As they regrouped, the Monsters were quick on banding back together and forming another plan, now that they have the bunker. Tsukiya and Enenra couldn't help but be a bit curious, trying to scoot themselves into the conversation, though every time they did, one monster would always catch them, forcing them back. In a way, it almost felt like a game, as the two were getting more and more curious when they conversed. Talismans to act as decoys to try and learn about them, only for Fenrir to suck in such air and swallow them away, breaking the magic with its mouth and howling to act as a deterrent for the two. Smog to flow in and act as camouflage, only for Jormungan to simply swat it away with his massive tail, catching them almost immediately. The two groups were at each other at every opportunity, pausing conversations just to see what was the next trick they were pulling. It was even causing bystanders to notice and even be dragged in, being horrified at the Monsters still alive, invertedly raising panic on everyone until Adel came in to knock them out.
Meanwhile, the Children were trying to help comfort Applin once they noticed she was growing quiet. Harvard would even try to give her back such a spark with his cards, a bit sad when he noticed it wasn't working. He'd get a better angle around and see her face being one of pure dejection. Pain and loss mingled between her eyes, as if she doesn't know what to say or how to feel. Harvard would close his eyes and get into thought, trying to figure out what would make her be able to smile again in such trying times. That was when he remembered the small conversation they had in Calibren, as he'd begin to gather a few objects. "Hey! Hey! Over here" the boy shouted. As soon as he caught one's attention, they'd be met with a set of blocks, as well as a grumpy face ebedded within the top of one of them. From here, Harvard would begin to sing a small chant.
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
The head came flying off from the stack, the hammer hitting too hard onto the blocks, as Haevard groaned and signaled for the next to have their turn. Stolas would be quick to follow along, immediately knowing what Harvard was planning, and deciding he might as well indulge in his own fun at the same time.
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
Another knockdown on the main head, two more points than Harvard's. Stolas would give a light tease, being met with a noogie by the Card Magician as Zazel took his turn
"Daru~ma-san...?"
THWACK!!
Too hard. His strike was too strong, knocking it over instantly. The two boys would tease back at the Devil, causing him to be frustrated and give chase to the three, catching the attention of the others. Applin would watch on and see such small chaos, before noticing the others attempting to play the same game. One by one, they started to get acquainted with Daruma Otoshi. One by one, they were starting to get competitive, with Harvard even keeping score as he watched Tsukiya and Enenra have a turn playing this game, with Enenra being the only one succeeding in getting every block down while keeping 'Daruma-san' atop. Her eyes were beginning to grow wide as she watched her friends and acquaintances all try to pitch in.
All trying to make sure she's happy.
Even when Solomon and Eustace came back after their conversation, the two noticed the scene unfolding and decided to have a turn as well with the game. Everyone but Applin was having fun, and as soon as Harvard offered the hammer once the two had their respective turns, the Vampiress was quick on taking his hand. "Applin! Applin! Applin! Applin!" They chanted, cheers being made, with Fenrir peeking over and smiling in jubilation. The Vampiress struggled with wanting to see her father again eye-to-eye, but in this small moment, she was able to smile too, albeit briefly. She'd show a small strategy when playing the game, where she'd take a deep breath and hit into the middle blocks, before shifting the hammer after its impact to go again, and again, and again. A consistent stream of hits, slowly whittling down the blocky tower, until all that was left was 'Daruma-San' himself. Being experienced with the game means knowing how much strength and weight one must need to knock the blocks over without tipping over the head. By the time she opened her eyes, she was tied for first with Enenra. Applause and cheers galore, as Harvard took his turn next, his hand grazing hers to have the hammer, a wink to her to signal that she was doing great.
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw his gestures. With all the praise and enjoyment everyone had, she was able to keep that small smile, making it grow. She was having fun again. As Fenrir came to her side and knelt his head, brushing against her body, all Applin did, fears aside, was pet his head and hugged the beast. It was clear she was still hesitant, as recovery wouldn't come fast. Here, however, was a perfect start to it.
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
"Daru~ma-san!"
THWACK!!
"Ga Ko~ronda!"
THWACK!!
"Ima cho~tto..."
THWACK!!
Dake Ugo~ita!"
THWACK!!
Once more, all the blocks were taken down. Harvard picked up on Applin's strategy and adapted it into his own, a cheeky smile and a pose to show he was at the top, before immediately having the hammer taken away and be upstaged by Stolas, a rugged air between the two as they try to one-up one another. The adults and Monsters could've been fooled that they were brothers, almost, with how much they tried to squabble at each other, butting heads and trying to take the hammer, only for Zazel and Solomon to break it up before things get hectic proper. A dysfunctional family, but one with a proper heart.