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sinfucks2024-01-01 11:01 am
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-01-01 11:01 am
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!
aki hayakawa ( chainsaw man ) new character
+
Civilian Identity: Taiyo Uchiumi
Age: 23
Species: Human
Origin: Hokkaido, Japan
What is your goal for the New Year? (2278) To see those people happy.
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA. ▶ 002. SIMULATION #2. ▶ 003. WILDCARD.
001
[It wasn’t a thought, she knew. But decided to let him have some time before she found him. The situation can take some getting used to she knows, more so given what he’s been through. And his current state really speaks volumes about that to her. She has some thoughts about what that means given their timeframe versus others. But she won’t bring that up now. Not too important in the long run.]
And I see you’re settling in okay. It’s not too different, is it?
[Or at least she’s found it isn’t. Some of the technology sure, but so much of it is the usual just with a new coat of paint.]
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So he simply doesn't, shoving the feelings aside and turning to lift his head to her. His expression is the same as it always is around her; carefully respectful. ]
It's very similar to home.
[ Waking up, going to work, fighting monsters... At least he's familiar with it. ]
I apologise, I didn't realise you were also here or I would have reported in.
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[She’s not expecting a report anyways, though she imagines reporting to her will be a hard habit to break. If it’s broken at all. She doesn’t have a strong opinion on it, but she does think keeping some of their work relationship intact is ultimately for the best. Even if she has no real authority here.]
I’m sure we’ll both have our share of reporting to do to our new bosses eventually.
[Not that she’s had to do anything like that so far. Kind of nice, actually.]
And I’m looking forward to working with you again. Even if we end up on separate teams. Since I know I can count on you.
[A smile there. She knows she can depend on him to be well, Aki. No matter where he ends up and no matter what happens.
Okay, there’ll probably be issues and she does expect that given who else is here. But that’s outside of her control, and she’ll deal with it when it happens.]
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He takes another draw of his cigarette, ignoring the way his hand is shaking. ]
Have you met any of them yet?
[ That seems important. Aki would like to know who he is working for, even if the work is essentially the same. Money for the killing of monsters, that's normal to him now, even if it doesn't seem to be getting him any closer to killing the Gun Devil.
He'd been willing to give that up, though, so maybe it's for the better... ]
I'll count on you as well.
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Not much, just the same messages and addresses everyone else has received. But that’s to be expected. After all, it’s not like you’ve met with my bosses.
[She’s sure her situation will change with time, but it’s still early. So she’s not expecting that to happen right away. After all, she’s a lot lower on the org chart than she used to be.]
And of course, you can always count on me.
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[ Formal and polite, as always. There's a strange urge inside of him to put his cigarette, as if she might mind it, while at the same time wanting to smoke it down to the end without stopping, if only to get the hit of it into his body faster. His gaze flicks back to her, and he offers a little nod of his head.
This is Makima. He trusts her. If she's here, then they're probably going to be alright. ]
Have you had to do any missions yet? I'm wondering if I should expect the same thing as fighting devils.
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002
You don't need to overdo it.
[ Look at them. It's a snowy katamari wasteland. ]
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[ Aki isn't necessarily adept at fighting with one hand just yet, no matter how much work he put in before his intended return to Public Safety, so he's doing his best here just to adapt. Looking over at the stranger, he shakes his head for a moment, wondering. He doesn't really care about these fights - they're not the creature he actually wants to kill - but he'd like to be prepared. ]
I'm not used to it yet.
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[ What kind of practice can they get out of a messy simulation like this? But he does stand back, mostly side-stepping the monsters that come closer rather than attempting to strike back. ]
I'm not sure this makes ideal practice. Even if you hit them, they don't respond properly half of the time.
[ Sure, he can technically kill some of them, but with people and Yuki-Daruma running in both directions with no consistency, will it count? ]
How many have you gotten so far?
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They're simple. ]
It helps with my balance.
[ He turns to face Nanami properly, just in case the other man hadn't noticed his lack of limb. Sleeve flapping beside him, Aki frowns a little before he shakes his head. ]
Not that many. You're right, it's not as simple as if it would be if they were real.
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Did it happen recently?
[ It must have, but then why was he restored? And come to think of it, why did some people still bear scars if there was an option to heal bodies so completely? What was the difference? He frowns, pushing that thought aside. ]
You'll have to change tactics for now. More legwork, but a weapon would help.
[ He scoops up a nearby rock with one foot, kicking it toward Aki. ]
Try this instead.
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[ In some respects, it might be safe to consider him lucky. He didn't have to deal with a lot of the kind of damage that other people did when it came to missing limbs, but he's still not doing well as a result of it. Losing a limb is what it is, no matter how optimistic someone is about it.
Maybe it's due to his wound being unnatural. Devils might not exist here, but...
Looking down, he frowns at the rock, bending down to pick it up. ]
What, throwing it?
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wild card
denji can't figure out if someone is playing a sick joke on him or something, and not having an answer only further fuels his already anxious heart to the point he can't even recuperate. in a normal way, at least. their reunion ends up being calm. too calm, almost numb. however, denji is anything but that. he's experiencing a new type of pain he cannot comprehend, and when he's pushed to this extreme— he shuts down.
for now, he invites aki to a local diner, nothing too cheap but it's not a reflection of luxury either. the food is decent with a variety that aki might appreciate, plus— he's allowed to smoke here and maybe grab a drink too. god knows he might need it. denji had his elbow resting on the counter, leaning his head into his hand, almost hiding half of his features behind his fingers. he just looks uncomfortable; as if he couldn't look the other in the eye.
they should say something. it's getting too quiet. ]
... What is the last thing you remember?
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He's spent enough time around Denji to recognise the way he's shutting down a little, the way that he's trying to hide how he feels. He also knows that pushing and pushing isn't going to get him any answers, not when his charge is in the kind of mood that he is. It'll just lead to shouting, and arguments, and an embarrassing scene in public that he would rather avoid if it were at all possible.
Rather than complaining, he lets himself be led over to a diner, sliding into a seat and pretending not to be painfully aware of his missing arm. It feels a little awkward still, even if he's over the emotional aspect of it all.
Leaning back, he waits for Denji to speak, lighting a cigarette and taking a long, slow draw from it. When they're finally there, the question isn't the one he's expecting, and he pauses for a moment. If he had a free hand, he might rub his forehead as he tries to think. ]
I was on a beach, I think, but everything about it is fuzzy.
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[ denji wasn't there when it all happened, but he can only assume this might be aki's last memory before he lost himself. the concept of timelines is something he will never understand, nor will he try to— however, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that both aki and makima were pulled into this city from similar periods, leaving him the only one who knows how both their stories end. he peers over the other, watching him light up the cigarette, picking up on the small details of aki's features. it was not denji's intention to drop his guard, but he'd always been too honest, too transparent. it was hard to look anything but heartbroken at this point. he felt sick, and just- ... he can't process what's real and what's not. aki is sitting in front of him, very much alive and breathing, and while it should bring him comfort — that's not the case.
it's a cruel, cruel punishment instead.
eventually, he nods, acknowledging the answer without saying anything in return. everything is difficult, even holding a conversation is daunting. he takes in a breath, hesitant and careful with every word that slips out of his mouth. ]
... Makima is here, too.
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[ Aki isn't sure about the reaction he had to Makima, or Denji's reaction either.
He had anticipated what he was accustomed to: Denji doing whatever she wanted him to do, trying to earn her favour and anything that she might be willing to give him. To see that shift, to see him look so nervous and hesitant... What had happened? What piece of the puzzle is he missing here, what has he forgotten that's so important?
Why did his hands shake, why was he so afraid, when he also wanted to earn Makima's attention?
Leaning forward, he rests his one elbow on the table and watches Denji carefully. ]
What's wrong, Denji? You can tell me.
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[ he might as well just spit it out. if they've already met, then aki is probably following the old routine, viewing her as an authority figure— still blinded and under her regime. perhaps this man is no longer an interest to her, considering she is aware denji has seemed to switch sides, but it still doesn't erase what she has done, what she could do if he didn't warn him.
he looks at him, staring a bit, and for what feels like forever— denji feels heard. all he'd been dealing with the past few years was people telling him what to do, how to act, what to feel, but with aki he managed to make denji remember that he has a fucking voice. his concerns can be heard, and god— he needs him to take them to heart; to truly, sincerely believe him. ]
I don't want to say why, but please trust me.
[ no, they didn't need to talk about something that had yet to happen in aki's perspective. there is no reason to make him go through it. denji will carry that burden on his own. ]
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Why? You can't tell me to do something like that and then not explain.
[ He takes a long, long draw of his cigarette, almost burning it to the end, and breathes out slowly. Stubbing it out, he leans back in his chair and vaguely misses the authority of being able to cross his arms. Things you miss, the type of things that weren't even considered important before now.
Aki's attention focuses entirely on Denji, and his expression is set. Still. Stern. ]
There's something strange happening here, Denji, and I don't like it. When I saw her, I felt...
[ Fear. Genuine, deep-set fear. The kind that was suffocating to experience. ]
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simulation 2
He rubs his arms and lets out a loud whine,)
It's cold!
(All of this slashing at ice has taken a toll on him. The blade of his sword is freezing and he feels so cold. He can barely feel his fingers at all and he hugs his now sheathed sword in front of him,)
It's so cold! My fingers are going to fall off!
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Looking over at him, he stands back up to his full height and huffs out a noise. ]
It's not that cold.
[ Or maybe he's just accustomed to the winter and the weather. Stepping over, Aki stands in the way of the blustering snow, sleeve slapping against his side in the wind. ]
Do you need to stop?
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It is!
(He starts to move around in place and shuffles closer, out of the wind. He's unable to stay still because--)
If I stop moving, I'll become a snowman, too.
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[ Utterly deadpan, he looks between the monsters and Tsurumaru before he shakes his head. ]
You should take a break. This is only a simulation anyway, isn't it?
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Don't sound so unimpressed, then.
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It feels real! (Hugging his sword close to his chest still, he brings his hands up to his mouth to breath some warm air into them.) It really feels like I'm really cold!
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