▶ 003. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3

[synfluxmods]

TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: forced scenarios, partial nudity, full nudity, alcohol & drug use, violence & action scenarios, simulation mindfucking, bees/hornets, parasites.

▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.

It happens in the blink of an eye -- a dash of time. You're taken from where you were. What you were doing.. it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.

"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest," That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.

"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.

Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.

The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. When Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them and head to a locker room in the medical bay, to find a towel to dry off with, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right. That their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, and feed them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.

█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …

Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?

<raw code><table width="80%"><br><div align="center"><img src="IMAGE_URL" style="width: 200px; border-radius: 15px; border: 1px solid #7F7F7F; box-shadow: #8D8D8D 1px 1px 1px;"> <!-- CARD --> <div style="width:230px;padding:20px 0 0;border:1px solid #f2f2f2;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;align-items:right;gap:5px;background:#fff;"> <!-- CHAR INFO: start --> <div style="width:150px;font-family:courier;font-weight:bold;font-size: clamp(14px, 1vw, 10px);letter-spacing:1px;line-height:1;color:#000;"></lj-raw><font color="#00686E">NAME</font> <lj-raw></div> <!-- CHAR INFO: end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE START --> <div style="width:230px;background:#eee;"><details><summary style="cursor:pointer;text-align:center;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-weight:bold;text-align:left;display:flex;justify-content:center;align-items:center;background:#ccc;color:#000;">+</summary> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content --> <div style="width:190px;margin:0 auto;padding:7px 0;font-family:arial, sans serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;color:#000;"> </lj-raw><b>Username:</b> !!ANSWER HERE!! <br> <b>Civilian Identity:</b> !!ANSWER HERE OR SAY UNDECIDED!! <br> <b>Age:</b> !!AGE HERE!! <br> <b>Species:</b> !!SPECIES HERE!! <br> <b>Origin:</b> !!ORIGIN HERE!! <br></br> <b>If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?</b></br> </br>!! ANSWER HERE !!<lj-raw> </div></details></div> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE: content end --> <!-- COLLAPSIBLE END --> </div></div> <!-- CARD name: END --> <!-- CREDIT --> <div style="width:100%;margin-top:-15px;font-size:10px;color:#ddd; text-align:center;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#ddd;">credit</a></div></center></table></raw code>

The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!

Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: They will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …

Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.

Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?

That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:

"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is busy handling a recent issue. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands. Please enjoy your complimentary meal which LILITH has carefully procured for you all. You may then head to your quarters are explore our BASE using the map provided. This meal is a delicacy in some parts, so feel free to express your undying gratitude."

▶ 002. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.

Early in the morning on March 2nd, the power suddenly goes out. Outsiders may wake up to find that wake-up alarms never went off, the coffee machines don't work, and breakfast isn't ready in the cafeteria because of the sudden outage. Early risers may find themselves trapped in their team wings when automatic doors refuse to budge and those who are particularly unlucky may find themselves stuck in an elevator.

Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.

If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.

By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:

|| MISSING PERSON

Name: Dr. Tanaka Junichiro
Role: LILITH Researcher.
Specialty: Genetic Research (Native Species and Kaiju)
Details: Latest available security footage depicts Dr. Tanaka stationed in their lab at LILITH Research Base. At 0735hrs on the morning of 2 March, a power disturbance struck all LILITH networks, resulting in all security monitoring systems within the area going offline briefly. After this disturbance was resolved, Dr. Tanaka was reported missing from their designated station under mysterious circumstances. Other resources missing from the base include: Research files and various live and deceased specimens.

Any clues on Dr. Tanaka's whereabouts are to be surrendered to LILITH immediately. Dr. Tanaka's primary research involved DNA splicing and induced evolution. Any information or clues regarding them or their work is highly valued. It is our top objective to ensure the safe return of our valuable staff members. ||

▶ 003. CLAWS FOR CONCERN.

Shortly after the disappearance of Dr. Tanaka, Outsiders who wander the back alleys and keep an ear open will hear whispers of exotic animals and chimera being traded for meat, entertainment and pet ownership. Most of this talk will be heard near the biggest black market in Shinjuku, "Starlight X". It's a novelty within Neo Tokyo and word gets out quick, even if the residents are hush-hush about where they got their sources from. Photos of these hybrids show up on social media to the astonishment and skepticism of the citizens. To find Starlight X, Outsiders will have to travel underground, taking the term underground market quite literally. There is an entrance way in a nearby alley without too much security; with the lack of policemen, now, people might as well sell their illegal substances on the surface.

Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.

These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).

Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.

▶ 004. THE SAPPHIRE ROOM.

It becomes such a problem that LILITH can no longer ignore it. It's clear that someone - or a group of someones - have gotten their hands on LILITH's priceless specimens and data, and are testing the waters on what they can get away with. Allowing the public to get their hands on the smaller hybrids is one thing. According to word around the street, there's going to be an auction on the night of the 5th, and that's where the larger, more dangerous hybrids will be sold. Some even say you'll be able to find man-made monsters.

Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.

|| MISSION: Infiltration of The Sapphire Room
LOCATION: The Sapphire Room, in Roppongi. A popular and exclusive nightclub serving a lavish experience to those who can afford it.
DETAILS: Sources reveal that The Sapphire Room, while a fully functioning club, has also been playing host to suspicious activities and trading in their exclusive underground rooms. An illegal auction is currently being held at the end of this week, which happens to be their Couples' Night. To gain access into this auction, Outsiders are to pair up and maintain appropriate cover. Information about your disguises have been downloaded into your chips.

OBJECTIVE:
✖ Infiltrate the secret auction occurring in The Sapphire Room as a pair.
✖ Disrupt the auction using any means possible.
✖ Capture hybrid specimens and surrender them to LILITH.
✖ Capture the perpetrators for questioning.
✖ Obtain any research data available and surrender it to LILITH. ||

Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )

Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.

At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.

This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.

Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)

"This is unacceptable. Angels of LILITH, please be on the lookout for the organizers of this crime. This kind of theft is unforgivable. We are investigating their identities, but any further information regarding those that got away is appreciated."

▶ 005. SIMULATION.

While Outsider are given some time to rest and recover from their battle in February, it doesn't take long for their training to kick back up again. Outsiders will be summoned to the simulation room and instructed to put on their LILITH-issued plugsuits. They will be paired or put into groups for another battle simulation. After being ushed into the training grounds, the room will turn pitch black and a briefing sheet will be projected from their eye implant.

They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.

Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.

If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: SUZUME-BACHI
HEIGHT: 7.6-12 in.
WEIGHT: 2 kg
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Tropical climates with high humidity
ABILITIES: Parasitic and will enter a “host body” and try to gain control. Capable of entering other wildlife.
WEAKNESS: Ice (they cannot operate in cold climate), physical attacks.
EXTRA NOTES: Once they gain control over a lifeform, only rendering the host body unconscious will allow them to expose themselves. It is advised to kill them prior to have the entering ones body. The process of them latching on to take control is extremely invasive as they melt through skin to gain access to a body. Possessed bodies will behave aggressively and will try to lure others into areas of nesting for the SUZUME-BACHI. Highly protective of their hive and their “QUEEN”— please approach hives with caution and do not approach alone.

█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify humans and creatures being controlled by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Rescue civilians and clear all wildlife of being possessed by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Help move civilians to underground safety bunker.
✖ Protect safe zones from SUZUME-BACHI.
EXTRA NOTES: Every SUZUME-BACHI killed equals 1 KILL point, freeing those who are under its control is 1 ASSIST point, and getting civilians to the shelter will give 1 RESCUE point.

█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third TDM! All TDM threads are game canon; characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. We encourage this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER. '

There are currently 23 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.

None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts!

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.

Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards March AC.

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Comments

▶ CLOSED TO RAIDOU. EXPLORATION.

[eyescar]

[ Time for their next date had come around quickly, and Yuji could feel himself getting that anxious excitement that comes hand in hand with something you're super ready for, but also very nervous about. The last two - two! - dates that he and Raidou had been on had ended well, so he should feel a bit more at ease about it all, but at the same time... He really doesn't want to mess this up.

He had tried to do a little bit of investigating to find out the best places to go, but it seemed as though it was the kind of thing the two of them were going to just have to figure out, so that's what he did. Dressed casually - a light shirt, a hoodie, a pair of decent trousers and trainers, thank you style chip - Yuji had been quick to rush off to meet Raidou and start their journey together, making their way to the outskirts of town. He had even been daring enough to try and grab his hand straight away. ]

I think there are a couple of places we can check out.

[ He's trying to sound as if he knows what he's doing and where he's going, but... ]

How far do you want to go today? I can probably go for hours without getting tired, but I know not everyone is like that.

[ Yuji is... Special. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou's been anxiously anticipating this trip, one he had planned to make alone not long after he'd arrived. To think not only was he getting to go with someone now, but with Yuji, as a date... He really can't get over the fact that this is A Thing in his life now.

Why is he nervous? They've done this twice now. He can't figure it out, so unaccustomed to this feeling before ever arriving in Neo Tokyo. It's an excited nervousness, at least. He knows Yuji said he wanted to make the food this time, but Raidou couldn't help but make something anyway, just some onigiri tucked away in his backpack with his other supplies for the day. This time he's dressed in clothing more suited to a hike rather than his usual formal self, though still with his typical hat and dark colors, including boots and a canvas jacket.

Raidou takes his hand with a smile.]

Is that so? I'm happy to visit any of them. Whatever we have time for.

[He shakes his head. He's no Yuji, but Raidou's got a lot of energy.] I'll be fine, don't worry about that.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji is bubbling with excitement as they make their way out of the city, keen to explore and see what's ahead. He's liked most of the stuff in the city, too, he's not trying to hide that, but he's also desperately excited about the world outside, especially getting to see it with Raidou. It's a little adventure, and it's exciting.

Yuji has a pair of bento boxes in his backpack, alongside a couple of bottles of water and some random snacks he'd shoved in there on his way out, rushing to make sure he got there on time. As he walks beside Raidou, letting the bag rest properly on his shoulders, he drinks the other boy in: he's looking pretty handsome today, still kind of formal but... Cute.

Yeah, cute.

Starting to lead the way, Yuji hums softly. Maybe they could find a high point or something and take some photos... That would be fun. The idea of just doing something for the sake of enjoying it isn't something he's been allowed for a while, so he's into it. ]

Right! I looked at a few maps, but I didn't memorise anything, so we can stop whenever we find something interesting or to take some photos together.

[the_fourteenth]

[Try as he might, Raidou did look for paper maps around and came up short, opting to need to rely on using his implant to look it up if needed. You can take the boy out of 1922...

Honestly, though, it made things a little more freeing. They can just wander out a ways, see what they find, then look up the best route back from there. Nothing set in stone. Just getting to go out into nature, with an excited Yuji at his side, is really all he could ask for. He might be usual subdued self - albeit with a smile - but Yuji's enthusiasm always made him feel warm inside. Even Raidou can't hide that feeling.

He's also content to let Yuji lead the way, watching the scenery. Spring isn't quite here yet, but it's already showing in a lot of places. Some trees have begun to bud, some grasses and flowers starting to peek up from the ground, some birds have returned from warmer climes. Even back home, he can't remember the last time he had a chance to get outside the Capital that wasn't for work.]

Sounds good. Ah, also, if we get cold--

[He reaches to the thermos tucked in the side pocket of the backpack, and holds it up to show Yuji for a moment. Coffee, of course.]

[eyescar]

Coffee, right?

[ Yuji can feel the smile spreading across his face already. It's the kind of thing he's starting to expect from Raidou - they'd had coffee when they'd had the picnic, and then on their date, and now... He's never been much of a coffee drinker, but he's starting to associate the smell of it with the boy next to him. It means he can't be mad about it at all, feeling warm whenever he walks by a coffee place in the city.

The further they go into the scenery, the more excited Yuji gets, and he's bringing out his little Polaroid camera to take some photos as they travel. It's all going to look pretty cute in the small notebook he's been putting together for it, and he beams as he looks over at Raidou. ]

It's really beautiful out here, isn't it? I like being in the city, but...

[ This is great. It's even better for being with the person that makes his heart feel a little giddy, too. ]

Do you want to take some photos?

[the_fourteenth]

A change of pace is nice. I've been meaning to come out here for awhile. [Instead he'd just been occupying his time with too many other things just to stay busy. Free time like this is a very new experience.

He nods at the suggestion of the camera - he's been really curious to see it since Yuji mentioned it.

Raidou takes a look around for something to take a photo of. Nearby is a tree just starting to bud with some small flowers, a few sparrows hanging out in the branches that haven't been scattered by their presence yet. He'll point it out.]

There.

[eyescar]

I've been super busy with the others and making sure they're okay, so it's nice to get out here and do something different.

[ Making sure Kugisaki and Fushiguro are okay, that Nanamin is safe and happy, that all the people he's met here are alright after the missions... He's an involved guy, even if he's trying to be better at taking care of himself.

Stepping to one side, Yuji reaches out to pass the camera over to Raidou, his smile soft and fond as he motions. ]

Go ahead. Take the picture, and we can keep it safe in our bags until we get back.

[ Maybe Yuji can even convince him to take a photo together, for his scrapbook... ]

[the_fourteenth]

Oh, me? [He takes the camera, and looks it over. It'll probably take Yuji showing him what the viewfinder is in order to use it.

He sneaks a few steps closer, which he can manage without scaring the birds off. The noise from the camera does startle them away, and Raidou blinks when the photo pops out. He grabs it to look, but it's blank.]

Oh... Did I not do it right?

[eyescar]

No, you did it right!

[ Yuji takes the Polaroid and holds it gently, careful. He hooks his chin over Raidou’s shoulder as he holds it out, watching and waiting, and then - yeah! It’s developing! Yuji beams, holding it out so Raidou can take it; he’s still invading his personal space. ]

You did a good job. It’s really cute.

[the_fourteenth]

[Technology sure is something. He smiles as he takes the phone from Yuji's hand.]

That's amazing. And you can take a lot of these?

[Because now he kind of wants to take photos of everything.]

[eyescar]

Yeah! I like the idea of collecting as many memories as I can.

[ He hums softly, leaning into Raidou a little, unconsciously seeking comfort. ]

I never expected to live that long, so I was happy with whatever memories I could make.

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou definitely understands that feeling. He's certain the only reason he's alive is because LILITH dragged him here before it was too late, but even so, they were still in a lot of danger in Neo Tokyo. He sighs and nods lightly at Yuji's sentiment.]

Right... It's good that we can do the same here, then.

[Raidou looks at his photo for a moment, thinking.]

Can we take one of us?

[eyescar]

Yeah! LILITH even gave me this for Christmas, so maybe they know.

[ He's still hanging on to Raidou, just a little, invading his personal space in the way he's getting used to, but the question makes him shift to stand in front of him, looking so painfully excited at the idea. This is what he had wanted to begin with, why he'd brought the camera, after all. ]

We should take two, so that we can have on each!

[the_fourteenth]

They did? Ah, they gave me a... cat cape? [That's the best way he can describe it.] I gave it to someone who was cold, though. [It's Tary's cat cape now.

He always find Yuji's enthusiasm infectious, even if it doesn't outwardly seem that way. His smile returns and he nods, holding the camera at arm's length to see if that would be a distance that works, but he realizes he has no idea. He instead hands the camera to Yuji.]

Can we do it like that? Should we stand by that tree, maybe? [The one that's just starting to flower, that he had taken his previous picture of.]

[eyescar]

Really? I bet you'd have looked really cute in it. [ But it seems like the kind of thing Raidou would do, giving it away to someone who would need it more.

Nodding, he moves with Raidou over to the right spot, his heart thudding in his chest. Taking the camera is easy: Yuji might not be in the true selfie era of the modern world, but he knows enough thanks to the emergence of smartphones. He tucks himself close up to Raidou's body so they'll both fit into the frame, lifting it up and angling it just enough that he feels like they're both going to be in it. ]

Smile!

[ He beams, then takes the photo, practically smooshing his face into Raidou's. ]

[the_fourteenth]

It was... a little on the ridiculous side, really. [It was very cute, Yuji. Be sad you missed it.

Raidou looks up at the camera and does his best for the photos. He does a pretty good job, unable to help but smiling with Yuji so happy and pressed up against him like that. His own arm goes around Yuji's back, hand on his waist.

He'll grab the first photo as Yuji takes the second, and waits eagerly for it develop to see how it turned out. A little washed out and a little off center, just as every Polaroid photo is. In other words,]

Perfect.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji, meanwhile, takes his own photo and cradles it in his hands, thumb pressing into the white border. It's clear that he's so genuinely happy, and for something so simple to make him this happy... It's clear just how difficult he has been finding things, and how content he is to spend time with someone that he genuinely likes.

Eventually, he shifts his bag off his shoulders, reaching inside for his notebook and slipping the photo between it carefully. ]

You're right. They're just perfect, Johei.

[the_fourteenth]

[Ah, so that's what the other notebook was for. A good idea. Raidou hands his photo over for safe keeping.]

Let's find some places to take more. And then we can stop for lunch, if we don't find anything to stop at. Alright?

[This time, it's Raidou who's offering a hand towards him.]

[eyescar]

[ Taking it, Yuji smiles again before he tucks it away safely, sliding his notebook back into his bag before he immediately reaches to take Raidou's hand. ]

We can have a whole collection! It's pretty out here, so that's a good idea.

[ They start to move forward again, heading towards more of the open world ahead of them, and Yuji can feel himself settling back into the quiet, calm joy. Sighing softly, he squeezes Raidou's hand. After a little while he stops, pausing, turning his head with a frown. ]

Did you hear that?

[the_fourteenth]

[It only takes a split second for Yuju to stop and say something those words, that Summoner Mode is activated. Raidou also stops, hand going to his hip for a sword that's not there. Damnit.

He hadn't heard anything. Is he slacking already? Not good. He needs to keep focus, he can't be distracted.]

No.

[He stays completely still, listening.]

[eyescar]

Johei, I don't think it's that serious...

[ Yuji's instincts aren't going into overdrive, at least, but he does shift a little closer. He's not about to let anything come between them and hurt Raidou, and if there are any kaiju left over from the last mission...

Slowly, he pushes himself forward, investigating, before he hears a quiet noise. Was that... ]

... A cat?

[the_fourteenth]

[This is totally him feeling subconsciously guilty for not Being On every waking moment. A summoner has to stay vigilant. They don't know what might be out there!

A cat, however, is not what he was expecting. So it is. It's waking up from a nap in a sunny spot on a tree stump, stretching and yawning as it looks at them.]

... Ah.

[Raidou takes a few tentative footsteps towards it. It doesn't budge, yet.]

How odd, all the way out here?

[eyescar]

It's pretty cute...

[ Are they feral? Yuji has read books about colonies of feral cats who live out in the wild, and with how much destruction there seems to be in this place it would make sense for there to be little pockets, but they're still precious. He takes a step forward, alongside Raidou, and the cat just tilts it's head to look at them.

It doesn't seem to be at all bothered by their presence. ]

Do you want to pet it? I'll take a photo.

[the_fourteenth]

Oh? Yes, of course.

[When Raidou takes a few more steps forward, the cat jumps down from the stump, but it doesn't take off. It's a little more used to human presence than some other of the feral cats around thanks to the nearby onsen, but it's still a little wary of newcomers.

Raidou crouches down, and offers a hand to it wordlessly to see if it will approach. It takes a few moments, but the cat cautiously steps forward to give him a sniff. Once it does, he gives it a little scritch on the head with a smile. It's at least amenable to that much.]

[eyescar]

[ Yuji waits until Raidou is in position, his smile widening as he reaches out to pet at the cat. It says a lot about a person, he thinks, the way they treat animals and how animals react to them - but Yuji had always known he was a good guy.

Bending down a little, he lifts the camera to take a good picture, Raidou in the middle with the cat pushing its head up towards him. He doesn't even realise he's speaking out loud. ]

Cute...