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

II/ Aftermath: Medical Cruiser

[blastedass]

[One after another, cells broken or torn or melted or whatever the fuck force they were opened with. Some of the Outsiders managed to escape and had to be tracked down, or luckily run across during the castle storming, but the majority of them are there. Bound and mangled, injured and suffering, or worse... or perhaps that was better? No, he'll never think that finality is ever better than temporary agony.

And yet, having to confront that reality down in the bloody depths of that damn castle continues to gnaw at his soul. LILITH says to bring their bodies back. Right, like they would've left their remains in this shithole. The Outsiders would've torn the castle to the ground if that's what it took to regain even pieces of their comrades. If only for closure.

Bakugo glances up from his current place beside Denji's bed. Despite his own injuries, he's done nothing since finally emptying the castle of its victims but remain here next to the other Outsider. Medical robots are snarled at and brushed aside, forced to tend to people who actually need their help. It's impossible to miss the woman doing the same. He thinks he recognizes her. Something something death goddess on the network, right? Her haughty yet generous dismissal despite her own injuries is pretty telling.

She's not as well as she seems. Bakugo can never know the depths of what went on in that gory place. But none of the Outsiders who survived it could be "fine" upon their rescue. He's seen that before. As Denji once reprimanded Bakugo for: are you really fine, or are you hero fine? ... There's a big difference.]

You should let them treat you before you bleed out somewhere.

[queenofkur]

[ Upon hearing the words, Ereshkigal turns her head to look in his direction. Ah, both he and the man on the bed look vaguely familiar... Yes, he had been the one using nicknames to refer to people, wasn't he? As for the other one--

She's not very familiar with Denji besides a few conversation on the network and their time together in the castle... But she dreads to think what they had him go through if he's still unconscious. Her gaze lingers on him for a moment, then back to Bakugo as she shakes her head. ]

I'm more resistant than most.

[ ... Technically her current body is absolutely not more resistant than anyone else's, but details. Mentally she can take being in pain for a little while longer. She's been internalizing mental and physical pain since the dawn of mankind, sh can handle doing it for a couple more hours.

She looks for bandages and a scissor on the bedside cabinet next to her. She cuts two pieces long enough to tie her hair together, and proceeds to put her twintails back together. She's had to spend enough time with her hair down, and it's keeping her busy while she's on the bed. ]

He needs the attention more. [She tilts her head towards Denji when saying that. ] But fear not, I will let them- After everyone else's been treated.

[blastedass]

[He won't be offering any comment on what he thinks those bastards put Denji through. From what he saw and assumed, the answer is hard enough in his own mind. There's a part of him that doesn't want the half-devil to confirm what he already knows.

Bakugo rests his elbows on his knees, hands dangling between them for the time being. Haggard and injured as he is, the blonde refuses to get sleep. Not until he knows all the Outsiders are accounted for, safely recovering, and this shitty place is fading in the distance behind them.]

Your lower back's leaking. [Whether that's a wound they missed (or were pushed away from) or something Ereshkigal reopened with her staunch determination to stay sitting up and active, he doesn't know, nor does he really care right now. If she wants to put on a tough face and make life hard for herself, that's her problem. Bakugo's got no room to talk about doing such a thing. Even if he does because he's stubborn and has double standards.

Pointing it out anyways cause she's got the bandages nearby and is using them... for her hair?!] Oy! Don't use bandages for your damn hair! People need that for fucking wounds!

[How callous/dense can you be?! As for Denji-]

He's already been patched up. He's not gonna heal any faster because you didn't get treated.

[queenofkur]

[ L-Leaking...? She tries to look back but can barely see a thing. G-Guh! Why are they allowing non-wounded people here anyway? It just makes it harder on her to just push away any kind of help! No matter, as soon as she's done with her twintails, she wraps what remains of the bandage around her lower back.

... She gets super defensive when he calls her out on her wasting bandages though. ]

T-That's the only thing they have plenty of!

[ They have enough for an army! Probably. Hopefully. Also it's plenty beneficial to her mental health. One could argue using them for her hair is helping her with the deepest of her wounds! ]

There are others... [A pause.] Many lost entire limbs in this place.

[ And she's not seeing all twenty of them here. Clearly more are on the way. Heck, she bets some stubborn ones like Yzak and Malkuth are going to try and avoid getting their well-deserved rest and the treatment they need. Hmpf. He should be going after them rather than call her out for disregarding her own health!

But he's staying with his friend... She can't be angry with that. But she can play up the tsundere mode to make sure he'll stop caring for her health! ]

Do you know what's not helping me get better? That kind of attitude!

[blastedass]

[Just cause he's not as messed up as some of the victims and other Outsiders doesn't mean he's not in the medical bay for no reason! Actually, he'd be in a similar boat as her, refusing treatment and shoving them off to people who need it more. But Bakugo has double standards; sue him. It's not like he's up there offering to slap a bandage on her back.]

They've got a finite supply, dammit! This is a ship, not a hospital!

[Technically it's a hospital in ship guise, but that doesn't mean it's a stocked chock full as a regular building! Plus they don't have the luxury of a nearby refill if they DO run out of something!]

Use a fucking rope or string next time.

[Hell, tear someone's shirt; they've got plenty of enemies who aren't doing anything with their clothes now that they're either dead or beaten the hell up. Bakugo looks down at Denji when she mentions losing limbs. He saw what happened to the Outsiders.]

We got them all out. Some of them are in other rooms. [He won't say what state they're in, only aware of the few in this room. If she wants to let herself get wrecked when she doesn't have to, that's her business. Bakugo told her once; he's not going to fight an idiot for their benefit. Don't hop after him whining when you're the one who shot your own foot.]

What? [Mockery mockery tone now.] You just patched an open wound because of me, pigtail girl! You're already getting better!

[In your face!]

[queenofkur]

[ He's making some good points. Like them having a finite supply of bandage. Or pointing out the others are there, just in other rooms. And he did - indeed - patched up her wound thanks to him.

Alas, all those good points are washed away by two unfortunate words he's just said: ]

P-Pigtail girl?!

[ What the Kûr?! Even Silco never called her something as insulting as that! Also excuse you, but those are twintails, not pigtails! Yes, there is a difference even if most people don't see it. Pigtails are noticeably shorter than twintails!

Also does her hair look like the tail of a pig? She thinks not!! ]

You are lucky I am too tired to deal divine punishment onto you...!

[ What a horrible boy and horrible bedside manners! ]

[blastedass]

[Bakugo's surprised at how "little" damage Ereshkigal had taken compared to some of the Outsider. Apart from the three who died, several are still unconscious or in comas from their torturous injuries. Yet she's sitting up and arguing with the medics despite her own bandages. Was she healed during the torments or did they opt not to break her as badly?

Questions Bakugo won't be asking since he doesn't want anyone reliving their time in the dungeons.

Guess he'll be a massive jerk and pull those proverbial pigtails instead.]

What are you gonna do, drop a lightning bolt on me?

[He sounds completely assured of his own success if she tried such a thing. "Divine" punishment. What the fuck? She's got a god complex to be talking like that.]

Rest and recover, then come at me whenever you feel like getting your golden ass kicked!

[Sorry about him, Ereshkigal.]

[queenofkur]

[ She's just good at internalizing her pain - that and they mostly focused on the mind for her. Which possibly explains why her temper is so much shorter than usual.

And while technically she has just enough mana to drop said lightning bolt on him... It would be really unsafe with his friend nearby. And that would cause her to take a really ridiculous risk just to get back at an annoying kid.

What she does though is take the empty bandage box and fling it right at him! Easily avoidable, her movements are really slow and sluggish. In fact, she winces and holds her arm right after that. She somehow hurt herself. ]

L-Leave me alone!

[ She turns her head away and looks at the wall. Back and already being bullied. Sniff. ]

[blastedass]

[If this is really the girl from the texting, she's pretty smart, though she's got a temper on her. Or at least has a weird line on her patience. Bakugo looks back at Denji, checking on his status, before returning to the other blonde.

Will she drop lightning on him? Maybe. His body's slightly tensed, legs braced in case he has to move quickly. It wouldn't be the first time someone shocked him. (Thanks, Yuwon.) He'd rather not experience it agai-]

OY! [Bandage box?! Bakugo jerks his head to the side and low, shoulders hiking to try and avoid the box. Dammit, she's throwing medical supplies at him?! What the hell?!] Don't throw that! We need it!

[Goddammit, and she just hurt herself! A growl rumbles in his throat before he stands up and retrieves to box of bandages. But rather than return to Denji's side, he ends up beside Ereshkigal.]

Let me see your arm. I'm not gonna have you break it on my watch.

[queenofkur]

[ It was just an empty box! A-And what is he doing? Why is he next to her bed now? ]

M-My arm is fine!

[ So fine she doesn't dare move it because it hurts so much.

Why is he so insistent though? Maybe... M-Maybe he is secretly part of the deprogramming program? She'd thought that technology they used on her to remove the brainwashing had been the end of it, but what if she's being tested now? Maybe he's trying to see if she'll relapse and turn on her fellow outsiders.

How disgraceful! As if there was any doubt she's mentally sane(?) and sound(??). ]

I-If you're trying to test me, know I am no longer under the cult's control and resent such testing!

[ Are her eyes watery and is her voice breaking down? Yes, absolutely. It may become obvious her scars are more mental than physical, and unfortunately he may just find himself on the end of her emotional distress. Hopefully she won't go with violence as the easy solution to feel better. ]

[blastedass]

[He's heard this bullshit before. And 100% guilty of doing the exact same thing, with more aggression and bad language. Meaning he easily sees past the protest.]

Then why the hell are you cradling it?

[Ha! Called her right out on that! ... What the hell's going on in her head right now? She's looking at him weird, as if she suspects something. Brows furrowed and nose slightly wrinkled trying to figure out a problem. Tch, he's no here to trick her into some bullcrap! If he were doing that, he would've clonked her on the head and let the doctors treat her without her petulant refusal.]

Haa? What the-?

[Bakugo's angry snarl abruptly cuts off when he notices the tears welling in her eyes and her voice quivering. A flicker of surprise (or maybe contrition) crosses his face and the starting glower eases off into a smoother, more focused expression. Look, he'll try, okay?]

I don't give a shit about that. You're hurt. That's all. [He turns his hand over, palm up, toward her as he crouches down beside the cot.] But you're not alone anymore.

[queenofkur]

[ But you're not alone anymore.

She realizes he's trying(?) to comfort her there, but unfortunately this just causes the tears to start running down her cheeks. Oh no no no no no no no. Not here, not now. She immediately brings her free arm to her face to wipe the tears away and hide herself. ]

I-I know that...!

[ She needs to leave. Now. She can't let people see her like that. There are so many people here who have had it just as bad - if not worse - as her. And unlike her, they don't have tens of thousand of years in experience where it comes to burying your trauma and pretending everything is fine. Not to mention... She killed Taryon while brainwashed. She was too weak and this cost him his life.

She's the last person deserving of sympathy or help amongst the kidnappees. As a goddess, she should have been able to resist. She should have saved them all from the inside before things got that bad. As far as she's concerned, she's unforgivable.

Deep breath. She only needs to stay in control of herself for one more minute. Get him to look away, then storm to whatever isolated corner she can find. ]

... Please go back to your friend's side. [...] H-He needs you.

[blastedass]

[He's telling her the damn facts! It's not like he's actually trying to comfort her or anything! Tch. What a stupid thought. Seeing the tears welling up in her eyes and start leaking down her cheeks... That's what he thought. She's being tough, putting on a mask to help everyone else, while inside she's still struggling with her own pain and sorrow. Luckily Bakugo's not someone to mock those tears. (Only to urge to hide them.) Not everyone thinks crying is for wusses.]

Doesn't matter. You can still get reminded. [Because after so long in those pits, surrounded by blood and pain, it's easy to forget you have people who are fighting to get to you. He saw that in three other Outsiders. She's probably no different.

Maybe her pain was like Denji's. Bakugo had to weather to rage and trauma of his boyfriend's agony. They used him to do things to other Outsiders, they treated Denji like a fucking tool, forced him to put blood on his hands he never wanted or deserved. Covering that up won't help anyone. Not even a queen with millennia of experience. If it did, she wouldn't be crying now.]

He's sleeping. [Denji doesn't need him right now. Don't try to fake him out. Bakugo's slept beside him for a long time now; he knows when his partner's stirring or waking.]

There's nothing wrong with using your strength as a shield. But don't hide behind it when you need help. [He has to channel some of his far-kinder classmates, but Bakugo's not heartless despite his attitude. Watching her, his hand remaining offered and waiting.] Loneliness doesn't help when you're crying.

[queenofkur]

[ G-Gah, why is he so insistent! Some people just want to put on a strong facade and pretend they're just fine even as they're breaking down inside, that's all. It may be unhealthy, but she's been that way since the dawn of mankind and look how she's turned out!

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... Bad example. ]

I-I just have something in my eye...!

[ A convincing excuse if there ever was one, to be sure.

Though she can't really deny his words. "Loneliness doesn't help when you're crying." It's never helped, it's never stopped her from crying more before. The mere thought of going back to her old existence in the Underworld is so painful - an inevitability she has to prepare for. But today...

She slowly - hesitantly - does reach out for his hand even as she lowers her head. ]

Thank you...

[blastedass]

[Because he's terrifyingly stubborn. And he's had plenty of experience with people putting on those facades until they run themselves into the ground and make a lot more trouble for other people for doing so than they would've made if they'd only admit they need some damn help! ... Stop being unhealthy on purpose, Pigtail Girl.]

Uh-huh. [It's little more than a grunt and doesn't believe her at all. She's not alone in those thoughts. Bakugo has a world war to return to when he goes home. The unknown of his friends living or dying. To say nothing of losing what he has here. But that's a pain to deal with another time, not when he's trying to convince her to let him help.

When she finally reaches for him, he accepts her hand, oddly gentle compared to his usual behavior.] Tch, stubborn.

[Wryly amused than chastising. Bakugo isn't a doctor, but he has medical training thanks to his schooling as a hero and his own studies. So he should be able to check for broken bones versus bruising, and clean/suture up any cuts that need them, while being able to deal with cleaning smaller cuts and burns as needed. She's in good hands.]

[queenofkur]

[ He's kind. Even though he put on an abrasive and obnoxious front, he has a good nature under it all. That's what this tells her. It reminds her of Ishtar to an extent, except the obnoxious front never goes away even when you peel at her layers. And most importantly...

Twintails. Those are twintails! There is a difference and she'll fight over it! Regardless, upon examining her arm he'll find lots of bruises. A couple jab marks as if they'd used an archaic syringe multiple times on her. A few minor cuts all over, the bigger ones are elsewhere and already treated, thankfully.

At least there's no broken bone. It's like they'd simultaneously had shown whatsoever no care for her well-being, yet at the same time they'd made sure not to wound her too grievously. And there's a good reason for that. ]

... They wanted me to turn me into a priestess, they wouldn't have done anything permanent.

[ Asides from trying to brainwash her, of course. That's probably what the jab marks are from. Honestly it's so humiliating, she's the only goddess with no followers and they tried turning her into a follower for a fake god. ]

[blastedass]

[Don't tell him that. He'll deny it to the end of time. Angrily and loudly.

When she explains what happened to her down there, it makes sense why there aren't many injuries on her body. Probably did some blood letting to collect for the ritual, since the kaiju occasionally flickered powers related to the captured Outsiders. But if they wanted to make her a priestess, they wouldn't brutalize her like the others. What the hell kind of shitty cult were these people? ... He won't ask. She doesn't need to go back into those memories so soon.

Taking an antiseptic wipe, Bakugo works on the smaller cuts, cleaning the blood away and disinfecting them before applying a bandage. Anything that can go under the normal white strip gets that. Anything larger gets the patch. Glad the doctors already managed to handle the more serious ones. Fucking creepy they stuck her with needles. But... blood letting.]

We did a shitload of permanent to them. [Even if she hadn't been able to get her own personal revenge, the rescuing Outsiders (and now any taking vengeance outside) got plenty in her name.] What kind of damn morons want to turn a queen into a priestess? [Seems like a downgrade.]

[queenofkur]

[ A "shitload" of permanent to them...? It's the first time she hears anything about what's happened during and after the rescue. She can't say she feels bad, she would have killed the cultists herself if she had been able to. She hates killing humans, but there are exceptions. Those who were brainwashed and the children though... It's better she doesn't learn of their fate anytime soon.

Best she doesn't comment on it, she's not in the right mental state to process that information. As for what kind of morons they are: ]

Nitwits...

[ Maybe that's underselling it, but that's her go-to insult. Bakugo will - unfortunately, undoubtedly - be targeted by this word someday. But that won't be today. She goes silent and let him go what he has to on her arm. Complaining won't work and she's doing her utmost not to burst out crying, that's enough as is already.

When he's mostly done, she tries to smile. And fails utterly. ]

Thank you. [She marks a pause.] ... Bakugo, right?

[blastedass]

[Dead or severely injured cultists. Dead or defeated god. The castle stronghold intensely damaged. Whatever's happening in the village right now Bakugo doesn't want to think about. They can tell their rescued companions more about what happened while they were trapped, but at a later time, when things weren't so fresh in their brains. For all their atrocities, Bakugo couldn't bring himself to kill. He's a hero. But the temptation this time had been... almost overwhelming. He's not immune to revenge.

As for the children, all he knows is LILITH is bringing them to Neo Tokyo with the plan being to place them in orphanages. He can't accept that's a good idea. Leaving them here or killing them aren't good ideas either. There's no right answer.]

That's as hard as you get?

[Seriously? She's going to call those abusive, cruel people "nitwits" rather than a lofty claim of "fool" or "barbarian" or "evil fucking bastards full of shit" -- okay that's far more the modern Bakugo-flavored insult. HAA?! HOW THE HELL CAN SHE CALL HI A "NITWIT" AND CLAIM IT TRUE?! Best he not hear about that. She'll be Pigtail Girl for life.

Bakugo keeps his actions as gentle and thorough as possible. Cleaning, disinfecting, wiping, bandaging, binding, settling. He tries not to move her arm too much, since that seems to be the most painful event. But eventually it's settled down in her lap once more.]

Aa. Unless I'm in costume on a mission. Then it's Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.

[Dead. Serious.]

1/2

[queenofkur]

[ She's a secluded goddess-queen who's spent her entire life learning about the human world through books! Nitwit is already pretty far out there, in her humble opinion. Though she concedes "fools" or even "barbaric fools" would have fit too.

But before she can say anything about that-- ]

... ... ... ...

[ Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight.

That's...
Hmm...
????????

She has so many questions. What has she just heard? Is that genuinely the name he goes by? Is he actually a god? But she doesn't feel any divinity from him! It's possible she's just tired... M-Maybe he's really lacking in self-confidence and this title is his way to boost by abysmall and non-existent self-esteem?!

Just like when she introduces herself as "the one who tramples the sacred mountain" and proclaims "all fear me for all paths lead to me." If so she really can't criticize him, b-but... ]

[queenofkur]

[ After staring at him with wide open eyes and a confused - bewildered - expression for longer than is polite, Ereshkigal sinks back into her bed and starts pulling the blankets up. ]

... E-Ereshkigal.

[ Soon the blanket covers her up to her neck, but she doesn't stop there. She keeps pulling it up until the top of her head disappears under the blanket. Disappearing into your bed is one of the most efficient way to deal with any awkward and embarrassing situations, in her experience.

With that done, she slips her hands back under the blanket and holds it tightly to make sure neither he nor anyone else will try taking it off. ]

Thank you, I... I think I need rest...

[ Her brain especially, it can't take much more! ]

[blastedass]

[Don't look at him like you heard a weird thing! His hero name is fucking awesome! It strikes fear in the hearts of those shitty villains, hearing his name conveys his image of power and strength, his presence brings awe and hope! That's what a hero name does! Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight!

... which the censors did not allow him to use until he put something rated for television broadcast in there. Hence the "Dynamight" part, before they let him slap on all his edgy prequels.

WOW!! Does he look or sound like he lacks in self-confidence?! He called her out on that facade of stubborn strength already. (Even though he understands she's plenty strong for enduring what she did.) Luckily she says none of this and thus is spared any explosions from him.

With those introductions, she's not one to talk... Wonder if they'd ever get into a shittalking contest should they ever go up against a monster together.]

Oy! What're you staring at? It's fucking creepy. Say something! [Surely she's not in shellshock about his name. He's never met her before now. Did she hear about him from someone else? No, the confusion wouldn't be so blatant. Oh, now she's starting to move. Bakugo frowns at her retreat into the covers and bedding. Hmph, at least she's not in so much pain.

And he gets a name.]

Like the Mesopotamian goddess?

[Someone from his class named himself after the Japanese god of the moon, so it's not completely alien for those sorts of names. Unless she's actually a goddess... The hell? Whatever. Bakugo accepts her retreat and pushes himself up. She had her little cry, he treated her, she seems to be in better straights. It's enough for him too.]

I'll be with Denji if you need something.

[And heads back to his partner, sitting beside his bed to resume his vigil over his sleep.]