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synflux2025-02-12 08:44 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-02-12 08:44 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #6
KAIJU FIGHT #6
βΆ 001. SOMETHING IN THE SEA (KAGOSHIMA.)
It takes time to traverse the difficult terrain and fend off the corrupt wildlife but eventually, Redemption and Brimstone will arrive at the Ohsumi, where they will be sent coordinates to travel towards Sakurajima. There, they will find a very thin strip of land that forms a sandy and rocky path towards the island. They will be advised to wait until low tide when the path is easiest to cross.
Fortunately, as they wait, they will be largely undisturbed. The poison here is significantly more concentrated and any wildlife that lingers too long suffocates. For safety, Outsiders must continue wearing their protective suits to avoid the same fate.
Finally, the tide begins to recede and gives way to a rough and rocky path towards Sakurajima. The ground is hard and difficult to traverse; some parts are slippery with water. As they cross, a great tremor starts and the waters around them become turbulent. There isn't much to hold onto, but they're at high risk of falling into the sea especially when the land begins to rise.
When the tremors stop, there's a loud, hissing roar. The Outsiders will find themselves on the back of a giant turtle that is disguising itself as a small island. It appears this kaiju is the cause for the rift energy on this side of Japan.
Outsiders will be instructed to use water as their advantage as the creature uses fire and magma abilities. Electric attacks will weaken it, but the key is to tear off its shell from its body. Outsiders will be instructed to try this tactic, and after everyone's effort, the Gigakame will be defeated.
Fortunately, as they wait, they will be largely undisturbed. The poison here is significantly more concentrated and any wildlife that lingers too long suffocates. For safety, Outsiders must continue wearing their protective suits to avoid the same fate.
Finally, the tide begins to recede and gives way to a rough and rocky path towards Sakurajima. The ground is hard and difficult to traverse; some parts are slippery with water. As they cross, a great tremor starts and the waters around them become turbulent. There isn't much to hold onto, but they're at high risk of falling into the sea especially when the land begins to rise.
When the tremors stop, there's a loud, hissing roar. The Outsiders will find themselves on the back of a giant turtle that is disguising itself as a small island. It appears this kaiju is the cause for the rift energy on this side of Japan.
β β β MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEETThe Outsiders will have to cut off all energy supplies to stop feeding the newly named Yamadenki and then defeat them.
NAME: Gigakame
HEIGHT: ???
WEIGHT: ???
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Kagoshima, Japan
ABILITIES: Breathes toxic gas, inner core is hot with magma, spits fire.
WEAKNESSES: Electricity, destroying and separating the turtle from its shell, filling the core with water.
EXTRA NOTES: This is a kaiju that has never been documented by LILITH before -- not much information can be provided. However, just like normal turtles, it uses its shell as a shield for defense and can be weakened if the shell is destroyed and torn from its body.
β β β ATTACHED PHOTO:
Outsiders will be instructed to use water as their advantage as the creature uses fire and magma abilities. Electric attacks will weaken it, but the key is to tear off its shell from its body. Outsiders will be instructed to try this tactic, and after everyone's effort, the Gigakame will be defeated.
βΆ 002. KAGOSHIMA AFTERMATH.
The Gigakame washes up on shore dead. The bizarre weather begins to normalize, but the poisonous miasma still lingers. Outsiders disembark to Kagoshima's base to depart and assist their other team mates.
Thanks to the clear weather, it's much easier to return to Kagoshima's research base. There, the researchers reveal they have a few emergency teleporters which are only allowed to be used during an emergency. Presumably, there are just enough to evacuate the researchers, but unfortunately, there are more Outsiders. The staff admit they probably won't have enough power to warp everyone safely; they guarantee that the first handful to go through will arrive in Tokyo with minimal issue, but the more they push their machines, the worse the side effects they'll suffer.
Redemption and Brimstone must decide who to send forward first to assist. Either way, everyone on both teams will be successfully teleported to Neo Tokyo, though those who have drawn the shorter straw (literally or figuratively) will suffer more sickness than those who teleported sooner rather than later.
Thanks to the clear weather, it's much easier to return to Kagoshima's research base. There, the researchers reveal they have a few emergency teleporters which are only allowed to be used during an emergency. Presumably, there are just enough to evacuate the researchers, but unfortunately, there are more Outsiders. The staff admit they probably won't have enough power to warp everyone safely; they guarantee that the first handful to go through will arrive in Tokyo with minimal issue, but the more they push their machines, the worse the side effects they'll suffer.
Redemption and Brimstone must decide who to send forward first to assist. Either way, everyone on both teams will be successfully teleported to Neo Tokyo, though those who have drawn the shorter straw (literally or figuratively) will suffer more sickness than those who teleported sooner rather than later.
βΆ 003. SOMETHING IN THE SKY (TOKYO.)
While a huge sigh of relief sweeps the country when the kaiju in Kagoshima is defeated, thereβs no actual time to relax. Outsiders will be ushered to go through the makeshift portals and/or are encouraged to find other means of arriving at the outskirts of Tokyo immediately. The Imugi has been spotted, and time cannot be wasted-- this is due to the influx of rift energy that is surrounding the city of Tokyo. While LILITH did complete the basic evacuation measures for the citizens of Neo Tokyo, thereβs still an ominous air around the city and itβs not just from the rift poisoning, either. With small rifts cropping up here and there within the city, appearing and disappearing, the LILITH base is the most likely target for the Imugi.
While the hatchlings were moved to different facilities for safekeeping and monitoring, the Imugi seems largely uninterested in chasing them at present. The Imugi is resolved in its movements, and no amount of mimicking the hatchlings' vital readings can sway the Imugi off its intended path. As expected, within three hours of the initial fluctuations in rift energy, the Imugi appears at the emptied base. Similar to its behavior in Seoul, it sweeps over the base erratically, almost as if enraged. Its state is a direct mirror of how it appeared when avenging its mate, and it seems this is just the start.
Utilizing the insurmountable amount of rift energy it has built up around Tokyo, it eventually releases a deafening sound that causes the hatchlings to react, drawn to their mother. They make their way through the rifts, traveling through them at her beckoning, only to end up at the basement of the base. Just like that, the Imugi sinks its large claws through the roof of the structure and destroys not just the base, but also its young.
The energy produced by this creates a devastating explosion that destroys parts of the base and some of the surrounding area. While there were limited casualties due to the evacuation efforts, the area is now heavy with rift poisoning and the Imugi has every intention of destroying the city. It becomes clear that it did not desire to chase its young, but to use them to exact revenge.
While the hatchlings were moved to different facilities for safekeeping and monitoring, the Imugi seems largely uninterested in chasing them at present. The Imugi is resolved in its movements, and no amount of mimicking the hatchlings' vital readings can sway the Imugi off its intended path. As expected, within three hours of the initial fluctuations in rift energy, the Imugi appears at the emptied base. Similar to its behavior in Seoul, it sweeps over the base erratically, almost as if enraged. Its state is a direct mirror of how it appeared when avenging its mate, and it seems this is just the start.
Utilizing the insurmountable amount of rift energy it has built up around Tokyo, it eventually releases a deafening sound that causes the hatchlings to react, drawn to their mother. They make their way through the rifts, traveling through them at her beckoning, only to end up at the basement of the base. Just like that, the Imugi sinks its large claws through the roof of the structure and destroys not just the base, but also its young.
The energy produced by this creates a devastating explosion that destroys parts of the base and some of the surrounding area. While there were limited casualties due to the evacuation efforts, the area is now heavy with rift poisoning and the Imugi has every intention of destroying the city. It becomes clear that it did not desire to chase its young, but to use them to exact revenge.
βΆ 004. TOKYO AFTERMATH.
The storms increase in intensity as the Imugi circles around the sky of Neo Tokyo. Fortunately, its ire still appears to be largely focused on the area around the base, and so the torrential downpour and lightning only seems to reach around this immediate area. LILITH tries to keep this space contained, attempting to work on stabilizing some of the rifts in order to cut off the Imugiβs potential escape routes. In the meantime, they will offer Outsiders as many resources as necessary to remain in the fight. They will send in supplies occasionally, including their specialized energy drinks and medical equipment. The new injections they drop off are able to heal light wounds and minor injuries, which can be administered quickly on the field. They anticipate this to be a long battle and advise Outsiders to pace themselves and work together.
By the latter half of the battle, all Outsiders should be accounted for in the final fight.
As expected, the battle lasts for over half a day and with the rift energy dwindling, the Imugi appears to be weakened. In fact, the Imugi has shrunk down to its original size prior to Seoul. Feeling its life is at risk, it uses the last of its energy to flee to the foot of Mt. Fuji. Fortunately, it doesnβt make it to the summit, and the Outsiders will be able to make quick work in pursuing it. For those that require it, ground vehicles and planes will be provided accordingly. Let's make sure it doesn't get away!
Upon arrival, they will see the final battlefront isnβt nearly that dramatic. The Imugi is significantly weakened, barely staving off attacks. Instead, it seems to focus on consolidating energy into its core while thrashing about. Eventually, a killing blow will be delivered but even then, it doesn't die easily. Similar to its young that were sacrificed, it appears to be using its own body to summon a final rift. Unfortunately, it cannot be stopped. Outsiders will be advised to temporarily retreat, after seeing the destruction that its young can do. The Imugi's body glows, increasing in intensity as it continues to gather energy. This is the warning to retreat. Within a matter of minutes, it self destructs, and a new rift is seen in its place. All Outsiders and LILITH are safe. The researchers immediately alert the area to be closed off for inspection.
Upon preliminary examination of this rift, they find that not only did it level a good portion of Mt. Fuji, but the power from it is unparalleled. Unlike the rifts theyβve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
β β β MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI β
HEIGHT: 1000 feet across, 30 feet high
WEIGHT: 2000kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Neo Tokyo, 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.
By the latter half of the battle, all Outsiders should be accounted for in the final fight.
As expected, the battle lasts for over half a day and with the rift energy dwindling, the Imugi appears to be weakened. In fact, the Imugi has shrunk down to its original size prior to Seoul. Feeling its life is at risk, it uses the last of its energy to flee to the foot of Mt. Fuji. Fortunately, it doesnβt make it to the summit, and the Outsiders will be able to make quick work in pursuing it. For those that require it, ground vehicles and planes will be provided accordingly. Let's make sure it doesn't get away!
Upon arrival, they will see the final battlefront isnβt nearly that dramatic. The Imugi is significantly weakened, barely staving off attacks. Instead, it seems to focus on consolidating energy into its core while thrashing about. Eventually, a killing blow will be delivered but even then, it doesn't die easily. Similar to its young that were sacrificed, it appears to be using its own body to summon a final rift. Unfortunately, it cannot be stopped. Outsiders will be advised to temporarily retreat, after seeing the destruction that its young can do. The Imugi's body glows, increasing in intensity as it continues to gather energy. This is the warning to retreat. Within a matter of minutes, it self destructs, and a new rift is seen in its place. All Outsiders and LILITH are safe. The researchers immediately alert the area to be closed off for inspection.
Upon preliminary examination of this rift, they find that not only did it level a good portion of Mt. Fuji, but the power from it is unparalleled. Unlike the rifts theyβve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
βΆ 005. RE-GROUP.
With parts of the base destroyed and Neo Tokyo undergoing cleanup from the aftermath of the battle, Outsiders will be advised to take a break in the underground bunkers between Mt. Fuji and the city outskirts. As part of Mr. Fuji was also destroyed, some of the bunkers arenβt accessible, but Outsiders will find it is an entire maze of a city beneath the surface. If one traverses far enough, they will find it even connects to the amusement park that they saved last year. Exploration aside, Outsiders will be provided medical assistance and anything else required, and LILITH staff that are on hand will remain devoted to getting things back on track.
In the meantime, Outsiders can utilize whatever supplies are available and use the rooms at the Kyoto base freely. Each room contains anywhere from 2-4 beds, and everyone will be encouraged not to be alone in case of another emergency, especially as the rift remains open at the base of Mt. Fuji. These rooms are set up like traditional houses rather than a flashy base, with sliding doors and tatami mats. Floor futons will be used instead of Western style beds. There is one communal and traditional bath house for all sexes to use, a makeshift medical area, and an underground market that have several restaurants... but the food options and quality of amenities are questionable. They are mostly run by gritty characters or A.I robots.
As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, for those who are still able to, they will be advised to assist in retrieving any Imugi parts that remain from the scuffle. While its main body is being contained and promptly dealt with by LILITH, there are parts and scales scattered around Neo Tokyo and the old base. All parts are to be bagged, marked, and returned to LILITH. It's hard to say just how much of LILITH's base was destroyed and Eiji Shiro along with Captain Yamakawa are evaluating the state of the base before sharing a detailed report of the destruction. Stay tuned until February 25th for a follow up post.
In the meantime, Outsiders can utilize whatever supplies are available and use the rooms at the Kyoto base freely. Each room contains anywhere from 2-4 beds, and everyone will be encouraged not to be alone in case of another emergency, especially as the rift remains open at the base of Mt. Fuji. These rooms are set up like traditional houses rather than a flashy base, with sliding doors and tatami mats. Floor futons will be used instead of Western style beds. There is one communal and traditional bath house for all sexes to use, a makeshift medical area, and an underground market that have several restaurants... but the food options and quality of amenities are questionable. They are mostly run by gritty characters or A.I robots.
As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, for those who are still able to, they will be advised to assist in retrieving any Imugi parts that remain from the scuffle. While its main body is being contained and promptly dealt with by LILITH, there are parts and scales scattered around Neo Tokyo and the old base. All parts are to be bagged, marked, and returned to LILITH. It's hard to say just how much of LILITH's base was destroyed and Eiji Shiro along with Captain Yamakawa are evaluating the state of the base before sharing a detailed report of the destruction. Stay tuned until February 25th for a follow up post.
βΆ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our sixth kaiju battle, and it's a double whammy!
There are two kaiju to attack this time. Please read the instructions at each header about how to play. Remember, you only have to fill out your attack information once and we will RNG a HIT or MISS result two times per character.
It is highly likely that if your character did not pack certain belongings with them that they could be amongst the rubble of the base. The state of the base will be explained in a follow up post on February 25th, but fret not, you may assume whatever items are still in tact and operational and can be retrieved shortly. If you'd like for items to be perished and destroyed, be our guest!
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
There are two kaiju to attack this time. Please read the instructions at each header about how to play. Remember, you only have to fill out your attack information once and we will RNG a HIT or MISS result two times per character.
It is highly likely that if your character did not pack certain belongings with them that they could be amongst the rubble of the base. The state of the base will be explained in a follow up post on February 25th, but fret not, you may assume whatever items are still in tact and operational and can be retrieved shortly. If you'd like for items to be perished and destroyed, be our guest!
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards February AC.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. SOMETHING IN THE SEA (KAGOSHIMA): Teams Redemption and Brimstone arrive at the Ohsumi to receive coordinates to Sakurajima, where they must wait until low tide to cross. The poison in the area is significantly concentrated; Outsiders are advised to wear their suits to avoid suffocating like the rest of the wildlife. Once they are able to cross, they discover that the land they are on is not an island, but a giant turtle kaiju responsible for the influx of rift energy on this side of Japan. Outsiders will be instructed to use water against the kaiju and try to separate the shell from the body.
2. KAGOSHIMA AFTERMATH: After defeating the Gigakame, Outsiders will be instructed to join their other teammates in Tokyo via emergency teleporters located at the Kagoshima research base. There is a limited amount of power to warp everyone safely, and Outsiders must decide who to send through the teleporter first. Eventually both teams will safely arrive in Neo Tokyo, but those who have gone through the teleporter later may suffer more side effects.
3. SOMETHING IN THE SKY (TOKYO): The Imugi has been spotted in Tokyo with a large influx of rift energy and has its sights set on destroying the LILITH base. Although the hatchlings were moved to different facilities, they are inevitably drawn to their mother and travel through rifts to the empty Tokyo base; however, instead of a reunion, the hatchlings sacrifice themselves and the ensuing explosion destroys parts of the base and the surrounding area.
4. TOKYO AFTERMATH: The rematch with the Imugi and the Outsiders begin, with LILITH working on stabilizing rifts to cut off the Imugi's escape and sending in supplies in the form of energy drinks and new medical equipment. The battle lasts for over half a day, with the Imugi attempting to escape to Mt. Fuji, weakened to the point where it can't reach the summit. Outsiders are advised to retreat as the Imugi self-destructs and creates a new rift, one that can't be closed.
5. RE-GROUP: With parts of the base destroyed, Outsiders will temporarily stay in the underground bunkers between Mt. Fuji and the city outskirts. While Outsiders are provided medical assistance and anything else required, LILITH staff that are on hand will remain devoted to getting things back on track. Outsiders are welcome to help themselves to the limited amenities and room with others; however, sharing is encouraged and the food options are questionable. As the portal between Kyoto and Neo Tokyo is still active, some Outsiders may be asked to assist in retrieving Imugi parts. At this time, Eiji Shiro and Captain Yamakawa will assess the damage on the base before sharing a detailed report at a later time.
oo3. [time for the mean old man]
Not likely, but there was always the possibility.
As it is, Silco appears... relatively unchanged. Smoking and drinking just like always in the bunker. It's probably not the most pleasant of experiences to be around. Especially when someone is feeling bad, and there's that thick, wafting smell of too-foul smoke that cloys the senses. Unpleasant. Silco doesn't even do him the courtesy of asking after his health, or even offering him a drink from his flask, he only takes one look at the boy, looking down at him for once β Yuji is most certainly taller than him β and his lips peel back into a thin line. ]
Never lost everything before?
[ Because that had to be the reason, right? He was, perhaps, assuming, but the boy did look... beaten down. ]
SHUT UP SILCO ILY
It would be easy, to laugh it off, but he doesn't have the heart for it right now. It would be easy to shrug and say well, sure, he's just a kid, or something like it; but there's a bitterness inside of him, a coil of something black and dark and pained, and it comes from victory being ripped away from him. He had gone home and won, only to come back and feel as if he had lost everything.
Yuji might think Silco is cool, but he can also think he's an asshole at the same time.
Turning his head to the older man, utterly deadpan, Yuji speaks: ]
I watched my brother burn to death in front of me, actually.
HEHE I AM GLAD (Β΄β½`ΚπΖͺ)
His fingers twitch, almost ball into fists. He forces them to relax. ]
Well, better that, then to see what happens if they live.
[ It's an assholish thing to say, but there's a thread of something... true there. Something that Silco believes. ]
Tell me, then, if you have seen something so terrible, why this has shaken you, then?
[ In a voice that says, unfortunately, that he thinks he shouldn't be that upset. ]
πππ
Being here, around many people, makes him feel as if he can get his head above water. ]
If he had lived, I would've been able to save him.
[ Yuji rubs his face, sighing softly. ]
Why shouldn't it shake me? So many people getting hurt, all the things we've lost... Isn't it okay to be sad about that kind of thing?
no subject
[ They don't, actually, but Silco is Silco, and he believes this truth most of all. ] Hope all you want, but the future you're wishing for isn't one that will manifest.
[ Just like with all these people. This destruction. Silco blinks a single eye at it, the destruction, and moves on. What does he care, if the base is destroyed? The people here? Weren't they the ones kidnapping them? Forcing them to fight monsters of this size?
A few knick knacks? Be Serious!
(If Silco lost one of his, he would be incandescent) ]
It is hardly novel, compared to the people here, is it? They lose lives all the time. Buildings. Homes. Should we feel upset every time one of these creatures does so?
Or should we look at the monsters, and learn from them? The only thing that can defeat a monster is another monster, after all.
no subject
[ Yuji frowns, gazing at Silco for a moment before he rubs the back of his head, voice a little softer, a little sadder, now. ]
I'm not just some kid, you know? Maybe that's how it seems, considering how I was last time, but...
[ Ah, well... He stares at the destruction and tries not to feel too hollow. ]
My friends would say something different, but I'm a monster too. I've killed people, and I've used my body and my blood to kill monsters. I've eaten so many things it would probably make you want to puke! [ As if that's funny, Yuji... ] But I did it because I wanted to make sure those people were safe, that anyone I can keep safe is safe.
[ Foolish? Sure, maybe, but... That's Yuji. ]
If I stop feeling sad at all this hurt, if I stop being sad about it all, then I become just as bad as all those other things and I don't want that. I don't want to forget who I am.
no subject
A part of him wishes to, of course. This boy, a monster? He can hardly see it. (Silco, of course, is WRONG. π) ]
I think you would be surprised what would disgust me.
[ But that wasn't really the point, was it. ]
Sometimes, learning to leave the little human pieces behind is the only way to craft the future you wish for. You will not forget who you are, but those things should remain in the past. Otherwise, they continue to stay your hand, leave you... [ A wave of his hand. ] Like this, instead of acting upon what you know is best.
Would you rather be stymied by your own past, or build something with the rubble?
no subject
[ Leaning back, Yuji's lips curl into a sad little smile. ]
Why can't I accept my past and make something out of it? I don't want to forget the people I love or the people I've hurt, because otherwise I'll just be like anyone else. That's not the kind of person I want to be.
[ Making himself comfortable, wiggling a little, he sighs. ]
I've been... I've made a lot of mistakes, and maybe I won't be able to get the death I want, or to die without regrets, but I want to keep trying. And if I start to ignore all these things, then I'll end up being the kind of person I don't want to be. Sorry, Silco-san, I can't accept that kind of thing, it's just not who I am.
no subject
There is a certain thing that breaks everyone, he thinks. Something that makes them... break into pieces. Silco knows what his had been, but he wonders if this boy had ever found the right thing. Maybe not. Is that so surprising? No, so few people could become that creature, he's already certain of. Not everyone can become the monster, not everyone loses in such a distinct way to break into pieces enough to take it apart.
He shrugged. ]
Not everyone can.
[ He says it, blithely. Like a bitter taste. ] It isn't about forgetting, you know. Not in the slightest.
[ But... ]
Once, though, I had someone I called brother, too. Mine didn't have the dignity to die before me, and instead found reason to break everything we had built apart.
[ Including him. He tapped at his eye, that eerie thing. ] Sometimes, boy, we have no choice but to become something else. It is a privilege that you have never been forced to do so.
[ Silco says to Yuji, a person who literally gets turned into the king of curses sometimes. Or did. You know what I mean. ]
no subject
[ Yuji swallows, his back a little straighter as he stares at him, watching. ]
I had a monster inside of my for a long time. He took control of my body, and he made me do things - things that I hated myself for. My determination to kill him... I was already willing to do whatever it took. Whatever I had to do to make it happen.
[ There's a hoarseness to his voice now, something sharp, making his voice come out quieter and a little more on edge. ]
My hands are stained with blood. I've eaten things that no one else in the world should ever have to eat, because it was the only choice I had. To make sure that a monster died, I was ready to become just as bad as he was. And I did it in the end, and I saved people I loved, but it didn't bring those people back.
[ Shaking his head, he runs a shaky hand - missing two fingers - through his hair. ]
I'm not the kid that you think I am, but that's okay. I think I'd rather have people see me as that Yuji than the one that had to fight, or... The one that was ready to kill every single curse in the world if I had to.
[ Fighting Sukuna changed him, shaped him. He consumed fingers, brothers, blood, he fought, he swapped bodies and became someone new and different - but he's not alone in that. Other people did too, and Yuji wouldn't ever compare his experiences with what his friends went through, but he knows if he shared every single detail of what happened...
Well. It would be judged.
After a moment, he looks at Silco and laughs quietly. ]
Woah, we really got into some sad stuff, didn't we? Maybe we should go and do something else for a while. Did you ever write your letters?
no subject
But he looked at him with a slightly narrowed eye. He says eating like it is terrible β but he thinks it is different than what happens with Laios β that it was truly terrible. Is there such a thing? Silco remembers scavenging as a boy. They'd had so little. What one could not steal, one scavenged. Was there worse than that? (yes) ]
I think that you should take issue with people refusing to take you seriously. [ He says, finally, after a long moment. He knows of Curses, from Geto, so he knows that they exist, and that they are dangerous to most people. He'd be impressed, if he didn't know that there were ways to utilize curses. (Thought there was a way via Geto) So why would one want to kill such power?
He would judge that. ] Do you regret it? Going too far to do so? I do not think you should. If you did what you set out to do, then there is nothing to regret.
[ His judgment is for those who could not do so. Who could look at the problem, and then cower and hide away from it, as if it could just go away. Silco's judgment is for people that do not act. (We know who he's thinking of.)
Yuji tries to diffuse the moment. Silco only looked at him. ]
There is nothing wrong with serious things.
[ A beat. ]
But no, I did not. I found I had no need.
[ The only person Silco would write a heartfelt letter to was... here. Of all things. He fretted over it, of course, but she was here, and safe. (As safe as one could be.) ]
no subject
[ Yuji was able to use himself as a weapon and fight for a better future, to save the people who meant the most to him - that's more than some people could have asked for. Yuji can't stop himself from wishing that things were different, who wouldn't, especially at his age, but... There's no changing the past, there's no changing what has already happened, so he has to work to enjoy the future that he has in front of him, the one he crafted himself.
He's not sure if he can put those things into words, and he sighs softly. ]
I won, in the end, so it's okay.
[ Slapping his hands onto his lap, he grins at Silco, as if none of that conversation had bothered him at all. ]
Maybe that's for the best. They ended up being really honest...
no subject
[ He asks. Silco thinks so, and believes so. What good is it to become the monster if there is no victory? If one becomes this thing, superceding every limitation, grasping at power. He says he was able to save people with it, and while it is more altruistic... is that not what Silco is doing too? Isn't that what he wants as well?
To save his people? Give them more than waste and runoff?
Save is a word with many definitions. He doesn't think they have to be so disparate. ]
That was the point of the letters, wasn't it? [ A roll of his eyes. ] However, if I am going to say something honest, I would prefer to do so openly. Putting something into writing is for deals and requests, not... [ a scoff. ] confessions. Of any sort.
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[ Yuji sighs. It would be easier if he could do more, if he could make things better, if he could undo all the damage, but that's not the kind of strength that he has. That's not the kind of person he wants to be, either, drowning in his sadness and his regrets.
Instead, he focuses on the moment - ]
You've never confessed to someone, Silco-san?
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[ He says it simply. Silco was the opposite of Yuji, a greedy maw who wanted more, more, more. He wanted to keep pushing, keep fighting. If he had independence for Zaun, would he be satisfied? Wouldn't he just push for more? Whether it was territory or profit, it would never be enough. He's gone without before, perhaps that makes him greedy now.
Or perhaps that was just the nature of monsters like Silco.
He looked at Yuji like he'd said something detestable. ]
No. I've done nothing wrong to confess.
[ Patently untrue, but. ]
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You've never confessed to anyone? Not even in middle school?
[ No 'I like you's in your life? ]
Well... I guess I was the same, so it's probably normal.
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What's middle school?
[ LOOK.... They have one school in Zaun -- THE STREETS. ]
I don't know what you think I should be confessing, honestly. There were plenty of times when enforcers would try to get to me admit to plenty of supposed crimes, when I was a boy. Do you want my rap sheet?
[ is he... Actually misunderstanding? Or is he obfuscating? It's hard to say. ]
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[ Bro. ]
For until you're fifteen, then you go to high school, then university.
[ It makes sense that people from other worlds might not know about these things and those places, though, so that's okay.
A rap sheet, though... ]
I just meant... Someone you like, you know?
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[ Look, Yuji... look.
It's not like they are uneducated in Zaun, but it's much more organic. Hands on. Kids learn on the go, or they don't learn at all. ]
Yuji, do I look like the kind of person who likes people? As more than friends?
[ bro he barely has friends. If he does, he has no delusions that he wouldn't be tossed aside on a moment's notice. Barring a few notable exceptions, and if they did toss him aside, he can't say he wouldn't have thought it was a distinct possibility. ]
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[ He's not the brightest boy in the world, have you noticed that yet, Silco?
All the same... He just shrugs his shoulders, blinking up at the older man. ]
Everyone has feelings, don't they? It's not like we can choose what happens with our hearts or that kind of thing!
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[ his fucked up world really does have a lot of problems.
He keeps going. Silco thinks about the one person he cares about these days. His daughter. There's nothing else. He would have burned down worlds for her, almost did. Almost excised and flayed his soul. Everyone else will leave, they always do. How long would it be until the few people he knows here find him detestable do as well? Set has already Who would be next? Tezcatlipoca? Geto? Even... ]
Then you haven't learned enough about yours to ensure that you do not. [ He lies. Silco hadn't intended to end up with a daughter, either. And look at him now. ] I don't allow for that sort of thing.
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[ Yuji can't say that he really liked school, or that he was good at it, but he at least had the option of going. He had middle school and then transferred to the Tokyo branch of his school, and then... Shibuya. But he could go back, if he wanted to, and he could graduate.
Grandpa would probably like that.
Blinking up at Silco, he shakes his head. ]
Really? That's a shame. I get that things can be bad, and you don't want to, but... I don't know. Maybe I'm talking nonsense.
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[ People always want to say "I'm sorry" for the way things are. He doesn't want pity, he never does. He wants to make it a place where the strong and smart can thrive, where they can make manifest their desires, and take what is necessary.
They will change Zaun's fate, because he will take it. So what is there to be sorry for?
If he wanted pity, Silco thinks he would fall into a pit for wanting it. So he pushes it aside, out of reflex. ]
But... you don't know? [ It's not mocking, but he doesn't get what he's getting at. ] I have learned many lessons in the past, boy. That lesson most of all. There is no good that comes from dwelling on such things.