TEST DRIVE #9

[synfluxmods]

TEST DRIVE #9

CONTENT WARNINGS: nudity, medical procedures, possession, puppets, bug kaiju, monster mutations

▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. (KYOTO BASE)

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, you regain consciousness in a pool of stasis liquid along many others. You realize you are underground. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.

When the pool mostly drains of its liquid, each Outsider will find themselves in what appears to be a large pool of some sort; they are underground. The base in Kyoto isn’t fully equipped with individual pods, and so the newly arrived will find themselves in a tangle of limbs, or depending on when they wake, utterly alone in this vast space. While normally they arrive in their undergarments, there is a chance that they could arrive totally nude due to lack of resources in Kyoto. Those who are not nude, however, may find themselves in whatever undergarments LILITH could provide for them at the time. Maybe it's something basic and simple like whitey tighties, or something saucy like a lingerie set, maybe matching Hello Kitty bra and panties. When they fully regain their bearings, they will be ushered into the medical bay space right across from the stasis pool, in which several grey LILITH-issued yukata will be prepared for them.

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 stasis pool, 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:
Syndata File: 🎉 NOW PUBLIC ACCESSIBLE 🎉

Have you ever had a dream that that you um you had you'd you would you could you'd do you wi you wants you you could do so you you'd do you could you you want you want him to do you so much you could do anything?

<raw code><table width="80%"><br><div align="center"><img src="IMAGE_URL" style="width: 200px; border-radius: 15px; border: 1px solid #7F7F7F; box-shadow: #8D8D8D 1px 1px 1px;"> <!-- CARD --> <div style="width:230px;padding:20px 0 0;border:1px solid #f2f2f2;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;align-items:right;gap:5px;background:#fff;"> <!-- CHAR INFO: start --> <div style="width:150px;font-family:courier;font-weight:bold;font-size: clamp(14px, 1vw, 10px);letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1;color:#000;"></lj-raw><font color="#00686E">NAME</font> <lj-raw></div> <!-- CHAR INFO: end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE START --> <div style="width:230px;background:#eee;"><details><summary style="cursor:pointer;text-align:center;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;background:#ccc;color:#000;">+</summary> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content --> <div style="width:190px;margin:0 auto;padding:7px 0;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;color:#000;"> </lj-raw><b>Username:</b> !!ANSWER HERE!! <br> <b>Civilian Identity:</b> !!ANSWER HERE OR SAY UNDECIDED!! <br> <b>Age:</b> !!AGE HERE!! <br> <b>Species:</b> !!SPECIES HERE!! <br> <b>Origin:</b> !!ORIGIN HERE!! <br></br> <b>Blood Type:</b> !!BLOOD TYPE HERE!! <br></br> <b>Syndata File:</b> !!CURRENT CHARACTERS LINK THEIR SYNDATA FILES, NEW CHARACTERS CAN WRITE A SHORT BLURB THAT CAN BE IC WRITTEN OR AI GENERATED|| <br></br> <b>Have you ever had a dream that that you um you had you'd you would you could you'd do you wi you wants you you could do so you you'd do you could you you want you want him to do you so much you could do anything?</b></br> </br>!! ANSWER HERE !!<lj-raw> </div></details></div> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE END --> </div></div> <!-- CARD name: END --> <!-- CREDIT --> <div style="width:100%;margin-top:-15px;font-size:10px;color:#ddd; text-align:center;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#ddd;">credit</a></div></center></table></raw code>

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! Also, current Outsiders will see that their Syndata Files are now accessible for all to see. (If you would like your Syndata file to be private for some reason, just assume it is inaccessible for some reason.)

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 mess hall at this base is on the surface level; not underground, and while larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be fitted in. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are a spicy turtle soup and deep fried vegetables roots that have been cultivated at this base in Kyoto. Not all the veggies used are a hit, some more pungent than others. There also seems to be several mystery meat dishes for those who wish to explore a new culinary world. Some are made as lab meats, and some most definitely come from smaller kaiju, but nobody needs to know that. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time, and since most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo— Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own food. The recipes will all be made available on their oculars, but considering these meats come from various sources, they’re not all guaranteed to be tasty.

Someone else is here to check in with the newcomers; none other than Dr. Spim, the lead medical doctor here. A genius in an adorable, cat-sized body.

"So sorry about the weird question, but because of the previous damage done to the NEO TOKYO BASE, SYNTHIA has been acting kind of funny lately. Apologies for that. We are working quickly to fix her so she can return to purrfect operation."

▶ 002. KYOTO: THE BASE.

The Kyoto base was originally built as part of a large temple and its smaller structures, blending into a traditional yet modern building. As a result, it has all of the fixtures one may find in a temple, including several tori, as well as other areas of quiet meditation. If it weren’t so overgrown, a lot of the sights could have been considered idyllic at one point.

While Outsiders were encouraged to go to the bunkers after the mess of Tokyo, they are now offered a space within the base in Kyoto, as well. Though, the catch is that they have to help rebuild it. While the robots have been quick to rebuild the most important parts of the building, including the area for the giant stasis pool, a barebones research facility, the mess hall, and some rooms, it’s clear it’s still a work in progress. As mentioned, it has some area underground, such as the stasis pool and medical room.

The rooms available are designed as a traditional washitsu, where there are tatami floors, and futons to sleep on. As not all the rooms have been prepared yet, Outsiders will also be required to room up during their stays in Kyoto, unless they prefer to travel between the Tokyo bunkers. Each room can hold a maximum of three (3) people, four (4) if they push their floor futons very, very close.

The main temple ground is currently being retrofitted into a training ground. While there is no simulation room, they do have hologram options in which characters are able to choose to fight with several different kaiju, as well as general soldiers, and they’re even able to link memories from their oculars to fight against– whether this be an enemy from their respective home worlds, or otherwise. The only issue is that their powers haven’t been scaled yet, so enemies which seem weak, can be strong, and vice versa. LILITH also wants to be sure Outsiders get as much practice as needed, even without the simulation rooms, and so all manner of futuristic weapons will be offered to play around with.

While many have been made familiar with certain spaces at the base, including the mess hall, or the medical bay, there will also be a general map of the rest of the base, and Outsiders are free to explore those freely. Just like with the bunkers, there are communal baths, and even a library. Most of the reading offered here are of older texts, but there will be some books that were on base that may have been moved sometime between last year. They may have even mistakenly put up books salvaged from the base that may be personal items, whether that is a diary, notebook, or even doujinshi that Outsiders could have been keeping. Surely some of these doujinshi don't look like you, right?

Getting settled is priority number one, however one glaring issue will be made apparent during the initial week of them moving onto the base in Kyoto. The monks who were residing nearby, or even utilizing the abandoned temple spaces on the outskirts of the base, all seem to have issues with the Outsiders being there. As such, LILITH hopes to offer them assistance in exchange for giving up those areas. Monks will be asking Outsiders for help with numerous tasks, and are allowed to call upon any Outsider they see— whether they need them to clean some of the halls of their own living spaces, or even to help cultivate plants nearby. Some may even ask them to put on a performance appropriate for their cultural celebrations. It’s never too late to learn something new! On the bright side, in two weeks time, they will (probably) be out of everyone’s hair, right?

▶ 003. KYOTO: REBUILD .

Kyoto itself had been largely abandoned before the Outsiders first stepped in last year. Since then, some pockets of civilization that existed nearby have made the move to Kyoto in hopes of a better life. Additionally, those who have been scarred by the battle in Tokyo have decided to also make this move. Some originally from Kyoto, are grateful for the help of the Outsiders as they can finally return to their old family homes.

Outsiders are expected to use this time off from battle to not only assist the civilians in their efforts in rebuilding their lives, but to also help create an impact in Kyoto!

This is where the Outsiders are able to assist in pitching their idea of necessary infrastructure to Kyoto. As of right now, there are only so many resources, and whichever ideas are most well-justified will likely end up becoming a part of Kyoto. As of right now, the civilians themselves seem to want hospitals, shops/entertainment businesses, and even parks! Outsiders will be expected to help not only plan these ideas out, but to go around and rally support for these projects, which can be them creating annoying ads via oculars, participating in city hall debates, and/or even clogging up the network on why their idea would be best.

Despite bringing in a fair amount of food supplies to start, not only growing some of the food they had successes in raising via the lab, growth time is still a huge factor, especially as the LILITH-grade greenhouse is still in the works. In the meantime, Outsiders will be expected to hunt and gather their own food. Kyoto is still largely overrun by some populations of smaller boar kaiju, and even off the coasts of Osaka, there are several fishing spots available. As for whether they’re safe for consumption, everyone will get a ping on their oculars which includes a whole archive of signs of what is safe or unsafe to consume. Some will also find some fish will still be supersized and may take more than one Outsider to reel in.

Who doesn’t like a bit of risk to go with their fishing?

( After the TDM, characters will have the opportunity to rebuild Kyoto in a meaningful way, just like playing a game of the sims! In the next event, players will be encouraged to share their ideas for infrastructure and LILITH will provide assistance with building it. Interested characters may even have the opportunity to take up roles in running and governing the city following that. As a mod team, we are looking forward seeing the fruits of a player-run city. So rally your ideas and let's make Kyoto a great new place to live! )

▶ 004. PUPPETMASTERS.

While the new beginning is exciting, things never stay calm for long. Outsiders will receive a briefing that there is trouble afoot in Awaji Island, an island close to Osaka. Awaji Island, now mostly deserted, was once known for its traditional puppet theater. These puppet shows, of course, have not been running for decades, but they are still remembered fondly by the people who used to live there. Following a mass exodus by the citizens living there a long time ago, these puppets now lay abandoned in the theater, untouched for decades.

Recently, LILITH has received reports of puppets coming to life and walking the streets, causing panic within the small population still residing in Awaji Island. First, they were simply feeling their feet, roaming the island with no real aim in mind and giving the residents a scare. Eventually, they have started to attack people. It was reported that a young woman was ambushed by animated puppets, and all that was left of her remains were bones and tufts of hair.

Outsiders will be mobilized immediately to Awaji Island with the goal of dealing with the situation. They have the option of boarding a LILITH-issued ferry to the island, or donning an Ocean Gem, gem-like implant that temporarily gives them the gills and tail of a marine creature. These gems will be provided temporarily to all Outsiders requesting them and will need to be returned following the mission. Please note that the transformation can be quite uncomfortable.

Upon arrival on the island, they will be tasked with hunting down the animated puppets, investigating the situation, and eliminating the threat. The capture of one specimen will reveal its true nature. Within the hollow body of a marionette, there appears to be an infestation of ant-like creatures, and much like hundreds to thousands of tiny puppetmasters, they are animating the puppets and using them for protection. These insects have learned to move within their marionettes in a way that’s similar to humans, and within the marionettes, they will attack as humans do, brandishing readily available weapons such as knives and farming tools. When the shell of the puppet is cracked open, they spill out, swarming the nearest human they can find and attempting to eat them or infest their body.



█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Marionant
HEIGHT: 2cm
WEIGHT: 2g
CLASS: No threat when alone, moderate threat when in a swarm
LOCATION: Awaji Island, Japan
ABILITIES: When in a swarm, they act in a hive mind and are highly coordinated. This allows them to take down much bigger prey. Razor sharp mouth pincers with a mild, stinging venom that can become lethal if a prey gets bitten too many times. More durable than your average ant, able to withstand 100kg of force without being crushed. Shows ability to think and plan their movements when working as a hive mind. When they infest a body, they seek to control it while eating up its insides, turning that body into a puppet slave.
WEAKNESS: Fire or drowning in water.
EXTRA NOTES: It is very difficult to stop them once they have started infesting a body. Avoid this at all cost. Seek medical attention immediately if you or a teammate has been infested.

█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Rescue civilians from the ant kaiju.
✖ Avoid infestation or lethal bites.
✖ Use fire or water as it is their weakness.
✖ Seek out their nests and destroy it without letting them scatter.

█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO: Linking Photo (cw: bug illustration)

▶ 005. THE RIFT .

Following the events of the month before, Mt. Fuji has now been cordoned off and put under restricted access. This means that no civilian may go anywhere close to the area. Outsiders are given patrol duties in groups of 2-3 around the area and instructed to eliminate any stray kaiju that try to rear their head out of the rift. These kaiju can include common kaiju such as the boar kaiju, the coconut crab or the yamadenki. These shifts are designed to not last very long, as prolonged exposure to the rift can result in rift poisoning effects (headache, nausea, impulsive behavior, hallucinations). It is not recommended to stick any part of your body through the rift, given that we are working with what we don’t understand (please contact a mod if your character decides to do this).

While nothing seems out of the ordinary at first, reports pour in within a few days of trespassers spotted within the restricted area. With a large, visible portion of Mt. Fuji now destroyed, it’s only natural that civilians will become curious. Against their better judgement, a group of civilians have sneaked into the restricted area during a change of patrols. There is little video record of how this had happened, but being near to the rift without LILITH’s protective suits has made for a devastating consequence for the foolish and daring group. Mutations! Outsiders will come across several mutated humans, their bodies mangled with grotesque growths. Some of them might have developed tentacles, some others multiple eyes or hardened shells. They flicker between lucidity and ferociousness, at times crying and begging to be saved, at other times trying to kill and eat people.

The orders are to subdue these people and bring them back to LILITH for further investigation and treatment. While lethal force is highly discouraged, LILITH will not extend punishment toward Outsiders who see fit to exterminate the threats as a last resort.

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our 9th 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 15 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. Current Outsiders will have their Syndata files accessible for all to see. New characters will not have a syndata profile but players can write a short blurb about the character for this.

Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 points each and will count towards March AC.

TDM #8 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. ARRIVAL PROMPT (KYOTO): Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. They arrive in the Kyoto base in a communal stasis pool which is underground.
2. THE KYOTO BASE: Most of the base in Kyoto has been rebuilt. It sits in a large temple which has been modified to accommodate for LILITH's needs. There is a giant stasis pool, a research facility, a mess hall, dorm rooms, medical facilities, a library, a training ground and a communal bath. Each room houses 3-4 people. Outsiders may fight in the training grounds, where they can train against holographic monsters or enemies from their home world. Outsiders will need to appease disgruntled monks by completing chores around the base.
3. REBUILD KYOTO: Civilians have started to move back to Kyoto in search of a better life. Outsiders are tasked to support them in rebuilding Kyoto. Gather ideas and rally support for these ideas. This is a lead in to a future event where players can present their ideas for mod consideration. Outsiders are also expected to hunt and gather their own food in the mean time. There are many boar kaiju available for hunting in Osaka and fishing spots available.
4. PUPPETMASTERS: Outsiders take a ferry or Ocean gem to Awaji Island where there is trouble afoot. Puppets are coming to life and attacking people! Inside these puppets there appear to be a swarm of ant kaiju that are highly dangerous. Eliminate the threat at all costs.
5. THE RIFT: Following the last event, there is a huge open rift at Mt. Fuji. Outsiders must take patrol shifts of 2-3 and kill any kaiju that jump out of the rift. Civilians are banned from visiting Mt. Fuji, but a group of civilians trespass illegally and become heavily mutated from rift exposure. Subdue these mutated humans and if necessary, kill them.
.

code

Comments

yuji itadori / everlight

[eyescar]

ITADORI YUJI

+

Username: VESSEL
Civilian Identity: Ryoutoku Wasuke
Age: 16 (17 soon!)
Species: Human / Cursed object
Origin: Sendai, Japan
Blood Type: Cursed

Syndata File: DATA

Have you ever had a dream that that you um you had you'd you would you could you'd do you wi you wants you you could do so you you'd do you could you you want you want him to do you so much you could do anything?

Oh yeah, I've had loads of dreams like that! Woah, my fingers look weird in that picture...

credit

 🍳🍳🍳 ▶ 001. CAFETERIA.

[ It's about that time, and Yuji's well aware of it; this is around the time that LILITH brings new people to the base, and he's prepared to deal with the newcomers a little more than he usually is. His own mission at home has been laid to rest, at least for now, and while there's a new world to rebuild... He can focus his attention here, helping the people who have come to mean so much to him and ensuring that they're comfortable and at ease. As much as one teenage boy is capable of, at least, which is more than might be expected of him!

The recipes that have been beamed into his brain have given him a bit of a headache, but a little push of RCT means that he can keep going, despite pausing once or twice to rub at his head and groan softly. LILITH was supposed to be making things easier, not worse, weren't they? After everything, jeez...

The food that Yuji whips up to offer people isn't anything particularly fancy. It ends up being a huge serving of some kind of ramen noodle, with various meats and vegetables that they've been provided put inside to make the base broth. It looks appetising, at least, but as he serves a bowl he leans down to peer at it almost nervously. ]

I hope this is the lab grown stuff... Anyway, here you go!

[ Yuji can also be found wandering the base doing what seems to be little odd jobs here and there, at the request of his favourite cat, Dr Spim. Catch him sat in the corner doing some cleaning and looking ridiculously thrilled to have been able to help the doctor after everything! ]

 💪💪💪 ▶ 002. KYOTO: THE BASE.

This place is pretty cool, huh...

[ Yuji seems content to spend a few hours wandering around the new base, popping his head in and out of the rooms and spaces, plotting out the routes that he'll need to try to remember and trying to figure out where all his friends are. He knows he'll be spending a lot of time back in Tokyo to make sure that base gets rebuilt too, but while they're here for a while...

At least he can help with that, too.

In the training ground, Yuji can be found practicing and sparring against various different holograms. He starts out with some of the older kaiju, leaping around at heights that seem practically impossible for someone of his youth, with no equipment seeming to aid him along. As he gets more familiar with it, the kaiju become the general soldiers, where his hand-to-hand skills come out - and even with the holograms, he seems to be making a real effort not to do anything that might actually kill them.

It's later, usually in the evenings, when the holograms begin to take on different shapes. Various curses appear in front of Yuji, and he seems to take these fights far more personally, something sharp settling on his face. It's also close to being a gorey mess; Yuji uses his own blood to attack, sending zaps of blood fuelled piercing attacks at the holograms, even creating little scissor marks against them when he touches them with his fingers.

After wearing himself to the bone training, Yuji slips off to bathe, spending perhaps a little bit too long hanging out in the public bath - though he does his very best not to become too much of a problem for other people, wiggling out of their way or handing them towels when they need it. He's a good boy! Soaked and clean, he eventually makes his way to the library, where the expression on his face can only be described as completely mortified, tinged with an edge of confusion that he can't quite shake.

Holding something in his hands, he tries to hide the cover should anyone approach. ]

Huh, what? Nothing! Wow, look at all these books!

 🐟🐟🐟 ▶ 003. PUPPETMASTERS.

[ Yuji has no complains about using the Oceam Gem.

He didn't go out of his way to give it a try last time, so this time around he's more than happy to shove one on and leap out into the ocean, even if it takes him a moment or two to adjust to the strangeness of having a tail and gills, his eyes widening as he chokes under the water for a moment before he resurfaces. Once he's settled into the shape of being a merman... ]

This is so cool!

[ The teenager that he is, Yuji lets himself play around in the water as a merman before he finally remembers the fact that he's meant to be going on a mission... He's been dancing around and flapping his new tail and fins around, doing leaps and twirls in the water and just enjoying himself. Eventually, though, he has to make his way over to the island, and the speed at which he swims is... A little intimidating.

On the island, back in his usual form, Yuji is quick to throw himself into the mission and start trying to deal with the ants. Bugs don't really bug him (haha), so he has no problems with dealing with the ant-like creatures, but his entire focus througout is ensuring that the people get out and as few civillians are invested as possible.

Pausing to breathe, he skids to a stop near anyone he recognises as being an Outsider, rubbing some sweat from his forehead. ]

You okay? Need any help?

 🎆🎆🎆 ▶ 004. WILDCARD.

( Feel free to find Yuji elsewhere, throw something random at me (e.g. the Rift!) or pm me for something and we can work it out! <3 )

002 - you know what

[nutkick]

[ usually, he wouldn't care — but he could've sworn he picked up on something a bit, hmm, odd? yuji's reaction doesn't help either, a bit too chaotic for an innocent read. i mean, denji is no bully, but a distraction is a distraction, and god knows he needs it. everyone around him has been so miserable or too excited to help around and build shit. both vibes do not interest him.

so- ]

Trying to see some beautiful girls, huh. [ still unaware who the 'pretty girl' is, as his vision went straight to her fashion choice instead. it was a brief glimpse before the sorcerer covered it. ] Are you embarrassed about it?

im crying

[eyescar]

[ The sound that Yuji makes is something close to an 'eep' as he turns around, holding the book against his chest and staring at Denji with wide eyes. He shifts, trying to angle himself with his back to the shelf, just in case there are other copies there. ]

What, no? I don't care about that!

[ He freely confesses to liking big butts, so... ]

This was just a weird one! It's not a big deal, I'll put it back later!

[nutkick]

Why 'later'?

[ he taunts lightly with a tiny smile. that implies yuji is still not done with it, interested about the contents of the book, and adamant to keep snooping around. listen, he knows a thing or two about the male's curiosity. the guy needs some privacy, too, and denji will allow it. he's not that evil. with a tilt of his head, his gaze shifts further to the side, very much aware yuji is trying to hide something with that awkward pose of his; probably more copies of this special book ... ]

Okay. Move and I'll grab a copy for myself. Then I'll leave you alone. I promise.

[eyescar]

Just because!

[ Denji, please...!

Yuji glances back at the shelf behind him, wondering if he'd be able to grab them all and run away in time. He's sure he could dart passed Denji and sprint for his life, but there's always a risk there'd be more, and what if... What if it spreads? It's not like there's anything wrong with being a girl, but this is pretty embarrassing...

Groaning, he tilts his head back. ]

You don't want to read this, really. I know you, Denji-kun!

listen, torment time / library.

[gorb]

( As a father one has a kind of sixth sense about these kinds of things. Geto pauses in the mouth of the aisle, a book tucked under his arm and a singular eyebrow slowly raising towards his hairline. His gaze sweeps over Yuji once, thoughtful, and then his feet bring him silently closer. )

I didn't say anything.

( But you know what? Teenagers. )

Have you found something interesting, Yuji-kun? ( Yeah, that's sticking around. It's made worse by the almost knowing light in Geto's eyes. He knows mischief when he comes across it. He might even incite it from time to time. ) Let me see.

[eyescar]

[ There's no way this is fair.

Yuji turns slowly to look at Geto, blinking up at him as he tries to somehow slip the book he's holding down, down, so he can slide it up and under his hoodie. There's no way that Geto would go so far as to manhandle him to get at it, would he? ]

Nope, nothing interesting at all! It's super boring, actually!

[ Don't look, don't look - ]

Don't you want to read something without pictures, Geto-san?

[gorb]

Ai, is there a cut-off? Once you're past the age of eighteen there's no more fun to be had? I didn't know that, Yuji-kun, you'll have to forgive this decrepit old man.

( His eyes are dancing brighter the more dramatic he gets, leaning one arm against the shelving in an oh-so casual manner.

No manhandling ( yet ). But he does look to the other books on the shelf. )

Are you all right? You look a little flushed.

[eyescar]

That's not what I meant! You're not even a little bit old, not really!

[ Is that flattering? Or unflattering? He's not really sure, but either way he's withering away into dust as he stands there, Geto looking at him as if he's seeing through him to all the other magazines on the shelf.

Why did he say anything? He should've just put it back and said nothing at all...

Glancing away, hew aves a hand. ]

It's fine, really! Just - lots of different books here, right?

library too i guess we are dogpile bullying him

[peoplewatch]

[ Kabru has been exploring the new base, and a place of particular interest for an avid reader like him is the library. He was perusing the paperback books when he spots the boy tucked away in an aisle and stunned by something. This is his cue to walk on over.

Yuji has always been an open book (hehe). Kabru doesn't even have to try guessing what he's thinking or feeling. Instead, he gives a knowing nod in response to the boy's fluster. ]

I suppose you're at that age...

sobs

[eyescar]

Hm? What age?

[ Yuji frowns, leaning back and shaking his head. ]

Wait - no, no way, it's not like that! Whatever you're thinking, you're wrong!

[peoplewatch]

[ Whether or not Kabru's assumptions are correct, Yuji isn't making himself look any better. ]

There's no need to be shy, Yuji. It's very normal. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone I've seen you here today.

training ground

[tokakujuho]

[ Nanami isn't sure how he feels about the release of everyone's dossiers. Of course, it's helpful to know the strengths of everyone, but at the same time it feels like a violation of privacy. The latter lasts for about half a day before it dissipates like so many of his little personal concerns lately.

He doesn't actively seek them out on his own. The ones he does read come recommended via their practical and helpful implants - Geto's, Gojo's, Nanami's own. As it happens, his attention is caught by Itadori's more than impressive list of abilities, most of which Nanami is unaware even though they train together regularly. A sense of not quite pride but admiration, perhaps, for how quickly the boy has grown struggles against a sense of sorrow and guilt about how quickly they have forced Itadori to grow.

It's not until later that the sorrow and guilt come back full force, sucker-punching the blond when he sees Itadori in the simulation room; especially the face the boy is making at his opponent. It shocks because that kind of look has no place on Itadori's face, but when Nanami catches sight of whom the boy is fighting, he can't fault him.

At the same time, he can't help but intrude, long strides carrying him towards the two combatants. To do what? Break up the imaginary fight? Kill the patchface bastard even though he knows this isn't real?

No, all he wants is wipe that look off Itadori's face.

Years and years of experience have taught Nanami better than to interfere, but he's not really thinking straight. So when he finally reaches the two combatants, the curse is crawling on the ground while Itadori seems prepared to deal the final blow.

The boy will find himself trapped before he can finish it, Nanami's arms wrapped around him from behind, a softly muttered: ]

That's enough.

[ The simulation ends, leaving only the two of them in the bare room. ]

[eyescar]

[ Yuji can't kill Mahito.

He knows that. Rationally, he knows exactly what happened; he had been beaten to within an inch of his life by Kenjaku's hand, and prior to that he had swallowed up Mahito like it was nothing, robbing him of his chance at vengeance, robbing him of any hope of being able to be the one to rid the world of a curse like that. He had wanted to, more than anything, because he wanted to do something to make up for failing Nanami and Kugisaki to begin with.

In Shibuya, he hadn't been able to save them, and his nightmares repeat time and time again, that hideous laughter ringing in his mind, reminding him of the failures that haunt him and burden his shoulders like a sick and painful crick in his shoulder, the constant knowledge that he hadn't been good enough, that he hadn't been able to do anything to save the people he cared about.

Nanami had moulded him into something better, something stronger, and Yuji had been so pleased to stand at his side and earn the right to his regard. He had been so proud of Kugisaki and her strength, only to see it ripped away from him in a moment. The knowledge that she survived eases his burdens, but it doesn't ease the guilt, the sadness, the knowledge that it should have been him.

Reading himself to rid the world of the hologram, he's about to step forward and crush the curse's head between his hands when an arm wraps around him, and he's drawn back against a strong, firm chest. Breathing out, harsher than he should have given how one-sided the fight was this time, Yuji blinks rapidly before he turns his head and gazes up at the man beside him. ]

Nanamin...? What - I was almost done.

002

[coordination]

[ Guess who's got GENETICALLY ENHANCED SIGHT so spots the cover of that book before Yuji can hide it away. ]

Is that ... is that you with...

[ He will not say the word, so small miracles that Yzak is trying to be a proper gentleman, (and doesn't want to think about titties longer than necessary) ]

I know these ridiculous books are showing up everywhere, but that's a new one. Not to mention they're wasting space! This isn't appropriate for a library!

[ Also, thankfully, he seems more focused on that last thing more than the book itself. ]

[eyescar]

[ WHY IS HIS LUCK LIKE THIS -

Leaping into the air with a jump, Yuji stares at Yzak before he wilts, doing his best to turn the cover away and not look as utterly mortified and embarrassed as he actually feels.

This is the worst. LILITH had literally put him through surgery without painkillers and somehow, this feels worse. ]

I didn't ask for it! I didn't make it either, so don't blame me!

( syndata )

[ultrastats]

Cursed? How is a blood type cursed?

[eyescar]

oh because i ate cursed objects
so my blood can be poisonous sometimes i think
i haven't experimented

[ultrastats]

Was that like. A choice?

002

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou has been spending any little bit of downtime they get in this library, so it's no surprise he would run into Yuji there. He's also very good at being silent, and manages to sneak up behind his boyfriend, head on his shoulder, to see what he's looking at that has him so flustered.

Well. That's certainly not what he expected.]

Is that... you?

[eyescar]

[ It just keeps happening...

Yuji winces, turning his head slowly as the dawning horror sinks around his shoulders, his cheeks bright red as he tries to press the cover of the magazine against his chest. ]

I'm not a girl!

[ That's... Not the point. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[That statement stops him for only a moment.]

... I'm well aware.

[Though, he looks left and right over Yuji's shoulders exaggeratedly, trying to get a look at whatever he's hiding.]

Does that have to do with what I just saw?

▶ 003. cause screw it

[blastedass]

[His first time taking the ferry to the island ended up in a soaking MESS because someone dragged him overboard! Why? CAUSE HE TOLD HIM TO DO A TRICK IN THE WATER!! What the hell?! That's no excuse to drown him! Bastard. So the second time over, Katsuki dumped his costume and supplies into the boat in a duffel bag and slapped on one of the Ocean Gems himself for an easier, less "risky" trip to the island. Look, maybe he had been a little jealous of Richele's free swimming all over.

At least they don't have to deal with ice floes, monstrous killer whales, and other crap on the way. Katsuki quickly spots a certain blitz of pink in the water and takes off after it, sporting his own killer looks in the process. Ultimately he does have to use an explosion underwater to catch up with Yuji's crazy speed, but if the sorcerer doesn't pick up he's being tailed by that distant shockwave, Katsuki's gonna tackle him in the water with a grin!]

[eyescar]

[ It's obvious that Yuji is having far too much fun with being a mermaid - merman? - with how he's reacting, dancing around in the water and doing his utmost to flip as many times as he can. It's gleeful, a youthful excitement that he hasn't had for a while, and his happiness is probably at least a little bit infectious.

Then, as if to ruin it all, there's a body slamming into his, and he ends up gurgling on the water before he remembers that he has gills, and he doesn't have to worry about something as silly as breathing underwater.

Flailing around a little, he pushes himself up to the surface before he huffs a noise. ]

Katsuki!

[blastedass]

[If he hasn't so much fun, he won't mind another element of it. Katsuki tugs Yuji along for a good few feet in a flurry of bubbles and water before quickly slipping off and swimming to the side. Seems someone forgot he could breathe underwater. He swims upward to the surface and breeches beside the sorcerer, hair soaked and finned ears dotted with sun glitter.]

What? Couldn't handle a little push?

[That was more than a little push, man. He leans back in the water, tail moving in a lazy motion to slide him through the surf. This is a lot better than the stupid January ice patch they swam in last time. Katsuki turns over and move back to Yuji's side, water breaking around his collarbones.]

Looked like you were having fun.