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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
โถ 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.
โ โ โ 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.
โ โ โ 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.
โถ 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.
โถ 003. SOMETHING IN THE SKY (TOKYO.)
While a huge sigh of relief sweeps the country when the kaiju in Kagoshima is defeated, thereโs 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, thereโs still an ominous air around the city and itโs 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.
โถ 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 Imugiโs 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 doesnโt 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 isnโt 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 theyโve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
โ โ โ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI โ
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 doesnโt 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 isnโt 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 theyโve encountered in prior battles, including their most recent venture in Transylvania, they discover this rift cannot be closed. What could this mean?
โถ 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 arenโt 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.
โถ 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.
no subject
This...this side of him is nice. If everyone else could see this sillier side, then maybe...maybe they wouldn't be so obviously afraid of him. Maybe the more human-focused Outsiders could finally see him as...
As what?
She goes quiet as she mulls over the thought. Maybe...they've both been assuming the wrong things of their human comrades. ]
When was...the last time you spoke to the Doctor? Ratio.
no subject
Silence for a time, the silences with Lucy are just as nice as the conversations for him. Often it seems as if they don't even need to speak to know what the other is feeling or thinking. This is not one of those times. ]
Ratio? ๐ก๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ฃ...
[ He utters that curse in a long dead language with clear distaste, turning his head as the agitated plume of smoke escapes his nostrils. Wouldn't do to get it on the food... ]
Shortly following the battle, we spoke whilst I saw to my grooming. The conversating seemed... civil, though the feckless fool reached a loss of consciousness from intoxication.
[ When he turns back to Lucy his expression is serious and concerned. It takes his entire bit of self control to not get to his feet and track the damnable doctor down on principal. ]
You have appearance of troubled thoughts on this matter, Kaede-hime. He has made threat to yourself?
no subject
Her nose and brows scrunch up in disapproval. Without meaning to, her voice raises as if he asked a ridiculous question. ]
No? And even if he did, I'd yell at him myself.
[ She shakes her head slowly. Her voice smoothes out again, calm, but she points at him with both chopsticks holding a dumpling. ]
But that's part of the problem, you instantly get pissed if you have to talk about him or to him.
no subject
The anger still rises, it's instinctual, as much a part of him as any piece of his physical body. He closes his eyes and focuses on it, visualizing the white hot energy boiling up from his core and pushing it back down. ]
I have attempted civility with the overtly verbose ass. It has thus far proven a pointless thing.
[ Still with his eyes closed he takes his cup and drinks. The warmth is a more pleasant one than the anger, the effects of the herbal base of the leaves working to relax him just by the scent.
Finally he sighs and opens his eyes. He doesn't hide the distaste for Ratio from his expression or tone, he's better than pretending to be unbothered. ]
My apologies for the language, yet it is well placed usage. There is little care for any in that man aside from humanity and those beings that can be viewed as subservient to his ilk. There can be no peace between him and myself.
no subject
He's an ass, yeah, but that's because his people skills are worse than mine. He's allergic to being vulnerable in any way. [ She sets her utensils down on the nearest plate. Her appetite's rapidly waned, and it's no good to keep trying to eat while angry. After a long blink, she pointedly stares at him to drive her next point home. ] Just like you.
no subject
Godzilla raises his own eye brow as he sets his tea cup down. ]
To appear vulnerable before one such as him who would gladly champion the destruction of any sufficiently humanoid would be a foolish act. He would exploit anything in an attempt to weaken or destroy myself.
[ Like his closeness for Lucy, for example. With her invisible hands long gone she's down to hand to hand and firearms to defend herself. Godzilla doesn't doubt her skill with either, but put up against Ratio's strange magics? He'd like to believe she'd win, but he can't be certain of that. And Ratio is the exact kind of coward to go for the easier target.
He bites the inside of his cheek, the anger's rising again, the sharp pain helps push it back down. ]
What is the point to this? I keep from his path, he keeps from mine, there is little concern to his existence so long as this remains the way of things.
no subject
[ A heavy sigh racks her whole body. She's tired in many ways. So many that she wants to just stop this conversation and go to sleep. It's too late now, though. Exhausted as her body is, she has to at least spit out this concern boiling her alive inside.
She's of the opinion from watching their interactions that Ratio and his beau both brushed aside any of her explanations and her pleas to at least try to understand Godzilla. He's big and scary and strong, why would they bother giving him any grace as he tries to unlearn millions of years of conditioning? She's long since abandoned the idea of humans caring about anything she has to say, but if she can't even get Godzilla to listen to her...
They got along well before, and if he came to regret this anger after Ratio or anyone else left, if they left, she'd hate herself even more. He can't become like her: increasingly numb to loss and regretting things that should have been said and things that were said that shouldn't have been. ]
...he was right. Getting attached to anyone here is a gamble, Imugi hatchlings or Outsiders or what. One day, any of us could be gone. And then what will all that bitterness have been for?
no subject
[ His words die mid sentence. All he needs is to see the way her entire body seems to want to collapse to know that this is not an argument where he holds any ground, nor is it one he wants to have. It'll just distress her further....
And besides. She's not wrong. Does he really give Ratio any leeway? Even in the bath earlier? Sure they drank together, they spoke, but Godzilla was hostile the whole time. And why wouldn't he be? Why should he bother to see anything from Ratio's point of view when the man is so clearly against him? So clearly beneath him? ]
I...
[ "One day, any of us could be gone." Whatever that means, what fate awaits them when they're not the originals? Is "leaving" death? Will they meet again in the world after this...? If they don't, then why should one waste time with their petty hatreds and conflicts. Why hold back on sharing things felt in one's heart that are of a more positive light than the anger he oft feels?
He should tell her.
Not now. Definitely not now. But soon.
But... the last person to tell her is gone. What if he's gone the next day? Would that be fair...?
Focus Godzilla! Ratio, this is about Ratio, not your damned selfish thoughts. ]
I do not like Ratio, Kaede-hime. "Hate" is far too strong of a terminology for my thoughts towards him, yet I do not like him. I do not believe I shall ever have tolerance for one so... arrogant. [ Said with a disgusted huff of smoke, followed by a sigh. ] Perhaps this is in no small way because I am of too similar a mindset.
[ At least he can admit it, somewhat. He takes back up his tea and considers the contents pensively. ]
I tire of it, if I am to be of an honest disposition between us, I tire of the thing. The inner conflict, now more than I ever have of previous. Yet it seems as if it is the only option before me. [ He drains his cup, sets it down, and meets her eyes. ] I do not seek active conflict with that man. Is this not of itself enough of a solution?
no subject
Couldn't hurt to show him a little more of your grace. Benefit of doubt, you know? Not assuming the worst because you don't like how he said something?
[ Not that she can really talk in that regard. She's flown off the handle for someone twitching their nose at her in a way she didn't like. But, that's part of her point nonetheless. He's the King of the Titans. He's supposed to be Earth's protector, someone whose scope is supposed to be far wider than that of anyone else.
Kaede slides her left hand toward him where it rests on the table. With his fingers closed toward his palm, she can't get a good grip of his fingers but tries regardless. Her index and middle slide over his knuckles, her thumb slides into the gap between his thumb and the rest of his hand, her ring finger between his own and the pinky, and her smallest finger curls around his the best it can. It's a little awkward looking with how much bigger his hand is than hers, but the touch is all that matters. The contact. ]
Isn't that how a king is supposed to do things?
no subject
And no-one else has ever been... like this with him. Patient, kind, at times firm. Not even Mothra in the world of origin. A bright light in the existence of Godzilla to be sure, but at the end of the day there's a rift there, between King and subject. It's different with Kaede, he's just Goji with her, she sees him as an equal, a person. ]
Heh...
[ He closes his eyes as his shoulders go slack, a response of comfort rather than shame. Slowly he unclenches his fingers to better allow hers to curl through his, then closes them again. The position is awkward but it allows him to hold her, their fingertips touching. Awkward, yes, but this kind of contact... it's a precious thing. Something warm and grounding that puts him the most at peace he's felt since he can remember. ]
Patience, grace, mercy... these are things I counseled Friend Laios on the import of once when he asked what was of most import for a king. There is the appearance that I have forgotten these truths till now.
[ He opens his eyes slowly to meet her gaze, chewing his lip as he debates if he should say it.
He should. The memories may be painful for them both yet he can only ever be forthcoming with her. ]
Braศov. [ For a moment he glances at the spot on her forehead where she's been scarred. His grip on her fingers tightens in that second. ] Much of my sense has been forgotten since. Far too close did I come to losing--[ Her. he came close to losing her. One he has called Friend, Kin, and now Equal. How selfish... especially then given her own circumstances. ] --myself.
[ A lie, in part. He never lies, especially not to her, but he can't be fully truthful can he? It's an obvious lie though, his eyes slide from hers the second he says it. Followed by a quiet, tired sigh. ]
Though not amongst those who were tormented, the echoes of it still remain in my mind. The need for action over patience, power over grace, tyranny over mercy. Since the return from that ill-fated place these have been my thoughts, to lesser extents since that moment, yes, yet... clearly they remain to some degree.
[ A beat. There's something more he wants to say, so, so much more. He settles for a small part of it. ]
In truthfulness, Kaede-hime? One would gladly give up title and claim of "King" so long as you remained a close confidant. I am more at ease as your Friend and Kin than ever as King of Titans.
1/2
Yet they're not that powerful. There's always a price. She's paid hers twice now, and with the name of that town, with the way his eyes go to her forehead before slinking away, he doesn't need to elaborate. The crescent stretching from temple to temple still aches sometimes. Usually, it's when she remembers the part of her she lost. The vicious girl always in the back of her consciousness.
Her head tilts a little at his confession, however. She remembers it clearly even now. How crazed he seemed, how relieved he was when she was found and moved to safety, how he refused to leave her side so often after that, how he argued with Elan so doggedly...
The punch of the revelation sucks all the air out of her lungs. How could she be so stupid? Ignoring what's been in front of her for so long... ]
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She'll need to think about this a lot more. There'll be a better time and place than this to confront him about that. Somewhere other than here where they're both exhausted and just need a reprieve.
So, she adjusts her hand again. Shifting her fingers so they interlock with his and their tips come to rest on his knuckles. A gentle but firm hold. Her eyes haven't left his face even if his gaze wanders away. This human face of his doesn't hide his emotions, sure, but still she wishes he was at least in his true form. No secrets that way.
Whatever conclusion she comes to, she knows it won't change that he is indeed her Friend, her Kin, just like he says. ]
Whoever "Godzilla" was in that other world, you're different. You're you. I don't want you to lose yourself. Not for my sake, and not for anyone else.
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Something shifts. The air changes, while her expression doesn't betray her but somethinng in the energy she's giving off, her posture, it's... angry? No, not angry, unsure...?
His eyes go wide. She knows, doesn't she? Or at least suspects. Does she hate him...? He certainly hates himself in some regards, especially in how he acted towards Elan. He didn't like the pilot, but the aggression? By the time Godzilla recognized it for what it was Elan was gone. He regrets every bit of it. He cares for Kaede, truly, fully cares for her. Her happiness is more important than his desires, if he had realized his aggression was from jealousy rather than pure hearted concern sooner that relationship she had would've been far less troubled.
She holds his hand that much tighter and that's all the reassurance he needs. He squeezes her hand back, meeting her eyes once more, not looking away. Will she realize he's picked up on it? More than likely, she's clever like that, but it seems neither of them have the energy to confront it right now and that's fine.
He inclines his head to her, not a nod, a full bow of the head. Recognition, acquiescence, agreement. So many things conveyed in one gesture. ]
We are in agreement. Though I am... unsure whom that may fully be, it is not a state of being I wish to be lost. There is too much in this world I care for to do so. It is my home, I have intent for it to stay this way.
[ He unbows his head, meets her eyes, squeezes her hand. "You are my home" may as well be what he's saying, but those are words he's certain best left to action rather than spoken language. ]
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Her slim fingers squeeze his hand as tightly as they can. ]
Could you...turn back, please? Your real self. Not this human version.
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She's right though. This isn't him, is it? It'll never really be him. He is Godzilla, Titan, King... and to many, monster. ]
If that is your request.
[ He nods his head and closes his eyes, willing himself back to his original form. Bones crack and elongate, skin hardens, his tail grows out behind him, spines rip free from his back, his face elongates to a muzzle.
His hand never lets go of hers, holding on just as tight even as his pinky finger sinks back into the shifting flesh and his fingers thicken, the claws tipping them growing that much sharper.
After a moment there he is, looking down at her from his full height, his expression once more the near unreadable visage of some ancient bygone predator. The eyes are the only thing that betray him, a pensive, concerned look in them. The moment feels heavy and for better or worse, it seems as if everything is about to change. ]
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You are...Godzilla. My best friend. [ Her grip on his claw tightens to match the slowly widening smile on her tired, drawn face. ] Even if nobody else will see you as more than a kaiju, you are the only Godzilla I know. The only one that matters to me.
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It's a relief. One that has his head bowing deeply to her as he lets out a sigh, one that sees his entire body heave with exhaustion from the gesture. ]
It is my understanding that of this moment one would expect the other to state they do not deserve such... this seems a foolish thing, if it was undeserved it would not be given. [ A stab at humor in his own odd way. He matches her tightened grip on his claw, careful to keep the tips of those sharp weapons from piercing her skin. ] You are the same to myself, Kaede, my best friend. There are none who's presence I am in as ease as I am in your own. Your friendship is not a thing I would trade for any. Be it riches or glory, or... what ever else is one can put value in.
[ Is that clear enough? He hopes it is. Even if she can't return those confusing, invasive feelings of his, he doesn't care. As long as they can call each other Friend and be in one another's lives, that's more than enough for him. ]
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His hand isn't as soft now, sure. His skin is leathery and his claws poke at her skin. But still she can only find comfort in his touch. He's as gentle with her as he is with anything else fragile. A sentiment she extends despite how battleworn he must be. ]
I'll scold you as much as I need to later. But right now...
[ Lucy offers up a shaky smile and gestures toward their food with her free hand. It's only going to grow colder the longer they dilly-dally. ]
We need to finish eating and get to bed. Okay?
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Indeed. It would be an ill thing to reach slumber whilst we still hunger.
[ He doesn't let go of her hand though. She's so gentle with him, so warm, even against that rough skin that's weathered so many battles and enemies. Not holding her hand just seems... wrong.
So he keeps doing so, gently moving so that their arms can rest on the table, hands still joined, and takes back up his chopsticks. It takes a little maneuvering with his reptilian paw but he manages, plopping a dumpling into his mouth. Though it vanishes into that massive maw in one go he takes his time to chew, savoring the flavors as much as he's savoring this moment between them.
Only after he swallows does he speak up again, a thoughtful hum rumbling in his throat as he glances across the room. ]
Hmm. It would perhaps be a thing of prudence to return to my humanoid form when we retire to sleep, yes? These rooms are ill-suited to even this diminished scale.
[ It's fine when he has his bed back in the main base, but 10ft of lizard is not going to make it on a futon... ]
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"But am I allowed to have this?"
She hides the sudden cold chill down her spine with a smile. She adjusts herself in her seat to better let her hold his claw as they pick up eating again. She can't use the utensils as well with her right hand, but the food's cooled enough thanks to their talk that she doesn't really see the point in trying to. Instead, she takes up the dumplings in her fingers and slips them into her mouth carefully, one at a time. While he tries to be polite and mind his manners, she is the inverse. She answers with only half her mouth, her smile crooked as she does so. ]
Good idea. [ She swallows. ] I don't think there are enough quilts in here to cover all of you like this.
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There's something quietly absurd about the contrast in how they continue the meal. Him attempting his best to make use of human utensils and manners, she simply enjoying the food without concern for the manner how. Her fingers keep his attention as she slides the dumpling past her lips, she has remarkable hands. Strong, deft, adept at working instruments of destruction and killing... but soft as well, gentle, comforting. Were her invisible hands the same, he wonders? More than likely, they were part of her after all. ]
Indeed. [ He chuckles lightly, glancing at the door as he flicks another dumpling into his maw. Once chewed and swallowed he goes on. ] Such a thing would require the liberation of coverings from the rooms of the other pack members. A thing one doubts would be capable of going across the well.
[ Go over well. ]
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[ It's not accurate to call him small in his human form either, but she jokes all the same. That she can joke at all is a good sign, isn't it? She can actually smile and laugh now. Even with friends gone or hurt in the current moment, she has him with her. A rock she can cling to to weather any storm. Or, rather, a kaiju. A Titan.
She doesn't say much as she tries to fight off the thoughts that come next. Thoughts of how she doesn't deserve it. No, what she deserves is to be a year long gone, whatever was left of her burnt to ash and buried. Or her bones scattered to the sea to join the rest of the horned ones she left to die.
Instead of let those fingers sink into her now less-than-whole brain, she lets the gentle scrape of his scales against her hand ground her to the current time and place. His body heat is a welcome reprieve from the cold gazes she can feel watching over her shoulder. Her meal is gone before she can realize, as her fingers meet empty plate instead of another dumpling. ]
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[ The joke lands if nothing else. The big guy's teeth show in one of those lizardy grins of his, reaching his eyes and making them sparkle with life. He has to wonder, does she realize she brings that out in him more than anyone else? Just one of those many amazing things about her...
The meal passes in silence, by the time Lucy's plate is cleaned so is his. Without prompting he returns to his human form, the nanomachines of his style upgrade quickly cladding him in the same sleeping clothes as before, but never during the process does he let go of her hand. If anything once his transformation is complete he squeezes her hand just a little tighter.
Something's wrong, he can feel it. Just as Lucy has learned to read his reptilian features he's learned to read her body language. She may be smiling and joking yet there's something clearly on her mind... something like... fear? Close to it at least, there's not quite the smell such an emotion would bring out in a mammalian but... ]
Kaede-hime...
[ His voice is the first thing to break the silence besides the sound of his rearranging skeletal structure. The look of concern on his face more obvious than ever as he meets her eyes. ]
Something further troubles yourself, yes? A request, speak of it? I ill-like any continued secrecy between us.
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Oh, has she...has she been that obvious? It's her own fault for looking so often at things that aren't there. Shadows she knows are just in her head.
She shouldn't trouble him with it. It's so stupid. Insignificant. She should just get a grip on herself and stop worrying the people around her. There's other, more important things to worry about! ]
I'm just tired. It's been a long day.
[ She shakes her head slowly. She slowly slips her hand away from his. It's easier to do now that he's back in his more human form. ]
I just...wish those babies had gotten a better end.
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[ He gives her a look, a pointed one. That's not it. That's part of it perhaps but that's not fully it, the look is his way of telling her he knows there's more to it. But he won't press her.
Instead he gets to his feet, without food or the warm touch of her hand there's little keeping him at the table. He stretches his arms up over his head and rolls his neck, popping a few things satisfyingly, then goes to the other side of the room to set up his own sleeping spot. ]
Little we can accomplish now aside from rest, yes? The better we see to our well beings the better we shall make engagement with our next foes. It is what will be needed to ensure no others meet the same form of ending.
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