The decision has been made. LILITH Japan orders the Outsiders to mobilize to pursue the Imugi.
Given that they are in a foreign country, they are largely dependent on LILITH Korea’s resources. In response to the decision, the Korean branch provides some assistance: the Outsiders are given just enough vehicles to help transport them, essential supplies, and only a few operatives to help guide them. This is the most the Korean branch is able to give, as they must focus on relocating people and restoring peace following the attack.
LILITH announces that the Imugi is currently resting near Gangneung on the east coast and they must move quickly. The effects of Rift poisoning will grow stronger as they approach the source; a sign that they are close to a kaiju. Upon reaching the mountains just outside the city, LILITH informs them that they are right on top of its location.
However, there is no Imugi to be found. After searching the area, Outsiders will discover the source of the trace and the poisoning: eggs. They will find about twelve eggs. When they report their findings, Seokdang will curse. In their rush, they had followed the wrong trace. They didn’t track down an injured and resting Imugi—they tracked down the Imugi’s nest. So where is the Imugi?
Not long after, Outsiders will receive an update on their implants: the Imugi reappeared in Seoul. After seeing the corpse of its mate, it went berserk and attacked the city again. While many of the citizens were evacuated to nearby Incheon and remaining shelters, just as many perished, with the death toll at 168,000 and rising. LILITH’s Korean base is destroyed.
The Imugi was last seen flying north, but the Korean government prohibits the Outsiders from pursuing it again through their territory. By choosing to pursue the kaiju, the Outsiders have abandoned humanity and thus will receive no further support. They are ordered to leave the country immediately.
LILITH Japan will order them to collect as many eggs as possible and continue to the abandoned city of Gangneung, where they will arrange pick up and return to base in Tokyo.
▶ AFTERWORD.
Thanks everyone for participating in our first major Event Decision! We hope you had fun discussing what to do both ICly and OOCly.
After failing to capture the second Imugi and also failing to save a large portion of Seoul's population, characters will be shipped back to Japan. The events of the TDM will springboard from there. Feel free to use this post to thread out any aftermath threads if you would like.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.
[ okay, they're back in the base where it was a lot easier to pinpoint which one of their teammates is struggling the most, and raidou is on the list. it's close to a week now and denji is unsure if that boy left his room to even eat or bathe. ah, it's that bad? denji knows those signs too well. fucking hell.
it's dinner time, well— in 'denji hours' which is close to midnight. he knocks on the door and waits. ]
[It takes a few moments for him to decide whether or not he wants to answer. Raidou knows he can't outrun everyone forever, though. Raidou is prone to late nights himself, but he's not exactly been sleeping regularly this week anyway.
After long enough that Denji might turn to leave, the door is finally opened a few inches, Raidou peering out, his expression and voice flatter than ever.]
[ right. no need for small talk or the stupid 'are you okay?' question when the answer is very clear. denji opts to hold the plastic bag up, the one he brought along, and starts naming raidou's options. ]
We have some chocolate bars, orange soda, and some lollipops with different flavors. Oh, and I got this ... store-bought carrot cake? I don't know how good it is, but the lady who works there promised me it's super amazing.
[Raidou blinks a little as Denji rattles off the list of snacks. Right, someone with a sweet tooth to rival his own.]
Ah...
[He rubs the back of his head. He's still not much feeling like talking, but it would be rude to turn away this thoughtful approach. After a moment of consideration, he opens the door all the way.]
Thanks. Um. Come on in.
[Raidou's room is normally tidy... and still mostly is, though there is definitely some signs of him hiding out for several days in a row. There are open textbooks and notebooks on his desk, an attempt to some studying trying to happen. A few coffee mugs and empty cups of that instant ramen he revised a few missions back for a job well done are also lined along the side.
There are two cozy chairs in Raidou's room with a small end table between them, the place where he usually invites newbies to sit and talk about life on the base. He motions to one of them to Denji.]
... really? Hmm, I thought I'd have to bust myself in.
[ it's hard to tell if it's a dry joke or not, since denji carried a bland expression with the delivery. either way, he accepts the gracious invite and steps in, kicking the door shut behind him. he pays little attention to the condition of the room, which is a reassuring sign that it's not as messy as it should've been. raidou is having a hard time, surely, but it hasn't slipped into a dangerous turf of 'no shower' and 'living like a pig'. so far so good ...
he empties the bags and drops all the treats in a messy pile over the table, he then spreads them over the surface as if he's sharing his special loot. it's all sugary junk, but it's either that or alcohol, and he's not about to get raidou drunk. bakugou will kill him for it. ]
I know you haven't had a proper meal in days, and this is hardly the best idea, but a little sugar won't hurt anyone. [ he relaxed back on his seat, not before snatching a lollipop for himself. ] I know you don't want to talk about it. Don't worry, we don't have to.
[Had Denji come by in the first day or two after they returned, he definitely would have been turned away. But it's been a few days now, and as terrible as he feels, life goes on. Even if Raidou doesn't know what his place among it all is anymore.
He slides into the chair across from Denji, tucking his legs up in front of him, eyeing up the spread. As ever, his expression is flat, hard to read. He's not particularly hungry, but Denji has gone out of his way to bring this here. That alone is a solace. It reminds him of Tae back home, who always insisted on dragging Raidou out for cake on the rare occasions he seemed gloomy to her.
After a moment of quiet consideration, eyes cast down while Denji talks, Raidou leans forward and grabs a packet of cupcakes. Something he can pick at a little to make an effort.]
I appreciate it. I don't have much to say.
[Words are hard for him to find in the moment, feelings even more difficult to express. So it's back to the Raidou he was when he first arrived; quiet, distant, wrapped up in his own head about his failure.]
[ he rips off the wrapper before shoving the sweet delight in his mouth, allowing himself a few seconds to savor the fresh fusion of flavors. denji is comfortable in silence, taking it with ease, body language and features are as relaxed; allowing raidou to move at his own pace. he didn't need to carry a conversation if his heart was not in it, or force himself to gulp down any of the offerings if he didn't want to— it was a gesture that denji was ready to either receive an acceptance or rejection. ]
We can talk about something else. Something more lighthearted ...
[ no deaths, no missions, no kaijus - a mini mental break from all those toxicity. is it helpful? who knows? but, denji always favored keeping his mind busy over being stuck in that endless whirlwind of negative emotions. ]
Or, you can lend an ear and help me figure out how I feel about this ...
[While he does have things to say, he's not ready yet. With the way Raidou struggles to articulate things sometimes, feelings especially, he's not ready. He needs more time, and perhaps to write them out, where he can fully form them. And preferably not in an angry flood at Tsurumaru this time.
He peers at Denji over his knees and the pack of snacks in his hands.]
[ while the intent here is to show some support to a— well, maybe a new friend? denji was not sure what he could name it other than a fellow teammate for now, but he knew raidou had a kind heart. which is a rare treat from where he comes from. so, despite his choice of words, they're not malicious, it comes out in an easy tone, considerate towards the person in front of him but apathetic towards the topic itself. he is truly not trying to hurt the other, but won't take offense to it if it is taken that way. he regards the other before he shifts his gaze to the side. ]
I don't wish harm on those people, but I don't think it was a mistake. We intended to protect them. Next time let's do better, think better ... well, I'll leave the thinking to the smart ones ... and make sure it won't happen again. [ very standard textbook lecture that is the truth but also the last thing anyone wants to hear when they're in mourning. denji acknowledges it, gesturing to his offering on the table, half-smirking. ] I'm not saying I'm right. You're allowed to feel like shit. You're allowed to lock yourself up and crawl under the bed. I guess I just wanted to remind you that you're lucky you're not going through this alone.
You made some good friends here. You shouldn't push them away.
[Raidou gets that not everyone is like him, that most people only have capacity to extend their concerns to themselves and theirs in front of them. He doesn't begrudge that, even if he has a hard time relating. Not everyone is like himself though, raised practically since birth to put the needs of others before his own, knowing one day he'd fight to inherit his title and position back home.
Denji's allowed to feels as he does, just as he tells Raidou he's allowed to process things his own way. There's the barest hint of a sad smile on him when Denji mentions his friends.]
I know. I'm very lucky to have them.
[Back home, he could count on one hand the number of friends he's had in his entire life. It's so different here.
He sighs quietly, emptily picking at his snack, an excuse to look away.]
I don't want to be like this. Hiding. I feel like a coward.
[He's quiet for a moment, as if trying to form what he wants to say in his head. Deciding if he wants to say it at all.]
... Back home I was in charge of keeping my city safe. I failed. Most likely it has suffered a great catastrophe similar to Seoul. Similar to Las Vegas.
[He sets the food aside so he can duck himself together a little tighter, arms around his knees.]
These failures have cost so many lives. I don't know what to say. What to do. How to proceed.
[ he honestly expected an outburst, and prepared for it, instead he might've encouraged the other boy to be more vocal with his concerns. denji didn't know if that would help, talking about it and all — in theory, it should. it never worked for him, but might be more helpful for someone like raidou. with that, denji listens— relaxing back on his chair until it hits the wall behind him, with the hard candy nestled against his inner cheek.
the fear of failure is common; one denji relates to, but not in regards to a bunch of nobodies. it must be exhausting, though. going through life feeling responsible for everyone around you. ]
I don't think you're a coward. You're human ...
[ and when it hurts, it fucking hurts. it's crippling. denji had no one before coming to this city, and he wished he did. but, yeah, let's not think about that. he sighs, contemplating his options here, spitting words of encouragement felt like utter bullshit in this situation. nothing more than lazy, repetitive dialogue that barely held its weight. denji is many things but he will never lie or fake it.
so, he asks another question, and he hopes raidou would reflect on it and take it to heart. ] Okay, but ... aren't you being too harsh on yourself? Was it really your fault?
[It is exhausting, and after the failures and calamities he's suffered, what Denji sees in front of him is the Raidou who finally buckled under their weight. He's been through so much, seen so many strange and wonderful and terrible things in his few years as the Capital's summoner. But the betrayal he experienced, and the immense losses of Seoul and Las Vegas have proved to be too much for someone whose identity is wrapped up in protecting others.
A momentary silence fills the room as Raidou considers his words, as he often does before speaking.]
The Capital was my responsibility. I thought this person was my ally, as did the organization we worked under. He deceived everyone. While perhaps I wouldn't have been able to predict that, I should have been able to defeat him when the time came.
[Seimei had made the smart move of gaining Raidou's trust, then wearing him down before enacting his plan. It worked like a charm.]
I couldn't. I can only hope the other summoners catch on to what happened and were able to intervene before it was too late.
[ betrayed by someone you trusted, huh. right. that is something denji can relate to, and for once, he's starting to understand the other's discouragement now. with that realization, denji is also aware there is little he can say to help soothe raidou's anxious heart. no amount of sugary delights would patch it up too. then again, denji isn't here for a quick fix, so that's okay. ]
That guy being an asshole is still not your fault, you know ...
[ denji sighs, staring down at the table between them. ]
No. But I am tasked in keeping the Capital safe from thewta just like him.
[And instead, Seimei lured him in with his friendly demeanor, and being able to relate to Raidou like no one ever had before. Who knew the Capital's lone summoner craved connection so badly to fall right in the trap. Certainly not him.
At Denji's question, Raidou shakes his head lightly. Yuji has been the only person to get an automatic pass.]
No. But I don't want to burden him too much. He... he has plenty of his own worries.
[Many times now Raidou has been there when things got to be too much for Yuji. While his boyfriend is more than glad to help him, Raidou doesn't want to make things worse for him.]
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synflux2024-08-22 04:03 am
no subject
it's dinner time, well— in 'denji hours' which is close to midnight. he knocks on the door and waits. ]
no subject
After long enough that Denji might turn to leave, the door is finally opened a few inches, Raidou peering out, his expression and voice flatter than ever.]
Hi. Sorry. What's up?
no subject
We have some chocolate bars, orange soda, and some lollipops with different flavors. Oh, and I got this ... store-bought carrot cake? I don't know how good it is, but the lady who works there promised me it's super amazing.
no subject
Ah...
[He rubs the back of his head. He's still not much feeling like talking, but it would be rude to turn away this thoughtful approach. After a moment of consideration, he opens the door all the way.]
Thanks. Um. Come on in.
[Raidou's room is normally tidy... and still mostly is, though there is definitely some signs of him hiding out for several days in a row. There are open textbooks and notebooks on his desk, an attempt to some studying trying to happen. A few coffee mugs and empty cups of that instant ramen he revised a few missions back for a job well done are also lined along the side.
There are two cozy chairs in Raidou's room with a small end table between them, the place where he usually invites newbies to sit and talk about life on the base. He motions to one of them to Denji.]
Have a seat.
no subject
[ it's hard to tell if it's a dry joke or not, since denji carried a bland expression with the delivery. either way, he accepts the gracious invite and steps in, kicking the door shut behind him. he pays little attention to the condition of the room, which is a reassuring sign that it's not as messy as it should've been. raidou is having a hard time, surely, but it hasn't slipped into a dangerous turf of 'no shower' and 'living like a pig'. so far so good ...
he empties the bags and drops all the treats in a messy pile over the table, he then spreads them over the surface as if he's sharing his special loot. it's all sugary junk, but it's either that or alcohol, and he's not about to get raidou drunk. bakugou will kill him for it. ]
I know you haven't had a proper meal in days, and this is hardly the best idea, but a little sugar won't hurt anyone. [ he relaxed back on his seat, not before snatching a lollipop for himself. ] I know you don't want to talk about it. Don't worry, we don't have to.
Sometimes we could use a distraction ...
no subject
He slides into the chair across from Denji, tucking his legs up in front of him, eyeing up the spread. As ever, his expression is flat, hard to read. He's not particularly hungry, but Denji has gone out of his way to bring this here. That alone is a solace. It reminds him of Tae back home, who always insisted on dragging Raidou out for cake on the rare occasions he seemed gloomy to her.
After a moment of quiet consideration, eyes cast down while Denji talks, Raidou leans forward and grabs a packet of cupcakes. Something he can pick at a little to make an effort.]
I appreciate it. I don't have much to say.
[Words are hard for him to find in the moment, feelings even more difficult to express. So it's back to the Raidou he was when he first arrived; quiet, distant, wrapped up in his own head about his failure.]
no subject
[ he rips off the wrapper before shoving the sweet delight in his mouth, allowing himself a few seconds to savor the fresh fusion of flavors. denji is comfortable in silence, taking it with ease, body language and features are as relaxed; allowing raidou to move at his own pace. he didn't need to carry a conversation if his heart was not in it, or force himself to gulp down any of the offerings if he didn't want to— it was a gesture that denji was ready to either receive an acceptance or rejection. ]
We can talk about something else. Something more lighthearted ...
[ no deaths, no missions, no kaijus - a mini mental break from all those toxicity. is it helpful? who knows? but, denji always favored keeping his mind busy over being stuck in that endless whirlwind of negative emotions. ]
Or, you can lend an ear and help me figure out how I feel about this ...
no subject
He peers at Denji over his knees and the pack of snacks in his hands.]
Of course. I'm always willing to listen.
no subject
[ while the intent here is to show some support to a— well, maybe a new friend? denji was not sure what he could name it other than a fellow teammate for now, but he knew raidou had a kind heart. which is a rare treat from where he comes from. so, despite his choice of words, they're not malicious, it comes out in an easy tone, considerate towards the person in front of him but apathetic towards the topic itself. he is truly not trying to hurt the other, but won't take offense to it if it is taken that way. he regards the other before he shifts his gaze to the side. ]
I don't wish harm on those people, but I don't think it was a mistake. We intended to protect them. Next time let's do better, think better ... well, I'll leave the thinking to the smart ones ... and make sure it won't happen again. [ very standard textbook lecture that is the truth but also the last thing anyone wants to hear when they're in mourning. denji acknowledges it, gesturing to his offering on the table, half-smirking. ] I'm not saying I'm right. You're allowed to feel like shit. You're allowed to lock yourself up and crawl under the bed. I guess I just wanted to remind you that you're lucky you're not going through this alone.
You made some good friends here. You shouldn't push them away.
no subject
Denji's allowed to feels as he does, just as he tells Raidou he's allowed to process things his own way. There's the barest hint of a sad smile on him when Denji mentions his friends.]
I know. I'm very lucky to have them.
[Back home, he could count on one hand the number of friends he's had in his entire life. It's so different here.
He sighs quietly, emptily picking at his snack, an excuse to look away.]
I don't want to be like this. Hiding. I feel like a coward.
[He's quiet for a moment, as if trying to form what he wants to say in his head. Deciding if he wants to say it at all.]
... Back home I was in charge of keeping my city safe. I failed. Most likely it has suffered a great catastrophe similar to Seoul. Similar to Las Vegas.
[He sets the food aside so he can duck himself together a little tighter, arms around his knees.]
These failures have cost so many lives. I don't know what to say. What to do. How to proceed.
no subject
the fear of failure is common; one denji relates to, but not in regards to a bunch of nobodies. it must be exhausting, though. going through life feeling responsible for everyone around you. ]
I don't think you're a coward. You're human ...
[ and when it hurts, it fucking hurts. it's crippling. denji had no one before coming to this city, and he wished he did. but, yeah, let's not think about that. he sighs, contemplating his options here, spitting words of encouragement felt like utter bullshit in this situation. nothing more than lazy, repetitive dialogue that barely held its weight. denji is many things but he will never lie or fake it.
so, he asks another question, and he hopes raidou would reflect on it and take it to heart. ] Okay, but ... aren't you being too harsh on yourself? Was it really your fault?
no subject
A momentary silence fills the room as Raidou considers his words, as he often does before speaking.]
The Capital was my responsibility. I thought this person was my ally, as did the organization we worked under. He deceived everyone. While perhaps I wouldn't have been able to predict that, I should have been able to defeat him when the time came.
[Seimei had made the smart move of gaining Raidou's trust, then wearing him down before enacting his plan. It worked like a charm.]
I couldn't. I can only hope the other summoners catch on to what happened and were able to intervene before it was too late.
no subject
That guy being an asshole is still not your fault, you know ...
[ denji sighs, staring down at the table between them. ]
Are you avoiding Yuuji, too?
no subject
[And instead, Seimei lured him in with his friendly demeanor, and being able to relate to Raidou like no one ever had before. Who knew the Capital's lone summoner craved connection so badly to fall right in the trap. Certainly not him.
At Denji's question, Raidou shakes his head lightly. Yuji has been the only person to get an automatic pass.]
No. But I don't want to burden him too much. He... he has plenty of his own worries.
[Many times now Raidou has been there when things got to be too much for Yuji. While his boyfriend is more than glad to help him, Raidou doesn't want to make things worse for him.]
Have you checked on him?