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sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
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TEST DRIVE #10
TEST DRIVE #10
▶ 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 with 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 new 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 in 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 …
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 it's larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be filled. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are deep-fried sand crocodiles, skewers made from various healthy and protein-packed bugs from the desert, and a stew that seems to have chunks and tendons of a mystery kaiju. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time and most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own meals. 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.
With SYNTHIA repaired now, she is happy to chime in.
"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 with 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 new 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 in 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:
What is a memory you cherish, and why?
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 it's larger, it does have a lot of empty space that still needs to be filled. The kitchen can be seen and one or two robots are busy stirring pots and preparing the dishes. The current offerings are deep-fried sand crocodiles, skewers made from various healthy and protein-packed bugs from the desert, and a stew that seems to have chunks and tendons of a mystery kaiju. Additionally, as only so much robotic staff could be brought over at a time and most are being used to rebuild parts of this base and the one in Tokyo, Outsiders will also be encouraged to make their own meals. 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.
With SYNTHIA repaired now, she is happy to chime in.
Hello, my children. I have missed you all terribly. :) Have you been drinking your water?
▶ 002. HOTEL REVIEWS
Months prior, the main Neo Tokyo base was attacked by a kaiju named Imugi and left the base in shambles. Since then, the base has been under construction and the LILTH rebuilding crew is still working to finish repairs. Despite the attack, much of the city remained undamaged as the base took the brunt of it. Progress is being made, but there is no definite date on when repairs will be completed.
New and veteran Outsiders are free to return to the Neo Tokyo base as any remnants of rift energy have been cleared. They will find the base in various states of repair: the overall framework is completed and some areas may be up and running again, but there is still plenty of work to be done. The construction staff apologizes for the delays. They expected to be finished by the time everyone returned, but you know how these things go, right? Shipments get delayed, bad weather happens, there's a shortage of supplies, and before you know it, you're weeks behind.
Outsiders are welcome to try and settle back in base if they so please, but they may find many comforts lacking. Running water and electricity aren't reliable and much of the base is drafty, dusty, and noisy from construction. These are not adequate accommodations, so LILITH takes steps to secure temporary housing. Unfortunately, given the large number of Outsiders, LILITH is unable to procure a single place large enough to take them all in. Instead, Outsiders will find themselves with vouchers for various hotels across Neo Tokyo.
These hotels range from luxurious 5-star hotels with scenic views of the cityscape, to capsule hotels with shared baths. Most will find themselves in business hotels. The rooms are simple and cramped, but it should be fine for one person. Others may find themselves in more… creative establishments. These rooms are often spacious with plenty of room for two people to share comfortably, and the rooms often have specific themes and come with special entertainment packages — in other words: Love hotels. They're love hotels with all sorts of themes and characters. LILITH isn't very considerate when they book things like this.
For those who aren't satisfied with their free hotels or the main base, they can also go back to Kyoto's base through warp portals. However, LILITH personnel will remind them that continuous warping will result in travel sickness like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and problems with spacial and temporal awareness. For those who want to pick up work in Tokyo, help repair the base, or carry out some simple missions, this might not be the best option unless Outsiders have another way of travel (say, a Gundam for example. You know who you are.)
New and veteran Outsiders are free to return to the Neo Tokyo base as any remnants of rift energy have been cleared. They will find the base in various states of repair: the overall framework is completed and some areas may be up and running again, but there is still plenty of work to be done. The construction staff apologizes for the delays. They expected to be finished by the time everyone returned, but you know how these things go, right? Shipments get delayed, bad weather happens, there's a shortage of supplies, and before you know it, you're weeks behind.
Outsiders are welcome to try and settle back in base if they so please, but they may find many comforts lacking. Running water and electricity aren't reliable and much of the base is drafty, dusty, and noisy from construction. These are not adequate accommodations, so LILITH takes steps to secure temporary housing. Unfortunately, given the large number of Outsiders, LILITH is unable to procure a single place large enough to take them all in. Instead, Outsiders will find themselves with vouchers for various hotels across Neo Tokyo.
These hotels range from luxurious 5-star hotels with scenic views of the cityscape, to capsule hotels with shared baths. Most will find themselves in business hotels. The rooms are simple and cramped, but it should be fine for one person. Others may find themselves in more… creative establishments. These rooms are often spacious with plenty of room for two people to share comfortably, and the rooms often have specific themes and come with special entertainment packages — in other words: Love hotels. They're love hotels with all sorts of themes and characters. LILITH isn't very considerate when they book things like this.
For those who aren't satisfied with their free hotels or the main base, they can also go back to Kyoto's base through warp portals. However, LILITH personnel will remind them that continuous warping will result in travel sickness like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and problems with spacial and temporal awareness. For those who want to pick up work in Tokyo, help repair the base, or carry out some simple missions, this might not be the best option unless Outsiders have another way of travel (say, a Gundam for example. You know who you are.)
▶ 003. MAID FOR TROUBLE .
Over the course of the year, the present Outsiders' services have been noticed, especially with the terror of the Imugi finally taken care of. South Korea is particularly enthused over its defeat, and much trust has been regained from this. There has even been discussions of reopening its borders and permitting Outsiders to freely enter through the dataportal. Other countries have also looked upon this and the Outsiders' track record of harrowing missions with kaiju that genuinely seem more and more evolved, whether it be the one fought in Transylvania, or the recent one in Egypt. Outsiders will find that LILITH as an entity seems even more well-respected on the streets, and word of mouth has caused various trends to become increasingly popular as a result of each Outsiders' contributions. Perhaps these are the saviors of this Earth, and some Outsiders may be viewed as angels sent by the gods, or maybe just a celebrity.
While the Outsiders were gone, some of the local businesses close to the base have changed. Maybe their favorite curry restaurant has moved to another location to avoid the high risk of attacks, or maybe it's just hard to pay the rent in such an expensive area. A small cafe popular with LILITH workers is struggling to make ends meet and has reached out for help. Since the Outsiders are like local celebrities, if they could come help out for a promotional event, they could make enough money to support themselves for a while. Should the Outsiders agree to help them, they might find that they've signed up for more than just serving drinks for a day, something a little more glamorous, but still... maid for them.
The cafe is pulling out all of the stops. They'll give the Outsiders cat ears, maid outfits, butler uniforms, and all sorts of costumes for them to wear while serving customers. They'll also experiment with other themes like asking the Outsiders to act like different tropes. Are you a tsundere? Or a kuudere? Please, try! They're depending on you! Let these small businesses thrive by being the best maid or butler host you can be! As thanks for their support, the cafe will gift the Outsiders with a free dress upgrade for their most popular costume. May is the season for maids so everyone will receive a free maid or butler uniform.
Meanwhile, the city itself will be full of several people still excited by the last spurts of spring. Maybe it’s due to the bouts of odd weather caused by the prior kaiju attacks, but a lot of seasonal flowers and such that exist around the cities are still in full bloom alongside some early sprouts. However, no one can deny they’ve gotten a lot of artificial help. There are many opportunities for everyone to take a breather beneath the flowers and indulge in all the festivities that Neo Tokyo has to offer. All the major parks in the city have their own food stalls beneath canopies of wisteria, and even some early hydrangeas.
Maybe this is a show of the soon-to-be rainy season. Don’t forget your umbrellas!
While the Outsiders were gone, some of the local businesses close to the base have changed. Maybe their favorite curry restaurant has moved to another location to avoid the high risk of attacks, or maybe it's just hard to pay the rent in such an expensive area. A small cafe popular with LILITH workers is struggling to make ends meet and has reached out for help. Since the Outsiders are like local celebrities, if they could come help out for a promotional event, they could make enough money to support themselves for a while. Should the Outsiders agree to help them, they might find that they've signed up for more than just serving drinks for a day, something a little more glamorous, but still... maid for them.
The cafe is pulling out all of the stops. They'll give the Outsiders cat ears, maid outfits, butler uniforms, and all sorts of costumes for them to wear while serving customers. They'll also experiment with other themes like asking the Outsiders to act like different tropes. Are you a tsundere? Or a kuudere? Please, try! They're depending on you! Let these small businesses thrive by being the best maid or butler host you can be! As thanks for their support, the cafe will gift the Outsiders with a free dress upgrade for their most popular costume. May is the season for maids so everyone will receive a free maid or butler uniform.
Meanwhile, the city itself will be full of several people still excited by the last spurts of spring. Maybe it’s due to the bouts of odd weather caused by the prior kaiju attacks, but a lot of seasonal flowers and such that exist around the cities are still in full bloom alongside some early sprouts. However, no one can deny they’ve gotten a lot of artificial help. There are many opportunities for everyone to take a breather beneath the flowers and indulge in all the festivities that Neo Tokyo has to offer. All the major parks in the city have their own food stalls beneath canopies of wisteria, and even some early hydrangeas.
Maybe this is a show of the soon-to-be rainy season. Don’t forget your umbrellas!
▶ 004. RIFT EXPLORATION - OCEAN
During their venture in Egypt, the researchers have worked tirelessly in order to solve some of the mysteries pertaining to rifts and their correlation to the rift at the base of Mt. Fuji (see also: EVENT: KAIJU FIGHT #6.) From their studies, they were able to better pinpoint where potential rifts could be opening up. This is a huge discovery, if accurate, and so they would love to put it to the test. The sensitivity of these new sensors are strong enough to detect rifts that could appear deep within the oceans, rifts that are thought to open and close at times without anyone knowing due to their depth. As a result, they are prompting Outsiders to help assist in this process by checking out the newest area with a concentration of similar rift-like energy.
They need help in two areas: Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji.
For those interested in helping in Tokyo Bay, they will each be provided an Ocean Gem in order for them to better assess the situation at sea. Similar to the first experience, people will find that it transforms their bodies to be better suited at sea, which would help in navigating the environment as well as any instances of combat. For Outsiders who get a better grip on how to use the gem, the deeper they dive, they will find more mutated fish and other creatures. While the bay has always been polluted by humanity and from the remnants of kaijus themselves, they will see that a lot of these strange transformations mirror those of creatures on land who have extended rift exposure. All ocean life will be transformed, or even merged into others.
Some of the warped creatures found will be:
- Octopus, in which their tentacles act as stingers. If stung, it gives a numbing effect and may cause hallucinations.
- Angler fish that have merged with whales. These creatures will be extremely large and are marked as being particularly dangerous. Considering their razor sharp teeth, it’s advised to avoid them, if just to save time away from their actual objective.
For the Outsiders who do spend hours at sea, they will be able to make out a few important points from this: they will see flickers of what appears to be a rift forming, and will be able to report back these findings. Beyond these flickers of the rift, for those who aren’t deterred by fear or paranoia, they might see a glimpse into the rifts that appear to be of sky, or even trees. Some may also find strange wildlife that don’t look like they belong in the ocean, but due to the rift's effects, they almost seem like indefinable lumps. These can be submitted back for research, as well as any other relevant specimens found at sea.
They need help in two areas: Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji.
For those interested in helping in Tokyo Bay, they will each be provided an Ocean Gem in order for them to better assess the situation at sea. Similar to the first experience, people will find that it transforms their bodies to be better suited at sea, which would help in navigating the environment as well as any instances of combat. For Outsiders who get a better grip on how to use the gem, the deeper they dive, they will find more mutated fish and other creatures. While the bay has always been polluted by humanity and from the remnants of kaijus themselves, they will see that a lot of these strange transformations mirror those of creatures on land who have extended rift exposure. All ocean life will be transformed, or even merged into others.
Some of the warped creatures found will be:
- Octopus, in which their tentacles act as stingers. If stung, it gives a numbing effect and may cause hallucinations.
- Angler fish that have merged with whales. These creatures will be extremely large and are marked as being particularly dangerous. Considering their razor sharp teeth, it’s advised to avoid them, if just to save time away from their actual objective.
For the Outsiders who do spend hours at sea, they will be able to make out a few important points from this: they will see flickers of what appears to be a rift forming, and will be able to report back these findings. Beyond these flickers of the rift, for those who aren’t deterred by fear or paranoia, they might see a glimpse into the rifts that appear to be of sky, or even trees. Some may also find strange wildlife that don’t look like they belong in the ocean, but due to the rift's effects, they almost seem like indefinable lumps. These can be submitted back for research, as well as any other relevant specimens found at sea.
▶ 005. RIFT EXPLORATION - NEO TOKYO.
Back at Mt. Fuji, they need help from Outsiders in furthering their research on the effects of rifts, and also on its potential cures. Currently, they do know the following facts:
- Rift poisoning can happen from just extended exposure to being around a rift. The body reacts to the rift's energy on all levels.
- There are several known symptoms of being rift poisoned including: nausea, vertigo, loss of control/increased impulsivity, aggression, and even lapses in memory.
- Extended rift exposure, depending entirely on proximity and energy levels of rift, or even some correlations to the kaiju that come from them, may cause transformations in one's genetic makeup.
While the latter is obviously far too risky to pursue any real research at present, they are asking for those who have helped to research these rifts to come and stop by, especially if they have exhibited any of the symptoms of rift poisoning. If so, they will be asked to fill out a survey to discuss their findings.
SURVEY QUESTION:
Outsiders will be encouraged to share their responses, and some may even be uploaded to a shared portfolio. They didn’t say it would be anonymous, did they? Oops. Hopefully you didn't say something that you didn't want someone else to see. Additionally, the questions could also differ from Outsider to Outsider, and could even be extremely pointed and specific.
For those who actually are willing to try the clinical trial medicines, they will find themselves under several potential side effects that are still being ironed out, including increased and uncontrollable hunger, being overly friendly to combat the desire for aggression, and even relaxing the muscles to a point where their bodies can suddenly give out. Researchers will advise people to help Outsiders who may look like they need that extra hand!
Those who assist in this research will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of these trials. They will be provided camper vans and any other equipment needed for their comfort.
- Rift poisoning can happen from just extended exposure to being around a rift. The body reacts to the rift's energy on all levels.
- There are several known symptoms of being rift poisoned including: nausea, vertigo, loss of control/increased impulsivity, aggression, and even lapses in memory.
- Extended rift exposure, depending entirely on proximity and energy levels of rift, or even some correlations to the kaiju that come from them, may cause transformations in one's genetic makeup.
While the latter is obviously far too risky to pursue any real research at present, they are asking for those who have helped to research these rifts to come and stop by, especially if they have exhibited any of the symptoms of rift poisoning. If so, they will be asked to fill out a survey to discuss their findings.
SURVEY QUESTION:
How likely would you say it is that you would attack a teammate? (1 very likely, I’ve done this before to 10, I would never and have never).
How is your impulse control?
Have you ever gambled? How likely is it that you would?
Have you ever had a taste for blood?
Have you ever forgotten something important?
AI-generated questions created by SYNTHIA.
Outsiders will be encouraged to share their responses, and some may even be uploaded to a shared portfolio. They didn’t say it would be anonymous, did they? Oops. Hopefully you didn't say something that you didn't want someone else to see. Additionally, the questions could also differ from Outsider to Outsider, and could even be extremely pointed and specific.
For those who actually are willing to try the clinical trial medicines, they will find themselves under several potential side effects that are still being ironed out, including increased and uncontrollable hunger, being overly friendly to combat the desire for aggression, and even relaxing the muscles to a point where their bodies can suddenly give out. Researchers will advise people to help Outsiders who may look like they need that extra hand!
Those who assist in this research will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of these trials. They will be provided camper vans and any other equipment needed for their comfort.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our 10th 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 12 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they 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 May AC.
There are currently 12 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for APPLICATIONS when they 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 May AC.
TDM #10 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. The Neo Tokyo base can be visited, but it is still under construction from being damaged by a kaiju attack back in February.
2. HOTEL REVIEWS Outsiders are free to travel to Neo Tokyo and can return to the main base. There is no definite date on when repairs will be completed, but Outsiders can stay there if they so choose. Due to the poor accommodations, LILITH provides Outsiders with vouchers for temporary housing until the Tokyo base is completed. Outsiders are able to stay in various hotels that range from 5-star ones to love hotels. Those who want to remain in the Kyoto base may need to deal with side effects from constant warping for travel. Outsiders with other means of travel, such as Gundams, can avoid these effects.
3. MAID FOR TROUBLE: With the Imugi's defeat, relations with South Korea have improved and discussions are underway regarding the reopening of its borders. The Outsiders' recent exploits have gained global recognition, resulting in a more favorable reputation for both the Outsiders and LILITH. The attack on the base has impacted multiple small businesses around it, and business owners are requesting the Outsiders' help to raise more money through promotional events. Outsiders will be encouraged to dress up as a maid or butler to serve customers.
4. RIFT EXPLORATION - OCEAN: Researchers have made a breakthrough in pinpointing where potential rifts may occur. Outsiders are tasked with exploring parts of Tokyo Bay with a concentration of rift-like energy and are given an ocean gem to help navigate the waters. Outsiders will find various mutated ocean life as well as flickers of a rift, in which they can glimpse a scenery (such as the sky or trees) or wildlife that don't belong in the ocean. Outsiders are encouraged to bring back any findings or specimens for further research.
5. RIFT EXPLORATION - NEO TOKYO: Researchers on Mt. Fuji are looking into studying rift effects and developing potential cures. Outsiders who have helped to research rifts and experienced rift poisoning will be given a survey to fill out and are encouraged to share their responses. Those who are willing to give the trial medicines a try may suffer from some side effects, such as increased hunger or being overly friendly, and will be asked to camp near Mt. Fuji for the duration of the trials.
.
5-1
...except in his world, Bishamon is a lady goddess, so he comes dressed in full plate armor and a long skirt, which is actually the better option than her normal attire, honestly.
He also comes bearing a gift, naturally! Assuming that Katsuki isn't really the sort to like frivolous things like stuffed animals or too much junk food, he's gone the practical route of a one-handed food prep board to make things a little easier on the guy in the kitchen until he's fully healed up.
Once his present has been set on the table with the other gifts, he digs into the chow that's available, munching happily on a variety of things until he spots Katsuki in his costume and hurries over, waving excitedly.]
Katsuki~! Happy Birthday, man! Heh, you look like a Mini Mc. Hero, there! I mean, not that you didn't look like one before, but now that you've got some color on you, you really pop!
no subject
And apparently so is Yato. Cue an ashen brow arching upward when he notices the other guy heading towards him dressed in... well, it's armor obviously, but why the hell is he wearing a flowing skirt along with it? Looks like it belongs on a female knight. Who probably wouldn't be wearing a damn ballgown into battle in the first place.
Yato assumes right; he doesn't need "junk" filling up his room. Consumables or useful tools he'll actually, you know, use, are good ideas. Whenever he does open said gift... yeah, that's actually a really thoughtful one. While his arm is improving every day, it's still far away from what it used to be. So a one-handed prep board's gonna go a long way. The design's simple and sturdy too. And hey, if someone else has a similar arm issue, voila.]
Haa? My costume has color! [Right, green and orange accents all over SO MUCH BLACK! More importantly-] You're in a dress.
no subject
...even if he is dressed a bit... strangely. The sentiment remains the same: he's happy to offer something to his friend and be there to make it know that yes, he's a treasured friend, surly attitude and all. Hence him being all smiles even if they're butting heads right out of the gate. Comes with the territory of dealing with Katsuki, he's learned.
Just like he's picked up on his friend's preferences for items that have a purpose. He waffled a bit, wondering if it might seem like he was enabling him to not use his arm, but in the end figured that better he give him something for when he has need of a little extra help during his recovery. Katsuki's smart enough to know when he needs to take it easy. (He hopes.)]
Well, yeah, it's just mostly black, though! [Those patches of color really do make them stand out, it must be said. Kind of like how the skirt makes his armor all the more obvious!] Uh huh! I borrowed one of Bishamon's get-ups since they said this was a hero party, and you don't get more heroic than her!
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Yato ran more risk of insulting Katsuki's pride by giving him something suggesting he'd be forever crippled. But lucky for the god, Katsuki knows him better than that. He genuinely meant to ease his efforts during his recovery. As much as he'd stubbornly want to refuse to use it... well, 1) his arm literally WON'T move enough to handle normal cutting, and 2) it's even more embarrassing to ask Denji to help him cut something than it is to use a board specially made for such a thing. So yeah, he'll use it.]
I have green, orange, white, and silver! [Mostly black. But that's what makes it cool, since those pops of color are accented by the black itself. Though he'd argue the skirt makes the armor more obvious. The leg armor and waist are completely hidden!] She's a hero in your world?
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That's a relief though! Yato certainly would never mean to imply he wouldn't get better, since there's nobody quite as tough as Katsuki. He believes the kid could recover from damn near anything through sheer willpower and effort alone. Making his life easier while he does so though is nothing to be ashamed of, and he'll be happy if Katsuki can accept that.]
You should add some pink to it~ [He's so gonna get smacked for his teasing, but hopefully his grin will soothe some of it. Maybe he should've gone for the coolness factor over accuracy in his costume, but he can be a stickler for details.] Yup! Bishamon's one of the seven lucky gods of fortune, and the strongest war god in Japan. I've admired her since I was a kid... I wanted to be able to help people by slaying ayakashi on the level that she's able to.
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He'll recover all right, but it'll take him almost two years to work his arm back into 100% form. And even then, he doesn't know if there's going to be any lasting results of his injuries. With his heart and lungs blown to shred, then stitched and sewed back together with another man's flesh filling in the utterly-obliterated parts... Who knows. Maybe his right arm will tire out quicker than his left, or his chest will ache if he goes too hard. Not something he can know now.]
HAA?! You wanna die?! I'm not adding anymore colors to it! [Incoming carrot! Beans it right at Yato's head like an orange missile. Brat, trying to tell him what to do to his costume. Which is in full view now with Denji wearing it. Though considering his boyfriend is more than 6 inches taller than Katsuki, the costume's... showing some of that kinda easily.] A god of fortune and god of war?
[Instinctively you'd think those two are polar opposites, but then again, when war happens, one side ends up being fortunate.]
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It's the internal injuries that Yato worries about most, although there's precious little he can do about it. Fretting over Katsuki will only irritate the kid more and strain his heart, so it seems the best thing that can be done is nothing aside from offering a hand here and there or subtly do little favors for him without seeming like he is. Like perhaps he can pick up groceries for him now and then, or come in and help tidy his room.]
Hehe, you don't wanna be a rainbow warrior? [Now he's just being an ass. And he gets punished for it by having the vegetable smack into his forehead, though he expertly catches it on the rebound and pops it into his mouth, grinning. Some of that smirk is directed at Denji, given what he's wearing. Not quite the right fit, but that just makes it cuter, honestly.] Yup! Like Ebisu is a fellow god of fortune and also a god of commerce. They cover multiple domains, or rather their fortune covers certain aspects. It's my goal to be like them someday.
[Though he wants to be a more peaceful god of fortune, one who can help people in times of peace as well as during wars and strife.]
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Oy. Do not treat him like some medical weakness. It's been four months+ since he got out of the hospital. He can get his own damn groceries and clean up his own room.]
NO! [Gross. He's never even seen a "rainbow" hero in real life, and doesn't want to. Even Aoyama, lover of all things shiny and glittery, didn't cover his costume with too many colors. Though he's... definitely more glitter than rainbows. Hmph, Yato's showing off reflexes by catching and eating that carrot. Katsuki's pretty sure Denji made the party this theme just so he had an excuse to steal his costume.]
You said there are misfortune gods too. Does every element of your world have a pair of gods then? [Fortune and misfortune in war. F and M in commerce. Etc.]
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Aw... and here Yato was gonna give him vouchers for help around the base! Not really, but he'd still lend a hand if it looked like Katsuki needed it. Even if he's recovered a good deal already, he's probably still got a ways to go before he's fighting fit again.]
Hehe... [Maybe rainbow fighters are best left to children's fiction, in that case. They probably would be a bit tacky in real life. Though glittery ones sound kind of cool...! But like most things it probably depends upon how one goes about it. As for stealing his costume... yeah, probably. Katsuki's outfit is damn cool. Even Yato wouldn't mind wearing it. Maybe one day he'll sneak into his room and try it on... hehehe~]
Y'know, I'm not sure! I'm not familiar with every god out there, just as I bet you don't know every hero in your world. But often times things balance out in nature, so it wouldn't surprise me to find that's the case. [Having been one of the 'misfortune' sides of war, he's a little nervous talking about this kind of thing, but he trusts Katsuki completely to not judge.]
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Katsuki was stuck on light duty even back home after he got out of the hospital. LILITH (and his friends) saw fit he stayed on light duty from January through the end of February. March and April saw him slowly getting more acclimated to harder labor, though his arm's still weak despite his obviously-increased range of motion. Right now, he's supposed to focus on getting his mobility back. Strength training comes later once he's got as much range returned as possible. At best, he can keep it toned. (And they have to watch him when he does so because he WILL try to pump iron.) Such a pain to recover from injuries.
If Yato wants to sneak in and try it on, he'd better be really good about leaving it the way it was when he found it... (But damn, creepy much? Putting on someone else's clothes and then letting them put it on after you think it's clean. WOW!)
Katsuki sinks a toothpick into a block of cheese and pops it into his mouth.] You don't have to know every god to know if there's a pair of them for each thing. Doesn't your god place have natural order or some recognizable shit?
[Nah, he isn't gonna judge Yato for being a misfortune god. He's heard his story, saw what he's doing now, what he aims to do, and understands there's more to it than personal choice.]
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Recovering from serious injuries is something Yato thankfully hasn't had to deal with much courtesy of being a god (although that's not to say it won't happen more here... his poor leg!) so he personally doesn't quite know the extent of what Katsuki's gone through when it comes to physical therapy and the like, but he can imagine it well enough.
Hey, he's not a god for nothing! Stealth is his middle name! (Although this should not be surprising given he, uh, "borrowed" Hiyori's clothes and wore them, too. Boundaries are a tenuous thing for gods (him), apparently...)]
Well, I mean there was a pair of gods who birthed Japan - Izanami and Izanagi - and we embody nature in all its forms, from gods of rice to fire to rivers and mountains, but I don't think there's a "good" god and a "bad" god for each. Just that every aspect is represented in some form or another.
[Following suit, he plucks up a couple more carrots and some cheese (with his fingers, naturally) and starts nibbling on them.]
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Katsuki's not gonna ask about Yato borrowing girls' clothes and wearing them. It's already weird to see him in a woman's knight armor with a skirt. Someone doesn't know the first thing about boundaries. Sheesh. He's learned that about Yato fairly early. Good thing his boundaries are relatively reinforced... with explosions!]
A god of fortune and misfortune for each "form" of nature sounds like a "good" god and a "bad" god. [
is you a good witch or a bad witchPeople will quickly favor the fortune god and despise the misfortune god.As long as those carrots and cheese come from his plate and not the serving platter, he's not gonna get harped on for using his fingers... so?]
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Better to not delve too deep into his neurosis, honestly. Some things are just best left alone and that's one of them. But hey, at least he came as a fellow god? Though if he'd had the flash of brilliance, it would've been damn fun to come as cosplay Katsuki, hah!]
Eh, maybe to those they affect, but personality-wise, the gods of misfortune can be damn sweet. [
Naughty witch over here!Yeah, even among their fellow gods, those like Kofuku, God of Poverty, are despised for causing problems with their unlucky aura. It's discrimination, though!Well, they have to get to his plate somehow, right? Yato's not above sneaking a quick snack from the serving platter if he thinks he can get away with it.
Beat him with a spoon or tongs, Katsuki. He deserves it.]no subject
Don't cosplay him. He'll blast you.]
People aren't gonna know their personalities. [Even if being "bad" is their job, try explaining that to the people who suffer under their position and execution. Katsuki's never bought into the idea of gods running the world. Yato's world, sure, whatever, go for it. But not in his. Sucks to be born a god of "negative" though. Kind of like those born with Quirks people think are inherently villainous, like Brainwashing and Explosion.
Use the damn serving tongs! They're right there beside the food! WHACK! Cracking Yato on the hand if he tries reaching for something not on his plate that's deserving of tongs!]
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Damn, it was such a good idea for Halloween, too...]
Yeah, I know. [It's such an unfortunate situation all around. Somebody's bound to get hurt either way, be it humans or gods. It's strange for Yato to think that there aren't any gods in Katsuki's world, yet with their Quirks, humans have sort of become like gods themselves. Maybe not all-powerful ones, but still. People can be cursed with heavier burdens than most in any life.
Thankfully for Yato, a good deal of his troubles are self-inflicted, like not behaving properly in public. He gets smacked soundly, earning a surprised yelp as he jerks his hand back and eyes Katsuki with tears in his eyes.] Meanie...!
[All the same, lesson learned. Once his hand stops stinging, he tries again, using the tongs to take a piece of chicken. Sheesh!]
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Use the damn tongs. Not your fingers. [Bakugo puts said tongs into Yato's hand so he can fetch himself more food from the table if he wants. Might be finger food galore, but that's for once it's on your plate. Minus the larger ones you can get without touching five other items in the process of getting it out.
As for gods... well some people have likened All Might to a god due to his overwhelming strength of Symbol of Peace status, and All for One fancies himself the Demon Lord to rule the world in his own grip. Given the nature of their Quirks, and the reality-warping power of Star and Stripe's Quirk, "gods on earth" aren't a horrible label to have.]
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Yessir... [He takes the implements with a faint pout, but does as he's told; not only is it his party, but Katsuki is the human and it's up to them to inform gods of the proper behavior. It's something of an honor to get to scold a god, actually.
Heroes really are fascinating in how they're perceived and idolized, and villains even more so given their heinous behavior. Though perhaps it's not so different from some people following darker gods who represent the more horrifying aspects of human nature. People will always flock to whatever can grant them their wishes, after all.]
So, have you gotten any cool presents yet?
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Haven't opened anything yet. [And he's sort of hoping he can avoid having to do so in front of everyone. As a kid he was ecstatic to rip open colorful paper and toss ribbons so he could show off high overhead all the impressive wonderful toys and items he got for his birthday. His friends would be so jealous, there'd be applause and questions, and he'd be the beaming beacon of the entire day! ... Now those childish desires have matured into young adult reactions, leaving him moderately embarrassed to open gifts in the middle of a room full of people staring at him. Honestly he'd rather open each person's gift in person with them instead.
Alas, not gonna be the case with Denji here. He'll likely be the center of attention all over again.] You want me to open yours?
[Ah yes, time to sneak a few before his boyfriend can make the announcement.]
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Ah, saving them up, huh? [As someone who has never had a birthday or anyone to celebrate it, he's not entirely sure of the protocol when it comes to receiving large amounts of gifts. Whether it'd be impolite to not wait or whatnot. Maybe it's personal preference? Either way, it's Katsuki's party, so he figures whatever method the kid decides to employ is best. So no pressure from Yato either way!]
That sounds good! You can tell me if you like it or not, and if it's not something you want, I'll make sure to get you something else.
[He's hopeful that it will be something to please Katsuki, if only on the off chance he might get a smile out of him. He's still working towards that goal!]
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Yeah. [For when people leave, but he has a feeling Denji's gonna make him open everything while the crowd's around, wanting to delight in people seeing Katsuki's reactions to their presents. As a kid, he'd be thrilled with a huge pile of gifts all for him. As a young man, he's miffed if there's more than three sitting on the damn table. Go figure. (WHY ARE YOU STILL CALLING HIM A KID WHEN HE'S 18?! ... TWICE BAKED 18 EVEN!!) Shitty god.]
You're not gonna get me something I hate. [Is that a threat, a promise, a vouch of trust, a warning, an expectation? Probably all of them matched up into one emotion. But excuse him for a minute; he heads to the group of presents to find Yato's. Once he does, he'll bring it back to the god for opening. You know, before Denji sees and can proclaim present time.]
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That should make it all kinds of fun, then! [At least he imagines so; getting a heaping pile of presents on Christmas made him giddy with delight. (But hey, just about anyone is a kid when you're over a millennia old! Besides, force of habit: Katsuki reminds him so much of Yukine. So "kid" is something of an affectionate moniker.)]
Hehe, I hope so. I'm looking forward to seeing your beaming, shining face. [He's definitely teasing, but he also means it sincerely. He doesn't expect a childish, joyful delight, but maybe a tiny smile would be nice. Something subtle and secret. While Katsuki retrieves his present, Yato obediently waits, nomming on bits of cheese and snack meats on the end of his toothpick. Lesson learned: manners at birthday parties are important.]
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For some people. [Grumbled under his breath as he fetches the gift from its grouping. How many birthdays or holidays has Yato gone through? Likely none of them celebrated as humans do, given the guy's history and origins. Gods probably don't have parties for their birthdays. No one believes in Yato back home, so no presents at his shrine. Etc. His existence here is gonna be a unique one.]
You wanna eat the wrapping paper? [That's a threat. Katsuki is able to tug the ribbon from the gift with his right arm, but that's about the limit of its strength right now. He takes over with his left, fingers "slicing" through the tape and creases to open the present in a deft, skilled few moves. Rather than ripping it open like a dervish as some expect him to do. What ends up in the white splay of wrapping paper is a... Huh, a one-handed cutting board.
For a few seconds, he's quiet, both surprised and touched at the thought behind Yato's gift. He has no intention of losing his arm permanently, but it's not gonna regain its ability any faster. He can't work in the kitchen as well like this, unable to hold things like a damn potato or carrot to cut them up by himself. Suddenly having a way to do exactly that? ... Yeah, there's a tiny twitch upward at the corner of his mouth.] Damn, your brain worked overtime for this.
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For you, too, hopefully. [Otherwise, what's the point? Honestly, getting to attend human events such as birthday parties is one of the highlights of being here. He's learning so much and living vicariously through others' experiences. Even though he's over a millennia old, he's never once had his day of birth celebrated. His father certainly didn't think him deserving of such a loving gesture.]
I've had worse~ [He has, too. Dummy's eaten letters before, like the total weirdo he is. More importantly, he waits quietly while Katsuki handles the wrapping paper and ribbon. For a moment he bites his lip, worried that it might be tied to tight or that he'll need to ask for help... but no-- he manages just fine, much to Yato's relief. Immediately, his expression softens.
He knows Katsuki has a calmer, more calculated side, so he's not shocked that the kid doesn't ravage the packaging. And he's familiar enough with him to realize that the silence immediately following the reveal speaks volumes. And he can see the way his lips curve up. A success...!] Right? I really had to think about what'd be suitable yet not too boring! I figure if nothing else, you can whack intruders with it.
[He kids, he kids.]
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Uh-huh. [Of course he has. What hasn't Yato eaten at some point? (He doesn't wanna know about eating letters.) If the ribbon had been too tight, he would've cut it with scissors or simply blasted it with a small explosion. Facing away from the box, of course. With the gift completely unveiled, he takes a minute or so to turn the box over in hand and scan over the options and promises made on the surface. Instructions inside, obviously, but he can gather how it works from a few turns and reads.]
Che. I've got better to hit with. [Besides, if someone intrudes while he's cutting on the new board, does Yato really think he's going to whack them with said board when he's got a knife in hand?]
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Hehe. [When you're desperate, you're desperate. (And when you're an idiot, sometimes you're a massive idiot.) During all this, Yato hasn't ceased smiling, relief and happiness mixing together into a childishly beaming face. He's glad Katsuki can easily see the value in his new tool and hasn't misconstrued the intent behind it.]
True! You come with your own explosives. [But yeah, that scenario is a little silly, isn't it? But then, so is Yato. Ridiculous is his middle name.] Oh~! What flavor of cake did you decide to ask for? That's an important part of birthdays, too, right?
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