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sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
Entry tags:
▶ 003. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye -- a dash of time. You're taken from where you were. What you were doing.. it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest," That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. When Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them and head to a locker room in the medical bay, to find a towel to dry off with, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right. That their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, and feed them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: They will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is 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:
"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?
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:
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
wildcard 💍💍
Today doesn't seem to be one of those days, which was a relief for Megumi. Seeing the other boy greet him at the entrance with a bright smile on his face will always make his day just a little bit better. They walk, and chat about nothing in particular, until Megumi brings something else up. ]
I bought something for you. [ He goes rummaging through his bag for it. ]
no subject
He brightens immediately, a wide smile crossing his face as he rushes over, nudging him before they walk. It's not necessarily normal for Fushiguro to come and meet him from work, but he's enjoying it, getting to spend a little more time with his best friend. So much has been happening over the last few weeks that Yuji doesn't want to let this slip away, and he crosses his arms behind his head, they walk and gossip. ]
Huh? You did?
[ Like an over-excited puppy, Yuji beams. ]
You didn't have to do that!
no subject
[ He totally did have to do this. His friend rooming at the other side of the base already gives him some anxiety. They aren't in immediate danger right now, but something could come up at any time and he hates the idea of not knowing if Itadori is doing fine or not.
Megumi pulls out a small case, like something you would put a ring in. ]
Give me your hand.
no subject
[ His Light sword is cool, and the club was useful during the fight against the whale creatures, so Yuji can see the use. He doesn't dare bring up his new healing powers, considering how angry Fushiguro got last time, though, even if Kugisaki had admitted that it was worthwhile in the end. Yuji doesn't want to be hit again...
Leaning down, he stares at the box with wide eyes before he just... Does as he's told. ]
Okay?
no subject
[ Not everyone is super strong the way Yuji is. Megumi already has a sword, so he thinks it's fine not to overcomplicate things. Anyway, Megumi opens the box to reveal a pair of rings - one in rose gold and the other in black. Save for the colour, they look identical. With Itadori holding his hand out, he slips the pink ring onto the other boy's finger.
There's definitely a bystander who chances upon this seen and is getting other ideas, whispering to their friend. Megumi doesn't really notice how this looks without context. ]
Keep this on.
no subject
[ Yuji doesn't really notice that kind of thing...
Staring at the rings, Yuji feels his heart beating a little faster all of a sudden. Fushiguro's hands are warm against his own, and he breathes out a soft sigh as the ring slips onto his finger. It feels intimate, and from the whispers of the people around them there's definitely some ideas being spread around.
He didn't realise Fushiguro felt like this... ]
Huh? What?
no subject
He slips the black ring into his own ring finger, and keeps holding on to the other boy's hand, not letting him go just yet. ]
Don't take it off. [ Should he explain what's going on? Probably. However, he's far too focused on the pairing process instead. Megumi brings their hands together, clasping the other boy's hand. Their rings, so close together, seem to emit a soft glow. ]
no subject
I - I won't? Sure?
[ The rings are glowing, and they're holding hands, and Yuji's gaze is flicking between the rings and Fushiguro's face, not sure what to even say. ]
Um, why?
1/2
It helps us find each other. [ A logical purchase when they're on different teams and are likely to be separated during missions. There's also the fact that Itadori was so reckless and, at times, seemed to have a death wish. He's always going to be a source of anxiety for Megumi. ]
no subject
Uhh. Your face is red ...
no subject
[ Didn't Fushiguro say he didn't want to date... What's going on... ]
It's just for tracking? That's it? The only reason?
no subject
Now that he's catching on, his face burns red as well, and he grabs the other boy's wrist, pulling him along and finding a more private place they can speak. He pulls Itadori into a shady alleyway. ]
You thought I was ... proposing ...?!
no subject
[ What is he meant to make of that? Now he's doubly embarrassed, feeling like he might burst from the inside out. He doesn't think he can be totally blamed for all of this, considering! Fushiguro is the one who came out of nowhere with a ring!
Covering his face, Yuji groans. ]
What was I meant to think?
no subject
Now they're alone in an alleyway, and they're blushing out of their minds, and he's unsure what to do with the situation. ]
Sorry. Should have explained. [ Though, if Itadori had thought he was proposing, he sure let him put the ring on his finger without any protest. That feels like something he should let slide because it could open another can of worms (And confusing feelings), but after how learning about Itadori's date with Raidou had made him feel, he kind of wants to know. ]
But you didn't stop me... [ ???? ]
no subject
[ It's not as if Yuji knew how to react; he was just so shocked, so surprised by it that his heart had been racing and his mind had skidded to a stop. Was he meant to scold Fushiguro when he was giving him a gift, or something like that? Covering his mouth, he breathes out a little before he shakes his head and tries to muster the strength to contain his blush. ]
You said it was a gift, so... [ Was he meant to run away...? ]
no subject
We probably couldn't do something like that, as sorcerers. [ Growing up doesn't seem to be in their future. Marriage, and a normal life as an adult, seems completely out of the question. He's never even considered it because he's been entrenched in the sorcery world since he was a child. Would he like something like that? To promise himself to someone else, to this boy in front of him? Somehow, it doesn't feel so unnatural, almost like he already has.
His heart is still beating quickly, his face warm and heated. The rings are whirring softly and Itadori might notice a sense of nervousness and forlorn that don't feel like his own. ]
no subject
But then... Yuji ducks his head, looking away, suddenly... Sad. ]
I don't think I've met anyone who was happy, or married, or anything like that. It's the life we choose, isn't it? [ Maybe his execution is technically over, but with the fight against Sukuna so obviously the next thing for him to worry about... He doesn't expect to come out of it the other side. There's no way, and he heaves a sigh. ]
Maybe it's good to be here for a while.
no subject
And he can't not think about it. How he's responsible. If he had been stronger that time, Itadori would never have been dragged into this life with him. He might still be in school, and maybe he'll graduate and get a job. Maybe he'll get married and live a long life. ] Then you should stay.
[ It hurts him to tell him this, because it might mean that when Megumi finally finds his way out, they will never see each other again. It makes his heart pang with melancholy, but he wants his best friend to be safe and happy. ]
If you're happier here, then stay. You don't have to save me.
no subject
[ Yuji scowls a little, looking up at Fushiguro with an irritated glare. It's not as if that's something he's just going to do, give up on his friend as if his word means nothing - as if whatever Yuji wants doesn't mean anything. He wants to help Fushiguro, to do what he can to protect his sister, to overcome the stupid Culling Game. Giving up on that now? Impossible.
Shaking his head, he looks away, and Fushiguro can probably tell just how upset Yuji is by the suggestion. ]
I might be happy here, but it isn't home. I have things I need to do, and so do you. It's not like this is somewhere I'm going to be forever.
[ He's going to go home and die. That's how it is meant to work. ]
I don't want to hear you say that kind of thing ever again.
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It's not unexpected either, though. From the beginning, the other boy was not the type to choose an easier life over the tragedy and tribulations of what he's been dealt. If he has to endure extreme hardship to save a person, he absolutely will. Kindness and diligence beyond normal comprehension. That's the sort of person he is. It's both a source of frustration because it makes it difficult to keep the other boy safe, but it's also the reason he's come to admire him so much. ] ... I won't.
[ But he's not going to stop feeling that way, like he's robbed the other boy of a normal life. He's responsible and that's the truth. Still, he knows that voicing that out will only upset Itadori more.
Right now, his emotions feel raw, and he can't bottle them up and push them down like he usually does. He feels ... vulnerable, and like he wants to be close to the other boy. Megumi reaches out and takes his fingers tentatively. ]
You told me to live a long life. I just ... want that for you too. [ But he knows it's not possible. ]
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Right now, his focus is on making sure Fushiguro is safe, that he's okay, and with the knowledge of what Sukuna must be planning, the reminder of his own mistakes... He feels physically sick at the idea of just 'giving up' on him now. This is one of the few things he has left to fight for - Fushiguro and Gojo-sensei - and he can't survive if those things are taken away from him.
He'd fight for the sake of saving the few people he has left. Without that, who even is he, other than a husk, a vessel, a cog? Part of a machine that has so little meaning.
Looking away, he frowns, trying to ignore the way that his heart hurts, and he wants to cry, as if he can somehow make all of this better by running away. ]
Good. Think about that, instead of me and my happiness.
[ Don't wish for him to have a long life. That's not in the cards for him. ]
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Megumi doesn't know if he should push on or not. The other boy can be remarkably stubborn for someone who was normally so easy going. It's this exact thing that he's stubborn about, easing up on his illogical selflessness. Considering himself. If he pushes forward he will upset Itadori further, but he wants to. Being told to disregard the other boy only stirs him up, and he finds himself getting frustrated, like he's trying to move an immovable object. It also feels like his own feelings are being completely ignored. ]
... Don't tell me how to feel. Why can't I think about your happiness?
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His happiness isn't important, in the long run. Yuji has made his peace with that and recognises that all of this fighting would end with his demise; it is his role, in this world, to sacrifice himself for the hopes of the future. He had made that agreement as the Vessel of Sukuna, knowing that his success as a vessel would mean the loss of his life once they'd collected all the fingers. He had come to terms with that so long ago.
Now... Now he wonders how he can express any of this and have Fushiguro understand, have him recognise what Yuji sees as his role, his place. Saying all of that to Fushiguro is going to be something that just causes more problems, and that's why Yuji bites his tongue, forcing himself to swallow back all the awful things going on inside his head.
It's better not to consider it. ]
Think about yourself first. I'll worry about myself.
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But you won't. [ He knows him. That's probably why they're butting heads right now. Two stubborn personalities who only want the best for each other. ]
That's why I'll always think about you. [ Is he feeling okay? Is he eating? Is he alright? Is he alive? Where is he? Is he happy? Does he regret everything? Has he killed himself? These piling worries and anxieties are a daily occurrence for Megumi. Caring about someone else can be a tiring ordeal, but he would do it again and again, because this is simply what he chooses to do. ]
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Isn’t it all his fault? Shouldn’t he take responsibility? His life is a fair price to pay to make sure everyone else is okay and taken care of. There’s no other solution for Yuji, who had been prepared to die from the moment he first encountered a curse and ate Sukuna’s finger.
This is what he’s earned.
He wipes his eyes, sighing softly. ]
I’m doing my best, Fushiguro. Isn’t that enough?
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