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𝚂𝚱𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 đ™Œđš˜đšđšœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2024-07-12 11:07 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3

DOWNTIME MINGLE #3


CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, forced scenarios.

▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.

As Outsiders head back from Okinawa (or, perhaps they are already back, characters were able to leave Okinawa through the dataportal whenever) with plenty of coconut crab and mutated fish, Outsiders can expect to have the cafeteria filled with crab and fish food for the next.. well, undetermined amount of time. The power outages have been restored on the LILITH base, and while Outsiders have been enjoying their change of pace in Okinawa, there has been some celebratory news across the Outsider's ocular implants. It looks like it is a message from the big guy himself! Whoever that is. Wasn't his name.. Eiji something? Elijah?


"I'm not going to waste my time with introductions, because we have more important matters to discuss. First of all, good work. Second, while we have been met with several successes, don't let it get to your head. Third, continue following the lead of Yamakawa. ... This is why I don't do celebratory speeches. CODENAMES MONEYBAGS, DUELWIELD, BUSTERMOVE, CHAINSAW MAN and CURSE... great work. You'll see the rewards of your hard work momentarily. Report to me for a payout."

The announcement won't leave an Outsider's implant until it has been read, but just as the voice said, Outsiders will find a Sampo themed pachinko machine installed by the cafeteria near the vending machines. It looks like it's ready to be played! Why not give it a go? Because who wouldn't want to see this charm willingly.

A lot of toy companies are also wanting their skin in this game and have introduced the set of several actions figures based off Yzak and Dearka's gundams, which can be seen distributed on base. The caveat, however, is that you will need to build them piece-by-piece. Alongside this, there will also be Denji-themed plushies, even if it looks like a cross between a dog and human.

Thanks to Choso, hair care on the base has also gotten a lot better. Due to sponsorships, Outsiders are readily able to access more shampoo and conditioner options. Though, maybe thanks to the pictures on the bottle— buns are now trending.

Maybe give the pachinko machine a spin? Or try Choso's brand of shampoo your team's wing communal shower?


▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.

The sun is hot but summer is traditionally festival season in Neo Tokyo; these old traditions have managed to hold up in this gritty society in attempts to keep a positive morale, so some citizens and organizers try to keep the tradition going and lift spirits by celebrating local festivals. Many districts and neighborhoods have their own festivals as well. One day, you might stumble onto a shopping district’s wind chime festival and the next day, you might find flyers for a neighborhood’s morning glory festival.

The largest festival of the month is the Tanabata festival. Since the holiday falls in an odd weekday this year, the main celebration is held the next weekend. Civilians and Outsiders can find various shrines, shopping centers, and community buildings with bamboo branches on display with holographic slips of paper that alternate colors. Characters that pass by may submit their wishes on their implants; a new way to keep the old tradition.

On the weekend, some stalls have been set up for people to celebrate. Attendance is low because of the heat and due to a food shortage, the options are lacking. However, there are plenty of games such as a toy shooting range with laser guns and kaiju targets. There are also goldfish catching games where people can catch a cheap goldfish drone that can “swim” in the air and water and shoot bubbles. As a bonus, LILITH will provide Outsiders with an outfit upgrade to help lift spirits. The outfit consists of a traditional summer yukata or jinbei.

Fireworks have gone out of style due to attracting kaiju attention. However, at the festival’s end, there is a drone light show. Hundreds of customized hummingbird drones take to the sky and create elaborate illuminations and shapes in the sky while music plays.


▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.

Festival season means LILITH also has to get in on the action, and while a certain Outsider named Dr. Ratio has raised concerns over the stated of the LILITH base Library, LILITH has actually listened to his desperate plea to renovate the library. What a perfect opportunity for LILITH to use the festival as a way of raising funds so they don't have to dip into their kaiju payout funds (and pizza party fund.) It's time for LILITH's annual SUMMER FESTA. Every year, LILITH comes together with local organizations like fire stations, police stations, clinics, and nonprofits to promote public safety and awareness. It's a one day festival where people can get information about what to do to stay safe not only during kaiju attacks but in their daily lives. The funds raised at the festival will go to training, supplies, research, and maintaining services.

As usual, LILITH is raising money for disaster relief supplies and renovation projects across Neo Tokyo. Per request, LILITH has agreed to set aside some funds to help renovate the facilities on base, including the library. However, they will task the Outsiders with raising the money.

It's a festival so how they raise the money is both up up to them or they may take the suggestions according to their team placement below. Either way, Outsiders are required to work with other people on their same team but they're encouraged to make it fun. Set up game stalls, sell food, do performances, and ask for donations to raise as much money as possible for their projects. The team that raises the most money is promised a prize while the losers will be punished. Here are the team suggestions below and some of them may have some new, modern twists:

Everlight: Kingyo-sukui, which is goldfish catching with a paper scoop. Managing the takoyaki stands.
Revelation: Yoyo-tsuri, fishing for water-filled balloons with a “fishing pole” with a paper string. Managing the mask stands.
Brimstone: Shateki, shooting at targets for prizes. Managing the sparklers stands.. sparklers shouldn't catch kaiju attention, right?
Redemption: Wanage, ring toss. Managing the onigiri stands.

Outsiders will be given a week to prepare for the festival and they only have a single day to raise funds. In the evening, the winning team is announced: Revelation. All team members will receive can badges and a pizza party. A special donation will also be made to the library on their behalf: A stack full of self help books, yes, REAL books and not holograms or digital books, such as "Overcoming Your Depression for Dummies" and "How to Make Friends 101." Thank you for your effort, Team Revelation!

As for the losers, they will be given options: Sign up or the final fundraising event of the night or help clean up at the end of the festival. The final fundraiser is a punishment game where volunteers from each organization are dunked in tubs of water or pied in the face. It seems like a certain person (Seok Dang) was supposed to be LILITH’s tribute but he is nowhere to be found
 maybe one of the other losers will step up and take his place to be dunked in water or pied in the face? Characters may also sign up a loser character without their consent. Come on, be a good sport!

▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.

Despite the celebrations and attempts to raise morale, the heatwave persists in Neo Tokyo and with it, the problems from the beginning of the month. Food continues to go bad quickly and while fundraising attempts have provided some relief, the city is huge and shelf stable supplies begin to run low again. The energy crisis improves slightly with blackouts occurring less frequently as emergency personnel attempt to intervene. Though the weather is dreary, the renovations must press on! Fortunately, most of the things to do around the Library consist of staying inside. Dr. Ratio has given the following orders which Outsiders may help with in the Library:
- Install better lighting.
- Organize and add more books.
- Set up and secure tables and chairs.
- Add couches to once section of the library to convert it into a lounging area.

Characters may work together to help, or maybe they prefer to laze around and give the newly renovated Library a test run!

After a few days, finally, the rain meteorologists have promised arrives. The skies darken and heavy rain falls on the city which brings much cooler temperatures. People stay inside more often as it becomes too inconvenient to go out when the rain and wind are so strong. The rainstorms grow stronger and eventually become fully fledged storms. The ground shakes from thunder and lightning strikes light up the sky.

Everyone’s ocular implants will frequently give warnings about the weather. LILITH will task Outsiders with assisting across the city. Help evacuate citizens to higher ground during flash floods. After the storms subside, help clear the streets of debris and trees. Some neighborhoods will lose power because of lightning strikes and need their generators restored. However, every time they finish their tasks, a new storm will occur a few days later and they’ll have to repeat.

At first, it seems like the typical summer storm season but meteorologists become concerned when more storms begin to happen without following clear weather patterns and even the locals remark the season seems very active this year
 could it be another kaiju? The last time Neo Tokyo had floods, it was sea water, but this is caused by heavy rain. Like clockwork, LILITH's investigating team is on the lookout for energy from a rift or any leads to what could be causing all of the heavy rain. Outsiders are instructed to keep an eye out for any emergency messages.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third downtime mingle! While we would typically have a texting prompt, we instead have player plots for this event! Thank you Abbel and Eski for the Tanabata and festival player prompt and Sky for the Library renovations plot! We appreciate Eski for spending 500 bonus points to provide everyone with something to wear for Tanabata. For the character-run stalls as part of the renovation prompt, players are not limited to the suggestions given by the mods and are free to come up with their own stall ideas. Additionally, for characters signing up other characters for the dunk tank, please make sure you get OOC permission from their players first.

Please note also we have added new rewards: the Poison Dagger, Cat Ear Visor, and the Elemental Swords now come in the models Ice and Lightning. Please see the REWARDS page for more information.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. A JOB WELL DONE: The kaiju heavy hitters get recognition with.. a pachinko machine and shampoo sponsorship? Outsiders can react to their fellow colleagues about this development, or maybe even talk to the winners themselves around the base.

2. TRADITIONAL TANABATA: It's Tanabata season, even in a post-apocalyptic world! Put on some old, traditional attire with your friends and enjoy a drone show.

3. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS: LILITH has teamed up with the local safety personnel to get in on the festival season. Characters are encouraged to fundraise for renovations at the LILITH base Library. Teams may also visit other teams events and stands to donate, partake in, and.. maybe deliver some competitive harassment.

4. MONSOON SEASON: With the weather being hot and renovations needing done, LILITH works together to improve the Library. A few days later, the weather gets suspiciously intense and Outsiders are instructed to help civilians with power outages, flash flooding, debris from heavy wind and rain.
the_fourteenth: (039)

004 let's all go to the ryokan

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-24 04:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Raidou was hoping for a break in monsoon season - might be a little hard to enjoy the baths and gardens at the ryokan in this weather - but also the idea of getting away while the storms roll on sounds like a good idea. If you have to be stuck inside for a couple of days, why not make it in a nice hotel?

He knocks on Yuji's bedroom door with a backpack on, one that looks like it might have more than needed for a night or two stay in it. Especially for a guy who owns a style chip and doesn't really need to pack much clothing. Don't ask, okay. In one hand he has an umbrella, and in the other, a gift.

Truthfully, Raidou's excited but nervous about this trip. It seemed like such a grown-up thing to do, to take off for the weekend and stay at a hotel. Maybe some of that will be mitigated by the gift he hands to Yuji as soon as he opens the door: a nine-tailed fox plush, a carnival prize from Tanabata.]


Hi.
eyescar: (Default)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-24 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuji has been buzzing about the trip since they decided they were going to do it, and it's obvious from the excitement on his face as he opens the door to Raidou. Comparatively, he's packed pretty light: he's got an extra hoodie, he's got some random things shoved away, but most importantly he has himself and the sheer excitement of a trip.

Despite all the things he's seen and done, Yuji remains a teenager.

Brightening as soon as he sees his boyfriend, Yuji leans in to kiss his cheek, barely noticing the plushie in his excitement. ]


Hi! Are you ready? I wanna see as many of the cats as we can!
the_fourteenth: (Default)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-24 05:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[Raidou nods enthusiastically.]

I am. But take this first. When I saw it at the Tanabata games, I had to win it.

[He hands the plushie to him.]

Ah, see, the first Kuzunoha was a white fox at first. Not a nine-tail, but still. It's cute. Now I have my tiger, and you have your fox.

[A counterpart for the plushie Yuji got him for his birthday.]

eyescar: (pic#16908095)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-24 06:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah! It's for me?

[ His eyes widen, and he lifts the fox up into his arms, looking at it with a bright, warm smile. He almost pets it, as if it's real, and then he breathes out a quiet noise. ]

Did you bring the tiger? We could put them together, then, but if you left it then I'll leave it here.

[ So that it doesn't get damaged, because Yuji knows himself too well. ]
the_fourteenth: (Default)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-24 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Left it, unfortunately. Not enough room in my bag. And I'd hate to see them get ruined in this weather. But--

[He holds up one of those oversized golf umbrellas.]

I've got this, so we should be mostly okay.

[He holds out his free hand, ready to go when he is.]

Otherwise, I'm ready when you are.
eyescar: (pic#17064373)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-24 08:13 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll leave this one here, then!

[ Hopefully, Choso won't drool on it when he sleeps... ]

I wish I could teleport us both, that would make things so much easier. [ A sigh. ] Let's go! Maybe we can dodge all the rain!

[ Wishful thinking as he grabs his boyfriend's hand happily. ]
the_fourteenth: (018)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-25 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
Teleporting could be nice, but...

[As they step outside and Raidou pops open the large umbrella, he threads his free arm through Yuji's, and pulls him close. The rain is heavy, but the winds aren't too bad. There will be robes to change into at the ryokan anyway, so they can dry off.]

You would have thrwarted my evil scheme, where we have to huddle close together under my umbrella to get through the storm.
eyescar: (pic#16975207)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-25 09:30 am (UTC)(link)
Is it really an evil scheme...?

[ Yuji is grinning, leaning into Raidou and tucking himself against his side, curling close and tilting his head up. It's definitely cute, and very sweet, and it makes his face feel warm. ]

I guess I'll have to fall into your trap.
the_fourteenth: (Default)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-25 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Yep. And it worked flawlessly.

[He grins as they cozy up. It's the best way to cheer up such a dreary, rainy day. By the time they get to the hotel, they're pretty drenched from the knees down anyway. The hotel doesn't exactly have a lot of guests in this sort of weather, so they're glad to have them, help them get into some dry clothes, and get a room. There's a cat on the concierge desk lounging away as they check in, so we're already off to a good start.]
eyescar: (pic#15166822)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 09:35 am (UTC)(link)
You’re a mastermind, Johei.

[ Checked in and much warmer for it, Yuji is quick to drop his backpack in the corner and turn around to wrap his arms around Raidou, almost spinning him around in his excitement. He’s gleeful with it, bright and warm and flushed and giddy with how happy he is. ]

Isn’t this amazing?
the_fourteenth: (053)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[Seeing Yuji this happy is all Raidou needs, especially when considering what Yuji had to go through to earn this trip in the first place. But how can you think about something like that in the face of such earnest excitement?

It's contagious. Raidou smiles brightly - just as enthusiastic in his own subdued way - and his own arms slide around Yuji's waist.]


It is. It's a beautiful place. What do you want to do first? I did bring some things in my bag...
eyescar: torayu_0320 @ twitter (pic#16247002)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 03:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuji can read Raidou well, now, and he can see the joy there - leaning in to his hold, the easy embrace, he beams and tilts to steal a kiss, sliding their mouths together in a quick press. He’s so happy he’s almost vibrating with it, all earnest excitement.

He’s happy to be here, to be doing something pleasant and nice, to be able to relax with someone he cares about.

Peering over at the bag, he blinks, wondering. ]


What kind of things?
the_fourteenth: (Default)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 03:51 pm (UTC)(link)
[Reluctantly, he slips from Yuji's grip to grab his bag and open it up.]

Nothing much, but I figured with the rain, a little extra entertainment might help.

[He pulls out a deck of cards, and then a few volumes of a popular action manga - a recommendation from his former high school classmates. But, the reason the bag seemed heavy is the last thing he draws out. It's the little screen projector they used to play movies in the cafeteria. He holds it up triumphantly.]

There. Now we can watch whatever we want tonight.
eyescar: (pic#16963594)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 04:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah! We can watch so many?

[ This time, Yuji can’t resist even a little bit. His arms wrap around Raidou and he spins him before leaning in for a long, slow kiss, grinning against his mouth. ]

You thought of everything to make this perfect, didn’t you? Thank you.
the_fourteenth: (136)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 05:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[An amused tone slips from Raidou when Yuji pulls him in, grinning into that kiss almost as much as he is.]

You deserve it. What shall we do first? Whatever you want.
eyescar: (pic#16904836)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 05:12 pm (UTC)(link)
There’s a lot of choice, isn’t there? Maybe we should save the baths and stuff for later


[ Yuji hums, leaning in to press his face into Raidou’s neck absently. ]

I could just do this, honestly

the_fourteenth: (146)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 05:36 pm (UTC)(link)
After dinner, perhaps. Then we can get the projector going.

[They can get some extra pillows and blankets and set the futons up nice and cozy for movie time. Though, when Yuji says that, his voice softens, and he wraps those hands around his waist again.]

I see nothing wrong with also doing nothing at all.
eyescar: (pic#16064196)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Ahh, Johei!

[ Yuji is grinning as he cuddles into him, voice muffled against his neck and hands gripping at the fabric of his clothes, holding him close. ]

How am I meant to not just kiss you all the time?
the_fourteenth: icon <user name="sonea"> (154)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 06:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's so happy, just like this, seeing Yuji this giddy. Anything to help combat those feelings Raidou knows he's hiding deep down. Anything to keep him smiling just like this. It makes Raidou's heart soar.

A hand strokes the back of Yuji's neck fondly.]


I'm certainly not going to stop you.
eyescar: (Default)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
You’d get embarrassed if it was all the time.

[ Grinning, he nuzzles their noses together gently, heart hammering. ]

But when we’re alone together like this? I’ll kiss you until it hurts.
the_fourteenth: (118)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-26 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[Well, Yuji was right about that. Who knows if Raidou will ever stop being so shy. But here, just the two of them, is very different.]

I'd like to see you try.

[He won't wait for him to, though. Raidou quickly pulls him in and kisses him strongly, as if to meet that challenge.]
eyescar: (pic#16963593)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-26 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The kiss is good, they’re always good, and Yuji is pressing back into it immediately, arms wrapping around Raidou all the tighter to hold him close. He wasn’t kidding about wanting to kiss until it hurts, and if this is the start he’s been offered


Yuji gives it his all, kissing back hard, fingers brushing absently against the back of Raidou’s neck and the warmth of his skin. They’re here, together, kissing like this, and nothing could be more perfect. ]
the_fourteenth: (052)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-27 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
[A kiss like this is almost overwhelming, and Raidou's hand on Yuji's waist clutches tightly. They've kissed many, many times, but the immediate intensity of this is different. It's an intoxicating, almost overwhelming feeling, and he presses as close as he can to the other boy, wanting more.

He wanted to kiss until it hurt? Raidou wasn't going to tap out anytime soon. They've barely made it into their suite, their clothes still damp from the monsoon rain, but it didn't matter. All Raidou wants is here in his arms.]


eyescar: (pic#17149190)

[personal profile] eyescar 2024-07-27 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There’s no pause nor hesitation in Yuji, who was serious when he said he wanted to kiss Raidou all the time; arms hold him close, fingers lift to lift his hat away gently and place it down to rest on their things, barely disconnecting their mouths to do it. Then he can wrap his arms around his neck properly, scratch gentle fingers through his hair, nails gentle on his scalp.

Its perfect. Alone together in their private space, mouths pressed together, holding onto each other, Yuji makes a breathless noise against his mouth, caught between a laugh and something else. His cheeks are pink, dusted with it, and his eyes are dark, but happy. Content.

He’s still not sure he deserves this, but


Leaning in, he kisses Raidou again, just as hard, teeth clacking on his lip just a little. ]
the_fourteenth: (Default)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2024-07-28 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Raidou looks much the same in that brief pause, catching his breath as he gazes at Yuji with heavy eyes. Those long nails running along his scalp, Yuji's weight pressed against him, the force of the kisses... Somehow it was all so much, and not yet enough.

The teeth against him cause a noise to slip from him, one of pleasant surprise, Yuji's enthusiasm making him smile between their lips. Slender fingers hold tight on the back of the other boy's neck to keep him close, to encourage him to keep going. To let Raidou kiss him as deeply as he could.

Raidou shifts his weight, pulling Yuji close with a hand on his lower back that's now made its way underneath his hoodie. Bringing him down against him slowly with him to the floor, never parting their lips for long. Unlike at the onsen, here they were alone and uninterrupted. Just the two of them, with the sound of the wind and rain outside the windows serving as the only reminder of the rest of the world.]

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