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synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm
DOWNTIME MINGLE #7
DOWNTIME MINGLE #7
▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.
Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.
There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else isYOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.
It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.
There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.
Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?
Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.
The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”
CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…
A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.
There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)
While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is
It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.
There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.
Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?
Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.
The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”
CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…
A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.
▶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.
Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.
As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.
The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary “city hall” in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.
With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.
Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.
Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.
There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?
(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )
As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.
The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary “city hall” in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.
With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.
Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.
Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.
There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?
(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )
▶ 003. KAIJUCON.
This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.
Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.
As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.
On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?
Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.
As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.
Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!
(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )
Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.
As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.
On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?
Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.
As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.
Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!
(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )
▶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.
While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.
While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.
(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)
While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other
If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.
(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)
▶ 005. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!
As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.
The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points.
As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.
The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.
2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.
3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.
4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.
that's honestly frightening in a way
DON'T READ HIS NICER THOUGHTS ABOUT YATO, DAMMIT!! if anything, those thoughts are usually nice to annoyed 1 to 3 ratio. as for arguing with someone he first met... totally has done that. straight up called his new mentor a "cringey jerk" to his face less than a minute after meeting him.
WHAT THE FUCK HAS THAT BAKAMI BEEN SAYING ABOUT HIM?! HE'S GONNA RIP HIS GUTS OUT OF HIS MOUTH!!]
You talked like you saw a lot of them, dammit!
Haa?! I don't need you stating the obvious! I know what's going on! Don't look down on me! It's a pain in the ass, so ignore it!
[his private thoughts are his private thoughts! sheesh! at least they can agree on that.]
If you want something, spit it out.
[yep, this is your fiance's best man.]
not wrong
and she HAS TO READ THOUGHTS ABOUT YATO. wouldn't bakugo want to read someone's thoughts about denji if they were out in the open like this?? EVER BEEN CURIOUS, BAKUGO.
I did, hiyori thinks against her better judgement but is quick enough not to think that thought into text. she doesn't need to get on bakugo's bad side immediately. though it seems inevitable. he is feisty.
yato warned her about his temper but might've undersold it a little. ]
Some of them were nice, though...
[ HIYORI, DON'T POKE THE BEAR ]
I wasn't - okay, okay. I'll pretend I didn't see anything.
[ look, she has manners ]
Ah, right. Well.
I wanted to meet you. And hang out. Do you like arcades?
no subject
Tch. So? I'm not thinking shit about everyone I know.
[This thoughts about people are often deeper and more neutral than what comes out of his brazen mouth. "He's not telling the truth" in his mind becomes "Shut up, you lying bastard" from his mouth.]
Stop. Mentioning. It.
[Just drop the damn topic! Don't tell him you're pretending because then he knows you're not, dammit!
...
...
What the hell? He's stunned for a second, just cause of mental topic whiplash. So casual!]
Hmph. I've got better things to do, but they're fine.
no subject
better. in some things more than others. in her self-confidence and worth here, still struggling with ~love~. march was rough.
IS IT SNOOPING WHEN THEY WERE BLARING IN FRONT OF HER EYEBALLS!!! ]
Gotcha. Read you loud and clear. (‘-‘*ゞ
[ yep, this is going as well as she thought it might. damage control, damage controoool. ]
Great! [ he said "fine" but if she knows any better, that's as good as saying he loves them. ]
If you don't have better things to do, wanna meet up at this one? [ (INSERT ARCADE PLACE NEARBY HERE) ] There's Street Fighter 14! Last I remember it was on Street Fighter 6.
no subject
NO, BUT THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE TO READ THEM!!]
Now?
[well she did ask if he was busy, and he said he could take a break, but suddenly up and going someplace?
... ugh. random girl. and "fine" does not mean he loves them. it means he doesn't hate them.]
Two hours. I'm not spending the whole afternoon there.
[Street Fighter 14. Good one.]no subject
WHEN SHE REALIZED, IT WAS TOO LATE!!
color her surprised. wow, he DOES have a good head on his shoulders. ]
Sure, that's fair. I probably shouldn't be spending a whole afternoon at the arcade either. I almost did it once with Vash already, but it was for a good cause.
[ she is not random she is Yato's Fiancee?! surely he has good taste?
okay, he doesn't have good taste most of the time except for this one thing. ]
We can meet now! It'll probably take me a little while to get there, though. Soooo, in about half an hour or so? Is that okay?
[
bows I am full of GOOD JOKES]no subject
WHO SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE A GOOD HEAD ON?!]
He probably kicked your ass at any shooter came.
[not gonna comment on the sheer amount of time they spent there... Yato's fiance who randomly decided to ask about going to an arcade outta nowhere!]
Just come to the front and we'll take my car.
[they can use the teleporter to get back to neo tokyo for the trip.]
no subject
NOBODY SHE IS JUST MAKING OBSERVATIONS BECAUSE SHE'S A DOCTOR WEH ]
Ah.
[ hiyori's competitive spirit burns but he's not wrong. ]
He did. He tried to take it easy on me at first but I told him not to hold back. He's amazing at them. I wish I had his skills.
[ HER NAME IS HIYORI, LITTLE SHIT.
l - little shit with a car. he's old enough to drive, probably. ]
Oh! Sure! You have a car, cool! What kind?
[ said as she hustles to the front. coming, coming. ]
no subject
DOCTORS DON'T SAY CRAP LIKE "GOOD HEAD ON SHOULDERS" - WHAT THE HELL!?]
You'd have to spend all your life practicing.
[and even then, vash has some extras she'll never have, so... oh well. far outside her league.
OF COURSE HE'S OLD ENOUGH TO DRIVE!! he's been here a damn year plus.]
you'll see.
[ this kind.]
no subject
DOCTORS SAY WHATEVER THEY WANT THEY'RE HUMAN EXUCUSE YOU. ]
Probably. I'd be willing to give it a shot, though.
[ pun not intended.
after idk a few minutes??? a young woman appears at the front. if yato ever talked about hiyori and what she looked like, this one is right on the money. she's looking around for a car and her eyes, eventually, land on the super sleek sports car. ]
... No way.
[ but she's approaching it, eyes big. ]
no subject
TALK LIKE A DAMN PROFESSIONAL, DOC!!]
no you wouldn't. you've got better things to spend your life on.
[for example, she'd have to cancel this current trip and head to the firing range for practice. and since she's not, bakugo's calling bull on her "give it a shot" idea.
yeah, bakugo recognizes her. he saw the sculpture and he's seen her around the base. he simply hasn't met her in person before. likewise, she's not gonna have a problem recognizing him and bakugo approaches her position as his car rolls along the parking lot beside him. one of the cool things about the ocular link; he can remote control his car. and his motorcycle, but that's harder to do since no one's balancing the thing.]
You're gawking.
[smugly proud.]
no subject
also SHE IS OFF THE CLOCK. call out, though. still!! she kind of wants to try. how different could it be from archery?? aim and shoot. ]
I could try in my free time!
[ what free time
a voice suddenly beside her makes her tense in surprise before she turns to look and see
ah, yes.
no mistaking him. ]
Wha - [ ............. okay, she was. which means: yes, way. ]
I - well, it is a cool car. You must've had to save a lot to get it. [ or he won it in a lottery. however, something tells her he saved for and bought it. likely the smug pride. ]
Is this one of those supercars? Fu-rar-ees?
no subject
DON'T GIVE MEDICAL PROGNOSIS OFF THE CLOCK!! he's not part of your overtime! ... archery versus gunslinging? yeah, he'll watch her crash and burn with the "uh-huh" quirked brow on the sidelines. someone dabbling in a hobby isn't going to get near the level of skill of someone who does said "hobby" for life.]
Che! I didn't pay shit for it. Those bastards charge more for medical upgrades than a damn vehicle. [if hiyori's aware of how LILITH charges them for their little "gifts" like weapons, upgrades, powers, and such. bakugo avoids every internal thing offered. he doesn't want anyone messing around with his body anymore than those bastards already did on his arrival. without his permission.]
It doesn't have a make or model. LILITH probably modeled it after one, but it changed its shape when I got it.
[because it conformed to his idea of cool and locked it in.]
1/2
CAN'T HELP IT. IT'S INGRAINED NOW. but also don't underestimate her?! although it's true a dabbler won't match someone who lived by that skill. ]
... Right!? [ suddenly, adamant about the MEDICAL UPGRADES. like he hit a trigger word. ] And it's ridiculous to boot! I heard that it isn't pleasant either. Who knows if they're going to put some control chip in along with it! I'm already weary of this ocular thing and how often it glitches out on us and causes problems. [ and yato wants to get the healing one and UUUUUGH. ]
no subject
Oh! It changed to what you thought was cool. So, we both have similar ideas on what cool is. With cars, at least...
no subject
he's not underestimating her. he's being realistic comparing her life with vash's and the skills both needed for their lives. pretty damn sure hiyori's not running away from a planet of people who want to kill her and would require such skill.]
Of course it's not pleasant! I've been trying to get medical plants to alleviate the damn anesthetic shortage. [She mentions the control chip and Bakugo scoffs in agreement. That's the main reason why he has no intention of letting LILITH get inside his body any more than they already have.]
Yeah, everything you just said.
[Bakugo opens driver's side, the right side, of the car. Hiyori's free to get in the left side. He's not opening the door for her. Buuut he's not gonna drive off until she's buckled in.]
You have a car?
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okay okay okay. no, hiyori is EXTREMELY normal and actually had a cushy life compared to someone like vash or yato. maybe even bakugo, if he ever deigns to open up to her.
color her surprised that he's been helping with the anesthetic shortage. yato didn't tell her that. ]
... Where have you been looking...? [ suddenly interested at the mention of anything medical, she rounds the front of the car quickly to get into the passenger side and locks her seatbelt, absently. ]
Not me, personally. During school, I rode my bike to classes but we have... um, had a family car. My father, older brother, and I are all doctors at the same hospital.
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he doesn't expect yato to tell his fiance about everything going on in all his friends' lives. probably prefers it that way rather than having hiyori know anything he might say.]
In the surrounding areas of Neo Tokyo. I was able to get a lot of samples and notes from Romania. [plus he had a hefty chunk of assistance from both LILITH's medical area and a certain spice company that had a branch in synthetic botanical designs.]
Is it a family business or you all fell into the same interests?
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in the passenger seat, hiyori tenses a bit at mention of romania. at least something good was able to come out of that place.
she may have muttered that last under her breath. ]
I think it's worth looking into the black market again, too. Since, you know... coca leaves are a natural anesthetic. [ also used in some DRUGS 🙃 ] I have a feeling someone in that business might have an idea.
[ getting there is the problem.
she blinks at the question before relaxing again. ]
Family business, but aaaalso? A bit of the latter. The hospital we worked in was our family's hospital - Iki General Hospital. I wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid. At first, it was to make my father proud but then it was to help my family rebuild the business.
... It was attacked when I was a teenager. Because of me.
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he makes no reference at her reaction to Romania; most of them have nothing positive to say about the experience there.]
I'm not working with fucking illegal sellers and criminals.
[he's a hero! don't you dare suggest he should fraternize with such shitty individuals! though she has a point and he adds a note about the coca leaves in his "mental" journal. guess there's something good about the oculars.]
They had some coca plants in Romania. I brought some back.
[a frown curves his lips when she brings up the story. sounds like a heavier recollection.]
Did you make amends for it?
[if she feels it's her fault, then addressing that's the more important aspect. but they are heading out of the base parking lot, turning onto the road with a smooth hum of the engine. his car handles very nicely.]
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there is a blank stare on her face. huh? what? no way. did she give the impression that she meant working WITH illegal sellers and criminals? HIYORI IKI?? she'd rather take them down. kick them in the face a bit. ]
Eh? Eh?? I didn't mean working with them! I meant taking it down and confiscating anything they had! I've got a score to settle with this one group that drugged me - b, but anyway. I shouldn't be thinking about that.
[ wow. sounds like romania, despite all the trauma, wasn't TOTALLY terrible. just mostly terrible. very terrible. nightmares for months. dead friends.
okay, it was 99.9999999999% terrible.
she wants to ask what he did with them - if he gave them to LILITH or someone on base who would be good with cultivating. she can think of someone. she had tried her hand at gardening, as a hobby, not a livelihood. like the shooting thing.
the question prompts a small smile out of her. ]
I hope so. The patients trust us to take care of them again. My father didn't lose his license. My older brother came back home after running away to help, too. I don't know if I could, or should, ask for more than that.
[ yeah, this is a nice car. no road noise. bakugo is a pretty damn good driver, too. no speeding (right?) even though it MUST be tempting in a whip like this. ]
I wanted to get a motorcycle, but maybe I'll get one of these instead. What kind of music do you listen to on the road?
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Then say that next time! [she said "look into", dammit! bakugo's visage flickers into a strange crimp when she mentions getting drugged, red eyes narrowing slightly as he merges into another lane.] Do you know anything about the group? I've been working with the police since I arrived here.
[no, a few good things came from romania. bakugo's section of the greenhouse and his notes/knowledge benefited greatly from the old lady and her apothecary in the village. he isn't giving those bastards a pass though. minus the ones who were turned into brainless vampire monsters. still thinks taking the kids away from the remaining NORMAL villagers was a shit idea.]
People mess up all the time. Making amends and ensuring you don't make the same mistake again is how you move forward. [simple as that. each mistake is one more piece of strength you gain, a reminder of what not to do.
bakugo may be aggressive, violent, rude, and loud, but he's also extremely efficient and sticks to the rules. so he isn't going anything more than the acceptable five miles above the speed limit. like a good boy. you think he wants some shitty ticket on his perfect record?]
You can get both if you ask. [they're not that expensive. ironically. his is a damn monster on wheels.] Whatever I'm in the mood for.
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Sorry!?? [ apologizing while confused? yes.
oh, he's a cop!
oh, he's a cop. no wonder he got all testy when it sounded like she was suggesting working with criminals! anyway, she WOULD NEVER and now he knows. ]
I know the area I was in before I got drugged. I think their safehouse was nearby because suddenly there were a lot of guys surrounding me. I can show you on a map.
[ it was a shit idea, but she can see why someone thought it might be a good one. same as with the baby kaiju. displacing children out of their comfort zone is cruel, however. no matter the intentions behind it, good or bad. vash is doing his best at the orphanage because of it, now. they know how the baby kaiju ended.
there's silence from hiyori. yato has made his amends as best as he could and hiyori is ready to move forward. maybe they can laugh about it, one day. that'd be nice. as long as he doesn't do it again.
she sinks a bit in her chair, exhaling slowly. ]
The only mistakes he keeps repeating are falling for scams with good-luck charms and gambling all his money away. [ here, she smiles. ]
You have both? Ah - ! I wonder if you're the reason Yato got his bike in the first place. He probably saw it and thought it was cool, too. Hey! If all three of us get one, we can ride around together.
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been a cop since he got here. it was the closest job he could think of to the heroics he did back home.]
All right. When we get to the mall.
[not gonna do map stuff while they're driving. bakugo's main issue with the village children is not all of the parents turned into vampires. the ones back in the village were obstinate and religious morons, but they were still normal people. only the ones in the woods and castle were turned monsters. so LILITH basically stole children from NORMAL parents. who could've continued to take care of them. it'll never sit right in bakugo's head. unless he's given concrete proof no adults survived.]
Huh? We're talking about you, not Bakami. [when it came to mistakes and making amends. the hospital thing. not that her comment about yato isn't untrue. the god needs to learn more about money and responsibility.]
He never told me he got a bike! [way to learn the bonus.]
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when they get to the mall. yes, good, sure. she really hopes the drugs didn't impair her enough that she forgot where it was. it wasn't too far from the bar she was gathering intel on. if she backtracks her route, it should be okay. totally doable.
can't let him down on the first day, that's for sure. good impressions, iki!
that's one of her big issues, too. who's to say that they wouldn't later turn as well, though? it's a slippery slope. is there a right answer? LILITH isn't perfect. like bakugo said, everyone makes mistakes. hiyori feels the most for the kids, above all. no family. no home. nothing. that isn't to say she feels awful for the parents that lost their children, too. ]
Eh? Wh - oh! Right!! S - sorry, I was thinking about him and got - sorry. [ YEAH TOTALLY HER AND NOT THE MUN LOSING TRACK OF WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT!!! HA HA HA. help.
after the outburst, she sombers up. ]
... Yeah. I definitely won't make that mistake again. I should've kicked his ass to yomi and back when I had the chance.
[ ?? that's not - oh well.
she stares at bakugo, face blank.
oh no. was that supposed to be a secret? FOR SOME REASON? SHIT. cat's outta the bag. ]
He didn't?! That seems like something Yato would brag about!! Especially if you got the fast car, first. I can see him getting it to try and race you or something.