrift in a sea of reflections. The glass is flawless and unblemished, but its cold, almost sterile quality stirs up an odd sense of isolation and disconnection.

Trying to find your way in this maze is like... well, a nightmare. Pathways snake and twist in every direction and mirrors reflect each other, creating infinite regressions and dead ends and leaving it more or less impossible to predict what lies around the next corner. It's like trying to navigate a gigantic kaleidoscope, with reflections multiplying and refracting in baffling ways.

While it is possible to navigate, Dreamers must do so carefully. Getting lost in this maze is incredibly easy, especially if you're alone, and once you've gotten turned around there's no reliable way to escape without waking up and returning – and who knows just how much time you'd lose by going the long way round like that? To make matters worse, the maze itself is absolutely festering with Torments. . . and one super pissed off Nightmare right at the heart of the maze!

Dreamers looking to challenge the Nightmare should check into the Mid-Tier Combat thread.

!

HEART CAGE

Somewhere deep within the maze is an unassuming looking door that when crossed through...

darkness awaits.

code

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MID-TIER COMBAT ENCOUNTER: GLASSWRATH

[beautifuldreamermods]

NIGHTMARE ENCOUNTER

♫ My Real – Blue Reflection: Second Light

Stumble around the glass maze for long enough and you'll be unfortunate enough to come across the thing it was created to contain – the Nightmare, Glasswrath!

Glasswrath is a colossal, kaiju-sized monstrosity forged from molten glass and seething with fiery rage. Its form is jagged and irregular, a grotesque fusion of molten glass and charred debris with still burning embers sealed inside its glassy body. At twenty feet tall, it looms ominously over the Dreamers, blazing eyes filled with fiery malice. Large shards of shattered glass protrude from its body like fiery spines, crackling with intense heat. and it moves with a lumbering, ground-shaking gait.

Glasswrath is immune to fire-based attacks and heat-based hazards and while slow moving, its immense size makes it difficult to evade its attacks. However, the glassy nature of its body can be weakened by extreme temperature changes and it has a horrid temper – horrible enough that you can trick it into attacking itself when it gets angry enough!

When attacking, Glasswrath can spew torrents of scorching flames from its maw, creating deadly firestorms that engulf the battlefield. It can release shards of molten glass from its body, launching them as explosive projectiles at the Dreamers and when enraged, Glasswrath's body becomes briefly engulfed in roaring flames, making it impervious to most attacks and causing damage to any Dreamer that comes into contact.

WIN CONDITIONS:

⧖ At least 3 characters must show up to fight
⧖ At least 15 comments must be posted across 2 threads.

[hanamane]

[While Amane would be the first to admit to being a massive kaiju fan... sometimes it was better to leave those sort of things in fiction, where they belonged. After all, as much as he loved his giant monster movies, he only wanted to watch them knock things down, not be stepped on them himself! Beating the massive dragon over in Stardust Sanctuary did help bolster his confidence in his combat abilities, but this monstrosity made that Nightmare look like a squishy soft toy in comparison. Thankfully, it wasn't just him and two other Novices left to fend for themselves this time, which made him... slightly more at ease about their odds, but not by much.

All he can do right now is take advantage of his Striker speed and Glasswrath's lumbering moves to do what he does best-- be a complete and utter pain in the ass. Zipping around a couple feet off the ground, he weaves and dodges about, using his Haku-joudai to pelt at certain spots on the Nightmare's body in rapid succession. Given Glasswrath's size and the relatively weak strength of Hanako's orby bois in comparison, it had all the effect of an annoying, insistent mosquito bite... but that was sort of the point. The moment the monster shifts it's rage in his direction, raising a hand to swat, he darts away-- but not before glancing towards whatever Dreamer happens to be within prime striking range.]

Quick! Hit it while it's open--!!

[But the distraction method has it's disadvantages, and it's after a few rounds of this that the creature finally decides to just blast the whole battlefield instead in a barrage of molten glass. Hanako manages to dodge one missile by the skin of his teeth (though his uniform isn't so lucky... RIP his butt bow), but there's another rocketing straight towards someone right next to him, much to his horror. Without thinking, he rushes forward, grasping them tightly by the arm to tug them away.]

WATCH OUT!

[Much too late, however, he realizes his timing is horrendously off, and he stares down the piping hot projectile of doom, rushing at the both of them at top speed and most definitely the cause of some sunburned skin when they woke up--

... until it passes through the two of them like a rock through water, with nary a smolder or char or ejection to be seen. It's a surprising turn of events, to be sure, though none looks more flabbergasted than Hanako himself, his round eyes the size of dinner plates as he gapes at the damage behind them.]

... WHOA, I CAN DO THAT?!!

[THEY'RE YOUR POWERS, BOY, HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW]

[thestarknows]

[It's huge. It's huge. Junna's stomach turns to ice and she just stares for a second; then she feels a hot burst of shame at the fact that she stared at Glasswrath, instead of moving. She looks ahead, at Amane, and takes in how fast he is moving. Her jaw sets, then, as he strikes quickly.

Hit it while it's open, he says. She draws back her bow -- and looses an arrow. It flies, hurtling for the massive, kaiju-sized Nightmare. When it hits, vines wrap around that portion of its torso and constrict. It's not huge -- it's not really going to slow it down -- but it's something.

Then, Dreamer Sage turns, and she starts to run again. She turns -- and her eyes go wide. Sharply. That first wave of molten glass went over her head. The second is coming right for her -- and then Amane catches up with her.

And it passes through them both.]

Y-You can do that!?

[NOT HELPING JUNNA]

[hanamane]

[It hits Hanako a little belatedly after the fact that this was the newbie he'd run into just a few weeks ago in the Glades-- he had seen her take point earlier when he had issued the command to strike, noted the vines that had temporarily bound the creature in place (a skill that sort of reminded him of one of his own, minus the countdown of getting booted out of the Dream Sphere), but hadn't quite made the connection until that very moment. And while he would normally feel guilty over putting a Novice directly into harm's way... he's more distracted by this unexpected development, still trying to wrap his frazzled mind over what happened here, exactly.]

Right?! That's what I said!!

[THIS ISN'T THE TIME TO WIND UP IN A FEEDBACK LOOP YOU TWO-- especially not with 1) the molten pieces of glass exploding all about them now, sending the battlefield into a sizzling minefield, and 2) Hanako's hand starting to slowly, gradually sink into Sage's arm, as if he was about to eventually slip through her himself. Without time in the Dream Sphere to have discovered and experimented with this newfound ability, he's got zero clue how this all works-- and that was kind of a scary thought amidst a battle with a glass kaiju of all things. All he knows is that they were possibly operating on a time limit, and whether that was for him, her or the both of them remains to be seen.

He starts to try to tug Sage towards a less treacherous spot on the field (if such a thing actually existed), attempting to get them away from any more immediate danger before their luck starts to run out.]

Okay, so-- I don't really know how long this lasts, to be honest, so we gotta think of our next course of action before this wears off somehow. Any ideas?

[determinationtofist]

[ Before any idea can be suggested... what's that noise? Aside from the roars from the kaiju, the molten glass exploding all around them, and various other forms of chaos on the battlefield... as Glasswrath starts to lumber forward after the two incorporeal Dreamers, music can be heard rapidly approaching... ]

Resonate, resonate! (o' heart of mine!) Sing with passion, (o' heart of mine!)
It's all good, no need to worry—because I've come prepared!!

[ ...and with the music having rapidly approached, an orange blur shoots past Hanako, leaping up at the kaiju as it starts to swing a lumbering molten arm, shooting towards it— ]

Even if our lives!! (wither away!) The warmth of our!! (connected hands!)
Will leave something behind, follow something along, and look up at the future...!!
I believe it'll be born as a flower that'll surely stand with dignity…!

[ —and punches the giant fist, briefly clashing for a moment before being knocked backwards... having caused the kaiju to stumble backwards as well, while Hibiki comes to a skidding halt after landing back on the ground. Where the heck did she come from?? ]

Hey!! Are you two alright!?

[thestarknows]

You're slipping right through me. [Sage says this a little dimly to Hanako, before she looks back at the creature. Her vines are already burning away; making more won't hold it back for long.]

I--

[Junna freezes for a moment. She doesn't have an idea, and that worries her.

So when she hears music, of all things, it makes her do a double take. Did she die? Is this the afterlife? Did her mind just give out entirely? But--no, that's not it, this is real, and there is a flash of orange in front of her. She whirls, staring at Hibiki.

And then gawks, all the more, when she punches it with such a mighty force. But, she nods quickly to her.]

Yes! We're all right--well, I believe so? [She glances at Hanako. She shouldn't speak for him.]

I can try to entwine it in more vines. It won't hold for long, with how hot the Nightmare is. Can... you both do something to it, if I can?

[hanamane]

[Shoot, so that feeling wasn't just his imagination, was it? He really was losing his grip on this girl, like they were on two different layers of reality and hers was slowly sliding back into it's regular place. Considering he was still in this state, maybe it was something he could only extend to others for a brief amount of time, but... how exactly could he reactivate it? Or was it even worth it if it only lasted this long? Did they even have the time to worry about this with the Nightmare focusing it's attentions on them again??

The singing snaps him out of his musings, however, the voice in the approaching melody feeling a bit ominously familiar. Being Ai-Doll's former trainee, music on the battlefield was hardly a new thing for him, but there was just something about it that made him nervous for some reason--

But then that glass gauntlet and orange form rocket right past him, and a high pitched shriek rips out of throat instinctively at the very sight of it. Who needs a giant glass kaiju when the most terrifying thing just launched herself right into the fray???]

GYAAAAAAAAA--!!

[But it looks like the only thing getting smashed in today is Glasswrath's fist as Hibiki meets the beast's blow head on, managing to actually send the beast reeling as she counters it's blow. It... admittedly was kind of really cool, like something out of a monster flick, but-- no, this wasn't the time to boggle over it now! He peeks over from behind Sage, whom he had darted to out of reflex when Gungnir touched down, trying not to vibrate out of his skin like a chihuahua. She's on your side, Hanako-- she's on your side and you're somehow untouchable at the moment. It'll be okay!!]

I-- y-yeah. I'm. Totally fine. Absolutely.

[Ignore that scream that had erupted out of him like a minute ago, it was nothing!! Thank goodness for Sage for getting things back on track, however, as she offers up her ideas, and he places a hand on his chin in thought. Hanako wasn't much of a strategist, unfortunately, and he only had vague ideas about these other girls' abilities, but--]

I dunno-- with the heat, I can't get close enough to use my Knife, and my Haku-Joudai can only do so much damage... maybe if we can tangle up it's legs and knock it down somehow, it might smash apart? But we'd have to hit it really hard from the back...

[And he didn't really want to use his Signature Ability unless they were out of options...

But then something comes to mind, and he glances over towards Gungnir, the fear replaced by something a bit more inquisitive in his expression.]

... hey, actually-- do you mind if I use your body? I think we could make this work.

[HANAKO. CONTEXT. PHRASING. OH MY GOD--]

[determinationtofist]

[ Well, they are fighting a nightmare, so Hanako’s fear is understandable! Even if Hibiki is wrong about why exactly he’s afraid. That said, it’s a little disheartening that with a full force punch, all she managed to do was knock the nightmare backward instead of, y’know, maybe shattering some of that glass. Still, it was something!! ]

Good, then don’t forget to keep moving! It’s super big, but that means it’s slow too!!

[ She’s about to leap away and continue her assault after confirming that the other two were okay, but Hanako’s question stops her in her tracks…

…and Hibiki is, uh, perhaps understandably misunderstanding the young boy. ]

E-EHH!? Y-You want my body, Hanako-kun!? W-Why are you asking something like that NOW!?

[ This is hardly the time or place, young man! Phrasing, you two. Phrasing. ]

[thestarknows]

[Junna winces when Hanako shouts -- but then she quiets down, nodding, when he speaks. She understands a bit of what he says: yes, wrap its legs up, hit it from behind, and knock it down. She starts to nock another arrow, and then she pauses.

She stares at Hanako. Then, she stares at Hibiki.

Her mouth hangs open for a moment.]

I--I think he meant it another way!

[Oh. Oh, god.]

I hope he meant it another way!

[hanamane]

[He blinks at the two of them for a moment, eyes wide and deceptively innocent, before pouting just a little, clearly not understanding where the sudden fluster or indignation was coming from.]

...huh? Why not now?

I mean... most of my other powers aren't gonna be much use here, but if I can possess you and get you through this guy fast enough, you can knock it down before it knows what's going on. That's a good enough plan, right?

[But before anyone can assume the misunderstanding went entirely over his head, his expression turns sly, and he covers the wide, teasing smile beginning to cross his face with the hand that had been on his chin.]

Or... what, did you two think I meant something peeeervy instead?

[SOMEONE NEEDS TO HAVE HIS HEAD SMASHED IN AGAIN, CLEARLY--]

[determinationtofist]

E-EH!?

[ Before Hibiki can say anything, maybe something about the way she swings, or even another punch that he’s very clearly asking for… the nightmare lets out a massive roar before taking a large step towards them, simultaneously firing off a bunch of globs of molten glass in their direction… which is probably all that’s needed to make it clear that this is NOT the time. ]

U-Um!! Sure!! Okay!!

[ Did he say something about possession? Hibiki’s mind is too rattled from Hanako’s innuendos to think much about that. ]

[thestarknows]

NOT THE TIME. [Junna snaps it at Hanako, who is her mentor! Her mentor is saying these things! Her eyebrow twitches.

She looks back at the Nightmare, and then she winces -- ducking down low, as molten glass flies over her head of pastel green hair. It smashes into the ground behind her and she hisses. She looks between them.]

I'm going to try to hit it!

[Junna takes off in a run, to the side. She pulls back her arrow -- focuses, and it gleams with a green light -- and then looses. The arrow flies for the Nightmare, and when it gets close, it explodes into vines that wrap around its legs. They start to smoulder, smoke, and burn already.

Hopefully it's enough time.]

[hanamane]

[SORRY, JUNNA, YOUR MENTOR IS ALSO UNFORTUNATELY A GARBAGE TEENAGE BOY....

The sudden snap from Sage is enough to momentarily cow him, though, and that, plus the new round of projectiles being fired their way, is more than enough of a sign from the universe that this wasn't the time or place for dirty jokes and teasing. If they had wanted to get this plan rolling, they had to act fast, and with Junna already running to fire off her arrow to bind it's legs, Hanako couldn't waste a second more of their precious time. At least he was grateful that Gungnir already gave her okay on the whole matter...

In one moment he's there, and another he's vanished in thin air, as if he had suddenly blinked out of the realm entirely. To those unaware, it might seem like he had gotten suddenly ejected from the Dream Sphere (or just decided to bounce from battle), but those looking at Hibiki might notice she's seems... just a bit different. Straighter hair, a slightly brighter golden glow to her eyes, and an impish smile upon her face, with a more playful lilt to her voice as she speaks up. Before, Hanako could only act as a telepathic backseat driver to whomever he hijacked, but now that he's gotten a little more control (in more ways than one), it felt easier just to speak up instead of going through all that extra hassle.]

Okay, I'm gonna take the reins from here, but I'll tag you back in when it's your turn, alright?

[At that, he floats their body into the air, kicking off into a boosted bunny jump to dive them straight into the creature's mid-section. It admittedly felt a bit tricky, trying these maneuvers in a body that wasn't his own, but Hibiki's strength overshadowed his own in many ways, so he felt a lot less apprehensive about going all out like this. Before they can collide head-on with the glass and searing heat of the monster's body, he activates the intangibility over their shared body, slipping them through the Nightmare's form like water in a sieve. Now that Hanako knows he's capable of it, the ability feels easier to turn on and off, although going through a living creature for the first time... was certainly new!!

Once they're clear on the other side of Glasswrath, Hanako reaches out to wherever Hibiki's mind was in this state, metaphorically tapping her in to switch controls as he promised he'd do.]

Hit him! NOW!

[liedol]

[ On the one hand, Ai-Doll shouldn't be surprised to find a Nightmare here, squatting in the middle of the maze like a spider in its web. Really, a dream this huge a sprawling would have to be incubating a Nightmare – but it's still a shock to stumble across it and to find it so aggressive. Nightmares usually spawn where they think they can find sustenance, so what is it even hunting here–?!

A scorching shard of glass narrowly slices by her cheek. Okay! Message received. Beating the Nightmare now, speculating about its existence later. ]

All Sentries, shields up! [ When Ai-Doll's voice rings out across a battlefield like that, it's an order. ] All Strikers, prepare to open fire!

[traceofeffort]

[Lisa is dazed for a different reason: this is twice now that she's come up against a Nightmare and feels completely unprepared to fight something so strong... and doesn't have any choice but to push forward and take care of business, right? If this place really is related to Miomio's disappearance as they suspect by now, then there's nothing else to be done. They have to do this. Even if her stomach is roiling, even if she's still scared, even if she doesn't think she's strong enough to be here - someone is counting on her. That's enough. That'll have to be enough.

So when Ai-Doll's order comes through, Rhodonite quietly ignores the qualifier for who's supposed to react - does it count if she's a Sentry at heart, kinda sorta? - and nods, knowing Ai-Doll is too busy to see it but ingrained social habits too hard to push aside even in a fight, bass in her hands and a rich, full tone washing out over the battlefield as a dome shimmers into being in front of her, sparkling a dull red that seems to flow outward. She'd been hanging back before, too off-balance to want to approach and get in the way, but now that she's decided herself, she jumps closer, landing ahead of Ai-Doll and as far up as she dares, which... is perhaps not on the front line but is more than enough to provide support.]

I don't know how much help I'll be, but I'll cover you as best I can!

[She's shaking, if less than the last time they fought beside each other, but... her eyes are sharp, and she does her best to smile.] Let's set the tone! Nothing else is going to get past...! [....that sounds like a challenge, but hey, she's going to do what she has to to keep herself positive.]

[determinationtofist]

Everyone...!!

[ Hibiki arrives just in time to hear Ai's orders, so as a Striker, she's quick to run ahead, but stops short just in front of Ai... ]

E-EHH!? A-Ai-san! I don't have anything to shoot with!!

[ She just has her fists!! You can't shoot something with your fists!! Well, maybe you can, but Hibiki isn't sure how! That said, her attention is yet again diverted by the shimmerring dome that she's found herself in. ]

...eh? What is this? It feels...

[ ...she's not sure what this feels like, but it feels good... like she's compatible with whatever's happening right now? ]

[hanamane]

[So far, Hanako's sort of been flying by the seat of his pants trying to figure out how to fight this thing. He wasn't a strategist, by any means, and he had less years under his belt compared to some of the other Dreamers on the field, but he was doing the best he could, darn it!! So when Ai's voice rings out it's orders on the battlefield like that, clear and strong as a bell, he can't help but feel a palpable sense of relief. Good-- if anyone could wrangle together a plan to defeat this Nightmare, it was her.

He darts on over to her side, already summoning his Haku-Joudai at the ready. While they were only good for shaving off small bits of this creature's HP, it was better than nothing!]

Got it, Senpai...!!

[And while he spots Rhodonite with her musically charged dome and Gungnir with her gauntlets up ahead, he's not about to throw in his two cents this time in terms of how to mesh their powers together. Ai-doll was the one taking point right now, and for once, he's content enough to follow her lead, no questions asked.]

[liedol]

[ Two Strikers, one Sentry and a Novice - with the right kind of teamwork, that should be more than enough. She and Rhodonite have a good, compatible powerset so even if all they do is stay here and provide support, that should be enough to get them through.

Hopefully. ]

Fight the way you both fight best. [ That's a command to their two Strikers. ] We'll support you from back here.

[ With a flurry of light, Ai-Doll's Sandglass appears in her hands and she gives Rhodonite a little wink. ]

Things are a little more dramatic than our last duet, but can I ask you to back me up again?

[traceofeffort]

[Rhodonite's magic is tingling a little bit too, and it shows in a brief moment of confusion on her face as she looks up at Gungnir... then again, she hasn't figured out the nuance in tuning the response so she understands what the hell it's trying to tell her. Could be something to do with the new girl that just ran in and seemed to notice something about Lisa's own magic; could be something to do with Hanako (but probably not, she's pretty used to how his powers resonate with hers, which is to say not a whole lot); could be Ai-Doll's overpowering presence mixing with Lisa's fangirl adoration (which is itself tempered by fighting alongside her before); could even be a blend of any or all of them! Hard to say, really. Just Novice things-

-ahem. Not the time for woolgathering or power pondering, someone's going to get hurt. She has the power to prevent that, and so she shall. There will be no other possibility. And maybe, just maybe... she'll be able to let loose, just a little. Her lips curl into a grin that's more honest and a little excited, as she looks to Ai-Doll.]

If you'll have me, I'll play until our audience can't take any more. Intensity makes shows you can't look away from, right?

[Fade into the background, let someone who knows what she's doing take the lead and let herself be swept into the wake. Fill in the valleys, highlight the peaks. Two in harmony, (hopefully) surpassing a shining star alone. Protect the other two with everything she has, by working together to present a united front; someone that's guarded doesn't need rescue, and her protection lets them focus on offense in her place. Support, reinforce and harmonize-!]

[determinationtofist]

Eh? Are you two gonna sing!?

[ Gungnir's power continues to harmonize with Rhodonite's, the resonance growing until it truly can't be ignored or considered anything else, causing Hibiki's body to glow a gentle orange color in response to Lisa's red... and as if to confirm why this is happening, music starts to come out of Hibiki as if she were a speaker. Not all the music, but rather whatever else is needed to compliment the actual performer's onstage, so to speak. ]

Ah...! This is...!

[ Hibiki isn't sure how, but she can tell what this is... what her powers are telling her. She snaps back around, suddenly looking to Ai and Lisa. ]

Um...! Would you like to make that duet a trio!?

[hanamane]

[Hanako pauses in his sizing up of the Nightmare to glance at Hibiki, the sudden melody emanating out of her taking him by surprise. Was this like... bluetooth synchronization or something?? Was that even possible here? (Then again, what wasn't possible in the Dream Sphere--)

It becomes immediately clear that he's the odd duck out here, with zero music-related abilities to his name-- unless he went and possessed someone, of course, but even then he wouldn't be able to tap into that power on his own. He was the lone ghost in the concert hall, so to speak... though that doesn't mean he wants to be left out of what's going on, either!! So when Hibiki turns to face Ai and Lisa, Hanako does the same, his eyes alight in excitement.]

Ooooh, could we make it a quartet!?? I didn't get to sing with you last time, Senpai!

[SOMEONE STILL HASN'T GOTTEN THE MEMO THAT HE'S TONE DEAF......]

[liedol]

[ Well, would you look at that – they've practically got a ready made unit all set to take to the stage. Maybe this will be a little easier than anticipated.

Breezily and cheerily (because even she can't bring herself to break Hanako's heart in that regard): ] Sorry, Hanako-kun, but you're going to have to play bodyguard today ★ Can you make sure the audience doesn't rush the stage once they get worked up? We're counting on you to keep us in one piece!

[ With that, she snaps her mic to her mouth and – hesitates, for just a second. In the face of this kind of turmoil and anger, a peppy idol-like tune feels a little strange... so she'll go for something a little out of her usual wheelhouse instead. ]

[traceofeffort]

[She's of the same opinion as Gungnir here - there isn't much else she can imagine once there's suddenly a backing track to fill the rest of the space in her playing. What a wild power... truly, the Dream Sphere is a wondrous place. Still, that's not what she needs to be thinking about right now. There is one misconception she needs to correct there, though-]

I'm not fit to sing alongside Ai-Doll-san. Not as I am. To play, though... I can do that. [No wavering this time, though there's a certain wry smile ghosting over her lips for a moment. She's sure it'll work out, but she knows her limits.] And if Hanako-kun's got our backs, I can focus on support. But I won't object to more hands!

[Eyes on Ai-Doll, she still feels, rather than sees, the moment where Ai decides to pivot to something less idol-y. She'd already been letting her fingers slow to follow Ai-Doll as soon as she decided on something, shield dimming, but once she starts, Rhodonite nods once, sharply, and starts in. She's heard this, and it feels like a solid choice. It's a little different from what Ai normally does, but different is good, and she's a fan of just about anything Ai puts out anyway. As she starts to play, every cell in her body thrums in time with the beat, surprising and thrilling her in equal measure, grin rising as her shield flares with power. Magic is weird, yo.]

[determinationtofist]

Ehhh?

[ Gungnir doesn't get the chance to insist that Rhodonite sing anyway before Ai begins to sing, and all of a sudden, Hibiki feels lyrics flow out from her chest and into reality, immediately proceeding to mesh into the song, harmonizing with Ai.

There's a sense of elation as she does. Look at her! She's singing with Ai! Hoshino Ai herself! She channels that elation into her song... and in feeling her strength suddenly surge, darts out of the protective barrier and leaps at the nightmare, moving much faster than anybody's seen her move before, leaping between and away from falling shards of molten glass and even hitting a few of them away with kick as she runs. ]

oh gosh sorry I missed this!!

[thestarknows]

[Junna looks up, surprised--]

Ah-- [She's a Novice. She's not sure what she is. But she listens to Ai, to her orders, and then glances at Ai-Doll. Her and Hibiki singing... a part of her wants to join in. She used to sing.

But she can't bring herself to.

So she draws back another arrow -- takes aim -- and looses it for the Nightmare. It flies free, arrows slamming down just after Hibiki's strikes, trying to hit just where Gungnir did.]