KAIJU FIGHT #5

[synfluxmods]

KAIJU FIGHT #5

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

▶ 001. LORD OF THE FOREST.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

▶ 002. FIND THE CAPTIVES.

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

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

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

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

▶ 003. THE DUNGEON OF CASTLE BRAN.

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

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

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

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

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

▶ 004. THE FINAL RESCUE.

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

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

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

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

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

…


…

…

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

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

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

▶ 005. AFTERMATH.

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

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

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

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

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

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

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to fifth kaiju log!

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

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

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

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

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

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

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

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

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

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

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Comments

005: Who Will Know

[blastedass]

[Best Jeanist had spent much of his time that week trying to curb Bakugo's image, but also imparted words on the vast difference between heroes and villains to the young man, both in image and activity. Such influence was enough to further solidify Bakugo's stubborn resolve to become a hero. Yet there are times...

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

Yet he refuses. That isn't the person he wants to become. He's a hero, someone who protects life, not takes it. And makes no excuses for his actions. However, there's no use in trying to curb all the Outsiders in their actions. Their rage, their pain, their revenge, getting in the way of that would only further divide between them. Bakugo was far too busy with his own battles to bother policing those who gave into their bloodlust.

Only after everything had settled and the world was once more quiet does he finally find some time to visit one of his friends amid the injured and recovering. Bakugo makes sure he's always within sight of Denji's bed, even as he comes to a stop beside Godzilla. More intent to check on him, having kept the big guy company during his forest vigil earlier.]

Take a picture; it'll last longer. [There, he shortened it for you. Bakugo holds out a damp cloth and dangles it in front of Godzilla's face.] For your mouth. You look like a you're wearing clown makeup.

[He actually looks like a demonic vampire, but Bakugo's a jerk.]

[30storieshigh]

[ Once things settled Godzilla settled into a pretty set routine. Laying by Lucy and doze for awhile, get up and pace the medical area, check on Ereshkigal, head back to Lucy and go back to cat napping.

Bakugo manages to catch him on one of his first little patrols, his status as Friend keeping Godzilla from simply marching past with a dismissive snort. He still seems agitated to be interrupted though, he stops walking but his tail stays in constant twitching motion. ]

This is unnecessary. Let the others see what has happened to our foes marked upon my jaws, I do not have intent to hide it.

[ To him it's as much penance as it is a show of force. Many have accused Godzilla of being a violent monster as of late, in private if not outloud. Let them all see what a monster he's become, he no longer cares. ]

Your mate of the room and the others you sought. They are recovering well?

[ Look at him. Ignoring the cloth and changing the subject! He's really learning a lot from hanging out around the gloomier shonens of Everlight. ]

[blastedass]

[Bakugo's already had a round with Ereshkigal, arguing with her about refusing treatment and misusing medical supplies for hairbands. Hopefully Godzilla's been able to talk the blonde death goddess into accepting treatment. She's got some misplaced bravado going on there...

The day Godzilla dismisses him is the day Bakugo kicks the big lizard in the tailhole. When Godzilla's agitation seeps through the motion of his tail, the blonde simply tilts his head and silently indicates the kaiju could continue pacing. He'll either walk with him or talk with the orbiting king.]

There's no one here to fucking see it but injured people and doctors. Don't give them scary images to wake up to, dumbass.

[Clean your mouth or he's going to whap it on your chops like a parent wiping baby slobber up. Don't think he won't! Godzilla might want to flagellate himself, but Bakugo's focused more on their hurt allies surrounding them.]

M-MATE?! [His face flares the color of his eyes, shoulders hunching up in sheer mortified rage.] Don't say it like that, dammit! [What the fuck?! Godzilla's not wrong, colloquially, but... wow!]

They're recovering. ["Well" is another story... Bloody-faced kaiju kings won't help that either.]

[30storieshigh]

[ Bakugo let Godzilla have his brooding anti-hero moment! This is his own personal heisei era, he should be allowed to indulge! He's practically glaring at that cloth now, but he can't argue with Bakugo's point, so he snatches it out of the hero's hand and sets to cleaning his face. ]

This is better than the alternative then. Three of our number slain, the rest maimed, tortured. Unacceptable.

[ He glances over to where the young of the village are being escorted off to, the ones that have made it out at least. Godzilla doesn't even bother to hide the hatred burning in his eyes or fight down the instinct to pulse his spines just on sight of them. ]

I thought the Imugi an entity of cruelty. They seem almost kind in compare to these humans. These are the eggs that should be broken, they have already been raised on their progenitor's madness. I ill-like the idea of allowing them to grow.

[ That's dark. ]

[blastedass]

[He's not saying don't indulge, dammit! He's saying have your antihero moment in places it won't scare people who are flickering in and out of probably the worst experience in their lives! Sheesh. Good thing Godzilla accepts the silent demand. There are no slaps of wet cloth against his muzzle. Mental note to do skewered fish over fire again later. In a better setting with better circumstances.]

Whether we accept it or not, it happened.

[There's nothing they can do about that. What they can accept or not accept is how well their fellow Outsiders are recovering. Resting, wounds tended to, mental health... that'll take a lot longer. None of them will ever be fully 'okay' again.

Bakugo follows Godzilla's gaze, red eyes narrowing on the children. Dammit, can't they parade their captives somewhere else? Not past the medical shuttle where people are trying to rest and recover. What the hell does LILITH think they're going to do with these kids? He can think of a few possible reasons, but even the most altruistic of them is stupid.]

If LILITH intends to let them grow.

[There's a darker one. Everything else the Outsiders have brought back has been used as resources for LILITH's work, whether it's to be studied or converted.]

I don't wanna be stuck taking care of these shitty brats.

[30storieshigh]

[ Darker as Bakugo's line of thinking may be Godzilla can't exactly fault it, his reasoning is a little different from the hero's though. Much as Goji may not like Commander Shiro's style of leadership he doesn't believe the organization as a whole to be foolish. While rescuing the human young may be a misguided form of mercy it just as easily may be that they intend to dispose of them without letting the Outsiders know. That would be for the best, really. Eliminate the future threat whilst keeping the pack's moral from being further impacted.

Still, the big guy can't help but growl as he looks on, his spines flashing a glow, his teeth showing. ]

It would be best to kill them now. The LILITH agents present are healers, not fighters. They would not be able to stop us.

[ Oh how Mister "Protecting humans is my nature" has fallen. He doesn't care though. The planet and the Outsiders are his primary concerns from here on out, any humans that get in the way are little more than obstacles to be destroyed.

Another few dabs with the cloth has Godzilla's face cleared of the dried blood. His arms are still coated, especially by his elbow blades, and his tail is as well, but those are things he can easily deal with by grooming so he's not worried about it. ]

However... this would lead to conflict with the leadership once we return, I am sure. Whatever they intend for the enemy young we can have no impact upon it. Vexing.

[blastedass]

[As a whole? Bakugo thought similar, but after what happened in Seoul, the hard-won olive branch he used to extend to LILITH has been retracted. It's petty to call the group foolish after one mistake, but... He doesn't know what the the plan is for the kids they're bringing on. Maye they intend to harvest their organs, or study their behavior for traces of rift poisoning, or try to rehabilitate their line of thinking with adoptive parents in Neo Tokyo. Bakugo opts not to think about that shit much longer. It'll only sour his mood.]

We kill monsters, not kids. [Bakugo can't stop the Outsiders who want their revenge. As much as it sickens him to know there are people he calls allies who are actively outside slaughtering villagers, getting in their way would only cause more battle, more destruction, more division. He can't tell them their revenge isn't deserved. As much as he tells himself his greatest attacks were saved for vampires, humans already dead, does he know for sure they were "undead" people? Or simply had the semblance of them...

He didn't believe he killed anyone. Yet the blood on his hands and weight in his chest fuels doubt. Bakugo won't let someone kill a person in front of him. Not without a fight. Heroes can't be everywhere at once. So long as Godzilla only talks of this and doesn't go for it in his presence, for example, there won't be a problem.]

They asked us to bring back those boars in Kyoto. [Right, Godzilla wasn't here for that one.] Then the dragon eggs. Now these kids. [They know for sure LILITH has at least one of the orca kaiju young, stolen from them by the black market and then recovered.] What the hell are they planning...

[30storieshigh]

[ Despite his gruff nature Bakugo is someone Godzilla gets along with quite easily, he's gotten along with him from the start in fact. The spikey human is one of four people Godzilla considers true Friends, if it had been him captured the titan would've rampaged just as hard to see Bakugo liberated from the castle dungeons. Godzilla would fight, kill, and potentially die for him.

Which is why the anger shooting through him at Bakugo's statement are as surprising to him as his reaction might be to the hero. Godzilla's spines pulse their threat display and his lips pull back in a hissing snarl, showing teeth that are still stained red from the day's battle. ]

I find humor in this. Many were excited at the prospect to break eggs before Seoul's fall robbed them of enthusiasm, kill "kids" as it were. Yet when it is human young that may prove the threat it has become a thing we do not do. Curious. Funny.

[ He laughs. It's not real, it's the most forced, bitter, growling rumble in his throat he can manage. Whether it's the nights events, the lingering effects of the vampirism, or the fact that the big guy's finally snapped, he's discovered sarcasm. Except he delivers it in his usual blunt matter of a fact way so the effect is way too dry.

Once his "laughter" is over he's still glaring towards the human young, tail twitching, spines pulsing again. He doesn't move though. Angry as he is he knows better than to start a fight in the midst of wounded Outsiders. Instead he changes the subject. ]

LILITH's plans are their own concern. We fight, we kill, that is our duty. So long as LILITH's interests are in the healing of this world we shall be in accord. There is little energy to spare for suspicion against them.

[blastedass]

[In a similar vein, Bakugo's always respected Godzilla. Granted that was "grandfathered in" thanks to the young man's knowledge of the king of kaiju in his own world. But Godzilla made a good first impression too, as Bakugo's not so taken with an alternate dimension's famous version to not think this one's version is a fucking moron. Luckily there is no moron to Godzilla and the explosive hero likes him. Double positives on his side. He would've been just as pissed if Godzilla had been captured.

The anger at his statement isn't really surprising. Even people who get along most of the time don't make 100% peace. A relationship without some clashing is a boring and questionable one, if it's supposed to be anything beyond acquaintance. He tilts his head slightly, eyes lingering without fear or concern at the pink-lined spines flaring up on the kaiju's back. Bakugo respects Godzilla's power. He doesn't fear him.]

Yeah. Many were.

[Were. There are a lot of complexities within the two events, though Bakugo's instantly aware of what Godzilla's issue is with this. Human children are granted mercy. Monster children are easily killed. If that were the black and white version of it, Godzilla would be right. But given there were Outsiders who didn't destroy the eggs (most of them actually, despite their anger and desire to) and currently there are Outsiders attacking the villagers indiscriminate of adult or child, the king of kaiju should be aware it's not universal.

Bakugo's opinion of "we" is his belief in what he thinks the Outsiders should do. It's obvious his belief doesn't hold sway over the rest of them, despite what he says. He's told people before "we're heroes" but hell if that opinion's majority popular. Doesn't mean he cares if the others agree with him or not. He'll say what he damn well wants.]

There's a difference between sentient and sapient. A lot of people base it on that.

[Other factors include animals versus people, cute versus scary, revenge versus mercy, and so many more Bakugo's not in the mood to discuss right now. Godzilla can have his sarcastic opinion while the village burns in the distance.]

Tch. Maybe we'll end up with LILITH's shitty army of cultist kids riding dragon kaiju.

[The Outsiders better be long gone by the time that shit happens.]

[30storieshigh]

[ The look Godzilla fixes Bakugo with is a dark one. As dark as reptilian eyes and a lack of lips can manage anyway. There's the slightest of reptilian hisses in his throat and his tail thumps the ground in agitation once more, a good indicator of his mood as ever.

Godzilla's not ignorant, the path this conversation is drifting into is clear to him. This is not just a disagreement or clash of ideas, this is a building rift between two outlooks on life. There is a very real chance that it could prove fatal to the status shared between he and the spiked furred hero as Friends.

But he can't just let it drop. There's too much bitterness, too much anger still pumping through is veins. ]

A difference indeed. I begin to wonder which one humans truly are.

[ The big guy's hands rest on his hips as he turns his gaze from the enemy young to the scattered Outsiders recovering all around. Another thump of his tail, an angry flash of his spines, none of it is voluntary. ]

The Outsiders are sapients. LILITH perhaps as well, to an extent. That is all that is of importance. The rest...

[ A snort of smoke as he glances at Bakugo sidelong with one eye. ]

Any that threaten this pack of Outsiders, they and their kin end. There shall not be any doubt as to what will happen to those whom bring harm to those I call my allies.

[blastedass]

[He never approached the big guy thinking him in a good mood right now. Is this poking the bear? Not really. There are ways Godzilla sees himself and ways he sees the Outsiders. A lot of them have shown different colors in this battle, driven to a brink between the unnerving nature of the village, the kidnappings, and discovering the horrific truth behind it, with many venting that out in the heat of battle.

Bakugo's aware this might do some damage to their friendship, but he's not exactly arguing one way or another. He doesn't think people should kill. Whether it's kaiju eggs or village children, despite his human nature screaming at him both times to do both out of his own rage and frustrations. But his morals don't speak for the rest of the Outsiders. Or even for Godzilla.]

You want the scientific answer? [Because the answer's pretty damn clear based on what the two words mean. Bakugo follows the kaiju's gaze towards the injured lying around them. He flicks his eyes towards the thudding tail nearby. Maybe don't break the floor, big guy? Then again, Bakugo's not one to talk with the way he detonates his explosions when angry, frustrated, or cocky intimidating. But Godzilla's comment flickers a ripple of confusion across the young hero's face.]

Haa? I thought you were pissed people wanted to smash the dragon eggs! [Cause Godzilla seemed ticked about that. Not to mention the argument he and Ratio had about the dragon's young and getting potentially attached. Now he's saying "any and all" threats die. Pick a side, man.]

[30storieshigh]

[ He tilts his head to the side as he considers Bakugo, his agitation starting to rise. Not Bakugo's fault though, it's humanity's again, their damn language! Every time Godzilla thinks he's gotten a grasp on it he manages to have his meaning misplaced at the train station! (Lost in translation) His tail hits the ground with a light smack, his teeth baring at nothing in particularly as he growls. ]

The hatchlings are no threat. These humans have been raised, they have been taught, they have many already attempted battle against us. These are threats, enemies, they should be destroyed as such.

[ Another slam of his tail and an angry huff of smoke, followed soon by a dismissive gesture of his paw. ]

It is of little matter now. They live, whatever consequence this brings shall be dealt with in the future. Now is time for us to rest and ensure the recovery of our dear ones, yes?

[blastedass]

[Bakugo sometimes has to remember that when he's talking to Godzilla. There are words and phrases the big guy doesn't understand or gets confused or even says that makes the person he's talking to get confused. To say nothing of tensions still being high from post-battle adrenaline and the rush of relief on finding their companions and the revenge lust some Outsiders are showing towards the villagers. While LILITH tries to salvage the children...]

Yet you're still here. [Sitting, talking, decidedly not killing the things that Godzilla said should be destroyed. Bakugo knows he's said his own say about not wanting to kill, but he's also pretty damn sure Godzilla's not going to hold his maw simply because Bakugo said he didn't want to kill humans. This is the big guy's choice. For some reason.

He lets the topic fall afterwards. The Imugi's eggs were saved. Now this village's children are being saved. What remains of them. Maybe "saved" is a bad word for what's happening.] Tch. I'm not fucking babysitting these brats.

[Let that be stated now for the record.]

Aa. How are you wounds?

[30storieshigh]

[ That stretch of the conversation is over as far as Godzilla is concerned. He's said his peace, Bakugo has said his. Deep in his beating core something black and angry desperately hopes LILITH maybe intends the children as feed for the Outsiders that have been given the strange blood-thirst affliction, they certainly tasted better than the adults and it would put them to use while ending them...

He shakes his head to clear that thought, Bakugo's question coming to the forefront. He hasn't really taken much time to consider his own wounds between the rampage, the kaiju battle, and looking after his Friend and Kin after the rescue. ]

Hmm.

[ He rolls his shoulders, experimentally lifts his legs. He winces a little as he bends a certain way, a hiss escaping him. Then he's nodding. ]

Wounds of the flesh on the majority. Perhaps one or two things are sprained, minorly broken? It is hard to tell for sure, yet I shall be fine with rest. What of your own injuries?

[blastedass]

[Please don't wish for LILITH to go full Sweeney Todd on them, Goji. He'll never be able to eat another fake piece of meat from their kitchens again. And he isn't about to go biting a bunch of kids for blood either. Whatever LILITH plans on doing, Bakugo doesn't want a part in it, unless they plan to straight up murder all the kids. Then he'll have to step in should he know of it.

A discussion they can have another time. Bakugo looks over the kaiju as he asks about his wellbeing. Godzilla is a tough fighter and he doesn't expect to see too much damage on him. Their powers were disabled during the fight at random intervals, but the kaiju's powerful body isn't something that can be "turned off" like Bakugo's Quirk.]

Cuts. Bruises. Broken ribs. This fucking bite. Nothing I can't survive. [The latter being the most problematic because it inflicted him with the vampiric malady. He'll need to deal with that over the next several weeks from the sound of it.]

[30storieshigh]

[ While Godzilla is indeed as tough as he looks, solid brick wall of armored scales, sharp teeth, and bad temper, he's also full of it. The big guy's a lot more hurt than he's letting on he just refuses to let his own injuries take care away from those who actually need it. Some time to sleep and something to eat and he'll be back to 100% physically if not mentally.

Speaking of injuries though Bakugo's list gets his attention. He tilts his head to the side and does a Lizard thing of ceasing his blinking while he considers his Friend. ]

Ah. So the maddened humans took their teeth to you as well. Have you been experiencing a change in your temperaments, perhaps?

[ Not that it would be easy to tell unless said change was for Bakugo to calm down for once in his life... ]

[blastedass]

[Bakugo has a good feeling a lot of them are putting on that tough facade, focusing on their far-worse injured teammates and wanting to be ready for anything else coming at them. Doped up on adrenaline and anger, stubbornly refusing to leave their allies as they get stitched up and rest. All the while burning their own proverbial oils even if many have little of it left.

Physically and mentally. It's going to be a very quiet plane flight back to Neo Tokyo compared to other flights.

When Godzilla looks at him with that weird blink-less stare, Bakugo rolls his eyes and lifts his arm, showing the bandage wrapped around his bicep where the creature sank its fangs in. At least it hadn't ripped a chunk out; he needs that muscle.]

Temperament? Hell no! Those bastards can't do shit! [Case in point. Though he scowls at the injury afterwards.] But the vampire crap's harder to handle.

[30storieshigh]

[ To mentally borrow one of many words that Bakugo is oh so very fond of.

Fuck.

If being bit by the crazed villagers did not cause Bakugo to enter into a frenzy of blind violence as well then that means the chances Godzilla's brutality was caused by an outside factor is slim. Very slim. The capacity to slaughter innocents and young with a feeling near close to glee exists in his own being, not without. This just confirms for him what he's already hinted at in his words, he no longer values human life.

That's... probably not good. Even he recognizes that. Of course he's also going to ignore it as much as possible because that's how you deal with problems!

Instead he tilts his head the other direction and allows one singular blink before speaking back up. ]

"Vampire crap." I am unfamiliar with the term. Explain?

[blastedass]

[Unless Godzilla wants to rationalize Bakugo's sudden attack on his companion to try and bite them equal to a frenzy of blind violence, then yeah, sounds like it's a Godzilla issue. Something he'll have to content with internally. Bakugo wouldn't blame him completely for finding his faith in humanity shaken. Even heroes wrestle with the concept of saving people when said people are abusive, criminal, ungrateful, or a host of other negative ways humans can act.

How Godzilla handles that degraded value will prove what kind of person he is. It's not an easy struggle he's to face. No, FACE!! NOT FUCKING IGNORE!! Ugh, good thing he can't see inside the king's head.]

Vampires? [Hello?] Those jumping freaks with fangs that tried biting and sucking people's blood. [Has he never heard the term before?] Tch, apparently the bite passes some of that behavior on.

[He looks at the injury on his arm, then lowers it back to his lap.]

[30storieshigh]

[ Nope, ignoring, already gone from his mind for now he's got more important things to think about.

Like this blood sucking thing. Godzilla's not even fully conscious of it but he's reaching up to his mouth and running his thumb over one of his elongated fangs. ( GMK Goji eat your yūrei coded heart out there's a new horror monster Goji on the block and he eats people.)

Oh... he was drinking the humans' blood wasn't he? He was going out of his way to do it, and in fact he actually still feels pleasantly full? Even though he's really not eaten any actual food... ]

Ah. This is... unideal. [ Don't mind him Bakugo he's still just kinda, thumbing at those fangs of his. ] The effects of their bite. It is temporary, yes?

[ Bakugo clearly seems to know a lot about these vampire things so surely he knows exactly how long the effects will last! It can't be more than a week, it'll be fine. Right? ]

[blastedass]

[Someone's gonna get ulcers from all that stuffing. Or is it tumors? Who knows.

Bakugo arches a brow when the guy puts his thumb in his mouth, only then realizes he's tracing a tooth. What the hell? Did Godzilla also get bitten? He was in full kaiju mode when he was rampaging through the village and the castle! How did one of those bastards get through his skin? ... Well, he's also only 10ft tall rather than 10 stories.

They have a vampire Godzilla now. Great. That'll be fun to see coming at your damn throat.]

It's shit! [Not some lame ass "unideal" like it's a bother.]

How the hell should I know?! You think I got bit before? [Excuse him venting. He always vents. LILITH seems to think it's temporary... in that they're promising to work on a cure. So who knows.] It better not fucking last!

[30storieshigh]

[ Who cares what the physical ramifications are. Godzilla's eaten people, he was already grappling with his blooming dislike for humans but now he has to eat them too?! This is easily in the top ten of most distressing things to ever happen to him.

Deciding to test the sharpness of his fangs now that he's more calm Goji proceeds to tap his thumb against the point of one, the results are an instant pained growl and a spot of blood forming over his scales. He stares at the wound with interest, his tail twitching slightly.

Maybe it's not all bad. He could do a lot of damage to many enemies with these. ]

Indeed. I think LILITH would ill-like my having the hunt the civil denizens back in Neo-Tokyo, a solution will need to be found. [ That's where his mind goes, not asking other Outsiders for help. Goji really is the picture of self reliance huh? ] You and I are afflicted, potentially a portion of those who were held captive is as well. We will become a drain on the health of others in a very literal sense.

[blastedass]

[That's not something Bakugo's able to take away from him or argue. If he ate the villagers attacking him... that's on him. But if he's afflicted like the rest of the bitten and needs blood every now and then, Bakugo'll argue that's no the same shit.

But any question about the kaiju's scales versus his fangs are answered then Godzilla pricks his thumb on his tooth. It's a good thing Bakugo ate recently. He might have been tempted otherwise.

Though if someone thought his vampire fangs were more frightening than Godzilla's normal maw, they're insane.]

Some Outsiders are offering to donate blood. If you have someone you trust, ask. [And he goes right back on Godzilla's mental dodge. Hopefully the cravings won't be too frequent. They can't be sucking gallons every damn day.]

You can resist it until the urge passes. Someone said tomato soup or blood sausage helps.

[The former has the hearty saline taste and warm crimson color; the later is, well... blood. Animal blood.]

[30storieshigh]

[ He takes a moment to lick at his new wound like the overgrown animal he sometimes is, it's not remotely a vampire thing. His blood isn't half as nice as human blood was to the taste so no worries of autovamperism here at least.

Something about that though. Asking someone for blood. There's four people he would trust with that. One is Bakugo, a vampire himself, Ereshkigal and Kaede both are recovering from serious injuries suffered at the hands of the humans, and Laios... Laios would be uncomfortably eager, Godzilla's pretty sure. ]

I am Godzilla. I shall be able to control the urge well enough.

[ Or you know. Sneak out of the base in the middle of the night to go hassle the local criminal population for a few bites. The more he thinks about it the more appealing hunting the streets of Neo-Tokyo actually seems. ]

You will manage as well, Friend Bakugo? I would not leave you drying high up, as they say, if you need assistance you need only ask. [ High and dry. ]

[blastedass]

[Gross. Not that Bakugo's never once stuck a bleeding finger in his mouth. And autovamperism would be kind of stupid. Like a snake eating its own tail. Ah well, he's not about to criticize the guy for his actions.

As for the vampire thing, in all honesty, they're not vampires. All the affliction does is give the afflicted a thirst for blood and mood swing to violence, with the possibility of being weaker to psychic attacks. Bakugo drank from another Outsider who was also bitten and it slaked his thirst. No one's burning up in the sunlight. Garlic's still on the menu.

They're not the exact same as the villagers who attacked them.]

Don't drive yourself insane. No one needs an Outsider jumping civilians at night.

[They have a reputation to keep in their own city, after besmirching themselves over in Korea. Though if Godzilla mentions he wants to go bite criminals... again, Bakugo would caution him, since that would only spread the infection to citizens, and that to people who are criminal in the first place. The ones that wouldn't think twice about biting innocent people.]

Aa. I'll either resist it or pacify it with people I trust. No one else needs to get involved in this shit. [He eyes Godzilla for a few seconds.] Tch, they got through your scales.

[So so can he.]