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synflux2025-01-27 02:46 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-01-27 02:46 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- arcane: jinx,
- arcane: silco,
- arknights: insider,
- azur lane: akagi,
- azur lane: kaga,
- baldur's gate 3: astarion ancunin,
- chainsaw man: denji,
- chainsaw man: makima,
- critical role: taryon darrington,
- delicious in dungeon: kabru,
- devil summoner: raidou kuzunoha,
- elfen lied: lucy/kaede,
- fate/grand order: ereshkigal,
- final fantasy 7: kadaj,
- jujutsu kaisen: choso,
- jujutsu kaisen: suguru geto,
- legendary monsterverse: godzilla,
- limbus company: ishmael,
- lobotomy corporation: yesod,
- mobile suit gundam seed: shinn asuka,
- my hero academia: katsuki bakugo,
- owl house: hunter,
- pacific rim: raleigh becket,
- rise of the tmnt: donatello,
- solo leveling: jinwoo sung,
- sonic the hedgehog: shadow,
- sonic the hedgehog: sonic,
- the stormlight archive: kaladin,
- trigun stampede: vash the stampede,
- ultraman rising: kenji sato,
- zoids new century: jamie hemeros
TRAVEL LOG #4
TRAVEL LOG #4
βΆ 001. RECENT REPORTS.
The week leading into the new month is characterized by the distinct shift in weather patterns across Japan. Within Neo Tokyo, heavy rainfall with low level flooding is disrupting the business and commute of the local people. Even more temperate regions around Okinawa, and the small outer islands, will find themselves with an influx of tropical storms. Northern regions such as Hokkaido will find that some of the snow will have melted down, and the sun is running hot for the season. These strange occurrences seem to have the research team running on overtime, seeing if this has any link or correlation to any kaiju and the rifts.
To make matters worse, the Imugi hatchlings have begun to exhibit strange behaviors they never have before. While the hatchlings did seem to gain stability over the past month, now they are showing signs of extreme distress. They seem more on edge, enough to the point where entry to visit them has been appropriately blocked off until they find the source of their stress. The researchers have found in recent days that this seems to directly correlate to the weather, and what they see as rift energy in various parts of Japan. Over the week they narrow down these rifts to two specific locations which have a high chance of being the source -- Kagoshima and Yamanashi.
LILITH believes this is deeply connected to patterns that they've seen in records from South Korea, before their connections were severed due to the battle that took place last year. As a result, LILITH's Japan branch is doing their best to see if they're able to work with the tensions of the past in order to receive further research and information from the new government that rose from the destruction of Seoul, and is presently in Busan. While efforts to rebuild a branch there are progressing, they are reluctant to offer anything outside of the bare minimum or what is readily known to the public.
In light of these events, Outsiders are told to prepare for their leave soon. Unlike the sudden blare of their alarm, they offer the Outsiders time to begin preparing for the next mission. They will be given an additional stipend that amounts to 200 USD to be spent on supplies, or other personal resources necessary. Outsiders are encouraged to group up however they would like and go on a shopping spree to places such as FamilyMart, 7-Eleven and Don Quijote. Remember, only buy what you absolutely need!! (Or don't. It's not like LILITH is gonna be monitoring that.)
To make matters worse, the Imugi hatchlings have begun to exhibit strange behaviors they never have before. While the hatchlings did seem to gain stability over the past month, now they are showing signs of extreme distress. They seem more on edge, enough to the point where entry to visit them has been appropriately blocked off until they find the source of their stress. The researchers have found in recent days that this seems to directly correlate to the weather, and what they see as rift energy in various parts of Japan. Over the week they narrow down these rifts to two specific locations which have a high chance of being the source -- Kagoshima and Yamanashi.
LILITH believes this is deeply connected to patterns that they've seen in records from South Korea, before their connections were severed due to the battle that took place last year. As a result, LILITH's Japan branch is doing their best to see if they're able to work with the tensions of the past in order to receive further research and information from the new government that rose from the destruction of Seoul, and is presently in Busan. While efforts to rebuild a branch there are progressing, they are reluctant to offer anything outside of the bare minimum or what is readily known to the public.
In light of these events, Outsiders are told to prepare for their leave soon. Unlike the sudden blare of their alarm, they offer the Outsiders time to begin preparing for the next mission. They will be given an additional stipend that amounts to 200 USD to be spent on supplies, or other personal resources necessary. Outsiders are encouraged to group up however they would like and go on a shopping spree to places such as FamilyMart, 7-Eleven and Don Quijote. Remember, only buy what you absolutely need!! (Or don't. It's not like LILITH is gonna be monitoring that.)
βΆ 002. DATA COLLECTION.
After much back and forth, the branch in Busan does provide limited reports on their tracking of the Imugi's movements, both prior and after the catastrophe in Seoul. Per their reports, they are able to come to several conclusions in regards to the Imugi.
The Imugi that had escaped has further evolved, and even from the point in which it appeared in South Korea, has evolved to be even stronger than before. This Imugi is able to adapt to any weather condition, and even retains some control over the environment. The Imugi possesses intellect which seems to surpass many of the kaiju they have encountered in the past. The Imugi is able to use the rifts as a means of travel. Unlike some kaiju which appear from the rifts almost arbitrarily, the Imugi seems to have full control over its ability to travel within them, which makes it effective at evading most tracking methods. In addition, after further studies, it was found that the Imugi is able to inflict severe Rift poisoning due to its connection with the rifts. They state that while Seoul was physically devastated, most of the casualties were from the rift poisoning which took place after.
With the reports they receive, they also find that the two locations in Japan exhibited similar flows of rift energy, and are most likely to be in connection with the kaiju. As there are two locations in which have to be physically monitored, the Outsiders will once more need to be split up into teams. Everlight and Revelation will be sent to Yamanashi, while Brimstone and Redemption will be sent to Kagoshima. With this confirmation, it's highly likely that the female Imugi has returned.
Within those groups, LILITH will ask for those with experience with the Imugi to handle briefing others in their team who are not as familiar. As the Imugi does possess a variety of skills, Outsiders will also be asked to stick with those from an opposing team as a safety precautio as they believe each team member should be able to supplement for another. In addition, these teams are asked to stick together even prior to leaving the base in order to increase their ability to work as a team for the duration of the mission. While the travel time to each place is relatively short, videos on teamwork and strategy will be played and cannot be muted or turned off. Here is a recap of the Imugi from last year's debrief sheet with some extra information:
Once each group arrives, they are expected to explore each region and gather whatever data they can.
The Imugi that had escaped has further evolved, and even from the point in which it appeared in South Korea, has evolved to be even stronger than before. This Imugi is able to adapt to any weather condition, and even retains some control over the environment. The Imugi possesses intellect which seems to surpass many of the kaiju they have encountered in the past. The Imugi is able to use the rifts as a means of travel. Unlike some kaiju which appear from the rifts almost arbitrarily, the Imugi seems to have full control over its ability to travel within them, which makes it effective at evading most tracking methods. In addition, after further studies, it was found that the Imugi is able to inflict severe Rift poisoning due to its connection with the rifts. They state that while Seoul was physically devastated, most of the casualties were from the rift poisoning which took place after.
With the reports they receive, they also find that the two locations in Japan exhibited similar flows of rift energy, and are most likely to be in connection with the kaiju. As there are two locations in which have to be physically monitored, the Outsiders will once more need to be split up into teams. Everlight and Revelation will be sent to Yamanashi, while Brimstone and Redemption will be sent to Kagoshima. With this confirmation, it's highly likely that the female Imugi has returned.
Within those groups, LILITH will ask for those with experience with the Imugi to handle briefing others in their team who are not as familiar. As the Imugi does possess a variety of skills, Outsiders will also be asked to stick with those from an opposing team as a safety precautio as they believe each team member should be able to supplement for another. In addition, these teams are asked to stick together even prior to leaving the base in order to increase their ability to work as a team for the duration of the mission. While the travel time to each place is relatively short, videos on teamwork and strategy will be played and cannot be muted or turned off. Here is a recap of the Imugi from last year's debrief sheet with some extra information:
β β β MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI β
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: ???, Japan
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under on it's neck that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: From its initial appearance and behavior, specialists believe that this female Imugi confirmed to be the mother of the hatchlings. This appears to be the female counterpart to the kaiju in Seoul that was killed by the Outsiders after causing havoc on South Korea. Despite them both being the same type of kaiju, likely derived from the same rift, this kaiju seems slightly more agile and openly aggressive.
Once each group arrives, they are expected to explore each region and gather whatever data they can.
βΆ 003. KAGOSHIMA.
Reports continue to come in from the various outposts and remaining settlements around Kagoshima. There are constant tremors in the area and some of them manifest as full blown earthquakes that can be felt across other parts of the country and trigger tsunamis along the coast. While the region is no longer as populated as it once was, there are pockets of unfortunate civilians taking refuge in abandoned houses who will need to be rescued and evacuated (some may put up resistance). As these are typical signs of an imminent kaiju attack, the area is on high alert.
Ominously, the Kagoshima Bay area seems is exhibiting strange occurrences of dead and mutated fish washing up on the shore and any other animals in the area meet the same fate. These animals have extra limbs or organs, mysterious burns on their flesh, and have grown in size. Some animals have survived but they have mutated into unstable kaiju hybrids. They aren't very strong and don't live for very long but before they die, they become extremely violent.
LILITH researchers who try to investigate eventually become extremely ill and it has hindered their progress. They experience typical symptoms of Rift poisoning (headache, nausea, impulsive behavior, hallucinations) but also burning of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Before onset, they report spelling something foul in the air.
While getting close to the bay is difficult, it's easy to see that something is wrong. Aside from the loss of life, the water in the bay appears more polluted and smells rotten. The famous Sakurajima Island at the center of the bay has always been active but now it lets out unusual multi-coloured smoke. The clouds carry volcanic ash that completely covers large areas making it difficult to move and hard to breathe. The volcano constantly erupts and wind carries shards of cooled magma slivers. The shards cut skin, sting eyes, and can cause serious internal damage if breathed in.
The waves are too dangerous and flight conditions are poor so it is difficult to approach. However, the constant lava flows over the years have created a bridge on the other side of the bay called Ohsumi. Despite the high risks and plentiful unknown factors, Outsiders are tasked with investigating the area around Kagoshima Bay and reaching Sakurajima by this bridge.
Be careful of the toxic gases in the air, Rift poisoning, earthquakes, kaiju hybrids, and volcanic shards. Outsiders are strongly urged to keep their suits on. Outsiders will be flown near to the area via aircraft, and proceed the rest of the way using camper vehicles to reach Ohsumi and find out what kaiju threat is approaching. (Camper vehicles sit 4-5 people each and Seok Dang has kindly programmed his questionable pre-recorded driving lessons into each vehicle.)
Ominously, the Kagoshima Bay area seems is exhibiting strange occurrences of dead and mutated fish washing up on the shore and any other animals in the area meet the same fate. These animals have extra limbs or organs, mysterious burns on their flesh, and have grown in size. Some animals have survived but they have mutated into unstable kaiju hybrids. They aren't very strong and don't live for very long but before they die, they become extremely violent.
LILITH researchers who try to investigate eventually become extremely ill and it has hindered their progress. They experience typical symptoms of Rift poisoning (headache, nausea, impulsive behavior, hallucinations) but also burning of the eyes, skin, and lungs. Before onset, they report spelling something foul in the air.
While getting close to the bay is difficult, it's easy to see that something is wrong. Aside from the loss of life, the water in the bay appears more polluted and smells rotten. The famous Sakurajima Island at the center of the bay has always been active but now it lets out unusual multi-coloured smoke. The clouds carry volcanic ash that completely covers large areas making it difficult to move and hard to breathe. The volcano constantly erupts and wind carries shards of cooled magma slivers. The shards cut skin, sting eyes, and can cause serious internal damage if breathed in.
The waves are too dangerous and flight conditions are poor so it is difficult to approach. However, the constant lava flows over the years have created a bridge on the other side of the bay called Ohsumi. Despite the high risks and plentiful unknown factors, Outsiders are tasked with investigating the area around Kagoshima Bay and reaching Sakurajima by this bridge.
Be careful of the toxic gases in the air, Rift poisoning, earthquakes, kaiju hybrids, and volcanic shards. Outsiders are strongly urged to keep their suits on. Outsiders will be flown near to the area via aircraft, and proceed the rest of the way using camper vehicles to reach Ohsumi and find out what kaiju threat is approaching. (Camper vehicles sit 4-5 people each and Seok Dang has kindly programmed his questionable pre-recorded driving lessons into each vehicle.)
βΆ 004. YAMANASHI.
Closer to home, the residents of Neo Tokyo can sense that something is happening outside the city. The sky is clearer in the winter months, allowing everyone to see Mt. Fuji in the distance. From the city, everyone can see that dark clouds have gathered around Mt. Fuji. There is widespread panic that Fuji may be preparing to erupt but despite the perceived activity, there have been no tremors. Meteorologists report that this is purely an atmospheric phenomenon.
Clouds spread every day and begin to affect Neo Tokyo. Weather patterns become unpredictable and extreme. Heavy rains flood lower parts of the city one moment and then turn to a mix of snow and ice the next. The temperature drops dramatically and suddenly spikes to warmer weather at other times. Strong winds cause serious damage to buildings and there are reports of tornados touching down in the outskirts. These worsening conditions not only put a significant strain on the local businesses, but there are reports of these strong winds blowing away children and the frail elderly, and flash floods drowning those unable to escape in time. This entire time, Mt. Fuji flashes as lightning repeatedly strikes it. Given the mountain's significance to the people, they worry that this might be some sort of sign that something terrible is coming. In a panic, people begin to stock up on emergency supplies. They buy out stores, hoard goods, and stick closer to the entrances for underground shelters. Some even resort to crime, looting the evacuated apartments or stealing supplies from other people.
While Outsiders may be asked by other authorities to help keep peace in the city, LILITH's priority is investigating Mt. Fuji. They will be sent to Yamanashi prefecture by camper vehicles. (They sit 4-5 people each and Seok Dang has kindly programmed his questionable pre-recorded driving lessons into each vehicle.) It takes about 6 hours to arrive in Yamanashi due to the destruction and weather. It won't be a smooth ride, either. The weather continues to storm, with heavy winds knocking over trees to block their paths, the rain triggering landslides, and lightning strikes that keep conveniently striking wherever they are. On top of that, the rift-affected animals found a month prior have further mutated. The local fauna have grown in size and viciousness, and they make the trip there treacherous. Outsiders may encounter mutated boars slamming into their camper vehicles, or oversized, snarling monkeys trying to captured people and swoop them away. Find a safe and secluded area to park and help out any citizens who may need help.
Clouds spread every day and begin to affect Neo Tokyo. Weather patterns become unpredictable and extreme. Heavy rains flood lower parts of the city one moment and then turn to a mix of snow and ice the next. The temperature drops dramatically and suddenly spikes to warmer weather at other times. Strong winds cause serious damage to buildings and there are reports of tornados touching down in the outskirts. These worsening conditions not only put a significant strain on the local businesses, but there are reports of these strong winds blowing away children and the frail elderly, and flash floods drowning those unable to escape in time. This entire time, Mt. Fuji flashes as lightning repeatedly strikes it. Given the mountain's significance to the people, they worry that this might be some sort of sign that something terrible is coming. In a panic, people begin to stock up on emergency supplies. They buy out stores, hoard goods, and stick closer to the entrances for underground shelters. Some even resort to crime, looting the evacuated apartments or stealing supplies from other people.
While Outsiders may be asked by other authorities to help keep peace in the city, LILITH's priority is investigating Mt. Fuji. They will be sent to Yamanashi prefecture by camper vehicles. (They sit 4-5 people each and Seok Dang has kindly programmed his questionable pre-recorded driving lessons into each vehicle.) It takes about 6 hours to arrive in Yamanashi due to the destruction and weather. It won't be a smooth ride, either. The weather continues to storm, with heavy winds knocking over trees to block their paths, the rain triggering landslides, and lightning strikes that keep conveniently striking wherever they are. On top of that, the rift-affected animals found a month prior have further mutated. The local fauna have grown in size and viciousness, and they make the trip there treacherous. Outsiders may encounter mutated boars slamming into their camper vehicles, or oversized, snarling monkeys trying to captured people and swoop them away. Find a safe and secluded area to park and help out any citizens who may need help.
βΆ 005. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our fourth travel log!
There are no assigned seats this time, so characters may travel with whoever they choose or assume that LILITH has assigned you. All camper vans come with a driving instruction program installed. You can find more information about these vehicles here. It is highly encouraged to stay within your assigned team mission, but in the chaos LILITH is not going to enforce a relocation if somebody ends up where they aren't supposed to be. Communications remain open across all teams but might be a bit spotty in the weather conditions.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
There are no assigned seats this time, so characters may travel with whoever they choose or assume that LILITH has assigned you. All camper vans come with a driving instruction program installed. You can find more information about these vehicles here. It is highly encouraged to stay within your assigned team mission, but in the chaos LILITH is not going to enforce a relocation if somebody ends up where they aren't supposed to be. Communications remain open across all teams but might be a bit spotty in the weather conditions.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. RECENT REPORTS: The weather across Japan has become unpredictable. The Imugi hatchlings have become very distressed and LILITH is temporarily restricting access to them. LILITH is reaching out to their sister base in South Korea to find out whatever information they can.
2. DATA COLLECTION: LILITH South Korea provides some information regarding the Imugi. We find out that is has become stronger than before. It has evolved and is now able to control not only the weather, but rift travel. It can also inflict severe rift poisoning. Outsider and split into two teams to explore two key locations: Kagoshima and Yamanashi.
3. KAGOSHIMA: Brimstone and Redemption are being sent here via campervan. There are reports of earthquakes, dead/mutated animals along with signs of severe rift poisoning in researchers. The volcano in Sakurajima island is emitted toxic, multi-coloured smoke. Outsiders must cross the bridge to get closer but beware rift poisoning, earthquakes and kaiju hybrids.
4. YAMANASHI: Everlight and Revelation are being sent here. Neo Tokyo is experiencing worsening weather conditions such as floods, unusual snowfall and tornadoes, which is causing a panic amongst the people. Outsiders have to take a campervan to travel toward Mt. Fuji but they may be faced with extreme weather conditions (such as lightning) and kaiju hybrid attacks.
no subject
it'll give hiyori the wrong idea.
he's wrong about her wanting to do it to kaga. yato's father is the one she wanted to beat the snot out of. those deep, secreted feelings were never meant to be out in the open like they are now. or she's under the impression they weren't supposed to be and the ocular glitched out on her -
he's on the money, though. as much as he's trying to make the situation bearable by doing his usual, it's getting
more unbearable. that's not his fault. not really. he's trying his best, too. to be nice to kaga, to comfort hiyori, to keep the situation bearable.
but, honestly, what does he think about it all? she clenches the cloth in her lap tighter, leaning back to glance up at him when he's being self-deprecating with her mouth twisting to the side unhappily.
it's that she feels so alone. and him blushing REALLY DOESN'T HELP or how it does look like he's flirting with her sometimes. ]
I know. I know you are and I'm here for you. But if I can't talk to you about this, and you can't talk to me...
[ ereshkigal's sad smile comes to mind.
"Then your marriage will either fail or be a very sad one."
her mouth opens -
but the camper van comes to a sudden and shuddering stop, nearly throwing hiyori backwards that she cries out and starts to go ass over head ]
no subject
Thankfully his flustered state doesn't last long, not when Hiyori is clearly still so upset. He can't focus on being the target of someone else's attraction when his girl is unhappy.
He wants to make this better, really he does. He just... doesn't know how. This is new territory for him - for them. He's just as clueless as her when it comes to navigating treacherous waters such as this.
It's times like these that he curses his lack of socialization and interpersonal skills, curses his father for isolating him from others for so long.
Yet it makes him all the more determined to overcome these hurdles for Hiyori's sake. So he sets his jaw, shaking his head.]
But we are talking, Hiyori. Maybe not well, but--
[He doesn't get any further than that though before the camper lurches and Hiyori almost goes flying - almost, because in an instant, Yato's gotten a hold of her by the arm and is hauling her back into his arms, where he hugs her tightly, protectively as they both topple over.]
no subject
she wouldn't mind the ego-stoking and people saying he was attractive and cool and strong and anything else BECAUSE HE IS!!!!!! if kaga having thoughts of taking advantage of him weren't screaming in her mind. yato SHOULD know he's a catch, that he should believe in himself, because as much as he frustrates the shit out of her she feels so lucky too, dammit!! but
not like this. not this ego-stroking. not where she's practically on the verge of tears all the time, now. the timing is so awful. she can't juggle everything that's going on anymore.
one thing at a time, then. one thing.
and then it all stops, like the camper. both of them tumble and hiyori, instinctively, reaches up to cradle yato's head to her as they land on the ground somewhere in a heap. she has her nose buried in yato's chest and a flurry of memories cross her consciousnesses.
from being a teenager and finding his scent so comforting, to feeling the same way but with his new smell. not the lovely aroma of the divine, but the natural scent of her first and only love. ]
I need to get out of here.
[ the van, she means. the cramped space. her own thoughts. her whisper cuts through the hiss of hydraulics around and beneath them, the camper stopping for the night. ]
Please. Can we just...
no subject
Which might be what Hiyori's feeling now, huh... Scared that someone might steal away her special someone? Although he would hope that by now she wouldn't need to fear such a thing happening. Or maybe it's just jealousy, plain and simple. That much he can understand, easily.
But understanding and know how to deal with such feelings are two very different things. His own methods of handling jealousness has been questionable at best, to say the least.
So... yeah. One thing at a time. And first and foremost is Hiyori's unhappiness.
Or rather, first is their sudden stop-- with her held firmly against his chest, he topples over, smacking his head against the floor despite Hiyori's best efforts, earning a hiss of pain from him. It's nothing compared to the ache in his heart, though, upon hearing Hiyori's whispered words. Her desperate insistence.
Immediately, he folds his legs beneath himself and scrambles to his feet, lifting her up with him in his arms so he can get them both out into the... well, not fresh air, but at least into the open. Excusing themselves quietly to the other passengers as he does so.
Once outside, he carries her a fair distance away before setting her down on her feet, immediately moving to rub her shoulders comfortingly.]
I'm sorry, Hiyori... For everything. For being an oblivious idiot, for being unable to help, for causing you so much pain...
no subject
fears are hardly ever logical. they're never reasonable. it's funny (not funny) that she can ride in a camper van to face weather disasters and head out to rescue civilians with no magical powers or special abilities but something like this? it's been robbing her peace of mind and sleep. what hiyori fears isn't yato leaving her because she believes in him, it's
that maybe
they're not allowed to be happy together. things were so good. besides the mistletoe shenanigans, Christmas was perfect. a terrifying hoverbike ride notwithstanding.
it's alarming how quickly everything else doesn't matter when she hears yato's hiss of pain. or the look on his face when their eyes lock after hiyori lets just how not okay she is seep into her tone.
she lets him haul her out of the vehicle and into the howl of winds and a sky that expresses how she feels better than she ever could with words. once on her feet, she's trying to pull her hair into a ponytail with a grim look on her face when yato's hands stop her.
she looks to him, wide-eyed. first, she shakes her head gently. then, more vehemently. then, almost furiously that her hair whips around. ]
Stop! [ she takes his arms, gripping at his biceps. ] Please, stop. Stop taking the blame. That doesn't make me happy. It's not you. I can tell, Yato, you're doing everything you can. You're trying to make everyone else feel better. But... what about you?
no subject
That's where Yato will have to disagree: her fears are justified and understandable. Because they're borne of very real circumstances. She isn't making up a scenario just to be jealous. Even if she has no need to worry about him straying, it's fair for her to harbor such feelings.
If they're not allowed to be happy, then he's going to say fuck it and be so anyways. Since when does he ever allow anything (aside from his father) affect the way he lives his life?
Even the bump to the back of his head means little in the grand scope of things, compared to Hiyori's distress. So with a throbbing ache he hefts them off into the tempest that is Kagoshima. Thank goodness for their plugsuits, awkward colored as his is.
Less thankful for Hiyori getting riled up thanks to his attempts at apologizing. He cringes at her shout, shoulders sagging helplessly as she latches onto him. It seems that every time he tries to make things better, they only end up worse.]
S-Sorry... [His head drops down as his gaze falls to their feet, and he finds himself balling his hands into fists out of frustration.]
...me? What about me? I just want you to be content and happy like you used to be. [Or... is that the problem? That he's only thinking of her? Once again, he feels lost, like they're speaking two different languages.]
no subject
what they should really be blaming is glitched-out oculars and ai generated profiles. maybe she should've just ignored the notification she got at 3am. maybe yato should have, too. but yato is yato and hiyori is hiyori. so here they are.
at an impasse and so lost, standing out here at the bay. listening to yato apologizing for his apologies nearly breaks her. more than ever when yato disregards himself entirely to focus on her. ]
Gh.
[ both of them, standing there, frustrated.
she wants to be happy like she was, too. like they both were. but that's not going to happen right now. not unless someone waves a magic wand and suddenly makes everything all better. life isn't like that. you have to work for it and there's nobody worth working harder for than yato.
between the two of them, she's the only one that seems bothered by it all. ]
Yato... [ hiyori's voice is only slightly louder than the wind as it whips her hair into her face. ]
For a bit, don't think about me or anybody else. Are you happy...?
no subject
Them not seeing eye to eye once again. It seems like this is happening more and more frequently, and that worries him. Although at the same time it's heartening, because they're at least trying to communicate their woes rather than ignoring them like before they were a couple. Doesn't make it much easier, though.]
Hiyori...
[Feeling his heart move into his throat, he tries to swallow it back down. For once an overwhelming sense of frustration threatens to overwhelm him, leading him to dropping his hands as they form fists by his sides.
Is he happy? Truly happy?
The answer right now is a resounding "no", but that's because Hiyori's upset. Outside of that, however... What if he is? Wouldn't that make her even more unhappy? But then she said to not think of her or anyone else. It's like asking him not to breathe, though! So much of his happiness is tied up in hers, whether she likes it or not.
Letting out a frustrated noise, he shakes his head. His gaze remains firmly fixed on the ground between them as his shoulders up and his finger flexing helplessly.]
I am, when I'm with you. It doesn't matter what struggles we might face, be it kaiju or weird tension from our friends. I just... need to be by your side, Hiyori.
no subject
the only thing that is, is loving him. that's like breathing. that's like walking. that's like sneaking out of her room and into his, now.
hiyori waits, jaw tense and lips pursed but her eyes big and not wavering away from his while he stares at the ground.
she might've cracked a smile if yato complained that telling him not to think about her is like asking him not to breathe. she might've gone a bit red in the cheeks and slammed into him with a hug and took the time to loosen the fingers he's clenching and unclenching.
she said the same. that as long as he was with her, that's all she needed. away from the caravan, it's true. a lot of things and more still bother her but wonders. how is she supposed to handle it? be happy despite the weird tension, too?? be glad that someone wants to jump his bones and has to hold herself back? that the same might be true and hiyori's bones could be jumped!?
AAAAAAAA.
with a bump of her head against his chest, she puts her arms around him and nearly crushes him against her.
wait she's
probably hugging him too hard. are you happy now, Mr. krabs? ]
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Sure, there may be hurdles and obstacles that try to get in the way of that, but it just means they need to stick together even more, to overcome them, as one. Whether it's other people's feelings or kaiju or whatever.
He doesn't want to complain, not at a time like this, even if not thinking about her is damn near impossible. Though the fact that someone wants to jump Hiyori is a cause for concern... That much is true. He's not so dense and carefree as to be impervious to that worry. Even if he doesn't mind the thought for himself? Maybe cause he knows he can defend himself from any assault, frisky or otherwise.
It's all suddenly too much and it leaves him huffing tiredly... At least until she's slamming into him and smooshing him into a pancake, Earning her a surprised grunt.]
H-Hiyori...? [A bit helplessly, he returns the hug and sighs, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.] ...feel a little better, I hope?
[He sure does, having her in his arms and her arms around him. It's where he feels safe and secure.]
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the ego-stroking. it didn't stroke her anything. only makes her weary and uncomfortable, despite her best and trying efforts.
in answer, she somehow tightens the hug even more. this is going to bother her like the god's greatest secret did, but it's far more personal. okay, so, yato can't NOT think about her. neither can she. but there's still something going on unsaid.
hiyori knows when to call it quits, however. she'll be pushing it if she keeps asking. pushing herself and yato into a corner. ]
A little. [ she mumbles into his clothes, not loosening her hold even slightly. they have to fight kaiju like this. ]
Thank you. For being here. And for getting me some... air? [ POLLUTED, ROTTEN-SMELLEN, AND ASHY. ] For worrying about me.
[ for joining team poop. ]
For talking to me. For... a lot of things. [ keeping things civil with a white-haired kitsune because it would be worse if he didn't. she tried so hard to have yato and bishamon get along, too.
finally, she seems to let her arms slip away and takes a step back. ]
... I'll do better. To... not let it bother me. I don't want to be the reason things are strained if you're doing your best.
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And that's okay. At least for him it is. They don't always have to see eye-to-eye. What's important is that they reach an agreement and manage to move past this, however they choose to do so.
They can do it. He knows they can. So he just hugs her tighter as well, one hand reaching up to stroke her hair. Even if he can't understand, he can hopefully bring her a measure of comfort. To be here when she needs to talk. She would if she needed to, right...?]
'kay... [Not what he'd hoped for, but every little bit, yeah? One step at a time.]
You're welcome. Sorry the air sucks, heh. [He chuckles softly and runs his hands over her back a bit, shaking his head.] I always worry about you, Hiyori. Always.
[Every moment he's awake. In his dreams too, sometimes.]
....you know we can talk about anything, right? Until we're blue in the face, if that's what it takes to help you.
[Even if they go in circles, it'll be a merry-go-round of a conversation until they manage to hit upon a proper conclusion. For now though, he lets her go, even if he allows his hands to slide along her arms so he can take her by the hands.]
Don't force yourself, yeah? It's no good if you're beating yourself up over not feeling a certain way. You're entitled to your feelings, Hiyori. Let yourself feel whatever you need to, as long as you need to. Be mad, be uncomfortable. And know that I'm here to support you every step of the way.
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but she won't ask it until later. until after they've dealt with the immediate threat of kaiju and rescue civilians. give them the first aid they need, the resources for safety.
for her, it's okay too. it will be okay. to think it would be otherwise isn't a road she wants to go down when there's already so much. she truly will go insane if she thinks there's a possibility of this ending poorly.
they can do it.
with an equally soft sound when yato apologizes for the air being sucky, too. she worries about him but she mostly just thinks about yato. when something reminded her of him, like an advertisement with a crown. browsing wedding things on the way back from her day job and wondering if yato would like this food or that one. what can she do to help settle his worries?
and she knows he's there for her to talk to. she does. if not him, who? for him: if not her, who?
so she squeezes his hands, huffing out a surprised laugh while her heart squeezes in on itself. for all their differences, for all their similarities yato knows how to make her smile, as weak as it is. it's something. a little something.
she's like to beat SOMETHING up. maybe one of those fish. ]
What if I keep accidentally taking out being mad and uncomfortable on you?
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Though he still can't help worrying that she's remaining bothered by all this, and that that might put her in danger from the kaiju if she's distracted. But he'll have faith in her, too. That she won't keep things bottled up if it's that bad. She's a smart gal, even if somewhat emotional at times. Especially when it comes to him.
He just... hates being the cause of her distress. Or the source of it, anyways, if not the direct reason. He never wants her to be upset, obviously, but knowing his existence is once again making her unhappy feels so... shitty. To put mildly.
That's why when she returns his fretting with a squeeze, he smiles at her, warm and tender. Glad that she isn't pushing him away literally and proverbially. So he swings their hands playfully, head tilted slightly to one side as he laughs heartily.]
Then I'll end up black and blue and smiling because you're leaning on me when you're in need. I'm here to be whatever you need, Hiyori. Sounding board, punching bag, friend, lover... husband. Any and all of the above. You can use me however you see fit.
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for as long as she's known him, yato struggled with boundaries. with her, with yukine, with mayu, with everyone. more than everyone else, yato's struggled with having any to call his own. doing anything for five yen didn't leave much room for that. surviving because someone's chosen your purpose to be a god and human killer. it was hiyori sticking up for him, with yukine's ablution and then with yato's father himself, that some limits were set.
that's why someone taking advantage of his kindness makes hiyori the angriest. that even if it was thoughts of her that stopped it from happening, it never should have
been a thought to begin with. to use him.
yato's existence making her unhappy isn't even CLOSE to the truth. it's not him. his existence makes her so happy. happier than she can say. having him here in front of her, smiling and swinging their hands, listening to his laughter - ]
Y - You won't end up black and blue!
[ she is leaning on him. the message gets across, it does. ]
Yato... [ she clenches his fingers because the whole PROBLEM is that someone wanted to use him ]
What happened to your dream of being a famous God of Happiness?
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It's true that when you're born for a purpose and to be used, you don't have many boundaries. None at all, really. His father got to abuse him as he pleased, siccing his ayakashi wolves on, stealing away the only friend he had who wasn't his sister... Even now he still doesn't put up as many boundaries as he probably should. Between him and Hiyori herself, between his work life and his home one. Everything bleeds together until he's a mess of a person with a convoluted sense of self.
But that's okay. He'll sort it out as he goes, bit by bit, until he's at least sort of balanced. And if not... well, he'll continue to be a mess for another thousand years. That's fine too.
Because he's finally happy. He's got a special someone waiting for him at home, and he has one here. The two treasures of his life. That's why he can go about his business unbothered by so much. He has friends to stand by him now. The one before him being a bright light in his life, that makes him smile like he is now, pleased and with the tension draining away by the minute.]
You're not gonna use me for a wrestling partner anymore? That's a bummer.
[He teases gently, at least until she asks him that question. Then his lips pull into a frown, curiosity written across his face.]
What do you mean? I'm still aiming for that. I'm gonna slay that kaiju and get my name plastered all over some goodies, just you watch! Everyone will know me once I'm through with it!
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... I never said that.
[ yato's answer fills her with relief and her grip isn't so tight on his fingers anymore. she laughs, airy and quiet. there, that's the yato she knows and fell for. none of this "use me" stuff. yato with his big dreams and playful demeanor. his boasting and his forwardness. ]
R - right. Right, right. Definitely. There will be, um... Yatoists? They'll make figures of you like they do for the Seven Gods. I'll buy one.
[ turning slightly, she starts to walk along the beach. ]
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Oh. Good. Because it's kind of fun.
[Her relief comes as something of a surprise; had she been worried that he was giving up on his own dreams for her sake or something...? Because he would. In an instant. But so long as both are possible, she's going to keep shooting for the moon.
He wants that shrine with a wife, after all.]
You're fretting again, aren't you. [More a statement than a question. But he's still smiling, though he's quick to stay by her side as she moves, hand hurriedly seeking hers out so they can go together.] Damn right there will be! I'm gonna have a whole following, and they're gonna kiss your feet, too.
We'll be living the high life before I'm done!
[He gives her hand a squeeze and bumps shoulders against her playfully, staring at her all the while.]
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hiyori grins a bit, some more life entering her cheeks and expression when yato admits to it being fun. kind of fun, he says.
and yes. she is worried about that. as sweet as the sentiment is, she doesn't want him to give up on that dream. it's a good dream.
AND YES, AGAIN. she is fretting. he says some fretful things! once he's close enough, she takes his hand. if she ever really let it go in the first place since she was hoping yato would fall into step next to her.
feet kissing. no thanks. this feels nostalgic, though. ]
Nobody needs to be kissing my feet. I'm not a god.
[ hiyori bumps back into him but is busy looking out to the ocean and the plumes of smoke. ]
What do you make of that...? It's like how fireworks are made. Some sort of chemicals are being burned. That's what's causing all the different colors.
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Hey, participating in any activity together with her is fun. Even facing kaiju. She makes everything in life a worthwhile endeavor.
Silly Hiyori, hasn't she realized he's never given up since meeting her. She gave him a reason not to. Her and Yukine. He can hold onto his dreams because he has hope now. Two beautiful, shining rays of it.
Fretty fretter! Don't let him hear that or he'll probably come up with even more fretful things for her to get worked up over. For now, though, they're fine. Hand in hand.
Foot in mouth.]
I'll kiss your feet. You're a goddess in my eyes~
[A dorky smile takes its place on his face briefly as he says that, then he's glancing the way she is.]
Huh... Yeah, that makes sense. Pity it's not as auspicious as fireworks, though. More on the ominous side of things, if you ask me.
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same could be said for him. just being on that camper van was a special kind of hell until yato showed up. then it was hell but more bearable knowing he was alright.
just for a bit!! it seemed like all he cared about was being whatever she needed, so it spooked her that yato didn't have any goals of his own anymore. she made him that shrine to help make his dreams come true and give him the morale boost he needed not to give up.
it's nice, for once, to be worrying over NOTHING in that case. everything else...?
ugh.
LDSKGJLSG NO MORE FRETFUL THINGS LIKE BEING USED. they're fine!! they're better than fine. ]
Yato... [ she sputters on a laugh, flattered and flustered and exasperated at him calling her a goddess once again. and then her tone sombers up quickly, growing grave. ]
It's such a shame. Kagoshima is normally so beau- [ a tremor shakes the ground and she goes stumbling forward. ] Beautiful.
We should check the city and see if there are any more people in the buildings. Do you want to - [ split up. no, she doesn't want to. ] come with me?
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See, that's where they differ: for him, wherever Hiyori is has to be heaven, even if it's an imperfect version of it. He doesn't need anything more than her. Well, Yukine, too, but barring that.
He's just taking this whole husband thing a little too seriously. She should be used to how... obsessed he can get once he's latched onto a notion. Though he probably will continue putting her needs before his own, like he has been doing. Husbandly duty and all that.
They're good! Everything is a-okay! Okie dokie!
Even if the area around here isn't. At least there's always her smile to shine like the sun itself and brighten the scenery.]
Heh... [That's the Hiyori he knows and loves. And he reminds her with another squeeze of her hand even as her smile loses its luster a bit.]
Yeah, it used to be, anyways. So much has be-- [He clings to her tighter, his other hand coming up to steady her.] --en ravaged by the kaiju...
I guess we should get to work, huh? [His heart starts to fall as he fears what's coming, though the offer she gives has him immediately perking up.] ...of course! Safety in numbers, yeah?
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BARRING THAT. hiyori's personal happy place involves yato, no doubt. but neither is she stuck in a camper van, off to try and stop a worldwide threat. win some, lose some.
their little dorm rooms, together late at night, have become her slice of paradise. sitting in the break room at the hospital, yato finishing the leftovers because she's full and her fingers idly toying with his ring. peace settles over her both times and many more.
dlglskjdg he's the one that brightens the dreary scenery. th-the one nice thing to look at for miles. maybe in the entire world ok. she mumbles a thanks for him steadying her and throws another look at the crumbling buildings ahead of them. ]
Well, um. Team Poop has to... stick together...
[ why does that sound so gross heLP POOP STICKING TOGETHER THAT'S SO AWFUL ]
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Take what breaks you can get, yeah? Overly cozy camper van with tension so thick you could cut it with a knife aside, at least they have each other.
That too has become times of peace for him. The parts of the day he looks forward to. Going out to eat, even at a simply cafe, training together, then nestled under the covers watching her sleep... He wants those moments to continue forever.
Selfishly, he feels himself striving for her more than anything, anymore. More than his own dreams, more than other people, She is the base upon which his world is now built. Which is why even as she says THAT he refrains from doing anything more than giving her a LOOK. Hiyori no.]
You had to go and throw that in there, didn't you.
[Said in the most deadpan voice he can manage.
...he may be trying not to laugh. Either that or it's another earthquake shaking his shoulders.]
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it's that, having each other, that's gotten her through the worst of it. that'll help her now, too, despite yato not quite understanding where she's coming from and hiyori not quite understanding why it's not bothering him like it is her.
without even looking at him, she understands from that tone ALONE that he is so unimpressed with her saying that. she's unimpressed with HERSELF. ]
I realize my mistake.
[ she chances a look and considering she's not feeling any tremors, her mouth curves in a smile seeing him doing his best not to laugh at an unintentional poop joke.
rejoice, yato. from out of nowhere, she holds up the yellow marker. like she had brought it along with her since he ferried her away. ]
But... are there any open positions?
[ they now BOTH know what yellow + purple makes ]
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