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sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
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▶ 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
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 ]
no subject
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--!
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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...!]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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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It's the fact that it's such a strange time for her to go fondling him that startled him into embarrassment honestly. But yeah, things could've gone horribly wrong right then.
Except they didn't. They're alright. It's all fine. They're safe and sound and all is well. For the most part, anyways. His ears aren't quite bleeding, but they definitely throb with pain, enough so that he winces as they speak. He should've put his earmuffs on first while he was running. Stupid.]
Good. I'm glad... [It doesn't take a genius to see Hiyori's frustration, hence why he quickly pushes off the door to come stand before her, hands rising up to gently cup her cheeks.]
Hey-- Hey now, it's okay... [His voice comes out softly both because their ears are smarting still and because he wants her to listen carefully and hopefully take in what it is he's saying.]
It wasn't a terrible idea. I mean, look at how well it went at first, right? If anything I should be apologizing for messing things up...
[But ah, then she's returning the favor by massaging him right where it counts, leading him to moan breathlessly. He melts back against the door again, dragging her with him and hugging her close so hopefully they can share in what little warmth they have left thanks to being soaked.]
Don't blame yourself, okay, Hiyori? It's not your fault. Nothing bad happened. We're fine.
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since hiyori has had pain much worse than this, while it throbs a bit, she powers through it to check on yato and finds that point to make him melt and hug her to him. with soaking hair it's not awful, but yato has it worse since he is in actual clothes and hiyori sports her skin-tight hitech high-grade plugsuit.
regardless, she takes in what he's saying. she shoots him a unhappy look when he tries to blame himself again. he didn't mess anything up. it was dangerous to begin with. they should've had more outsiders involved. as strong as yato is, they're only two people. while she can be resourceful in a pinch, she's not a warrior god.
hence picking up boxing. and now archery. saving her currency to invest in things that can help them. that nanobot surgery is looking more tempting, but... she doesn't know if she could. there would be no going back, then.
she finds another point at his neck and massages there too with a very faint smile at him clearly enjoying it. ]
-- Okay. We're fine. You're right.
[ exhales. heavily. ]
What now? [ there's a pause and she realizes something belatedly. there's no weight.
ah. her bow. and bag. ]
I lost... my things.........
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Thank goodness it wasn't worse. It could've been a hell of a lot worse given the close proximity they'd been in to their targets while getting ready to wage discomfort on the kaiju's young.
So while he might be starting to shiver a bit, he's focused almost entirely on her. The way her eyes begin to water and the quiver of her lip, leading him to embracing her fully and with a tight hug. With a sigh, he strokes her hair, trying to keep his own body from trembling from the cold.
Sometimes Hiyori does too much. Tries too hard to be something she's not.
As her fingers rub over his neck, his shivering ceases entirely and he lets out a content sigh. It's probably asking too much for them to continue doing this for a while, huh...]
Mmm. See? Just fine...
[It's all going so well until it dawns on her that she's lost her stuff. Belatedly, he blinks and looks around, like they might somehow be there.]
Ah. Uh oh.... [HEAVY SIGH.] I guess we'll have to backtrack and get them, huh? Can't have you going around naked.
[..............]
I mean, you could......
[There's the faintest hint of smiles on his lips; an attempt to lighten the mood with pervy antics.]
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can you blame her? surrounded by such incredible people. even the normies™ have incredible achievements under their belt. take ratio for example. yato was frustrated about not having a shinki, second-guessing his usefulness, and hiyori's been in the same boat this WHOLE time. she just sets it aside when in the thick of it, knowing it's her job to save as many lives as she can. in the only ways she can.
at this age, she has a better idea of who she is and what she's capable of but she
just wishes she could do more. if it's raise their success rate by just 1% or something. ]
How about when there's not a kaiju threat in our immediate vicinity?
[ pinching his cheek and giving it a little, playful tug for his SHAMELESSNESS and a light tap for good measure before slipping out of his arms. she might feel better, but she'd never thought she wouldn't want to be normal. especially after begging yato to make her normal. ]
I remember the babysitting job, I think. It wasn't long after the ablution. The baby was lonely so he manifested his own ayakashi to play with him...
[ her eyes close, slipping back in time of when it was the three of them all the time. together. they needed each other. they all filled these holes in their hearts, one way or another. ]
It's been a while since I went over my journal. I should do that when I get back.
[ not because she thinks she's going to forget but because
it's obvious those memories mean a lot to yato. ]
For now. [ pressing a button, she lets the helmet slide back in place. ]
Can you use Rekki to protect your ears? Like that scarf. Just in case. Why aren't you wearing your plugsuit... actually...
[ YATO ]
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Yeah, no shade thrown Hiyori's way, for sure. It's got to be a sometimes depressing hassle to be a basic human among all these super-powered hero types and beings of immense strength and ability. That's why Yato will always support her in whatever she wants to do.
Except maybe the nanobot thing. That's kinda creepy.Hiyori striving to be more, do more is right in line with who she's always been. Ever since they met that day in the street. She's always strove to help others and struggled when she couldn't. If only he could help her help others... Give her some of himself, somehow. Ah well...]
Urk-- Gotcha. No kaiju stealing a peek.
[He dorkily allows his cheek to stretch a bit, making him look like mochi until she releases him and escapes from his hold. Careful what you wish for, Hiyori Iki... You never know what you might get or end up wanting.]
Ah...! You do remember! I... I'm so glad...
[So much so that he almost tears up at it, but manages to blink them back before any can spill out. Even if she didn't recall, it was just one (precious) memory... It shouldn't be that big of a deal. But it is.]
I-- I could read it to you, if you want...
[Like telling a bedtime story. The Tale of Yatogami, by Hiyori Iki.]
Huh? Oh... Actually--
[He lifts up the hem of his tracksuit, revealing that he actually has his plugsuit on underneath all the clothes he's wearing. Because of course he would. He's extra like that.]
Just in case. Hehe... [He'll just reach under all that scarf and put his own helmet up. Makes you wonder why he bothered with the cat ear earmuffs, huh...]
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depressing hassle. frustrating and glaring problem. as much as she tries to relate to people here, she finds herself falling short. with her memories in place, though, she's remembered her life hasn't been normal forever. that ayakashi and spirits and gods exist. anything supernatural probably does. subconsciously, she always believed in gods. more than was normal, she thought, but why she was like that makes sense.
because gods and spirits ARE real. she spent a year with them. she fought monsters and faced stakes where she could lose people she cared about. but she fought. hell, did she fight. to stop yukine, to save yato, to do something.
she's more than glad to have yato's support but hiyori's personality demands being able to do something on her own, too. with her own fists, as said by her lord touno. ]
... I guess since you already read it, it would be fine...
[ the local legend, the god in the tracksuit.
who has in fact been wearing his plugsuit this whole time. she KNOWS why he brought the earmuffs!!! because he wanted to SEE HER IN THEM and he probably thought they were cute. they'd only be cuter if they were capybara earmuffs. with both their helmets on, it's communication via tech now. ]
It sounds like it's quiet again, so we should be able to look through the forest. After that... should we look for the cats instead? [ a wry smile creeps across her lips. ]</small Like looking for Milord again...
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It would go on forever if we let Yato say how muchIt's a dilemma that Yato can only imagine, though he can imagine it pretty well give how compared to a lot of gods and other people here, he, too, is relatively powerless. Only able to cut things, and not even to the degree if he had Yukine or Kazuma here. It's depressing for them both to be so mundane in an overpowered world.
Which is all the more reason that Hiyori is amazing in his eyes. Because despite being outclassed and outmatched, she never gives up, never lets it get her down for long, and instead strives to do everything within her limited powers to help people. The kaiju, too, even. Her heart is just that big.
It's that passion and love that Yato wants to support with his entire being. As a friend, a lover, a partner. Her husband.]
Yeah, s-sorry about that... I just... needed to refresh my mind with how much we'd all been through in that year... To give me the strength I needed.
[Hopefully the god who wanders the halls of the Iki hospital, comforting patients and bringing them good fortune. One day.
Never let it be said he's not prepared, okay?? Consider all inevitabilities. No denying the charge of wanting to see her in the earmuffs, though, hehe... Why fight in boring suits when you could go out in STYLE?? Too bad they're not using them. Bah, oh well.]
Gotta get your stuff first, then head for the cats, yeah. We'll leave those apes to the others if you want. [He grins, hooking his arm through hers.] It kinda is, yeah. But this time let's get a cat for us, huh?
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go on yatohowever, hiyori would never call yato mundane in a million years. if she lived that long. meanwhile, she... well, like he says. she doesn't LET it get her down for long when there are things to do, but it bothers her. no matter what reassurances she gets from her friends and what she tells herself. it bothers her.
she's lucky she has those friends to look out for her and cheer her up. she's luck to have yato, standing at her side. as her other half, really, which encompasses all those things.
with a soft look on her face, she shakes her head. he doesn't need to apologize. as embarrassing as it was back then for him to read her thoughts WITHOUT PERMISSION. if he hadn't though, she wonders if they could have kept going as they were. but, no, she couldn't keep living like that. passing out and unable to live her human life the way she wanted.
but she's glad, too, that she went after yato. because she tried. because she did what she really wanted at that time and that was look for yato.
heck, she has to be grateful he brought SNACKS because it saved their asses from an unfair fight. though surprised at him hooking their arms, she grins at him as well. ]
... I don't want to give up on the kaiju yet. [ she furrows her brow, purses her mouth, blinks at him in surprise. for them? ]
Heh? Like a pet? You want to adopt one??
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THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH!!Amazing what the perspectives of a mortal and immortal reveal, huh? But yeah, that's no good. The more unsettled Hiyori's heart is, the more Yato's aches in tandem with hers. He may not know her pain as intimately as his own, but he does understand. Wants to alleviate her burden and make her feel just as special and strong as she is.
If only she could see how remarkable a girl she really is on her own... Sparkling, shining, standing above all others... That's how he sees.
His expression melts from sheepishness to one of fondness, relieved that she isn't still miffed at him, however slightly. She's right. Things couldn't continue on the way they had been, both for her and him. Things had to change, unfortunately. Even if it meant losing each other for a decade...
He'll find out the outcome of his actions eventually, be they painful or not (he's assume the former, honestly.)
Who knew the silly Yatogami preparedness routine would come in handy, huh? Surprise! Just like him looping their arms together, and his subsequent suggestion. Which he suddenly finds himself flustered over.]
We don't have to. [But...] D-Do you not want to...? I thought it could be nice. To kinda... sorta... be like.....
[Ducking his head, he can't finish saying it: starting a family. Pets are often referred to as furry children, right?]
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THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH?if only. the same could be said of yato. if only he could see how amazing he is. how she's come to believe in him so much, how much of her trust he carries with him every damn day.
as much as she didn't want things to change, they did. they had to. maybe even to end up like this...? with yato suggesting, through his own fluster and blush (cute........) that they be - ]
Pet parents. [ she finishes for him, hand pausing on opening the door.
it's true she's always wanted a pet. since she was a little girl. even NOW, as an adult. since she still lives with the ikis, having a pet is all but impossible. here though? ]
But... if I remember correctly, Yukine-kun would tell me you were against the idea of pets. What changed your mind?
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THAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT MUCH!Blind idiots, they sometimes are, lost in their own little worlds and unable to see the bigger picture. But that's okay. That's why they have each other there - to remind one another of their best qualities, of how strong they are.
If things had to change, he's grateful they ended up this way, with her still by his side. He can't ask for more. Doesn't dare to. Not when things could be so, so much worse. He's doing all he can to never take this chance for granted. Perhaps that's part of why he's breaking his long standing rule of no pets.]
U-Uh huh... [It's dumb, he knows, to be so flustered over a cat of all things. But it's a huge step for them, should they choose to take it. Life is way too short to go around having regrets.]
Well, for starters, here I have a job - we get paid by the mission. So money isn't a problem. Also, you're not a kid who might get bored of it in a few weeks. For another... I don't have to worry about you blighting me over them, heh.
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heheblind idiots in-fuckin-deed.
better together, though.
it's not dumb. even in normal human relationships, couples attempt pets first. besides, that he's flustered is actually pretty dang cute. for once, she's not the one blushing while yato is the calm, teasing one. although it's not teasing he gets from hiyori.
regardless, he's right. don't live with regrets and if you do? do what you can to make your peace with those regrets. hiyori regrets not telling yato her feelings sooner, but she's fixed that by now. he's well-aware. the entire BASE is.
color her surprised that yato's reasoning had to do with responsibility and not something goofy like "if they have a pet, he can't get married." that last one, though. OOF. ]
Hey, Yukine-kun wouldn't get bored of having a pet! He's taken care of you and you're harder to keep under control than any cat.
[ okay. more seriously. ]
.... I've always wanted a pet, you know.
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Well then, they seem to be taking all the right steps in his book. He wants to give her the experience of a normal human relationship as best he can, which is probably part of the reason he's keen on getting them a cat in the first place. And that he thinks it'll make her happy.
That's a regret he had, too. Running off without ever revealing that he'd fallen in love with her. Yet telling her would've been a stupid, selfish thing to do before going off on a suicide mission. Leaving her to carry the burden of those feelings with her for the rest of her life. Or what part of it she remembered him for.
Proof that he can be serious when the situation calls for it, though. He's trying to do what his friends are encouraging him to do: be less of an idiot and to treat Hiyori right.]
H-Hey now... I'm not saying he would've have... [Just that it's happened before.] And who're you calling a cat, huh.
[POUT. But it doesn't last long.]
I thought you might have. It seemed strange that in such a big house with plenty of money, you never had something like a dog or a cat. Or even a hamster.
[Because Hiyori is so caring, he could easily see her being responsible for an animal of some kind.]
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like a dream. if they didn't end up here, they would've remained friends. or if they did try a relationship, she doesn't know how it would've gone. not like this. they've had so much support from everyone compared to back home. nobody telling her it's wrong. that yato couldn't love her. live and forget, die and forget. ]
I wonder. [ she tries not to laugh. ]
Wasn't allowed. "They're too messy and dirty! Disgraceful!" Or something along those lines. Besides sneaking Inaba-chan in, I haven't lived with any animals.
[ she'd tease him that he was the closest to an adopted animal that she's gotten but spares him. ]
I was raised in a heavily conservative household. [ here, her smile turns weak. ] But, somehow, my love of martial arts slipped through the cracks.
Anyway. Let's go. We're burning daylight. I'd hate to deal with all this at night.
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Something that their friends here see. That those back home tried to deny. He loves all the people back home, but damn if they were hard on Hiyori for her feelings about him. Learning they said those things... would've made him feel very unlovable had she not given him a chance like she has. It might've even broken him.]
Heh... Your mother, no doubt. [He doesn't even need to ask. That woman... he kinda hopes that when they go back home and Hiyori introduces them, she faints. That's right, a bum of a god is dating and sexing up your precious daughter, so there! HAH!] Well, now's your chance.
[plz hiyori, mercy......]
Yeah, I know. That's why I want you to be able to do what you want for a change. You're old enough to live your own life from now on.
But mmm, yeah. Don't want to dwaddle too much. Let's get your gear. [Saying that, he takes point and leads them from the place, heading back to where the damned apes snatched her.] ...I'm glad they didn't try anything with you.
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those are the Deep Thoughts. when she's alone and in the shower or she's awake before yato, with only her mind to keep her company. in the end, she convinces herself it doesn't really matter because this is where they are. she has a gorgeous ring and a god for a fiancee in this place. yato will have a last name. hers. ]
Yeah. [ who else, really? he saw both of them when he snuck a beer from the fridge and after that, too. she will not be telling them he's sexing her up THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ok ok mercy for yatogami. ]
I - I know. I'm not a kid anymore... [ she should've tried to do it as a teenager, too, but - she doesn't know what else to say, following him into the trees while staying on alert. one look gets thrown back at the fence and what's going on behind it. ]
Besides throw me into the onsen...?
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Even if they could fall for someone besides each other... would they want to? He sure doesn't. Hiyori is the most wonderful person in all creation, the best human in all existence. The only one who saved him again and again and again. Why would he ever love another?How could he let her heart fall for someone besides him...?]
Your mother needs to learn to unclench or she's gonna develop hemorrhoids. [Welcome back, rude, crude, Yatogami.]
Okay... Just reminding you that I'm not your parents. I'll let you make your own decisions. [He understands. Look at how long it took him to break free of his father? If there's anyone on this earth who knows what it's like to live under their parent's thumb, it's him. Here he makes a noise. One that's hard to describe.]
Hell yeah! That's the point in movies where the monster would've taken you off to be their queen or sex slave or something. [yato plz...]
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no boy, man, or even other god has interested her besides yato. does that make her crazy? loyal? yatomantic? definitely that last. sexual and romantic orientation: yato.
still saving him. them both. where would they be if she hadn't grabbed a bag of chips and chucked it? don't want to think of that either. ]
... You're so rude. [ hiyori replies, flatly. not that he doesn't have a point. she's loosened up a little, she thinks. could be wishful thinking, though.
it'd be weird if you were her parent, yato. please. she KNOWS. he's gotten better about not hovering as much as he used to. not that he has much to worry by way of guys talking to her or forgetting him anymore.
correction from earlier: rude and gross. ]
Real life isn't a movie. [ don't remind her of being kidnapped, she's begging. ]
You wouldn't let that happen, anyway. [ right? right????????????? ]
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