PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

[synfluxmods]

PRE-FIGHT EVENT #1

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, PTSD, mind-control, psychological trauma, violence, delirium from heat, temporary blindness, hallucinations, dead bodies.

▶ 001. STORM CHASERS.

After weeks of searching for clues on the kaiju and missing people, the desert landscape begins to blend together. Didn’t you pass that cactus earlier today? That rock formation looks exactly like the one you passed the other day. It’s natural to loop back around when conducting a search but doesn’t it feel like everyone has been going in circles more frequently?

The heat isn’t helping either. Temperatures start to rise and continue to rise to all time highs. The sun is unrelenting and the only reliable shelter they have are their campers. Prolonged exposure outside will result in heat exhaustion, dehydration, and delirium.

Warnings will be sent to the Outsiders via their implants to keep them up to date with the weather as well as providing health tips such as reminders to stay hydrated or seek shelter during the hottest parts of the day. They will also receive warnings for sand storms and tornadoes called dust devils. The storms start of short and relatively weak but gradually begin to last longer and become more powerful. Pretty soon, Outsiders will not be able to see ahead from the dense sand and wind.

Outsiders will be told to chase after the storms and if they progress far enough, they will begin to find traces of people. They will find random belongings, articles of clothing, and occasionally, human remains in varying states of decomposition. Eventually, however, they will start to find survivors suffering from extreme fatigue and dehydration. They speak incoherently to themselves and as soon as they regain their strength, they try to run into storms while calling out to things that people can’t see.

Outsiders can wait for emergency caravans to arrive from Vegas to take survivors back to the city or they can take back the survivors themselves and use the opportunity to restock on supplies.

▶ 002. THE STORM CALLS.

The sandstorms increase and grow stronger until eventually, they last entire days. The sands shift, the grounds shake, and something thunderous can be heard in the dust. It becomes harder to see out in the desert and it’s almost like the storms are trying to hide something. At the edge of a storm, sharp eyed Outsiders may catch sight of a great shadowy serpent in the heart of the storm. Messages to their implants will urge them to get closer and investigate but be careful.

The storm grows stronger as they approach and the camper vans may slow down or get stuck in the shifting sands forcing some of them to proceed on foot to make visuals. Eventually, they will get close enough to finally establish clear visuals on their target: A giant sand worm. It’s size is not immediately clear due to the poor visibility and it being partially underground. However, the worm also sees them and when it does, it glows. The light catches on and reflects against the sand particles and that’s when it hits some of the Outsiders: A sudden splitting headache followed by an inability to look away.

Some outsiders may suddenly find themselves entranced by the worm; hypnotized. They will begin to see mirages and hear voices calling out to them in the storm. Captivated Outsiders will find themselves wanting to run into the storm to chase after the phantoms, some of them images and figures of people from their past and present back home. If anyone attempts to stop them, they will become irrational, violent, and turn on their friends and allies. Some Outsiders may begin to view their allies as enemies and attack, turning on one another in a gruesome frenzy. Some of the hypnotic beams will effect those still in their campers, turning on their friends and other Outsiders.

Outsiders will have to restrain each other to keep them from running into the desert or harming each other. In the chaos, the worm disappears into the storm. The psychic effects of the monster will weaken after the worm disappears and the storm dies down but it may leave some characters feeling overwhelmed and confused in the aftermath. Some will remain in an erratic state for several days, occasionally acting normal. In the insanity of all of this, Outsiders may have picked up another Outsider into their camper van for their protection or camper parties remain shuffled. It's up to the ones unaffected by the psychic attacks to watch over the others while retreating from the desert.

▶ 003. CITY OF DREAMS.

Following the disaster of the first sighting, LILITH will order characters to return to Vegas so they can assess what happened. En route to Vegas, some Outsiders may notice some side effects from the prolonged exposure to the sandstorm. They may experience shortness of breath and coughing as a result of breathing in so much dust. Furthermore, they may experience a splitting headache or pain behind their eyes. Their implants may lag, glitch, or go completely offline which will render them temporarily blind in one or both eyes. It seems that the fine sand and dust combined with whatever psychic damage the worm did may have messed with their implants and crossed some sensors which is all the more reason to return to Vegas for treatment.

Outsiders may become lethargic and experience vivid daydreams while they are awake or regular dreams while sleeping. In these dreams, they may relive memories. Some of these memories may be pleasant but others may be traumatic or things characters would rather keep secret. Unfortunately, being in close proximity to someone suffering from these effects will force a link through a glitch in their implants and drag other characters into the dream.

These links will function similarly to how simulation training works. The dreams they visit appear to be very realistic and characters can experience pain and be hurt within the memory. They will be able to interact with the memories. While in these memories, they can try to wake up the memory holder to bring them back to reality. Who knows, maybe helping each other understand what is real and a dream may even make them more resilient to the worm’s attacks the next time they go into the desert...

▶ 004. REST & RECOVERY

As characters recover from the psychic effects and implant glitches, LILITH will try to assess everyone’s biometrics to understand what happened. Characters who need therapy or counseling after reliving some horrible memories of theirs will be provided sessions via their implants. They now understand that the worm has some sort of psychic mind control power that it can use on victims. It is currently too dangerous to go back into the desert until they can come up with a proper defense against it.

Outsiders will be ordered to stay in Vegas and focus on recovery, given two queen side bed hotel rooms again OR if they would prefer to stay in the camper vans, that is also fine, with their same room mates or new ones. They are confident that they can fix the implants with the right upgrade but they aren’t sure what to do to stop people from following the call of the desert and making them act erratically. What is important is that LILITH sticks together.

In the meantime, those who have recovered, and even those who are experiencing these issues are ordered to remain close to one another; a buddy system of sorts. Each Outsider will be given designated groups to keep tight watch over one another while in Vegas. They will be responsible for physically checking on those in their groups and making sure one another’s whereabouts are properly tracked in order to avoid losing anyone to the desert.

LILITH encourages Outsiders to hang tight and wait for instructions before adventuring back out into the desert.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

In light of the results of the scheduling poll, here is our first event with a preview of the kaiju. All side effects from either the sandstorms or the worm kaiju can last for as short or as long as players would like.

For the daydreams/memory share, players can decide how they would like characters to experience the memories, whether it plays out in front of them like a movie or if they're reliving it by acting out the scene all over again or a mix of both. We encourage you guys to have fun with it and use whatever format feels most comfortable.

As always, feel free to leave questions under the QUESTIONS thread. All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards June AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. STORM CHASERS: Outsiders, still in the now expanded Mojave Desert, face problems with heat and sandstorms, resulting in dehydration and delirium. Still, LILITH encourages them to press onward in their camper vans and desert approved attire. Many dead bodies are found, but those that survive, Outsiders can keep an eye on survivors until emergency care can come pick them up.

2. STORM CALLS: A glimpse of the creature causing the problems is seen beneath the sands surface: a giant sandworm. It attacks LILITH recruits with psychological damage, causing Outsiders to hallucinate memories of their past, act erratic and violent and turn on LILITH crew. Outsiders are tasked to wrangle in one another and retreat back to Las Vegas to recover.

3. CITY OF DREAMS: Seeking refuge back in Las Vegas, character's implants go haywire from the psychic attacks, causing a memory share between characters that are close enough to one another.

4. REST & RECOVERY: Outsiders are placed in hotels again, or if they prefer to stay in the camper vans. They are tasked to keep an eye out on one another and sit tight for further instructions while LILITH assesses their data and next move to wrangle in the sandworm. Outsiders are to wait until given instructions.

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Comments

[eyescar]

Only if you want to. I'm not going to make you tell me anything.

[ Yuji can't help the way he's tender and careful with Katsuki, wanting nothing more than to soothe and comfort right now. He's no stranger to this feeling, to the uncertainty of it all, to the way that the fight can drain you and embolden you both, but he wants to rid Katsuki of the strange, hurt feelings, the discontent and discomfort that comes from baring your heart and soul like this, time and time again.

If he could steal that pain and take it for himself, could hold on this pain in his hands and shove it into his own heart, then he would do that. He would do whatever it took to see Katsuki's smile again, to see the way he can laugh, the way he has so much brightness and warmth deep down inside of him.

That's the Katsuki he wants to remember.

Seeing Katsuki whole again, feeling his heart beating under his touch, palm-flat against his chest, and he sighs softly. ]

I'm here for you, whatever you want, whatever it takes. We're going to take care of each other, aren't we?

[ Leaning in, he bonks his head against Katsuki's. ]

You're one of my best friends.

[blastedass]

Che, I know you won't.

[It's arguable he could even make Katsuki if he wanted to. The guy's stubborn. Then again, Yuji's gotten the aggressive blonde to do things he hadn't wanted before. The more time they spend here, the easier it becomes to rest and recover from the invasion of his mind. It wasn't Yuji's decision to get forced into the painful memory, yet he's helping Katsuki in the aftermath. Normally the blonde would shut his door for a good while and brood by himself until it was all packed down again. But now, those strong hands are working with him, helping to comfort and support him as the darker feelings abide.

Katsuki had thought the same when experiencing Yuji's agony... He wanted to take his pain away and shoulder it himself. But trading pain isn't going to help either of them, despite the noble intentions. This is better. Helping to heal the hurt. It brushes away the darkness and reveals that strong, brilliant light they share. A beating, heroic heart that continues to work despite everything it's endured. Katsuki leans forward until they're close enough the back of his hand, still resting palm-first atop Yuji's, can settle against the sorcerer's chest. Letting them both feel the strong pulse between them.]

Yeah. As often as we need to. Support me... and I'll support you. [He exhales and a tiny smile curves the corner of his lips, ashen blonde bangs mixing with the shorter pink.] Best friends... Yeah. We are.

[Finally admitting it out o his own mouth.]

[eyescar]

[ The way they care about one another is definitely something special.

Yuji knows that many of his friendships are forged in fire: growing closer with his classmates and mentors after missions, limited downtime fuelling those bonds. He remembers meeting Katsuki and finding him frustrating, irritating, fun to poke and prod at like a caged animal… But things are different now. All the time they’ve spent together, the hours of friendship and companionship, have all led to this - the kind of joy and happiness of friendship that’s rare to find and hard to keep.

He wouldn’t trade this away.

The image of Katsuki sacrificing himself will be forever burned in his mind, but he knows that his friend gets back up, just like he himself did. They offer their lives and their futures in the hopes it brings something better, something good, and they’re willing to pay the blood price for survival… They empathise with each other. For all that Yuji had felt alone and isolated at times, Katsuki had made him feel understood. There are some things he simply cannot tell Megumi about, and having a friend like this makes all of that ease, just a little.

All he can do is hope that he does the same in return - that this boy knows that Yuji will always be here for him, at his side, no matter what happens or what it takes.

Breathing out, blinking back his tears - not numb to watching his friend die but trying to disguise it - Yuji nods. ]

You’re stuck with this now. You can’t take it back.

[blastedass]

[Many of Katsuki's companionship also grew out of force. He entered U.A. with absolutely zero intention of ever getting the least bit close with any of his classmates. But when the USJ incident happened, things began to change. By the time he arrived here, the idea of being friends with people was surface-level resisted, but already softened enough by U.A. to permit it. Yuji was one of the first. Initially just an annoying guy with a way too positive outlook who Katsuki was only interested in clashing strength again, the experiences he's had with Yuji, positive and negative, molded that iron into this unshakeable structure. One he can find solace in and admit to their friendship without feeling completely awkward. A relationship built on mutual trust, strength, interest, and understanding. Something Katsuki respects above much else. Never removable.

That's what made the memory easier to handle. The reminder and knowledge that Yuji was still here, alive and well, giving death the "fuck you" treatment. He grasped onto that reality to weather through he painful past. He really doubts there's anyone outside his world that can understand him and the struggles he went through in his role as a hero, except for Yuji. They have their differences, sure, but the similarities are comforting. He isn't bereft of those connections. Communicating his gratitude for that is likely not possible. He'll have to say it each time he rests against Yuji, holds his hand, sleeps beside him, trades blows in training, and every other interaction they have.

It's why he believes, somehow, someway, a piece of Yuji will come home with him. Even if he doesn't remember or recognize, the time spent with his best friend emblazoned on his heart. He holds onto Yuji tightly even here because of it, not wanting to waste any time they have together. Katsuki looks at Yuji, notes the tears in his eyes, and reaches up to rest his hand on Yuji's face. He doesn't want the boy to feel like he has to disguise his feelings... but won't demand him take off the mask either.]

I wouldn't want to. [His thumb rubs at the corner of Yuji's eye, taking some of the tears with it.]

[eyescar]

Katsuki...

[ Trying to be strong is hard.

Yuji turns his head to look back over at the nightmare landscape in front of him, the fight that had literally torn his friend apart. It makes something painful and aching bubble inside of him, and even with the finger brushing over his eyes, he can still feel the tears coming. It's too much, it's too painful, and he shudders with the way that he has to fight as hard as he can to try and not break into pieces.

He's used to death, but he'll never stop being wounded, broken from seeing the people he loves the most being torn from him.

Turning his head, he reaches out and wraps his arms around Katsuki, pressing his face into his shoulder as he makes a soft, mournful sound. Seeing Katsuki like that, on the ground, his heart literally exploding from the inside out... Yuji can empathise. He can understand. He wishes he didn't, he wishes their experiences were different, not so similar... Breathing out softly, he shakes his head, clinging to his friend with all that he has.

It's all too much, isn't it? They're just teenagers...

Breathing out a shaky noise, Yuji tries to smile. ]

Don't die. Make me the same promise.

[blastedass]

[No one ever said being strong was easy. Strength requires improvement, and improvement requires effort beyond what's normally put up. Usually breaking something in the process to repair and make better. Thankfully the scene hasn't gone any further. It can't. But even now, the image is starting to fade. Katsuki feels Yuji shudder under his hand, realizing he's trying to hold himself together. It hurts, knowing the other boy is doing his damnest not to break down.

Of course this memory would be hard for Yuji, someone who'd seen so many people he cares about already die in a battle he wasn't even supposed to be a part of (or so Katsuki thinks). As Yuji turns back to him and embraces him, the memory finally drifts into darkness, leaving the two of them alone in the blank quiet. Katsuki quickly gathers his friend into his arms, one hand cupping the back of his head to hold him close. His eyes lid at the muffled sounds of sorrow. The onus of comfort switching again.

Teenagers. Children as some villains said. The burden falls to them as the adults failed. Katsuki combs his hand through Yuji's hair, caressing and trying to comfort him, but also silently encouraging him to let those emotions out. Bottling them up right now is foolish...]

Aa. I promise. I'm not gonna die. [He closes his eyes and rests his head against Yuji's.] I didn't. Edgeshot-senpai... saved my life.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji still sniffles as he presses into Katsuki, blinking back the tears and trying to stop it all, to step the flow of his own grief as he shakes and tries to grip at his friend. It's not right, to be so worried about someone he cares about dying when they're just teenagers trying to survive in their world, but that's the nature of their existence, isn't it?

Is being a hero just like this? Suffering and losing and feeling the ache and pain of it all? Or is there hope for the future?

Yuji is clinging to that glimmer of hope. That possibility that things will be better if they push and work hard.

Comfort is slow to come, his heart aching and feeling sore from it, but he breathes out softly as he nods, clinging and desperately wishing he could make this better. Wishing he could make their lives happier, safer, better for them all. ]

I'm glad. If I could thank him...

[blastedass]

You don't have to hold it in... It's okay. I'm right here.

[He can't stand it, listening to Yuji try so hard to bite back the sadness and stop himself from showing it. No, it's not right they have to endure this, but holding back that kind of emotion isn't going to help. Katsuki knows that full well, having stuffed his grief and guilt so much, he broke down and attacked Midoriya out of sheer need for venting in the only way he could. He rubs the back of Yuji's head, soothes over his nape, embraces his shoulders, trying to help him get through that blockage. It's not right... but both of them agreed to their paths, even if Yuji's was forced and non-traditional compared to Katsuki's.

Being a hero is similar. Granted there is-- used to be --far more light and cheer in the role compared to the sorcerers. But now, after the wreckage of their society, it's full of suffering and loss. Being a hero right now is painful, exhausting, damning... Many gave up and retired under the pressure, anger, and criticism. Katsuki hates that decision. It's cowardly and helps no one.

But those who stay and fight do so purely for hope for the future. No one is going to fight a battle for no reason. Even someone like Yuji who thinks it's a role has to admit to that, right? What point is there to a role if not to focus on going forward. No one's role can change the past... Even Nanami, as annoyed as he was and bitter towards the current society, still hoped for the future. Katsuki had to dig that admission out of him though and smack him in the face with it.

Knowing Yuji and his allies haven't given up that hope is far more heartening that Katsuki can put into words. He never wants to see any of them give up. That's the only time a hero really loses... He holds onto Yuji tightly, keeping him close and trying to share that strength he was just given back with the young man who also needs to feel it.]

I hope one day you will. Dunno if you'll be able to say shit at first. He looks like an angular sperm now.

[Sorry, Yuji. If it makes the sorcerer sputter or laugh, it's worth it. Edgeshot will be miffed.]

[eyescar]

Katsuki...

[ Yuji is just so tired of crying, so sick of being the one to break down when there are people who must have it just as bad as he does. He's not the only person who has lost something, not the only person to have died in this place, Katsuki is evidence of that, so what right does he have to be upset over something as simple as a memory? There's a guilt there, gnawing at him, as if he doesn't deserve this kind of comfort and softness - but he knows there's no point in voicing it. Katsuki would just scold him for it, even he even tried.

Yuji is starting to accept that he might be some kind of hero to some, but it wars with his mindset even now. There are some things he struggles to accept, to rationalise, to understand, and seeing someone he loves die in front of him remains one of those things. He adores Katsuki, he doesn't want to see him hurt or in pain, and he doesn't want to see him suffer. This is a slap in the face to all of that.

Breathing out, he nods his head, squeezing him a little tighter as he lets the tears fall, letting them slide down his cheeks without hesitation, no pause. He's allowed to feel this grief, because it will be better in the end. ]

I don't care what he looks like, even if it's stupid sperm. [ A snotty little laugh. ] He made sure you were able to meet me. That's enough for me.

[blastedass]

It's fine. [It's natural to cry over a sadness. Telling someone not to cry just because others have it worse is nothing more than belittling the person's feelings and stifling them. Someone's always worse off than anyone, so no one should ever cry or feel bad if that's the thought process. Yuji has every right to be upset, to cry over the loss of something or someone he cares about. Katsuki doesn't like it that his friend feels guilt over his own sorrow. He usually swallows his own sadness out of pride and image, but even he's not impermeable forever. Yuji saw that himself, felt it when the young hero clung to him.

There are even heroes who find it hard to accept themselves as a hero. Someday, Katsuki will tell him about Aoyama. But even if Yuji doesn't see himself as a hero, even if it takes a while to be accepted in his mind, Katsuki refuses to think anything but that. He holds him close, letting him feel and react as he wants. Of course he doesn't want to hurt Yuji, never wanted him to see something as brutal and painful as this. The boy's already suffered enough. Couldn't he have just been told instead of being forced to watch it?

Katsuki rests his head against his friend's, eyes lidding as he rubs his hand through his hair, curls his fingers in the pink spikes to try to comfort him. Feeling his tears trailing down his face as his grief and empathy fall. The weight of those last words make Edgeshot's sacrifice hit a lot harder. Everyone that Katsuki gets to meet, every action he gets to do afterwards, is all because of the ninja hero who gave up so much of himself to save a life they couldn't afford to lose.]

Aa. [In the same vein, perhaps there are people in Yuji's life Katsuki should thank for letting him be able to meet Yuji.] I'm glad I met you, Yuji.