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

[eyescar]

[ Leaning into Katsuki, feeling that achingly comforting strength... Yuji closes his eyes and breathes out, squeezing his arms around his friend. It could be that it's not just him that needs this; it could be the fact that Katsuki also needs the support, the strength, after all the things he's had to see too. He lost Choso and Nanami and Maki, but Katsuki lost Denji, and that's his partner, isn't it?

Yuji can't try to compare what all these people mean to one another, but he's not sure what the right balance is, what the answer is.

This really isn't the kind of thing you can compare. Not even a little.

Leaning back, he swallows, rubbing his face and refusing to let himself sink into the deep urge to fall into his sadness. It would be easier; everything is too much right now, everything hurts, and with the aching knowledge that it's another October, another mission that tore Nanami from him and almost killed him... He's not sure how he's meant to handle it at all, how he's meant to keep himself together.

Yuji might be weak, but that has to be okay. This is the kind of weakness he needs to feel, to let his soul continue to stay strong.

Huffing a little laugh, he shakes his head. ]

Kinda gross, huh?

[blastedass]

[Why the hell does Yuji squeezing him make him feel relaxed compared to tensed? You don't de-pressure a tube of toothpaste by squeezing it! And yet, those arms tighten and Katsuki feels his body sink into the sorcerer's embrace. Comfortable, welcoming, assuring. Strong. No, Yuji's not the only one who needs this right now. Katsuki's always been self-reliant, refusing to admit he wants or needs any kind of help or support. But time and time again, his experience in this world slaps that in the face.

It's not like Choso and the others are nothing to him. Losing them meant hurting Yuji. Pissed Katsuki off almost as much for that as their friends being kidnapped. But losing Denji... that hit very hard. Is this why so many heroes didn't seem to have significant others? The vulnerability that becomes? The danger it begets. Not just losing someone they care for, but the roaring temptation to take revenge for that pain. So close to a line you can't come back from once you cross.

Yuji leans back and Katsuki looks at his face with a quiet gaze. It's not wrong to feel sadness, frustration, or rage. What you under those feelings, how much you let them control you rather than the other way around, is the real issue. But all that aside, he refuses to give up on supporting his best friend. If Yuji feels like he'll come apart, Katsuki's determined to hold him together until the sorcerer's able to do it again. It's not "wrong" to be weak sometimes.

He reaches over and rubs a thumb at Yuji's cheek.]

I've seen you in worse.

[eyescar]

No way!

[ Yuji is protesting immediately, leaning back to look down at himself. When has he looked worse? Maybe in those memories that Katsuki saw before, but even then he wasn't quite as covered in blood as he happens to be now. It's hard for him to picture being in a worse state than he is currently, but maybe he's forgetting something that his friend is able to bring to mind faster.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Eventually, he manages to ground himself, just enough that he can look at his friend and give him a pale, if queasy smile, breathing out softly. ]

Do you wanna go to the baths together? We can shower off and then relax in the pool properly, or something.

[ Yuji thinks he needs it.

October is... A bad month for him. ]

[blastedass]

You're not dead. [Boom. It doesn't matter how bloodied or torn up Yuji is. So long as his eyes have life and his chest rises and falls with his beating heart, he'll always look better to Katsuki than the traumatic sight of his best friend lying unmoving and cold on the muddy ground. Even now the scene occasionally wriggles into his mind at night and disturbs him, once or twice latching onto a present-event nightmare to thrust him awake in a sweat.

The small smile offered to him earns a brief sigh before Katsuki rubs at the side of his neck. That offer sounds really good. Not even enticing him to start another fight like usually happens in the baths.]

Yeah. I'd like that. [They could also drop in one of the bathtubs around the base, but that's a little more personal private to squirrel away in a bathroom together.] I'll wash your back.

[eyescar]

[ He's not dead this time, which is a good thing. Yuji managed to come out of this one alive, if not a little messed up from the strange creature that bit him; that's something to wrestle with later. For now, his focus is on trying to make sure that he can get through the next few days without totally losing his mind to the strange grief he's feeling, despite saving the people he loves.

Leaning back, he pushes himself up and stretches his arms, body creaking a little before he huffs a sigh. ]

Sure. I'll wash yours, too.

[ Opening the door, he slips out and heads towards the showers. ]

Then we should eat something.

[blastedass]

[So long as this boy continues to come back alive, Katsuki will count it as a win every single time. They can always heal up, become stronger, try again, but one death is all you get. Even if Yuji's cheated it twice, and Katsuki once. Apart from the bite and cuts from the kaiju, not to mention some impact-related injuries thanks to getting plowed when his Quirk cut out, Katsuki returned looking less damaged than other times. Then again, he's not much for tanking.

But he'll focus on Yuji and keeping him afloat in the waves. As the sorcerer stands up, Katsuki waits for him to get to his feet, then pushes up beside him. He tilts his head to the side and it sounds like the blonde just broke his neck.]

Tch, Shitty Hair and Dunce Face made a game out of it one time. [Totally ragging on his classmates who aren't here as he follows Yuji out the door.] Wanna cook something or go out?

[eyescar]

[ Yuji goes to his mental notebook of Katsuki's nicknames, and comes up blank, so he just nods along as if he knows what's going on. That usually works out in his favour anyway.

Walking down the halls, he hums softly, considering. ]

I think we should go out. I'm too tired to cook anything right now, and you deserve a break too.

[ Rest, Bakugo!! ]

My stomach kind of hurts right now anyway.

[blastedass]

[Probably the better way to do it when it comes to Katsuki's names. He doesn't ever refer to his classmates by name outside of Izuku and Shoto to most people's knowledge. And even they usually come out with their nicknames.

Katsuki frowns in acceptance when Yuji suggests going out. (He'll frown anyway, so whatever.)] All right. We'll get something light. There's a ramen shop with good soup. [Unless you wanna be a dork with a salad bar.]

[eyescar]

[ Yuji is actively avoiding the whole 'needs to drink blood' thing right now, especially with the strangeness of it and the discomfort it caused Raidou, but he's trying to push through. If he can swallow some human food, then maybe it'll help...

Maybe. ]

Soup sounds great.

[ He hums softly, finding the route to the showers easily enough. ]

Maybe some strawberries for dessert.

[blastedass]

[He's not the only one, and that's coming from a guy who's boyfriend does drink blood. Not... like a vampire or anything, but it helps his powers. Katsuki's found it fucking weird to have the strange urge, drawn towards the hot crimson running through veins all around him.

Even now, his eyes linger on Yuji's neck when he walks beside him. Soup. Right. Hot liquid. Kinda salty. Big surprise.]

It's cute you like strawberries.

[Don't call him cute, but he can call you cute. What a hypocrite.]

[eyescar]

Is it?

[ Yuji crosses his arms around his head, considering for a moment. He's not sure what makes a judgement of 'cute' or anything, but... ]

Isn't that a normal thing?

[blastedass]

Of course it's normal.

[He just thinks it's cute. Huff. Katsuki shoves his hands into his pockets and tilts forward a bit in his usual delinquent tough guy defensive posture.]

Just strawberries or something with them?

[eyescar]

[ Now, see, that's cute, and Yuji laughs softly, shaking his head. ]

Just strawberries would be fine. Maybe a milk drink, too...

[ He looks wistful for a moment. ]

I used to drink warm milk when I was a kid, before bed. It would warm me up.

[blastedass]

[Oy. Don't even go there. He'll growl.]

Milkshake then?

[Nope, warm milk. Katsuki's expression melts to a wry thing.]

It also gives you zombie breath in the morning.

[eyescar]

What?

[ His eyes widen, briefly, looking baffled. ]

Zombie break from milk?

[blastedass]

Did you brush your teeth after you drank the milk?

[This is the important part.]

[eyescar]

I always brush my teeth before bed.

[ He's a good boy :( ]

[blastedass]

Then you avoided it.

[It's those who don't that get zombie breath.]

[eyescar]

It sounds gross, so I'm glad.

[ Almost pouty, he rubs under his nose. ]

I really want some now, though.

[blastedass]

Lets get a wash off. You'll feel gross while trying to enjoy it.

[With that, Katsuki nudges him into the shower room.]

Off.

[eyescar]

Hey, I'm going!

[ Eyes widening, he looks back at his friend. ]

Close your eyes or something, then.

[ And he's stepping over to kick his clothes off so he can stumble into the shower. ]

[blastedass]

Haa? I've seen you naked before, dumbass!

[They were fighting in the hot spring way back when in naught but little towels! Besides, highschool locker rooms. Katsuki shucks his shirt over his head and works on the rest, though he's not staring at Yuji to give him his privacy.

Guess they do both have boyfriends now, so...]

[eyescar]

Well, yeah, but this is different! It's weird if you watch me stripping!

[ Is it even that different...? Not really, not even a little bit, but Yuji is a little bit embarrassed. Cheeks red, he tries to get into the showers before he ends up neon pink and getting teased even more. ]

[blastedass]

Baaaka.

[He's not gonna watch though, even if he teases Yuji about it. Katsuki goes quiet as he finishes undressing, taking a brief moment to fold his clothes semi neat before getting into the stall beside Yuji. The divider comes up to their chests, so it's not a straight block off.

What comes next is a quiet admission.]

Every time I fight alongside you, I feel stronger.

[eyescar]

[ Oh.

Yuji ducks his head under the spray of the water to try and hide the small smile that rests on his face. He understands, though; being together like this, fighting together... It makes him grow stronger, too.

Physically, in heart, in spirit - all of it. It means a lot to him, and Yuji sometimes struggles with putting it into words. He wants to try, though, for his friends. For this friend. ]

Me too. I don't know what it is, but... [ He puts his hand over his scarred heart. ] I feel better.