KAIJU FIGHT #4

[synfluxmods]

KAIJU FIGHT #4

CONTENT WARNINGS: natural disaster, acid rain, destruction of city, blood, gore

▶ 001. BE READY.

Despite having two targets, LILITH struggles to get a trace on them. Reports of sightings come in and often follow the same trend: They always appear before heavy rain, can be spotted dipping in and out of the heavy clouds, and always disappear by the time the sun comes out. Gradually, they can paint a more accurate idea of what they’re dealing with as more witness reports start to come in.

What starts off as reports of a large serpent-like creature in Seoul and Busan evolves into definitive reports of pair of dragons. Both are reported to be blue in color before they seem to fade to a dark gray or green color into the clouds. Based on reports, LILITH believes they may be able to camouflage themselves which would explain why they have been difficult to track.

However, LILITH’s Korea branch announces that by tracking the weather patterns and tracing them with residual rift energy, they can predict when the kaiju will appear next. All agents are told to be ready to mobilize at any moment. This means practicing timed emergency drills and sleeping in shifts so they can be ready to move out at any moment.

LILITH Korea decides to save time and reduce workload, they’ll have their own military assist with civilian evacuations. They will work with LILITH Japan’s agents to track the kaiju and provide support while the “specialists” (Outsiders) take care of the main threat.

▶ 002. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL.

In the early morning hours, agents in Seoul will wake up to an alarm telling them that an anomaly weather pattern has been detected and a kaiju is due to appear at any moment. Because the kaiju is airborne, they will be sent to one of the highest points in the city: Seoul Tower on Mt. Namsan and Lotte World Tower in the center of the city. Outsiders will be granted permission to go up to the rooftops to strike the dragon.

LILITH Korea will provide air support through nearby Incheon Airport and Seongnam Airbase. Should any Outsiders want to join in, they are welcome to if they can provide credentials… or manage to take a plane.

Eventually, the kaiju will be downed. It will crash into the city and deal heavy damage to buildings as it thrashes around on the ground at first. It will begin to run across the city at high speeds and climb whatever buildings it can. Anyone stationed at Lotte World Tower will have to evacuate quickly as it tries to bring the entire building down. However, it looks like the city is so densely packed, there’s no room for it to take off into the air.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♂
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Seoul, South Korea
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: Despises humans and hunts them for food and sport. The scales on the male Imugi also seem to have a different color sheen to their scales, but only under a specific type of light.

* Due to its appearance in Japan, as well as Korea, it does have other names in the database.

▶ 003. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN.

Meanwhile, Outsiders in LILITH will have to deal with less assistance from LILITH Korea. With the railway out of commission and their air forces focused predominately in Seoul at the moment, there’s just not enough to share with Busan right now.

All seems quiet for now. Civilians and agents tune into broadcasts for updates from Seoul. As they learn more and more about the growing destruction in the capital city, everyone can’t help but wonder… There are two kaiju, right and one of them was last seen in Busan… so where is it?

Finally, around evening, the kaiju appears not in the sky but in the mountains outside Busan. It’s strange but LILITH will order the Outsiders to move out. If it’s on the ground, it may be injured so exercise caution. The mountains are difficult to travel through but eventually, they will find the Imugi.

It is extremely violent and will thrash out at anyone who gets close to it. It downs trees, spits acid, and summons lightning strikes to keep the Outsiders away. It uses it’s camouflage to escape into highway and railway tunnels. Outsiders may be able to infer that despite being unable to fly, it is trying to travel to Seoul.

To make matters worse, Outsiders may run into… traps. It looks like someone has tried to set out hunting traps out here. They drop electric nets, shoot tranquilizer barbs, and more. Is this what has been keeping the Imugi down? Who put them out here?

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♀
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Busan, South Korea
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: From its initial appearance and behavior, specialists believe that this female Imugi could be in preparation to give birth or may have recently given birth. This appearx to be the female counterpart to the kaiju in Seoul— despite them both being the same type of kaiju, likely derived from the same rift, this kaiju seems slightly more agile and openly aggressive.

▶ 004. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL.

It’s a two-front battle in Seoul and Busan.

Finally, in the late evening hours, the Seoul Team will successfully defeat the Imugi. Lotte World Tower collapses to the ground, bringing down more buildings with it. The water systems in the city are damaged and the streets begin to flood, mixing water with kaiju blood and turning acidic. Some of the evacuation centers were attacked in the chaos so Outsiders will have to rush to evacuate them again.

While it all seems like a standard aftermath, there is no time to rest. Scavengers emerge and try to plunder goods from the destroyed stores. They go into dangerous areas to retrieve luxury goods and expensive electronics they can resell for more Kryptos later.

However, some people have come and are trying to pick the Imugi corpse. They collect blood, rip off scales, hack off claws, and try to take whatever they can get their hands on. They may try to bribe an agent for an organ or to just look away while they pick at the remains. Some agents accept the bribes and others seem to be participating for themselves.

There has always been a black market for kaiju but this is a dragon. Anything they can get will surely sell for a lot of money.

▶ 005. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN.

Meanwhile, in Busan, since the battle started later. It is still ongoing. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to worry about buildings collapsing on them. However, around evening, something happens. Everything goes still in the mountains. The air becomes electrically charged, the clouds grow darker, and suddenly the kaiju takes off into the air.

It lets out a loud, high-pitched screech that summons a sudden heavy downpour of acid rain and the sky flashes with lightning that touches down all around the outsiders. The air becomes heavy and some Outsiders may recognize it as a Rift opening up. They may also notice that the Imugi in the sky… is growing? It grows longer and larger and it looks down on the Outsiders with glowing eyes before it disappears into the Rift.

The female kaiju has escaped.

The mountains have been heavily exposed to the Rift which means characters can fall to Rift poisoning. Exposure to the Rift can result in increased headaches, vertigo, irritability and impulsiveness. They will be ordered to retreat for their own health and safety.

▶ 006. DECISION.

With the fight in Seoul completed, and the other Imugi having escaped, all Outsiders will be prompted to return to Seoul in order to regroup. Agents in Busan will have to tend to themselves and make do with what they have until help arrives. With the rail destroyed, aircraft will arrive from Seoul to provide aid and pick up agents in Busan. They will swiftly return to Seoul. With parts of Seoul devastated by the attack, there won’t be much time to relax in leisure, especially as the higher-ups within LILITH seem to be under several discussions on their recent failure in allowing the second kaiju to escape. While it is the Outsiders who risked their lives on the front line, it isn’t to state that they’re only met with appreciation from the general public.

The branch in South Korea seems to be firm on the Outsiders and all borrowed LILITH operatives to remain in the city and help. Not only has the kaiju left ruin to a lot of the infrastructure in the city but crime has skyrocketed as a result of people trying to capitalize on the destruction. Without assistance, the entire city could fall into anarchy. On the opposing end, the Japan branch wants to prioritize tracking the kaiju while they are still able to, especially considering the Imugi's natural ability to camouflage and move stealthily from one country to another. They fear not acting swiftly will result in losing whatever trace they have.

…

A few hours after team Busan touches down in Seoul, all Outsiders will receive a message on their oculars. It will briefly explain the current situation and ask each Outsider to cast a vote on their next steps. There are two options that will be settled before them, either to: ASSIST the city of Seoul as best as they can before moving onwards, or to immediately CHASE after the recently escaped Imugi.

While that is happening, Seok Dang will have also disappeared. Considering his long history in the country, he naturally has the most connections. As a result, he is ordered to go out and seek specific pieces of information that the Japan branch isn’t privy to as a whole. While he’s firm on publicly stating he is staying around for a specific idol event (that is most definitely canceled), it’s clear he is attempting to look into the LILITH operatives that have been found dead in South Korea.

While those Outsiders in Busan were hit heaviest by the rift effects, the instability of the dual nature of two kaiju coming and going from Seoul and Busan have led to the presence of rift poisoning in Seoul as well. Because of this, Outsiders will be prompted to sit tight and await further orders while their peers recover.

▶ 007. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to fourth kaiju log!

Below will be two choices available, either to stay and ASSIST the city in its efforts to stabilize, or to CHASE after the escaped kaiju. Both results have their own pros and cons. Please keep in mind, this would be an IC decision, and so please keep that in mind before casting a vote. If you have multiple characters, you may cast a vote with each character. Additionally, while this does impact the aftermath or the following log's contents, it will not impact the general schedule. Voting will close at 12:00 AM GMT on August 22nd, to allow mods enough time to draft the next log.

As there are two kaiju, please comment below in the correct thread to get your hit in! In fairness, since only one kaiju is defeated, the final hit winner will be from Seoul, while two of the heaviest hitter will be from Busan, and one from Seoul in order to keep the numbers even.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. BE READY: The kaiju have been identified as a pair of dragons. Outsiders must participate in training drills to be ready at a moment's notice.

2. KAIJU FIGHT - SEOUL: Outsiders must take to the air or other high places to bring down Imugi (male). If they can use it, they may have access to aircraft. When the Imugi is brought down, it will take down Lotte Tower with it. The battle will proceed on the ground.

3. KAIJU FIGHT - BUSAN: Outsiders will track the Imugi (female) to the mountains outside Busan. It will not take to the air but Outsiders will run into odd traps that may deter their progress.

4. NO TIME TO REST - SEOUL: After being defeated, scavengers will try to raid the destroyed buildings and remains of the Imugi (male). Some law enforcement, including LILITH agents, seem to be involved.

5. NO TIME TO REST - BUSAN: A Rift opens and Imugi (female) escapes. Characters may be effected by Rift poisoning.

6. DECISION: Outsiders in Busan will sit tight until aid comes by air from Seoul. Busan Outsiders will be transported back. LILITH South Korea wants the Outsiders to help with recovery and keep the peace. LILITH Japan wants to pursue the Imugi (female) while they still have information.

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Yato | Noragami | Everlight

[intertwinedfates]

▶ 01. READY SET

[Despite Yato's earlier irresponsible behavior of binge drinking, now that things are getting serious, he is, too. Which means taking part in the practice emergency drills when they're scheduled, whether it's aiding civilians or mobilizing for battle. He's also there to help out anyone else who seems to be struggling getting it together, offering a kindly hand where needed.

Later on in the night, once most people have bedded down for the night, he's offered to take the late shift, being a god who technically doesn't need as much sleep as humans and other mortal beings. So he's just patrolling outside, wandering back and forth while staring at the sky above on occasion, in between keeping a keen eye on the surrounding areas for danger. When he stumbles across anyone, he gives a nod and addresses them quietly.]

You should get back to bed. We're all going to need to be rested tomorrow.

▶ 02. KAIJU FIGHT: SEOUL

[When it comes time to face the kaiju, Yato's on the ball immediately, leaping to the rooftops to get close to the creature thanks to the advantage of his godly mobility. Sword in hand, he traverses the buildings with practiced ease, practically floating at times as he chases their target and tries getting in a few good hits here and there before falling back for a time. Once or twice he even embeds his sword in the kaiju and ends up getting tossed this way and that as he clings to the hilt of his sword, his body waving like a banner as Imugi tries shaking off its opponents.]

W-W-Whoooaaaaa~! Down, boy! Girl! Whatever you are--!

[Once the kaiju goes down and makes a break for the Lotte World Tower, Yato scrambles to get ahead of the beast in order to help evacuate the building, again using his abilities to check the highest points first for straggles before making his way down hastily, escorting any innocent bystanders or fellow Outsiders as is needed.

Towards the lower levels he snags someone - possibly you - by the wrist and starts tugging both himself and them forward as debris falls around them, some large chunks of roof blocking part of the stairs leading down. Clicking his tongue, he pulls both parties through the narrow space to reach their escape path.]

C'mon, c'mon! We gotta go--! Hang around here too long and we won't have to worry about another questionable meal!

▶ 03. NO TIME TO REST: SEOUL

[Once Imugi goes down with a resounding crash, Yato makes sure there's no one in his immediate vicinity that needs assistance before he's off and running back to the palace, with one specific goal in mind: checking on Hiyori. Upon hearing that some of the evacuation centers were attacked, he makes an even more panicked beeline for their home base, ignoring all else in his path.

Bursting onto the chaotic scene with his sword still in hand leaves him scaring several of the locals and refugees, but he takes no notice, instead looking for a particular set of ruby eyes and brown hair among the sea of bodies scampering this way and that. His heart jumps into his throat as he gives up on simply looking and takes a more direct approach, putting his hands to his mouth:]

Hiyori! HIYORI! Where are you?! Answer me, please--!

[There might be the faintest hint of water in his eyes as he whirls around, growing ever more anxious when his calls aren't immediately met with a response.]

▶ 01. READY SET

[blastedass]

[Even when he's doing patrols, Bakugo still opts to wear his full costume to be ready for anything that might happen. Walking the perimeter of the base, he stays on the higher vantage points, boots balancing on the walls or occasionally jumping between rooftops with small pops of explosions from his hands. Since he sleeps earlier and gets up earlier than most, Bakugo offered to take a later, or "early" shift, depending on how you looked at it. Aka: his shift bled into the normal 5:30am wake up he usually rose at. Just meant he went to bed earlier the night before.

Amid the night air, he keeps an eye on others that patrol, as well as the surrounding grounds and the skies above. With the city lights sprawling out in front of them, it makes tracking both easier and more difficult. Unless the kaiju ends up being hu-

Hm? Bakugo looks over his shoulder, eyes narrowing in his mask at Yato. This guy...] Don't tell me what to do, Bakami. I just woke up two hours ago for my shift.

[intertwinedfates]

[Maybe it's the costume that threw Yato off, or maybe it was his own weariness finally catching up to him, but somehow he missed who it was that he was addressing. Otherwise he might have worded it more as a question or suggestion versus an order, knowing Bakugo doesn't take kindly to others bossing him around. With good reason, after all - the guy's a proper hero, well able to judge a situation and make decisions for himself. No need for someone like Yato to weigh in with his option.

Even when he still thinks it'd be best for humans to be asleep.

Taking his hand back, he offers an apologetic smile and a nod of acknowledgement, seemingly unfazed by the name.]

Ah, Bakugo-- Sorry, I didn't realize you'd taken an early shift too. In that case, did you want to patrol together? [He may be asking, but he's already falling in line with the kid, hands clasped behind his back. Guess you've got a companion for a while now, Bakugo.]

[blastedass]

[If you never saw Bakugo in costume before and were looking at him from the back, there's a potential chance to not know who he is. Mostly just the hair, thought those big explosion decorations out the back of his mask can be distracting. Yato barely gets off with a growl instead of one of the other boy's usual yells. Looks like he can be a decent person from time to time, paying attention to those sleeping around. Wouldn't want to have people waking up and being worse off tomorrow because Bakugo was a loudmouth at night.

Those red eyes remain lingering on Yato for a few more seconds. This was the first time the god would be partaking in a kaiju attack. He wonders how he's going to fare... Focusing forward, Bakugo resumes walking, letting Yato trail beside him.

That's both an answer to the question and a reluctant acknowledgement this guy will also do what he wants. There's no point in trying to reject the offer. Yato will stay. Stubborn troll.]

Are you ready?

[intertwinedfates]

[It's definitely the costume that threw him off: it's flashier than he had expected, though in hindsight the spiky bits and tough-looking armor seems to fit right in with what one can assume is Bakugo's aesthetic. Getting to see him in full battle gear gives Yato another piece of insight to the younger man: he's clearly not one who minds attention even in passing. Though perhaps that should've been obvious based on how he behaves in public when irritated. The fact he also maintains a even volume also doesn't go unnoticed. It's enough to leave the god with a quirked brow. He'd been fully expecting to get yelled at. Huh.

But never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Yato falls in line beside Bakugo, instinctively going to shove his hands in his pockets only to remember he's in his damn plugsuit and doesn't have any. Frowning, he finally settles for folding both hands behind his head while they walk.

He's definitely right about Yato being a stubborn troll, that's for sure. He can be a clingy bastard when he wants to be.]

I think so. I won't deny being a bit nervous, though. Fighting things that are ayakashi, gods, or humans is new territory to me. I just hope this thing holds up.

[He indicates the sword at his waist with a nod, sparing a glance Bakugo's way. For someone so young, he seems remarkably confident. That either speaks to his prowess or his ego, if not both.]

[blastedass]

[Flashier?! He mean's INTIMIDATING, doesn't he!! Between the highlights of orange on otherwise all black, alongside those impressive grenade-shaped gauntlets with massive firing pins, and the explosion-themed mask, Bakugo's costume is meant to show anyone looking at him he means business and isn't to be taken lightly.

That's one of the issues with the plugsuit. It gives protection but doesn't work the best with pockets when you need to carry shit. Luckily the suit also molds over your normal clothes, to it works with Bakugo's costume, even covering his gear. But eliminates the pockets, despite him not really being able to put his hands in pockets while wearing his gauntlets. Alas.

He walks beside Yato instead, arms swinging by his side in a telltale bound of sort due to his gear.]

If you got that poker from LILITH, it's good quality. No one's had one break on them yet. [And the elemental ones you can acquire as rewards are even sturdier, with the elemental energy being extra for attacks. Some people like to make a collection of them, since most of their enemies have some kind of elemental weakness.] Just make sure you don't die.

[intertwinedfates]

[That too! It's a hell of a costume for sure, no matter how you slice it. Whether someone thinks it's intimidating or impressive or just plain cool, it makes a statement loud and clear. "Don't mess with this guy! He's serious shit!" is what it shouts from the rooftops with as much passion as Bakugo himself.

Certainly at times it seems a better fit than their damn plugsuits. Sure, they're safe from the acid rain and other dangers with them on, but it doesn't do anything for the wow factor in Yato's book. Unless they're talking about how the ladies look in them. In that case there's plenty of wow to be had. Guess for now though they'll both have to settle for being pocketless.

Though not without curiosity, as Yato watches Bakugo's stride with interest, wondering if it's hero suit that gives him that gait or if he's normally one to walk that way. Just an idly musing.]

I actually got it from someone on our team. A person who goes by the username Shiro. They're letting me borrow it until I can get my own. Pretty nice of them, huh? [It's still LILITH-made, so he should be good to go when it comes time to fight, given it's one of the elemental swords drained of it's energy. Plenty enough for smacking and poking a kaiju or two. He can't help grinning at Bakugo's extreme vote of confidence.] Heh, don't worry, I'm made of sturdy stuff. At worst you might have to drag me to the nearest bar for a drink afterwards.

03

[wwtd]

[ it didn't matter how much she prepared, she never would've been ready for the destruction. or the people who took advantage of it all for their gain. LILITH agents, too. of all the...

she's wrapping up an injury when yelling splits across the palace and she's immediately on alert. tense but out of her seat and walking toward it. she's expecting more unsavory individuals looking to take more and has stone in her eyes as she marches forward, cracking her knuckles to get ready for a fight when what is being shouted becomes more clear.

her name? there are so many people seeking asylum or even just someone they know that she doesn't anticipate her name to be called out above the rest. there's crying. there are so many conversations, one spoken over the other. groans of pain. so much, so much it's like the hospital attack all over again but so so much worse -

as it was then, a gentle light draws her. she weaves through the crowd, bumping into bodies and muttering apologies as she heads toward who is calling her name. there's a break in the crowd and someone looking frantic. ]

Yato!

[ she's here, hi hello. looking haggard but so relieved to see him, hair a mess, but alive. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Wave after wave of guilt crashes upon the shores of Yato's heart. They failed to prevent so much destruction, and now all these innocent people are injured while unscrupulous types take advantage of the situation. He should be out there helping look for survivors or stopping the looting, but all he can think about is one thing, one person. Before he can do anything else, he has to know she's safe.

So it is that he glances left and right at all the cots holding wounded people, looking for a familiar face and praying he doesn't find it among the downed. He keeps calling Hiyori's name, stopping any able-bodied workers to inquire to her whereabouts, sometimes getting no useful information and other times a vague direction that keeps him moving. Nobody says whether she's hurt or not and he can scarcely dare to imagine what he'll do if she is.

Finally, finally he spots something between the throngs of people. A glimmer of pink eyes. A flash of brown hair. And then-- there she is. A bit disheveled yet in one sound piece. In an instant he's racing towards her, muttering mindless "sorry" after "sorry" until he can catch Hiyori in his arms, wrapping them protectively around her and burying his face in her shoulder.

She may be able to feel his heart racing, but anyone nearby will definitely hear his heavy sigh of relief.]

Hiyori... You're okay...

[What may not be as immediately obvious is that there's the faintest of trembles in his hands as he slowly smooths the hair trailing down her back.]

[wwtd]

[ it's fortunate yato didn't take the time to look at her face or the faint bruise on her cheekbone. it's fortunate that her god of fortune decides the first thing he wants to do is rush toward her and it startles hiyori enough that she stops in her tracks as those arms come around her tight.

safe.

she stares over his shoulder for a few seconds before remembering to put her arms around him and when she does, it's just as tight with a trembling breath. her thoughts aren't far from his. he's alive. thank goodness. her voice is a whisper. ] I'm okay.

[ more people bump against them to get by but hiyori takes a few moments to allow herself this relief. the kaiju is down in seoul. when it comes to mind, she leans back but keeps her hands on his arms. unfortunately, this means the discoloration on her face is visible. ]

They'll rebuild. [ as if reading his mind, as if feeling his guilt like it's her own. ] Humans are resilient, Yato. You all did it. A kaiju is gone. And you're alive and... is everyone else okay? You're not injured? [ she leans back farther, checking his body for anything obvious. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[In this dim light it's hard to discern the dirt from bruises, that's his excuse. Though he'll be kicking himself in short order once he does notice the injury marring Hiyori's face. Right now, though, all that matters is she's alive and relatively well. Able and willing to move. Sound of body and mind.

Though relief only truly overtakes him when she returns the hug with a firm grip, telling him even more about her condition. She's strong enough to embrace him, well enough to want to reciprocate. Though quiet in a way that leaves him straining to try discerning her mood.] I'm so glad...

[Thankfully he stands firm in the face of other people rushing past, sheltering Hiyori from too many jostles and smacks. When she leans back, however, giving him a clear view of her face, his eyes widen and there's a flash of dangerous anger to them. For a moment it seems like her next words sail in one ear and out the other, but eventually with several steadying breaths he manages to calm himself enough to respond.]

I know... I know. You all are stronger than most gods give you credit for. Especially you. [He almost succeeds in smiling, though the corners of his mouth turn down as she works on inspecting him for injuries when clearly she has one of her own.] So far as I know everyone's pretty much in one piece. As for me, you don't need to worry - I'm made of tougher stuff than most.

[He says despite numerous scratches along his arms, chest, and back, and a trickle of blood running down his temple. None of that seems to faze him, though Hiyori's bruise... He reaches out to lightly touch in, expression somewhere between sad and pissed.] ...what happened, Hiyori?

[wwtd]

[ such anger is obvious when it comes from a god. only THEN does she remember the scuffle she got into not too long ago. scuffle is putting it mildly. if yato doesn't mention it, though, she won't. or so she hopes.

she succeeds in flashing him a small smile back when he tries. at the compliment. at the report that everyone is in one piece. not... exactly what she wants to hear but better than the alternative.

as much as he knows she's tough, hiyori knows yato is tough, too. stupid sometimes, stubborn, and tough. that doesn't mean she doesn't WORRY because while he's tough?

he is not invincible. nobody is. not only that, but as she finishes her visual check up, she shoots yato a frown for the scratches that got through to him. she reaches up to wipe at the blood running down the side of his face. at the same time he reaches for her.

her first thought, I'll tell you if you tell me. ]

A cheap shot. [ smiling a bit wider hurts, but she does it. briefly. it looks more pained and forced than anything. ] I was caught off guard, but I returned the favor. Tenfold.

[ yeah, if he takes a look at her knuckles? those are wrapped in bandages, too. ] Let me check your head. You're bleeding, Yato...

[intertwinedfates]

[True, what news he has isn't the best they could've hoped for, but it's far from the worst. There could've been plenty more casualties what with the tower falling and the kaiju rampaging about. Overall a decent outcome he'd say.

Though he's far from pleased to see that the fighting made it as far as Hiyori. Whatever happened, he wants to tear somebody a new one for hurting her. He knows she wouldn't have been injured unless there was a good cause, meaning that whoever tangled with her stepped out of line. And that they might need some divine punishment if they haven't learned their lesson yet.

As they touch each other carefully, his eyes get moist out of guilt. He should've protected her. Should've been here for her. But he couldn't, he knows that better than anyone - his strength was needed to subdue the kaiju. Doesn't mean he can't feel responsible for leaving Hiyori to fend for herself, though.

Maybe they have some ice somewhere... That should help the bruise, right?]

It must've been, to get past you. [He may return her smile, but truthfully it's more a rueful grimace. Seeing her in pain leaves his heart aching.] That's my Hiyori, heh... Never one to stand for rude and crude behavior.

[He chuckles softly as his attention moves to her hands, fingers brushing over the bandages as he slowly lifts them up to ghost his lips over them. He knows better than to apply any actual pressure.] ...alright. Gotta admit that it does smart some. It's just a wound from a rock, though, so don't worry too much, okay?

2

[curingidiocy]

[ The one Yato manages to grab is Ratio, who had briefly looked up towards the dragon kaiju as he was descending the tower, brows furrowed in thought. He stumbles forward as he's tugged by Yato, not having expected anyone to grab ahold of him. ]

—I will be fine! You should concern yourself with others who may be struggling to escape.

[ He doesn't resist Yato's tugging, however, knowing that that would only lead to disaster. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Recognizing who it is makes Yato all the more worried - how can he not be when it comes to someone he's grown familiar with? It makes him all the more determined to see Ratio safely out, but at the same time he's respecting the good doctor's assertions that he can handle himself. So with a nod he allows his grip to loosen, but hesitates to make sure those brains aren't merely academic.]

Alright, then. I'll do that. But keep moving! Who knows how much time we have left before this thing collapses.

[Even as he speaks there's a loud rumble from above and a piece of the building falls past the window, landing some moments later with a echoing thud.]

[curingidiocy]

[ An academic he may be, but his body is more than fit enough to handle the difficulties of traversing a crumbling tower. He is, however, not practiced in handling combat situations, so his head turns to observe the falling debris, distracted by the noise for just a moment, and almost trips from the rocks littering the ground. He manages to recover quickly and clicks his tongue in annoyance, focusing back on the path again. ]

I am well aware. Hurry on and find—

[ The kaiju's tail suddenly slams into the tower just above their location, spraying them with a shower of glass and destroying the floors above. Ratio flinches, closing his eyes to protect them from the glass, ultimately causing him to slow down. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Due to personal experience with a certain tough customer of a human, Yato has no doubt that those with brains can also be capable physical companions, too. It just remains to be seen how Ratio handles himself in this hectic and chaotic situation. Last thing they need is one of their fellows getting downed by falling debris or hurting themselves due to all the craziness. Which he almost does, causing Yato to slow his pace yet again in case he needs assistance.]

I'm not about to leave y--

[Even Yato throws his arms up above his head to shield himself from flying glass shards and various other rabble as he curses the kaiju in his breath. Damn dragon indeed. Once it sounds and feels like there's nothing else raining down on them, Yato throws a glance the other man's way and resumes guiding him by the arm.]

Okay, Doc, we'll worry about others when we come across them. For now though, let's stick together - for both our sakes!

[curingidiocy]

[ Okay, even Ratio can admit that he's out of his depth here. There's no safe zone to retreat to, as he is meant to be fighting, no powerful weapons that need to be operated, no civilians to evacuate, nothing but himself and his Pathstrider abilities. If he at least had shields like Aventurine he could keep himself safe but he didn't. ]

Alright, I concede. I am not equipped to navigate the battlefield as well as I ought to be.

[ Though he doesn't like physical touch, he has no choice but to allow Yato to continue guiding him with a hand. The other man would know best how to handle all of this. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[While Yato won't say it, he's grateful the doctor isn't putting up too much resistance. Otherwise he might have to get physical and that would be an embarrassment for them both since it'd mean slinging the guy over his shoulder and hauling him down bodily. Not a pretty picture. Instead he uses a guiding hand to support Ratio when needed, the other free to swipe his sword at any large pieces of debris that come their way or block their path.]

No shame in that. It's good to know your own weaknesses so you can work on them, though frankly now's not the time to practice!

[As they make their way down another flight of stairs, the tower lurches this way and that, ominous creaking filling the air and making his breath catch out of concern more of the structure might give way. Thankfully if it does, it's not near them. So he gives another easy tug to indicate they should be moving again.]

01 Ready Set

[30storieshigh]

[ With battle on the horizon at any moment Godzilla's gone into full no sleep mode. Nighttime is for patrol, there's plenty of ground to cover and they need as many sharp eyes on it as possible. He's been focused on the duty, exchanging a few words with others he's passed but little else.

He's not bothered by Yato's appearance though. Turning to face the voice he raises his hand in greeting, even offers a small smile in response. He knows now Yato doesn't seek control, he's just a helpful sort who worries for others. ]

Sleep is of no concern, I am as rested as needed, I shall watch. [ He lifts up his left hand, indicating the styrofoam cup he's holding. The kaiju cannot keep himself away from coffee. ] That aside, this shall keep my energy going.

[intertwinedfates]

[Now that he knows who - and what - he's dealing with, Yato has no qualms about offering a wave in return along with a grin. Peace is met with peace from this one, so all he has to do is be careful not to make too many jokes that might be misconstrued.

Besides, it's nice to know someone so powerful is on hand in case something does go down. Yato is feeling pretty capable himself right now, but when it comes to kaiju, having one of their own for a teammate is reassuring.]

Alright then, if you're sure. [He doesn't doubt that Godzilla knows his own energy levels better than most. Especially when he shows off the coffee he's drinking. That's one hell of a combination, enough to make Yato chuckle.] Oh man, I bet it will. I've never seen a caffeinated lizard before. Does it make you hyper at all, or just give you that extra burst of go-get-em?

[30storieshigh]

"Go-get-em"? Yes, my fire is at a steady burn. It puts me in the spirit to catch the enemy.

[ There's no outward signs of hyperactivity but Yato can bet that Godzilla's heart rate is... nowhere near what resting heart rates should be. ]

What of yourself? You have been finding rest?

[intertwinedfates]

Then I guess we'll have to make sure you're stocked up on coffee for this battle!

[What he really wants to ask is if Godzilla gets a case of the zoomies, but that seems like a slightly dangerous question to ask a kaiju, so he favors wisdom in this one instance and refrains from being so daring.]

Yeah, I've been sneaking in a few short naps here and there. Thankfully I don't require the long hours of sleep humans do.

[30storieshigh]

[ Yato could safely ask the question, Godzilla would just bluntly say he does indeed feel faster. Zoomies is a thing someone will need to explain to him one day. ]

This is good. You shall be ready to build your legend once the enemy arrives.

[ He sips his coffee before continuing. ]

You are not human. Is it an adversary's paw to ask what your species is? [ Faux pas. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Something to keep in mind for later, hehe. Honestly, that might be how Yato describes the lizard king after seeing him in a fight.]

Damn right! I'm gonna make sure I do my best and go down in history as one of those who helped take down this menace!

[He's getting pumped now! Which is why it takes him a couple of seconds to parse the latest of malapropisms. Honestly, it's damn cute and makes him grin.]

Heh, no worries there-- I'm a god, believe it or not. The one and only Delivery God of Fortune, Yatogami!