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sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-01-01 12:00 pm
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βΆ 008. TEST DRIVE #8
TEST DRIVE #8
βΆ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye, a dash of time β 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 thereβs 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.
β β β LOADING COMPLETE β¦ BEGIN ORIENTATION β¦
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 thereβs no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer β¦
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 cauldronβs 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 thereβs 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.
β β β LOADING COMPLETE β¦ BEGIN ORIENTATION β¦
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
Blood Type:
What are your new yearβs 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 thereβs no guarantee that they will provide them with a straight answer β¦
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 cauldronβs 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."
βΆ 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 arenβt 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 βlucky bags.β 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 youβre 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 arenβt 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 βlucky bags.β 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 youβre at it?
βΆ 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 riskyβ 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 riskyβ 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!
βΆ 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 thereβs reason to believe that a small rift has emerged somewhere and itβs 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 itβs 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 riftβs influence. When they identify a threat, they will let out a piercing scream thatβs enough to make ears bleed. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and primates are known to be brutal when tearing apart their enemies. Itβs a situation that needs to be contained immediately if people are going to continue living in the outer suburbs.
The macaques arenβt 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 β¦ These cats, fearful of the kaiju, will be skittish and very, very difficult to catch.
β β β 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.
β β β MISSION OBJECTIVE:
β Incapacitate and capture the Nihonzaru and Yama-Kujira and bring them back to base. Large cages will be provided for this purpose.
β Kill the kaiju if necessary, especially if they are threatening the people in the area.
β Capture the feral cats and bring them back to base.
β 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.
β β β 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 riftβs influence. When they identify a threat, they will let out a piercing scream thatβs enough to make ears bleed. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and primates are known to be brutal when tearing apart their enemies. Itβs a situation that needs to be contained immediately if people are going to continue living in the outer suburbs.
The macaques arenβt 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 β¦ These cats, fearful of the kaiju, will be skittish and very, very difficult to catch.
β β β 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.
β β β MISSION OBJECTIVE:
β Incapacitate and capture the Nihonzaru and Yama-Kujira and bring them back to base. Large cages will be provided for this purpose.
β Kill the kaiju if necessary, especially if they are threatening the people in the area.
β Capture the feral cats and bring them back to base.
β 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.
β β β ATTACHED PHOTO:
βΆ 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
No, quite the opposite~. They've all been proving to be a little too susceptible.
[At least the few that she's run into have been.]
Are you worried that I might have already taken the people you were talking about all for myself~?
no subject
Of course they are... this place is drowning in hormones, I swear.
[ Glass houses, Kaga, glass houses. She very, very pointedly doesn't look at Akagi while answering her question with a huff. ]
Who'd be worried about something so ridiculous? It's not like there's even anything series going on. [ Between Kaga and others or Akagi and others. Right...? RIGHT?! Still she has to ask... ] Who have you been trying to seduce anyway?
no subject
No, nothing serious has happened, I've only just arrived again, after all. [The stare and huff only gets Akagi to grow more amused.] Seduce? Oh, Kaga, you misunderstand, I haven't been seducing anyone!
[Well... there is a pause before she leans in, lips pushing against her sister's ear.] No one, except you~.
no subject
Nee-sama, please. Control yourself, would you?
[ SIGH, the long suffering one. She loves Akagi but Creator's sake is she a little... much, sometimes. ]
Just... be careful, alright? Especially around anyone from Brimstone, they're all psychotic.
[ Glass houses, Kaga, glass houses. ]
no subject
[Her words are still spoken into Kaga's ear before her cheek nuzzles itself on top of her head affectionately, one arm moving to slip around her shoulders and coil across her chest.
Yes, she can be just a little much at times, can't she?]
You worrying over me is still far too sweet, Kaga. But there's still very little to worry about. I'm far more worried about being able to integrate into their task force.
no subject
Personal space, Akagi, they've talked about this surely. ]
You'll integrate fine, Nee-sama. The Outsiders don't have a lot of naval or aerial capability, aircraft carriers are a good fit with this group.
[ Not that Kaga can really speak much on how effective they actually are on mission. Seeing as how her very first one ended with her kidnapped, brainwashed, and fighting for the enemy... ]
no subject
Sorry, Kaga.]
Aircraft carriers are a good fit for any group.
[And it's not like they're helpless on their own, either. When you're capable of bitch smacking a god-like creature or several, and simply saying no to attempts at mental manipulation, there isn't much they, or their allies, have to be afraid of~.
It certainly helps that Akagi is also more than happy to just burn first, questions later.]
I do find it a little odd that there hasn't been an attempt to at least form a coast guard.
[It feels very pacifistic to her and her Imperialist mindset.]
no subject
There's barely any ships left in Neo-Tokyo. Between the kaiju and the weather anything that wasn't wiped out fell into disrepair. There's nothing left to form a coast guard.
[ Though maybe Akagi could embrace the fate of her modern name sake and become a coast guard vessel herself? ]
Besides us? The only thing sea worthy is an old trawler one of the Outsiders managed to purchase, and even then she's just barely staying afloat.
no subject
Yet there's enough safeguard a modern city and bring us in.
[And give up her beloved aircraft? Perish the thought! That would be like her getting refitted into a battleship (gross). Well, it's not like they haven't performed coast guard duties before... She's just a little biased when it feels like they just gave up the seas. That's like just accepting your fate and rolling over and dying in her mind's eye.]
A trawler is a start, at least. Have they at least made sure her hull is in good shape and engines are in working order?
[Another question on her mind is on Mikasa Dai-Senpai's namesake ship. A little digging told Akagi she had been preserved as a museum in Tokyo Bay... her ears twitch in obvious thought while a look of curiosity shone in her eyes.]
...The fools here probably haven't taken care of her anyway. Mah, I'm sure the situation is more dire than I've currently seen so far.
no subject
From what I've gathered LILITH seems to have put all their resources into whatever they used to bring us here, otherwise they've just barely been hanging on. They're desperate, Nee-sama. You know how that goes...
[ They both know how that goes. That road lies sacrificing untold souls to a sacred tree and then getting eaten by said tree... or absorbed...? Kaga's not really sure entirely what happened to her and frankly the less she knows about it the better, she's sure. ]
She floats, her engines are rough from what I've been told but they've been working on it. I've insisted a renaming and relaunch ceremony be done once she's ready, just because she's not a warship doesn't mean she's undeserving of the respect. Once that's done Kuzunoha-kun intends to supplement the food on base with caught fish, his end goal is to gather enough food to help supply Neo-Tokyo as well.
[ Does Kaga agree with that sentimentality? Not fully, she thinks the priority should be the fighting forces to ensure the longevity of the city as a whole. But she finds Raidou's good spirit endearing, so she's willing to support it.
She raises her eyebrow, her own ears twitching as she catches onto something. Akagi's not talking about the trawler. ]
She's beached, Nee-sama. Tokyo Bay's abandoned, there's not even official transport that goes all the way out there. And the... newer Kaga. [ Boy that feels weird to say. ] sunk by the kaiju, I think, or the weather. Lost somewhere at sea.
[ Sitting on the bed of the ocean in the dark and cold. Alone, silent, nothing but her dreams to keep her company. The memory of how that felt has Kaga giving an involuntary shudder and clenching her fists. ]
no subject
I suppose I do.
[Instigating a war, using your friends as pawns for your own goals, all to give that tree enough sacrifices to bring back her sister in her own obsessed mind. Well, the situation here is different by far! But she does understand the desperation bit.]
An army needs its stomach fed and population behind it. Though a single trawler may have its work cut out for it, if his goal is to supply enough food for the whole city.
[But for Akagi, it does give another reason for why the seas are important. To ignore them would be to deny yourself something beyond important and necessary.]
Hm, I see...
[Mikasa being beached seemed unfitting and wrong to Akagi. Not a museum or teacher, not having her hull encased in concrete next to the bay but beached and denied the breeze and feel of the waves. Something worse than being sunk, scuttled, or captured. She should go see her, then again, Mikasa might not want that... Akagi runs her fingers through Kaga's hair. Yes, she remembers that feeling, of slipping into the cold darkness, down beneath the waves and to a crushing depth where the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine.]
...I'm sure she was a fine ship and carried your name with just as much strength, pride, and elegance.
no subject
Mmhm, even with the farming to supplement it we'll be lucky to provide enough for the base and the orphanage. But he's Everlight, they tend to be optimistic like that.
[ A shrug as she looks up at the sky, considering Akagi's other words. As of late Kaga feels as if part of her newer self is in her, thanks to the helicopters LILITH gave her, but... did the most recent Kaga serve well? Honestly, how well could she have done if she ended up at the bottom of the sea like her predecessor did?
The time of the aircraft carrier came and went in the blink of an eye, in her opinion, not unlike the time of the battleship. Soon naval vessels will be gone entirely and it'll just be ships that travel the stars, then who'll remember Kaga?
Ugh. Knowing how things go, Enterprise's name will certainly be allowed to carry on up in space. The bitch. ]
I... yes. Yes, I'm certain she did. [ Kaga closes her eyes and sighs. ] No matter the era, world, or timeline... Kaga means something.
[ She's telling herself that more than anything. She doesn't fully buy it either. ]
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Mah, then that just means we'll need more trawlers and ships.
[It's not as though people can't either. The knowledge is all there, all it takes is a bit of that courage to brave the unpredictable waters. The situations have changed, but the inherent dangers always remain the same. And none of those dangers ever truly stopped humans before.
The KAN-SEN, and the ships they represent, are proof of that.]
Make sure he picks a good, strong name for her that will help people remember their courage and fortitude again.
[But seriously, ugh... Enterprise gets to boldly go where no man has gone before. Of course she can, even now, Akagi is almost near certain, that an incarnation of that infernal Ghost and her sisters are still out there somewhere as they speak. At least Akagi has seen Yamato's name pop on occasion alongside her... and occasionally even Takao.]
Mm, you do mean something Kaga. The fact that they chose your name above all others is proof of that.
[Even if they lost the war in just about every timeline, Kaga's name and significance always seemed to stand strong as her own symbol.]
People still need you, and they still need the seas, Kaga. Just like how I need you.
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That's all she really wants. To be needed, to be useful, to serve those she loves and ensure they're able to lead happy, peaceful lives. It's a role that's still required of her no matter the time or world. Kaga is an eternally unsheathed blade, bare and ready to face anything that would disrupt those who stand behind her.
Kaga leans against Akagi fully, allowing herself the luxury to relax for a moment. ]
Thank you, Nee-sama. I... it's good to hear that.
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I'll say it as many times as you need me to. And then keeping saying it if you don't and get sick of hearing it.
[She gives Kaga another snuggle with her cheeks, and lets her tails wrap around the other fox gently.]
I wouldn't be here without you, Kaga. I need you, we all do.
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I'll never get tired of hearing it. The best reward any warrior can ask for is their leader's need for them.
[ Still trying to put up that whole bit. But that's what makes her happy, being Akagi's right hand. She lets out a little chuckle as her own tails wrap around Akagi in turn, her body relaxing into the embrace. ]
Right. Then I'll have to start training more... can't let you and the others down.
[ Said with an actual tinge of excitement. Training is not a bad thing to Kaga, never will be. ]
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Like right now, with Kaga relaxed against her, happily embracing her. Akagi won't even correct her on the leader bit. She isn't a leader anymore.]
Just don't overdo it. We can't have you tiring yourself out too much.
[As if Akagi isn't currently pushing herself with training. Sshhh...]
It's not like you could ever let me down anyway.
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Of course, you know me. I'd never blunt myself when there's a war on.
[ The fox sisters sure are a pair when it comes to pushing themselves to not let those around them down... ]
Oh...? Nee-sama, you're flattering me again.
[ Said with a light laugh and an easy smile, but no bite. Kaga knows it's true, Akagi does a lot of things but lying to her sisters has never been one of them. Even at the height of her madness she was only ever honest about her plans with Kaga.
So if Akagi says Kaga can never let her down, she knows she means it. ]
It's the same, you know... for me. You've never let me down either.
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[Gotta keep strong and in top shape
to slaughter everything in your pathto protect others and see the job is done.]Kaga, your words are far too sweet for me.
[Especially after recent events.]
I'm not certain if I deserve those words. But thank you.
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[ It's time for Kaga to do a very Akagi thing. Her human hand reaches out and gently touches Akagi's cheek, tilting her face and holding it so Akagi's red eyes meet Kaga's unyielding blues. Her gaze is intense, serious, a half frown framing her face. ]
You've always tried to do what's right by me, Nee-sama, even when... even when you weren't at your best, you were there for me. There was every reason for you to despise me but... you never did, not to my face at least. I've only ever been treated as your sister since my conversion, and I'm thankful for that.
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[She still snuggles into the touch, eyes closing and face flushed, one of her own hands reach up to cover Kaga's in return. Her dear sister is far too soft.]
No matter what, you always stayed by me. I'm far too lucky to have you, Kaga. You and your love, and everything about you.
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[ She chuckles and leans in, gently resting her forehead against Akagi's. ]
What if we agreed we're both too lucky? Without Akagi, there's not much purpose for Kaga, and without Kaga...
[ A pause, another chuckle, a teasing tilt coming to Kaga's voice. ]
There's not much hope for you to get anything done. You'd get distracted too easily, Nee-sama. Especially if the Commander was nearby.
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[Only a little! And by a little, we mean that she would immediately begin following Shikikan-sama around. Everywhere, watching them... wondering why they have to talk to so many other girls... so many other people instead of just her.
JUST.
HER.
Ahem!]
But yes, I can agree to that. Both lucky to have one another.
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[ Another chuckle before finally breaking away, Kaga taking Akagi's hand in a boldly open move of affection. ]
Let's show the rest of these weakling Outsiders what the First Carrier Division is capable of. The next mission's as good as finished already.
[ Said with the brightest smile. Kaga fully believe it, now that her and Akagi are back together there's nothing that'll stop them. ]
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[And she knows that her trust is well placed. The sudden hand grab is rewarded with a warm squeeze in return. Along with Akagi smiling and letting her head fall onto Kaga's shoulder.
Yep, together again, nothing can stop them!]