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

jkhsdkf "if you had a nickel for ever time Bakugo got kidnapped, you'd have two-" etc. etc.

[lunarchivist]

[((OOC: it is, but work is so much less fun…got some days off now tho so yippee! Tosses one (1) reply before bedd))]

[It’s kind of funny and sweet that Bakugo made this a competition with himself to spare Dan Heng more pain. Just by being here, the hero has done so much to improve the situation, truly. Perhaps it really would have been better for the dragon to pass out though, considering he’s going to have to be moved soon…]

R-Right…sorry…sorryy… [Dan Heng presses his face into Bakugo’s hand, focusing on that, on his own breathing, trying to slow it down against the sobs and coughing. He focuses on the young hero’s words and face. Not angry. Not really. Worried…? Anger from worry. No wonder he mistook Bakugo for Yingxing… Thankfully they're very different as well. ] O-kay. Okay. I-I believe you…Hoo…no. Right. R-Right. Kai…ju…
Sso it really was just….a kaiju… [Maybe after all this, Dan Heng can study its origins and how it matches and differs from aeons and such. But not now. Definitely not now, when he can barely keep track of where and when he is…

His thoughts stutter to a halt when something’s held to his lips. …? Oh. Water. As a dragon with such an affinity for water, having even just a little is an aeonsend. Dan Heng drinks it greedily, then sags against Bakugo’s shoulder.] Th-Thank you. [He’s being told they did well….but…] Can’t…my…power….cloudhymn can’t….I can’t hear it….in thiss place…[He blinks slowly. Bakugo turned the chains to slag in his hands.] Your….power w-works though….good…

[Maybe if he weren’t so dead tired he would try to use cloudhymn magic…or maybe there are lingering effects dampening it. Hard to tell. ] Good…th-thank you. ’f I ssee anoth’r dungeon it’s….too soon. [There’s the barest hint of amusement appearing here. That weak smile warms at the later comment. Home…sounds really nice. He’d like to go home. To not have to be exiled to escape this place…not this time.

Dan Heng’s eyes had fallen shut at some point, and they blink open when something else gets held up to his mouth, with an order to drink it. More water…?

He drinks it, but it tastes…different. Strange. Dan Heng’s breath hitches a little, and he raises his good hand to grab at Bakugo’s arm. ] Wh…What was that….? What… [Their captors used drugs to change his companions. To drag them down here.] Wh-What did you just…I… [ Her good intentions led her to perform certain “healing arts” on Dan Heng. He shakes his head. No. No...he wouldn't...
That Dan Heng trusts Bakugo is the only reason he’s not fully panicking, even as his thoughts get more muddled. ((Are the painkillers meant to knock him out or just numb pain?)) But his hand shakes, bleary eyes going wide with confusion and creeping fear.] B…akugo…?

three more times and you can get a gumball from the machine!

[blastedass]

[ooc: yeah it's a necessary evil. but yay for days off!]

[He's already pissed off they had any of their company captured in the first place. With no damn idea how it happened! But they're here now. They have to get the Outsiders back to safety so they can start healing and recovering. Luckily the castle isn't threatening to crumble around their heads, but the surviving cultists are a danger in their rage. Soon to be smears across the wall if they get in his way.]

Don't apologize. [Bakugo doesn't want to hear any apology from the dragon right now. It's a waste of breath and energy. One canister of water down, then the liquefied medicine from before. As much as he wants to wait for medical professionals, or even another Outsider with better powers to move Dan Heng without pain, there's no time for that. Who knows when any of them could bleed out from their injuries? They have to move them and get them out of this place. Dank air, cultist elements, any number of things could invade their already-damaged and weakened bodies.]

Aa. Another shitty kaiju. [It's unlikely they'll be doing much with the kaiju. Even if they had managed to slay it, being at the bottom of a winding castle dungeon surrounded by used-to-be-impenetrable mist near a village of murderous cultists amid a vast forest... He doubts even LILITH will want to return and investigate whatever was left over. Take what they can and leave forever. Good. Dan Heng's drinking it.] The rift interfered with all our abilities. They'll come back once we're gone.

[He can explain more in detail, but doesn't want the dragon to waste his energy trying to converse too much. A brief scoff answers that weak attempt at making a joke.] We're never coming here again. [There'll likely be nothing left of value by the time they're away. Suddenly realizing the faux pass he committed, Bakugo quickly digs out another vial of water and uncaps it. Dammit, should've told him what it was before he put it to his mouth.]

It's okay. It's okay, Dan Heng. [He looks into the dragon's eyes, red gaze holding solid and firm.] It's to numb your pain. I have to carry you out of here. [Bakugo rests his hand on his cheek again, thumb soothing across his cheekbone.] I don't want to hurt you any further. LILITH is sending a medical shuttle. I'll get you up there and you won't hurt anymore. [Trying to talk him down from the sudden surge of panic and fear.] I've got more water when you need it. It'll be okay.

-which isn't alot but it's weird it happened twice. But also hey you almost got gum!

[lunarchivist]

[OOC: indeed! And I will get to the other threads tomorrow I prommy]

[Wow yeah someone should really ask about that huh- Gotta know how the kidnapping happened so it doesn’t happen again! …also it really could be worse, huh? At least the castle is intact enough, so it won’t fall on them all, and may even deter anyone else looking to summon a wolf kaiju for some insane reason…heaven help anyone in the way of Bakugo on a warpath.

Don’t apologize…the dragon almost apologizes for apologizing in response. It's hard not to in a place that reminds him so so much of a time when his very existence was a hardship on others, so much so he had to be locked away... He...forces his attention on water, on staying conscious. He can do that much…

Dan Heng blinks.] Another…kaiju? Did th’ bat show up…too…? [They never did quite figure that one out. He has a theory that the wolf absorbed the bat like what happens in his world with aeons, but he can’t even begin to explain all that. It doesn’t matter anyway…it’s gone…thank the stars and his friends, it’s gone.] M’kay. Glad it’s…tempor’ry…hated it….Ch’so will….feel b’tter… [Random topics that make sense to him, but only barely. Dan Heng headbutts Bakugo’s shoulder weakly at the assurance they won’t return, a wordless thanks. Music to his ears, really. Relief…

Of course until old fears rear their ugly heads and mix into the new ones. It’s not Bakugo’s fault. He didn’t know. He’s helping. It’s fine. It’s fine it’s fine it’s fine fine finefinefine-]

I-I…they used…they...drugged…the others….I-[There’s a quiet whimper as frantic eyes look around, shaking fingers gripping at the hero's clothing tightly. He can’t….feel…he can’t feel the fabric…Bakugo’s talking, so he looks up, meeting red eyes. A hero. A friend. There’s no guile in that gaze, no condemnation or deception. Only focus, truth, concern…? Doesn’t want to hurt him further…]

I-I believe…you…jus’... [It’s hard to explain the panic, especially when the numbness sets in, settling over him like a heavy blanket, making the dragon a little dizzy with relief and fatigue. It’s a strange feeling, but not…not horrible. And he can still feel a hand on his face, a calloused thumb running rhythmically over his cheek. The pattern is soothing…after a moment, Dan Heng’s breathing and heartbeat slow down again to more normal rates.]

O-Okay….I made that…difficul’, sor- n. No I… [Not hurting anymore sounds nice. Whatever he’d been given has taken the edge off. That’s good….even if it’s harder than ever to think clearly. He remembers Bakugo told him to stop apologizing….] Mm. Sounds…good. Water. Th...Then c'n we go? Please...

he's an attractive target for some reason? more like life likes to humble him.

[blastedass]

[OOC: As you're able!]

[It could always be worse; doesn't hold a fucking candle to what happened now. Bakugo might have some faith in the castle's structural integrity, but with the damage done in the storming and the kaiju battle, including the holds the damn gundam punched through the wall, he isn't keen on keeping anyone down here longer than necessary. They have to get the injured Outsiders out of the castle and to the medics, unless doing so would kill them.

Heaven can collect their ashes and scattered parts. He says, but obviously didn't kill.

Dan Heng saved himself from another shout. Bakugo's had someone apologize for apologizing and it pissed him off then as well as now! Apologizing for your own pain and existence... what the fuck? He lets the dragon handle the water and medicine as he needs, red eyes scanning around the cell for something he could use to splint, bind, or otherwise support.]

The kaiju could shapeshift. It was the bat. [What fucking bat?! ... Bakugo's not asking. Wracking Dan Heng's hurting brain and making him relive something traumatic is a fucked-up way of helping. Accept his delusions or questions and let him get on without conflict.] Yeah, you'll all feel better soon. Lets get you out of here.

[Tight-fitting fabric offers little cushion when the dragon headbutts his shoulder, though the strong muscle underneath that fabric might offer its own comfort. He might be young, but Bakugo doesn't skip workouts. Handling the momentary flare of panic and fear feels akin to yanking the wheel of a car or hauling back on the reins of a horse.]

You're all probably gonna have more medicine when you get to the hospital. [Treatment for their pain, cloths to handle blood, efforts to save their lives and repair the damage done. Scars in their future, therapy, struggles, all of it worth the price of keeping the Outsiders alive. Bakugo has a feeling he'll be sticking with Dan Heng for a bit to reassure him when they get up to the medical shuttle. Meeting the dragon's eyes, the young hero holds them until the anxiety fades somewhat.]

Here. [No time to be stingy. Bakugo brings a second container of water and uncaps it as well. First one mouthful of water, letting Dan Heng either guzzle it down or hold it in his mouth for a bit. The second one afterwards. He'll keep the final one in reserve with the last vial of painkiller. As much as it'd be nice to give that to Dan Heng, he has a feeling someone else will need it. Unable to find anything to help, Bakugo has to make the difficult decision of setting his companion's limbs. Encouraging his legs to gently stretch out below him, then his arms to rest over his chest, unless it's too damaged and needs to dangle straight. That's the best he can do before cupping one arm around the dragon's shoulders and the other under his knees. Muscles flex and he pushes with his legs to lift the man as attentively as possible, keeping everything between his joints from jostling or jerking. Guh, that's not going to feel good in the morning...] Try to stay awake. Talk to me.

[With a grind of his boots on the cell floor, Bakugo turns and exits, bringing Dan Heng with him out of his captivity.]

A reactive target can be funny, to mess with and to humble :) (poor guy)

[lunarchivist]

[(HELP….not the Gundam….good job Dearka….) THANKFULLY leaving the castle will not, in fact, kill the Outsiders that weren’t already dead. oof.

Hey, one defaults to unhealthy habits in an unhealthy state. And this place is so far from healthy…for Dan Heng’s physical and mental wellbeing. The same could be said for everyone, though. Water and medicine are very appreciated, despite the initial panic.

Hm…..splint with a cell bar? No, too heavy. Unfortunately there do not seem to be left over branches or anything in here. Just a very bloody large rock in the corner there…

Dan Heng blinks.] Shapeshifting…? Oh…tha’s not good. [He squints a little, trying to remember….something even though he really should give thinking a rest. Why does his head hurt so much…(gee I wonder)] It did look…like a person…sometimes. Didn’ know…kaiiju coul’ do that…

[Muscle can be comforting! It’s solid, real, warm. Indicates strength, assurance in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. Grounding, which is very helpful for putting a stop on a panic spiral.] Th…thank you. I’d like that…

[Dan Heng grimaces a little at the mention of more medicine. Needles…? His breathing stutters a bit at the thought, something that normally only barely gives him pause, but given recent events... Keeping eye contact and being held steady by Bakugo helps him not drown in more panic. It…it helps to know. ] I-I s’ppose if it’s…necessary… [Not experimental. Or meant to harm or…change one’s loyalties. Not while Bakugo’s here. He can…he can handle that.

The water also helps, and Dan Heng takes it slower this time. It clears the taste out, if nothing else. Thank the stars it does. It’s more than enough. The dragon mutters more thanks as he’s moved around, wincing but groggily not feeling the full extent of the pain this would cause, repositioning broken limbs. The arm can go over his own chest; it’s the forearm part that’s fractured.

And now- the world is- moving–] Aa-cck–

[The dragon clamps his teeth down over a cry, hissing at the initial lift, his temple pressing against Bakugo’s collarbone (dragon horns may get him in the jaw. Sorry) as he rides out the wave of pain. It dulls quickly to a muted ache, even when they turn and leave. If it weren’t for the medication he likely would have gone unconscious.

They’re leaving….fresh tears spill over for a moment. Not nearly as much as before, just…a tired expression of relief.

Dan Heng opens his eyes –when did they close…?-- when the young voice rumbles next to his ear. Talk…? About what…? It’s hard to think…he’s tired. But…he digs through, pawing through scattered memories and thoughts.] I…think I…mayy have…bitten…? S’me captors… [There’s for once no apology in that admission. And it also may be a good thing that the blood around his mouth is not from internal injuries.] Not ‘xactly what…y’taught in sparrin’...but worked pre’y well. [His face scrunches up as if he’d eaten something sour.] ‘Till they got th’ muzzle. Tha’.........ugh.

[That’s one way to put it….]

he brought it on himself with his attitude. character development.

[blastedass]

[He doesn't have the time to properly melt the bars through to make the splint, to say nothing of what to use for lashing it on outside of abandoning Dan Heng to strip some cultist of their clothes. No, he'll have to endure it and trust the medication to numb the dragon enough to handle the trip. Bakugo's attentive nature is enough to make sure there are no further damages along the way. Hopefully there won't be some asshole lying in wait to challenge that...]

It's dead and gone. Don't worry about shit. [No more dwelling on the creature or the monstrous people who put Dan Heng down here. He wants to tell the dragon to stop thinking, but also needs him to stay conscious. Stay with me. Don't fall into the darkness. Don't go into the light. As Dan Heng settles in his arms on against his chest and shoulder, Bakugo crosses the battlefield littered with chunked flooring and walls from the fight. There's no sign of the kaiju. Apparently it turned into a man-like figure and then vanished into ashes upon its defeat. "Dead" is questionable. "Gone" is not.

Bakugo continues to glance down to Dan Heng, giving him eye contact for his own support and the blonde's assurance. Telling him about the doctors early should help to avoid any panic when they get up there and Bakugo has to pass him off to people he won't know. Hell, he's not giving Dan Heng over; he'll put him on the medical bed himself and stand beside him until they're ready to put him under or Dan Heng is comforted enough not to need his presence anymore.]

I'll be with you the whole time. [As much as possible. So the dragon knows it's not some shitty trick. He should apologize for lifting him, for hurting him, but there's no other way. Leaving him there isn't happening. Bakugo tries to take his steps carefully, avoiding jostling Dan Heng or bumping him into anything. Sometimes he has to tug his head up and down to make sure those damn horns stop poking him in the jugular. One time he's gonna bite them if they piss him off too much. Getting them against his cheek helps to push the problem aside for now. Until he has to move his head to look again.]

Heh, hope you bit them in a real good area. [Any vengeful pleasure over Dan Heng's resistance darkens at the mention of the muzzle. Okay, getting off that fucking topic. The goal's to avoid talking about that shit. As he starts up the stairs, Bakugo leans his back slightly to avoid rocking Dan Heng with his steps.] Tell me your favorite color or food.

[Something benign, happy (hopefully) to push the memories aside and still keep the dragon wakeful.]

Lessons in humility, the process of refining a truly great hero indeed~

[lunarchivist]

[There sure are ideas, but it’s…probably for the best Bakugo just stays with Dan Heng. The dragon would likely hurt himself more in the distress of believing himself left alone again. The medicine works well enough. It’s enough. And yeah hopefully the bats and cultists are cleared out…]

…okay. [Another sign of trust. Or maybe exhaustion. Likely both. But Dan Heng’s eyelids flutter a little as he lets go of worrying about the kaiju. It’s gone. He doesn’t know how it is, but he believes Bakugo. Aeons can be sealed away, pushed back, lost…it’s okay. He relaxes a little in the hero’s arms, the medicine numbing his hurts enough to let go of alot of that stress in his shoulders. The muted pain leaves a bone deep exhaustion that’s hard to fight…but he’s fought this long. Besides…he wants…he wants to be awake to see outside this place. Freedom…he wants to...confirm it with his own eyes.

And Bakugo keeps looking at him. Checking…if he’s still with him? He’s awake. Pretty out of it, yes, but he’s awake. Bleary blue eyes meet determined red ones every time. It’s reassuring, which is…ironic, in the back of his mind. Eye contact had always been a bit difficult for Dan Heng to maintain, but here it’s grounding, helping to keep his thoughts in the present. Even if that present is rather miserable in a physical sense, it’s better, it’s safe. ]

Thank you… [Normally, Dan Heng might feel a bit guilty for keeping the hero with him. There are others who need help too. He can’t imagine his punishments were the worst…but Bakugo is. He’s safe. Dan Heng doesn’t know the doctors…there’s the creeping fear in the pit of his stomach that it’ll just be the alchemy commission, wanting to test more “healing arts” on him, or this is all a dream he’ll wake up from, cold and dark and-

He feels Bakugo shift his head around, not for the first time. Ah….his horns.] S…Sorry… [Trying to move them ends up jabbing Bakugo in the chin instead. Oops. Ok, so he’s just going to hold still then…

The dragon chuckles softly, baring pointed teeth for a second.] I think I did. Scared ssome off…a’ least… [It’s honestly not too hard to redirect Dan Heng’s thoughts. He’s more likely to dwell on the negatives, but he’s so tired that his thoughts are muddled and flowing together like the currents of the sea. The prompts redirect him to a thoughtful pause, blinking slowly.]

Th…ramen we had. W’s nice. Char Siu…? [The dinner Bakugo dragged him out to, when they met. He’d told the young man that he rarely had preferences at all back then. Perhaps it’s the experience itself that created more of a fondness for the dish, even if he really did like it for the taste too.

Bakugo’s doing his best, but Dan Heng does wince a little as they move up. He tries not to look at the dungeon, the blood and the bodies around them as he answers this next one.] C’lor…red. S’my favor’te. The…Express. Red is…that’s its…its color. [The conductor’s garb, the furniture, Himeko’s hair and the Nameless’s passion for the trailblaze, the ticket given to him…his first real home. Red may have associations with blood and death as well, but its association to home always wins out for Dan Heng.

He smiles weakly, a tad sheepish. The medicine sure is working for him to feel like smiling at all right now.] Prob’ly exp’cted green, huh…?

Sometimes you need to be taken down a few pegs to learn how to better yourself.

[blastedass]

[He intends to stay with the dragon until Dan Heng's asleep or something more urgent calls him away from the guy's bedside. Leaving him to his mind while awake is a shit idea. If any of those damn cultists try to interfere with him right now, Bakugo will be sorely tempted about his no-kill policy. Some of those cultists are no longer human anyways...

As Dan Heng relaxes in his arm, Bakugo takes the stairs one at a time, carefully balanced and determined forward. He won't drop him, won't jar him, won't leave him. There's no time to sash him up and tie him to his body for a quicker explosion-powered escape. Slow and steady is never Bakugo's method, but he's forced into it right now. As cruel as telling Dan Heng to stay awake might be, accidentally injuring himself in nightmare thrashing is even worse.

Yes, he keeps checking in on him. Looking at his eyes, his face, checking whether he's attentive enough to be conscious or delirious, if his skin's running too pale from blood loss. Not that he can do much with the latter; Bakugo's not equipped for a blood transfusion, even if he knows how to do it. Dan Heng's quiet gratitude earns a gruff sound from the blonde as the hero steps through another room and crosses from one hall to the next.]

Get through this and thank me then. [Convincing Dan Heng the doctors showing up aren't going to hurt him will be a chore. His thoughts on doing that break at the apology. What the hell is he-? Oh, his horns.] Don't move your head, dammit! I'll get out of their way.

[Do it himself. He starts the next set of stairs, the faintest pricks of outside air coming through the scent of copper, metal, and rock. Likely from the hole on of the gundam made. Bakugo would've said more to the dragon taking a chomp out of his captors, but wanting to leave that topic holds his tongue. Food or color, a far better subject to tongue.]

Oh yeah? I'll take you back there once you're up for it. [Promising him something to look forward to. He enjoys those "cook at your table" experiences, as they're active, entertaining, and avoid the awkward silence in doldrums waiting for your food. Dan Heng did well with his cooking there.] Red? You're covered in white and blue all the time.

[The guy looked like a verdant icy lake when Bakugo first saw him. Red would not have been his first thought as Dan Heng's favorite color.] Hmph, green, blue, aqua, teal, turquoise. One of those.

Tis true. This mission is yet another humbling experience for the books boys-

[lunarchivist]

[Dan Heng’s grateful. Maybe less so for the possible killing, but it’s not like he’s noticing much beyond the two of them. He’s too worn out, and kind of sedated but not. He’ll have to ask about the medicine later. It doesn’t scare him anymore, at least. Now the dragon is just a bit clingy, really. Not unexpected considering the everything.

It’s far from ideal for many reasons, but still an improvement from before…he’ll stay awake. Muddled as the dragon is, he’s actually in control of himself while semi-conscious. Bakugo does well traversing the castle with such care. The blood loss…well. The cuts on his arms and neck and- everywhere. They harvested his blood. But the wounds have dried, so he’s not bleeding more at least. He’ll be able to hang in there for a blood transfusion later. It’s probably less obvious, but Bakugo’s natural warmth goes a long way in battling the effects, fighting back the chill that’s so prevalent in this place. And his handling with care keeps the wounds from reopening.

Dan Heng’s eyes slip closed for a moment. Just a small rest. "Get through this and thank me then." Right. Right. He forces his eyes back open, tilting his head away to hopefully get the horns away- oh, nope. Mundane issues you don’t think about in grand rescue stories, huh…] M’kay. [He goes still. Maybe it’s the closeness, or the blood loss, but Dan Heng finds himself smiling faintly.] Wasn’ on purpose. Don’ wanna take ou’ your eye… [He’s heard of such accidents amongst young vidyadhara. Even in overly enthusiastic greetings, since it usually involved bowing with fists to each other’s foreheads…

His eyes had closed again without meaning to. They open with the faint smell of fresh autumn air. Odd…all the windows in this place were bolted he thought…Dan Heng blinks dazedly at the entire hole in the wall.] ….we were…kept up here ‘while before bein’ brought down…that. That’s new. [Eh, if it works it works.

Dan Heng smiles for real this time. Tired and worn, but real.] ‘d like that. Gonna…hol’ you to that… [It’d be nice to do the cooking himself again. The attendants insisted on doing everything around here which irritated him to no end. Even making tea himself was difficult with how overbearing they all were…

The dragon snorts quietly, then bites down on a wince.] W-ell. Red…stands out. Wearin’ it on th’ run woulda…been stupid. [Did Dan Heng mention he was exiled...? That doesn't occur to him right now. He raises his good hand to trace under his eye. Without all of this going on, he does tend to wear some red eye liner some days, and the color accents his clothing picked out in this world. Nothing too crazy.] I like those…colors too. Vidy…adhara are water ‘tuned. But red…[His hand raises, as if reaching for the stars beyond the castle walls for a moment before flopping back down to his chest.] Th’Express. Uses it alot. Trailblaze…home. S’good. [Red…and gold. Warm colors, a safe place to land when he had none. A promise for a brighter tomorrow.]

Humble missions are the best/worst. All the pain and recovery.

[blastedass]

[As long as Dan Heng's clinging to him and not letting go, he'll let it happen. Proof the guy's awake, conscious, alive. On step at a time, taking the stairs up in a winding spiral towards open ground above them. If he wasn't so wrecked, Bakugo could take Dan Heng out the hole in the wall and blast them back to the approaching ship. Unfortunately, that's not an option.

If he noticed any bleeding on the other Outsider, he'd have bandaged it, even cauterizing if serious enough. Luckily there's no need, leaving them free to ascend one stair to the next, crossing hallways strewn with broken traps, discarded weapons, unconscious cultists... some not so unconscious, meaning Bakugo ends up snapping a harsh kick out into a man's head, knocking him right back into slumber. He pivots with the impact, preventing Dan Heng from jerking around via his actions. And keeps right on walking. Stay down, bastard. Someone else'll be along later to beat him up even better.

Dammit, if Dan Heng doesn't stop trying to tilt his head away, Bakugo's gonna bite one of those damn horns and hold him still! He'll handle the head motions. It's more important the dragon rests. A brief scoff puffs between his teeth as the turns the corner and heads up the next set of stairs. Fuck, how many flights were there on the way down? Probably wasn't paying attention thanks to the battling, rampaging, shouting, and more.] You're not gonna take out my damn eye.

One of the Gundam did it. [Referencing the hole in the wall. Despite his desire to get Dan Heng to the medics as fast as possible, Bakugo pauses by the hole, letting the dragon take in the fresh breeze across his body. Reality check. He's getting out of here. A quiet murmur warns him they're moving again and walls take over the brief sight of forest trees. He grunts in acknowledgement of his promise. Dan Heng can hold him to it. He'll be able to make his own food, cook it there in front of himself, even brew his own tea if he feels the need for it. Leave all this shit behind.]

Hmph. All that, huh. [He wants to bark at Dan Heng for moving his arm, but holds back, preferring the guy to act even a little. Stay awake, stay with me, stay alert, keep blood flowing. He has a good reason for liking red when it shows up in all those areas. From personal to cultural to his vocation. Finally the ground floor crunches underfoot and Bakugo leans forward a bit to power walk across the massive hall. Already the noise of a vehicular engine fills the air, LILITH's plane waiting outside in the courtyard. There's going to be people out there...] When the doctors come, I'll be right next to you. No one's gonna fucking touch you until I say so.

[Meaning whoever touches Dan Heng is someone Bakugo permitted to do so. Someone he trusts to help the dragon rather than hurt him. Even now, he'll keep himself between anyone and Dan Heng if it means keeping him safe. Of course he knows LILITH is trying to help, but given what the dragon went through, he might not see it that way on instinct. This is to prepare for that.]