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 Koreaโs 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 didnโt track down an injured and resting Imugi—they tracked down the Imugiโs 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. LILITHโs 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.
โถ 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.
[ Yato... The only god here who didn't mock or belittle her. The only one who didn't show blatant disrespect and disregard for humanity. She lowers her hands to look at him. She's not crying, she just looks... Empty. She can't even muster the will to force a smile. ]
Humans have always cursed my name for the loss of their love ones...
[ Pleas and screams such as "Lady Ereshkigal, please do not take my wife!" or "Why did you claim my son, Ereshkigal?" had been commonplace in the ancient era. It hurt. It stung. But while it had never helped with her feelings of self-loathing, deep down she had known those accusations had been misplaced. She doesn't kill humans. Death just comes for them, always. Hers is the duty to welcome those who passed into her realm.
But today is different... Today, she could have done something to save those lives. And she failed. ]
For the first time today, they would be right to curse me. [A pause.] Yet their voices are silent.
[Ereshi has the right of it. They should be critical of if not their decision - they made the best call they could under the circumstances - then their own powerlessness. If they'd managed to defeat both the dragons then none of this would've happened. Yet beating themselves up won't help anybody, least of all the people who are suffering.]
You are who you are, you can't berate yourself for the domain you reside over. What matters is what your actions say about where your heart lies.
[Crouching down, he gets to eye-level with her and tightens his grip on her shoulder, adding his other hand to hold her steady. Unlike him, she's not the one who stole lives, who cut them down in the prime or their youth. And here she had given her all to eliminate the threat plaguing these poor people... Blaming herself for the Outsiders all falling short is simply unnecessary self-flagellation.
Not that he has any room to speak. He's loathing his own existence as well right now.]
...would having them direct their anguish and ire towards you help any? [It's a genuine question, not one of mockery or chastisement.] All of us are suffering in some capacity, Eresh. The people who have lost loved ones. Those us who fought. [His voice drops softly as he moves to take her by the hands.] Do what you can, now. It's all anyone is capable of.
[ His words... They're right. They're words she should be speaking herself now. She should be the one standing up and help others feel better. Has this vessel weakened her mind so much, or has she always been like that? It's hard to tell, she never had anyone to speak to before.
She looks up at him and tries to smile. It's a bit strained, but genuine. ]
Ah... Aha. [When he takes her by the hands, she closes her eyes.] You were thinking so little of yourself when we first met, Yato.
[ She remembers, how he thought other gods wouldn't be so kind to him. How he spoke of his own divine authority as if it wasn't much compared to hers or that of other gods. Now that she thinks about it... It had been like staring at her own reflection, huh? ]
Yet without a doubt - here and now - you are the paragon of our kind.
[ There are a handful of gods in this world. And in this moment, he stands above them all. ]
[Everybody needs time to process a tragedy as great as this. It's a shock on so many levels that frankly it's a wonder any of them are functioning. For him, it's only thanks to his experiences centuries ago that he can even stomach the carnage and destruction without wanting to collapse from the sheer pointlessness of it all. He's not brave or strong, just resilient.
Which makes her words all the more surprising. For a moment he merely stares in shock before laughing some himself.] Well, I still don't have much to offer, even now. Especially now...
[All he can do cut things. And he never got the chance to cut the one thing that needed destroying in this land. He can't blame himself for that, but he does regret his vote to go after the kaiju. He'd thought... that LILITH knew where it was. Had its location pinpointed. If he'd know they were only assuming... If only--
As she continues his laughter turns a bit incredulous. Does she really see him as such? Maybe there is more to him than simply destroying...]
Me? I dunno about that. All I know is that I can't stand to see you so dejected over something that's not your fault. I won't tell you to cheer up, because that's just bullshit talk. But... I still think together we can help make a difference. If not this time, then the next. Gods protect humanity, right? We can't just give up now.
Yes. That's what they're meant to do. It is the very reason why they exist. And to hear a fellow god speaks those words bring her so much comfort. Between Tezcatlipoca following her like her shadow and spewing his nonsense about conflict, and Set proclaiming so loudly and proudly his hatred of humanity... ]
Thank you. For saying those words.
[ If he wasn't here, she doesn't even want to imagine how low her opinion of her own kind would have fallen. ]
Though, you are wrong on one point. You have even more to offer now. [She'll stop here with the praise though, if he's anything like her, too much may just cause his brain to overload! And besides she wouldn't want her compliments to have a negative influence on a god who is obviously so pure(?) and innocent(??).] I think I'll be alright. I-I just am unaccustomed to having people around when my emotions get high.
[Perhaps not all gods follow that creed, but him and her... they're cut from similar cloth. Both of them love humans and act in service of them, despite their respective domains. The others can have their nonsense regarding strife or the flaws of humankind. A waste of time, that. They have strength as gods and it's up to them to see it put to good use. What point is there in power if it only serves to worsen others' lives?]
No thanks necessary. I'm just talking about what I believe in.
[Though he seems a touch bashful, he gives her hands another squeeze. Both for added reassurance and as a question. How so? He wants to ask. But sometimes you need to find the answer for yourself, so he doesn't.]
Heh... I'll take your word for it, then. [Releasing his grip on her, he moves to take a seat beside her. Hopefully she won't mind too terribly if they spends a little while longer together. He finds her presence comforting as well, and it's unlikely a simple speech will totally help make things better. Sometimes you just need companionship.] Well, I'll go if you want, but you've got me here if you need or want it. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. [Something he's gradually learning after having been a bit of a pushy, needy twerp at times.]
[ She could explain... But their recent experiences have proven she is not that good with words. She can have her moments, but they're pretty far and few between. She has no doubt he can figure it out by himself.
She nods at him when he sits down and says she doesn't have to talk. It's always so awkward when you're with someone and a long silence settles in... She's never had someone tell her it's okay if they just remain silent! That's a novel idea, she likes it. Now to see how it goes in practice. ]
...
[ After a couple minutes, she can tell it's kind of nice. Having someone with you, but not talking. Maybe... Maybe she could spend more time with the friends she's made here, if they reach a mutual understanding that she won't talk all the time.
Not that she can't become a chatterbox under the right circumstances! As a matter of fact, a question finally crosses her mind. ]
The human you spoke of last time, was she summoned here too?
[Something that practice would help with, but it can't be pushed upon someone. They have to take it at their own pace and reach a level of comfort before building confidence can begin. Besides, he feels like her heart comes through her words just fine.
As quiet falls over them, Yato simply takes to watching the sky. If there's one thing they can hopefully count on, it's that the heavens will remain waiting for them no matter what occurs on Earth. Other phenomenon may not be guaranteed with the damage done by the kaiju to the environment, but stars rarely fail them. The sun still shines every morning, the moon every night. A faint peace among the carnage.]
.....
[Normally his thoughts would be drawn to their failure, but right now... he can't help being grateful for being alive one more day. The two of them are still here. They can keep trying to help. Sometimes you just have to take solace in the most basic of gifts.
It's why he can give her a smile at the question despite the grim circumstances.]
She was. She's working as a doctor here to help ensure everyone gets the treatment they need. Her name's Hiyori.
[ The goddess smiles upon hearing his answer. He wouldn't say it this way if she had been hurt during this entire operation. Or at least, not in any way that will bring her lasting damage. That's good. The name surprises her though. She hadn't expected the human he talked about to be someone she already knew. ]
Hiyori? [Her smile brightens.] I have met her. She is an exceptionally kind soul, she reminds me a lot of someone I know.
[ So he is the friend she spotted and wanted to reunite with during the speed dating, ehehe. If the way he talked about her last time is indicative of anything... ]
Have you told her the things you told me last time?
[ Is this the right time to ask this? Absolutely not. Is it better than going back to moping? Yes, very much yes. ]
[That's for sure. Even though Hiyori had gone to battle against the looters and gotten a little hurt from it, she'd been her usual brave self and fought back beautifully, decking the asshole who hit her. That's his girl! Never one to take shit from anyone. He'd still like to put his foot up the ass of whoever touched her, though knowing she already got payback helps tame his ire.]
Oh, awesome! [Hearing Ereshkigal is already familiar with Hiyori brings an even bigger smile to his face. They would get along, wouldn't they?] Isn't she just? She'd have to be, to put up with my antics, heh.
[Yet he grows a bit sheepish at her question, both due to his feelings for Hiyori and the fact he hasn't take Eresh's advice to convey what he confessed to her.]
N..Not yet. I want the moment to be right.
[Lies. He may be fairly eloquent when it comes to talking with others, but somehow he struggles so much when it comes Hiyori. It's like his brain takes a vacation and leaves his mouth struggling to play catch up by itself.]
[ Ah... The way he feels about that is exactly how she feels when Ritsuka is the topic. But there's a key difference: his love is not doomed. The human he holds feeling for has indirectly mentioned him many times. He is ever on her mind, isn't he? She carefully and gently moves to take one of his hands with her own. ]
There is a lot to love in you. [She smiles.] The girl I met surely saw that.
[ Of course, even if he accepts her words, that doesn't solve the problem. Like her, he doesn't believe in his ability to confess such feelings. It's a bit painful to see, when it is plain they care for each other so much. Still, she trusts they will find their way eventually, so she just ads one more advice: ]
And where such feelings are concerned, words will always fall short.
[Love is a tough subject for gods, especially when their special someone is mortal. It's made even more difficult for Yato having never experienced anything similar to this in all his thousand-plus years. So while he may be ancient and somewhat wise in the ways of the world, when it comes to the hearts of ladies, he's floundering desperately. That's why Eresh holding onto him is reassuring, drawing a slightly surprised gaze from him.]
Y..You think so? [Obviously, otherwise she wouldn't have said as much. But it's still difficult for him to believe at times.] Thanks, Eresh...
[One day, perhaps he'll have the confidence necessary to really, truly convey what it is he feels for Hiyori. He has to, so that she knows for sure. That she doesn't get the wrong idea or assume it's anything less that what it is. Because he's fit to burst with love for her. Nodding at the advice, he manages a small smile.]
That makes sense. You can feel so much in one instant that it'd take thousands of words to articulate just what's in one's heart... And even then I doubt it'd be a perfect reflection of those feelings.
[ She can't pretend like she's an expert in love either. Like him, she lacks in experience when it comes to it. But she has dwelt among human souls for as long as she has lived. And while she could never understand their words, she has felt their emotions.
The souls of the dead filled with love? They never stay long in the underworld. It takes very little for them to find peace and move on. However much life has tortured them... Love seemingly ]
Precisely.
[ She nods at him. Of course, she understands why he wants to take his time... It's really difficult for beings like them. But- ]
When the day comes, I know you two will find the happiness you deserve.
[They're so alike that in a lot of ways it's almost like discovering a sister he never knew he had, one who actually speaks the same language and understands him. And it's... really nice. He doesn't feel pressured to reveal too much or like he has to watch what he says around her. Along with the subject matter, that's probably why he can't stop smiling while they talk.
He's made a true friend in Eresh, and it's worth so much.]
Hehe, thanks. I really hope we do. I've already sworn to make her the happiest girl in the world, so I want to live up to that promise.
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synflux2024-08-22 04:03 am
no subject
Humans have always cursed my name for the loss of their love ones...
[ Pleas and screams such as "Lady Ereshkigal, please do not take my wife!" or "Why did you claim my son, Ereshkigal?" had been commonplace in the ancient era. It hurt. It stung. But while it had never helped with her feelings of self-loathing, deep down she had known those accusations had been misplaced. She doesn't kill humans. Death just comes for them, always. Hers is the duty to welcome those who passed into her realm.
But today is different... Today, she could have done something to save those lives. And she failed. ]
For the first time today, they would be right to curse me. [A pause.] Yet their voices are silent.
no subject
You are who you are, you can't berate yourself for the domain you reside over. What matters is what your actions say about where your heart lies.
[Crouching down, he gets to eye-level with her and tightens his grip on her shoulder, adding his other hand to hold her steady. Unlike him, she's not the one who stole lives, who cut them down in the prime or their youth. And here she had given her all to eliminate the threat plaguing these poor people... Blaming herself for the Outsiders all falling short is simply unnecessary self-flagellation.
Not that he has any room to speak. He's loathing his own existence as well right now.]
...would having them direct their anguish and ire towards you help any? [It's a genuine question, not one of mockery or chastisement.] All of us are suffering in some capacity, Eresh. The people who have lost loved ones. Those us who fought. [His voice drops softly as he moves to take her by the hands.] Do what you can, now. It's all anyone is capable of.
no subject
She looks up at him and tries to smile. It's a bit strained, but genuine. ]
Ah... Aha. [When he takes her by the hands, she closes her eyes.] You were thinking so little of yourself when we first met, Yato.
[ She remembers, how he thought other gods wouldn't be so kind to him. How he spoke of his own divine authority as if it wasn't much compared to hers or that of other gods. Now that she thinks about it... It had been like staring at her own reflection, huh? ]
Yet without a doubt - here and now - you are the paragon of our kind.
[ There are a handful of gods in this world. And in this moment, he stands above them all. ]
no subject
Which makes her words all the more surprising. For a moment he merely stares in shock before laughing some himself.] Well, I still don't have much to offer, even now. Especially now...
[All he can do cut things. And he never got the chance to cut the one thing that needed destroying in this land. He can't blame himself for that, but he does regret his vote to go after the kaiju. He'd thought... that LILITH knew where it was. Had its location pinpointed. If he'd know they were only assuming... If only--
As she continues his laughter turns a bit incredulous. Does she really see him as such? Maybe there is more to him than simply destroying...]
Me? I dunno about that. All I know is that I can't stand to see you so dejected over something that's not your fault. I won't tell you to cheer up, because that's just bullshit talk. But... I still think together we can help make a difference. If not this time, then the next. Gods protect humanity, right? We can't just give up now.
no subject
Yes. That's what they're meant to do. It is the very reason why they exist. And to hear a fellow god speaks those words bring her so much comfort. Between Tezcatlipoca following her like her shadow and spewing his nonsense about conflict, and Set proclaiming so loudly and proudly his hatred of humanity... ]
Thank you. For saying those words.
[ If he wasn't here, she doesn't even want to imagine how low her opinion of her own kind would have fallen. ]
Though, you are wrong on one point. You have even more to offer now. [She'll stop here with the praise though, if he's anything like her, too much may just cause his brain to overload! And besides she wouldn't want her compliments to have a negative influence on a god who is obviously so pure(?) and innocent(??).] I think I'll be alright. I-I just am unaccustomed to having people around when my emotions get high.
no subject
No thanks necessary. I'm just talking about what I believe in.
[Though he seems a touch bashful, he gives her hands another squeeze. Both for added reassurance and as a question. How so? He wants to ask. But sometimes you need to find the answer for yourself, so he doesn't.]
Heh... I'll take your word for it, then. [Releasing his grip on her, he moves to take a seat beside her. Hopefully she won't mind too terribly if they spends a little while longer together. He finds her presence comforting as well, and it's unlikely a simple speech will totally help make things better. Sometimes you just need companionship.] Well, I'll go if you want, but you've got me here if you need or want it. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. [Something he's gradually learning after having been a bit of a pushy, needy twerp at times.]
no subject
She nods at him when he sits down and says she doesn't have to talk. It's always so awkward when you're with someone and a long silence settles in... She's never had someone tell her it's okay if they just remain silent! That's a novel idea, she likes it. Now to see how it goes in practice. ]
...
[ After a couple minutes, she can tell it's kind of nice. Having someone with you, but not talking. Maybe... Maybe she could spend more time with the friends she's made here, if they reach a mutual understanding that she won't talk all the time.
Not that she can't become a chatterbox under the right circumstances! As a matter of fact, a question finally crosses her mind. ]
The human you spoke of last time, was she summoned here too?
no subject
As quiet falls over them, Yato simply takes to watching the sky. If there's one thing they can hopefully count on, it's that the heavens will remain waiting for them no matter what occurs on Earth. Other phenomenon may not be guaranteed with the damage done by the kaiju to the environment, but stars rarely fail them. The sun still shines every morning, the moon every night. A faint peace among the carnage.]
.....
[Normally his thoughts would be drawn to their failure, but right now... he can't help being grateful for being alive one more day. The two of them are still here. They can keep trying to help. Sometimes you just have to take solace in the most basic of gifts.
It's why he can give her a smile at the question despite the grim circumstances.]
She was. She's working as a doctor here to help ensure everyone gets the treatment they need. Her name's Hiyori.
no subject
Hiyori? [Her smile brightens.] I have met her. She is an exceptionally kind soul, she reminds me a lot of someone I know.
[ So he is the friend she spotted and wanted to reunite with during the speed dating, ehehe. If the way he talked about her last time is indicative of anything... ]
Have you told her the things you told me last time?
[ Is this the right time to ask this? Absolutely not. Is it better than going back to moping? Yes, very much yes. ]
no subject
Oh, awesome! [Hearing Ereshkigal is already familiar with Hiyori brings an even bigger smile to his face. They would get along, wouldn't they?] Isn't she just? She'd have to be, to put up with my antics, heh.
[Yet he grows a bit sheepish at her question, both due to his feelings for Hiyori and the fact he hasn't take Eresh's advice to convey what he confessed to her.]
N..Not yet. I want the moment to be right.
[Lies. He may be fairly eloquent when it comes to talking with others, but somehow he struggles so much when it comes Hiyori. It's like his brain takes a vacation and leaves his mouth struggling to play catch up by itself.]
no subject
There is a lot to love in you. [She smiles.] The girl I met surely saw that.
[ Of course, even if he accepts her words, that doesn't solve the problem. Like her, he doesn't believe in his ability to confess such feelings. It's a bit painful to see, when it is plain they care for each other so much. Still, she trusts they will find their way eventually, so she just ads one more advice: ]
And where such feelings are concerned, words will always fall short.
no subject
Y..You think so? [Obviously, otherwise she wouldn't have said as much. But it's still difficult for him to believe at times.] Thanks, Eresh...
[One day, perhaps he'll have the confidence necessary to really, truly convey what it is he feels for Hiyori. He has to, so that she knows for sure. That she doesn't get the wrong idea or assume it's anything less that what it is. Because he's fit to burst with love for her. Nodding at the advice, he manages a small smile.]
That makes sense. You can feel so much in one instant that it'd take thousands of words to articulate just what's in one's heart... And even then I doubt it'd be a perfect reflection of those feelings.
no subject
The souls of the dead filled with love? They never stay long in the underworld. It takes very little for them to find peace and move on. However much life has tortured them... Love seemingly ]
Precisely.
[ She nods at him. Of course, she understands why he wants to take his time... It's really difficult for beings like them. But- ]
When the day comes, I know you two will find the happiness you deserve.
no subject
He's made a true friend in Eresh, and it's worth so much.]
Hehe, thanks. I really hope we do. I've already sworn to make her the happiest girl in the world, so I want to live up to that promise.