𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
synfluxmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2025-05-01 11:52 pm
Entry tags:
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.
.
no subject
Well, I kind of know the story for Orihime and Hikoboshi...
[ The lovers separated by the great river of the Milky Way. Tanabata is all about them. ]
no subject
Ah. The mates seperated by the span of stars.
[ A rather... melancholic tale, to say the least of things, but given what she's shared of her life it's perhaps not a shock that it's one she is familiar with.
Following her lead he stands as well, stepping to her side whilst his gaze turns skyward. After a pause punctuated by a thoughtful hum he nods and points upwards towards a bright point of light. ]
One of the pair, yes? The most notable of the arrangement humans take as a stringed instrument. Hmm... [ A pause, another slight nod as his finger tracks to a different star. ] The other, located in the construction of the feathered hunter.
[ The stars identified he takes a thoughtful posture, stroking his chin as he considers the sky. ]
It is a thing of possibility that the pair created closer to one another in ages past. One must confess, my kind did not take the same notice of the formations that humanity has... [ He goes from stroking his chin to scratching that spot behind his left ear that he favors as a tic. Talking about his own species is still... unpleasant, for many reasons. ] Since humans have charted the skies this pair have been seperated however, it is a positioning that has oft captured their imaginations.
[ How does he know that? Has he spent most of his time recovering from his injuries reading up on stars and their lore in preparation for their date?
He's Godzilla. Of course he has. ]
no subject
They were together once, just like the legend says. And once every year, they can visit each other again.
[ She flops down onto the blanket. First to her butt then onto her back. She made sure to bring the extra plush blanket too. You can never tell how rough the ground will be out in the sticks. ]
You know any other stories?
no subject
[ He nods sagely and follows Lucy's lead, sitting himself down on the comfortable blanket. If he was to be fully honest this legend eats at him in subtle ways, it's a circumstance Godzilla and Mothra often find themselves in... and he can't help but feel a slight concern that one day it may apply to Lucy and himself.
He doesn't flop down onto his back fully. Instead he folds one leg in a half lotus, the other proped up so he can rest an arm on his knee. ]
There are many other tales of a matter of course. Every culture of humanity has looked to the sky and ascribed meaning or linkage to them. Look here.
[ He points to a cluster of four bright objects, traces a triangle pattern, them a long curving line. ]
Draco in the modern classification. To the fractured states of the early Mediterranean, before the she-wolf's adoptive get formed their kingdom, it was the being known as Ladon, the one set to guard golden fruits from a sacred tree. Earlier still they considered it a slain member of the beings known as Gigantes. The peoples of the Pacific ocean's continents saw it as part of domain of an Azure Reptilian... and further past still?
[ A pause. His eyes are fixated fully on this star formation, especially the brighter aspects. Finally he sighs, his shoulders slumping. ]
In this instant humanity and my own kind are almost of a mind. With what little care we paid to the lights of the night sky, this group oft took our attention. It was thought the strongest of those who've met their end are to take watch as these stars. To guard over the territory and those that live within it.
[ He shakes his head, letting out a dry snort. ]
An odd thing. Yet one of the few aside from survival Mother ensured to teach to us.
no subject
She stills. The lights themselves are the souls of those long gone. Such was his kind's belief. That's what they told their little ones to soothe them when a loved one passed away. The longer she stares up at the speckled Milky Way above, the more sense it makes.
It's a nice thought. If she were a more hopeful sort, she'd like to think the same for her long gone loved ones. Few and far between as they are... ]
What was your mother like? Do you remember her?
[ Lucy's voice is quiet as she glances over at him. It feels wrong to ask something like this. Yet she wants to know, even if she doesn't deserve to. ]
no subject
[ His gaze remains skyward as he considers the brighter stars of the constellation. In the world of origin he, or another version of him, would look to the stars from time to time and think on the old tales, think of his lost kind... his lost family. Whether he ever believed it though, that no longer matters. Even if he did, these are not the stars of that world, his kind never existed here aside from himself. ]
The one that was mother to myself, she was all one could wish for in a protector and aspire to become as they grew. Fierce and merciless in the guarding of her territory and hatchlings, but to us...? She was strong, firm at times yes, yet kind. Her only concern was to see we possessed opportunity to grow to a fraction of her prowess.
[ Even after death she'd watch them, guide them. However that's not true in this world. There is no guiding light above to see him on his path... the watchful star in his life now is... ]
Heh...
[ A slow smile comes to his lips as he leans back, not quite laying down, still propped up, but shifting so he can place his hand gently over Lucy's. ]
Stubborn as well. One thinks you and she would have found a kind in another.
no subject
Knowing and loving one's own mother is a universal experience to all creatures. All save for her. Knowing her mother was distraught to lose her only makes the wound ache more. Triply so knowing what her final fate was.
Her birth was a curse to everyone involved, it seems.
His touch steers her away from so bleak a thought. Her hand turns at her side so their palms can press together, fingers already seeking to lace with his.
This is where she should focus. The here and now. The stars shining brightly above in the endless black, the firm earth underneath, and him beside her with his eternal warmth. It puts a smile back on her face...
Though it's one of teasing. ]
You know, it's kind of a turn-off to be told I remind you of your mother.
no subject
Like right now. Her comment has him looking at her, the expression on his face taking one of shock and confusion. He... he knows that smile. He did something wrong did-- yes he did, she says as such. ]
A-apologies...? [ "Turn-off"... he's not remotely familiar with that word but he can tell it's a bad thing. As if on cue he proceeds to scratch at that spot behind his left ear he normally favors. ] One did not intend for such a... that is to say...
[ His speech garbles and turns into a strange growling, grinding set of noises. Muttering in his own kind's language whilst he shakes his head, his cheeks turning flush. ]
You are in of course factually an individual of your own quality and temperament, Kaede-hime. There are none that in truth could hold claim to full similarity of yourself, there is rareness in the capacity you hold for strength and kindness in the most equal of measures.
[ Poor guy's rambling while he tries to right the ship... bless him. ]
no subject
Hey...
[ Her hand slinks away from his so she can sit up on her elbows before turning toward him more and putting her weight on just one. Her other hand waves a bit to get his attention before reaching over to grasp his chin and turn his face on her own. ]
Look here.
no subject
It's thrilling, but in an oddly gentle way. Not like when she asserted herself in the camper van incident and proved herself an equal, this is more a... a reassurance, perhaps? ]
Ah... an odd thing to command. [ Clueless as he is in most things, Godzilla can at least read the mood. Something's building, similar to the night they danced but more honest, less reserved. It's enough that he's smiling as well as he reaches to her, brushing the back of his hand against her cheek as he meets her eyes. ] There is little else worth looking upon when you are present.
no subject
Yeah? You think so?
[ Perhaps she should be more embarrassed. Or, she should at least hold back a little. Be a touch more reserved. A little more coy. All for the sake of pulling him in more.
Nah. She throws that idea out the second it comes up. That's not her style.
He's the one who talks a lot between the two of them. She keeps her words short and sweet and to the point. He's verbose yet sincere. She's curt and speaks with actions. That's just how it works.
So, no more words. No thinking. No overthinking.
Kaede leans up toward him with her eyes steadily closing. He won't move, she trusts, so her fingers sneak their way along his jaw to his ear. Her lips press against his, direct and demanding but oh so very soft in doing it. ]
no subject
And she's leaning in. His eyes go wide as he realizes her intent, the beat of his heart quickening to a thunder he feels in his throat. Is this wise? Is it too quick to allow such an act of intimacy...?
Who care. If Kaede is doing it then that's all that matters for him.
He leans down to meet her, eyes drifting shut, hand sliding from her cheek to rest gently on the back of her head. Once their lips touch he feels so much at once, burning heat from her that puts his own inner flames to shame, the soft invitation and perfect shape of her mouth against his, a stirring deep down beginning to awaken from a sudden exposure to something he never knew he was missing... but above all else a sense of right.
With just a kiss she's made certain to him that his feelings are right. He should be by her side. There's no one else in this world nor any other who could inspire these things in him, he's certain of it.
A light sigh escapes out his nose as they kiss, control keeping smoke from escaping out like it usually does. The hand resting on the back of her head drifts down lazily, content, his arm coming to rest around her shoulder as he moves onto his side in a more comfortable position, making ot easier for both of them to enjoy this moment for as long as it may last. ]
no subject
It's easier to forget everything beyond the comfort of his arms. The rest of the world seems so far away the more their lips seek out each others' shapes and the longer they hold together. She can't only somewhat remember any other time she's felt so...safe. Secure. Wanted. Loved. Though this is one more memory of such safety where he's the one letting her forget everything that isn't the two of them. ]
no subject
They can only stay locked in kissing for so long before they need to take a break for air. It seems like an eternity to him, by far the most pleasant eternity he's lived. Once their lips part time resumes it's normal pace, the world comes back somewhat into his awareness... muted though. She occupies so much of the space of his thought and senses, her warm touch, her beautiful features in his vision, the gentle scent of the shampoo she favors clinging lightly around due to their tangled state... she's...
Humans have words for the way she makes him feel. The romance media Ereshkigal favors especially has given him some ideas of how this is supposed to go. Is it too much too soon...? Kaede said they were trying this out, back in Egypt, but still. ]
Kaede-hime...? [ His eyes stay fixed on hers, one of his hands gently tangling into the locks of her hair. The beat of his core, his heart, it's grown so loud in his own ears it's almost maddening. ] The moon is...
[ "Fuck it", as Kaede would say. This indirectness isn't his way in the least. ]
I love you.
1/2
She could easily lose herself to this. Days could pass by and she wouldn't notice so long as he could be beside her, holding her, kissing her. Normally she shies away from being touched, but his is different. He is different. He invades her space in such a way that stimulates her every nerve ending in the best way.
Kaede doesn't realize how starved she is for air until he pulls away. She sucks in the much needed cool night air and stares up at him with an almost drunken stupor. What is he talking about? What exactly does the moon have to do with any of this? Not that she has to wonder about it long.
"I love you."
Such a simple phrase. Spoken so frankly too! All she can do is stare up at him with her face burning hotter by the second. He's only voicing a truth they've both known about for some time now. It's been unspoken yet looming there over them both. Somehow, it's stronger and more absurd now that it's been given the weight of being spoken aloud. ]
2/2
Yet she's also elated. Strengthened, untouchable, her heart near to bursting for how swiftly it hammers up against her sternum. A living god holds her so dear, more than all others, so why shouldn't she feel as if her very soul is ascending to another plane of existence?
She should say something. Anything! But she can't. Nothing comes to mind as a worthwhile follow-up to so powerful a declaration. Instead, she continues to gaze up at him with her eyes softening and a smile tugging at her lips. Her hand glides up over his neck and jaw to cup his cheek, fingers brushing aside stray hairs stuck to his skin. ]
I've loved you for a long time. As my friend and then my family. So, now...
[ She glances away and laughs sheepishly before returning her gaze to him. ]
I still love you, but stronger now, and deeper.
no subject
He knows, just as surely as she has, for a long time now. Fear of rejection or of pulling away from one another doesn't enter his mind for a moment and why should it? There's an easy understanding between he and her that has existed for nearly a year, since those first precious moments shared over a meal on a beach. The connection began there and it's only grown in time. Despite their occasional clashes, their disagreements, the... friction that he caused with his own foolishness, they haven't grown apart. Only closer.
When she finally speaks again he swears his heart skips a beat not out of shock but out of a simple yearning to become synched with the pace of her own core. Just another deepening of their bond, nothing to be concerned over. ]
Indeed.
[ He doesn't have to tell her he's felt the same, she knows. Instead of speaking such things he gently grasps her wrist, holding her hand in place as he turns his face to nuzzle against her palm, his lips kissing the inside of her hand in a way that could easily be called devotional. The whole time his eyes never leave hers. ]
The usage of spoken language seems a ill-equipped thing to make description of your dearness to myself. Humans and those close would say "girlfriend", yes? Perhaps even "mate" as I oft have used... yet these both seem a thing of lacking.
[ He smiles wide then, the soft pulse of his inner light causing his eyes to glow pink. Rather than one of his threat displays it's a gentle ebbing glow that's in synch not with his breathing, but hers. ]
Mate of My Soul, this is the best language can achieve in this. I shall ensure that actions make for a better accounting of your place within my heart.
no subject
The moment she speaks, lays out her feelings, the pressure starts to ease up. But when he smiles at her like that? It dissipates entirely. She's not even sure why she felt so cautious before. Where did that hesitation come from? Was it just for wanting her words to sound coherent? Would he even think her foolish for being unable to put such feelings into words? Her heart says "of course he wouldn't," but her anxiety is another beast entirely.
Another shudder runs through her spine from the kiss. Her thumb pokes at his nose before returning to his cheek just because it's there for her to touch. As always, he's got so much to say. But not a single word in that archaic tongue is fluff. That's what she loves most about him, really. ]
"Soulmate," huh...
[ Is that what they call it? When you and another person just gel together so well that it feels like you're whole when you're together? ]
Yeah...yeah, that fits pretty well. Doesn't it?
no subject
He moves a little closer to her, shifting best he can with their position, and rests his forehead gently against hers. Absently he strokes her hair with the hand still at the back of her head, fingers tangling through the pink locks he's sought to provide her a mirror of in his current form, enjoying the silken sensation against the soft skin of his hand. Allowing LILITH to make this shape-changing modification was certainly worth the initial discomforts... ]
"As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge,
Clad in the light of a pole-star piercing the darkness of time:
You become an image of what is remembered forever."
[ Another gentle pulse of pink in his eyes, still in synch with her breathing, as he gently nuzzles his nose against hers. ]
There is ease within your presence. I am Myself, I am at peace... I am within my home. No other has inspired such in my heart before yourself. One finds struggle to put forth better naming than "Soulmate", as you speak it, for this.