𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
synfluxmods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synflux2024-10-14 12:50 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2024-10-14 12:50 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- azur lane: kaga,
- chainsaw man: denji,
- delicious in dungeon: kabru,
- devil summoner: raidou kuzunoha,
- elfen lied: lucy/kaede,
- ennead: set,
- fate/grand order: ereshkigal,
- fate/grand order: okada izou,
- fate/grand order: tezcatlipoca,
- final fantasy 7: kadaj,
- godzilla: gigan,
- honkai star rail: aventurine,
- honkai star rail: dan heng,
- honkai star rail: dr. ratio,
- honkai star rail: march 7th,
- in stars and time: siffrin,
- jujutsu kaisen: choso,
- jujutsu kaisen: kento nanami,
- jujutsu kaisen: satoru gojo,
- jujutsu kaisen: suguru geto,
- jujutsu kaisen: yuji itadori,
- legendary monsterverse: godzilla,
- library of ruina: gebura,
- limbus company: ishmael,
- limbus company: rodion,
- limbus company: vergilius,
- lobotomy corporation: yesod,
- mobile suit gundam seed: dearka elthman,
- mobile suit gundam seed: lacus clyne,
- mobile suit gundam seed: shinn asuka,
- mobile suit gundam seed: yzak jule,
- my hero academia: katsuki bakugo,
- original character: lilias hollow,
- pacific rim: raleigh becket,
- persona 5: akira kurusu,
- spy x family: yor briar,
- touken ranbu: tsurumaru kuninaga,
- trigun stampede: nicholas d. wolfwood,
- trigun stampede: vash the stampede,
- witch from mercury: elan ceres (5),
- wuthering waves: rover,
- yu-gi-oh! gx: manjoume jun,
- zoids new century: jamie hemeros
KAIJU FIGHT #5
KAIJU FIGHT #5
▶ 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.
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.)
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEETIt 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.
NAME:
HEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEIGHT: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
CLASS: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
LOCATION: BRAȘOV, TRANSYLVANIA.
ABILITIES: Ư̴͚͈̓͊̅͐́̇͛̂͌̏͠Ņ̷̧͕̣̦͉̟̣̽̽̌̓̈́͒̈́́̔̊̚͜͝K̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃
WEAKNESSES: SUNLIGHT, HOLǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃Y REǸ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̹̆̃S, GK̷̗͖̜̟̮̬̜̳̍̈́̽͝Ǹ̵̠̳̯͕̠̻̖͔̹̖͑ͅỎ̶̖̲́̒͒͒͜W̵͈͍̻̞̮̻̏̍͠N̷̥͚̳̳͙̟͓̆̃
EXTRA NOTES:
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!
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.
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—
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.
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.
"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.)
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.
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.
ׂ╰┈➤ the dungeon + rescue
maybe?a god. they were ready to tear down a castle. all for these people, their allies. is this the kind of group someone thinks is a good idea to divide and steal from? they are loyal to themselves above everything. they should be. not LILITH. not this world or these people. to themselves.smoke and dust peel away from his bloodied face and body, drifting off the sharp spines of his mask, as katsuki emerges from clouds of wreckage and battle. they're here. they're all here. those who move, those who can move, those who can't move... and those who won't ever move again. gall snarls his stomach into a ball, copper blooms bitter and acrid in his throat t the sight before him. why? why the fuck would people do this kind of thing?! they're people! just like them!
bitterness and rage flickers through him anew, momentarily igniting katsuki's "regret" over his lack of fatal injuries behind him on all the cultists he blew through. he pushes it aside, knowing that wasn't the important part to focus on right now. this was. as the outsiders go for the cells, wrenching doors and bars open from pure adrenaline and ability, katsuki blitzes past one cell after another, checking in and shouting out a name and for another outsider to get on it. he's searching for someone. there's no search for the keys, no blasting of the cell door off its hinges for him. but rather his hands burn with such intense charge of his explosions, katsuki literally melts his hand the metal like an arc welder overcharged. leaving each occupied cell door's keyhole a gaping glowing hole of slag. but none of them... none of them have his outsider.
it's not until a trip backwards that he finds a familiar silhouette among the hallways. faint light glows from a nearby torch, illuminating a mop of shaggy sandy blonde hair he knows so well. matted with crimson in a state he's seen so many times. but this isn't monster blood. he knows exactly what kind of blood this is. matching the gory injuries he saw on some of those in the cells earlier. like he ones left on his own body when denji had been under the worm's influence. fuck... they used him... didn't they... fuck, they used him!
rage and sorrow well up, but katsuki forces them away with his revulsion, ratchets up his determination, and braces himself against the scent of gore. with the other outsiders spilling into other cells behind them, he approaches the half-devil who's become so important to him over the past several months. eyes taking in the garish mess all over his boyfriend's body. there should be relief in his chest at seeing denji up and awake. it means he's alive. and yet...]
Denji. [he fights the human urge to grab him, mind split in a clean cut between desperate relief and sticky wariness. something's not right with his boyfriend and he has no desire to take a chainsaw to the guts by spooking him. katsuki keeps one arm in front of his stomach, ready to block with the grenade-shaped bracer as he moves around in front of denji's figure.]
Denji. Oy. [fingers messing with his cord... and yet that ring is still on one of them. he reaches out with his free hand, moving it towards denji's and the cord. until he touches his hand, attempting to interlace their digits and bring the half-devil's grip away from that dangerous tether.]
Denji. It's okay. [he has no clue if such words have been said before, only to prove a lie when something else was broken. katsuki's normally gruff voice quiets to a decibel almost on one has ever heard before as he peers up at his boyfriend's face.] It's me. I'm here. [look at him. focus on him.] You're going to be okay. We're all here.
no subject
while it's not the worst the half-devil has endured throughout his life, it was prominent they've been neglected long enough for the blood to dry and harden. his skin was almost peeled open, flesh exposed in separate large cuts, down to his lower back in a horrid sight. as if someone had used some type of whip? over and over again. denji didn't heal himself. he couldn't. he wasn't allowed to. the touch on his hand finally sparked an awakening from within, and it was the first inkling of him being close to a living body. slowly, he meets bakugou's eyes, staring quietly, as if he couldn't identify the person before him.
the harsh truth is— denji isn't trying hard enough to snap out of it. because he knew it was going to hurt. he knew he would have to deal with the harrowing guilt as he embraced what he had done. those were not a bunch of thugs who deserved what was coming for them; they were his teammates. his allies. his people. his blades mauled and decapitated their limbs; some cried in agony, some begged, and some willingly gave in to him. he knew he would have to deal with all of this, and maybe it wasn't the worst idea to stay numb and just ... hide a bit longer, like the fucking coward he is. however, that all changed when those red hues started to become a bit familiar - the shade, their intensity. he started to remember the boy in front of him, and then something changed.
his heart is beating a lot faster. the cozy dissociation was no more a sanctuary to hide in— something within him told him to wake the fuck up, flashing loud sirens. denji's breath stuttered, but the air felt heavy in his chest, suffocating. the sensation of detachment washed over him again, sedating him like a wave pulling him under, but he didn't want to give in this time. memories flashed through, and that's bakugou. bakugou katsuki is here? when did he? and here comes the dread. no, no, no no no no.
he yanked his hand away as harshly and as fast as he could. he didn't care to be gentle; that's one thing his boyfriend might be forgiving of, and not what he might do to him if they came back. talking — is a waste of fucking time, something denji couldn't afford to do. he didn't know how long he would stay this lucid before slipping into their control again, and as much as he wanted to turn back and run as far away as possible, he didn't know how long he would last before they got to him. he started sweating, hyperventilating - fuck, it's vegas again. he's going to hurt this boy again, isn't he? is he going to be another victim of his chainsaws? will he kill another person who was genuinely kind to him? no, he can't go through this. between all the overwhelming hysteria gripping him, denji is in a rush to do something before it's too late.
how can he make it stop? he grabs into his head, nails digging and clawing into his scalp, desperate to end it all. he didn't want to hear those voices in his head anymore. he couldn't go through it again. ]
Go away! [ it's weak, barely above a whisper. ] Please ... go away ...
[ 'i don't want to lose you!'. ]
no subject
he should have killed them.
skin touches skin and katsuki watches for any sign of reaction, whether it's startled back to reality or an aggressive assault in defense or programmed violence. but with that touch comes a tiny flicker of light back to his eyes. life exists within him. how much of "denji" is in that life remains to be seen. was his psyche ripped out? buried? converted? bakugou doesn't know this either, though suspects pochita would have had something to say if someone tried to uproot denji's person. the lack of recognition in his eyes hurts, but he pushes the pain aside with a reminder this is torture. most of the time, people don't even recognize family members for a few seconds if started out of their sleep.
unfortunately, katsuki can't leave denji to stay numb in his grief and drown in the despair of his pain. they have to move. even if it hurts. waking him up is possibly a cruel decision, but heroes sometimes have to make those tough choices. he refuses to clock denji across the face or anything rough like that, rather squeezes his hand gently and rhythmically, hoping to coax him back to a gentler awakening. talking to him, using his voice to offer a hand to the frightened, injured boy in the shadowy alley. he expected either a fast snap back to reality or a slow waking from the nightmare. looks like the former happened...
heart rate picking up, breath catching, for a second denji looks like he'll roar back into reaction-! and then it slips, as if his feet slough backwards in the mud and send him scrambling downward once more. katsuki narrows his eyes, looking into his boyfriend's tawny gaze. he can't dive in there after him, can only hang onto the rim of that pit and strain every muscle in his body for the inches needed to extend his hand to denji's own. there's no quirk to call on inside that wreck. it's only him. and denji.]
Denji. Come back. It's gonna be okay. I'm right here. But you gotta reach for me. [only him and denji. cruel as it may be, this part is up to his boyfriend. to fight against the mental torture and reach for him. he's gone as far as he can, banging on the outside of his coffin, but only able to move the lid open fraction by fraction until it refuses to budge more. a crack wide enough to see inside and reach his arm within. even as that hand yanks backwards, katsuki lets it retreat, though remains ready to take it again shortly.
sweat and air churn together, pouring down denji's body and pumping the half-devil's lungs in frantic animal bellows. fear, alert, aversion, terror. he can assume what of. these hands hold power and danger within them, blades that can rend bone and flesh and even strike the hearts of devils with horror. yet as soon as denji grabs for his own head, katsuki reaches for him and rests both hands on the backs of the half-devil's. working his fingers underneath them as best he can to try and prevent his boyfriend from clawing into his own skull.]
I won't. [katsuki leans in and deliberately rests his forehead against denji's, even if he has to lift up on his tiptoes to reach him there.] I made a promise to stay with you through anything. [no matter the embarrassing sap, the horrific injuries, the traumatic memories, the insatiable horny love, the laughter and smiles of good times. everything they have together, he swore never to become another body in the darkness of denji's past.] You're my partner. My partner. And I'll never let you go.
[i'll show you, i can win. every time. i've got a stronger hold on you than they ever will.] I'm right here, Denji. I'm here.
no subject
did pochita have any leverage since their arrival in neon tokyo? it's unlikely due to lilith refusing to welcome the outsiders into their city without forcing them to comply with their laws, having some control over their abilities, and surely allowing the chainsaw devil to rampage at his own will is not ideal. it didn't mean the devil wouldn't try out of spite. denji is shutting down, it's his cue to come out, and as much as he wanted him to pull on that cord— it all changed when the other boy leaned in, seeking closeness, foreheads pressed. with two hearts as one, hurting bakugou isn't an outcome they both desire. vegas was an awakening; pochita had seen how it messed denji up, and how important their bond was to him. attempting to defy lilith will come in another day, but tonight, denji will have to fight alone.
'but you gotta reach for me' - a softer voice cut through the fog, prompting his brows to furrow, eyes searching bakugou's for clarity that felt impossible to find. he then shook his head, unable to form words, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. he didn't want to hold his hand, not like this, not right now. he's beyond petrified. he didn't trust himself anymore. denji might be a selfish bastard, tossing unrealistic expectations on the boy he loves, expecting him to fix everything, save, protect, and care for him, all while putting the pieces of a damaged soul together for him. happy to let him shoulder all that burden because that's what heroes do; it's their job to win and rescue. even an asshole like him knew when things were bad enough to lose all that unjustified confidence, shaping him into the scared little boy denji had always been.
instead of fighting back, he wanted to run. instead of trying to protect the person he loves, he wanted to hide, cover his ears, muffle the noises, and pretend he was not there anymore. someone like him didn't deserve a normal life or to be loved — makima was right.
bakugou was smart enough to be mindful of the way denji was holding onto his head, reducing the pressure even when blood started pooling underneath his fingernails, knuckles turning white. if it weren't for his partner holding him back, they'd probably sink even deeper. this wasn't his first time attempting self-harm; this had always been his escape, slashing off his own brain. while it did work with the fall devil, breaking out of their emotional manipulation, this time he knew he was doing more damage than good. bakugou ... shouldn't see him like this. when the thought that he's probably causing more distress to someone he promised himself to protect settles in, denji ... stops. slowly, hesitantly, he relaxed his fingers, opting to grab into his hair. not yet brave enough to hold bakugou's — not yet. he's not ready yet. staring at him, eyes wide, like a trapped animal.
'You're my partner. My partner. And I'll never let you go.' — 'I'm right here, Denji. I'm here.'
a single tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek. more followed, burning and relentless, each one a release of the weight he had been carrying alone. suddenly, he felt the walls around them begin to spin, chest tightened, and he buried his face in his hands, shoulders quivering from the overwhelming emotions and frustration pouring out. he finally broke down, broken — even if he was now healing from the influence of brainwashing; this was no victory. this is another mission that will end with more scars to carry back home. as denji begins to face his harsh reality, all hope of a better day seems impossible and unreachable. ]
... Why am I so weak?! [ he gasped between sobs- the question hung in the air, unanswered. he's hiding again, hunching forward, his face buried and shielded from his partner, and he feels the warmth of his tears seep through his fingers. so so so full of shame, yet pathetic enough to lean into the other's body, desperate for any touch that would keep him grounded before he'd lose it all. ] I keep messing up! I've lost everything! I have nothing and no one to return to! They're all dead! If I lose you ...
[ ... he didn't need to say it, right? ]
no subject
hair scuffs against his forehead, back and forth. no, no, no. he can't. or he won't. katsuki's not sure which denji means. that's not an answer he'll accept. rejected immediately, he stays exactly where he is, forehead to forehead, hand hovering between them open and ready to take back the hand so frantically ripped away a moment before. forcing him to hold his hand right now won't work. it has to be denji who meets him in this place. through his tears and pain, he has to look until he sees katsuki. more than sees, trusts him once more. there's no costume right now, no hero name, no great villain or incredible power. only a storm and a boy in the middle of it, lost and afraid and hurt. he has to reach him, katsuki refuses to let him be sucked away into that wind and black forever. one step after another. no looking towards a future past this single moment ahead. this alone is what he can do for denji.
if he runs, katsuki's not sure he can find him again. even if he has to shout himself bloody raw in the storm, he'll continue to strive towards the man he's come to love. no matter if denji believes he deserves it or not. that's no longer a choice the half-devil gets to make. he's taken it from his boyfriend and decided it for himself. love isn't deserved or even earned. it's given, even if influenced and encouraged, from one person to the other. he keeps his fingers in denji's hands, getting them under the other boy's, into his hair, slowly working on pulling them from the bloody crescents he making in his scalp. no jerks, no force, no reprimands, rather a steady and quiet encouragement to stop. it feels like forever before the half-devil eases his grip, though when he fists his hair, at least a finger's in the way, squeezed within denji's palm and crushing digits. not a hand hold, not yet.
katsuki meets his eyes, crimson irises and black pupils lacking any fear or hesitation. determined and calm despite his usual fiery nature. words after words, working into his mind as much as he can. tears come and his hands are suddenly abandoned as denji covers his face in his own hands. breaking and melting into a shivering mess of cries and shaking shoulders. katsuki's expression softens into his own sadness, knowing he's too late to stop any kind of scarring. right now isn't the time for hope. unable to take his hands, he opts to move his arms around denji's shoulders and embraces him. lightly, not crushing or trapping, he keeps his touch open enough the half-devil can retreat a bit if he needs it.]
It wasn't you. [trite and cliche, but it's not a lie. these people used denji; he knows this boy would never do the things he did of his own volition. can someone be blamed for doing something they had no control over? and yet, regardless of the answer, the burden of guilt remains. he lowers his head, resting his mouth against the top of denji's head, nose buried in the bloody tufts of his hair, breath ghosting hot against his scalp.] They're not all dead. We've rescued them. They're being treated right now.
[the horrible truth of death remains, but katsuki can't focus on that now.] You won't lose me. I promised you that. I won't break it. [repeating it as many times as he has to until denji can believe him.] You're not alone, Denji.
no subject
how long can he hear this before it starts sounding like a lie? how long will he pretend he wasn't responsible for each and every shitty event in his life? how many tragedies must he endure before he acknowledges that he's the fucking problem? it's because he's weak-hearted. pathetic enough to manipulate, a coward who wouldn't act fast or smart enough, he's easy prey, and all that falls on the people who are foolish enough to give a shit about a scum like him. if this is the life that was created for him, denji doesn't want to live it anymore. if that is all to it— a brutal repetitive cycle of trying and getting hurt until every shred of his humanity is ripped out of his pitiful soul and he becomes the monster that they want him to be. and, you know? sometimes he does think about it. he does stop and wonder what it would feel like to say 'fuck it'? just fuck it all. fuck everyone. nayuta called him out on it and coaxed him to join the devil's side because that is what he, inwardly, wished to do. he's tired. so tired. how long can he act like he's a decent person who is worthy of a normal existence?
he wants to give up, but — bakugou is here.
he's too close, strong arms pulling him into a warm body, taking in the familiar scent of that boy, one that reminded him of their shared moments of contentment. the late nights of casual talks, their early mornings, the excitement of an upcoming date, catching a movie together, grabbing a meal on their way back to the base after long hours of work, holding hands, sharing a kiss - being loved. between all those grim thoughts spitting toxicity into his mind, promising it would all be better if he just gave up and stopped fighting, denji wanted to hold onto something else. he wanted to hold onto that tiny shimmer of hope that maybe ... just maybe ... he could have another ending in this life.
it was hard— probably the most difficult fight he had ever had, almost physically draining as it was emotionally. it had little to do with the brainwashing stunt anymore; it was nothing but a trigger to unload years and years of unresolved traumas toppling down all at once. this is what he truly dreaded, suffering the despair that just hurts and hurts until it tears him apart. denji is nowhere close to being calm. hell, he's barely able to catch his breath, but ... he's reaching out. it was a bit messy and erratic, the way he dropped his hands lower, gripping and tugging on anything so he could pull the other boy closer, clinging desperately. ]
Make it stop ... [ his fears. his doubts. his thoughts. the pain - everything. ] ... please ... [ it's unfair. ] ... make it stop! [ it's borderline cruel, but - he takes that hand, finally. his fingers clutched the fabric of bakugou's suit as he fought to catch his breath. denji's heart ached, a heavy, gnawing discomfort that felt insurmountable; muffled sobs escaped his lips, the kind that tugged at the soul. since the day he found out that bakugou's dream is to be the number one hero, a thought stuck to him. it started with interest and slowly progressed into a genuine desire. ]
... help me ...
[ he never voiced it out until now. this time, it was less of a selfish entitlement and more of a scared young boy who didn't know what else to do. a boy who didn't want to forget he's still human. a boy who didn't want to surrender to all the hate and resentment boiling in his heart. denji is no hero, he didn't care for that life, he just wanted — to be happy, to love and be loved, and never be a reason to hurt anyone who is kind to him. and then, all of a sudden, it was getting harder for denji to keep his weight on his feet, and bakugou would feel the way his body is reaching its limit. he'd been trapped in a cell for most of his time here, barely able to rest or heal, and after all that blood loss and emotional drain, he was getting lightheaded. it's unlikely he had any energy in him to fight in his current status, even under a command from the captives; the only thing that kept him lucid was sheer anxiety, unwilling to let go of the other boy even when his body was giving in. ]
no subject
[these are things bakugou doesn't know, beyond the latter two. can a man who accepts a gift be at fault for someone else coming after that gift to abuse it? denji's past is still mostly a mystery to him, but he's been here for the time denji hurt him and now witnessing the results of the cultists using denji to hurt others. yet neither of those are his fault. dammit, denji, midoriya, itadori, all of them take the blame for shit none of them had any choice or intention to do! how is that so hard to get through their stupid heads?! they had no responsibility in the action except that their bodies existed! if their existence means they're at fault for being used, then everyone's at fault for everything.
arguments and exasperation he won't be expressing to denji in this state. he'll continue to tell denji it wasn't his fault even if the half-devil thinks it's a lie. of course it's easier to give in. villains always have it easier than heroes when it comes to doing whatever they want. throwing morals, responsibility, laws, everything to the wind is such a freeing decision. so long as they can trounce the consequences, being the devil is the best life any human could ever live. a world full of that would be the ultimate freedom. and then die very quickly as it consumed itself to the last drop.
bakugou rests his head atop denji's, eyes gazing at the wall across from them. he has answers for those "why" questions. why should he continue to fight? why shouldn't he become the devil? why shouldn't he give up and abandon humanity? why should he continue to suffer? being human means suffering, weakness, pain, trouble, conflict, and more. but focusing only on the negatives is a surefire way to ruin any life. he draws his hand down denji's back, up his shoulder, down his spine, up his nape, down again, up and around, soothing, touching, reminding one place after another he's here. there are so many things to live for. hope's never easy in the darkness and storm. but he can't stop encouraging denji to reach for it. call him insane all you want; he's too stubborn to care.
as denji's hand dropped, bakugou reached for it and caught him. fingers twisting in fingers, blood squishing between their digits as their palms line up once more. make it stop. how? logically he could knock him out; people don't dream when they're unconscious. but making everything stop? the pain, the memories, the sorrow. he doesn't have that kind of power. it's all in denji's head and heart, places he can't physically reach to fight them off. feeling him clinging to him, begging for relief from the agony inside, clenches at his chest and stomach. if he could, he'd take all those bad things from denji and leave him with a shining, happy life. while he can't do the former, he can aim for the latter.
a hero saves. a hero protects. a hero helps. a hero wins. he knows these things. how can he help denji? being with him is the best answer. but is it the right one right now? there's little he can give him at the moment. as the half-devil sags against him, going weak, bakugou braces himself, arm moving to wrap around his shoulders. too weak, too tired, too sad to go on. exhaling, the blonde slides one arm down and hooks it under denji's legs, other still strong about his shoulders. a quick push and heave and he picks the half-devil up in his arms, carrying him against his chest. he wants to give him blood to help denji heal, but in his current state, would tasting his blood drive the other boy into a frenzied fear he injured him? bakugou can't take that risk.
but he does lean down and kiss him. lips to lips, ignoring the mess of his mouth, the taste of copper, everything. no matter how dirty denji gets and thinks he is, bakugou isn't going to abandon him. not what they have together. he parts the kiss only enough to talk, lips still close enough to brush together.] Ai shiteru yo.
no subject
regardless of it all, there is no doubt in his heart - that bakugou never considered him as anything else but an equal. denji could never make sense of it, considering the insane diversity between them, dark and light, a golden child and a lost stray. one thing is sure: no matter how bad it gets, how loud those whispers grow, how tempting it is to give up, his trust in katsuki is unshakable. his words, his touch, and his presence will always have power over him because it's real. he never lied to him; he never abused denji's confidence in him— he is a steady, positive influence in his short existence in this city. he became denji's safe space, a place where he can be vulnerable, fall apart without the fear of not having someone be there to hold him through it.
as the embrace enveloped him, everything else seemed to fade away. the world outside, with its clutter and noise, dimmed to a hushed murmur. denji's breathing, shallow and quick just a few seconds before, slowed in rhythm, syncing to the steady rise and fall of the chest pressed against his own. there was something about bakugou's hold— strong, sure, and unwavering that made them feel like nothing could hurt him anymore. denji was hidden away from everything that scared him; the weight of his abused body, which had been so heavy for what felt like an eternity, seemed to lift as those arms carried not just his body but his burdens, too. his anxious heart, once racing with worry, began to still. the tension in his shoulders eased, melting away as the pressure of their closeness grounded him, reassuring him that he was not alone. this is real. bakugou is here. it's okay to rest, to close your eyes and let it be. it's okay.
the kiss was soft, too soft - kind. denji breathes in, tipping his chin up for another one, only to hear bakugou's whisper. delicate but heavy, like a stone dropped into still water. denji forced his tired eyes to open, and he blinked as if trying to make sense of it, or make sure he heard it right. it didn't stop fresh tears as they welled up once more, but not the kind born of sadness but something else. it was a slow realization; bakugou would probably end up kissing him again as the half-devil tried to work his way through it. and then — it settles and it was beautifully overwhelming.
the feeling of being seen, known, heard, and loved in a way he had always longed for but never dared to believe could be his. a lump formed in his throat as he tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. all he could do was close his eyes, feeling the weak tremble of his lips and the tightening of his chest. 'I love you' - bakugou loves him? even when he's all curled up in guilt, fragile and full of sins. to be loved at your worst might be - the help denji desperately needed right now. slowly — he lifts a hand up, and traces his fingers up his cheekbone into those blonde locks, bringing their lips together again in a kiss while gently shielding the side of bakugou's face from the mess in their background. almost as if denji wanted to reserve this moment for themselves only. ] ... I love you, too.
no subject
whatever defeats katsuki faced in this world, he's made sure above all else his loyalty to denji is never one of them. even if he had to crawl back on bloody stumps with his guts barely held in, he'd return to him. no lie. no broken promise. no disappointing body in his past. refusing to ever become another failure behind the half-devil's lonely life. he'll be there when denji needs him, whether that's looking up as the blonde comes into his room with a grin and new piece of news or rising with the sun and taking a few seconds to gaze down at his sleeping boyfriend beside him. arm inevitably thrown across katsuki's waist like the clingy dork he is. amazing he gave that shark guy such grief for being so clingy with him back in his world... poor beam. katsuki is denji's partner, his shelter and safe space, his proof that someone cares about him for him.
among the fading conversation and clatter of other outsiders moving through the halls, bakugou turns on his heel and begins the long walk through the dungeon and castle. maybe he'll find some holes the gundams have punched through the foundation wall, maybe he'll skip them because he isn't going to fly with denji in his arms. but he's getting his boyfriend out of this place one step at a time. racing through the halls isn't an option either, not wanting to injure the half-devil in his arms any further. if denji shows signs of perishing, he's ready to bleed into his mouth whether he wants it or not. but all he feels and sees is relief and release, shoulders easing their tension, breathing slowing from hyperventilating speed, eyes finally able to close without a nightmare screaming into his mind in the darkness. this isn't the last he's seen of those; bakugou's aware this ptsd will linger long after. he'll combat it when it returns, until it's nothing more than an annoying "ew" that ever so rarely ghosts past his boyfriend's mind's eye.
yeah. he's surprised he said those words himself, yet they've been true for a while now. dating, having sex, being together, those are all actions that he wanted to show those words rather than saying them. he's always had trouble voicing his emotions. none of that can hold the kind of strength those words will now. so they came out, past all his actions, and float over denji's lips. sealing what his actions have said for a long time. how will an orphaned boy who spent most of his life being abused and betrayed react to those simple words? powerful words that can change a life forever. tears spill from denji's eyes and he shifts his arm on the boy's shoulders so that hand can brush some of the heated liquid at his cheek.
whether at his worst or his best, denji's become that person to bakugou. he wants to growl at him not to move his arm, but bites back his tongue to give the other boy permission. drawn down once more, everything blocked out by a single hand, he returns the bloody kiss again. a moment just for them. and those words given in return. he thought he was ready to hear them, yet his chest goes hot and his heart clenches with his stomach. face red as a damn tomato. guess not. of course he accepts them! he's happy! but embarrassed all the same because katsuki's a tough guy badass and his boyfriend just said he loved him back. che... dork. breaks the kiss with a soft breath, then lifts his head because he's not taking the stairs blindly with this important cargo in hand.] I'll get you out of here. Focus on me and don't waste your strength.
[... maybe he can't expect denji to sit there in silence though, desperate to hear words and voices he knows. katsuki draws the other boy closer as he starts talking.] There's a girl in my class whose Quirk gives her the attributes of a frog. [yeah, he'll tell denji about his classmates as they walk. something for the boy to listen to without having to ask a bunch questions about (until later). but he wants denji to stay awake, to stay focused on him, until he's safe and sound once more.]
no subject
he knows he's weak-hearted. another tragedy is fated to happen, as their time working under lilith has proven to go down a path where it is testing everyone's morals and endurance, less of fun kaiju fights and more on survival; denji is fated to face his demons again. will bakugou end up picking up the pieces after each incident that shakes his confidence? is this the type of future he wanted for someone he loves? will this be the dynamic of their relationship? fuck no, he didn't want that. if he truly loves him, he will not allow this to happen again. if he can't control the shit that comes his way, and if he fails, if it hurts, furthermore, he has to be strong enough to pull himself together. he had to prove to katsuki that he is getting better. he will get better. he is worthy of his kindness, and everything he has done for him wasn't a waste. denji wants to be saved, and it takes effort from both sides. when the storm passes, and they all return back to their base, mourn, and patch up their wounds — on a warm afternoon when the weight on their chest eases, denji will be able to convey his resolve without any doubts. bakugou has to hear it. he wanted him to know, loud and clear, that he takes everything he has done for him to heart. it's something to keep denji going, the motivation that helps him from slipping into that alluring void, still trying to coax him into falling asleep and losing control.
he didn't notice they were moving now, nor was he mindful of the noises around them starting to become louder and more cluttered; there were more screams, outsiders rushing in to carry out the injured and fighting off anyone that stood in their way. despite all that, denji was still in his own space, hand no longer blocking his boyfriend's vision, too tired to stay up, and his arm ended up dropping dead to his side with his head resting on bakugou's shoulder. the flow of his uneven breathing has eased, but he's still unstable — the labored breathing is now reflecting another sort of pain, a welcomed one to denji if he's honest, which is the physical type. the wounds on his back were fated to reopen as there was no other choice but to carry his weight, slowly drenching the hero's glove in thick red. he might feel denji's bones sticking out soon after; the mild friction with each step and shift kept him awake, so maybe it wasn't a bad thing. ]
Heh ... frogs are cute. [ he slurred a bit, muttering with a tiny smile merging with his raspy tone, trying to imagine what she would look like. it's a good idea to keep him talking, especially when he's borderline on the edge of losing it. even denji didn't know what would happen if he did give in. the poison of those cultists still had traces over his mind, if he does go to sleep, would that invite them into taking control again- calling for chainsaw man to carry their dirty deeds? it's too risky to fall asleep, especially with bakugou being too close. the least he can do to help his boyfriend is to stay awake and keep it together until they make it out. ] ... tell me more about your classmates.
[ ugh, even after all the fighting and being covered in sweat, dust, and dried blood — he can still smell bakugou's unique scent undeath it all, that one that reminded them of their shared bed back home. he didn't dare to close his eyes out of fear of never being able to open them again, and they ended up rolling upward, staring at vague shapes yet soothed by feeling the other's pulse and the touch of their skin. they leave behind them a long trail of blood, but it's okay. if bakugou pulls the cord, denji might be able to recover from all those injuries. he'll ask him to do it when they're outside, where there is enough space for the hero to react better if the half-devil is influenced once more. he trusts katsuki is strong enough to knock him down when the situation begs for it. as they rush through the dungeons and enter the castle hallways, he reminds himself of their exchange, somehow trying to protect himself as they walk past other outsiders who found their loved ones, some who are injured and some who are— dead. denji mutes it all with 'i love you' - he repeats that memory in his head again and again.
eyes still glossy with tears, denji tries to cling to the other more, somewhat hiding. ] No, wait. Tell me ... something about you that I don't know. That sounds ... more fun.
no subject
it's an idealistic want from denji to spare katsuki any of the suffering coming. he's welcome to do his damnest to prevent it as much as possible. yet the life of a hero never promised to be easy and gleaming, despite katsuki's original immature goals. blood on his hand, blood on his body, worn muscles, trying memories, moments where the idea of giving up will be horribly tempting. he'll endure all those things with denji beside him, no matter how many times he has to pick up the pieces of his boyfriend and pull him back together. together, they'll return, stronger than before, ready to slam into the next wave. break apart, break apart, break apart, only to grow and improve. as much as he'd love to give denji a life without pain or struggle, katsuki can't promise him that. but he can promise him a life together. a promise to improve... he won't dismiss that from denji's lips. yet he won't listen to him blame or fault himself for this pain. beyond that, he'll take the vow going forward with the same honesty the half-devil always comes to him with. and continue to give him the kindness they've made together. he won't stop reaching for him and saving him. knowing that when he's at his lowest and needs help, denji wouldn't hesitate to do the same for him.
a dangling arm is swiftly captured and placed over denji's stomach to keep it safe as katsuki moves through the castle once more. this time up towards the light. past the outsiders moving around them, past the cultists that either put up a remaining fight or try to escape. he doesn't have the patience or freedom to deal with any of them beyond kneeing one of the bastards in the chest and knocking them down the stairs when the man tried to rush him. he cares about the boy in his arms and that's it. slowly his hands are staining red, gore dripping between his fingers and saturating his gloves. if he didn't know denji's resilience and powers already, alarms would be firing in his mind. but he does and dripping blood in denji's mouth before yanking his cord while he's cradling him in his arms would only earn himself a chainsaw to the neck for his troubles. not something he wants to put denji through. bones rub against his palms and fingers, ribs and spin from the feeling. if his digits end up gushing past the other man's muscles and sticking into the guts of his torso, then all bets are off. he'll cut himself and pour it into denji's mouth whether his boyfriend wants it or not.]
Talk, but don't strain yourself. [he doesn't want to shut denji down, but doesn't want to see him injure himself further to converse either. yet that small smile creeping across his lips is a heartening sight. come later, katsuki can use the ocular to give denji a visual rundown of his classmates, since you can apparently beam out some mental images or shit like that. he intends to stay beside his boyfriend the entire time they're treating him, though he isn't sure if he should let the doctors treat him like a normal person this time, or if he should use blood to restore him... maybe that should be left up to denji. but in the meantime, the half-devil gets a quiet drone of katsuki's rough voice describing his classmates and their quirks.
finally emerging into the sunset (or is it sunrise? he doesn't know now) and open air, the hero brings his boyfriend closer to his chest, eyes narrowing on the arriving ship in the sky. LILITH sending in the medical cavalry. with the update in his mind, much of his anxious concern is soothed for now. their mission was a success, even if the cost was, again, far too high for any of them to feel comfortable. bakugou feels denji draw into him and he shifts his arm to curl his hand around his boyfriend's head, resting his hand against the side of it so his fingers can shield his eyes from the world around. face pressing closer to bakugou's strong torso. bloody and sweaty, but it's still him. the soft question earns a brief glance down at the boy clinging to him and he can't help a dual "cute" and "ugh" flickering in his mind. something he doesn't know about him that's also fun.] I know how to play the drums.
no subject
deku came first. of course, he did, considering bakugou has a certain history with him. followed by shoto, whose quirks were no mystery to him, yet he was happy to pretend he didn't know for the purpose of living the experience. there are a bunch of cute girls, some ... lowkey weird quirk? what's the point of that child-sized with balls sticking out of his head? if he had the stamina to speak, he would've asked if that was a glitch. hilariously so, he didn't pay attention to the invisible one and genuinely skipped right through her. when it was tsuyu's turn, denji muttered a 'there she is' under his breath, still holding that smile, yet barely hanging on. that mini show kept him sober, and when it ended, he had the energy for one short confession. ] Your quirk is the best ...
[ he wasn't even picking a favorite based on their relationship; it was the honest truth. plenty of other people would agree, and he knew bakugou agreed and not out of sheer arrogance— it's the fact he was born with a power that was almost created to destroy, kill, and leave ruins behind, and he somehow tamed it. who the fuck would look at a bomb and be reassured? there is a reason the bomb devil is that powerful. and then we have bakugou, the boy who pushed his way through all those bodies, searched from door to door, and dragged denji out of the prison of his own grief. they kept moving until an unusual draft, a faint but cool breeze brushed against his face, easing the growing fever from his infected wounds. they end up following it, quickening their pace as it leads them down a narrow passage. up ahead, the outline of a door shimmered faintly in the shadows, different from the others denji had seen during his stay here. this was slightly ajar— welcoming, with the faintest glint of light seeping through the crack; denji was almost certain he had started hallucinating. there it was, a stone staircase leading upwards, and at the top, they found a doorway, and they were finally out — he was out of that hellhole, breathing real air and feeling the touch of an upcoming sunrise.
a part of him wanted to sleep. it's safe now, right? he can sleep? he can close his eyes? as bakugou pulled him close to his chest, it was nearly impossible to hold on much longer. he's so tired, and this is too comfy. he breathed out a scoff that alone wiped away half what little remained of his energy but was worth it. the drums? that's probably the sexiest thing ever. if he had enough strength in him to speak, he would've said it, but denji is edging to that point. just in time for the medical team to swoop in, and if they decide to treat him like a normal civilian, sedating him would be the first option. he doesn't mind. put him out of his misery, but — bakugou is still too close. it's still a bit risky. he's too afraid of what might happen when he is out. with that, he attempts to sit up, but fails. he grunts, rolling his head back, trying to address the medic who's busy digging through their bag. ]
Nnh ... I need ... I'm not ... okay ...
[ he meant to say that he might hurt him, but the words got lost in translation. he hopes bakugou could rephrase for him, warns the guy who is geared from head to toe in a protective uniform, mask on and his features barely visible. panic slips in as he tries once again to explain the situation, only to be hushed down with a confident ... "I know, Denji". a moment later, they pulled out what appeared to be a syringe, labeled with a long line of text with the contents hidden behind the sticker; he then got close enough to nudge the thick needle between denji's lips, emptying the foreign substance down his throat. it's blood. lilith's team had full information about each outsider reporting to them; after months of monitoring their recruits closely, it's no surprise they knew how to heal someone like chainsaw man, and surely they were equipped for such emergencies.
still nervous, he glanced up at bakugou, deciding to focus on him. his boyfriend would handle it if something didn't seem right. however, denji is starting to heal. as repulsive as it might be to experience up-close, his boyfriend would be able to feel the way the skin closes up underneath his covered fingertips, sealing up the wounds on his back. it's slow but steady. ]
no subject
don't make him go into detail about mineta. you don't wanna know that much about his quirk or personality. the fact aizawa called him the living embodiment of lust and no one denied it should say something. but he's included with the rest of the colorful collection of heroes katsuki calls his classmates. from uruaraka to tsuyu to yaoyorozu to ojiro to kirishima to iida and more. it's probably the most denji's ever heard come from the blonde's mouth in one sitting since the entire time he's known katsuki. but this is a worthwhile reason for that. keeping his boyfriend conscious and attentive to any degree he can.]
Damn right it is. [zero doubt or hesitation in that. denji's opinion is valid and completely on point. someday he'll tell his boyfriend about shinsou, and how the boy's brainwash quirk was likewise always considered a "villainous" quirk, despite his sincere desire to become a hero. that's one of the reasons katsuki took note of the guy, since their quirks are "similar" in that degree. didn't stop him from calling the purple-haired boy "dead weight" when he trained with them to transfer into the hero course. anyways, denji himself should also be recognized as someone who was given powers and appearance most would be terrified to encounter, and still opt to use them for the good of others around him. (even if that can be questionable at times.) no matter the darkness, katsuki firmly believes denji has a good heart and a heroic spirit. even with all of his damage and pain. tempted sorely to become the monster people want him to. maybe it won't ever never fully go away, but likewise, katsuki won't ever give up on him.
don't scoff at him playing the drums. he'll blow your damn eardrums off with his skill if he has to. but that's another time, when the aren't stepping out into the pine-laden air amid the castle which had seen better days. smoke rises from crushed areas of the once-strong stone building, now clawed, crushed, clobbered, and cracked open by vengeful individuals with powers, weapons, and mechs. katsuki carries him across the courtyard, out of that place, towards the forest, where the birds are just starting to peek out of their retreat. as the medical shuttle touches down in all its giant glory, the blonde turns his body, shielding the half-devil behind himself so none of the wind blown from its thrusters can blow dirt and mess into denji's injuries. he's among the first to be approached by the medics. what can he say? he'll be okay. will he be alright? watch over him. i'm not leaving. where the fuck have you been? shut up! he says none of these things. only stands up straight and holds denji's close. when the boy tries to move, that's the only time katsuki tightens his grip to make sure he can't move. no sitting up for you.]
He knows. He's one of your fans. [the two who gave denji the thumbs up and "he's so awesome" treatment back in seoul during cleanup. generally katsuki's kept his boyfriend's blood-based regeneration as low-down information, only telling people he trusts who might need to know if they ever came across denji in a bad state. but after all these months, hell if people haven't found out already. LILITH's staff have access to LILITH's data files after all. katsuki momentarily blocks the needle with a protective snarl, refusing to let it come closer to his boyfriend until he knows what it is they're sticking him with. either a sedative or something else. but once it's revealed to be blood, then he accepts and lowers his hackles. when denji looks to him for comfort and reassurance, katsuki nods as he holds his eyes.] Swallow it. Or spit it out and I'll give you my own.
[those are the options unless denji wants to be put under during the healing. actually it's not repulsive to watch him recover. he's seen it a few times, like with the electric geckos when denji first bit him in a mission for blood. seeing the damage slowly repair would make anyone who didn't have that kind of power envious. he does have to shift his hands to make sure denji's healing back doesn't snag his fingers. that part is kind of gross.] You're gonna sleep hard.
[even if he physically recovers, his energy drain and mental injuries will linger long after.] I'll stay beside you as you sleep as long as I can.
no subject
back to their harsh reality, even when denji didn't resist the treatment, but the confusion and mild panic is evident behind a silent stare. perhaps he was afraid they were trying to sedate him, and he didn't know when or if he would wake up again, or worse— what he might do when he's out of control again. his lashes are still wet from the tears earlier, eyes wide open when bakugou inspects the syringe, breathing heavily as he assumed it is a fucking sedative, but then— the tension eased, and his partner allowed it, the rich liquid seeped over his tongue then down his throat. a bit slow, but then he realized the stranger was the same guy from their last mission; as he looked up to him, he did offer denji a small wave in return, still as chipper and friendly as before. it's odd how even behind a mask, one could almost 'see' a smile, and with that, he relaxed a bit. hesitant, yet ... he didn't have much of a choice but to swallow, it's either that or he'd choke on it. his lids lower over his eyes, even as life crawled through his veins, feeling the ache of his body slipping away with each passing second; it was getting replaced by crippling exhaustion. tired, but he does shake his head. no, he will never feed on bakugou's blood. the thought alone terrified him for reasons he will never confess to— between his conversation with wolfwood and what happened in the castle, the lingering doubts that he shrugged off are becoming more of his truth. it's time to take a long, long break from the flavor of humans. he'd rather take fish blood.
one tube is done, down to the last drop, and as the medic digs through his bag for another one— denji makes a brief gesture, reassuring them both that it's okay. he's recovering and no longer in critical condition. as much as he wanted to put on a brave face around his boyfriend and a fan, he knew he shouldn't push it. as more outsiders rush out of the castle, dragging out the injured, their new friend had to get back to work; not before giving denji a thumbs up. unlike the last time, the half-devil wasn't flustered or flattered - instead, he felt shame. they're alone now, the coolness of the earth seeping through his body as his fever eases down, wounds completely healed. above them, the sky was still cloaked in the quiet darkness of night, but there was a soft anticipation in the air. bakugou said he would give in to his exhaustion soon, promising him that he would stay by his side— and denji fell into silence.
the horizon is beginning to change; a faint glow spreads across the edge of the sky, pushing back the night. he regards his boyfriend again ... he then finally nods, fear still lingering in his heart. fear of hurting the person he loves the most and the fear of being alone after everything that has happened. he's still weak-hearted, and the thought of acting tough and seeking solitude felt like a death wish at this point. it would drive him to the edge, and he never needed bakugou this much in their entire time being together in this city. he's too - too fucking scared of being alone. too scared. ]
If I act crazy ... blast my arms off and then knock me out. [ he's not trying to be dramatically protective; it's the best way to restrain him. in theory, knocking someone out cold with a strike to the head would do the trick but denji was that bitch who kept getting up, so long as he has hands to pull the cord. so, take that privilege from him, then knock him out cold. he won't die, and bakugou will avoid another scar. slowly, denji pulled himself together, sitting up with his shoulders hunched forward, still groggy as fuck. even when his physical wounds are healed, his head is still fuzzy with the aftermath of all that brainwashing. it felt like a bad hangover without a night of fun activities. he does need to sleep it off, accepting his fate and hoping nothing horrible will happen. where is he going to rest? he's not sure, but he'd follow the hero's guidance.
he's late, but— that's better than dismissive. his expression softens as he meets bakugou's eyes. ] ... are you okay? do you have any injuries?
no subject
no, not even the obvious medical tech coming to help denji gets katsuki's trust until he vets what his intent is. denji's been through too much for the blonde to allow someone to remotely show intent towards him without getting screened thoroughly. and unlike his boyfriend, katsuki is still strong enough to force the issue. a bleeding, broken, furious stag with antlers ready to protect his mate. luckily it doesn't come to that. the blood is accepted and goes down with one gory spurt after another. red eyes soak in the sight of denji's throat dip, his voicebox bobbing atop the column of his neck, and the sticky ghost of his breath returning. fuck, unwanted tension and worry nooses tight and vices his chest as the half-devil's eyes drift shit. don't sleep! no, sleep. shake him awake! let him rest. he'll have nightmares! chase them off. what's important now is denji resting. one slithering sinew after another sealing patch of skin doesn't mean anything if the hunter's mind and energy are so taxed, he ends up a healthy vegetable. rest. that's what he needs. comfort and rest. to combat the exhaustion and pain no among the healing will fix.
passing on the second blood syringe, katsuki gruffly dismisses the paramedic to help others who need it more. as always, it's amazing how thoroughly denji's recovery powers are off what could be a relatively small amount of blood. yet this time, no revving saws or cheery smiles come once it finishes. completely healed isn't the end of this trial. there's more to it as bakugou walks past the medic. his boots crunch over the dirt courtyard before tromping on the metal grate of the shuttle's landing ramp. sunrise will be here soon, but it carries as much an ominous sense of weight as it does the relief over their victory. this wasn't the pyrrhic victory of seoul; but it was far more personal a battle. striking again at the outsiders themselves, like vegas. are we good enough? they won, but they let the people important to them be taken with no fucking chance to prevent it. there's no answers to how it happened, no hint as to what they could have done to stop it. and the villagers, the people, they were supposed to help ended up betraying them this time around. who abandoned humanity this time?
it's a mess. but he can deal with that mess another time. right now, he's needed here, physically, mentally, emotionally. turning into a small alcove, he eases down to his knees and lies denji atop one of the cots, making sure he's settled before shifting to sit beside him. a hand lingers on denji's own, gloved thumb brushing over his knuckles. in a bit, he'll get some water and a washcloth to start wiping at his face. in a bit.] I will. You're not going to hurt anyone else.
[even if he has to leave denji a head and torso, he'll prevent his boyfriend from spilling any further blood. as the hunter tries to sit up, the hero firmly puts his other hand to his collarbone, refusing to let him move. down, denji. you're not well yet. talk if you must, but don't move. katsuki looks down at him from a half-covering lean over his boyfriend. red eyes quiet and resolved. he'll be here as long as he can, unless an emergency calls him out. but even that will only get him to move after his boyfriend's asleep.] Nothing I won't survive. You should've seen those bastards who got in my way.
[taunting, mocking, arrogant, angry, whatever he wants to take from that, denji's free to. he could've said "i'm fine" like the resolute badass he is, but he's been called out on it before. so yeah, katsuki admits he's injured. yet it's nothing he can't come back from and operate through.]
no subject
the reflections hit him hard, and he looked visibly uncomfortable as they settled down, quick to reach for bakugou's hand even before he could sit next to him. it's a desperate grasp, fingers quivering a bit. his throat felt dry, and he took in a deep inhale, trying to mute those fears again. they come and go like waves, promising him many restless nights full of nightmares. denji couldn't escape; he's still getting tortured even after their rescue, and all the other outsiders who've been kidnapped are equally messed up. they will return to a hollow base, full of silence and mourning. this time, their recovery might last longer than the previous mission. some outsiders might be burdened with the aftercare, attending to their teammates, and helping them get through it. as much as denji didn't want to be a fucking burden— judging from the way he's clinging and holding into his boyfriend's hand, the road to recuperation won't be an easy one. he just couldn't do it alone this time. there is something within him that is utterly broken, and he doesn't know how to cope yet.
when he calms down enough to glance up at the other boy, denji tries his best from where he's resting to search through bakugou's body. he can see the blood but is uncertain if those heavy stains belong to him or if his partner is badly injured - 'nothing I can't survive' is a reassuring answer, and he urges his heart to believe him. it didn't mean denji wouldn't wave for a medic to come their way once the chaos eased in because he knew ... they would be busy for a while. they haven't come out yet, right? the real victims. the half-devil wanted to escape before the aftermath of this mission truly came to light. he closed his eyes and rolled his head towards bakugou's side— if he could curl up against him and hide, he would. he didn't know how katsuki would feel when he found out both choso and nanami, who were close to his friend yuuji, are two of his victims. he didn't know how everlight would treat him when he walked into the base. will this mission breed animosity among the team? hell, denji won't blame anyone who would look at him differently. he didn't know how to fix it, or if it can be fixed?
everything is so wrong.
he can feel the exhaustion taking over. of fuck— no, he didn't want to give in to it now. even when his boyfriend promised him he would stop him; he didn't know what else would happen in this shitty village? will he wake up to find himself in that dungeon again? no, no no. he didn't want to lose consciousness here. his eyes fluttered, heavy with a drowsy weight he couldn’t shake; struggling against the creeping fog that slowly dulled the edges of everything around him. his eyelids drooped again before he forced them open as if a gentle lull of sedatives wrapped around him tighter with each second. he's pretty sure he was fed blood, and nothing mixed with it. denji seems to have forgotten he's been awake for days without a hint of rest, similar to him passing out post fighting the eternity devil. blood can't heal everything. ]
... Don't leave. [ he whispered, his voice barely audible, slipping away like sand through his fingers. he's sorry, so sorry - tolerate him a bit longer, bakugou. ] Please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone ...
[ he glances up to him, eyes barely open. ] Promise me I'll wake up, and you'll be next to me ...
no subject
a hand seizes his own like a cable pulling taut, quivering for a moment before he tightens his grip on denji's hand and takes his seat beside the bed. so many of them are going to have these injuries for a long time. not the physical ones, but the mental trauma from their captivity. the rest will need to deal with agitation, protectiveness, trust issues, and more going forward. katsuki's already thinking about refusing to stay anywhere in new traveling arrangement except in the fucking ship they came on or near the teleportation device in the lilith base. fuck being "among the people" again. they were set apart, targeted, blamed, and now tricked. drawing in on themselves and refusing to let others get inside (except for new outsides) seems a natural course of action. how many of their numbers are going to be plagued by nightmares, by ptsd flashes and triggers, woken up by other friends and allies to calm their fear or protect them from trauma? the guilt of being a burden, when it's not their fault, would only compound their despair and frustrations. no, they'll be feeling this for a long time. katsuki doesn't want to deal with this kind of thing happening again...
don't wave a medic over here, denji. katsuki will dismiss them to someone who needs more immediate treatment, and angrily so. he can clean and dress his own wounds beside his boyfriend. apart from the bleeding bite wound on his bicep, most of his damage came from blunt-force trauma and a few scratches from being momentarily overwhelmed by numbers or caught off guard at the last second. ribs and back are a little fucked up right now, breathing hurts, but none of that matters compared to what denji and others have gone through. he would've waded in there and fought even if he were holding his guts in his body with one hand.
no, the victims are emerging. akin to katsuki's long trek back up the stairs to the dawn light, other outsiders are bringing their close companions back with them. doubtful this mission would breed animosity among people. the worm pit them all against each other, they damaged each other, and the only excuse was brainwashing. this is no different, with the trappings of drugs and cults and worse added in. if anyone wanted to blame one of the kidnapped victims for their torment, that would be the animosity point. katsuki knows the names of the victims, but no one knows, yet, who did what down there... maybe they don't want to know. the burden of apology and guilt left to the privacy of those who knew that hell.]
I won't leave. [a quiet, firm promise. he leans over denji from his place beside him, shins and knees pressing to the cot's rim, forearm settling on the opposite side of his boyfriend's head. covering his visage with his own as more movement and activity carry on behind his back. doctors, medics, outsiders, victims, it's picking up. he watches denji fight against his own exhaustion, assuming the fear that keeps his eyes flying open each time he realizes they'd been lidding. terrified he'd wake up and find it all a dream. katsuki can't stop that fear, but he can continue to promise and prove it every time the half-devil wakes up. as much as he wants to return to the castle to recover other outsiders, he'll have to leave it to his allies. right now, denji's his priority. unless the fucking kaiju comes back and attacks them, he's here.] Every time you open your eyes, I'll be here.
[red eyes linger on the sandy brown, holding him as much as his arms and body keep denji covered.] I'm not going anywhere. [he plans to get a basin of water and a washcloth brought to him so he can clean denji up while he sleeps, but that'll come later, when things are calmed down enough he can bark an order at someone else. katsuki refuses to leave denji's side.] I won't let go of you, Denji.