synflux | KAIJU FIGHT #4

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KAIJU FIGHT #4

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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[ maybe manhandling will come in a different, aged flavor. like wine. he likes alcohol.

while she wouldn't stitch her name in the wound, maybe she can sear it on his heart in other ways.

it's possible. it's likely. both hiyori and yato know that the folly of heaven is that it looks out for itself. tenjin told her the far shore and the near shouldn't interact too closely. they tend to influence the other. as yato continues to stroke her cheek and promise his protection with his own life, he's already seared his name onto her heart. on her mouth. ]

Yato... [ so, in the end, they're back to how they used to be. both willing to sacrifice themselves for the other. things change as much as they stay the same. she wants to tell him not to give up his life, especially as mortal now.

but has enough awareness to know that would be hypocritical of her to say because she would do the same. ]

... I remember when nobody trusted you. Even Kofuku-san and Daikoku-san didn't really have much good to say about you when I first met them.

[ taking his hand brushing her cheek, she clasps both hands around it. as if in prayer. ]

But I believe in you. I'll never stop believing in you. You can save others, too. [ you saved me. so many times. ] No matter what happens, Yato... never stop believing in yourself. Or, at least, believe that I'll always have faith in you.

[Sounds delicious on so many levels. He'll look forward to it as a treat for when he's been especially bad(?)

Though Hiyori underestimates just how much of an imprint her existence has already made upon his surprisingly fragile heart. Her name has been there in some form or another since day one, its presence only growing stronger the more he welcomed her in.

Letting the shores intermingle where they likely shouldn't. Not according to Tenjin and Heaven, at least. Maybe it is taboo that they get so attached to one another. Maybe it will lead to nothing but anguish in the end. But if they can be happy even for a time, he thinks it'll be worthwhile. ]

I know, I know. [He should value his life just as much as he values hers. But if they each treasure one another above their own well-being, then it evens out, right? Perhaps someday they'll have a star-crossed tragic end where they go down together. Who knows what may happen in this world. But he wants to follow the heart she marked up so beautifully and keep her safe for her whole life. He's already had a long one, himself. She deserves the same.]

Heh... You know how to hit a guy where it hurts, don't you? [He laughs somewhat ruefully, brows knitted together at how accurate her cuts are.] Though truthfully I didn't have much going for me at the time.

[He was in a pathetic rut, doing no good for anyone. Leaning in, he presses a light kiss to her clasped hands before smiling more genuinely.]

I am who I am today because of you. I hope you realize that, Hiyori. You rescued me from a lifetime of failure through your belief in me. Your trust. [She didn't just save his body that day. She saved his very soul.] I promise. If I find my belief in myself flagging, I'll continue to trust in your faith in me. In you.

[ only yato would consider hiyori manhandling a delicious treat. checks out.

when it comes to yato, there's a lot she underestimates. she's still likely underestimating the depth of his feelings, too. she can't fathom them going as deep as hers. he'll need to make it clear in some other way.

as for her, sometimes she doesn't think about what she's saying around yato. it wasn't meant to HURT him, it was meant to show how opening himself up to others garnered trust. besides, neither of them can really... argue that yato in the beginning was SUSPICIOUS. over time, he revealed his heart. and now as an adult, she understands why he seemed so shady and not truthworthy. it was always to protect himself and others. from his father. from more tragedy in his long life. ]

I didn't mean... [ to hurt him. she looks abashed and apologetic, even after he kisses her hands. for the record, she did not realize that. she did not think herself so important to influence him so much. ]

It wasn't just me. Other people started to trust you, too. Th-that's what I meant to say. It came out wrong, sorry, I... [ frazzled, she blushes. ]

[Masochist at his core, that's him.

A glutton for punishment, provided there's some love at the end. Because more than being Hiyori's wrestling partner, he loves being something special for her. Hopefully someday he'll be able to adequately convey that.

As well as Hiyori is capable of cutting with her words, anyway. He doesn't blame her for speaking the truth any more than he blames her for mistrusting him at the beginning. She's right about it all, really, so how could he complain? He was cagey and suspicious about everything back then, especially himself. Even after the three of them became friends, he never really let on anything about his past or his deeper feelings. It's only natural they would feel some level of apprehension towards him. ...and yet they didn't. They trusted him. In his words and actions, to finally have enough faith in them as not just friends, but family.]

It's fine. You don't need to apologize for stating facts. [Even if his smile is somewhat grim, he means it. He holds no ill will towards her for speaking her mind. If anything, he's grateful she trusts him enough be honest.]

Shhh, Hiyori, it's alright. I get what it is you were trying to say. And I appreciate it. Sometimes I need a swift kick in the bottom in order to get things through my thick head. [Finally, he grins and catches her in a hug, nose resting against her neck.] Thanks for being willing to beat some sense into me.

[ fingers crossed with ereshkigal's guidance.

maybe she's his soulmate because she's as good at cutting as he is.... THAT'S A JOKE.

there is speaking the truth and she's always been pretty direct and honest about how she felt, but you could still be kind about it. unfortunately, she is human (and has a human mun) so nobody is perfect. contrary to yato's declarations saying otherwise. in any case, she continues to look contrite for her usually good bedside manner. with yato, maybe she can be too honest? ugh.

well, in everything but how she feels about him. she's not NEARLY as bad as she was as a kid, but something is holding her back at times.

she feels a smile tug at her lips. ] I remember that, but usually Yukine-kun was more... hands-on with you. [ toward the end, she made efforts not to physically wring him out or get violent with him when she was pissed off. after what he did for her at the hospital, after she really hurt him as an ayakashi -

she blinks wildly, surprised, at the hug. moreso at his nose on her cheek and his breath on her skin. where it's uncovered, anyway. ]

I can't really do that anymore, can I? [ she retorts, keeping it light. ] Doctors can't beat sense into their patients. [ at that, she picks the cloth up from where he dropped it and puts it on his temple again for him instead of asking him to do it. ] But as a doctor and as myself, Yato, please be more careful.

[Someday...!

Haha, ouch, but possibly accurate...! Two sharp wits duking it out, that's them.

Yet for as much as Hiyori might like to soften her words for his sake, he appreciates that she doesn't hold back. He knows he needs some level of rigidness to his discipline, otherwise he might not learn. Besides, he knows she always means well. She's too kind to be deliberately vindictive.

Her bedside treatment is pretty telling, anyway, gentle and caring, like any doctor should be. Which is why he smiles in return, chuckling lightly at the mention of Yukine's punishments.]

You ain't lying. I think he takes pleasure in smacking me, sometimes. Kid's so bashful though, I'm not sure what he'd do if I hugged him for it. [Truthfully, getting whapped with a shoe and twisted into a pretzel feels downright loving compared to the things his father used to do. So yeah, maybe he is a glutton for punishment, but only from those he trusts to care about him.

Which he knows Hiyori does. Now and forever.]

No, I guess not. You might get in trouble if you do so. [He laughs again, nodding.] They do tend to frown upon that, even for the more stubborn patients. [He lets out a quiet sigh as the cool cloth touches his injuries again, gradually loosening his hold on her.] I promise. I do try, you know. But fighting these things is unpredictable. It's not like ayakashi, where the right number of slashes will do them in. These kaiju are tougher. They take more work. I'm bound to incur more injuries than before, but believe me when I say I'll do my best to stay safe.

[ NO PLS IT WAS A JOKELDKGJSD

the day hiyori is deliberately vindictive is the the day heaven changes their ways. saying he has no social life doesn't count.

talk of yukine, as always, makes hiyori smile as well. ] Call you gross but enjoy it deep down. [ because he considers yato his father figure. a much better one than -

hiyori levels a probing look at him, wondering if he isn't laughing to reassure her. since she keeps pressing the cool cloth to his head with what is decidedly not firm pressure but something much more soft.

he does try. she wants to retort but decides to trust him and lets loose a relieved breath. ] Good. Thank you. [ for the kaiju, something comes to mind. ]

They are sort of like gods themselves. You don't think... someone... wished the kaiju into being, do you?

[EHEHEHE

Thankfully we know that's unlikely to happen in either of their lifetimes. So he's safe with her. ♥

Ah, Yukine... Yato both wishes he was here and is glad he's not. He misses his shinki some kinda bad, but there's no way he deserves to be in this mess.] Heh, you're probably right about that. [He wants to be treated like an adult, while at the same time still being a kid inside. Something Yato tries hard to remember. He's just a kid. His precious boy.

It makes his smile turn a little wistful, though his eyes remain focused on Hiyori and her piercing stare. Bringing a hand up to cover hers, he gives a small nod that's definitely meant to comfort her. Honestly, it feels good to just relax and let her do her job. He hadn't realized just how strung out he'd been during the fight and its aftermath.]

Always. You know that. [With any luck she does, at least. Though at her suggestion his expression goes blank, that thought having clearly never occurred to him. Science experiment gone wrong, yes? Being drawn in from another world or whatever, sure. Some kind of ancient beings awakened, yup. But wishing the kaiju into existence? Nope.]

I-- I dunno. That's a wild thought. And a frightening one, because it'd mean they could just continue endlessly praying for their existence, unless somebody stops them. [And frankly he's had enough of individuals with sick, twisted wishes. i.e. his dad.]

[ hiyori, yato's safe place uwu

much of the same mind as yato, she would agree with him there. yukine has been through so much already. truthfully, yato has as well. way too much. though it may be selfish, she's glad he's here. for more than just her peace of mind but because humanity will be in good hands with him fighting for them all.

it's strange to see the shock register on his face after her theory. he didn't think of it? that means it's unlikely, doesn't it? frightened herself, she clenches her hands in her lap. the line of thought she takes isn't far from where he ends up.

yato's father. someone like him wishing for the end of everything. a cull.

her throat suddenly feels tight and her heart throbs painfully in her chest. ]

We. We do. If it's true, we have to stop them. [ if it's one person. if it's one group.

if it's an organization. a chill runs down her spine. ]

But, if they're gods or god-like... doesn't that mean they might be convinced to change?

[His home he comes back to roost in~

They all have, by any estimation. Hiyori, too, even if she doesn't wholly remember it. Despite not knowing what his future will bring, Yato knows there must have been something drastic and potentially traumatic for them both in order for him to cut their ties. To make her forget something that was so precious to her. But all the same, it's good to not be alone, that much can't be denied.

Although perhaps less so if Hiyori's theory proves true. He'd been banking on there being an end to the kaiju, either through getting rid of them all, or LILITH finding a way to prevent their appearance. But if they are being wished into existence, then that'd prove to be a whole 'nother problem. He can easily see the toll such a thought takes on her, and reaches out to rest a hand on top of hers, giving them a squeeze.]

We will, trust me. Not matter how long it takes, we'll find a way to prevent these creatures from showing up and destroying everything. I promise.

[Even if it proves to be LILITH itself, he won't rest until everyone can return home safely.]

That... depends. There are raging gods who can't be placated. And the kaiju we've seen are closer to animals than deities we might be capable of conversing with. Maybe if there was time to study their vocalizations and work out if they're communicating in a way we might be able to emulate-- [He shakes his head, sighing.] For now I think all we can do is treat them as creatures to subdue.

[ roost huh....

no matter how long it takes. it's a daunting thought, but she nods at him anyway. it's not like she could leave with the state the world is in. if there was a way, she couldn't leave everyone she's met to deal with it. she may not be a god, or even a very good fighter, but she knows the right thing to do.

and that isn't running away. ] I do. I trust you. [ yato, too, she knows will do what he believes is the right thing.

raging gods. magatsukami. aramitama. aramitama CAN be tamed, though. and animals, too, aren't always so bloodthirsty. it may be stupid and she's pretty sure ishmael (flatly) advised against doing anything but fighting them, but -

is it really the only way? to do THIS. over and over. ]

... They've been fighting them for this long. I just thought... [ trying something different might work. what if using their scales and hair and teeth and claws would help them communicate what they needed to? ]

If only there were a brush to control them. Or something like it.

[Like a great big, lovable chicken.

They're both of the same mind - even if a way home was open to them, how could they leave this place in turmoil, with the friends they've made having to bear the brunt of the responsibility? They might fight over Hiyori going home, because he'd want her to be safe and she'd be determined to stay by his side and help, but that's a hypothetical for another time.

For now, he merely smiles at the faith she has in him. The strength it gives him to carry on in spite of it all.] Thank you...

[It all really depends on if the kaiju are similar to gods or more akin to mindless beasts, really. They're definitely too large to be herded or confined to a certain area where they wouldn't be able to hurt anyone. If only they had more information... Right now they're all but fighting blind, going off of what little LILITH can gather in the short time they have between the kaiju's appearance and needing to subdue them.

Taking Hiyori by the hands, he nods slightly.]

I know. That maybe there was a better way. One that doesn't involve having to fight, to risk life and limb... [It would be nice if they could use said kaiju parts to show that they're not a threat, that they don't want to destroy the kaiju if they don't have to. At her suggestion his brows furrow and he smiles wryly.]

Heh... Then you'd have a battle between people on your hands, vying for control over creatures that could decimate the world. It'd be a world war. No, better they be independent entities.

[ bawkbawk.

hiyori would definitely fight going home. not wrong about that.

fighting blind isn't wrong, either. despite other people being here for much longer than them both, it's a lot of adapting to things as they come. what's next...? her anxiety hasn't stopped since she's arrived here. it's only ebbed and flowed.

it ebbs when yato gets what she's saying without her having to finish a thought. jaw tense, she just nods at him. not having to risk a fight, their life and limb, would be far preferable to what is currently happening in seoul and busan. if they could even just lead the kaiju somewhere else where there's less collateral. ideally, none at all. maybe the ocean?

it flows once he brings up a point about people fighting for such a power. she wishes... people weren't so ugly, sometimes. but even gods fought over that brush. she grips yato's hands hard. ] Sorry. That was... that was a dumb idea. I saw what the Koto no Ha did to Heaven. I'm not so naive to think you're wrong, either, as much as I wish it weren't true. Humans have fought over less.

[ they're fickle. ]

I hope they are independent entities and this isn't another grand scheme by someone who just wants to watch the world burn.

[ not again. last time? yato sacrificed himself. was it the right thing to do? maybe, but. ]

... I'm prescribing you rest. No strenuous activity. No drinking.

[Lookit them chicken legs. Yum~

Honestly, it would probably be one of the few things they could have a bitter fight over, enough for Yato to try and bodily force her to go. Much like how he commandeered Yukine from sleeping in her bed. For better or worse, it's not an option available to them right now.

Which gives him all the more reason to want to try and protect her, both bodily and emotionally. In the grand scheme of things he may be relatively powerless on his own, he hopes that if nothing else his presence will help put her at ease to some small degree.

That makes the need to point out the flaw in her idea hurt even more - he doesn't want to dissuade her from having hope, or trying to think of ideas, or even just wishing there was a better way. It's one of the aspects he loves about her. Unwavering belief in a more peaceful solution, while still maintaining the strength to fight if need be.

Brushing his fingers over her cheek, he shakes his head. No apology necessary. It never is with him. He'd forgive her for anything, and this doesn't even require it.] Not dumb. It's a fine idea, barring the fact that people are selfish at times. If everyone was as good as you, Hiyori, there would be no issue with such a brush existing. And maybe if they were, Dad wouldn't be so...

[He lets the thought trail off with a shake of his head. No matter what his father's reasons are, it probably runs too deep to be fixed by humanity being kinder. That sort of hatred, that comes from the very heart with enough force to birth a god, wouldn't be stopped by much of anything. With any luck the kaiju aren't similar.]

Right? I'm kinda tired of egomaniacs with a chip on their shoulder. That shtick gets old pretty quick.

[Letting out a laugh, he allows his hand to drop back across his chest. Though his lips curve into a pout at her orders.]

I can handle the bed rest - especially if you're in it~ [Incorrigible.] --but no booze? Seriously? That hurts.

[ SCRAWNY BOI.

yato trails off and hiyori gives his fingers another squeeze before letting go. there are other people like her. maybe not exactly, but other people want to do the right thing. there is just as much good as there is bad in the world. it was her time with yato, with gods and ayakashi, that opened her eyes up to that fact.

there was no helping that man. not with the way he treated yato. not with the way he treated nora. not with the way he treated yukine, anybody he ran across. a man like that would never do good in the world. they're all better off with him gone. the only good he might've done is wish yato into existence and save nora but even that doesn't excuse all the terrible things he did or wanted to do.

... does yato realize that? should she... tell him that? that fujisaki is fujisaki again. his father doesn't exist. he's free, in the future. no, right? it may be a hard journey, but yato deserves to discover it on his own.

it sure is a journey having him flirt with her so much. hiyori blushes and clears her throat. she AGREED but that doesn't mean she isn't shy if he mentions it. ]

You'll live. [ hiyori nudges him gently, grinning despite herself or the flush on her cheeks. ] Not forever. Long enough that I can be sure it won't complicate anything. Maybe a few days. Try water or juice for a change. Healthy options.

[HER SCRAWNY BOI.

It's that small gesture from her that keeps him from mulling over his father too much, reassuring him that they aren't alone in their desire to better not only themselves, but the world as well. If there's one human out there like that, then of course there must be many more who share her ideals.

That people like his father are - hopefully - a rare breed, or at least not as common as one might think from the state the world is in, especially here. There's a difference between desperation and deliberate cruelty, and he knows which category his father fell into. It was Hiyori and Yukine who helped him realize that and cut the puppet strings that his dad kept pulling. Now all he has to do is take out the puppet master himself and then it'll all be over--

Except that'll mean losing Hiyori for a decade, won't it...? Something he's not sure he's ready for, honestly. Now more than ever he feels like he needs her by his side. Maybe it was fate that lead them to meet again in this way, with Hiyori being older and able to teach him even more things.

Certainly he's getting the opportunity to flex his practically non-existent romantic muscles in a way he likely never would have had she been younger. A swift kick or headlock likely would've been the end result had he tried it ten years ago on her. Now though, he can smile at her bashfulness and pretend wince at the nudge. Injured patient here, remember!]

Yeah, but in agony! [He kids, he kids. And lets out a heavy, dramatic, put upon sigh.] Alright. You know best. I'm not used to this mortality thing, so I defer to your expertise. Might be nice to have some juice for once, I gotta admit. Especially in a screwdriver~ [HE'S JOKING, DON'T DECK HIM]

[ can confirm; what she remembers of her teen years was a lot of her side-stepping yato's strange brand of flirting. either by ignoring him completely or outright refusing his breach of her personal boundaries with a kick in the chin. jungle savate. or some other wrestling move. she got used to him barging into her bedroom at random times, but she never got used to the proposals or how FORWARD he was.

nobody ever did what yato did in real life.

understanding him better now, but still shy about certain things, she takes his antics in stride. as best as she can. injured or no. it's his HEAD that's injured, not his side. that's where her knuckle went. ]

What did I say? I knew you were going to complain. [ there's a soft laugh at both his griping and his dramatic sigh. mortality, huh? she tries not to think about it too much. she would've worried about yato out in the field whether he was mortal or immortal because that's just who she is.

he gets a FLAT LOOK and a light flick in the shoulder for his JOKE. ]

I know what you're referring to and it's not a hand tool.

[And yet for all her refusals and flat out ignoring him, they were - and still are - precious moments to him. Just the fact she's there and able to see him is more than enough for him, even if these days he longs for much more. If Hiyori ever changed her mind about being together, he would still be content so long as she didn't forget him.

Which is why he's happily reveling in them being able to tease and play together like this, even if he might be trying her patience juuuuust a little bit. He doesn't mean to! He's just a natural whiner.]

Hehe... I guess you were right, huh? [She usually is. Just like Yukine tends to be. They're both his precious guides. Even if she has the ability to give him a look that could wilt plants with it's fierceness. All he can do is offer a sheepish grin as she chastises him again for being a drama queen.]

Hah! Have you ever had one? It's pretty good. Maybe once I'm completely better we can go out together and have one. Since now good girl Hiyori can drink~ [He lightly teases as he catches her hand in one of his, drawing it to his mouth to kiss.]

[ natural prima donna, more like.

love is already so complicated. her feelings toward yato only make it more difficult to find her way through the maze it is. on top of that? her total lack of romantic experience. they've gotten this far because of their history. she considers yato one of her closest friends and irreplaceable to her. no one could ever fill the space he takes up in her heart and was left empty for so long.

can she see herself changing her mind? after this long? ]

G-good girl...? [ she tosses him a flustered look, watching in a sort of Out of Body Experience way as he kisses her hand. that flustered expression only gets deeper. okay, so, STILL FORWARD. ] It figures that as soon as you're given the green light, you go right back to alcohol. [ ... ] Mmmm, I'll think about it.

[ she'll probably go. if that smile is anything to judge by. ]

Maybe I'll have you pick a drink for me. [ with yato, more or less, taken care of she starts tidying up her area a bit more for the next person that needs to see a doctor. ]

[That's true. The prima-est donna ever~

A maze though it may be, it's one that Yato will happily navigate together with her, traversing into dead-ends and pitfalls with the assurance that they'll at least come out of it together one way or another. Because he'll never abandon her again. Not unless it's a direct request or demand from her. And even then he likely would be unable to wholly leave her side. She's too precious to him, too valuable a friend to just up and forget.

He'll never forget her, not in another thousand years. He'll probably love her for the rest of his life...]

Yup! My good girl who obeys all the rules and laws and wouldn't think of breaking them. [That's right, his good girl. Whether or not he realizes just what he's say remains up for debate. He could be teasing her... Or he could be his usual oblivious self. Grinning, he wiggles his feet a bit and takes to simply watching her happily.] Well, of course! It's good shit! [Vulgar...] Besides, it helps me relax. [His eyes all but sparkle at her answer.] 'kay!

[Twiddling his thumbs idly, he nods and smiles to himself.]

You probably wouldn't care for anything too bitter, huh? Maybe something sweeter would be a good place to start. A Dirty Shirley, perhaps. [IT'S NOT SUGGESTIVE, OKAY, THAT'S THE NAME OF THE DRINK]

[ that always makes anything easier. together. with someone you trust. or even just surrounded with like-minds. people who will prop you up and yato has been that for her.

especially lately.

WHO IS THIS PERSON CALLING HER GOOD GIRL. HIS GOOD GIRL. WHY DOES SHE LIKE IT WHAT IS HE AWAKENING!!!! IN HER!!! when she's so TIRED and so EMOTIONAL and IS NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THIS REASONABLY?

thank the gods he continues, oblivious to her struggles. she isn't that obedient. she follows the rules and laws that make sense and are for the good of the people. she also doesn't listen to people sometimes and makes her own judgements about what she should do. what she wants to do and what she'll be happy with.

good girl will need to be unpacked at a later time.

sounds like her dad, though. besides the vulgarity. actually, she remembers him saying something word for word about it helping him relax. good "shit" is relative. it's not good FOR you. at all. everyone has their vices, however.

HE'S BEEN SUGGESTIVE ENOUGH. GOOD GIRL. ] D-Dirty Shirley...

Is that like a Shirley Temple? [ today, hiyori learns about cocktails from her lush god of fortune. time to sanitize some stuff, doop doop. ]

[After a lifetime of being almost entirely alone, support from others is something he's begun to realize is such a valuable asset in the grand scheme of things. So he strives to be there for everyone he can, most of all Hiyori.

Even if he's doing a damn fine job of flustering her in the meantime despite being blissfully oblivious to what he's doing to her. All he knows is that he's grateful for her care and concern after a trying day.

Not that he's trying to imply she's anything but a smart, kind, sensible woman with his 'good girl' comment. Just that in general she's an upstanding person and one anyone should be proud to know.

Kinda unlike Yato himself, really. Mister Vice and Foible, that's him. At least in his own estimation. Yet he's going to do his best to heed her orders and not indulge in his preferred pastime, both for Hiyori's sake and his own well-being.

He smirks a bit at her repeating the name of the drink, amused.]

Uh huh. Only it contains vodka for that buzz that makes things fun. [Fun for him, maybe. Possibly not Hiyori. Although he's certain she would make for a cute drunk.]

[ that was a lesson she distinctly remembers wanting to help him with. he'd been alone for too long. he probably didn't KNOW how to rely on others for a long, long, long time. longer than she can fathom.

that he's putting himself in danger (albeit DUMBLY) to protect a city again speaks loudly about his character. her getting all out of sorts about GOOD GIRL and a SMIRK speaks about hers more than his. ]

Fun... [ """fun""" more like a loss of restraints. maybe that's how he has fun - though yato never had many restraints to begin with. she sighs, trying not to judge him too much like she did as a teen. besides, she used that """fun""" before to trick him into continuing to love capyper with a hand puppet. ]

Okay, okay. We can worry about having fun and you buying me a Dirty Shirley when this is over and we're heading back to Japan. You can have all the fun you want then, Yato.

[ and

how 🙃🙃🙃 ]

For now, could you keep an eye out for me? Stand watch and make sure there's no trouble? I'd hate to ask when you have an injury but...

[And help she did, whether she knows it or not. It was her who first broke through that thick veil of loneliness to show him just how beautiful the world could be after loss. Maybe he'd been mourning Sakura for longer than he realized.

And hey now, he tries not to do it dumbly! It's just... there's a lot to remember going into these fights when you're not used to the suits or the opponents. He'll definitely do better next time.]

Uh huh! [Because while he may indulge in a lot of childish behavior, it actually takes a lot of energy to keep his serious side under wraps. To prevent his worries from coming out to burden others. All that melts away when he drinks. Like they float off on the bubbles, leaving him feeling free for once.]

Alright! I promise you don't have to drink it if you don't like it. I just want to be able to share more things I love with you, y'know?

[Swinging his legs around so he can sit up, letting the cloth fall from his head wound, he nods.]

You know I have no problem protecting you, Hiyori. Even if I were feeling under the weather, I'd make sure nobody bothered you. You stayed safe this long - I won't anything happen to you now.

[ that's... not... a healthy way of coping... yato... aaaa

they'll have to unpack THAT at some other time. because he's being sweet. AGAIN. hiyori goes more red in the face. with an argument like that? how can she refuse? not like she was going to refuse in the first place.

she reaches to catch the cloth as he stands, folding it in her lap. ]

We'll do a lot more together once we get back. Not just drinking. Promise.

[ she doesn't have to even consider it or doubt him. he'll make sure she's safe. that their area is. ]

Thank you, Yato.

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