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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
he has to.
in answer to the accidental jibe, she picks up the second helmet and shoves it on her head and stomps to the bike. ]
I didn't handle it well because you drove like a maniac...! I thought I was going to die the way you went zipping up buildings and jumped gaps after you had been drinking, you - !! [ since he reminded her, she will smack his shoulder. ]
Don't drink and drive! Ever! I don't care that you're a god. Were a god...? Are - EITHER WAY.
[ with that, she swings her leg over and plops herself on the back seat in a huff. can't see it with the helmet, but she's all puffed up. ]
no subject
But since she survived and met him again, he knows all will be well.
Not as he desires, but well enough that he can live with it. Ten years is going to be a long time, but it's better than never.
He watches her stomp with mild amusement, a smile creeping onto his face. Even when she swats him, he can't help laughing as he flinches a little bit.]
Ow, haha... Hey now, I did great compared to my first time out! Everything was perfectly under control! Drink or no drink. [Chuckling, he seats himself in front after she's all ready, waiting for her to wrap her arms around his middle for safety's sake.]
I promise I won't drink and drive ever again. Especially not with you on board. That was stupid of me.
[He realizes it now; back then he couldn't because the alcohol was talking louder than common sense could get. Thankfully he's 100% sober today, having not had any of his Christmas booze in at least a twenty-four hours. A record!]
Ready to go? I'll even take it easy for you, okay?
[And with that, they're off! No flying up buildings this time - he even sticks to the speed limit and heeds the traffic signals, being the picture of perfect driving.]
no subject
after that, she scoots forward to press her chest to his back and put her arms around his middle, locking them by grabbing hold of her wrist. behind him she still grumbles about it. "better not" audible over everything else.
she squeezes him as he starts up the engine and they're out on the road. of course, when he's SOBER he's being careful. she doesn't mind a LITTLE speed. keep heeding signals, though. those are important.
lifting her hand from his stomach, she gives him a thumbs-up sign. then almost pinches her fingers together. it should be universal.
"speed up a bit" ]
no subject
He hums appreciatively at the feel of her pressed firmly against his back and the way she clings to him, even if it is just for safety's sake. Almost as if to make up for his behavior last time does he go carefully, at least until she gives him the 'go' signal. Then he's kicking it up a notch or ten - not to lunatic degrees like last time, but enough that were not for the helmets she'd really feel the wind in her hair.
As is, it whips over their clothes, chilly even in the bright sunlight. And before they know it, they're at the hot springs entrance, far enough out from the actual onsen to see any disturbances, but once their helmets are off it's eerily quite. No birds singing, no sounds of visitors... Enough that were it night, it might make for good horror material.
Still seated, he puts down his helmet and frown, glancing back at her.]
Kinda gives you the willies, doesn't it?
no subject
as the bike's speed increases, so too does hiyori's sense of freedom. once upon a time, treading power lines, it was the convincing factor that being half-ayakashi wasn't ALL bad. a soul lighter than air. strength and speed. it'd be useful in a place like this, but that would mean being half-dead again. it could mean she would struggle to do things on her own again, leaving her helpless.
surely, LILITH would send her back at that point.
there's some sadness when they come to a stop because that feeling disappears, but she doesn't say a word as she climbs off the bike and pulls her helmet off.
the silence is haunting and makes the fine hair raise at her neck. horror material doesn't have to happen at night. this is creepy.
hiyori shuffles a step closer to yato, subconsciously. ]
Yeah. [ she replies, more hoarse and quiet as if afraid of being too loud might alert something. ]
Right. [ blowing out a breath, she activates her ocular and navigates to her notes, eyes glowing. ] I was reading the reports on the way here. It's a moderate threat. The screams of the Nihonzaru are dangerous, so if you hear anything like it plug your ears. They prefer groups, so if we can bribe one out of the pack... or even think of something big enough to lure all of them away...
More than anything, we need to get them out of the onsen. That poor couple must be terrified.
no subject
One of these days they're going to have to take a drive out into the country and just go. Let loose their inhibitions and fly across the sunset. Maybe after they're done here.
It'll be a nice refresher after the weird eeriness that's looming over the place right now making even him feel unsettled. It's not the same kind of unease that comes from ayakashi, but it's close. All it lacks is the primal instinct telling him to either fight or flee.
As she moves nearer, he too instinctively reaches out to take her hand. Keep her close, keep her safe.]
Weapons at the ready, then. Listen for movement, but don't shoot until you lock eyes with your target, got it? There might be others here fighting.
[His voice is low, too, but he gives her hand a squeeze before letting go to draw his own bow, listening to her summarize everything she read along the way. Smart girl. Still every bit as wise and clever as she ever was. It makes him smile warmly, knowing they can now act as a team instead of just one of them protecting the other.]
Got it. Do you have anything to protect yourself? I've got these-- [He tugs out a pair of rhinestone-spangled cat earmuffs. ...then a second pair.] Thought we might need an extra, heh.
But yeah... We should make our way to the springs and work our way out before they either cause too much damage or hurt someone. Then we can deal with the cats. Sound good?
no subject
but she likes riding on the back of yato's bike a lot with him, too. they'll have to take that drive at some point. when more dangerous things aren't happening around them. it is close to the storm of impending ayakashi looming in the shadows. pulling her bow off her shoulder and strapping a medical bag to her person she gives yato a tight nod.
and
stares at the bedazzled cat earmuffs. yato, what. with a blank expression, she takes the second pair and stares at them. don't their built in helmets have a mute function or something??? she puts them around her neck for now with a crooked smile aimed at yato. trust him to be a total dork and brighten the mood a little bit with his silliness. ]
Mm. [ she agrees, mind already on that very same strategy if he hadn't suggested it. with a fortifying straighten to her shoulders, she starts to move towards the onsen. ]
There's the boar looking kaiju, too. Both are in families... when I think about it, the Imugi had family, too. We took the eggs. Maybe the key to dealing with the kaiju has to do with their young. We shouldn't hurt them, rather if we can teach the new generation that we can reside together...
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Hypocrite.Besides, he likes sharing with her. It's intimate and fun to travel together, just the two of them. Maybe they can go on a picnic later. That'd be nice. Gotta quell the savage beasts first, though. Can't have them hurting people and spoiling things for everyone.
He beams at her for taking the earmuffs and plops his own around his neck with a look of pleased determination as he turns to regard the path they have to take through the woods. It's definitely darker and spooky in there, but they can do this...! So he follows her once she starts off, determined to make sure nothing attacks them from behind.]
Ah, damn, that's right. I forgot about those... [He mulls over that fact, expression contorting into a frown at her suggestion about the young. It's... an idea, to say the least. Not one he's sure will work at all, but it's very Hiyori. Biting his lip, he debates on how to proceed.] You really think we can do that? They're wild animals, Hiyori. Not only that, but monstrous ones, too. I dunno if they can be reasoned with. We need to be prepared to take them out if it comes to that.
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not that she doesn't like sharing, but imagine riding bikes TOGETHER. a hobby to enjoy mutually. something bedsides sharing dinner and beds and carnal pleasures. something like wrestling but less painful for yato. ]
I think we should try. With the Nihonzaru, at least. It says here that they're intelligent and can form bonds with humans. [ with that, her eyes dim back down to normal.
someone has to take initiative. if that has to be her, so be it. ] It's... it's not like I'm not prepared to do that. They're wild animals, but so were wolves. And horses. And cats. A lot of animals that humans eventually started to call companions. Why can't kaiju be similar? We can stay on guard but look harmless.
[ and gods, in a sense, were that way too. they need worship to calm their aramitama. ]
With that in mind, we should use food if we can or some sort of offering. Do you have any snacks on you or anything?
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O-Oh... Yeah. That... would be nice, even if he'd miss the feel of her pressed against his back. Imagine if they had something like a double bike that could split into two then come together like a Transformer...! That'd be awesome.]
If that's what you want, we'll give it a go. [He still sound plenty apprehensive, though. Yet he seems relieved to hear that she's not entirely against having to fight them should it come to that.]
Yeah, okay, I get the point. But that took a long damn time for humans to manage and we're aiming to finish today. [But it has to start somewhere, so. Sighing, he runs a hand down her arm reassuringly. He won't entirely dismiss the notion if she's set on trying.] I'm just not keen on going in there without weapons at the ready.
[Hey now, don't go comparing him to a feral cat or something...! Sheesh.]
You know it! Never come unprepared. [From the depths of his tracksuit, he produces a couple bags of potato chips and a bag of dumplings, offering the latter to her.] And hey, worst come to worst, we can snack while we run away and regroup.
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listen, yato, just imagine plugsuit hiyori riding in on her hoverbike, bow and arrow poised to help him strike an enemy down. LET HER LIVE. besides, we all know she'd be a way safer driver than him.
who says transformer bikes aren't possible????
anyway. yato is understandably uneasy. their history with kaiju isn't the most dazzling. like, at all.
it has to start somewhere. someone has to be CRAZY enough to try. hiyori is just crazy enough to do so. nobody believed in yato until hiyori came along, too. she grabs his hand and squeezes it, eyes bright but hard like stones. ]
Keep yours at the ready then and watch over me.
[ okay but he WAS A FERAL CAT, ONCE, BASICALLY???
hiyori glows at the sight of snacks. okay. okay!! this can work. she takes the bag of dumplings he offers, huffing. ]
That's a choking hazard. You're ridiculous, but thank you. I knew I could count on you. [ to have snacks? yeah. focused now, she opens up the bag of dumplings in the hopes that the smell might entice a couple toward them as they walk through the forest. leaves crunch beneath their feet and twigs snap, but other than that the silence continues to saturate the trees and the earth. her ears ring faintly.
then, she thinks she senses something. ]
Up there. [ she whispers, gripping the bag tight in her fist before lowering herself into a crouch to be less intimidating. her heart riots. ]
Can you lie low behind a tree?
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Plugsuit Hiyori on a hoverbike with weapon at the ready IS a very hot, enticing image, for real. He may allow it just for that reason alone. That and the fact he's not a domineering cad who tries controlling other people.
stares at his dad in the distanceThey should totally look into them!!
Though yeah... They do seem to have a negative track record when it comes to battling it out with kaiju. He did damn good against the Imugi, however...!
If anyone is capable of pulling this load of bullshit off, it's Hiyori, so he'll go along with it until things start to get too dangerous. At which point he's taking charge and kicking ass. But for now, he's trusting in her faith in these creatures, and nods in response to her gripping his hand.]
Can do. If anything lunges at you, get down and I'll take them out.
[THAT-- is basically true. Huh. Feral Yato. Sleeping wherever and mooching off whoever he could.
Tempting as it is to go ahead and snack right now, he refrains for the sake of her plan. Shit, he hopes this works...]
Only if you're uncoordinated. Which I'm not, so there. You're welcome, though. [He smiles faintly and tucks his food away as they start off, bow in hand and fingers flexing in preparation to do battle should the need arise. Like a cat, his posture is stiff and alert, eyes skimming the path along the sides and canopy above.
Then she spots it before he does, and he goes still in an instant.]
I see it... [He stands ready above her until she puts in her request, at which point he hesitates only a moment, then hurries off behind a nearby tree, also crouching low. In a low whisper, he hisses towards her.]
Be careful, alright? Be ready to dodge in case it lashes out-- head my way, got it?
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also stares at his dad..........bitch.he did do damn good. he'll do damn good now. the both of them will. because hiyori rolled a nat 20 ayoooooooooooo LETS GO. ]
Got it.
[ turns out hiyori is INDEED very capable of pulling this bullshit off. maybe even in thanks to having her god of fortune with her, blessing her. it's not her faith in these creatures, it's her faith in a good outcome. in giving things a chance. in a different outcome from different approaches. with kindness in her heart.
with trust that yato is watching her back as well, she remains in her spot but holds her breath when something peeks out from behind a tree. then, another. another. a small gaggle of curious and possibly hungry young nihonzaru. with little chatters, they approach. since hiyori looks PRETTY alone and her posture not imposing, they get close.
unfolding her fingers, she offers a dumpling and makes sure not to bare her teeth or do ANYTHING that could be perceived as threatening. last thing she needs is these babies to scream and the adults to come stampeding. ]
Hey. Want a snack?
[ hell yeah they want a snack. they clamber towards her with more chatters, swiping the first dumpling from her palm quickly. they immediately start pulling at the bag and at hiyori's hair and the earmuffs around her neck. ]
Eh, gh. O-okay. [ OKAY?? ] Ow, don't pull. Hah.
[ watch your fiancee prying little baboon fingers from her hair, yato. being patient but also overwhelmed by three young kaiju trying to play with her. ]
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I mean..... accurateAnd hell yeah nat 20 goooooooo]'kay then, let's go.
[Hiyori will have to pardon the disbelief with which Yato prepares for the upcoming attempt; he gets an arrow nocked and it remains there throughout her self-appointed mission, ready to lay waste to whatever kaiju approaches his beloved.
Yet he's not expecting a whole bunch of young kaiju to make their way out - that has him temporarily lowering his own guard enough that he allows the arrow to disperse. He can summon it again in an instant, but right now he doesn't want to accidentally signal to the kaiju any kind of threat himself. He'd never get over the guilt if it was him who spoiled things for Hiyori right now.
It's close, though, when they get within touching distance of her. When they begin pulling at her hair and clothes. Such as the clothes are. He has to bite his lip to keep from calling out and startling them. He's tempted to send a message through the oculars, but doesn't for the same reason.
In the end, he remains perfectly still, thinking to himself rather than risk muttering out loud.
C'mon, Hiyori... Careful there... Watch yourself...!
Although admittedly it IS kind of cute seeing her interact with the young apes? Hopefully they won't try anything, though. No going for her eyes or what not.
What now, Hiyori? This is your plan, so where do they go from here?]
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baboon kaiju right now.
she's careful and gentle and ensures she's not making any sudden movements. even when pulling baby apes off her person. though she wonders if it's a bad idea, she scoops up one of the smaller ones and holds it in her arms like
you guessed it
a baby. ]
Okay. [ step one, complete. the other starts climbing up her leg and hangs on her back like a backpack, hiyori grunts appropriately at the added weight when she's already carrying a lot. ] Gh. I think - [ she hefts the baby kaiju in her arms more comfortably. hey, you wanted mamayori didn't you yato ] We should lead these guys away. Into the forest. The adults will probably come looking, but that'll at least get them out of the onsen. If we're lucky...
But th-this is going pretty well?? [ besides her hair. which is now a nest. ]
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Too say that Yato is... exasperated... would be an understatement. Now she's gonna baby the things?? Although it is DAMN cute, he must admit. Hiyori Mama..... And he's grateful there doesn't seem to be any hostility among the younger kaiju towards them. Or at least her. He doesn't know how they might react to a second person, one wielding weapons at that. Are they old enough and experienced enough to recognize human weaponry...? Is that inborn information? What if they've met other outsiders who seek to attack them?
Ugh. Too many questions.
For now, he tries to stick to communicating via the ocular, hoping it won't disturb the kaiju as much as talking loudly in person might.]
Huh. Yeah, I guess so. I just hope this won't result in the adults pitching a fit when they can't find their young.... [A long pause, while he thinks so. Then:] ...you'll make a good mother, Hiyori.
[He's smiling to himself at that, cheeks warm with amusement. If nothing else, this excursion was worth seeing Hiyori in baby mother mode. So cute... A-anyway.]
I'll follow along behind you to make sure their parents don't come after you, alright? Just go slowly and carefully. Stay safe.
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better to not risk it. hiyori's already putting her figurative neck on the chopping block by holding and trying to gently coax the young kaiju to follow her. as they traipse through the shrubbery and trees, more young kaiju pop up and
tag along.
by now, she has about six surrounding her. like she IS their mama. or an auntie. or a pied piper. on ocular, hiyori replies to yato as naturally as possible. like she isn't a little unsettled by so many juveniles.
her face warms at his praise. don't do this to her. NOT NOW. ]
I - I don't know. Baby apes and a baby baby are very different... [ it takes all her self-control to keep her voice soft and calm, stepping over a bigger log that might've fallen over at one point. ]
Alright. Roger. [ slowly and carefully, she goes hiking through the forest with one in her arms and the others either trailing or running ahead to see where she's leading them.
ape whisperer hiyori. thanks nat 20. ]
There has to be an abandoned cabin or house out here somewhere...
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Risks are not something Yato wants to consider, not when it's Hiyori in the line of fire. He could just see her getting bitten and developing rift rabies or something horrific like that.
At least for now everything seems to be going well? As she moves on to search for somewhere to go with all the little kaiju babies, he stands and follows along at a distance, careful to remain silent in his approach so as not to startle them.
It's impressive and sweet and not a tiny bit nerve-wracking to have her covered in their target's young, which is probably why he's switched to saying stupid shit stuff to her. Keeps his nerves from imploding in fear. Play it cool, Yatogami...! But maybe not so cool as to embarrass your fiancee?]
You did good on our babysitting job way back when, too, though. ...a natural. [His voice is equally soft, though perhaps a bit more tender than it needs to be as he reminisces. He longs for times like that when it was just the three of them on simple, fun missions, slaying random ayakashi and helping people out.
But he's not keen on the way they've yet to see a single adult anywhere. Why? Where are they all? Have they been wiped out? If so, what does that mean for their young? His eyes skim their surroundings as he picks his way carefully across the forest floor, but not carefully enough-- his eyes miss a twig, which his boot finds and snaps with a loud crack in the depths of the silent woods, causing him to immediately freeze.]
Shit--! Hiyori, sorry--
[That's all he manages to get out before the juvenile apes go ballistic, jumping and pointing Yato's way, screaming their heads off. Not painful shrieks meant as attacks, thankfully, but more alarm-sounding cries that summon even more young to their pack, surrounding Hiyori in what might almost seem like a protective wall.
Have they... imprinted on her? Yato swallows, clenching at his bow but too afraid of hitting Hiyori to fire any shots.]
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there is no getting bitten. just some hair-pulling and such. they stop that after a while and attempt tripping her up, for the most part. her saintly patience and goal-oriented personality keep her eye on the prize instead of telling them to knock it off like she wants to. ]
Babysitting job...? [ hiyori murmurs, muddled. the orphans? no, not that. maybe he means the eggs? but yato wasn't her partner for that. was he watching her...? no, something tells her
it's a memory from when she was a teenager. what was it??
she's musing, navigating the forest as slowly and carefully as yato told her. it's all going too well, maybe? with the twig snap, all heads but hiyori's turn towards it and she holds her breath.
crap, crap, crap.
all hell breaks loose. the one in her arms breaks free and joins the others in putting themselves between hiyori and the "danger". her eyes go big and wide, at a loss. maybe they HAVE imprinted on her? or they at least are mistaking her as part of their family.
because after the shrieking and chattering, they all barrel into hiyori and knock her on her ass. ]
Wh--! [ confused and overwhelmed with kaiju all over her, she's not prepared to be PICKED UP and held over their heads like she's crowd surfing. far more quickly than she was moving, she's hauled back to the onsen whence they came. ]
Wh-wha-???
[ WHAT IS HAPPENING ]
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No biting is a good thing! He'll take that for sure. Though even from a distance he winces at the tugging on her hair and has to keep himself from calling out for them to stop hurting her, dammit!]
Yeah? You... don't remember...? [He can't help sound crestfallen at that, at her not having a precious memory of their year together when she was a teenager. There had been the ayakashi in the mirror, teasing the baby into crying all night and keeping his parents up. Yukine and him had slain it, but kinda wrecked the living room in the process. Oops.
But more importantly is now. Maybe it's the fact he's too absorbed in the past that he misses the damn branch, but snap it does, alerting everything in the surrounding area of his presence. At first things seem perfectly calm, then...
They go apeshit, to put it mildly. Carting her like a cute sack of potatoes over their heads, he barely has time to register what's happening before his feet are flying across the ground as he gives chase. Little bastards are fast...! Calling out, he jumps over the fallen log.]
HIYORI!! Hang in there, I'm coming--!
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it's in there. somewhere. if she looks at her diary, she'll find it. yato and yukine destroying a parent's room and dipping out before taking responsibility. how she complained about it the entire way, nagging yato. that wasn't very nice!
know what else isn't nice?
another yorinapping. yato chasing and calling out might not be the best idea, but it keeps her from panicking TOO much. don't think of brasov, don't think of brasov. these are monkeys, not people. don't freak out. don't shut down. though she's trying to tug herself free, the young ones are still considerably strong. damn it.
they make it to the onsen and they throw hiyori over the fence - ]
WAAUGH?!
[ - until there's a loud splash on the other side and LOOOTS of hooting and hollering from nihonzaru kaiju. the juveniles are in after her, diving in as hiyori breaks the surface with a gasp and takes in
a whole ass colony of baboons that have taken over the onsen. the adults now look at her, too. ]
Ah, um. H-hello. I've met your young ones. V-very nice... l-lovely... children, haha... I'll just be going... now? Sorry to interrupt your bath time.
[ backing up
very slowly
until her back hits the wall. ]
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She'll have to have a refresher read of her diary, then. Maybe they can even go over it together...! That would be really nice, taking a trip down memory lane.
Yeah, this is on an entirely different level to Brasov for several reasons - she's awake for it for one thing, they're just a bunch of stupid primates for another (okay, not so stupid but still), they don't want to take her blood and sacrifice her (hopefully), and Yato's right on their heels, ready to throw hands and fists and whatever else he can.
Once Hiyori's going up, up, up, and over the fence, Yato feels his voice catch in his throat, before another shout tears out of him. Not as panic-stricken as when he was searching for her, but enough that she can probably sense his distress and worry.]
HIYORI!!
[He doesn't know what's on the other side and doesn't care, either, immediately jumping the fence like a pro thief on the run.... only to land with an equally loud splash in the middle of the group of kaiju.
It takes him a moment to surface and wipe the water from his eyes before he can take in the sight, gulping loudly as he does so. Then he's following Hiyori out of instinct, inching backwards until he's sandwiched her between his back and the fence. Squish. Boobas.]
H-Hiya Hiyori... Not one of our better moves, huh...? D-Don't worry, I'll protect you!
[He winces as the crowd of nihonzaru start towards them, throwing an arm out to shield her from any attempts at grabbing they might try. Take him first, you lousy bastards...!]
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since she watches the entire thing, she resists the urge to bury her face in her hands. it was going so well a second ago, too!! DAMN IT.
oh. wait. he said he had some other snacks, too. the bag of dumplings is long gone but she spins yato around by the shoulders to reach into his weird hammerspace jersey to pull out the chips he mentioned earlier. then, she chucks them as hard as she can to the other side of the onsen. ]
Fooooood!! Go and get it!!
[ all of them turn to see what the heck hiyori just threw and she takes that chance to grab yato's arm and haul him out of the onsen. both of them are dripping wet, feet sloppily splashing on the ground as she jumps the fence. not like a pro thief on the run, but like an athlete.
the landing isn't so hot though, banging her knee onto the ground before she's up and looking for a place to regroup. something they can lock behind them. with a door.
but there's the piercing scream that makes her ears ring and for her to stumble forward. ]
Gh-!! [ it's not so bad... she's had worse...
she can't hear anything but she doesn't need to hear to look for, ah! front desk area. she snatches yato by whatever she can grab, his jersey or his arm or his hand and books it to the building. ]
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You know what they say about things being too good to be true, right, Hiyori? Well, apparently that applies to kaiju hunting, too.
Good thing one of them has their head in the game at least because Yato sure as hell doesn't. He's too focused on the threat in front of them to think about details like snack food. Which means that when Hiyori whips him around and starts copping a feel inside his jersey, he lets out an embarrassed yelp and turns bright red.]
H-H-Hiyori!? Now's not the time for that--!
[Only once she produces the chips does everything fall into place and he lets out a quiet but appreciative "oooooh", standing aside to grant her the space necessary for a toss.]
Y..Yeah, that's it! Let 'em have it!
[And then they're off! Up and over the fence like perhaps not anything impressive but maybe a pair of drenched cats this time? Either way, it's enough to get them out of the baboons' immediate reach, which is plenty for him. At least until they let out a piercing screech, rendering them both briefly immobile. Instead of focusing on clutching his own ears, Yato fumbles for the button on Hiyori's plugsuit to trigger her helmet so that'll seal out the sounds.
And then she's got him by the arm and is dragging him forward to... somewhere. He's not sure. So he follows along, head ringing and ears aching as the sounds of the apes fighting over the food falls further and further behind them.]
Y..You doin' alright, Hiyori? [Comes his breathless inquiry as they stumble into the check-in station of the onsen and slam the door behind them, with Yato leaning against it breathing hard.] Shit... Man, I'm sorry about that. It's all my damn fault...
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but it was a nat 20 :(
to think that NOW is when yato gets beyond embarrassed about her reaching into his jersey. when she has nothing in mind but locating where he put a bag of chips. it could've gone worse. they could have died.
but they're both catching their breath in relative safety within this small building. she presses the button yato did to protect her, letting the helmet slide away from her face again as she looks at yato in worry. ]
Y, yeah. I'm okay. [ she wheezes, eyes darting to his ears to make sure nothing is bleeding. ]
No. I - [ she wanted it to work so badly. she wanted to finally be able to make a damn DIFFERENCE here and prove herself as not totally helpless. only able to get kidnapped and beat up and drugged and UGH!!! ]
It's my fault. It... was a dumb idea. I thought I'd finally be able to help by being crazy enough to give them a chance. They'd listen and we'd domesticate them or I don't know.
[ if he can hear her say any of that. it might just be ringing in his ears. stepping forward, she grasps his head and finds a relaxation point on his neck to press in with her thumbs and massage gently. the entire time, she fights tears. stupid to put herself and yato in danger like that. so stupid.
you are so stupid, hiyori. ]
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