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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Comments

[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.

[blastedass]

[Yato's already a fanboy. Bakugo took pride in his costume; he designed it himself after all. Years spent growing up as his interests changed and his ambitions focused while he worked on what his future hero costume would look like. Of course some of his more bombastic ideas were rejected by his costume designer due to... legal reasons (no ammunition belts for you, kid).

Bakugo needs to warn Yato about the plugsuits at some point. Namely they're also operating on the same source as the style chips that some Outsiders have gotten. It's an upgrade in the oculars that allow the Outsiders to essentially download and transform their clothes into whatever they want. Bakugo... has avoided that because no fucking thanks. But both the plugsuits and the style chips could be commandeered by Seok Dang. And that guy is weird as fuck. More on that later.

Unfortunately, it is both in Bakugo's case. Depending on his mood, he walks with a delinquent stalk, hands in pockets and shoulders hunched, making it obvious he wants no attention or interaction. Other times when he's relaxed, his shoulders are back and his head's canted at a casual lilt. In costume, he's usually straight backed, but his arms have to do an odd bouncing sway around his hips due to the size of his gauntlets. Go figure.]

Shiro? [It only takes a second.] That guy. If he gave it to you, he's already vouched its ability. [Tsurumaru is very skilled with a blade and wouldn't pass something shitty off to another Outsider who needs to be able to fight. Bakugo trusts his decision. Not sure why the damn thing is drained of energy, but that's something for Yato to work out with Tsurumaru. As for the vote of confidence... Duh.

And promptly sticks his arm out to the side for a chunky punch right on Yato's arm.] I'm not dragging your ass anywhere.

[Sturdy stuff, huh.]

[intertwinedfates]

[Honestly, he really is. Not that he doesn't love his jersey a bunch, but he wants a cool costume like that! Something to make him stand out while seeming utterly cool and hip! Do they say hip these days... Maybe he could ask Bakugo for some design tips...

That little detail seems incredibly dangerous and one that people should definitely be warned for, especially after the fiasco with the maid uniforms and the chaos that ensued from it. Honestly, the more Yato hears about these damn implants and chips, the less he likes the fact they're all interconnected and controlled by some yahoo with a warped sense of humor. If their suits go offline during a mission, they could be in a hell of a lot of trouble, to say nothing of the people they're trying to help. It'd be one way for LILITH to quickly lose the confidence of the Outsiders for sure.]

For what it's worth, Bakugo being something of an open book is ideal as it allows others to easily tell whether it's a good time to engage him in conversation. Or if you're like Yato, when it's less than wise to poke fun at him. Not gonna say anything about that cute bouncing rhythm though. He likes living too much.]

Yeah, he seemed pretty knowledgeable when we texted. I owe him one. [Truthfully he owes Bakugo as well for being a good teammate, whether it's something he wants to admit to or not. Everybody's been so helpful and kind, Yato knows he's going to have to live up to their expectations during this mission. Pulling his own weight the least he can do, and if he can keep them safe while going on the offensive, all the better.

The surprise punch gets a raised eyebrow followed by a laugh as he rubs the spot with a faint wince.] Fair enough. Maybe I'll be the one dragging you somewhere to chill afterwards.

[Real sturdy, heh.]

[blastedass]

[Honestly, Yato would have more luck asking Midoriya for help sprucing up his jersey. Midorya's costume was developed off a jumpsuit his mother bought him. Unfortunately, the green-haired hero's no longer here in Neo Tokyo, something that continues to haunt Bakugo's emotions from time to time. Happy he's not stuck here, upset because he's... not here. But Yato's free to ask and see what happens later on! He's at least got a cool scarf going on.

Let's say for the sake of our given CR that Bakugo does inform Yato of the style chip upgrade/implant and the plugsuit's issue. Now he can make an informed decision going forward. Some people have the chip and enjoy it, even if it has the risks, and others opt out of it because they prefer buying clothes like normal fucking people! Whether it's lucky or not, LILITH has access to their oculars and implants, enough to turn them on or off (assumedly) and commandeer some use of them regardless of permission. Especially when it comes to broadcasting their thoughts into public domain or other Outsiders' heads. From individual thoughts to fully immersive dreams. It's fucking creepy when those kinds of events happen...]

He's a swordsman. [Emphasis on the "sword" part, but that's Tsurumaru's secret to give out, not Bakugo's.] Get him to spar with you to judge your skill. [And Yato better not breathe a word to the other guy that Bakugo said these nice things about him!] At least he takes that seriously.

[No apology for the punch, and since Yato doesn't crumple from it immediately, that's a point in his favor.]

You're never gonna drag me anywhere, dammit! [Famous last words.]

[intertwinedfates]

[Maybe Yato can solicit advice from all the heroes that are here, and then work their thoughts and opinions into something a bit more eye-catching and modern. Though when he finds out about Midoriya, he's definitely gonna have to give Bakugo a one-armed hug. Maybe a noogie of support. A free chance to blast his ass as a mood booster. He's kinda masochistic like that.

Bless you Bakugo~ Always full of advice and helpful tidbits of information! A veritable fountain of knowledge! Not what one might expect immediately upon meeting the guy, but there is nothing if not many fascinating layers to the kid named Bakugo. From here on out he's going to stick with buying regular clothes and then maybe using the style chip to alter them only in the terms of color or such. That way there's no further fashion disasters. He doesn't need to lose his pants or something. That seems to happen far too often for his liking... Not that there's anything he can do about LILITH snooping in his brain, it'd seem. Gives him the heebie-jeebies that they're able to do such invasive things and they can't stop them one bit. At least they're all on even footing when it comes to it, though.]

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense. I'll have to hit him up for that, then. [Blabbermouth Yatogami? Not breathe a word? It might happen.] Unless he's really strong, I'd hope so. Swordplay is a skill that requires practice and honing. Ya gotta take it at least sorta seriously.

[Just for funsies, Yato gives him a couple pokes back jovially. They're moving up in the ranks of teammates...!]

We'll see about that~! One day I'm gonna find out when your birthday is, and then we're gonna celebrate it! [Uh oh. Now he's got an Idea in his head. Better watch out.]

[blastedass]

[There are more heroes here than just Bakugo and his remaining worldmate. Even if they're not technically the same kind of heroes that are found in the explosive blonde's world. But once Yato does find out about Midoriya, expect the conversation to rather clipped. Bakugo's had time to deal with the loss. It smarts, of course, but most pain eventually fades with time. At least Deku's home and not trapped here. He reminds himself of that a lot.

Gross! Don't gush on him like that! He tells Yato this crap because he doesn't want to give LILITH the satisfaction of not laying out all the details of the implants they like to shove at the Outsiders for their consumption and use. Bakugo's never been a fan of any of his friends getting pieces of their bodies removed to make room for technology they don't potentially have full control over. That's akin to slapping your own damn manacles on. Giving up. Signing over part of yourself to your own fucking kidnapper. That said, now that LILITH has external weapons and tech for enhancing combat and ability, he's less harsh on those options. Bakugo doesn't like the ocular for those same heebie-jeebies... but there's nothing to be done about it outside of surgery that makes life a hell of a lot more difficult here. Going off grid, if you get the drift.]

There are a few swordsmen in the Outsiders, so learn what you can from them.

[Bakugo is usually not someone who likes to accept "training" from anyone, preferring to strengthen his own skill and Quirk with his own power. But sometimes he sees and adapts by his own choice. He's also acquiesced to learning other abilities for combat flexibility, and because it's something to do to avoid getting bored of his usual routine. Rare, but sometimes...]

Are you talking to yourself?

[Because he better not be regaling Bakugo with shit he already knows! The pokes earn a comical yelling at as the blonde ducks and arches his body away from those damn fingers. Piss off! You earned the punch, bragging about your toughness!]

Celebrate it on your own, dammit! I'll be gone that day! [Makes himself scarce!]

[intertwinedfates]

[That's a good stance to take regarding their being here. Maybe not everyone is a hero by trade, but they can all be heroes to the people of this world and protect them as best they're able. Doing good strictly for the sake of it isn't anything new to Yato, but it can help them deal with being separated from those they care about. Because yeah, by this point Yato knows for a fact Bakugo gives a damn no matter what he says.

Hehehe... Just wait until he gets really enthusiastically emotional! He gets touchy-feely and then there's no escape. For now though he's grateful for the heads-up regarding their unwelcome additions. Even if he'd known about it all before, the fact that Bakugo saw fit to keep him informed is a show of camaraderie he's gradually realizing is common from the kid. Not that he'd ever want to go through even more alterations, like lopping off his own limb. No thank you. Losing part of what makes him himself is a fear he doesn't even want to touch on. The implants at least are an addition, if not the most welcome one. And there's no denying their usefulness in this world. They'll just have to make do with it for now.]

I will, thanks. There's bound to be styles and techniques I've yet to see.

[Given how many varied worlds they all come from. As a combat god, he always takes a keen interest in studying how others fight, if only to be prepared to go up against them at a later date. Just in case. Anything he can learn to better protect those he loves is a worthwhile investment of his time.]

Maybe I am, heh.

[More likely he's just teasing Bakugo. Because by now he can't help poking fun at the guy, both literally and figuratively. It's fun to try his luck with his explosive teammate, just a bit. He's always loved getting reactions out of people and Bakugo is absolutely perfect for that. If he learned to control himself it wouldn't be half as amusing. At least Yato's fully aware he reaps what he sows, so no real complaints there.]

Then how about the next time I see you? You'll have to come back eventually! [You can't avoid him forever! You're stuck with him as a fr-- dormmate, Bakugo!]

[blastedass]

[Shut up. He's not allowed to read Bakugo that easily! (No, lets be honest, most people would quickly pick up that Bakugo gives a shit, even if he says he doesn't.) Not that he wants to be around when Yato stops reading him and starts trying to get touchy-feely! He has enough idiots wanting to drop an arm around his shoulders or glomp him from behind! Expect to get judo thrown onto the butt, or blasted in the face, amid his usual screeching.

Bakugo isn't going to demand someone follow his rules or else (when it comes to personal stuff) but he's not afraid to tell someone they're fucking stupid for getting an implant without reading the proverbial fine print or taking things into consideration. If Yato's wary of those rewards, that's good enough for him. He's only got himself to blame for anything he chooses now.]

Uh-huh.

[Despite his stubborn refusal to let other people help him, Bakugo has gradually adapted to learning from other Outsiders. From kendo to people's unique cooking techniques to bits of foreign language. Battle is a hit or miss, as he's only interested in something that actually puts a challenge to his Quirk. No point in learning something weaker than he is.]

Urusei.

[Doing that on purpose is just gonna get him blown up. Glowering at him, he brushes at his own shoulder, putting some distance between them so Yato can't keep attacking him with those damn jabby fingers. He clicks his tongue in aggravation.]

So annoying! You don't give up, do you?! [Still not going to tell him when his birthday is, dammit!] Focus on your own celebrations!

[intertwinedfates]

[Reads him like a picture book, hehe. (Or at least a comic book.) Thankfully Yato isn't the kind of person who usually tries to rile people up, so knowing that Bakugo isn't a big fan of having his space invaded should keep most forms of affection at bay until he either gets way plastered, or does something to inspire close contact, like saving Yato's ass.

Exercising due caution is always wise, which is one reason Bakugo has already earned Yato's respect despite being a veritable firecracker. That temper hides a sensible person who's more in control than he lets on.]

Hehe, gotcha.

[He'll cease with the teasing for now. They have work to do and it'd be bad form to deliberately act like a distraction during that. Gotta save the jokes and lighthearted banter for their downtime. Doesn't mean he can't smile knowingly about it, though. He's a Grade A pest that can, at times, be fully self-aware of the fact. Though there are points where he doesn't realize he's being a childish irritant.]

Damn right I don't! If I did, I would've met my end centuries ago. [Well then, he'll just have to be a nosy bugger and ask around!] Hey, that's not a bad idea-- I could give other people gifts on my special day and celebrate others that way! [Not what Bakugo meant probably, but this is Yato here.]

[blastedass]

[As much as Bakugo doesn't like people getting up in his space, he's reluctantly "used" to it due to a few of his classmates wanting to bother him. Kirishima has blanket permission to drape on him without getting completely roared at since he's the only one in class Bakugo developed a genuine friendship with. (The others have friendship he's not willing to admit to, despite it being true.) Hell, Kaminari smacked him on the head at one point and didn't die. There are others in Neo Tokyo that earned the rare right to that privilege. Yato's got a good chance to find himself in that sphere later on.

For all he finds the god annoying, there are plenty of things about him Bakugo finds interesting and curious, even if they drive him up the wall at times. He can tell Yato has an honest desire to help people, yet there's something... more to it. He can't tell what it is, but it's not positive. Guilt, duty, fear, sorrow, atonement, anger. Who knows.]

Who the hell could kill you? [Ignoring the idea Yato's shinki could off him if the god ended up going rogue. But Yato having "my end" in mind says something. Bakugo turns another corner, swinging their path around to the eastern side of the base, continuing the nightly patrol. The rising sun is about an hour off from his clock. Even if he woke up a couple hours ago, he knows he's going to sleep well tonight. These shifts are breaking up his normal sleep schedule, and he never likes that.]

You're gonna give people gifts on your birthday. [The wry way his tone dips is a sarcastic "seriously?" in voice alone.]

[intertwinedfates]

[There are a lot of touchy-feely types out and about, aren't there? Yato's certainly one of them, even if he's slowly learning to not be such a brat/nuisance regarding pushing people too far when it comes to that. He still would like to get to the point of being able to give people hugs and such, since contact with others is something he craves rather desperately. Not that he'd come right out and admit as much easily. He's spent a long time trying to play up the holier-than-thou god shtick to outright abandon it. Even if he's sorta swung the other way into becoming a pathetic excuse for a god.]

Heh... Suppose my dad could. [It's muttered under his breath more to himself than for Bakugo's benefit. He's tried not to think too hard about whether or not his father could possibly still be existing in this world, and if he isn't, if Hiyori is the main reason he's still alive. Other people know him now, too, but... He wonders if he might fade from their minds at any moment. Gods need to remain in humans' consciousnesses to exist, after all. That's why he has little worry that friends like Bishamon and Ebisu are still around in some capacity. People wouldn't forget them easily.

Following along, Yato regards the night sky with interest, marveling at how thankfully some things never seem to change no matter how crazy life gets. The sun always rises again. It brings a sense of peace to him even as he wrestles with thoughts of his dad. Though he has to chuckle a bit at Bakugo's scathing sarcasm. Yeah, it's a weird idea, but then again, this is Yato.]

Why not? It'd be memorable for them! And making people happy would be a good way to celebrate. [Besides, he doesn't expect anyone to acknowledge the day he's chosen as a birthday. Nobody ever has before.]

[blastedass]

[Ironically Bakugo is very close friends with two people who are very touchy-feely, both here and back home. Yato's going to get yelled at a lot for doing it, but eventually will work his way up to a tolerance level where the blonde permits him to get in his space without biting his head off. For a while at least. Push him too much, and his grumpy side comes out full force again. But there are a lot of Outsiders Yato can jump on for physical friendship who won't roar at him.]

Huh? [Bakugo glances to the side, having heard that comment, but not sure he wants to get into it. The grunted query suggests the god could either expand on it or brush the mutterance aside. Not knowing about Yato's existential worries, he's let with retorting to the things the guy does say. People aren't promised tomorrow here; at any time, an Outsider could be sent home. While that's a good thing, most of the time, in Bakugo's mind, it still leaves holes in those who were friends with the person. Other people don't even want to go back home...

Pushing the thoughts aside, he stretches his arms over his head, muscles pulling in his upper arms and torso. A shoulder pops when he drags one limb to the side, hand catching at his elbow for leverage. Waking up two hours before his usual rising time isn't pleasant, but it's better than staying up all night, especially since he went to sleep an hour early to compromise.]

Weirdo. That's not how birthdays work. [Not normally at least. Guess it wouldn't be alien for someone to ask their party be held doing an outreach or service, or for people to donate to charities instead of giving gifts. It's happened before.] When's your birthday anyways? [Are gods even born?]

[intertwinedfates]

[It must be his surly, standoffish nature that attracts those types of people. The guy definitely seems in need of some hugs and physical affection to help him loosen up some and smile more. Although Yato acknowledges that not everybody derives the same pleasure from physical contact. It still makes him want to dote on Bakugo a little bit, in spite of the potential snapping he might earn. Friendships take on may forms, after all! He's good with some rougher treatment provided Bakugo isn't truly irate. He doesn't mean to be a nuisance all the time.]

Don't worry about it. It's no biggie. [At least it won't be as long as his dad isn't here. He's a sadistic, vindictive bastard that Yato wouldn't wish on anyone, not even people he finds annoying. Which is few and far between as is. Truthfully, that's one reason he doesn't mind having been dragged to this place: here he's free of his father's influence, and so is Hiyori. He won't have to worry about him plotting something, or hurting others for fun. Being here is almost a vacation in a way, kaiju fights or not. And he gets to meet so many neat people and make friends a lot easier...! Aside from the war and destruction, this future isn't too bad.

Which could account for his sometimes annoying jovial nature. He snerks a bit at Bakugo's joints popping, resisting the urge to tease him about getting old. He's got no room to make age jokes, that's for sure.]

I know~ But that just makes it all the more fun, doesn't it? [After all, spreading joy to others would make him happy, so that'd fulfill the point of a birthday celebration, right?] I dunno when I came into being, but it was sometime in late summer, so I've decided to make August tenth my birthday! [8/10, because 8 can be read as "ya" while 10 can be read as "to"! Clever, isn't he?]

[blastedass]

[Some people like poking the bear. A few of those bastards think it's fun, but they're always the one yelling at him when he threatens to blast their faces through the wall! Buncha fucking wusses. Bakugo's not the kind of person who likes hugs and physical affection, even raging at his mom whenever she wants to give him a cuddle. (Which them prompts her to rage right back at him and try to strangle him while calling it a hug. What an annoying hag!) Yato's proving to be more like his classmates, infuriating but not enough to actually murder him. For whatever damn reason. He needs him alive to keep fighting these monsters.]

Tch. [Whatever. If Yato doesn't want to talk about it, he's not going to force him to do so. But Bakugo would have an issue with someone thinking this place is a vacation, even though he's met a number of people who find this place better off than their real lives back home. A few of them are dead back home, so... what the hell is he gonna say to that?

Dropping his arms with a slight grunt, Bakugo relaxes in the sensation of lava running from his shoulders to his fingers, bleeding warmth beneath his skin as the stretched muscles relax. That felt better. OY! That wasn't old joints popping! That was getting the damn air out of his fucking joints like any normal person would have to deal with! Bastard... Crack your knuckles.]

Do whatever you want. [So long as he's not banging on Bakugo's door wanting to give him some shit gift. The question about his birthday doesn't.. really surprise him. Why the hell would gods have birthdays, despite apparently being "born" somehow. He doesn't want to know. Yato's made a date his birthday, huh? Hn...] You picked that due to your name, nerd.

[intertwinedfates]

[Something Yato can't deny being guilty of completely, either. He likes to tease Yukine as well, so it only makes sense that bit would carry over to Bakugo as well. Though he won't seriously berate him for threatening to kill his tormentor. It's only fair that he be allowed to express his annoyance and frustration with being picked on. Yato's starting to realize that's just how Bakugo is, kind of like how Yato himself is a bit of an idiot. It takes all kinds, after all. Besides, he likes that the kid has enough resolve to stand up for both himself and others.

Even if said resolve can be a touch scary at times. Not somebody you want to get on their bad side with, that's for sure. Hence his lack of commentary about the joint-popping. Otherwise he would've had a little fun making an old man joke or two. Anyway, he likes that they're having a fairly normal, calm conversation here. It can be pretty rare with Bakugo, he's coming to realize. Guy's kinda high-strung, to put it mildly. Maybe somehow he can wrangle him into a spa day...]

I will! I am a god~ [Not that that entitles him to do whatever, but sometimes it's still fun pretend it is. Because you can bet your ass he will be gifting something to his surly not-friend. With any luck it won't be shitty and will instead be something useful or at least fun, but that'll involve a little more snooping and prying on Yato's part. Prepare thyself, Bakugo!!] Hehe, you noticed, huh? It seemed like as good a choice as any! And it's easy to remember.

[blastedass]

[He might contest the "a bit of" part if he didn't think Yato was playing the food more than actually being a dumbass. Why the hell do some people want to pretend they're out of it? Is it because it's easier than handling the harder emotions? Maybe, since Bakugo has similar issues with showing his softer emotions. Whatever, that's Yato's issue. So long as he focuses and do his job well, he can act however he wants. And pay the consequences of his actions when they come up.

At the very least, he knows Yato's intentions to help are true. He's new, yet his resolve speaks to experience in protecting and helping others for a long time. Longer than his young face would suggest. That's what you get for talking like a grandpa passing out wisdom, Bakami. First interactions with him had been annoying (not that latter ones weren't) but he's come to see the guy as a reliable person despite his personality suggesting otherwise. Easy going, amiable, cheerful, things that a bunch of soldiers need, as many of them come from hard backgrounds. Yato probably also comes from one, but he conceals it well.]

Tch. [So long as Yato opts for something useful or consumable, he's not going to get yelled at for putting junk in Bakugo's room. Gifting the blonde is a very tricky dilemma, considering the normal "hero" genre of safe gifts isn't in Neo Tokyo to grab. But if he's determined, he can ask around. Or snoop if he wants to put his life in his hands.] What's it like? Being able to be seen by everyone all of a sudden?

[He remembers that from the very first time he spoke with Yato, before that blank period. How he normally couldn't be seen in his own world except by exceptional people. Seen or noticed, similar difference.]

[intertwinedfates]

[In that regard they're not so different - struggling to deal with certain emotions. They just have completely opposite ways of handling it, ways that one might think are incompatible, but so far they're more or less working out. Yato just needs to make sure he doesn't fall back on his dumbass routine when things get serious. Which thankfully he almost never tends to do. He may be an idiot, but he's rarely a fool.

Grandpa Bakami, heh. He can live with that. Though he'd profess to be young at heart! He's only slightly older than a millennia--! Which, to be fair, is kinda old for a god. It kinda makes his childish behavior even more incongruent, but hey, to each their own, right? He still gets the job done when push comes to shove, and his heart is always in the right place when it comes to others, just like Bakugo's. It's why they get along so well (???), right?]

Heh... [So that means no Yato plushies or mini shrines to the god, huh? Drats! He kids, he kids~ He would want to gift something that would make Bakugo happy, after all. That's the point of giving presents. If it comes down to it, he could make the kid something to eat, he supposes, but it'd be nice to figure out something reusable for him. Definitely gonna have to snoop, hehe.]

It's... really weird! Like, I could just breeze past crowds without a single person ever taking note of me, while here, it feels like I'm always under someone's scrutiny. But at the same time that means I can talk to people without having to worry about them forgetting me in a matter of weeks. I... kinda like it.

[It's less lonely, for sure. But he's not going to admit that much. Even he has his pride.]

[blastedass]

[He still looks damn young regardless, though Bakugo figures that's a god thing. Cheater. How Yato wants to act is up to him, though someone who's lived so long choosing to act like a dipshit most of the time is weird as fuck. Yato has to have had a bunch of experiences in his long life. Why opt for something subpar? He could be a damn guru or something. Maybe. Or this is who Yato is despite all that time and experience. Forever 21.

The first one would end up in Yato's mouth. The second one would end up a birdhouse outside the common room window. Granted, it's Yato's birthday; he can gift anyone anything he wants, so long as he's willing to accept the results of that. Bakugo may or may not end up doing something for his birthday when it comes around next. Dinner usually goes over well, or an outing.]

Che. Most people don't care enough to scrutinize some stranger. [And while most people would also forget someone they randomly talked to weeks ago, without continued interaction, that's probably not what Yato's getting at. But going through life without people noticing you, even among crowds, and forgetting you soon after...] Sounds like a lonely existence.

[intertwinedfates]

[Definitely a cheat, that much he'll admit, even as he tries to attribute it to his healthy regimen. Yeah right. It's true that Yato has enough experience to attempt pulling off some kind of mentor shtick, but man, that's so not him. Everybody has their own innate personality coupled with the influence of growing up, and that's left him rather tired of being serious for so long. Besides, he's found that if you want people to like you, a more innocent persona is the way to go. Or at least a stupider one.

...honestly, birdhouse shrines might be a good marketing strategy! Put his name on it and then place them all around town! ...although are there enough birds left for them to be of use? This time is kinda devastated... Oh well. All the more reason for him to be his usual dweeby self and try spreading cheer whenever possible.]

Hmm. I suppose you're right. It's just the sensation I get. [Yeah, he definitely means even with continued interaction. Like making a new friend only for them to not know who you are two weeks later. Like selective amnesia. It's an isolating experience.] Heh... Maybe so. But it could always be worse, yeah?

[Things can always be worse, he knows.]

[blastedass]

[That makes it sound even creepier, deciding on a persona to influence people to like you rather than showing your true face. It reminds him of that bastard, Yo Shino, who faked a friendly, trusting persona in order to throw people off guard, only to reveal his machinating violent nature later when it best suited him. He doesn't think Yato is that bad, but it would still feel strange to know the guy he knows is somewhat crafted for the benefit of getting along better with people. Then again, maybe gods have to do that. They're gods, not people.

There are birds around enough to use the houses, in case Yato is wondering. Neo Tokyo has some wildlife despite the world's state suggesting that kind of thing would be a rare sight. Though there's not going to be a lot of people wanting to stick five yen in a house full of bird nesting. Not to mention Yato having to go collect it from said birdhouse shrines.]

Don't downplay your own struggles. If it's painful say it. Pretending it's not only erodes you from the inside. [Especially if you know you're not strong enough to handle it over and over. Bakugo might not be someone to give that kind of advice, but he's also not one to find himself feeling lonely. Usually he's too busy for that kind of thing.

Still, people saying "could be worse" only kick the can down the road rather than deal with the issue.]

[intertwinedfates]

[It kinda is in a way, though in Yato's case it's more akin to playing up a certain side of himself and doing his best to downplay another part. Everybody has ugly sides of themselves they don't want seen, right? Certainly it's not quite like he's a blood-thirsty killer, just... Well, that's for another time. Maybe once Bakugo actually likes him instead of merely tolerating him.

It's actually nice to know there's still some wildlife hanging around even in these tough times. While birdhouse/shrines might not get much use by people, it's a nifty idea for sheltering birds. Free advertising! Though he totally would go around collecting money from them scattered around town like some fox raiding the hen house.]

Heh... You're pretty damn wise, you know that? [Something he's already learned, but it bears repeating. It's always kids teaching him lessons or reminding him of them, yet he's infinitely grateful for it.] Better to face your problems than pretend they don't exist, huh.

[Dodging the issue hasn't done him much good in the past, it must be said. Yet he can't help not wanting to burden others with his own problems. It's kind of a catch-22.]

[blastedass]

[There are plenty of people who have dark sides, embarrassing sides, guilty sides. After seeing what happened to Endeavor and Hawks, Bakugo sometimes wonders what would happen to him if people from his past revealed his worst closet skeleton. The one involved would never use it against him; he's too kind-hearted for that. And his classmates knew of it due to his actions and later apology in front of them. But Midoriya never revealed just how bad it had been... Mah, it's nothing he can deal with here. Focusing on it would only distract him from things he should be doing.

How exactly is he going to advertise on birdhouses? Will he have his name on his shrines the birds are using? Dangling cards like those weird "take one" tag ads pinned to bulletin boards? Why the hell is Yato the generator of questions when Bakugo shouldn't give a shit?! ... Then finds out he does, but in the incredulous way. (He does not wanna be around when Yato raids pigeon holes from loose change.)

The comment only gets a brief huff.] Take it from someone who knows what it's like.

[That's all he's going to say. Not that Bakugo's good at following that advice. He keeps a lot of his pain and struggle to himself, not wanting others to see him as weak or vulnerable. There are plenty of problems he faces head on, but does that on his own time rather than bringing it up to others to watch. His personal conquests are private.]