KAIJU FIGHT #5

[synfluxmods]

KAIJU FIGHT #5

CONTENT WARNINGS: cult-like symbols and implications, brainwashing.

▶ 001. LORD OF THE FOREST.

Throughout the days leading up until October 15th, the captives will be forced down to the dungeons for their “punishments” to be doled out. All of the punishments seem to be completed methodically, almost as if the followers of the Lord of the Forest had centuries of experience. While no explanation is given, it becomes clear that the sacrificial ritual has begun. While the Outsiders may not be privy to what this entails, there is one rule that will be have made clear to them: once the ritual begins, it can no longer be stopped. However, there is still a sliver of hope. On the morning of the 15th, a small message will have been pushed out by LILITH. While they haven't completely reestablished their connection to the network, they are able to get something out.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME:
HEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
CLASS: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
LOCATION: BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA.
ABILITIES: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEAKNESSES: SUNLIGHT, HOLǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃Y REǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃S, GK̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̆̃
EXTRA NOTES:

It is an incredibly sparse message. It seems to be working with any information the ocular implants were able to detect in that second, and the information gets fed back in the form of a distorted debrief sheet. However, it does act as a sign that LILITH is still actively working on gaining access to their communication lines once more, and are tirelessly working to send help. With this sudden jolt of a message, they will feel an extremely heavy disturbance composed entirely of rift energy—it appears that whatever kaiju is dwelling here is able to effectively work with the rift in order to negate abilities. But perhaps the clues all strung together have already painted a similar picture as to what is to come, and to what to continue to expect.

Now that the sacrifices have all but been made, it is time for the Lord of the Forest to be summoned.

All captives who have been forcefully dragged, or psychologically drawn to the dungeons, will find themselves face-to-face with the Lord of the Forest, also known by their title of PRICOLICI. The creature is a bit difficult to make out due to its ability to shape-shift: at times mimicking a human wearing some sort mask in the form of a wolf’s skull, and at others, taking on a form of a monstrous wolf-like creature that awaits all Outsiders— those presently within the dungeon, and those that exist outside of it, ready to be lured in.

Or that should be the case, but The Lord of the Forest appears to be a kaiju unlike all others. While it is summoned for a brief period in which the Outsiders bear witness to its true form, it seems to disperse back into the rift soon afterwards, much like savoring each of its sacrifices in a temporary state of hibernation.

(Note: Details of the specific events that happened leading up until this point can be accessed on the kidnapped log. Please be advised that there are heavy trigger warnings for these topics.)

▶ 002. FIND THE CAPTIVES.

Due to their brief communication and joint efforts following the network post, it becomes clear that all signs point to Bran Castle as the place where the captives are being held. This becomes ever more apparent as the fog gradually begins to lift, and the outline of the castle can finally be seen from the distance of the forest’s perimeter.

If there were still any doubts surrounding Bran Castle as a place of interest, many of the villagers will instantly form large groups in order to stop Outsiders from heading towards the castle. They will spare no effort to achieve this. What initially starts off as peaceful dissuasion and psychological tactics, such as using the children to cling to the Outsiders leg and crocodile tears… quickly escalates to outright fighting with pitchforks and other makeshift weapons from the farm. Additionally, Outsiders who have purchased the poison dagger from LILITH will find that the “safety” on it is released, and they can be utilized on the locals with no need for additional clearance. It looks like the network wasn't the only thing affected by the spotty connection.

In this skirmish, the Outsiders trying to make their way to the castle will find that a handful of these villagers aren’t your run-of-the-mill farmers. They’re stronger, faster, and the Outsiders will discover that they have incredibly sharp teeth. They are vampires! Or, an entity that seems close enough to the ones of legends. They will not only be attempting to fight Outsiders off, but will also resort to biting them. If an Outsider is bitten, their bodies will feel almost feverish, as if an incredibly slow-acting poison has entered their bloodstream. But, being bitten by a villager does not guarantee one to be turned. While it is possible, it is a much lower chance.

Once Outsiders do make it to the castle, they will find that there will be several more attendants from the castle waiting for them at the gates, all prepared to fight tooth and nail to prevent their entry. It’s clear the objective becomes to break past them and find the dungeons below the castle!

▶ 003. THE DUNGEON OF CASTLE BRAN.

Following the pathways of the castle to the dungeons below will not be easy. All the attendants present seem to have been waiting for them behind every nook and cranny of the castle. Outsiders will be met with their fervent attempts to stop them. It is a matter of life or death for the attendants and like the villagers, they seem to have no issue with throwing their own necks out in order to preserve the sanctity of their ritual.

Outsiders will also find various areas in which wolfsbane will be in bloom. Unlike typical wolfsbane these seem particular potent and will make the air taste bitter, and cause tingles, nausea, and hypotension if exposed to for too long. It appears even the attendants avoid them to a degree.

For those who make it to the dungeons, they will find that it is a lot bigger than it appears on the surface. A lot of its structure seems to lead deep underground, suggesting that it may even extend further out from the perimeter of the castle itself. There is a certain smell to the place that cannot be masked, years of sacrifices evident in every inch of its walls. There are over hundreds of cells, some still holding skeletal remains, alongside other ancient looking items: an old book, a worn out doll, a bloodied servant’s apron—they all appear to be pieces from a past that was long forgotten.

The Outsiders will not get to explore easily, however. As soon as they make their way past the threshold where the cells are all lined out, they will feel a chill up their spine. It's almost as if eyes are watching them in the dark, and they are. If they look up, they will realize there are hundreds of bats with glistening teeth that are all lining the ceiling, all lying in wait. They are minions of the Lord of the Forest, and their supersonic screams can stun and cause momentary deafness.

To make matters worse, it is not just their sharp teeth that hurt on impact, but they have a keen thirst for blood similar to the villagers. Being bitten by one will cause the Outsider to potentially begin to lose control of themselves and will have an insatiable thirst for blood, even at the expense of their fellow teammates. Additionally, those who are bitten will find themselves moderately more susceptible to psychic brain washing, and may cause them to momentarily join the enemies side.

▶ 004. THE FINAL RESCUE.

While the battle has already started within the village and the castle, suddenly the familiar ping of their oculars will alert them to the following message from Yamakawa—

"Angels of LILITH, we have connection. Rescue your team mates no matter the cost!"

With the connection reestablished, the main objective of the mission becomes one thing: RESCUE. For Outsiders who may have still been left at the village, or engaged within their own horrors, they are all advised to head to the dungeons as soon as possible. The coordinates for the deepest cells are sent alongside directions, with a constant warning to avoid direct contact with the kaiju there. The kaiju has long been absorbing rift energy and LILITH strongly advises against any attempts to engage with it until more information is known.

After half an hour, LILITH gives formal clearance to kill anyone interfering with the mission. Villagers, cult members, anyone. This includes Outsiders who may have temporarily been brainwashed, with the caveat of bringing back their bodies as they may be able to save them.

As they get further into the dungeons, they will find themselves susceptible to the side effects of rift poisoning. It is far more potent with each step, and will take laser focus to make one's way all the way to the last holding cells. There they will find the several of the castle’s most devout followers desperately calling out for The Lord of the Forest, as if summoning its presence.

…


…

…

… and The Lord of the Forest answers the cries of its followers. The initial part of this battle is difficult as the kaiju's abilities paired with the abnormalities of the rift result in weakening the powers of all living organisms around him, including the powers of the Outsiders. However, due to the phases of the moon, its abilities to nerf powers seem to have diminished slightly - they are able to use their abilities at a lower output, or at times they will find their abilities can cut in and out. After five to ten minutes of the Outsiders actually engaging the creature, they will find LILITH has effectively sealed the rift below the dungeons. It is far from perfectly done, but will allow the Outsiders the window of opportunity to use their all in their battle with the Lord of the Forest before backup arrives.

█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: PRICOLICI
HEIGHT: VARIES
WEIGHT: VARIES
CLASS: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
LOCATION: BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA
ABILITIES: SHAPESHIFTING, IMMORTALITY, NIGHT VISION, SUPER STRENGTH
WEAKNESSES: SUNLIGHT, HOLY RELICS, GARLIC, WOLFSBANE
EXTRA NOTES: This kaiju has a malicious intent to all humans besides those who praise it. It's said it will bless all of its followers abundantly on this Earth and grant them immortal life.

The battle against the PRICOLICI will not be made easy, especially as its weaknesses are not as straightforward to tap in as most elements. However, LILITH will provide utmost support for the Outsiders who want to try their hand at defeating it. While it was once believed to be immortal, perhaps due to the disconnection of the rift and the moon, it does seem weaker the longer the Outsiders engage with it. There are also pockets in which wolfsbane bloom in secret in the dungeon, and the PRICOLICI will evade these specific areas, as well as any places containing holy relics.

▶ 005. AFTERMATH.

The remaining villagers do their utmost in attempting to ground the LILITH medical cruiser, using cannons and other primitive weapons against it. Fortunately, they do not succeed. With the LILITH medical crew all present, they begin their work promptly. Outsiders can not only use the medical cruiser as a temporary base and resting point, but those with severe injuries are ushered in for emergency surgeries and other necessary procedures. Those who can heal are encouraged to take care of the ones with less major injuries in order to lighten the load on LILITH’s medical robots... and Dr. Spim, of course.

When the final battle finally winds down, several more mission objectives crop up. While no formal decision is pushed on the Outsiders this time, they are given several choices.

Although LILITH has permitted Outsiders to take their own stance in whether they want to kill those involved in the ritual, including the villagers, they do state the final request to spare the children, which they plan to bring back to Neo Tokyo. Those who do not wish to engage in the taking of lives will be encouraged to continue assisting and escorting any injured Outsiders. Finally, all Outsiders are tasked to take with them any goods that LILITH could benefit from, including any sources of food.

Once this has all been completed, they will all be encouraged to leave Transylvania behind.

Back at base, they are presently working on the cure for those who were bitten and turned. While the brainwashing element has been resolved through persuasion tech, it wasn't possible for them to fully reverse the other side effects. LILITH staff are requesting those affected to remain indoors until they figure out what they need in order to completely rid them of this ailment.

(Note: The above mission objectives in this section are all optional! Please remember that you only need to engage in the plots and ideas you are comfortable with. If you would prefer your character to leave early to take the others back to recover at base, that is completely fine. We want this to be flexible and for people to play with what inspires them. You are also free to come up with other ways your character can help during this time, as long as it does not break any game rules.)

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to fifth kaiju log!

Thanks to the Outsiders' efforts, they were able to engage with the kaiju in this fight. Due to them piecing the clues of the skulls helping to destroy the fog, they were able to gain access to Bran Castle. As they have also kept their suspicions of the villagers, some even including to sacrifice them, they were able to unearth them being associated with the cult, and able to uncover their involvement. Outsiders were also able to add wolfsbane as a weakness to the kaiju due to the messages exchanged between the kidnapped and non-kidnapped - and so this detail was also added into the log. We appreciate everyone’s engagement in this and hope you have fun with this outcome!

Feel free to NPC your characters' fights with the minions. The main fight with the largest one will be determined via a HP-based system (See below). Feel free to ask any other questions below! Additionally, we did clarify some questions in regards to vampires/general weaknesses here, as well!

For the vampire prompts, feel free to work with the setting in how you want your character to experience being turned, and potentially turning others. It was made vague to allow flexibility, so if you'd like to have your character just feed off of people without turning them, that works. If they want to turn all their friends, that is also 100% okay. Those who have been turned are welcome to play with that as they see fit. As mentioned, LILITH will be actively working on the cure, and this will be something revisited in the TDM, or on our quest board, so be on the lookout for that!

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

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. LORD OF THE FOREST: On the days leading up to the 15th, kidnapped characters are brought to the dungeons to receive their punishments. The punishments are administered in a way that suggests that the followers have many years of experience, and that they are all part of a sacrificial ritual to summon the Lord of the Forest; once the ritual begins, it can't be stopped. On the morning of the 15th, LILITH is able to send out a distorted monster debrief sheet that the captives will be able to briefly see before experiencing a heavy disturbance of rift energy. Captives in the dungeons will also be able to see the Lord of the Forest, but it will disperse back into the rift after being summoned.

2. FIND THE CAPTIVES: The Outsiders figure out that the captives are held in Bran Castle; the fog gradually lifts and the outline of the castle will be visible. The villagers will do everything they can to prevent the Outsiders from reaching the castle, from using the children to persuade them to stay to more violent means. Outsiders who have a poison dagger from LILITH are able to use it on the villagers without prior clearance due to the spotty connection. Vampires are among the villagers attacking the Outsiders; if they are bitten, their bodies will feel feverish. Once Outsiders reach the castle gates, they will have to break through the castle attendants to reach the dungeons.

3. THE DUNGEON OF CASTLE BRAN: Outsiders must fight through more attendants inside the castle as they make their way down to the dungeons. The layout of the dungeons is much bigger than it may seem on the surface—with over hundreds of cells, some of which still contain the remains and personal effects of previous villagers who have been sacrificed. Bats, minions of the Lord of the Forest, will attack the Outsiders and those who are bitten may begin to lose control of themselves with a thirst for blood. Bitten Outsiders may attack their teammates as a result, and may also be more susceptible to psychic brainwashing.

4. THE FINAL RESCUE: LILITH confirms the main mission objective of rescuing all the captives and gives formal clearance to kill anyone interfering with the mission, which includes any Outsiders who may have been temporarily brainwashed. The bodies of any fallen Outsiders must be brought back as LILITH may be able to restore them. Going deeper into the dungeons will cause side effects of rift poisoning to manifest. The Lord of the Forest appears to engage the Outsiders; its ability to weaken abilities is diminished slightly due to the phases of the moon. Five to ten minutes into the battle, LILITH seals off the rift below the dungeons, allowing Outsiders an opportunity to go all in on attacking the Lord of the Forest.

5. AFTERMATH: LILITH's medical crew arrives to begin treating injured Outsiders. Those who are able to heal or have medical experience are encouraged to treat Outsiders with minor injuries to lighten the load on LILITH's medical staff. Once the battle winds down, Outsiders are given several options on what to do next: kill the followers and the villagers, but sparing the children (who will be brought to Neo Tokyo); continue assisting and escorting any injured Outsiders to safety; taking any goods from the village that will benefit LILITH, including food sources. Once completed, Outsiders will leave Transylvania to embark on the journey back to Neo Tokyo.

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Comments

Yato | Noragami | Everlight

[intertwinedfates]

[cw: Violence and murder whoops]

🐺 1. LORD OF THE FOREST

[To say that the message they receive is... sparse is a gross understatement. And while it should be reassuring that LILITH is still working to aid them even now, it's such precious little use that Yato can't help slamming a fist into a nearby wall in a fit of rage.]

Sunlight? That's all they can tell us?! Fat lot of good that's going to do with this weather! Unless somebody can control light, that info's no help at all, dammit! Couldn't they have send a damn messenger on foot after all this time instead of wasting their efforts with this technology bullshit?! Ugh! Idiots!

⚔️ 2.A FIND THE CAPTIVES

No, no... I'm sorry, but I have to go. You don't understand-- my friend's in that castle.

[From the moment word gets out that there's a castle in the fog where their friends are being held, Yato is all for storming the joint. While he starts off gently brushing away the children clinging to his legs out of concern for them, his irritation begins to grow as the hostilities increase. Once the pitchforks and shovels and other tools are brandished at them, though, he seems to lose all inhibitions as he draws his two elemental swords, one de-powered and the other water. Leveling the latter at the crowd, he growls in a low, menacing manner at them, icy blue eyes flashing with their own light.]

Get out of my way.

🩸 2.B CUT THROUGH

[As the throngs of villagers grow thicker and their actions ever more violent in their attempts to block the way, black, jagged wisps of darkness begin to emanate from Yato's entire form - from his hair to his shadow, while his sclera have gone a vivid, bloodshot red. He grabs a child by the arm and tosses them out of the way towards another Outsider, while the swing of his sword slices through the handle of a man's pitchfork, stopping just shy of his throat as the god struggles to control himself, breathing hard.

Yet the people keep coming.

Finally, in a rage, he slashes a woman's arm, forcing her to drop the scythe she was about to hack at him with before whirling to knock out a teenager who goes to grab him from behind with the hilt of his sword. There seems no end to them, yet he forges on, taking what few steps he can in between mowing through the crowd with the viciousness of a god enraged. Anyone who gets close enough will hear him growl one thing over and over again:]

Hiyori.....!!

🏰 3. THE DUNGEON

[Despite anyone's efforts, Yato only grows more determined and feral with each passing minute, brushing off all chastisement and scorn in favor of rushing the castle. When the attendants bar the doorway, he doesn't so much as hesitate a second, merely slicing through their necks and plunging his blades into their chests without a flinch. This is nothing to him. Mere drops of blood in the buckets he's spilled over the centuries. And these people deserve it in his mind. Divine justice has arrived.

Flicking the blood clean of his weapons, he paces inside and stops, panting, determining which way to go to find their allies and friends. Glancing at the other Outsider beside him, he eyes them almost as though he doesn't recognize them for a moment, but thankfully he doesn't lash out at them as well, instead giving a slight nod.]

Which way you wanna go?

[Whether he plans on aiding them in their travels or merely using them as a distraction will probably depend on who he's paired with, honestly...]

🗡️ 4. AFTERMATH

[Only once the kaiju has been taken care of does the ominous aura around Yato disperse, leaving him looking more or less like himself. Aside from the dark look in his eyes, which has yet to fade away entirely, and likely won't - these bastards hurt not only their friends, but his human as well. His Hiyori. Unforgivable.

That may be why, in the aftermath of the battle, he stands with one foot on a man's chest, listening blankly to him beg for his life. For a time it seems like he might be willing to heed the pleas of this unarmed individual. ... At least until he slowly raises his sword in both hands, preparing to strike.

Unless someone stops him, it's off with his head and on to the next, be it man, woman, or child. No mercy. No forgiveness. Not this time. Will you stop him? Urge him on? Join in the bloodbath as well?]

🃏 5. WILDCARD

[Feel free to come at me with whatever!]

🏰 3. THE DUNGEON

[blastedass]

[The further in the go, the less human their opponents seem to become. Leaving behind the villagers in their village, the forest blooms with humans almost demonic in their aggression, succumbing to some kind of malady that seems to strip them of their humanity and leave them soaked in bloodlust and violence. Bakugo's path is litter with the smoking, groaning bodies of those he's barreled through, whether they're left halfway through building windows or dangling in tree branches like laundry.

After completely demolishing the gates with a Howitzer and blowing down the castle doors while the other Outsiders shed more cultists over the foyer, he emerges from the smoke into the castle proper, stalking forward with a furious resolve. Every muscle and nerve screams at him to blitz forward and leave the slow ones behind, but he refuses the urge in the wake of their missing members and the surprising intensity of the cultists' determination.

It means he's there to witness some of his companions transform into darker versions of themselves. People driven to limits by two weeks of suspicion and a few days of anxiety, now fueled by a desperation to recover their friends and a bleeding rage for revenge. Bakugo's often seen the line between hero and villain, knows exactly what it would do to step over that line. To become someone like Dabi or Shigaraki... It's not hard to understand, as ridiculous as the villains' insanity can reach.

That doesn't make it easier to see people he's grown to ally with resorting to this darkness... Yato no longer looks the God of Fortune he so badly wishes to be. Instead a God of Retribution levied at these foolish heathens. Blood red eyes, black energy racing cracks through the floor with each step, steeled expression. This is not his friend... Bakugo's aware that even a sharp explosion won't snap Yato out of this state. He's saturated in it.]

Forward and down.

[He can't stop Yato now. He isn't sure he even wants to. What he can do is stick close to him and drive as many living people out of the god's way before he gorges the life from them.]

[intertwinedfates]

[If there's any comfort to be found in this battle, it's that not all their targets can pass for hapless humans. Some are undead monstrosities, dead set on adding to their number. Those Yato can cut down without a second thought. Those who still retain their mortal nature sometimes are spared, through either being thrown out of the way or merely knocked out.

But not all of them. When they're wielding weapons and not hesitating to use them against the Outsiders, , it's their team comes first. If that involves injuring or killing the cultists, then so be it. There's no time for mercy. No time to be discriminate. They have to save their friends...!

And still, absently, in the reaches of his mind, Yato knows that what he's doing runs counter to everything he swore he stood for. And yet... And yet--! How can he not become an instrument of wrath, of nature itself, sent to punish these people for their participation in harming innocent people - their friends, their loved ones? Should any of their number perish thanks to these bastards, it won't be forgiven. He feels the blood boiling in his veins, borderline panic trying to set in as he worries for the safety of the others, and one in particular.

It's only thanks to the presence of other Outsiders that he doesn't entirely lose himself; he doesn't want to become a monster in their eyes, even if it might already be too late for that. He's trying to maintain control, dammit... Doing what he can to remain balanced without his shinki to guide him. Without Hiyori to scold him. Gods need their guides, after all. Moderation isn't in their nature, and he's proving the rule now.

Thankfully he's not alone. Bakugo is here with him, his presence alone helping rein in Yato to a degree. Someone he can rely on and protect in equal measure. For now he's taking comfort in that, despite how hard he's breathing as he struggles with his bloodlust.]

Got it. Let's go. There's no time to lose. Any minute they could be--

[No. No. He shouldn't think like that. It's not too late, they can still save them. They HAVE to. They can't lose anyone to a damned trap! Growling, he turns and hauls ass towards the nearest set of stone stairs, taking them two and three at a time. Hurry... Hurry!]

[blastedass]

[Those in the village were certainly human, but the further into the woods they went, the less human those drenched in the cult became. From violence beyond normal human stubbornness to the fanged blood suckers in human guise to the inhuman actions of those in the castle itself, their opponents progressed-- or perhaps devolved --into these monsters who only looked human and acted nothing like them.

Bakugo still refuses to kill them. not until he knows for certain their humanity is gone. But he's not gentle with them like he was (somewhat) with the village-dwelling opposition. They can take a blast into the wall or through the furniture.

Likewise, it's the words of other Outsiders that helps beat back the villainous temptation to end these criminals. Bakugo's anger and drive urges less care, more power, yet he forces himself to operate as he always has: as a hero. He can't stop others from doing what they think is right or needed, not unless it happens within his reach. There are more important things to deal with right now. Yato falls in that latter category.

He intends to keep the god from giving into those darker urges. Yato mentioned shinki and how they were supposed to help the gods stay in line? He'll be the god's shinki as much as he can in this moment.]

Don't rush in blindly, idiot! [Bakugo launches after Yato, not sure if this castle and descending dungeon have more than crazy cultists lurking in the shadows. Traps, blades, obstacles, any of that could be another way to spill blood.]

[intertwinedfates]

[In some ways Yato is grateful those in their way have been steadily turning out to be less than human in more ways than one - it means he can hack through them with little to no remorse, allowing his base nature to come to the forefront and act on instinct rather than logic. Anyone who gets in his way at this point is an opponent, be they man, woman, child, or Outsider. Maybe the bodies they leave strewn about will deter other cult members from pursuing them, but he doubts it.

It's truly only because Bakugo is accompanying him that he doesn't allow himself to become a completely destructive spirit, tearing through those before him in a bloody mess. Instead, he keeps his cuts shallow and to their legs and arms when possible, reserving chest and neck blows for those who are more difficult to take down.

He doesn't doubt Bakugo has seen hell already, but that doesn't mean he wants to add to the trauma. He wouldn't forgive himself for it later on.

Not that it'll stop him from argue with his teammate. Caution is all but gone from his game plan. All that matters is getting to where their friends are being held. Everything else is a distant second.]

You wanna sit back and relax while they're doing fuck knows what to them?! We need to hurry! [Even if part of him recognizes how foolish it is to make a beeline for the deepest part of the castle, his desperation is so great that doesn't stop, only sparing a glance back at Bakugo to glare at him for being so meek at a time like this.

At least until swinging axe comes out of nowhere, nearly lopping his nose off.

Then, he pauses for a breather, standing stiff as a board with the metal mere millimeters from his face.]

...'kay. Maybe we should slow down a little. ...just a bit, though.

[blastedass]

[Luckily for them, there aren't any children out here. Those were all back in the village. Probably not considered 'strong enough' for the ritual work in the castle. Like hell does Bakugo want to deal with vampire kids flying down from the ceiling with knives for teeth and coals for eyes. He's not spent any time looking at the people he's defeated, some of them left in adjoining rooms or out the windows before they headed underground and lost access to the latter.

Bakugo blitzes past more cultists, sizzling hands and explosive waves knocking them into walls while his legs and knees cripple other attackers by blowing out their joints or knocking them from their sockets. Shots to the head or bodily impacts thud them into the walls around, simultaneously knocking them out and clearing the path forward. Doors barely have time to bow inward before the resulting detonation sends them flying off their hinges and into the rooms beyond as chunky burning projectiles.]

Who the fuck's sitting back and relaxing?! You wanna fight, Cat-Eyes?! [Bakugo could also throw caution to the wind and hammer his way straight down through the bedrock with one explosion after another. That would get him to their allies the fastest, while bringing the castle and catacombs down around their fucking heads! How smart is that?! There's no meekness in Bakugo's actions. What he means is being on guard as they blow into the next room, looking to the sides as well as forward.

Case in point. The axe is met with a furious uppercut, scouring the entire wall black with a smearing carpet bombing and reducing the trap to ashes and slag.] You can't save anyone if you're dead.

[His tone's dark and serious despite the admonishment.] What are those black things you're radiating?

[Bakugo indicates the dark cracks around Yato's feet. Are they rifts, energy crawling along the ground, or actual damage breaking apart the stones? And no, he's not stopping. They're still moving forward as they talk.]

[intertwinedfates]

[Thank goodness for what mercies they can get, huh... It's a small comfort, knowing that they don't have to strike down any kids, since out of all the villagers, they're probably the only ones that can be considered 'innocent.' Whether they remain that way will depend on their reaction to this battle. The fact LILITH wants them taken back is another issue for later, though.

Doors themselves prove to be little obstacle for Yato's teammate, thankfully, sparing him the trouble of dulling his blades on wood or steel alike. LILITH-brand blades are a far cry from shinki weapons, capable of cutting through anything and everything provided the soul they're made from has the will for it. It's a damn inconvenience to be held back by so many mortal limitations. If he had all his abilities and weapons, he wouldn't need any help tearing through this castle...]

Don't tempt me, Blast Boy! [It's tough to not whirl on Bakugo and let him have a piece of his mind, but any thoughts of doing so are quite literally cut short by his triggering of the trap. Breathing out through his nose in an almost snort, he watches as the axe gets blown to smithereens in one swift motion, allowing him to relax a bit more.

Fair point, but he's in no mood to agree. So instead he huffs irritably, arms crossed briefly while he has a mini snit fit.] As if I don't know that!

[At the question, however, he turns more serious and resumes walking hastily, glancing at his palm to watch the dark wisps twist in on themselves and stretch out like they want to consume everything in their path. Thankfully they don't seem to be causing any damage to the area around them, but it's tough to say if that might be true of anyone who gets in their way.]

...my aramitama. A manifestation of the vengeance of a god. Means you don't wanna piss me off right now, to put it mildly. If a god allows themself to go too far one direction, it takes over and we become blind to everything, friend or foe alike. That's why we have to hurry.

[Screwing his eyes tight as they make their way down a longer passageway, he tries to regulate his breathing a bit. When he speaks again, it's quiet, almost guilty.] I know I'll lose it completely if anything happens to Hiyori. Even you won't be safe.

2b

[eyeofmyass]

[It's hard to notice every outsider where there are a seemingly endless mob full bodily throwing themselves in their path, but when a kid is suddenly thrown his way, he pays attention. He catches the kid to his chest, wincing as he immediately starts kicking at him, and like an angry kitten he simply traps the kid under his free arm.]

Happy?

[Not exactly what he would have expected from the god of helping, but Yato looks like he's ready to move mountains if he has to. The black wisps aren't something he understands, but that determination and fire burning in those red framed eyes is recognizable. That's somebody who has someone important to save.

He points his cross at the crowd between them, and shoots. He aims at legs, but immediately villager after villager is falling to the ground between them.]

I'll help make ya a path.

[Harder with just one free hand, as he's not inclined to let the kid go and get back in the middle of this, but he does swing his cross gun to the side, knocking half a dozen people to the ground. He's never had to use it for crowd control, but it makes a help of a broom.]

[intertwinedfates]

[Under normal circumstances Yato would do everything within his power to protect the innocent like children, but this is anything but a normal situation. Knowing that their allies are being used for what can only be a ritual sacrifice, his focus has narrowed to one thing and one thing only: save them. Save Hiyori.

It takes Wolfwood's nickname for him to pause long enough to spare him a glassy stare, breathing hard as he does so. In his feral mind, he recognizes him as a fellow Outsider, one deserving of protection and assistance.]

Nick...

[The way he blasts with a damn cross of all things comes as a hell of a surprise, but a most welcome one, it must be said. They need to get to this castle before they use up all their energy, so having help is definitely welcome. Enough so that even in his rage, he manages to flash Wolfwood a genuine grin.]

Heh, should've known there was more to you than meets the eye. Thanks, truly. Now lets kick some ass!

[He whirls on the looming crowd, scaring a couple of people into fleeing yet the rest are more determined to stop them, forcing him to have to lunge forward with the intent of disabling their legs. A quick cut here, a smack from his hilt to the head there, and steadily they begin cutting through the throngs of villagers.]

[eyeofmyass]

[There's a tenseness in his shoulders that relaxes when Yato acknowledges him, smiles in a way that lets him know he's not been entirely consumed by...well, whatever the hell it is that's happened to him.

Maybe later he'll have a chance to ask, but he knows that feeling of needing to save something important and that means they don't have time to get distracted. Still, he has to grin a bit at that comment, even if there is a tinge of bitterness in it. He's not sure what kind of first impression he cuts, but it's almost always better than this one, the one that uses a cross to cut people down. Monster, he's been called on more than one occasion. But at least he doesn't quite feel as alone in that description here.

Though, he still feels like an asshole for shooting down people with no abilities and nothing but pitchforks and axes as weapons. And while he's still got a kid at his side, he has to shake him a bit when he starts punching at him. ]

Hey, cover me for a sec, will ya?

[There's a tree to his side and he lifts the kid up to it and drops him off there, ignoring the immediate screaming of a kid scared of heights. Better that than the alternative. But it does leave his back to a bunch of aggressive villagers. Maybe he shouldn't trust a god he's never seen in battle, but if worse comes to worse he's got vials on him if he takes too much damage.]

[intertwinedfates]

[It's true that Wolfwood is right to be wary, as Yato's quickly descending into the dark urges of his godly nature. But with the presence of a friend he trusts rather than just hostile opponents, it's a little easier to cling to his kinder nature, at least for a little while. The longer they linger here, though, with their teammates trapped and being abused, the harder it'll be to maintain himself.

That's why he knows they need to hurry. Both for the victims and his own sanity.

As one who's been deemed a monster himself, Yato doesn't think any less of Wolfwood for using a religious symbol as a tool of destruction. If anything, he finds it amusingly ironic. Whether Wolfwood has the faith to back up using such a weapon remains to be seen, but it's not something Yato will judge him for either way. It takes all kinds to make their many worlds, and provided his actions are honest and true, that's what he cares about most.

It's just a damn shame they're facing such blindly devout believers of a cruel and heartless god, forcing them to go almost all out to save their companions.]

You got it!

[While Wolfwood busies himself dealing with the kid, Yato plays defense, knocking out and disarming those villagers who give him an opening, while those who go for his friend's back are met with swift retaliation in the form of sword slices to the arms or legs. For now he's sticking to disabling them as best as possible, only resorting to fatal blows when it's either them or him and Wolfwood. Placing himself between the priest's back and the riot surrounding them, he glances back to see how he's doing.]

You almost done there?

[eyeofmyass]

[He can hear the attacks behind him, acutely aware of how close the enemy is even with his back turned to them. This is stupid in every damn sense, a rule honed in deep, never turn your back. He's even chided Vash for the exact same thing, and yet here he is, trusting a nearly manic god to protect his flank.

It's stupid to try to protect this kid, he knows it, and if he had to, he'd shoot him in the head himself, but he doesn't have to, so it's worth the risk. He can't say he'll give the adult villagers the same courtesy.

He's always given religious people an understanding berth, it's easy to cling to something, someone, promising safety and hope in a world that feels desperate and bleak. It's easy to manipulate people into all kinds of shit, he's seen it first hand. But these bastards that have turned their own children into meat shields? His understanding ends there.

He turns from the shrieking kid and nods to Yato. Even spares a moment to smack the god on the back, a sign of camaraderie. The lack of injuries proof he can trust this man in a pinch, and to someone who fights for a living, that means everything.

So he'll return the favor. To Yato and these assholes.

He scans the mass around them, satisfied to see that it's just a throng of adults directly in their path.]

I'm carving your ass a path, so you better run. [A pause.] Go rescue 'em.

[And now that he's got both hands free, it's easy to spin his heavy cross so the long end is pointed at the crowd. His fingers curl on the trigger, and suddenly the cross is shifting, opening wider, a wide barrel opening up at the end. It starts to hum, a bright green light running up and down the sides as it charges.

And then he fires.

A thick green beam cuts through the crowd, anyone who doesn't get out of the way is nothing but a sliced or burned corpse. It makes for a gruesome path, but there's now a very distinct one as the green laser disappears.]

Go!

[intertwinedfates]

[True, it's highly questionable that trusting an unruly, rage-fueled god with your safety, but thankfully Yato's mind is still firmly entrenched in 'protect' mode means that he doesn't even consider taking down Wolfwood in his fury. Their job is to save the Outsiders, and for him, one in particular.

He can even appreciate Wolfwood's attempts to spare the kid, though he wonders if it'll be worth it when the poor brat will have to live with the memory of this massacre. If anything, the rational side of his mind figures they're only creating a potential enemy of LILITH for the future.

Somewhat ironic, since being a god means that Yato himself thrives on folks believing in him, so it isn't as though he doesn't understand where these people are coming from. But that doesn't mean they can just stand back and accept the suffering or death of their comrades. He certainly can't allow Hiyori to go through hell. He's her God of Fortune, dammit.

Though right now he's less that and more his old God of Calamity self, even if he accepts the back slap with a slight grin. It feels good to be able to protect someone, even if he's failed Hiyori thus far...

It makes him hesitate as Wolfwood focuses on the adult villagers barring their path. There's a lot of them, and the priest's weapon seems pretty damn unwieldy. Enough so that he's concerned whether he'll be alright on his own.]

You sure? We could always go together.

[At least that was his thinking before seeing Wolfwood twirl the damn thing with practiced ease, changing it into a far different weapon than what it was previously. Yato's eyes widen at the way it takes out anything in its path, leaving charred remains and a clear shot through the crowd.

Shaking himself out of it, he nods and rushes forward, calling back over a shoulder.]

Thanks, Nick! You're a lifesaver! Literally! Don't let them get you, got it?!

4

[harboredfeelings]

[ As bad as the first impression he gave her was Yato's someone she's ultimately come to like, spotting him brutalizing unarmed villagers while something she agrees with doesn't seem like something that's particularly good for the wanna-be god's mental state.

Being stuck in a cot to recover after the kaiju battle means she can't walk up to Yato and slap him like she wants to, but the planes she's been sending to attack the village can function just as much as a deterrent if she chooses. So they do! Three little rc-sized zero fighters zoom in and start to circle around Yato as he heads for his who-knows-how-manyith-victim. The planes hang in tight to him, trying to keep him from being able to swing his sword.

While the planes block him she contacts him via direct audio through the network. After confrontations with others she's far less enthusiastic, she's just tired at this point. ]

That's enough, Yato-chan. The vengeance god look doesn't suit you.

[intertwinedfates]

[To say that this is a far cry from his bumbling, idiotic self that first met Kaga would be a massive understatement. But such is the duality of a god's nature, ranging from helpful and silly to merciless and cruel. That he's leaning far towards the latter is obvious from the way the dark wisps he's been emanating all day have only grown upon his discovery of Hiyori in the dungeons. In his mind they should all die for what they did to her, to say nothing of the others.

Hence why he's positioned to take another villager's head when a series of mini planes descend upon him, startling him out of his rampage with an irate snarl. He's about ready to hack the damn things to pieces as her voice distracts him enough to still his blade. He knows that voice - that's the only reason he heeds it for even a moment.]

Kaga... [As his potential victim scrambles away, he slowly lowers his sword, breathing hard with the effort that it takes to not lash out.] Then you'd be surprised to know it's my true nature. It's what I did for centuries. Maim, kill, slaughter.

[Pushing past the planes, he trips up another individual fleeing his massacre, this time a woman holding her child. Cold eyes fix on the pair as he readies his blade again.]

Cull the herd.

[harboredfeelings]

[ If it were any other context she could appreciate this blood thirsty side, respect it even, she's pretty blood thirsty herself and that's a fact she's accepted. But Yato of all people killing the unarmed and children? She's not going to allow that to happen.

Of course her solution is bloody and unhinged. The planes break out of their circling pattern to zoom ahead again, the machine guns on the lead machine chattering with life. A sane person would aim for Yato's sword to disarm him, Kaga aims for his would be victims. To predictable results. The second plane of the wing follows with its cannons, ensuring that the pair of humans are indeed fully dead, while the third once more takes to circling around Yato to block his path. ]

Is this what Hiyori would want you to do?

[ She doesn't know the girl of course, but she knows a few things. She knows she was one of the "Chosen" and she knows that Hiyori is clearly someone Yato values more than anything else. So she gets it, that need for revenge, it's what drives her too. The cultists brought her sister into things after all.

But Kaga's used to Akagi seeing her do bloody things. Kaga gets the feeling Yato's human isn't likewise familiar with this killer side. ]

Leave mopping up to the people who were built for war. Keep your hands clean of this one, Yato-chan.

[intertwinedfates]

[It's a sign of just how far he's fallen in the span of 48 hours - that he's reverted to a past he'd shunned so thoroughly, even if it was only fairly recently. It's one he's picked up again with sickening ease, ready to slaughter every villager whether they're hostile or not, vampire or human.

Yet Kaga doesn't give him that satisfaction, instead taking matters into her own hands by steal his kills from him, much to his shock and a twinge of horror. The side of himself that still feels empathy is startled by her merciless onslaught, yet it's his ire and bloodlust that rages stronger. He grips his swords tight enough to turn his knuckles white, a low growl escaping from between clenched teeth as she invokes his weakness.]

Leave Hiyori out of this, damn it--!

[Yet he still dips his head, partially out of shame, partially to hide the hint of tears springing to his eyes. ...no, Hiyori wouldn't want this. She'd be horrified by his behavior. Even though she knows he spent most of his life taking that of others, she's never had to see his rage-fueled side. Never had to see the God of Calamity he used to be.

Which is why he wanted to take them all out before she recovered enough to find him. To slake his thirst for blood. He needs to punish those who caused so much harm, who took the lives of their friends...!]

You don't understand... My hands are already bloodied. What's another hundred lives on them at this point? When we lost some of our own, and they traumatized the rest...

[harboredfeelings]

[ He may talk a big vengeful god game but Yato's hesitation tells her everything she needs to know. His heart isn't in the killing like hers is, it's only going to hurt him in the long run. And that's to say nothing of the this Hiyori of his, if she finds out Yato's slaughtering villagers that could send them both spiraling.

One of her other planes joins in circling Yato to hinder him while the third flies overwatch. If he makes a move to kill again she'll continue to steal that blood away from him. ]

Yes they hurt us but how much more traumatized will that girl be when she wakes up and learns what you're doiny? If you keep killing you won't be able to hide this, what good are you to her if you go from her protector to a monster?!

[ Honestly this guy. She can't understand? She's told him she's a damn aircraft carrier, does Yato think she spent both her lives just sitting in port?! ]

[intertwinedfates]

[The worst part is she's probably right - he's no longer the same god he once was, who could turn off his emotions in order to slaughter mercilessly and fulfill every wish that comes his way. He swore that life off and turned towards his guide to find a new path, for both friends of his. What would they think of him now...?

Between that thought and Kaga circling him with her planes, he gradually lowers his swords as his chin falls against his chest.]

...I hate it. That you're right. She'd be mortified and likely filled with guilt at being the reason for my actions, when it's not her fault at all... But what the hell am I supposed to do with all this rage...?! They hurt her so badly, left her with scars both physical and mental. Letting them live is a mercy they don't deserve!

[Truthfully, he's kind of wallowing in self-pity right now. Or maybe it'd be more accurate to say he's reflecting the pain all their friends went through. It wasn't just Hiyori who got hurt, but so many others, too. Some of their companions even died. Even for a God of War, it's still a painful loss.]

2B this is the worst thing i've done in a year or so

[30storieshigh]

[ Most people would see a tossed child and intuit they're meant to catch them and bring them to safety. Most people aren't a raging kaiju who's in a blood frenzy where anything not wearing a plugsuit is either an enemy, a meal, or more often than not both. Godzilla's reflexes are sharp as ever so he catches the youngster Yato throws his way.

In his mouth. Chomping down and shaking his head to flail the screaming human around. Tiring of that quickly Godzilla snaps his head upwards and lets go, flinging his prey into the air, then turns in place and slams his tail into the boy as he falls. The human child goes flying clear over the tree tops. Godzilla barely even registers that it was a smaller enemy than the others, he's got many more fish to brutalize.

Or bowl through as the case may be. Getting down to all fours Godzilla gallops forward with a roar, rushing right past Yato and slamming through the crowd of villagers to further clear a path. His tail whips, his jaws snap, and his elbow blades are thrust out to bludgeon, disembowel, and otherwise destroy anyone that gets in the way.

Sorry Yato no time to talk, lots of killing to do. ]

OM NOM NOM people snacks

[intertwinedfates]

[To say that Godzilla's appearance comes as something of a shock would be a gross understatement. One would think Yato would've heard and felt the footsteps that accompany the titan, but he's been so wrapped up in trying to hack through the villagers that he only register's his ally's presence when the kid screams bloody murder. Quite literally, it seems.

For a moment, it might seems as though Yato is going to freak out and chastise Godzilla for killing a small child. Yet his own blood is boiling to much for that to be an option. Instead, he merely wipes off the blood that splatters him and aims his swords at another villager. Cruel as it is, all he can think is that with Godzilla's help, they'll be able to get to the castle faster and rescue their friends sooner.

And once the lizard is barreling through like a damn freight train, Yato can't help laughing, partially out of glee, partially with relief that he won't have to cut down every single person between here and their destination. Deciding to risk his own safety, he runs up the backside of Godzilla, using him like a ramp in order to leap ahead and clear out a group of implement-wielding villagers in one fell swoop. Blades flash as he spins in place, not caring how he manages to down the humans. Some fall with only minor injuries, others lose a limb in the process. One is parted from their head.

They don't have time to worry about petty things like age or gender. An opponent is nothing more than an obstacle to the success of saving everyone, plain and simple.

Which is why when even more people rush at him afterwards, he grabs a guy by the collar, turning and using the momentum to hurl him towards Godzilla.]

Let's play fetch, you bastards--!

They delicious and nutritious!

[30storieshigh]

[ Luckily for Yato Godzilla is actually kind of used to people hitching rides on him in the middle of a charge (Thanks for that Kong), so he keeps himself on a straight path till he feels the feet leave his back so as not to jostle his passenger.

Vaguely in the back of Godzilla's head he's impressed by just how hard the young god fights. The humans fall like wheat beneath the scythe (what a weird imagery, humans are weird) under the assault of the boy's blade. Godzilla would almost be envious of such skill if he wasn't so adept at using his natural born weaponry and reflexes. Yato had to gain skill, Godzilla was hatched with it. There's no comparing the two, really, though both are effective in their own ways.

Like a leaping crocodile Godzilla pounces from the ground into the air to snatch up the guy Yato threw his way, teeth and claws latching on, and landing easily on his feet. Rather than simply eat the poor guy Godzilla proceeds to grab him by the legs as he stands to his full height, and proceeds to use the screaming, flailing villager as a club. One person gets hit in the sternum, another smashed overhead, a third knocked in the shins, the fourth charging villager has the weaponized human thrown at them, both humans landing in a broken heap.

Godzilla chuckles maliciously in his throat and spares Yato a look and a nod, casually slamming his tail down on a villager that tries to pitchfork the kaiju from behind. ]

Well done. Continue in this way, we shall have our pack free by the human hour.

The perfect hors d'oeuvres before the main course!

[intertwinedfates]

[That is indeed lucky for him; he doesn't care to see the inside of Godzilla's mouth or stomach, even if he's fairly confident he could crawl his way out one end or the other. (....) Using the Godzilla for a boost actually proves quite handy at that - none of the rampaging cultists seem to be expecting a secondary attack from above, so when he lands among the crowd, it's utter chaos.

It's not unlike what Yato used to experience as a child, sweeping in and weaving among the mass of humans, taking down one body after another. Listening to the screams of agony and the pleas for mercy, although there's none to spare within him. The only grace of god he has remaining is reserved solely for their friends and allies who were captured. Even should they be brainwashed or turned in some other way, he won't let any harm come to them.

A much better fate than those who await the pair of god and lizard. Falling further to his instincts, Yato grins as he watches Godzilla batters even more people with on person for a weapon. It's hilarious to him because his normal weapons - shinki - are actually made from the souls of deceased humans. So it's kinda like Godzilla is fighting like a god, himself.

As they meet up, he gives the lizard king a peace sign, ironically, and hacks down another axe-wielding villager attempting to interrupt them.]

You too! Between the two of us, cleaning up will be a breeze. And that's to say nothing of the help we're getting from everyone else.

[He nods at the rest of the crowds being dealt with by their allies before turning back to him.]

Mind if I hitch another ride? That was pretty damn effective, I gotta say. You're a natural at bulldozing!

[30storieshigh]

[ The big guy squints at Yato, something that's usually quite threatening but when his eyes are lit up a solid pink it's just kind of weird really, especially if you're one of the people on his good side. ]

I do not understand. I am neither auroch nor asleep, I am quite alert.

[ Like Ereshkigal Yato is a young god prone to the failings of the humans who's form he takes. Mainly their sometimes entirely incomprehensible speech. No point dwelling over it though, more important matters to attend to.

With a nod the big guy lowers himself to all fours, even paws at the ground eagerly (kind of like a bull) as the desire to charge floods through him. They're wasting time, the castle is dead ahead, their friends are in there. ]

You will hold tightly but mind my spines, they are quite sharp. If you fall I shall not slow, you will have to catch up on your own legs. This is agreeable?

[intertwinedfates]

[Oh yeah, that's another word whose meaning is dependent on knowing human terminology, huh. Although instead of being annoyed or anything, Yato finds it hilarious and cackles with laughter, bending over a bit as he does so. Bulldozing, huh?]

I'll fill ya in later, big guy. Don't worry about it.

[Though he probably won't, if only because it's funny as hell and he wants other people to get to experience the joy that is the king of monsters' proverb mishaps.

Once he's gotten his bout of laughter out, he scrambles up onto Godzilla's back, careful of his spines and his own swords so as not to poke him. It probably wouldn't hurt, but he doesn't want to give his ride an itch.]

Sounds good to me! I'm used to rough rides by now, so feel free to cut loose and go wild! [He had plenty of practice with the dragon kaiju last time, that's for sure.

Pointing towards the castle, he gives Godzilla a pat.]

Alright! Tally-ho! Onward!