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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.
.
no subject
[Don't feel bad for Astarion in this moment, for he says that like some petulant child that didn't get ice cream after dinner. But still, why couldn't he have been kidnapped into some easy, opulent world?
He sighs dramatically, sinking a bit into the water, but Astarion distracts him from his plight.]
Hm?
[He wipes gingerly at his chil, catching most but not all of the bubbles.]
Eugh, thanks, I must have looked a fool.
[He flicks the bubbles off his hand, but doesn't return to finish off the rest of the suds.]
no subject
[Waving a hand dismissively, he notices that Astarion is too busy skulking to wipe the rest of his face. This isn't a few suds here and there, but a large globule.]
You still have some. There. [He scoots around the round tub. Never mind that underneath the pale foam, Astarion is nearly entirely naked. When he stops, there is an empty foot between them.] Um.
[He holds out a hand to point it out, and his fingers freeze midway. Just a few more inches, and he'll be touching his skin. It will be fine. It's acceptable. Astarion isn't averse to touch.
Without changing his wide-eyed, neutral expression, Taryon wipes his hand along Astarion's chin one, twice, and the soap is cleaned off.]
no subject
Sorry that I unintentionally inflicted such a vision upon you. Don't fear, darling, us elves cannot grow a lick of facial hair.
[Hearing he still had some on his face, he starts to reach to brush it off on his own, but when Taryon moves over beside him he freezes, eyes growing slightly wider. He reaches toward him again, but now with him so much closer, with that nervous expression on Taryon's face, it feels more . . . intimate? When Taryon pauses, Astarion thinks about pulling away--truth was, he was rather touch adverse, at least, when people touch him, when he has no say, no control, over it, but he does now doesn't he...? Taryon would stop if he said to.
And he wants his touch. Astarion can allow this. He is in control of it.
And so he lets him touch him again, and then once more, Astarion's eyelids relax. There's a beat of silence, and he leans in, just ever so slightly, and asks softly, somewhat bashfully:]
Will you... Will you touch my cheek again?
no subject
[He's not going to ask random elves he just met if they can grow beards, although the one half-elf he knows is pretty smooth.
Though the request for another caress forces him to revisit that: elven skin is very smooth. He hadn't thought much when he was fixing a blemish in his face, but now, the sole purpose for this contact will be touch.]
...I can. [Taryon is not shy when he reaches out. The tips of his fingers rest on the spot between Astarion's eyes and ears, followed by the pads of his fingers, then the conscious pressure of his palm on a pale cheek.
A light of concern flashes across his eyes.] Do you...warm up, in some cases?
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He opens his eyes enough to look at him through his eyelashes.]
I have warmed up, but so have you. Here.
[He lifts a wet hand from the tub, placing it gently over Taryon's that rested on his cheek. Having been in the heated water, it was much warmer than his face.]
See? Just as I said, like a stone.
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He jumps when Astarion opens his eyes. Those eyelashes are batting at him, those are are looking at him, and they are both half-naked in a tub. This is what a couple does.
The warm hand on his cheek does an amazing job and calming his thoughts.] Hm. You're right.
[Where he was going with this, Taryon isn't sure. Do they kiss? Should they kiss now? His eyes dart to the white soapy mounds floating on the water, then to their hands.]
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After a moment of quiet, Astarion finally notices how Taryon is looking from one thing to the other, and he pulls slowly away, hand dipping back into the water.]
Am I asking for too much too soon? [He asks, voice light, a self-assured, small smile on his face--all an act to hide his anxieties.] I'm sorry, I must remember, you haven't been waiting for this as I have.
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[A kiss would be nice, but the chaste one on Astarion's face was enough for tonight. But isn't it better to consider what Astarion expected?]
Sorry, it must be pretty disappointing.
[His hands return to his lap, and he takes in a deep breath. They don't have too much time left in the bath; it's not or never, but he must focus and think about kissing him, as any boyfriend would. It has to be the best kiss. Nothing less should be expected from Taryon Darrington.]
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But despite that nature of his, as he takes a moment to think whether or not if he is disappointed, he concludes:]
No. I'm just eager. Greedy. [A smirk, then it softens.] I'm actually rather happy that you are fond of me enough to try with someone like me.
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[A shy smile as he turns away to rest his back against the wall of the tub.] It's rather nice, being wooed.
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[Like say if he has grabbed Astarion by the neck and kissed him roughly Astarion may have clawed his eyes. He frowns down at the bubbles that have begun to clear away, revealing their legs in the roiling water. Taryon doesn't seem like he would ever get to a point where he would treat him like that, which of course was part of why Astarion was so drawn to him, but here Astarion had scared Taryon. Taryon, the man in love with his chivalrous romances.]
I'm usually much better at wooing than this. I . . . Our first kiss. It should have been better. Kinder. [He knows he should look at Taryon as he says this, but the knot twisting in his chest keeps him from looking away from Taryon's knees, colored pink in the water.] I'm sorry.
I could give any number of excuses but that's all they would be, wouldn't they? Useless, pathetic excuses. But the fear you had of me, even for that briefest moment, was so horrible.... I will be better than that, I swear.
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[The bath and their conversation had nearly wiped out Taryon's memory of their first kiss. The terror of the possibility that one of his closest friends had ill intentions, and Taryon would lose another trusted teammate not to the rift, but to broken trust.]
...I believe you didn't mean to do that. I...
[He's not sure how to handle a genuine apology. It's was upsetting in the moment, but didn't he already mention that?]
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The strange beat continues for half a second more, then Astarion's hand in the water seeks out Taryon's, just a gentle touch of his fingers over his. Not as much shy as careful.
Conversationally, he says:]
You know, no one has ever brought me flowers.
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[Someone with as many lovers as Astarion ought to have had to happened at least once.
He slumps deeper into the water. His shoulders are going to be exfoliated so well tonight.] Ereshigal ran a flower shop. I was thinking of bringing you some bouquets, but...
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[Said simply enough. There may have been a date or two before turning someone brought him flowers, but he truly doesn't recall. He was a bit preoccupied with his bids for power to be truly romanced.
He watches Taryon sink as his mood sinks more, and Astarion frowns a little. The light touch on Taryon's hand seems to hold it now, delicate fingers curling about his calloused ones.]
Well, once she has been returned you can then buy me a many bouquets as you'd like. And I will be delighted to have them.
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They're out here, bathing and luxuriating while Ereshkigal lies underground and LILITH employees are dying. Something horrible is happening to her, and a terrible fate will befall the world if they don't do anything, and Taryon is enjoying a free hotel stay and flirting with Astarion. Is this what she would have wanted instead of a constant barrage of attempts to rescue her?
Those investigations into the rift amounted to nothing, but at least they were learning something.] When she gets back, hopefully. And if no one follows up on their promise to wale on her after all this trouble.
[Gilgamesh...]
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But there is only so much one can do in constant work and upset. One has to take diversions or risk wearing yourself out. Even on their journey back home they all had their jaunts and pleasures and days of rest, despite the emergency of cults and illithid parasites in their skull.
Astarion sinks further into the water, unable to help the creep of a smile on his lips as his hand is held back, but snorts derisively at what Taryon says.]
I don't know why so many are angry with her. From what you've told me, she sounds too nice to have had such a turn in alignment. If she is under some sort of delusion or coersion she shouldn't be so punished.
[Would he be singing this tune of she took Taryon? Probably not, but he does understand not being in full control of your actions...]
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[For her or for the world, Taryon isn't all that certain. Something bad will happen, and it's a mystery as to what kind of plan they can make other than to rely on Gilgamesh and other Servants to determine her location.]
At least she isn't dead.
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You are very sweet, you know that? Funny, since most sorts I've met like you were usually vapid and selfish. [The memory he had shared of Taryon's home wasn't that indepth, but many rich men raised by a man like his father didn't often turn out so kind.] With people like you on her side, she is sure to be saved.
For now...you should enjoy this bath, knowing there is someone working on the problem as you give yourself some deserved rest.
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I know you saw a memory of me, but...you didn't know me back then. I wasn't a person who was pleasant to be around.
[A combination of being isolated from the greater world and a strong desire to imitate the people he believed emulated the type of man he ought to become: a path that could lead many to becoming a villain.]
I don't know. I like being busy. It makes me feel useful.
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[He smirks as he draws himself up like that. Too bad Astarion's compliment isn't probably exactly what Taryon is thinking, but it's still a compliment in Astarion's estimation.]
But you would be surprised by who I may or may not like.
[It's hard to imagine Taryon as being anything but him. Maybe more of a rich knob? A nobelese wimp?]
Ah, of course you're that sort of a busybody. Let me distract you.
[He brings a wet finger to his lips, head tilting in thought.]
Why don't we plan what our first true "date" should be?
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He thinks of the man in Astarion's memory, Sebastian, was it? Though he was a farmer boy and Tary is a delicate bookish type, both are inexperienced -- were in experienced. There was a particular fondness that could be felt, something that Taryon wonders is related to that similarity.]
I...suppose we can visit that arcade once more. [They went there as friends. Why not revisit their old haunts and see what changed?]
...So, what sort of people do you like?
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[He isn't sure if Taryon is suggesting it for his sake, since Astarion knows he has a romantic ideal, so maybe he just needs a little encouragement to embrace that side of himself now with Astarion.
Taryon looks very cute, suddenly, like he's thinking of something nice. His question makes him chuckle; that must be why he has that expression now ]
That's just the thing, darling: I'm not sure! I...liked Tav, but the two of you are nothing alike. But he had power and that attracted me.
[But was it the sort of attraction that could lead to romance? Perhaps not, in the end.]
I could say what it is I like about you. Perhaps that could help.
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...assuming that they receive a voucher from LILITH for the meal.]
Tav--right, your ex-boyfriend. I suppose power can be sexy, but you can do better than that. [Like choosing Taryon.] So. [He shifts to directly face Astarion.] What did draw you to me? Was it my charming personality? My dashing looks? My skills in maintaining Doty? Or was it my prowess in battle, unlike any other combatant's?
[Despite the many reasons why anyone would like a guy, Taryon is laser-focused on the upcoming answer. He's been told his hair is amazing, that he's done a lot of work when he was living in Whitestone, but the direct reason for falling in love with him? That's new. He's got to figure out what works.]
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[The story doesn't exactly paint Astarion in a good light. Of course, he could fudge the details, but putting it off is far more energy efficient.
He smiles through every item Taryon lists, and when he finishes he points at him.]
You got it, you got every single reason on first guess!
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