𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (
synfluxmods) wrote in
sinfucks2024-01-01 11:01 am
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
Entry tags:
▶ 002. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #2
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #2
▶ 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 to desire your normal life. When you awake, 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 wakens each Outsider. When 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, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider 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, and feed 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 2278, 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 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 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), 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.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is fugu (pufferfish), miso soup, and rice, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Unlike last month, this meal looks like it is carefully prepared for the new year!
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 wakens each Outsider. When 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, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider 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, and feed 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:
What is your goal for the New Year? (2278)
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 2278, 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 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 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), 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.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is fugu (pufferfish), miso soup, and rice, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Unlike last month, this meal looks like it is carefully prepared for the new year!
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 out drinking. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands. Please enjoy your complimentary meal which LILITH has carefully prepared. You may then head to your quarters are explore our BASE using the map provided. We hope this New Year will bring you fortune and good health as you, well.. fight for your lives here. :)"
▶ 002. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Preparations begin at the end of the year with everyone cleaning and getting their last minute shopping in before one of the biggest holidays of the year. The quiet shrines of the city have begun to come to life as they set up their New Year displays and vendors begin to set up their tables and tents outside their grounds. Characters may find themselves roped into helping with the vendor setup.
By New Year's Eve, the shrines are alive with warm, welcoming lights but none can enter the gates until midnight. That shouldn't be a problem because, outside the shrine grounds, there are plenty of vendors selling classic and trendy street foods. Other vendors sell masks, light up toys, dolls, and other goods.
As midnight draws near, everyone begins to line up to enter the shrine grounds. Some shrines may even be offering warm tea or sake to people waiting in line. There's a final countdown and a drum bangs. The line begins to move and everyone moves up to pray for the new year. After praying, characters can buy charms or pull for fortunes. Good luck!
By New Year's Eve, the shrines are alive with warm, welcoming lights but none can enter the gates until midnight. That shouldn't be a problem because, outside the shrine grounds, there are plenty of vendors selling classic and trendy street foods. Other vendors sell masks, light up toys, dolls, and other goods.
As midnight draws near, everyone begins to line up to enter the shrine grounds. Some shrines may even be offering warm tea or sake to people waiting in line. There's a final countdown and a drum bangs. The line begins to move and everyone moves up to pray for the new year. After praying, characters can buy charms or pull for fortunes. Good luck!
▶ 003. BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE.
While the help around the base gets dispersed out for the New Years preparations, things at the base aren’t as peaceful as they should be. During the base’s last quarter review, a few routine checks were overlooked, and as a result the pipes are frozen and the centralized heating is on the fritz.
With no real access to warm water at the base, Outsiders are given vouchers for the hot spring and local bath houses. They are encouraged to maintain a good sense of hygiene and will be prompted on their ocular implants to remember to take a bath. The city has a number of options, but Outsiders will be warned to choose carefully. Apparently, the new trend in the city are rejuvenating waters that have different effects once they touch skin. Rather than actual physical changes, these effects seem to tamper with the mind, making those who soak in these waters more susceptible to suggestion. Whatever that means! Hopefully no one asks for some extra KRYPTOS when you’re feeling unusually generous.
Unfortunately, even back at the base, it's basically a tundra. Everyone will be encouraged to keep warm the old school way— blankets, extra layers, and maybe even a bit of body heat sharing will be encouraged. What’s a better way to foster teamwork?
With no real access to warm water at the base, Outsiders are given vouchers for the hot spring and local bath houses. They are encouraged to maintain a good sense of hygiene and will be prompted on their ocular implants to remember to take a bath. The city has a number of options, but Outsiders will be warned to choose carefully. Apparently, the new trend in the city are rejuvenating waters that have different effects once they touch skin. Rather than actual physical changes, these effects seem to tamper with the mind, making those who soak in these waters more susceptible to suggestion. Whatever that means! Hopefully no one asks for some extra KRYPTOS when you’re feeling unusually generous.
Unfortunately, even back at the base, it's basically a tundra. Everyone will be encouraged to keep warm the old school way— blankets, extra layers, and maybe even a bit of body heat sharing will be encouraged. What’s a better way to foster teamwork?
"Holy shit, I am still.. so fucking drunk.. damn. Okay, uh, let's do this.. I'm going to try not to puke, but not making any promises. Never again am I going to try to out drink Captain Yamakawa. She's small, don't be fooled, that bitch can drink like a fish. Dunno why, but there's something hot about that. If you don't know who I am by now, my name is .. is ... S.. Seok .. ughh.. hrk-- "
[ CONNECTION LOST. ]
▶ 004. SIMULATION #2.
At different times during the week, Outsiders will be summoned into the simulation room and instructed to don their LILITH-issued plugsuits. They will then be paired or grouped up to conduct a battle simulation. After being ushered into the training grounds, the room will turn pitch dark, and a briefing sheet will be projected from their eye implant.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves right in the picturesque little town of Furano, Hokkaido, Japan. In the winter months, it looks like a snow-covered wonderland, with wooden cottages and oak trees on a backdrop of a snowy mountain. There is a ski resort too. It looks like a wonderful place to spend what remains of winter.
If you ignore the Yuki-Daruma that are trudging through the small town and turning it upside down. Seriously, what's with the simulation today? Is this really a Kaiju? Last you saw of Seok Dang, he was a belligerent mess, so he's a bit more ... liberal with the storyline today. Don't mind him.
The Yuki-Daruma do not eat people but they will be destroying homes, crushing civilians and burying them under a mountain of snow. Given that Seok Dang is intoxicated right now, Outsiders may find way more glitches than usual too (Why do these civilians keep running toward the monster rather than away from it? Why is that one civilian sipping tea while on fire? Who knows.)
Non-compliance with the simulation today ... won't result in very much happening, given that Seok Dang isn't monitoring. However, you will remain trapped in the simulation until he decides to let you out. In fact, everyone will remain trapped in the simulation for at least a few hours after all the monsters are killed because your resident simulation engineer seems to have passed out in the control booth? (Characters who die will just need to suffer with their wounds. Sorry.)
If you shout at the sky loud enough, maybe he will wake up.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves right in the picturesque little town of Furano, Hokkaido, Japan. In the winter months, it looks like a snow-covered wonderland, with wooden cottages and oak trees on a backdrop of a snowy mountain. There is a ski resort too. It looks like a wonderful place to spend what remains of winter.
If you ignore the Yuki-Daruma that are trudging through the small town and turning it upside down. Seriously, what's with the simulation today? Is this really a Kaiju? Last you saw of Seok Dang, he was a belligerent mess, so he's a bit more ... liberal with the storyline today. Don't mind him.
The Yuki-Daruma do not eat people but they will be destroying homes, crushing civilians and burying them under a mountain of snow. Given that Seok Dang is intoxicated right now, Outsiders may find way more glitches than usual too (Why do these civilians keep running toward the monster rather than away from it? Why is that one civilian sipping tea while on fire? Who knows.)
Non-compliance with the simulation today ... won't result in very much happening, given that Seok Dang isn't monitoring. However, you will remain trapped in the simulation until he decides to let you out. In fact, everyone will remain trapped in the simulation for at least a few hours after all the monsters are killed because your resident simulation engineer seems to have passed out in the control booth? (Characters who die will just need to suffer with their wounds. Sorry.)
If you shout at the sky loud enough, maybe he will wake up.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: YUKI-DARUMA
HEIGHT: 4m to infinite (Due to melding together)
WEIGHT: 100kg
CLASS: UNABLE TO BE CLASSED - UNKNOWN
THREAT LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
LOCATION: HOKKAIDO, JAPAN (SIMULATION)
ABILITIES: Despite appearing as a snowman, the “snow” they are made of and throw are far more dense due to their ability to affect the gravity of what it touches. This is also why its weight may be far beyond what it listed. They are also capable of melding into one another and growing far more formidable.
WEAKNESS: Heat, light, and liquid.
EXTRA NOTES: Due to how large the species is capable of becoming, it is suggested to work in pairs or teams to defeat those that have already merged.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Completely destroy the YUKI-DARUMA before they become any larger and destroy the city
✖ Rescue of civilian lives from YUKI-DARUMA
✖ Search and rescue of civilians buried in snow
✖ Organize safe and orderly evacuation of civilians to the designated emergency shelters
✖ Protection of safe zone from YUKI-DARUMA
✖ Teamwork to destroy the larger YUKI-DARUMA
EXTRA NOTES: Each YUKI-DARUMA killed equates 1 KILL POINT, and each civilian rescued equates 1 RESCUE POINT. Killing civilians, whether on purpose or by accident, results in rescue points being subtracted. Working with those in the same respective team gives 1 EXTRA POINT. Every team’s score will be tallied up after the simulation ends.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
▶ 005. BRACE YOURSELVES, SOMETHING IS COMING.
Besides those few times the Outsiders have been dropped into the simulation and left to struggle, it's been a relatively easy month for everyone so far. The local population seems to think so too, remarking that it's been a while since they've last had a wide scale attack, that it must be some sort of holiday blessing. Of course, things are never quiet for too long.
On the evening of the 5th of January, an earthquake seems to rock the bustling city of Neo Tokyo. It's not large enough to cause significant structural damage, but it's certainly large enough to destroy some of the older buildings, cause havoc in traffic and send the civilians into a frenzy. The local population seem to be stricken with terror, staying home whenever they can. When asked what has them so afraid, they will tell you that 'it's coming ...'.
They are right to be afraid. Shortly after, a storm hits the city, sending a downpour of rain that does not seem to relent. Those who linger by Tokyo Bay will notice some disturbance in the waters. The waves seem to be picking up when they're usually calm, and they splash against the shoreline, growing bigger each time. It eventually gets to a point the waves are standing several meters high. It's a tsunami, and it's heading directly for the city, flooding everything in its path.
As their first call to action since arriving, Outsiders will receive a mission brief in their implant that will pop up in their vision no matter where they may be.
A few days after the disaster, the sun is shining on glistening snow and ice. Outsiders have been given a few nights hostel stay since their arrival with one another categorized by team in the bay area until the mission is finished. Everlight & Brimstone will be staying in Moonlight Inn and Redemption & Revelation will be staying in 11 Hours. Both hostels are similar with two bunk beds in each room. A handful of buildings near the bay area have been demolished by the tsunami and flooding. Outsiders will be encouraged to help clean up, being provided with safety masks and gloves to prevent inhaling anything.. too toxic. It's a mystery what is in the ocean water nowadays. LILITH will set Outsiders out to help with any after math clean up-- those with any sorts of healing abilities will be ushered into the streets and hospitals to assist. Civilians who are curious of these kinds of abilities will know Outsiders are recruits of LILITH, a place with higher technology than most. As for the threat that seemed imminent, it seems to have vanished... for now. A new message will appear on the Outsider's implant with a game plan:
On the evening of the 5th of January, an earthquake seems to rock the bustling city of Neo Tokyo. It's not large enough to cause significant structural damage, but it's certainly large enough to destroy some of the older buildings, cause havoc in traffic and send the civilians into a frenzy. The local population seem to be stricken with terror, staying home whenever they can. When asked what has them so afraid, they will tell you that 'it's coming ...'.
They are right to be afraid. Shortly after, a storm hits the city, sending a downpour of rain that does not seem to relent. Those who linger by Tokyo Bay will notice some disturbance in the waters. The waves seem to be picking up when they're usually calm, and they splash against the shoreline, growing bigger each time. It eventually gets to a point the waves are standing several meters high. It's a tsunami, and it's heading directly for the city, flooding everything in its path.
As their first call to action since arriving, Outsiders will receive a mission brief in their implant that will pop up in their vision no matter where they may be.
█ █ █ NEW MISSION BRIEFOutsiders will be sent to Tokyo Bay via a helicopter and ordered to hold back or weaken the tsunami (if possible), rescue civilians, minimise structural damage, organise safe evacuation and act as first responders. Good luck everyone! Neo Tokyo is counting on you!
LILITH has detected unnatural weather and wave formations. We will continue to investigate this seismic activity, but there is historical reason to believe that a Kaiju attack is imminent. As LILITH endeavors to obtain a status briefing on this threat, all Outsiders are to respond immediately to minimise civilian casualties and structural damage.
A few days after the disaster, the sun is shining on glistening snow and ice. Outsiders have been given a few nights hostel stay since their arrival with one another categorized by team in the bay area until the mission is finished. Everlight & Brimstone will be staying in Moonlight Inn and Redemption & Revelation will be staying in 11 Hours. Both hostels are similar with two bunk beds in each room. A handful of buildings near the bay area have been demolished by the tsunami and flooding. Outsiders will be encouraged to help clean up, being provided with safety masks and gloves to prevent inhaling anything.. too toxic. It's a mystery what is in the ocean water nowadays. LILITH will set Outsiders out to help with any after math clean up-- those with any sorts of healing abilities will be ushered into the streets and hospitals to assist. Civilians who are curious of these kinds of abilities will know Outsiders are recruits of LILITH, a place with higher technology than most. As for the threat that seemed imminent, it seems to have vanished... for now. A new message will appear on the Outsider's implant with a game plan:
█ █ █ MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
RETREAT BACK TO BASE. WE WILL DEPART AT 15:00."Captain Yamakawa speaking. You all did your.. best. I guess that's all I can really ask for. We will be sending out own investigation team out to locate the threat as it seems to have retreated. Some of these monsters.. they can teleport or be very good at hiding. We ask you return to base and await further instructions. Pray we don't lose sight of it."
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our second TDM! All TDM threads are game canon; characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. We encourage this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER. '
As a note, while we currently have no available player slots, new players are still welcome to use this TDM to get samples, as well as submit applications to the queue for future review when applications open. Please see the applications page for more details.
Characters who are test driving and have not been assigned to a team may stay in whichever hostel they like. Don’t suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!
Use the code provided 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. Have fun!
As a note, while we currently have no available player slots, new players are still welcome to use this TDM to get samples, as well as submit applications to the queue for future review when applications open. Please see the applications page for more details.
Characters who are test driving and have not been assigned to a team may stay in whichever hostel they like. Don’t suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!
Use the code provided 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. Have fun!
002
[ but as soon as she broke the silence, with a tone that sent shivers down his spine— denji couldn't pretend he was merely exhausted after a few sleepless nights and was just seeing things. it's real. she's real, and that's how it is. visiting a shrine didn't seem like something denji would do, and he was unsure of what perked his interest to find himself here. it might have to do with him spotting a familiar figure in the crowd, curious enough that he ends up following her. from the hairstyle to the unique color, to the way makima presented herself, back straight and proper— with an empty smile on her lips. he kept reassuring himself it's not real, but here they are.
conflicted, unsure how to feel about it, denji just stood there, waiting in line like the others. ]
this is perfect
[Said like there’s nothing wrong here. There obviously is. She’s a good owner, she knows when something’s wrong. Even if she’s still missing some information on things that for her haven’t happened yet. Denji hasn’t sought her out until now, his usual exuberance nowhere to be seen. It’s not what she’s used to seeing from him.
She on the other hand is doing her best to very much be what she thinks he’s used to. Acting like nothing wrong, a familiar curious expression on her face. Like if she’d walked in on the middle of one of so many conversations back at the office.]
It’d be a bit strange, but…
[There’s no rest of that sentence, she just trails off.]
🥹 let the pain begin
denji builds enough courage to stare her down from the corner of his eye; there is no malice behind it, nor fear, just— grief. again, unsure if it was because her presence brought back unresolved trauma, or if it made him think of nayuta back home. perhaps it's both. there is something deeply heartbreaking about seeing this version of the control devil after spending the past few years offering her reincarnation the life she desperately wanted. denji sighs, trying to stop himself from thinking about it too much. ]
Yup, that's totally what I wish for. [ he takes a step forward as the line begins to move a bit. ] What about you, Miss Makima?
[ oh. saying her name again is just— yeah ... ]
no subject
[She looks like she’s thinking about it, she’s been doing this with everyone who’s asked. It’s not like she really needs to give it much thought, she knows exactly what she wants, but she’s not going to come right out and say it.]
I wish for our success, for us to make this world a better place. That sort of thing.
[Not too different an answer that she’s given everyone else. It’s just like so many things with her, not the full answer.]
Not that I have any doubts of course.
[A smile there, friendly, cheerful, warm. Except it’s not really any of those things, is it? It just looks that way.]
no subject
I don't care about making this world a better place. I thought I'd find someone who feels the same way, but everyone has been so cooperative ... it's kinda stupid. They somehow forgot we are captives.
[ makima is lying too and she won't tell him what she truly wants. that's fine. they are equally powerless here, equally forced to obey new demands. it didn't mean the control devil is harmless. then again, is it his job to stop her? no. does he have anyone he wishes to protect here? again, no.
for now, he is blissfully unaware an old friend (aki) will walk back into his life soon. ]
no subject
[She doesn’t outright disagree, no. There’s no real need to argue here, instead merely a search for clarification, for understanding. To get a better picture of him now versus the one she’s more familiar with.]
But that aside, I don’t think things are too different from Public Safety.
[Taking a few steps forward now moving with the line.]
Or is that part of the problem?
no subject
[ but— that's not what they should be talking about, isn't it? denji knew she figured it out by now, probably from the second he approached her, makima noticed the change. it felt like they were tiptoeing around it at this point. they are in a different city, dealing with new authorities, new enemies. will the control devil still come for his heart or did she have other plans in her mind? he doesn't know.
they were getting close to the shrine by now, and that's when denji casually confessed: ] Do we actually need to make a wish here?
no subject
[A joke and a smile, slipping back from this newfound distance between them. She's not running from it, the dance between them will eventually come to a close and all that'll have to come up. But not yet. And it's not out of reluctance either, it's not as if she's the one struggling with it after all.]
You don't have to though. It's only if you want to.
[Only a couple more people before they get there.]
no subject
it's a bit more quiet now, somewhat private too. ]
... Are you still after my heart, Miss Makima?
[ they might as well deal with it by now. ]
no subject
There’s no visible major reaction there. No huge look of surprise. The slightest opening of her eyes to look at him, but that in itself is something. It’s not like she knew what he was going to ask, but there’s enough to know something was wrong, that the wrongness would be addressed and that it was something big. And it was.]
It’s strange hearing that question.
[From her perspective, it’s hard to picture the Denji she knows asking her something like that. But then again, that Denji is from her present, not this one who clearly is from somewhere after like Quanxi.
And she doesn’t address it further, taking the time to finish her wishes for the new year before speaking up again.]
And I wonder...what answer are you expecting?
no subject
[ even if she tries to avoid being too forward, they both know the answer to this question already. perhaps it would've been a smart option to catch her off guard and use it against her, but denji likes to believe he can avoid going to war with the control devil altogether. they are both forced into this new world, new life, new everything— maybe they can have new dreams, too.
far away from each other. ]
no subject
[She’s not expecting an answer to that one, so she continues talking, finishing up with the shrine and turning her focus to him. Not that her focus was anywhere else since they’ve started talking.]
Either way, I’m no stranger to putting business first.
[That’s not really a no so much as a not right now. But she can be patient. She can wait. There’s plenty to do, plenty to learn about this world, about the others, about the things they’ll be facing. So she’s not in a hurry at the moment.]
Not to mention I wouldn’t want to leave either team at a disadvantage. I’m sure we both know how difficult that could make things.
no subject
[ and he's not speaking as a reflection of his concern for others' safety, it was more of him preferring matters to be painted in black and white. is she going to be his enemy here or not? are they going to kill each other again? must he look up recipes on how to make her flesh taste as good? an early warning would be a delight.
he sighs, hunching forward as he shoved his hands inside his pockets. he's done 'praying' but he kept his gaze on the shrine ahead. ]
Can you promise me that?
no subject
I’m sorry, this is such a change, it’ll take me some time to get used to it.
[Give her a moment to regain her composure.]
It’s not a change I particularly care for it, but it is funny.
[That’s a little more pointed, there’s some bite to those words. There’s no one here she hasn’t been willing to humor, to put on a polite face with, but this gets some open scorn. Not too much, but enough to be visible.]
That said, there is some sense in limiting collateral damage. Still, this deal seems pretty one-sided, you’re getting what you want and I’m not getting anything out of it. That doesn’t seem fair…so let’s change that, I’ve got one condition and in this case, I think a deal would be stronger than a promise anyways.
no subject
well, that's new.
but, fine. she wants a deal. let's get this over with. ]
What's your one condition?
no subject
[Said like it really is even though it probably won’t be.]
If I need you, you’ll help me. I’m sure I’ll still have need of Chainsaw Man. Give me that and I won’t drag everyone into anything that happens between us.
[Is that actually a fair deal? Probably not. But it’s the only one she’s offering.]
no subject
however, for now— he, at least, acknowledges that he might build new relationships here. maybe be lucky enough to like someone, make buddies and all. did they deserve to be dragged into this war? ... no. ]
Let's be more specific. If you need me to protect you, I will. I decide how to do it, though. So long as you walk out of it unharmed.
[ even when he knows how that sounds as if he's working under her control again, denji reassures her that's not the case. it's more of him— trying to keep the peace until they finally face each other. ]
no subject
[No hesitation there, she doesn’t have to give that one too much thought. It’s an easy agreement to make.]
After all, for me it’s not much of a change.
[Another smile, pleased with how this worked out, even if the circumstances aren’t ideal. She doesn’t really wonder much about the deal or what could happen. Whatever the future holds, well, she’s sure they’ll both end up dealing with it. But that issue’s settled, and settled in a way that doesn’t bar her from going after what she really wants. Should that day come anyways.]
Now with that out of the way, I think I’ll go get a tea from one of the stalls. You’re welcome to join me, though I don’t expect you to.
[Entirely casual, like things are back to normal now. Everything else over and done with, or at least swept under the rug. Of course, under the normal circumstances she’s used to, she wouldn’t have said that last part. After all, there's no way he would've refused.]
no subject
at the offer, he shrugs his shoulders. ]
Nah ... I’ll join you when you truly want my company.
[ no point in pretending anymore. makima didn’t need to force a smile and act chummy with him; it was all in the open now. with that said, he turns to the side, ready to leave. ]
You know where to find me.
no subject
I do.
[She's not trying to be threatening with that. She knows where he's at, he knows where she's at, none of this is a surprise or new information, she knows.]
So I’ll see you around. And you’ll see me of course.
[Now there’s what she thinks might not be the most comfortable thought for him given the way he’s acted during this conversation. But that’s all, it’s not really much of a parting shot as she takes her leave.]