The Day of Thunder

[Nanzi Ai]

"Perhaps we try and enter a dream and see if we can control it?" she asked of the group. That was not a sentence she ever thought she would say.

[Chuchu]

The nezumi takes her time considering this, then, very softly, pipes up, "The ability to change the Dreaming requires strength of will and practice... but we could begin that practice with something small... I think I can teach you."

Her ears lower. "I fear, though, the Rot we face -- this 'Harbinger' -- may have a will stronger than our own... but perhaps if we work together, it won't overpower our collective will."

"To Dream Walk takes time. I can take two tonight, and two tomorrow. Be warned that the Dreaming here is tainted and you may not be safe."

Chuchu nervously undoes one of her braids, combing out her hair with her fingers as she tries not to shivver at the thought.

[Togashi Satsuki]

Satsuki looked to Ai and Hikaru. If there could only be two, they seemed the better choice.

[Doji Hikaru]

"Thank you." Hikaru breathed, nodding.

He looked around. "What two shall go?" He looked at Nao. "Ryoshun-sama... do you need to be one of the participants?" Hikaru's expression was concerned.

[Nanzi Ai]

Satsuki looked to Ai and Hikaru. If there could only be two, they seemed the better choice.

She nodded at her cousin.

[Togashi Satsuki]

"No one is more fitting to seek out Doji first than you two," she indicated Ai and Hikaru. As much as she wanted to go and help, they were closer to her - especially Ai.

[Chuchu]

"I can also advise those not joining us tonight," Chuchu squeaks out, ears slightly lowered. There doesn't seem a chieftain calling the shots so she has no idea what to do or how to help. "There are meditative principles one can begin to practice before setting foot in the Dreaming. Ifyouwouldlike."

The ratling then shrinks back into the flowerbed.

[Ryoshun Nao]

Nao slowly moved closer and sat down.

"I would like that, if it can help us protect dreams. But, our focus is helping my aunt Doji., as she's helped us." She touched the jade pine cone hanging around her neck.

[Togashi Satsuki]

Following Nao's good call of lowering oneself to appear less threatening to the little ratling, Satsuki also sat down on her knees. Her palms were upturned and resting on her thighs.

"I would like to learn, so I can help too. Please."

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru waited and watched, his expression strange.

[Chuchu]

"I would like that, if it can help us protect dreams. But, our focus is helping my aunt Doji., as she's helped us."

"Your auntie is in the Dreaming?" Chuchu peeks her nose out of the flowers so she can just about see Nao. "Did someone trap her?"

[Ryoshun Nao]

"They tried. But, she's strong." she smiled. "She fights them. We want to help her."

[Chuchu]

"She fights them. We want to help her."

Oh... she sniffles a little bit, but nods, raising her head above the flowers, petals and leaves and (only a little) dirt falling from her. "Okay. I show all of you the first steps on the path, and then we start preparing." Chuchu nods, saying this as much for herself as for the others. "Is there someone who can gather-gather needed things while I show you?"

[Ryoshun Nao]

"Tell me what you need." Nao nodded. "I'll get it while you show them."

[Chuchu]

"Tell me what you need."

In a flash of movement the nezumi pounces out of the flowers and onto the grass, quickly shaking the evidence of her hiding off before standing up on her hind legs.

"Incense, as many colors of sand as you can find, oil, and drums and rattles. Please," She adds the last word very gently. "Thank you, lady..?"

[Ryoshun Nao]

"Nao." she smiled. "My name is Nao. I'll be back as quickly as I can."

She then stood and ran off to gather what was needed.

[Chuchu]

"Nao." she smiled. "My name is Nao. I'll be back as quickly as I can."

"Thank you thank you Naonao!" She chirps after Nao before trundling over to settle near Satsuki. The Dragon woman gets a little look from the nezumi -- who's still a bit messy despite herself -- but it's not a fearful one. Chuchu then turns to look at the others.

"Alright. Let us begin with the first step. Do any of you have trouble remembering your dreams?"

[Doji Hikaru]

Hikaru frowned, one hand coming up to brush through his hair. His white lock came loose, but he grabbed it and quickly tucked it back.

"I am not sure." He said honestly. "Sometimes I remember them, sometimes I do not. Even then I remember them, they seem to fade from memory quickly."

[Togashi Satsuki]

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Pet. Satsuki took a calming breath to make sure she didn't frighten the little ratling.

"I would say I remember them more and more? Because the dreams have been more intense lately."

[Chuchu]

"I would say I remember them more and more? Because the dreams have been more intense lately."

Her ears go up straight at that; but it will be a moment before it is addressed. Chuchu looks to Ai and then Kichi expectantly.