TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

[synfluxmods]

TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: medical content

▶ 001. WELL DESERVED REST.

With no sign of upcoming city-level threats, LILITH has made the decision to provide Outsiders with a well-deserved break: there will be no official missions for the month of December. Outsiders are free to roam the city, continue their usual civilian jobs or take a holiday to any of the locations available via data portal. During this period, LILITH leadership will also be taking time off and any attempts to contact them will be met with an ‘out of office’ return email unless it is an emergency. (Dr. Spim is still around, but … he is a cat and doesn’t answer anyway... unless he feels like it.)

That isn’t to say it’s going to be a completely quiet month, of course. Our players have kindly prepared several player plots that anyone is welcome to join. Please refer to the top level here for links to the relevant plots. An updated quest has also been listed here.

Additionally, the Outsiders Program has successfully finished its first year! LILITH will be giving all Outsiders old and new a thank you bonus of 500,000 KRYPTOS (approximately 3230 USD) to spend freely on their holiday. Try not to spend it all on pachinko!

▶ 002. LET IT SNOW.

Starting December 1st, the temperature in Neo Tokyo will take a dive as the country enters into winter. The first signs of snowfall will occur on December 1st, and as it continues, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The shops and restaurants of Neo Tokyo are capitalizing on the approaching festivities, putting up Christmas lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Many stores are having sales on warm clothing and popular gifts. Isn’t it the perfect time to find some nice gifts for your friends?

While only a suggestion, it is encouraged to support the integration of the orphans from Transylvania by taking them out on a winter adventure.

Winter activities found in Neo Tokyo include:

- Christmas Winter Illuminations. Certain parts of the city will be lit up in Christmas lights and holographic, winter-themed illuminations. Stop by at the right time and there might even be a drone show to watch.
- Ice sculpture building. Artists have gathered in Yoyogi Park to showcase their latest ice sculpture creations. Outsiders may view the attraction or join in on the ice sculpture contest. Winners will get prize money.
- Ice-skating. The Yokohama Red Brick Ice Rink is open again and characters are free to go skating with their friends. As a part of its latest attraction, the ice has been fitted with microscopic nanobots that light up when touched, causing the ice to glow or showcase striking colors as people skate across it.
- Playing in the snow. Even under threat of kaiju, the people of Neo Tokyo take the time to have fun when they can. Through the streets, there are people making snow angels or pelting each other with snowballs.

Characters may visit Las Vegas, Kyoto or Okinawa using the data portals. Kyoto and Okinawa continue to be uninhabited, but they can camp there if they wish. They are free to book a hotel and enjoy their holiday in Las Vegas too, where the city will have its own brand of winter activities (winter illuminations, Christmas shows, ice-skating and holiday-themed Vegas shows). While the weather is still cold, it will be snowing in Kyoto but not in Okinawa or Las Vegas.

▶ 003. SNUGGLE UP.

All the lights and festivities happening in the city are putting some strain on the power grid, and this leads to occasional bouts of power failure during the month of December. These seem to be happening in the base and throughout the city of Neo Tokyo, and they last for a few hours each time. With hospital equipment running on back-up generators, it isn’t a huge cause for concern, but it certainly is an annoyance; especially with the weather so cold.

LILITH robots will be offering Outsiders on the base extra blankets (traditional and emergency foil blankets) along with heat packs to get through the cold. Starting a fire within the base will not be allowed since it is a hazard, so those who still need the extra warmth will need to find other creative ways to obtain it. A snuggle never hurt anyone, right? There is one operational fireplace in the Library, and Outsiders may notice an influx of small tables throughout the base with self-serve hot beverages on battery operated kettles, such as tea, hot cocoa & artificial coffee. As Outsiders congregate around the base, snuggled up in their new festive blankets, perhaps now would be a good time for some classic party games such as Never Have I Ever and Two Truths and a Lie.

▶ 004. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE.

Dr. Spim takes regular cat naps anyway, so he doesn’t see the need to take a holiday. As a result, he has continued to work tirelessly on finetuning the cure for the vampiric disease. Throughout the month, he will make several requests for volunteers (those with and without the vampiric disease) to participate in the ongoing clinical trials.

The serum he is testing will not cause harm to the body, but it might result in any of the following side effects:

- Dizziness, fatigue and difficulty coordinating movement.
- Fever, chills and a desperate need for warmth.
- Mood changes, which can present as euphoric or depressed or both.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Increased hunger, thirst or other physical needs (interpret as you wish.)
- A ravenous need for blood (for vampires.)

Certain volunteers may encounter no side effects at all, while some may experience all of them. Luck of the draw, really. The side effects are not permanent and last for a few hours. As always, Dr. Spim will explain the possible side effects and get consent before administering the medicine.

By the end of the month, a stable cure will be finalized and LILITH robots will deliver it to all those affected by the vampiric disease (if your character was already a vampire, don't worry about it). It is highly encouraged to take the medicine! Dr. Spim has no time to chase down the people refusing to take their medicine, so he might pay some of their friends to do it for him. He is a cat. He has better things to do (such as knock this beaker off the table….)

As an OOC note, please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character. The vampire event in Transylvania was meant to only have temporary effect.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third team building event! All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards December AC.

We have a lot of player plots this month, and are using this log to encourage players to participate in the player plots since the event itself is light. As a reminder, the mod team will be taking a break during the month of December and will not be answering any questions at this time.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WELL DESERVED REST: Outsiders enjoy a quiet month with no kaiju attacks, but are provided plenty of things to do (via player plots) and they are welcome to use the data portal to travel to Okinawa and Las Vegas at this time.

2. LET IT SNOW: Heavy snowfall turns Neo Tokyo into a winter wonderland with many snow related activities to participate in such as ice skating, ice sculpture making, etc. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to allow the misplaced orphans to participate in some of these activities.

3. SNUGGLE UP: The power outages strike again, this time from too many festive lights that overheat the generators. LILITH provides Outsiders with emergency blankets and hot beverages during times of outages.

4. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: Dr. Spim trial runs an antidote for the vampiric disease that struck Outsiders during their mission in Brasov. He takes volunteers who are both vampires and not. Finally, a cure is made, and all Outsiders are asked to take it (please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character.)

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Comments

[intertwinedfates]

[IT'S HIYORI!!! He will happily call her sensei, and sama, and everything under the sun.

Pure, Good Thoughts for them. For now.

That makes most of his face flushed by now, like a bright red stripe crossing from one side of his head to the other, including his nose thanks to the cold. At least it's not drippy. But he likes this new, bolder Hiyori. She makes him feel things so much more strongly than he did a year or two ago, probably because she reciprocates his intentions.]

H-Hehe... Yeah, that's true. Though I didn't know it was a special occasion already. I thought you'd say it for Christmas at least. [Not that he's complaining, oh no. He really and truly does love any show of respect, even if it's meant in a teasing manner. Just hearing "Yatosama" takes him back to happier days.] Me too...

[If at all possible, his face heats up further, to the point he almost seems aglow. Because then she's leaning in, getting closer and closer and closer, until--

ah.

Nose smooch.

He whines quietly, averting his gaze to try hiding how bashful he's feeling. Like a teenager or something, sheesh.] Hiyoriiii~

[wwtd]

[ gone is his clammy hands era, now it's drippy nose era.

or blush era. that's been going on for a while now, since she rated him 52/10. or he used her score to rate himself for her. nuance.

maybe she will say it for christmas, too.

hiyori was always bold. just not with romance. but there's no reason (less reasons*) to be shy now. whatever feelings she had for yato, he's well-aware of. most people are aware of, HONESTLY. she isn't hiding or denying herself anything. it's a weight off her chest to just be who she is.

martial arts lover. doctor (nurse). stubborn and a bit of a workaholic. good samaritan. very, very normal.

in love with yato.

so what choice does she have when he whines and complains, obviously looking for more affection than a nose kiss? ]

Yaaatooo~

[ okay, okay. she'll kiss him, smiling into it the entire time.

sappy. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[The clammy hands are still there, just hidden for the time being by the cold. They'll return in warmer weather.

Blushy era is good, though. He likes her rating scale on that a lot. It makes him feel special, hehe.

Perhaps he should rate something about her too...?

Ah well. It's true Hiyori has never been shy about making her opinions known on certain subjects. Or rather, she only held back on certain subjects. So to have her revealing her innermost thoughts regarding him is always welcome.

Or just revealing her love of him is plenty. Be it with words or actions, he's forever grateful for whatever she deigns to share with him.

Even her gentle teasing makes him smile in spite of himself as she leans in to properly kiss him this time. He hums softly, with contentment, and returns the gesture, hand cupping the back of her head so she can't get away for a few moments.]

Mmm... Thank you...

[For being so obliging and kind. For loving him, despite his many, many flaws.]

[wwtd]

[ as if she was going to go anywhere. if anything, she can't help but let her body sink down against his. wrapped up in scarves and coats and layers, all the sensation is in the mouths. the light brush of their noses. hiyori's hair brushing his blushy era cheeks.

but it's warm.

it's so warm.

for his thank you, she shoots him a bewildered but fond smile before laying her head on his chest and scooting over just a bit to lay beside him. one leg draped over his legs. the lights cast interesting shadows around the inside of the snow shrine and on yato's face.

she can't help but stare at him for a bit because of it. then again, there are times she can't help but stare at him without the lights. ]

Speaking of Christmas... what do you want? As a gift?

[intertwinedfates]

[Ah, that's... really nice. So warm and soft and Hiyori. Even through their clothes, he still feels a connection when they cuddle, though it's probably mostly in his imagination. They'll have to let their mouths do all the legwork of conveying how they feel, preferably in a more intimate way.

Warm and wet and tasty.

As she snuggles down beside him, he gets an arm around her and tugs her close, bumping his nose in among her bangs to kiss her forehead. It truly is pretty inside the shrine, and with the lights it's starting to feel a smidge warmer than out where the wind is blowing.

Oblivious to what she must think is his own charm, he pulls back to give her a smile, though it turns into a look of surprised awe at her question.]

A gift...? [He's never thought to ask for anything before, even from Santa given his past. To think that now he could request something specific leaves him staring blankly at her like she's just suggested they fly to the moon for New Year's.]

I... I don't know. Outside of what I got last year, I've never had any before.

[wwtd]

[ this is what living is about, isn't it? one of the things. sharing moments like this with another person. moments of quiet and happiness. they make all the really hard moments, the ones that want to tear you down and change you, more bearable. easier to fight. those demons.

hiyori smiles, more emotional than she would like, for the kiss to her forehead. she gets it. why he said "thank you" not too long ago. that gratitude wells up in her like an overflowing spring, too.

catch her even MORE EMOTIONAL at yato's answer, voice dropping to a whisper. ]

... What did you get last year?

[intertwinedfates]

[It truly is one of the greatest reasons for being alive. Peace and quiet. The happiness of just being with those you love, doing a lot of nothing but enjoying one another's company.

With his nose nestled among her shorter strands, he hums Jingle Bells under his breath for a bit before answering her with a light laugh as he looks up at the ceiling.]

A Capyper snowglobe and lunchbox!



And a Capyper clock from dad.

[wwtd]

[ SONGERIN HIYORI CRYING SOMEWHERE HE FORGOT HER PRESENTSKLDJGKLD

she's smiling up at him until he mentions his father. then she goes a bit stiff.

... never forget her stolen first kiss from when she was a girl. ugh. ]

That was - [ what does she say. thoughtful? ]

Did it make you happy...? To get something from him.

[intertwinedfates]

[I COULDN'T FIND THE THREAD AND MY HEAD HURTS ASLDKFSD songerein au curse

Yeah, don't worry, Hiyori, he feels the same way. As is, his expression darkens considerably as he gives her next question some thought.

How did he feel....?]

....no, I don't think it did. Because I know it was just a way to toy with me. That it didn't really mean anything.

[wwtd]

[ DLKGJDK RUBS YOUR HEAD!!!!!!

he got maneki-nyato!! a rabbit's foot, THIS GUY, blue pajamas, and

but something she also worked on herself. there's one of those warm pullover sweaters, but on the chest area is yato's crown embroidered into the knit fabric. so he can be warm like hiyori is always telling him, but not give up his little trademark.

after his answer, hiyori grabs his hand and squeezes it with her fingers. ]

... I think I remember now. Yukine-kun got you the snowglobe, didn't he?

[ and that wasn't to toy with him. more like toys for yato to play with. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[COINS SPILL OUT!!!

bless you you are a godsend sob here we pretend he also said all that because rawr headaches]

Uh huh! And you got me the lunch box, hehe.

[That's why they're some of his favorite Capyper collectibles!]

And I made you a we-- [oh.] E..Ehehe...

[wwtd]

[ rawr not exdee

the details of that memory are more blurry. she can imagine her and yukine planning something together, though. putting their heads together and coming up with what to get their god of fortune for christmas. the thought makes her smile, makes her miss yukine just that bit more.

since she always misses him. ]

... A wedding dress. [ hiyori finishes for him. ] I remember that, too.

[ entirely handmade. he harvested the thread from silkworms. the entire thing.

so heavy. he's so forward, hiyori thought. these proposals are getting crazier and crazier. what's strange, thinking back on it now, she never stopped him from that over the top tomfoolery. what she thought was foolery.

he's acting a little strange, however.

...

more strange. ]

And, if it's me, I probably felt bad about that first Christmas so I decided to get you a bunch of things the second time we celebrated together in that other place.

[ kind of like NOW, but she's older too. one of the gifts she could NEVER give him as a teenager. no matter if they were dating or just friends. it's so silly, but if she knows him at all? he'll get a kick out of it. ]

There aren't any Capyper collectibles here to get for you, sorry.

[intertwinedfates]

[Him, too, honestly. Even though he can still feel his Yuki name, it's distant, like he's far, far away. He knows that if he calls, Yukine won't - can't - come.]

Y..Yeah... [Suddenly he seems sheepish. Or is it perhaps nervous? Hard to tell when he was already red in the face from the cold.

He's still forward and his feelings are heavier than ever, but now he's learned how to better regulate himself, especially with Hiyori not needing reminders in order to keep from forgetting him. As for the marriage proposals... That was definitely TOO MUCH, he knows now. She was sixteen. He should've been more considerate of her feelings.

But... he's doing much better now.

He hopes.]

Yeah, you always were so kind and thoughtful regarding gifts...

[Her warmth came through her presents and made him feel so loved. He's sure it'll be the same here, even were she to get him a box of tissues.]

That's alright. I think I have enough Capyper stuff to last me a while. [GASP! HE'S GROWING UP?!] I'm trying to think what I might want... How about, to spend the day with you? Is that too mundane an ask?

[wwtd]

[ she wants to ask. like she always does but she can put the puzzle together. yato getting nervous after he talked about her wedding dress. a secret he's keeping that involves her. too bad you have a clever girlfriend, yato. suddenly, she's nervous too. her heart hammering so hard it hurts.

funnily enough, it almost stops just as fast. enough Capyper stuff?? wh-whaaaaa -

wait, actually, yato being so mature about this is

bittersweet. sweet from pride. bitter because she loves yato's childish love for those capypers. ]

Yato... [ god damn it. that's too sweet. you lovable oaf, yato. ]

If that's what you want, of course I'll do it. But I was going to spend the day with you, anyway. A-actually, I thought you might come with me while I drop off some gifts around the base. You know, like... they're from both of us?

[intertwinedfates]

[He's grateful she doesn't. He's trying so hard to be secretive and stealthy about this whole thing that if she pulled the rub out from beneath him and guessed outright his heart might break into a thousand pieces.

Thankfully he doesn't break hers into quite so many with his declaration of maturity.

He'd still be delighted to receive anything Capyper as a gift, though! In fact, it'd probably make him happy to see something familiar from home.]

Heh... [He laughs quietly, scratching at his head.]

Oh, well. Then I'll think of something else, how's that? So you can at least wrap something up for me. [Nodding, he beams.] I'd like that a lot, honestly. We can sign it "From Hiyori and Yato"!

[Like they're already married, heh.]

[wwtd]

[ she MIGHT have to. just because. what's Christmas without Capyper, huh?

opening wrapped gifts IS one of the better parts of the holidays. that's mostly what she's aiming for. there are some things she has tucked away where yato can't find them that she can wrap, but she needs to play the part.

both sneaky.

LIKE THEY'RE ALREADY MARRIED.... ]

Consider it done. [ in that case, ]

I should tell you what I'm getting everyone, then. Let's seeeee. I'll start with Lord Godzilla. We ended up talking about Mothra and he said he's fond of moths. So I've been looking everywhere, but I found a wrappable scarf with a moth print on it. He can wear it as a human or as his true self. There was this moth coloring book for adults that I found, too... but he reads a lot, so I figured a bookmark could work and this quote I thought was interesting.

[ she's comfortable where she is. blathering about present ideas for their friends while using his shrine as a refuge from everything else.

he probably doesn't realize that something this simple could make her so happy, does he? ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Christmas Capyper. Their very first holiday tradition together. He can get behind it.

Same goes for him, honestly. He's been doing some shopping for those he knows, including her. It's just a matter of making sure they're not discovered before Christmas itself rolls around.

SNEAKY MARRIAGE...]

Hehe, sounds good! [Bobbing his head, he makes a mental note of what she's gotten for their friend.]

That's such a sweet idea on both counts! I've been stuck on what to get him, myself. So I thought I'd start with Ereshkigal. She's been longing for a romantic partner, so I got her some fancy perfume that promises to lure in the one you love. [YATO...] And also some kanzashi for her hair.

[It is so nice and cozy, with just the two of them, talking about what they're doing for their friends. Some much needed peace and quiet, honestly.

He really didn't think this would be the thing which made her content and pleased today, but hey, he'll take it. Anything to make her smile like the past couple of months didn't happen.]

[wwtd]

[ many to get behind. many she had with her family that she wants to share with yato, too. if they're going to be a family of their own.

while they're here...

STEALTH 10 MARRIAGE. ]

Th, that's - [ YATO. aeeugghh, his heart is in the right place. ] L-let's just say it's a nice perfume!! [ THEY DONT HAVE TO SAY IT PROMISES TO LURE IN THE ONE YOU LOVE. ]

The kanzashi is a lovely idea. I wish I thought of that. It's like bringing our cultures together since Ereshkigal is a Goddess of Death for a different pantheon.

[ every day should be like this. or she wants it to be. not that she minds their sometimes bickering, teasing, and everything else they get up to. relaxing on the bed and watching a movie. soon, they'll be training together. yato will teach her how to shoot an arrow.

just like her grandmother. maybe she'll be able to do more that way.

it's not that the snow shrine didn't make her happy. it's not that the ice sculpture of her teen self didn't - after modifications. it's not that seeing yato's face and how hard he's working didn't.

it's a combination of everything. It wouldn't have made this moment so special if they didn't have all those other things. over the months. over the moment they met to now. ]

Yato.

[ hiyori calls gently, face pressed into his shoulder. ]

I love you.

[intertwinedfates]

[He'd like that, sharing in her family's traditions... Becoming a family themselves.

THE STEALTHIEST MARRIAGE.]

Well, it is to me! I got spritzed with a sample before buying it and it smelled great. Wanna sniff? [HE GOT DUPED BY A PERFUME SELLER, THE IDIOT.]

That's okay, it can be a gift from us both, how's that?

[He likes any day spent with her, even if it includes arguments and bickering, truthfully. Because it just means that much more time together, learning about one another and themselves as a couple. Though of course the happier times are best, hence why he's looking forward to coaching her on archery as well.

Maybe he can buy or make her some sacred arrows to take into battle with her, too... Because he wants to protect her, keep her safe. Help her do the same for herself.

So they can keep on making memories together, special ones he'll continue to treasure for as long as he can remember.]

Hmm?

[Lifting his head, he peers at her curiously until she says those three magic words. Then he can't help smiling, a warm flush spreading over his cheeks.]

I love you, too.

[wwtd]

[ YATO NOOOO STOP GETTING DUPED!!!! ]

Eh? You did??

[ okay, but, she does kinda wanna sniff. and she doesn't think it's WEIRD anymore to turn and bury her nose close to his neck to get a GOOOD WHIFF. what does it smell like...

NOT CHERRY BLOSSOMS. ]

If that's the case, she's going to have a lot of gifts from us. But... she deserves it.

[ for TRAINING YATO. she prayed for you both.

it's worth it alone to tell him, but his smile and flush makes it even better. as is hearing those same three magic words repeated to her. ]

Wanna get hot cocoa and look at the other sculptures and all the decorations around the city? Or... do you want to stay here longer?

[intertwinedfates]

[ALL DAY SUCKER.....]

Uh huh! Give it a whiff!

[Not cherry blossoms, but rose petals and hints of raspberry greet her nose as she sniffs him, maybe with a faint undercurrent of his own personal scent.]

Exactly. With everything she's gone through, a mountain of presents is the least we can do for her.

[SHE DOES FOR THAT, YEAH... Eresh is such a good friend to them, how can they not thank her to the best of their ability.

It's something he'll probably never tire of hearing from her lips, along with his name. It makes him feel loved and treasured in a way he rarely has before in his life.]

Hmm... Cocoa sounds like a good idea. Don't want to stay here and freeze or have our breath melt the shrine, heh. You okay with that? [Even as he says as much, he takes her by the hand and starts scooting towards the entrance.]

[wwtd]

[ yum. that DOES smell good. the raspberry is particularly pleasant.

and that undercurrent, too. that can't be from the perfume. excuse her she's just gonna be burying her nose for a bit, breathing him in. what a weirdo.

once again, without an ayakashi nose too, her favorite smell.

not just ereshkigal, too. but vash and godzilla. all the friends they've made. if she could she'd be santa for the season and give them their mountains.

and yato, too. he deserves mountains of love and appreciation. ]

Mm. I'm okay with that.

[ okay with much, pretty much anything, if he's there. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Just don't nibble on him yet, Hiyori, hehe.

It's the scent of Yatogami, freshly sweating from having Hiyori go sniff sniff sniff at him like a cat, and making him blush.

They both can play Santa for their dear friends since so many of them have yet to have experienced the joy of Christmas presents before. And each other, naturally. Because she is the most special of everyone he knows. ]

Hehe, 'kay, then.

[Once they're outside, he draws her up into a hug before leading them towards a cafe to get something hot to drink.]

[wwtd]

[ yet, you say...

a-ah. yes. SALTY. jkjk. being able to stick her nose into his clothes and inhale deeply is an old fantasy. one she refused to acknowledge. when you smell as good as yato does, to hiyori anyway, it's a bit like sticking your face into a field of flowers.

that kind of good.

without being half-ayakashi, it's nothing like that. it's yato's smell. for that, it's like a girlfriend sticking her nose into her boyfriend's clothes to inhale deep.

ergo, exactly what she did. ]

We can go shopping, too.

[ for everyone else yato wants to be santa for. no, more like, be the god of fortune for. as she takes his hand, she squeezes it. ]

And if you like something, tell me.

[intertwinedfates]

[Gotta save it for when they're alone~

SEA SALTY. He could probably say the same thing, although the scent he'd pick up probably wouldn't be as fragrant as his is to her. She may not be a flower field but she's definitely the scent of home.

Right where he wants to be. By her side.]

Sounds good to me!

[Do Gods of Fortune deliver gifts? Actually, does it matter? He can be the one god who does. Delivery God of Fortune, Yatogami.]

Mm! Since you're being so sweet and offering, maybe you could get me those capybara slippers I saw~