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

Choso | Jujutsu Kaisen | Revelation

[gimu]

▶ 001. the flood

cw: blood

[ it begins, as ever, with a scream.

not long after the rescuing Outsiders discover the holding cells, a great racket arises from within one such cell with its door crushed inward by one (1) itadori yuji. this racket evolves into a ringing shout, followed shortly thereafter by a pooling of something dark and coppery on the stone floor seeping from the ruined door. one ripple becomes two becomes ten becomes a sudden torrent, and like a floodgate broken, blood surges into the corridor in an arterial red tide. it continues along its path up the wall opposite the doorway, splashing and gurgling up and up until it breaks against the ceiling in a swirling wave.

it's like stretching, a reunion with muscle memory. the wave pulses and flows like a living thing, folding over and over unto itself as a thick, bruisy hand appears and clamps onto the doorway for support. as the blood overhead forms up into a vast red sphere, choso pulls himself out of the dark maw of his cell to turn wide eyes down the corridor. (the whites so bright in a face dark with gore)

i. is it you he sees?

ii. or is it the winged things dropping into the corridor from above with the flap of countless dreadful wings, screeching over each other in a piercing cacophony?

think quick. choso already is: clutching tight to the doorway with his right, he bares his defiance with a crackling shout and a wild swing of his left arm, the motion sending the red spheres orbiting overhead rocketing toward the bats and, subsequently, you. ]

▶ 002. forward

cw: blood

[ there is a spectre set free on castle bran.

perhaps you find it staggering alongside yuji & nanami, haunting their steps like a bloody escort as blood orbs large and small orbit their three heads in a mockery of the heavens.

perhaps you find it alone, haunting the perimeter of LILITH's operational base, staring out at the castle like a fell and fucked up guard on duty. why is he out here and not in with the medics? with his arm like that? could it be all the blood? not the stuff on his face and clothes, but the stuff overhead? the orbs, the gobbets, hovering about in a hazardous cloud about his head? possibly. who's counting?

choso, actually, is counting right now, but other things. there is a running list of outsiders, see, scrolling behind his eyes, and for each one that returns to the base camp or checks in, he marks off a name.

there are some, several, too fucking many on that list that he hasn't seen yet, can't see, wants to see, so he must wait. he must wait until everyone has come back. everyone must.

everyone. ]

▶ 003. the after

cw: blood

[ i. the flight home is a quiet one back, at least in choso's case. it's easy, sitting there. it's easy letting the noise and the voices drift in and out of his range of hearing or caring, and if he doesn't move too much, the ache in his forearm is almost tolerable.

that much of him is still caked in dry and tacked blood is just... unfortunate. at least his face seems to have been wiped clean at some point. when did that happen? can't recall, he lost count.

damn, but the lights are bright. ]

ii. [ LILITH home base. a place to rest, recoup, and revitalize after a harrowing harvestfest. this ought to be the prime time for unfucking oneself.

it's too bad if said unfucking happened to involve tables or chairs for any reason, as it seems to be that a majority of the ones provided for the commons area have been gathered into one corner and stacked together. nay, not stacked, but tangled in a mish-mash, every table and chair leg manoeuvred just so to create nothing less than the perfect (mostly) impassible thicket around a core space.

inside that little core space, nestled in like a strange egg in a strange nest, lies... something. a guy, maybe. isn't it that pig-tailed dude in there? ]

003-ii

[the_fourteenth]

[If Choso is awake, paying attention in just the right sort of way, he'll feel Raidou approach before he sees him. Part of him wonders if he should just leave Choso alone in his little chair cocoon, as it's not the most welcoming of dwellings. At the very least, he wants to check on him.

Quiet as ever, he kneels down to peer inside, to see if Choso will even acknowledge him. Once he does, he realizes he doesn't know what to say. He never knows what to say. Words have seemed more elusive than ever since all of this came to a head, and Raidou has barely spoken since they've returned. What could anyone say?

He chews his lip lightly, looking unsure. Exhausted. Haunted.]

... Can I get you anything?

[gimu]

[ for all that it seems like choso's made a right old chestnut of a nest to keep the world out, the moment he hears Raidou's voice his head snaps up. not that it's a surprise; he can feel it, see, can tell the vague direction of where the Summoner may be, but to hear Raidou speak now means he wants to. ]

I don't want anything.

[ a pause, but a brief one. ]

Do you want to come in?

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou peers inside, a little surprised that he's invited. He's not quite sure how to get in without disturbing the whole setup.]

...Would that be alright? I don't want to intrude.

[gimu]

[ it's not a 'no', so choso seems to unfurl within his cocoon, shoulders bracing against the table underside above him while he pushes neatly to his feet. the whole thing sort of lifts up as the center table does, not unlike the top half to a pineapple to reveal the weird man within.

what in the world. ]

I don't mind. [ if it's you. ]

after/wildcard

[eyescar]

[ Everything feels a little bit like too much right now, and Yuji is still trying to compartmentalise it all.

He's not doing well, no one is, so he doesn't put much effort into taking care of himself. His energy is spent flittering between Choso and Nanami, making sure they're okay, before he darts around to check in on the people that he cares about, wondering if they're okay, if they need something from him... If there's anything he can do. He feels strangely powerless, and he doesn't know how to deal with that just yet.

Finding Choso is easier with their bond, and Yuji scrambles his way over to the other man, shifting close and tucking himself against his brother's body, leaning into him and closing his eyes. There's safety in the two of them coming together like this, being beside one another; they'll make sure they're safe. They'll make sure that they're okay.

Nothing will happen again. Yuji will make sure of it. He'd risk his life for it. ]

Hi, aniki.

[gimu]

[ today finds choso in the commons area, blessedly above ground with the tables left in their normal configurations. it's a couch he's chosen to occupy this day, pushed right up against the corner where he can curl up like a gargoyle to watch the comings and goings of main base, but when yuji comes up to join him he unfurls easily to wrap an arm around the boy.

upgrades or technology be damned, yuji could have been free of those things and choso would have still felt all the better for his brother's warmth at his side. as it is, he lets his weight settle against yuji, head tipping to knock gently against the boy's. thonk. ]

Hi, Yuji. Forgive me, I was too restless. I had to move around.

[eyescar]

You don't have to...

[ Yuji doesn't really know what to say.

He's not good at this kind of thing. He's not good at this stuff, being comforting and taking care of people. He's always been the one being taken care of, be it by Raidou, or Megumi, or Katsuki, or Gojo-sensei or Nanami. Or Choso himself, who had been at his side for months, comforting him each evening and making sure that he was alright, that he was anchored to this world.

There's no way for him to make this better. He can't.

Closing his eyes, he breathes out softly, just opening himself up to let his brother curl as close as he wants. If this is the best he can do... It'll do. ]

Are you hungry?

[gimu]

[ little did yuji know that merely being there was enough for choso. his comfort was found in the company, in the warmth of living bodies around him, in the light surrounded by the thrum of machinery and base life around them like a shell.

choso’s arm around yuji tightens, hand squeezing his shoulder. at his left, his arm tucks against his abdomen. ]

Very. Are you? Those ration bricks don’t seem so bad right now.

002

[sensehispresence]

[ Spectres are not something Kadaj has seen before. Or if he has then he hasn't paid much heed to them. However, he's noticed this one haunting the perimeter. Noticed that it was staring out at the castle. Something that has the remnant canting his head, not quite understanding what was going on.

Cat-like green eyes watch Choso and he almost wonders what was going through the other's head. He looked pretty bad. Or maybe he didn't, he didn't know. Outsiders had different looks to them after all. He figured, however, that he should check in. As well as see if Yuji, someone he saw as a big brother, had checked in yet or not too.

Two of the shadow creepers stood at his side, one on either side. ]

Are you waiting for someone?

[ A simple question from someone still learning how to be human. As well as learning that emotions, unfortunately, were a pain to deal with. ]

Are you alright?

[ That was a good question to ask, right? To make sure one of their own was alright or well enough. ]

[gimu]

[ the sound of a voice from nearby seems to be enough to pull the spectre from his watch, and when he turns to look at this newcomer it is with a jerking, halting motion, head tilting back and then forward so that the ragged mop of black hair on its head flops over its face, hiding most of the horror of its unblinking stare.

who is this, with their little shadow creepers shuffling about? friend? or foe?

were they also waiting?

were they also all right?

are you, choso? ]

Who are yuh-you?

[ start small. ]

Who are you!?

[sensehispresence]

[ The wolf-like creatures would protect Kadaj if he truly needed it. Or, if it came down to it, he could easily summon Bahamut if need be. He did not see the one before him as a threat.

He's also paying attention to the other rather closely. Was it improper to do so? Who knew. The remnant was still learning what was (or wasn't) proper when it came to being more human and not the will of someone else. ]

Kadaj. Who're you?

[gimu]

[ on the perimeter of camp between safety and hell, two creatures inspect each other like two stray animals meeting on a forest trail. ]

Kadaj. [ kahhh-dhhazzzh, it says, drawn out as each syllable is swallowed. ]

Choso. Outsider?

003 - furniture fortress

[tokakujuho]

[ suddenly, an obstacle. right there in the patch he's chosen today and it's sheer luck that Nanami's feet decide to stop when the brain believes they can just walk through it. hand on a chair leg. a tug, a pull, giving the construct a light rattle.

bending at the waist, then crouching - equilibrium is a gamble these days - he peers through the gaps. ]

What are you doing?

[gimu]

[ having folks stop by and stare at his hard work isn’t new, but this time the voice is what gets him to sort of scoot closer to the “window” through which nanami speaks. ]

Resting and Relaxing as per Doctor Spim’s orders.

[ is, is he? ]

[tokakujuho]

[ 'Resting and Relaxing' sounds very sensible. the method, however... ]

It looks uncomfortable.

Forward (checking in)

[lunarchivist]

[Dan Heng, exhausted and pained but simply too keyed up to sleep, rolls out to sit in his wheelchair beside Choso. The dragon was...one of the last to be found and brought in, or so he thought. But that this man is still keeping a vigil...]

Choso. Who's missing...? [Does he really want to know, at this time?

Dan Heng also wonders: when did you last sit down? Rest?? It's worrying...but also comforting to be next to Choso. It had been so very cold in the dungeons, alone with his deluded thoughts. Through Raidou, there seems to be a bond he can detect with Choso now...and the man is also just incredibly warm. Dan Heng may have scooted a little closer for that reason alone, whether he realized it or not.

Lowering his voice, he also asks:] And...how are you holding up?

[gimu]

[ who’s missing? who else is missing? the combatants, the strong and the furious, the powerful among them. who else is missing, now that the captured have been returned? for a moment, the question arrests him, has him turning to blink at the familiar man with a lost look on his bloody face. ]

Not sure. I’m not sure.

[ his voice is a ruin, it is, ragged and thin with dehydration and more, and it shows when he turns a little more toward Dan Heng; it’s in the deep circles around sunken eyes, it’s in the pure bloodless cast to his skin, lips almost blue with it.

but he is so warm in the october night, his body throws off so much heat now with his power returned that in just standing there he almost steams in the chill air.

pay attention, choso. dan heng is asking a question. focus. ]

I. Am here. Yhuh-Yuji and Nanamin are alive. You. Are alive.

[ his teeth chatters as he speaks. this close, it’s hard to miss that the swath of blood around his left arm extends from the stump like an affixed tendril, a whip of red taking advantage of a free flow he hasn’t had the mind to close yet.

perhaps this is the reason med bay hasn’t taken him in yet; choso is a walking health hazard for as long as he remains upright. ]

Dan Heng, do you want me to kill them?

[ the ones who did this, he means; the ones who touched you, he means. ]

[lunarchivist]

That's alright. I'll...watch with you. [Dan Heng almost adds "if that's alright", but...one look at the shape Choso's in, and he knows he's not leaving. Not soon anyway. He pulls a bottle of water out of subspace and hands it to the man.] You should drink something, too. Actually...here. Let's sit. Can we sit together?

[Dan Heng knows he may be pushing it, but the longer he's here, the worse Choso seems. Aeons, was no one going to tend to him? Yes the blood...stream. May be a problem but someone should have taken care of it?? Looks like the man has entered shock, or has been in shock for a long while...

If Choso will let him, Dan Heng will use his particular magic to levitate off the wheelchair. His legs are healing, so this will...do. As he descends, he gently tugs on Choso's good arm to follow him to the floor, the dragon's heavily bandaged legs stretched out before him. ]

You are. [Alive.]You are...friends with Yuji? Yes. He is. As is he. And...I am. [He probably didn't need to, but distinct confirmation could help. Dan Heng frowns at the missing hand.] You won't be if you leave that as it is. Here. [He notes with some dismay that this is...the same hand, or now lack thereof, he'd treated when they met in the castle...at least he has more of his capabilities available for such a severe injury. Even with one of his own arms in a sling...he'll just use water, cloudhymn magic, to clean-

He blinks. ] Wh-What? No. No. Stay. Rest. I- [He takes a deep breath for a moment, the scent of blood heavy on the air. Something he's just...going to associate with Choso now. He focuses on the wound as he speaks further, water appearing around the bleeding appendage, not approaching the blood whip quite yet. Perhaps it's up to Choso to retract it.

Dan Heng knows the paths of Destruction and the Hunt. He can...theoretically, use the Arbor waters to locate and destroy infections and the like. Perhaps...] Revenge...solves little. Only continues to hurt. It would likely hurt you, the dead's families...it is a cycle I have seen too much of already. [The very embodiment of that pain used to relentlessly stalk him through the cosmos...]Please...do not embark on that path, especially not for someone like me.

▶ 002. forward

[blastedass]

[he looks like a gargoyle perched out there. it's not the sight of choso at the perimeter of the base that surprises him; it's that yuji hasn't dragged his ass back to the medical room to get his injuries treated. perhaps he's dealing with nanami or maki right now. dammit, they really got everyone left of the sorcerers outside of yuji and toji. all that painful shit from their home seems to enjoy coming through dimensions and fucking with them here too.

he's seen choso and yuji's abilities far too much to underestimate the orbiting planets of toxic blood around the half-curse's head. it doesn't take a genius to figure a few reasons why the man's here, staring across the way to the castle that had so recently been his torturous prison. watching for anyone returning to threaten them. watching for the outsiders returning to ensure they all got home safely. good news is, the latter one means choso won't be out there long. only twenty had been taken out of over seventy, so they're all coming back in a steady stream.

bakugo has made sure denji is sleeping peacefully before he moves to choso's side. he brings no food, no drink, or even bandages. only a large bowl of water, a washcloth, and a towel.]

Oy. You're supposed to be resting in bed.

[gimu]

[ this far out, castle bran seems less imposing, made deceptively small and dismissable with distance. to think, that was where he was expecting to die only hours ago, a lifetime ago, seconds, heartbeats ago. the sounds of battle have begun to trail off, the skies less aflutter with unwanted visitors, but choso cannot take his eyes off of it. could not if he tried. awareness is a tunnel, and smoking castle bran lay at the end of it like a fairytale illustration.

a familiar voice is what pulls choso's attention back to the land of the living, has him craning his head first one way and then the other before he finally finds its source. ]

Not yet.

[ the stare that levels on bakugo from behind that bloody mop of hair is laser focused, so wide that the whites of his eyes almost shine with their own awful luminescence.

he's only half-certain himself it's a man that bakugo's talking to right now. ]

[blastedass]

[that damn thing could've towered over the forest and they still wouldn't have seen it thanks to the shitty fog. smoke slithers from the stone walls and merges into the clouds above, the sky unsure whether it's sunset or sunrise. bakugo watches choso's haunted gaze as he comes up beside him, occasionally glancing to the castle the half-curse remains enraptured by. a poor use of that word, considering what the man endured within those walls.

he wants to pull him away from it, so he no longer has to poison himself with those torturous thoughts.]

Thought so. [there's no resignation or surprise in his voice. fully expected the refusal to come. choso's shrunken pupils and wide eyes are unnatural compared to his normal ever-tired appearance. he drags an empty crate over and sits down beside the man, setting the basin of water on his own lap.] Then I'll take care of you here.

3-ii

[yormama]

Choso?

[ Yor peeks down and into the metal bramble patch. She heard someone made a strange little fort, but instead of something made from pillows, couch cushions, and blankets like she'd expect from Anya, the chairs and tables are...well, they're something!

Worry creases her brow as she takes note of Choso's appearance. He looks like hell warmed over. Normally he's quite pale and reserved, but this? He could use something besides cold metal to feel secure, she's certain. ]

My, did you make this yourself?

[gimu]

[ by the time yor comes up, he's managed to drift off into a smooth little doze, head bobbing gently where it balances upright on his neck before her voice knocks it off its peg. he jerks backward. sits up. smacks his forehead on the top of his pile.

the whole thing rattles merrily. ]

Eh-wha? Oh, Yor.

[ rubbing at said forehead, choso blinks and crinkles forward to peer through his window of chair and table legs like a strange critter in its nest. ]

Yes. Do you want to come in? I don't mind.

[yormama]

[ Yor jumps in response to the clanging clash of noggin and metal. Her head jerks upward to consider the state of his sort of nest, only looking back to him when struggling structure ceases to wobble. ]

A-Are you sure there's room? You seem awful snug in there. [ Gosh his forehead looks so red... ] Is your head okay? You didn't get a bump, did you?