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sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
Entry tags:
▶ 008. TEST DRIVE #8
TEST DRIVE #8
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye, a dash of time – you're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up the desire of your normal life. When you awaken, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakes each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279 and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
The cafeteria will be hosting its own version of a feast to ring in the new years. The robots on base will be offering a savory mochi soup with both lab-made and fresh vegetables procured from Transylvania. There will also be a self-serve bar of soba noodles with a simple broth. These are all accompanied by vegetables which have been prepared in various ways to last throughout the month, and act as side dishes to every meal. As the vegetables are a work in progress, some will look or taste peculiarly, or have a bitterness that remains on the tongue.
Additionally, an impressive bronze cauldron now sits proudly in the corner of the cafeteria, marked by a small sign reading "LILITH's Community Perpetual Stew."
True to its name, the stew is now a constant presence, and after every mission, the cauldron’s contents are conspicuously replenished, ensuring it's always filled to the brim for all to enjoy. What the stew evolves into over time is anyone's guess, but for now, it boasts a hearty medley of Transylvania's freshest meats and vegetables, seasoned to perfection.
Visitors and team members alike are encouraged to contribute their own ingredients, with one rule in place: the robot staff, ever vigilant, are programmed to detect any malicious tampering. Should anyone attempt to add something harmful, they will be politely but firmly asked to leave the premises.
That familiar robotic voice is heard again:
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough, as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakes each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Blood Type:
What are your new year’s resolutions?
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2279 and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
The cafeteria will be hosting its own version of a feast to ring in the new years. The robots on base will be offering a savory mochi soup with both lab-made and fresh vegetables procured from Transylvania. There will also be a self-serve bar of soba noodles with a simple broth. These are all accompanied by vegetables which have been prepared in various ways to last throughout the month, and act as side dishes to every meal. As the vegetables are a work in progress, some will look or taste peculiarly, or have a bitterness that remains on the tongue.
Additionally, an impressive bronze cauldron now sits proudly in the corner of the cafeteria, marked by a small sign reading "LILITH's Community Perpetual Stew."
True to its name, the stew is now a constant presence, and after every mission, the cauldron’s contents are conspicuously replenished, ensuring it's always filled to the brim for all to enjoy. What the stew evolves into over time is anyone's guess, but for now, it boasts a hearty medley of Transylvania's freshest meats and vegetables, seasoned to perfection.
Visitors and team members alike are encouraged to contribute their own ingredients, with one rule in place: the robot staff, ever vigilant, are programmed to detect any malicious tampering. Should anyone attempt to add something harmful, they will be politely but firmly asked to leave the premises.
That familiar robotic voice is heard again:
"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is occupied. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."
▶ 002. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
While normally the shrines tucked away within the bustle of the city are quiet and exude a certain tranquility about them, they will be brought to life with celebration for the New Years. Similarly to years before, they will have street vendors offering all the traditional classics, but some will also have a spin to them. For the year of the sheep/ram, there will be fluffy cotton candy to represent the fuwa fuwa of sheep, onigiri in the shape of a ram, and hearty lamb curry.
The temples themselves will have several offerings, but the biggest event is always the bell chiming in for the new years, as well as the celebration for the first sunrise of the year. In light of this, many vendors will be passing out sake, as well as energy drinks. Regardless of the timing, the area for one to purchase their fortunes will be made available. For those who get an awful one, thankfully, there is no shortage of people who are queued up in order to hang up their bad fortunes in order to cast them aside for the coming year.
Outside of this, there will also be corners in which people can write their new years greetings out to their loved ones. Both digitally, or in the form of a physical postcard. People are encouraged to decorate and send their own, and they may or may not be pressured to do so if they so happen to catch the eye of enthusiastic locals. Those who find themselves trapped into this, will find themselves compelled to be honest as soon as their pen hits paper, or for those who opt on a digital card, their true thoughts will be conveyed instantaneously.
The shrines and vendors outside of them aren’t the only ones getting into the spirit of things. The shopping districts are also banking on the continuation of the holidays. As with every year, they will have special sales, and every store will put out their “lucky bags.” The lucky bags will often be sold at discounted prices, but there is no telling what the actual items in them will be. Perhaps, you can test your luck and make a profit while you’re at it?
The temples themselves will have several offerings, but the biggest event is always the bell chiming in for the new years, as well as the celebration for the first sunrise of the year. In light of this, many vendors will be passing out sake, as well as energy drinks. Regardless of the timing, the area for one to purchase their fortunes will be made available. For those who get an awful one, thankfully, there is no shortage of people who are queued up in order to hang up their bad fortunes in order to cast them aside for the coming year.
Outside of this, there will also be corners in which people can write their new years greetings out to their loved ones. Both digitally, or in the form of a physical postcard. People are encouraged to decorate and send their own, and they may or may not be pressured to do so if they so happen to catch the eye of enthusiastic locals. Those who find themselves trapped into this, will find themselves compelled to be honest as soon as their pen hits paper, or for those who opt on a digital card, their true thoughts will be conveyed instantaneously.
The shrines and vendors outside of them aren’t the only ones getting into the spirit of things. The shopping districts are also banking on the continuation of the holidays. As with every year, they will have special sales, and every store will put out their “lucky bags.” The lucky bags will often be sold at discounted prices, but there is no telling what the actual items in them will be. Perhaps, you can test your luck and make a profit while you’re at it?
▶ 003. NEW YEAR MERCENARIES.
Amid all of the public celebrations, local businesses and organizations throw New Year parties for their employees and members. Many of these parties take place at luxury high rise hotels or award winning restaurants in the city. These celebrations are easy to plan, safe within the city limits.
However, there are some groups that won't settle for just safe and easy. No, they have to show off their wealth and influence by going on luxury trips outside the city to the traditional inn on the outskirts of the city. The journey outside the city is risky– there is a high chance their entourage may be attacked by kaiju on the way to the inn and when they arrive, their activity will surely draw attention from even more kaiju. Still, that doesn't stop them from setting out and reveling in celebrations.
These figures will hire mercenaries to escort them into the mountains and keep them safe through the duration of their stay. Most of them are wealthy CEOs and politicians who may or may not have certain shadowy connections so they can afford to pay for protection. They promise high commissions and even offer to pay for a shared room and meals.
Sure, they have to share a room and they might not get the same high quality meals and drinks as the main party but it's not so bad, right? They're free to use the hot springs after everyone else is finished, too. All they have to do in return is spend some time out in the freezing cold and keep kaiju away so everyone else can have a good time.
Just remind yourself: You're doing it for the money!
However, there are some groups that won't settle for just safe and easy. No, they have to show off their wealth and influence by going on luxury trips outside the city to the traditional inn on the outskirts of the city. The journey outside the city is risky– there is a high chance their entourage may be attacked by kaiju on the way to the inn and when they arrive, their activity will surely draw attention from even more kaiju. Still, that doesn't stop them from setting out and reveling in celebrations.
These figures will hire mercenaries to escort them into the mountains and keep them safe through the duration of their stay. Most of them are wealthy CEOs and politicians who may or may not have certain shadowy connections so they can afford to pay for protection. They promise high commissions and even offer to pay for a shared room and meals.
Sure, they have to share a room and they might not get the same high quality meals and drinks as the main party but it's not so bad, right? They're free to use the hot springs after everyone else is finished, too. All they have to do in return is spend some time out in the freezing cold and keep kaiju away so everyone else can have a good time.
Just remind yourself: You're doing it for the money!
▶ 004. A DEADLY SOAK.
A few days into the new year, people living outside the Neo Tokyo metropolitan area have been having a hard time due to the recent appearance of medium-sized kaiju. No one knows where they had come from, but there’s reason to believe that a small rift has emerged somewhere and it’s mutating the local wildlife. One popular, family-run business that is going through some hard times is the Yuryo onsen, in Hakone, an outer suburb of Neo Tokyo. Seasoned Outsiders might be very familiar with this onsen resort already, as it’s one of the last surviving ones outside Metropolitan Tokyo and hosts a huge colony of feral cats.
Drawn in by the comfort of a warm bath in the cold winter, a troop of mutated macaques have made said onsen resort their home, and they have made it impossible for any customers to visit. These monkeys vary in size depending on rift exposure, with some of them as large as a lion, and others as large as an elephant. Business for the local onsen has been impossible with the macaques occupying the hot springs, stealing food and harassing guests. Though appearing docile as they sit and bathe in the springs, these macaques have become fiercely territorial following the rift’s influence. When they identify a threat, they will let out a piercing scream that’s enough to make ears bleed. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and primates are known to be brutal when tearing apart their enemies. It’s a situation that needs to be contained immediately if people are going to continue living in the outer suburbs.
The macaques aren’t the only wildlife that have been affected by rift. Pockets of Yama-Kujira have been seen roaming the forests and abandoned small towns. While a large portion of the outer suburbs are uninhabited, there continue to be some stragglers toughing it out in the abandoned houses. They all have their own reasons for choosing not to live in the armored city but they will need to be protected all the same. The Yama-Kujira are blind but vicious, making up for their lack of eyesight by charging into anything and everything. Refer to our bestiary or previous TDM for more information about this boar kaiju.
With the increased reports of mutating local wildlife, LILITH has requested that Outsiders also round up the colony of feral cats that normally roam the onsen. If a pride of mutated felines were to emerge in the outer suburbs, the results would simply be disastrous … These cats, fearful of the kaiju, will be skittish and very, very difficult to catch.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Nihonzaru
HEIGHT: 2-10 meters
WEIGHT: 20-200kg
CLASS: Moderate threat
LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: A piercing scream that can cause ringing in the ears, temporary deafness and bleeding from the ear canal with frequent exposure. Razor sharp claws and teeth. Considerable strength and muscle. Highly intelligent, capable of using basic tactical strategies, using tools (please do not leave your weapon unattended), capitalizing on weaknesses (please do not leave your children unattended) and reading the movements of their enemies. Family orientated and attacks in groups.
WEAKNESS: With how intelligent they are, they might not find a battle worth fighting if they are at a clear disadvantage or there are benefits to being passive. This means they can be bribed to a degree. It also means they will run away if outnumbered. Their skin is not particularly dense and they are weak to being stabbed in their vital organs.
EXTRA NOTES: Juveniles are playful, mischievous and can build bonds with humans, mistaking the humans as their family. Some of the adults can also build bonds with enough bribery.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Incapacitate and capture the Nihonzaru and Yama-Kujira and bring them back to base. Large cages will be provided for this purpose.
✖ Kill the kaiju if necessary, especially if they are threatening the people in the area.
✖ Capture the feral cats and bring them back to base.
✖ Following the return to base, these cats will require care. As LILITH does not have the resources for this, the ban on pets on base will be lifted and Outsiders will be encouraged to care for the cats.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
Drawn in by the comfort of a warm bath in the cold winter, a troop of mutated macaques have made said onsen resort their home, and they have made it impossible for any customers to visit. These monkeys vary in size depending on rift exposure, with some of them as large as a lion, and others as large as an elephant. Business for the local onsen has been impossible with the macaques occupying the hot springs, stealing food and harassing guests. Though appearing docile as they sit and bathe in the springs, these macaques have become fiercely territorial following the rift’s influence. When they identify a threat, they will let out a piercing scream that’s enough to make ears bleed. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and primates are known to be brutal when tearing apart their enemies. It’s a situation that needs to be contained immediately if people are going to continue living in the outer suburbs.
The macaques aren’t the only wildlife that have been affected by rift. Pockets of Yama-Kujira have been seen roaming the forests and abandoned small towns. While a large portion of the outer suburbs are uninhabited, there continue to be some stragglers toughing it out in the abandoned houses. They all have their own reasons for choosing not to live in the armored city but they will need to be protected all the same. The Yama-Kujira are blind but vicious, making up for their lack of eyesight by charging into anything and everything. Refer to our bestiary or previous TDM for more information about this boar kaiju.
With the increased reports of mutating local wildlife, LILITH has requested that Outsiders also round up the colony of feral cats that normally roam the onsen. If a pride of mutated felines were to emerge in the outer suburbs, the results would simply be disastrous … These cats, fearful of the kaiju, will be skittish and very, very difficult to catch.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Nihonzaru
HEIGHT: 2-10 meters
WEIGHT: 20-200kg
CLASS: Moderate threat
LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: A piercing scream that can cause ringing in the ears, temporary deafness and bleeding from the ear canal with frequent exposure. Razor sharp claws and teeth. Considerable strength and muscle. Highly intelligent, capable of using basic tactical strategies, using tools (please do not leave your weapon unattended), capitalizing on weaknesses (please do not leave your children unattended) and reading the movements of their enemies. Family orientated and attacks in groups.
WEAKNESS: With how intelligent they are, they might not find a battle worth fighting if they are at a clear disadvantage or there are benefits to being passive. This means they can be bribed to a degree. It also means they will run away if outnumbered. Their skin is not particularly dense and they are weak to being stabbed in their vital organs.
EXTRA NOTES: Juveniles are playful, mischievous and can build bonds with humans, mistaking the humans as their family. Some of the adults can also build bonds with enough bribery.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Incapacitate and capture the Nihonzaru and Yama-Kujira and bring them back to base. Large cages will be provided for this purpose.
✖ Kill the kaiju if necessary, especially if they are threatening the people in the area.
✖ Capture the feral cats and bring them back to base.
✖ Following the return to base, these cats will require care. As LILITH does not have the resources for this, the ban on pets on base will be lifted and Outsiders will be encouraged to care for the cats.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
▶ 005. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 8th TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.
There are currently 9 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards January AC.
There are currently 9 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards January AC.
TDM #8 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT: Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete.
2. HAPPY NEW YEAR: Outsiders are welcome to visit local temples for New Year's activities, which include drawing fortune slips and writing down their wishes for the new year. Many sheep-themed goods and foods are also on sale to welcome the Year of the Sheep.
3. NEW YEAR MERCENARIES: High-profile businessman and politicians are hiring bodyguards and protective mercenaries to keep them safe as they enjoy new year's travel and celebrations. In return for being out in the cold and fighting smaller kaiju during the holidays, they offer high monetary compensation.
4. A DEADLY SOAK: Monkey and boar kaiju are attacking the outer suburbs of Tokyo, including a popular onsen spot. Capture/kill the kaiju and protect the people living there. Round up the feral cats to prevent them from rift exposure.
.
no subject
Hunter!
( Cats momentarily forgotten in favour of this, genuine relief. )
You're here! I thought I'd never see you again. ( Both hands on the kid's shoulders, putting only space enough to examine him for injuries, blue eyes shifting quickly behind orange glass. ) How are you? Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?
no subject
[ he stares up at the man, wide-eyed and a little vulnerable, not quite sure how to react at first. affection? worry?? what is this?? ]
I-I'm fine. I mean.... it should be me asking you that!
[ he looks about the normal amount of beaten up and exhausted, for the record. so, nothing vash hasn't seen before ]
Are you okay?
[ hunter does a onceover to search for injuries or anything out of the ordinary, himself ]
no subject
( He's relieved, is the thing. He doesn't know all that much about Hunter's world back home, but he's been able to pick up on some things. He's so young, and Vash worries. Having him in eyeline is easier. It's almost impossible to keep the smile from creeping up his face, so he really doesn't try. Instead he keeps beaming. )
I thought I'd never see you again, but now you're back! Oh! I have a thing for you. A holiday thing. When we get to base I'll go fetch it for you. ( A bubble of laughter, Vash reaching out to pat Hunter on the head. ) Tell me everything. What happened? Where did you go?
no subject
I didn't... go anywhere. If I'd gone home, I wouldn't be alive right now.
[ he winces as that comes out of his mouth, and it's clear he let that slip accidentally. clears his throat. anyway!! ]
I don't know what happened. One minute I was here, and then I was waking up... like a new recruit. And.... what do you mean, something for me?
[ is it a punishment?? ]
no subject
A Christmas present! I had it for a while, because I wanted to be prepared. But then you weren't there anymore. I kept it though, just in case. ( Tucked safely under his bed, next to the things he's kept for other missing parties. ) And now you are! So you can have it.
( He squeezes, lets go but stays close by, glancing only once at the cat before it's back to Hunter. ) I bet that must've been weird. Just waking up and weeks have passed. I wonder why. That doesn't seem like it would work in LILITH's favour.
( Trying to figure them out gives Vash a headache though. )
no subject
Christmas?
[ hunter echoes, looking confused as vash holds onto his shoulders and squeezes them. and vash isn't wrong, it was weird. and extremely disorienting. and-- ]
[ hunter suddenly straightens up and stares at vash, craning his neck a bit to look at him better. ]
Wait! You--- Are you okay? Are you still a vampire? Do you need blood?
[ panik ]
no subject
( A nervous, embarrassed laugh. )
No, I'm all good now. LILITH cleared all that up just before the holidays. No avoiding sunlight and hiding away in my room for me now! I am absolutely going to avoid anything coming at me teeth-first from hereon out though. That was not fun.
( Wolfwood helped, but then Wolfwood left, and so he filed the whole thing neatly away at the back of his skull never to be thought of again. )
The only thing I crave these days is donuts. We should get some on the way back. My treat.
no subject
[ so he breathes another little sigh of relief ]
Okay--- good. [ one last unsubtle stare at vash's face to make sure he's not hiding fangs somehow. and then ] ... I still don't know what holidays you're talking about.
[ america, explain!! ]
You and your donuts....
[ grumbled a little, but then his stomach rumbles, as if spurred by comedic timing. well. he won't say no. ]
no subject
Oh! You don't have Christmas either? Hiyori and Yato had to teach me about it. It's like some kind of winter thing, people put up lights on the trees, and they give gifts, and they eat turkeys. There's also a guy called Santa Claus and he comes down chimneys.
( Does this make sense? Who knows.
But now it's Vash's turn to be sceptical. ) Okay, luring cats can happen later. I'm hungry. Can't trap anything on an empty stomach. ( He's not, but Hunter might be, so Vash flings an arm around his shoulders and immediately starts steering him away. ) But I also can't decide what to eat, so you're gonna have to pick. What sounds good?
no subject
He breaks into their houses? People use light magic on trees? The human realm is weird....
[ but then he is once again seized by the shoulders and led away... ]
... Anything is fine.
[ he is really not picky ] A cafe?
[ since they'd likely have donuts... ]
no subject
( Just gonna drag Hunter with him, get some food in him. )
But don't worry about missing it, I'm sure there'll be other holidays to experience. Maybe even better ones! How are you feeling? With the big nap, I mean? It must be a weird adjustment.
no subject
Experiencing holidays isn't really something I'm concerned about. [ okay debbie downer. ] And like I said, I'm fine. Ready to get back into the missions.
Have there been any?
no subject
( He's a little mystified himself. )
After Transylvania everything seemed to have really calmed down. There's been a few clean-up operations, some fact finding, but beyond that nothing really worrisome. I've been kind of wondering about it, but I'm not exactly about to look a gift Toma in the mouth, you know? That mission was a lot.
( Traumatising. )
no subject
Well-- good. You all deserved a break after.... everything that happened.
[ he cranes his neck to peer up at vash one last time just to ensure his teeth aren't pointier than usual and he's not super pale -- and seems satisfied by what he's seen. ]
no subject
( Hunter seems stressed, so it wasn't exactly rest. But Vash is going to keep smiling, leading him out of the hot and humid onsen and out into fresher air again. )
You're sure you're feeling all right? They didn't do anything? You're all in one piece?
no subject
[ as vash continues to lead him out. he huffs ]
I said I'm fine! Stop worrying!!
no subject
Okay, okay.
( He's so fond of his tsundere friends. This one specifically, something in Vash a little more protective of the younger boy. ) Well, I've missed you. So I'm glad you're back. You and Wolfwood disappearing around the same time sucked. It's better now.
( Outside the onsen and he scans the empty streets. )
This way? I think.
no subject
[ then the tips of his ears redden a little bit when vash says he missed him and hunter looks up at him as they walk ]
Seriously?
[ being missed.... what is this? things hunter has not experienced ]
no subject
Yeah! I bet the kids at the orphanage have to. You should come by later. We've made New Years decorations, some of them are even pretty good.
( At least in a place like Neo Tokyo the stores and restaurants seem to continue their trade at all times, so Vash doesn't mind muscling into a nearby little place, waving cheerfully at the person behind the counter. )
Let's grab a table, yeah? I'm thirsty!
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[ but he still looks touched, if a little unsure of how to deal with openly being told he was missed and liked. vash might get the impression he has probably has rarely heard comments like that in his life, if ever. he just nods along, following vash's lead to whatever table they get taken to. it's not busy, so the host is able to find them a table instantly ]
Are you okay? You know... with Wolfwood...
[ awkward ]
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I'm fine. It's better than he's not here. He had stuff to do back home, right? So it's for the best. ( It doesn't matter that Vash is so sure he won't ever see him again, that after Julai Wolfwood will go back to the orphanage and the kids and he'll leave whatever wreckage the Humanoid Typhoon has made back in the dust. It doesn't matter that Vash realised his feelings a second too late. He should be happy for the undertaker. He is. It's just he also feels a little sorry for himself too. )
I've been looking after the kids for him. I think he'd have liked that.
( And then, more gently. ) I'm sorry, I know you two were close too. But if you need anything I'm here. I'll help.
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[ there's also a line of frustration. back before everything changed and he found out the truth, he wanted so badly to help his "uncle", and he was never given the means to. always brushed off. but unlike belos, vash cares about hunter, and sees him as a person. or at least, hunter thinks he does. ]
[ and he can't consider the alternative. it would make him unravel ]
Don't lie!
[ it comes out before he can filter it, but it's genuinely a bit emotional ] You're not fine. I'm not fine either. None of this is fine.
People keep... disappearing. And we don't know what really happens to them, if they made it back or.... I don't know. And he's your friend. It's not fine!
[ well. this comes from a good place, probably. even if it comes out completely wrong ]
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Hunter ... ( He shifts in his seat, hooking his foot around the leg so he can lean forward, press a gloved hand to the boy's arm. ) Hey, I get it. It's not fine, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It makes sense you're worried, I am too. But I think there's so many people here, so many who have come and gone, right? That if they were lying then there'd be some sign. And I know I can come across too - ( He shrugs, unable to convey the feeling. People think he trusts too much, ) But I think I'd feel it, if he were here. So I think we have to believe he's made it back home. That he's safe.
( Vash isn't sure his sanity would last if he let himself think otherwise.
So he squeezes Hunter's arm and then settles back with a sigh, gaze drifting. ) I miss him though. I really - it was so nice, getting to just be ourselves. I liked it.
( Just the two of them away from the shadow of the things they'd done, what they'd been forced into. )
I'll look into it. What really happens with LILITH. That will help, right?
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I mean--- yes, it will. I'll look into it too. [ he has been, with no results. but he has to believe they're safe. he has to. ] But that's not my point. My point is...
[ "I miss him" ]
You don't have to do that all the time. Pretend like you're happy if you're not. You said you miss him. That's fine.
[ he is clumsy, socially, but he's also perceptive. and vash is doing what he knows luz does too. masking. ]
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( He pauses, face twisted up into something a little embarrassed, maybe a bit flustered. Personally he thinks locking down his emotions until he can't feel them ever again is the way to go, but Hunter's an impressionable young person and Vash is trying very hard not to screw him up via association, so. )
I'm not unhappy. ( Slowly. Carefully. ) Both things can happen at once, right? I can be happy to see you and sad Wolfwood's gone. Plus, if I moped and he comes back and finds out? He'd kick my ass. ( A little more lively, bolstering again. ) You want him to do that, huh? You saw what he was like in a bad mood.
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