TRAVEL LOG #5

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #5

CONTENT WARNINGS: death, nightmares, gun violence, survival scenario

▶ 001. EYES WIDE OPEN.

"Angels of Lilith, report for duty in the DISPATCH."

The day starts off with alarms blaring and oculars shining bright lights in the Outsiders' heads, waking them up early for an emergency dispatch. Although the current Rift at Mt. Fuji needs to be explored and examined, the Rifts continue to appear in different parts of the world, and this Rift is no different. Captain Yamakawa continues,

"We have received a distress call from EGYPT. Much of the region fell during the first kaiju crisis. Now it is a desolate land that survives with the help of a generator called an ESSENCE which is currently malfunctioning. We assume the cause is Rift energy—according to our radar, there is a heavy amount of Rift energy coming from that area. We will move out immediately. Pack all the things you may need, but each Outsider will be supplied with a care package of their own containing essentials."

Even though it is 4:00 AM Tokyo time, LILITH hopes you all have slept well. It could be the very last good sleep in awhile. While the dataportal to Egypt is operational on Japan's end, because of the malfunctioning generator, Outsiders are unable to come out on the other side. The old method of using the flying cruiser will be used once again.

There will not be assigned seating for this other than by teams. Everlights will sit with Everlights, Brimstones with Brimstones, and so on. The Outsiders will be encouraged to rest on the flight, and a few hours before landing, an in-flight meal will be provided. The meal is surprisingly delicious and consists of chicken or pork katsu cutlet, but with the warning that all Outsiders will know about: it contains high amount of cyber caffeine. This sort of newly innovative caffeine can keep Outsiders awake for several days, but sometimes it may cause restlessness or hyperactivity, causing characters to have a jittery amount of energy but razor sharp focus. Other times, it simply keeps characters awake and they feel no different. The cutlet will be served with KAIJU™ Energy Drink. Any Outsiders that require a different diet will be provided with what they need, and the cyber caffeine will be added to it if they would like.

Yamakawa gives instructions again:

"We have received more information about the kaiju. Civilians have died in their sleep from horrible nightmares, and we are encouraging Outsiders to sleep together in pairs or groups, or disregard sleeping at all until we obtain more information. We are still receiving facts about this monster, but this meal will help with keeping everyone awake as a safety measure."

Those who do not want to have the highly caffeinated meal can have everyone's favorite: a ration bar that isn't spiked with any energy, but it doesn't taste good at all. Outsiders may be more likely to fall asleep and be in danger by choosing this meal. The balance of a dystopian society.

▶ 002. ARRIVAL IN EGYPT.

When they finally arrive, the air is temperate and dry in Alexandria. The Outsiders might have to check their clocks once more to make sure everything is right; everyone is expected to land in the late afternoon and every clock says it should be close to evening, but the city is already growing dark with the sun setting quite early. Because of the ESSENCE disruption, Alexandria is running on back up energy, which makes for spotty lighting and loss of basic power.

LILITH will be greeted by a small group of researchers at the airport and they will help take the Outsiders to their base: the Alexandria Institute which was once the University of Alexandria. They will give the Outsiders a quick run down of the situation and some background.

1. LILITH does not have a strong defense branch in the region any more. Instead, the branch here seems more focused on research, especially on the origin of kaiju and rifts.
2. This region is extremely prone to spontaneous Rifts. Many of them are small and pass quickly but this most recent one is unprecedented.
3. One evening, in the final week of March, the Alexandria Institute received a corrupt file from their fellow researchers in Greece. It shut down much of their research facility (including their warp portal) and all they have been able to recover so far are the words, "Do Not Go To Sleep."
4. The next morning, they awoke to find the sun rising later and setting earlier. It feels like the days are getting significantly shorter.
5. Many locals developed a fear of the dark and going to sleep. They would then die in their sleep within the next few days.
6. The autopsy of these victims have shown no cause of death, puzzling coroners.

Progress has been slow because the corrupt file shut down many of their facilities. They have not been able to track the source of the Rift or identify the kaiju responsible for it. They believe the answers may be within the corrupt file and will be happy to receive any help they can get from the Outsiders.

When they arrive at the Institute, Outsiders will be set up in the old student dormitories. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room, with a common shared area on each floor. Given the current threat, there is also a supply of energy drinks and bars boosted with cyber caffeine. Outsiders have two options:

1. OPTION ONE: Stay in Alexandria and help the researchers with the generators, while keeping themselves and teammates awake during the night by playing games.
2. OPTION TWO: Go out into the Egyptian desert on camel-back, spending time getting to know their camel before heading out.

OOC NOTE: While players may write prompts for both options, we ask that you submit for a clue only once per player (not per character, as we have a lot of characters in game now!)

▶ 003. LEARN & EXPLORE. (ALEXANDRIA RESEARCH.)

Times are hard in Alexandria right now with their generators malfunctioning and efforts being split. The researchers are trying to get the generators back up and uncorrupt the data they received from Greece. LILITH will instruct the Outsiders to help with the research but also warn that they cannot afford to just sit around and wait to crack codes. The researchers also agree. Sometimes the best way to get research data is to go out into the field, but they haven't been able to do it due to not having much protection. The desert is vast, and there have been sightings of other small kaiju lurking beneath the sand and in some smaller cities.

Outsiders can decide to stay in the city of Alexandria to help crack the codes, or they can opt to go out into the field. For the latter, they can choose to stay close to home and investigate within Alexandria.

Those who wish to help with the ESSENCE generators and researchers will stay in Alexandria, using any downtime when not investigating to try and stay awake, slumber-party style. Two Truths and a Lie? Maybe Spin The Bottle? Perhaps some games can keep Outsiders enticed so they don't doze off.

▶ 004. FEELING SANDY (DESERT EXPLORATION.)

For those who wish to explore the desert and smaller cities, Alexandria Institute will supply what they need, such as water, food, essential tools for digging, sleeping bags (no sleeping, but maybe for resting!) and anything else. To conserve energy, the researchers supply camels for the Outsiders to use. The camels are mostly tame, but have their own distinct personalities, so they may need a little more handling and can be coaxed to behave with treats like artificial carrots and bananas. Outsiders can spend time getting to know their camel if they are going to explore the desert or cities. A camel can seat two people on its back comfortably, but also carry any essentials that travelers need to bring along.

In the distant small cities and across the desert, Outsiders will come across Sand Crocodiles, one of the smaller kaiju that have been inhabiting the desert. These monsters are basically crocodiles but with a twist: they can spit fire if angered and they can camouflage in the sand. They hide strategically, and one wrong step will cause them to push their jaws out of the ground, harming a person or camel. The stubby quills along their backs or rounds of their horns aren't entirely covered while hiding, so watch carefully. Fortunately, Outsiders will be supplied with a shotgun. Aiming between the eyes or in the mouth will kill it, but also beating it with the back of the shotgun will also do the trick. And yes, they also taste like crocodile too, if anyone is hungry.

After exploring, Outsiders are requested to report their findings back in Alexandria.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth travel log!

Welcome to the new and improved Travel Log! Below, you will see the link to the MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET post that has information about the kaiju below along with RIFT EFFECTS. Fill out the form for RNG Attacks and whether you would like to receive a RIFT EFFECT. This should give characters some ideas for the status of their character in the next log, which will have more action and monsters in it. Outsiders may use the CHAT to report and discuss any findings.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we try out this new format!

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. EYES WIDE OPEN: Outsiders travel to Egypt after receiving reports of their power generator, ESSENCE, being unstable and malfunctioning, leaving citizens in peril. They are instructed to "stay awake." They are supplied cyberpunk caffeine and told to try not to sleep or stay in pairs to be watchful of any danger.

2. ARRIVING IN EGYPT: Arriving in Alexandria, the Outsiders are confirmed that citizens have been dying in their sleep, with coroners unable to determine the cause. The days are mysteriously getting shorter and people are unable to stay awake.

3. LEARN & EXPLORE: Outsiders are given options to stay in Alexandria to help with the generator or find clues to assist the research team. Between researching, they are asked to continue to stay awake by any means possible. Those who will be exploring the desert and smaller cities for clues are given a camel for transportation. Outsiders are encouraged to get to know their camel before traveling.

4. FEELING SANDY: While looking for any clues out in the desert, Outsiders encounter smaller kaiju known as Sand Crocodiles. They hide in the sand and attack at the opportune time, snapping jaws and spitting fire. Shooting them between the eyes or in the mouth will K.O. them.

code

Comments

Kaga | Azur Lane | Brimstone

[harboredfeelings]

▶ 001. Surely You Can't Be Serious:

[ Kaga's not sure what's more infuriating, being hustled out of bed at 4 in the morning or being herded onto this damn cruiser again. Last time she had the "pleasure" of flying out of Japan in this thing the trip didn't exactly go so well for her and a handful of other Outsiders, she's still got the literal scars to prove it. At least this time she's not traveling without Kiko summoned, her fox familiar has stayed normal fox size to make travel easier and is curled up contentedly in Kaga's lap for most of the flight.

Master is not as content as familiar. Sure sleep is more luxury than necessity for her, but still... she's pretty sure she hates this cruiser. ]

They could've at least let Nee-sama and I fly cover for this damned thing instead of sticking us with these louts. Honestly... I'd rather be anywhere else than stuck with the Brimstone psychos.

[ Said while glaring off towards Sukuna is, smoking, she has likely flung several fireballs at the back of his head by now. Please someone talk sense to the mad woman before she starts a full on brawl. ]

▶ 003. Special Delivery:

[ While very much the field work type Kaga can still be found back at the Alexandria Institute at several points during the expeditions. Doing what exactly? Working resupply in one of her continual efforts to prove to herself she can do more than battle despite her own protests. In this capacity she can
be found in one of a two circumstances. ]

A:

[ The foxy KAN-SEN can be encountered on base working alongside the local personnel to load up a helicopter with food, water, and whatever else the other Outsiders might be running low on out in the field. She gets her hands dirty just like anyone else, using her enhanced strength to lift bundles the humans would have difficulty with, and more importantly directs the people in properly dispersing the loads in the aircraft. ]

Don't over do it, it's not a dedicated cargo carrier. If there's an emergency need we can use the other two to speed things up, until then I can take as many trips as needed. You-- [ She gestures to someone nearby with a clipboard, though her tone isn't unkind the poor guy still flinches. ] --is that the manifest for this trip? Give it here.

[ Doing as asked the nervous individual hands over the board and quickly retreats. Kaga barely registers, she's staring intently at the list, her metallic hand gripping her chin in thought. ]

Hmm... less energy drinks more water, I'd think. The food's already caffeinated, best not to overdo it out in the desert. Would someone mind gathering up some more?

[ Said to the surrounding area at large. Everyone's scrambling with something though. Help a girl out? ]

B:

[ Out in the desert where a group of Outsiders are traveling comes the unmistakable sound of rotors, moving quick and growing closer by the second. Before long the short lived sunlight is gleaming off the gold and blue metal of the incoming Sea Baron, the rotorcraft keeping a high enough altitude so as to not kick up unnecessary sand. It flies over the group and off ahead, starting to descend once it's clear of the Outsiders and their camels. By the time you catch up the rotors are dying down, having leveled off a respectable radius in the sand from their force. Kaga's already dismounted and has the side door open, holding a secure can of water in either hand. Her ever faithful companion nine tailed companion Kiko meanwhile is sitting comfortably in the cabin of the helicopter, taking full advantage of the climate control while keeping a lookout through the windows. She's helping! In her own way.

Kaga grunts as she steps down from the chopper, ears twitching agitatedly as the desert sun assaults her. ]

Don't just stand there, help unload what you need. You're not the only group out here you know.

C:

[ Did you get into a spot of trouble? Surrounded by ravenous sand crocs? Separated from the others and lost in the rolling dunes? Luck out so badly that you actually found quicksand? Never fear, send out a distress call and there's every chance it's Kaga's helicopter that comes hovering in to find you. The KAN-SEN who has low patience and almost no chill of course does the most unreasonable thing she can once above the position of the distressed party, leap from her aircraft and allow herself to fall close to the ground before making use of her own flight powers to hover a few feet from the sand, the fiery blue flight deck of her rigging floating lazily alongside her. She crosses her arms as she takes stock of the situation, ears giving an annoyed twitch. ]

Impressive mess you've gotten yourself into.

[ She's helping! ]

▶ 004. Camel By Camel:

[ All that support work doesn't mean Kaga isn't also taking the opportunity to get into the field herself. Though able to come to an understanding with the camel assigned to her she doesn't ride it herself, instead leaving her share of the supplies and Kiko to be carried by it, the fox shikigami reduced to the size of a normal fox to keep the camel's burden light. Kaga herself floats alongside the beast, her flight deck next to her, her attention only kind of half with the group. Out in the distance there's the sound of jet engines, she has her planes out there somewhere scouting and she's trying to piece some things together. ]

Another one...? Creator's sake, how many are out here in this damned wasteland?

[ She's talking to herself. At least while she may be passing up on the climate appropriate transit she's dressed for the desert, light colored light weight clothing that covers her completely from the sun (what little there is). Sure she's a KAN-SEN, but between the Rift energy and Creator knows what else she's not going to risk a sunburn, besides, she thinks she looks good in the flowing desert attire. She's allowed to dress cute now and again! ]

▶ 005.Record Files:

[ Memories! Those certainly are fun! What follows is a brief description of what horrors lurk in Kaga's mind alongside relevant CWs and or spoiler notices.

1, Sinking Feeling: An experience of Kaga's "first death", the sinking of the actual ship. CW:) War, Violence, Death, Drowning
2, Midway to Awakening: Kaga's "second death", a familiar sinking feeling into a bittersweet conversation with a long past ally. CW) Violence, Death. Spoilers) Azur Lane Event: Crimson Echoes.
3, Fallen Petals: Kaga's most recent memory from home, a desperate self sacrifice made for the sake of those she loves. CW) Death, Ritualistic Sacrifice, Minor Gore, Blood. Spoilers) Azur Lane Event: Whence Flowers Bear No Fruit.
4, Brașov: Kaga's first mission with the Outsiders, specifically the time she spent as one of the abductees within Castle Bram. CW) Drugging, Hallucinations, Mental Manipulation, Torture, Gore (limb removal), Vampirism, Blood Drinking, Blood.
5, Behold and Tremble: The immediate aftermath of Brașov, Kaga willingly and gleefully follows LILITH's orders to get her revenge. CW) Death, Gore, Civilian Death, Child Harm/Death (Possible, withheld on request), Aircraft Bombing Buildings, Hallucinations, Blood.

▶ 006. Wildcard:

[ Anything else you can think of throw it at me! If you'd like a custom starter I can swing that too! ]

001

[kidobutai]

Now, now, Kaga. There's no need for any of that hostility~!

[Akagi, naturally, pops up behind her dear sister, arms sliding over her shoulders and one hand moving to kind of... just... rest above her bust. Oh my.]

After all, I'm part of the group as well.

[So doesn't that mean that Akagi is one of these psychos!? Gasp, Kaga, how could you?]

[harboredfeelings]

[ Being do very, very used to Akagi's... Akaginess, Kaga is neither startled nor scandalized by her sister's antics. She just continues to be huffy about it. ]

There's plenty of need for it. I swear if that Sukuna bastard tries to smoke again I'm throwing him out the door myself...

[ While Kaga grumbles Kiko yawns lazily and nuzzles at her master's hand, earning the fox familiar scratching behind the ear that sees her further contented.

Kaga meanwhile leans back and turns a little to better face Akagi, she's borderline pouting. But like... Kaga's version of pouting, which mostly just looks like she's nebulously upset. ]

There's exceptions to every rule, we're the two for Brimstone. Guess LILITH though they needed competent people mixed in to keep an eye on the rest of these mad dogs.

[kidobutai]

Never mind him~. He's just a minor distraction after all, no need to give him any attention.

[After all, Kaga should just be concerned with focusing on Akagi~!

Like right now, turning her head to face her! The action is rewarded with Akagi moving a hand up to gently caress Kaga's cheek. Ah- she's so soft and sweet~! And that pout is too cute...!]

But it's sweet to call me an exception to that little rule. But... what would happen if I became a member of those "mad dogs". Do you feel like you would be able to handle me~?

[harboredfeelings]

Tsk.

[ That about sums up Kaga's feelings about Sukuna, yeah.

Familiar and embarrassing as Akagi's overt affections always are any awkward complaint dies in Kaga's throat before she can voice them. Ears at full attention her eyes take on a serious look as she meets Akagi's. ]

Don't even joke about that. [ She places her hand gently on Akagi's wrist, it's the metal one unfortunately due to their positions. ] That will not happen again. You're better now, Nee-sama, I won't let you slip away again.

[kidobutai]

Mm, how serious.

[Akagi, unfortunately, is still in a joking mood. It helps keep her awake and others on their toes (and awake).]

No need to worry, as sweet as it is that you are, I won't fall away.

[Another cheek rub follows, alongside a soft peck to Kaga's cheek.]

After all, I would hate to see those beautiful features of yours twist into worry and be creased with stress again. I would be absolutely beside myself if such a thing were to happen~.

[harboredfeelings]

N-nee-sama...! Control yourself...

[ Kaga, being Kaga, grumbles as she glances away from Akagi. Her face has of course gone bright red but she doesn't really pull away. She's used to this, just not so much amongst people that aren't KAN-SEN. ]

Besides, you're exaggerating again! My features are nothing compared to-- [ A pause, a huff, a shake of her head. ] A-anyway... the point is moot is it not? Stress is hard to come by with you here.

5.3

[newphew]

[ gimme ]

Spoilers) Azur Lane Event: Whence Flowers Bear No Fruit. CW)Death, Ritualistic Sacrifice, Minor Gore

[harboredfeelings]

[ The faithful have simply to ask and they shall receive the blessings from on high. Or something to that effect was Akagi Nee-sama's plan.

The two fox KAN-SEN stand before a great sakura tree, its twisted branches dead except for a dull red glow. Around them hundreds, perhaps even thousands of little blue lights make their way to the great guardian tree, sinking into the base of the trunk once they reach it.

Kaga knows them to be souls. Human souls, belonging to Sakurians, the very humans she and Akagi are meant to protect. Being used as fuel for a ritual to bring back Akagi's lost sister. ]

"Not enough... It's not enough..."

[ Akagi is talking to herself. Kaga can only watch from beside her, loyal as ever to her sister, there to take care of her like she promised to a lifetime ago. There's a tightness in the chest as Akagi continues to spiral, a deep rooted pain that holds into some long held insecurities.

Akagi will still do anything for Amagi. Kaga was never going to be enough. She protected Akagi from everything except herself, let her sister fall into this grief sick madness that now sees her bringing their entire nation to ruin. Something should be done, something must be done. ]

--"Kaga... You know her just as well as I do. That's why we're the perfect exchange for the final fragment of her soul... You must understand. As soon as this is over, Amagi will come back to us. So... Just come with me, okay?"

[ Wait... What...?! Is that what Akagi's plan has been? To offer herself both their souls to this corroded tree? Can she not see this ritual is doomed to fail? Does she not understand that Amagi would not want this? All Amagi ever wanted... was for Akagi to be safe.

Ah. A sinking feeling in the gut, a bitter sweet resolution starting to take hold. She knows what she has to do.]

Okay.

[ Kaga steps past Akagi, one hand slipping a jade broach onto her dear sister's person, the other clutching at the fox mask that once belonged to Amagi, the one that now marks Kaga as Akagi's sister. ]

Let's go, Akagi. To the final stage of this ritual.

[ In front of the great tree Kaga removes her mask and turns to Akagi, smiling. ]

From Naraka, down to the netherworld.

[ (cw; blood, minor gore) A dead branch pierces Kaga's chest. Blood drips from her mouth, painting it a vivid crimson.

Pain, pain through the entire body. The heart still beats thanks to damnable resilient KAN-SEN biology, keeping Kaga alive as she feels the tree begin to feed upon her very essence. Already she can feel it, the slipping at the edge of her mind, the promise of something far worse than a simple death.

Oblivion awaits. ]

Urgh... I thought I was ready for this... but it really hurts...

[ Akagi stares on in horror. That hurts even more, to see her like this. But it's the only way to bring her back to herself. The Sakura Empire needs Akagi far more than it needs Kaga. ]

"Kaga?! Why... Why do I have the ornament that Amagi gave you? You never let this out of your sight... Why is it on me now?! Why did you protect me?! Didn't we promise we'd go together?!"

I'm... enough on my own. It's only natural... for me to return what your sister gave me. Consider it her protecting you one more time.

[ Kaga's vision blurs and for a moment she no longer sees Akagi, another kitsune stands there. Smiling like always, her voice gentle yet somehow the strongest thing ever heard. ]

"And please take care of my sister, Akagi."

[ Kaga smiles, nods, and blinks. Amagi is gone, Akagi stands there still in shock, tears running down her face. Vaguely Kaga realizes her own face feels quite wet and not just from the blood she's been coughing out... is she crying too? How very unlike her. ]

I fulfilled my promise... dear sister...

[ The branches of the sakura tree begin to bloom with crimson red flowers. Kaga's body begins to slowly be drawn into the canopy of the great tree, her vision going dark, the world ending for her. Her heart is broken and not just from being pierced. In fulfilling the old promise to Amagi she's broken several she gave to Akagi to always be by her side, even more she's made to herself to find reconciliation with her estranged sister Tosa... no hope of that now.

But there's hope for a better future. One where Akagi is freed from her madness, the Sakura Empire stands strong, and the Sirens are defeated. This is what Kaga's given her life and very soul for, it's a price she'd gladly pay again given the chance. ]

[newphew]

[ hunter watches this play out with horror. something about the ritual reminds him of the draining spell, of watching those people die while belos was experimenting with sigils. the same thing that would happen to the entirety of the boiling isles. ]

[ but it's not the boiling isles. this is... he can only assume kaga's world, as he mutely watches this play out, a sick feeling of grief forming at the pit of his stomach. ]

[ he says nothing, only watches, even as akagi disappears -- sacrifices herself for kaga's sake. when it's over, he's still dumbfounded ]

[ is the real kaga anywhere around? did she witness this as well? ]

[harboredfeelings]

[ There's a really simple answer to both of Hunter's questions there.

And that would be Kaga's metallic fist slamming into the wall nearest to him as she bears down on the poor guy. Her ears and tails are all standing straight up, fur puffed out, and she's positively growling as she bears her teeth at him. (Hey guess who still has fangs from October? This gal! ) ]

What the hell did you do?!

[newphew]

[ he's obviously taken offguard by this, as it happens the second the memory ends and she's bearing down on him, and he flinches, initially, before his expression turns equal parts confused and stony ]

I didn't do anything! It just happened!

[harboredfeelings]

Like hell!

[ She slams her fist into the wall again, digging a deeper hole into it. ]

You were in my damn head! I felt you there. Give me a reason I shouldn't knock you around until you forget what you saw.

005.01

[the_fourteenth]

[Holds hands out]

CW:) War, Violence, Death, Drowning

[harboredfeelings]

[ Raidou finds himself thrust into a scene of absolute chaos. The ocean itself seems to be on fire, the sky is screaming, and the world shakes with the thunder of cannons. He's standing aboard one of these vessels, a proud wooden decked aircraft carrier. Who's guns chatter to fend off enemy planes even as her own take off to join the fight.

Nobody seems to notice him in all the chaos, not even the ship herself, but here's the thing. He can feel what the ship is feeling. The ocean parting before her bow, the sensation of the planes' wheels leaving the decking, and what's more? The fear. Not the ship's fear but the fear of the men who crew her, mixed with zealotry senses of duty. Far ahead in the sky there's a sudden flash of fire as one of the Kaga's zeroes goes up in flame, there's a spike in that fearful feeling alongside burning pain, then it's gone. Not the first time, it won't be the last. ]

June fourth, nineteen forty-two. Almost feels like it was yesterday.

[ The voice comes from behind Raidou. It's Kaga. She stands there whole, her crossed arms are both organic in nature, not a single sign of the injuries she received in Brasov on her body. She's watching the battle ahead of them

There's a whistling noise, a crash of a shell landing near the ship, metal on metal as shrapnel bounces off the hull. Kaga hisses in pain from that, clutching her side, then shakes her head. ]

But this isn't right. You weren't here. I wasn't either. [ Her ears pin flat against her head as she looks off to the side of where they stand on the flight deck, considering the metal tower of the ship's bridge. ] Well... not like this at least.

[the_fourteenth]

[This is so much to take in at once. Raidou isn't sure how or where to react first. His instinct is to grab his sword and defend those who need it, but it doesn't apply here. So instead, he feels frozen to the spot, eyes wide at the carnage the likes he's not seen outside a kaiju fight.

Kaga's voice brings him back down to focus.]

1942. 20 years past my own time.

[He'd done some reading up on the history between his own time and present-day Neo Tokyo, and even now, the World Wars feature heavily.]

You were there. This-- This is you.

[The ship, the planes, the weapons.

That's right, he wasn't there. He couldn't have been. So this has to be...]

A dream. Damnit. It really is happening again.

[Referring to the shared memories. You know he's mad when he drops an expletive.]

[harboredfeelings]

[ Kaga's ears twitch in surprise. ]

You can curse? Somehow I figured even trying would make you catch fire or something...

[ It's a compliment in a weird way. She respects and appreciates Raidou's usual demeanor, it's part of why he's one of the few Everlights she has nothing bad to say about.

She shakes her head and returns her attention to the skies, chewing her lip thoughtfully as she considers the location of the sun, tilts her head to better hear the sound of propellers in the distance. ]

It's about ten in the morning, Enterprise is about to enter things... this next part hurts.

[ She sighs the sigh of the long suffering and turns her attention back to Raidou ]

This ship isn't me, but she is. It's... complicated. This battle never happened in my world, or... well. It did but.. Ugh!

[ She makes a frustrated noise and rubs the back of her head, mussing up her hair. Everything about her world is a complicated mess. ]

It'll probably be easier if you explained why you're here. If you're here. I'm not entirely sure this isn't from me getting knocked in the head too hard.

[the_fourteenth]

What do you mean, it never--

[An explosion nearby cuts off that thought as he braces from it. He doesn't quite understand what Kaga is talking about, though. "Complicated" will have to do as an explanation for now, until they get out of this.]

I can't-- Either I'm having my most vivid or strange dream ever, or it's the kaiju. The worm. In Vegas. It did something like this too. Sharing our memories, forcing others to be there--

[He looks around at the chaos, unsure of what he's supposed to do. If there was anything he could do. This looks really bad.]

Or, you hit your head really hard. But I don't think I'm a figment of your imagination here. Please tell me you'd hallucinate about someone else in that case.

[A Raidou Joke™? At a time like this???]

[harboredfeelings]

Mmm, good point. If I'd been hallucinating it'd probably be Nyuu-chan and we'd be out to dinner...

[ She appreciates the Raidou Joke™ at least. That kind of humor is very much Kaga's speed and she's able to respond in kind. ]

The worm though? Yor-san mentioned it a few times. So we're likely dealing with a kaiju that can mess with our heads... bastard. How the hell do we--

[ Her question dies mid-sentence as her ears stand up straight, twitching in a direction. A few seconds later Raidou can hear it too, propellers, air screaming as something heavy dives through it. ]

--SBD Dauntless, Eagle Union. They're going to hit in about three minutes.

[ Boom! Boom! Boom! Two other carriers out in the wave are savaged by bombs, smoke rising from the vessels as they shake in the water. A pained expression crosses Kaga's voice as she eyes one of them, a soft "Nee-sama..." muttered between her teeth. And then. ]

... Shit! Two minutes left. MOVE!

[ She grabs Raidou under the arm and leaps off the deck of the IJN Kaga, floating off to the side of the ship just in time. Bombs hit the flight deck at the stern, midship, and aft exactly where the pair were standing. Screaming seems to issue from everywhere all at once, not just the rents in the ship's structure, and Kaga clutches at her chest with a hiss of pain. ]

F-five minutes... can you believe that? The entire battle decided by five lucky damn minutes.

[ There's a horrible burning feeling that Raidou gets to share in as if his very insides are lit on fire. Mostly because at this moment, Kaga's are. The ship becomes dead in the water, unable to continue her maneuvers, and that sensation from when the planes were destroyed earlier of something being lost comes in droves. ]

Akagi and Soryu are already dead too, they'll just linger. That bastard Yamamoto will have all of us scuttled. Killed by our own damn people... that's no way for a warrior or a ship to die..!

[ She coughs, her throat feels like its burning. What's worse, blood bubbles up past her lips. This is. Not a fun experience to go through again. ]

Nineteen hundred fifteen hours for Soryu, nineteen hundred twenty five hours for myself. Nee-sama fights the longest, it's not until the next morning that they decide to kill her. [ She clenches her fist as she stares at the destruction three stricken ships, uncaring of the aerial war still going on all around them. ] We should've at least been allowed to die at Enterprise's hands... what they did to us was sickening.

005.4

[egraegis]

[ gimme some chaos ]

CW) Drugging, Hallucinations, Mental Manipulation, Torture, Gore (limb removal), Vampirism, Blood

[harboredfeelings]

[AND ALSO CW) semi-nudity FORGOT ABOUT THAT ONE... it was a bad time)

[ Frustration, paranoia, and murderous anger. Those are the first sensations that are clear as Athrun is taken on a wander down the halls of memory. Or in this case the halls of some grandly appointed stone castle, lit by candles and torches, furnished like something out of a bad horror movie. Twenty Outsiders; that thought keeps going through over and over. Twenty Outsiders taken in the night because these damnable fools were so eager to accept there was nothing wrong with an idealistic town in the middle of nowhere. And now twelve of them have gone missing from the castle. Once Kaga's done killing every last fanatic in this place she's going to kick the asses of every Outsider who didn't end up getting grabbed!

That plan doesn't exactly work out. As she stomps through the halls, unaware of Athrun's presence by behind her, she gets jumped by a group of villagers. She fights as best she can but in the end she's overpowered, reduced to human strength there's little she can do when unarmed and outnumbered. The light catches against the thin metal of a syringe filled with some nebulous substance, soon jammed into Kaga's neck and introduced to her blood stream. The struggling and cursing slowly stops until she slumps down, either arm taken up by one of her attackers, and she proceeds to be dragged off towards the castle dungeons.

As she's taken away Kaga finally looks up to notice the observer, her eyes dulled by whatever concoction has been used to subdue her, but even in the haze she can recognize something... off. ]

You... I know you...

[ Everything goes dark, like a transition in a film. When the world comes back it's in the stereotypical dungeon one would expect from a gothic castle. Kaga is there chained up by her wrists, half suspended from the ceiling, her clothing fully ripped open at her back to expose her skin. There are two noticeable things about the state of her now, a large circular scar on the left side of her back from some form of puncture wound, and far more recent looking side by side pinpricks in her neck. She doesn't remember when she got bit, she likely wasn't even awake for that.

But she's awake for this. Red hot pain shoots through the memory as a cat o' nine tails is lashed across her back. The paddles on the whip have been cruelly enhanced, nails and glass embedded into the length of them. The modifications further allow the instrument to slice into her exposed skin, drawing out streaks of blood that weep down the length of her body as she screams in a combination of pain and anger. ]

I... I'll kill every last fucking one of you for this...!

"Enough of that now. Don't you realize how special you are? The Lord of the Forest chose you for a reason."

The damned forest will burn with you, assho-- AH!

[ Another lash. And another, and another. Sweat beads across Kaga's skin, mixing with the blood, the only sound her pained screams as she's given no chance to speak back up.

Which is why it's weird that there's a giggle from next to Athrun, someone's standing with him where he's observing this memory. It's Akagi! Kaga's sister! Except... she keeps flickering? Like bad static on the TV ]

Tsk tsk. Such a stubborn little sister I have, she really dragged this out far longer than was necessary. It's a little sad, is it not?

Re: CW) Drugging, Hallucinations, Mental Manipulation, Torture, Gore (limb removal), Vampirism, Bloo

[egraegis]

[Athrun doesn't know what to think, truly unused to such vivid dreams. He's had nightmares before, sure, but it's rare to experience anything so lucid. He tries to help when Kaga is attacked, of course, but whatever is affecting her seems to be affecting him as well. Either his blows pass right through them as if he's a ghost, or they glance off uselessly, his presence unable to affect what's happening here. When she is taken out with the syringe, his strength and consciousness fade with hers. And when she wakes to the pain, he is startled back to awareness, horrified by what he's witnessing.

Lord of the Forest? Pointless torture? And now some unknown woman giggling at him, resembling Kaga but clearly showing zero sign of wanting to do anything about this.

For Athrun, who would like nothing more than to pummel this person who's hurting her right in front of him, but can apparently do nothing at all despite his efforts, it's infuriating.]

What are you doing!? There's nothing funny about this! There has to be something we can do!

[harboredfeelings]

[ The very helpful Not!Akagi vanishes seemingly. Then there's a giggle right behind Athrun, hands on his shoulders as she leans forward and rests her chin on his shoulder as well. ]

Ara ara~ You are a sweet one aren't you? There's plenty funny about this, she ends up enjoying it by the end after all. Besides, this has already happened. So don't worry your pretty little head over it.

[ The horrid scene in front of them continues to play out of course. Another strike across Kaga's back brings out a feral sound of pain, meanwhile her tormentor's voice remains sickeningly gentle. ]

"Come now, come now. You've been chosen, you're special. All the Lord of the Forest asks is for your devotion."

A-all you... f-fanatics are going to get is me ripping off your damn heads!

[ She's trying, bless her. Despite the fact her breathing comes in ragged gasps and her body is covered in a feverous sweat Kaga really is putting up a good fight. Which is probably why what happens next happens.

Another robbed and hooded cultist comes from the shadows, a syringe in hand. Kaga's eyes go wide, obvious terror mingled with disgust floods through her and by extension Athrun. She struggles with renewed desperation, kicking her feet, pulling at her arms so hard she can feel skin rubbing raw from the harsh metal. She doesn't care, she'll break her damn hands if she has to--

And then she's injected. It burns. It burns through her entire being and has her scremaing, her head thrown back as a noise of sheer agony echoes in the little dungeon. The pain from the fire burning through her veins is added to when the whipping continues. Sickeningly enough the sensation of her own blood flowing down her back is almost a relief, the freed red liquid is somehow cooler than her own body at this point.

"Akagi" vanishes once more, flickering into existence at Athrun's opposite side, barely containing another giggle. ]

This was good for her, you know. Poor little Kaga wouldn't have found herself if not for the helping hand these people gave her.

[egraegis]

[....

Welp. Even if it already happened, even if it's pointless, even if it changes nothing and helps no one.

Athrun spins around and takes a swing at her. If he can't punch her, maybe he can at least try to chase her illusion and her mockery away from the both of them.]

Shut up!

[This woman is seriously getting on his nerves. Not as much as the ones hurting Kaga, but he hasn't been able to hurt them, either. It's just- infuriating. He hates being powerless, when others around him are suffering. He hates being unable to do a damned thing to help.]

Kaga! If you can hear me, if you can see me- you're not alone! Keep fighting!

[harboredfeelings]

Oh my~!

[ "Akagi" is indeed unpunchable, being not real and unable to actually hurt anyone. Athrun's fist goes through thin air as a disembodied voice giggles at him, but hey at least she's gone!

Kaga's ears twitch as she looks around for the source of all the commotion. For someone who's been beaten and drugged she's still remarkably sharp, she looks more pissed then anything else. Once she notices Athrun that pissed look gives way to a confused one. ]

Athrun-kun...? Wait... wait. I'm--

-- not alone, dear sister~ I'm right here.

[ There's that "Akagi" again, this time in front of Kaga. She gently takes hold of Kaga's chin and directs the bound kitsune to look at her. ]

It's okay. The Lord of the Forest called me here to speak to you. You're precious, you know? And he needs you... and that arm of yours~

Oh... oh Creator damn it. This isn't real.

[ Kaga's response is flat and cold, her eyes narrowing as she wrenches her face from "Akagi's" grasp and looks back over at Athrun. ]

You. If you tell anyone about this I'll burn your tongue out, understood?

Now now, let's not go off scri--

Shut it. I've had enough of your shit to last another two lifetimes.

[ Akagi huffs and snaps her fingers, the world goes dark for both Athrun and Kaga.

Then there's light again, they're back in the corridors of the castle. Athrun's apparently taking an active role in the proceedings this time because he starts standing right next to Kaga, her arm over his shoulder. They're clearly headed somewhere but Kaga's footsteps stop dead, her ears suddenly pinned flat. ]

Ugh. This part.

[ Is that the sound of revving chainsaws coming from a door down the hall? Whatever it is she clearly doesn't like it, as she leans herself against Athrun it's hard to hide the fact she's shaking. ]

You're not too bothered by blood, are you? [ Asks the woman who's still bleeding liberally from her ruin of a back. A little late for that question.] I hope not at least... I don't think we get out of this situation without playing it to its conclusion.