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๐š‚๐šข๐š—๐š๐š•๐šž๐šก ๐™ผ๐š˜๐š๐šœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-04-13 09:43 pm

KAIJU FIGHT #7

KAIJU FIGHT #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: death, mummies, quicksand, organ harvesting, nightmares, gun violence, survival scenario

โ–ถ 001. EGYPTIAN DINNER.




As the days go on, more and more evidence begins to show that the kaiju is, indeed, hiding out somewhere deep within the desert, approximately in the West area around the Qattara Depression. LILITHโ€™s crew embarks first with all of their supplies to set up a temporary base in the ruined city of El Alamein, a small city at the edge of the desert. Outsiders are requested to wait there until further instructions, and this temporary base will be a safe haven if things get too treacherous. After all, even after all of their research, who knows what this monster is capable of doing?

Once the base is set up, Outsiders will move out, either on their camel or other means they may have to arrive at the base. The days continue to grow shorter, nighttime beginning to descend as early as 3 PM. Outsiders will also be highly recommended to consume the cyber caffeine once again as its effects from the plane ride are beginning to wear off. To their surprise, when the Outsiders arrive, a large buffet of Egyptian food will be waiting for them. Koshari, shawarma, falafel and Egyptian stew will be served. All fresh and natural ingredients! Everyone settle in and dine togetherโ€ฆ it could be the last meal you have.

LILITH suggests waiting until there is more sunlight before they hunt down the kaiju. Outsiders can rest, but do not sleep! Maybe wait for the sunrise together? Find other ways to kill some time? Maybe there are new Outsiders that would like to know about the previous kaijus? As the sun begins to rise, it paints the most beautiful sunrise that maybe Outsiders have ever seen. Were some of those new colors in the sky? How romantic.

โ–ถ 002. QUICK AS SAND.

After the sun rises, Outsiders and LILITH prepare to leave the temporary base and head further towards the Qattara Depression. The trek starts out pretty easy, but the geography soon gets more and more dangerous, leading into what seems to be a large crevice in the Earth. Captain Yamakawa gives a report once the Outsiders have reached this area:

โ€œAngels of LILITH, we have evidence that this area is filled with many sand crocodiles. We have supplied everyone with more shotguns and ammo, but use any other means to keep yourself safe. We have received evidence that the kaiju is in this general area. Keep alert! Who knows what sorts of powers it possesses that we may not know about!โ€


While itโ€™s true that the area does contain many sand crocodiles popping out and spitting embers, there is no sight of any other kaiju. Yet, all evidence points to the fact that it is here. The rift energy is immense in this location, and those exposed may be hit with nightmares, bad memory sharing or a weakness to sunlight. As characters move along, following Yamakawaโ€™s lead on her camel, those with keen hearing will detect it before anyone else: moaning, groaning. Sounds of agony, all coming from beneath them. It gets louder, causing Yamakawa to halt. But as soon as everyone stops, they will feel the ground start to sink beneath them.

Itโ€™s quicksand!

Yamakawa and any other Outsiders who may have been traveling close with her will soon be engulfed by the sand, first taking the camels by their legs. Itโ€™s never good to panic while in quicksand, and Yamakawa remains calm as ever, but if anyone tries to pull her and others out, she will say,

โ€œThis is itโ€ฆ This is how we get down below. The kaiju is under us! Angels of LILITH, hold your breathโ€ฆ Let the sand consume you if you wish to go further with me!โ€


As characters vanish beneath the sand, they will see that Captain Yamakawa is correct — the quicksand leads to a hidden, ruined city beneath the Qattara Depression: a perfect lair for a kaiju who is sensitive to sunlight. Outsiders slowly fall and hit the rocky ground not-so gently, heaps of sand flowing after. Rub it from your eyes and remove it from your ears to marvel at a city that time has forgotten.

In the middle of the ruins, there is a large temple. Itโ€™s time to find that kaiju!

โ–ถ 003. TOMB RAIDER

The inside of the ruins are dark and mostly devoid of natural sunlight. However, there does occasionally seem to be flickers of light, as the sand above them runs fluidly across where the sky would be, almost like water. Due to the lack of visibility, Outsiders will need to utilize their LILITH-provided equipment or find other methods or sources for light. Everyone will have access to a flashlight, but there will also be abandoned torches nearby should anyone really want to impersonate Indiana Jones here. Once they arrive deeper in, they will see some of the torches spark to life, operated by a mysterious technology.

It's clear that these ruins were made for the sole purpose of housing the temple at its center, which appears to also be a type of tomb. There's a certain silent reverence to it, as it naturally demands respect. Or, it's the ominous presence of the sand crocodiles slithering about in the sands. The crocodiles can be lurking under any surface of sand, and so Outsiders will be cautioned and asked to be on the lookout, not only for themselves, but their fellow teammates.

If the crocodiles weren't alarming enough, as one enters the tomb itself, they will discover several booby traps awaiting them. If one steps carelessly, they'll find themselves at the other end of a vicious trap — some are triggered by stepping on the wrong stone, or grabbing a nearby torch. Some are even activated just by making eye contact with the wrong painting on the wall. If Outsiders feel any vibrations, they will get warnings on their oculars that a boulder may be swiftly approaching! Run and seek an alcove to hide in!

For those who are savvy with dismantling traps, they will find that some of them do have workarounds if you know the right methodology behind each one. As for if they will be given the time for it, that's another story, but maybe another Outsider can do the honors of triggering it while another suppresses it?

People should also do their best not to be drawn by some of the treasure or gems that are placed into several of the rooms with tombs. Picking up even one sliver of gold, or a gem will cause the mummies to reanimate. The mummies have an ability to produce sounds that can render people unconscious, or even cause their inner eardrums to bleed. While they are slow moving, they are also incredibly persistent, and as they're already technically dead, get on the wrong side of one and you may be stuck with it following you around. Fire seems to slow them down pretty effectively, as well. Should you be stuck with an aggressive one, however, it will do everything it can to try and harvest your organs. Completely dismembering them will un-alive them again.

Outsiders will get a notice when the rift energies increase in intensity as they traverse deeper within the tomb. Unexpectedly, it isn't the end of the tomb they're being led to, but the center of it.

โ–ถ 004. HEART OF THE TOMB.

At the very center, the first thing everyone will notice is the rift. The rift effects will be strongest in this area. Thankfully, unlike the kaiju in Transylvania, everyone will still have full access to their abilities. One thing that can be noted, however, is that the rift energy may feel stronger than before, and Outsiders may feel an odd tingle that can be felt even through their suits. They may also find that if their attention strays for too long, they can feel their limbs go a little numb, so this battle will require all their focus.

While there are rift effects, hopefully that doesn't get in the way of anyone's performance. Especially as it doesn't take long for the kaiju to kick itself into gear.


โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Kabus
HEIGHT: 3 m
WEIGHT: 10 T
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Qattara, Egypt
ABILITIES: Shortens daylight, infiltrates a being's consciousness and body through their dreams to stop their heart.
WEAKNESSES: Ice, water, sunlight, any symbols that reflect "light" or "life".
EXTRA NOTES: This is a kaiju that has never been documented by LILITH beforeโ€”not much information can be provided. Proceed with extreme caution.
RIFT EFFECTS: Bad memory share, weakness to sunlight, nightmares.

โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ ATTACHED PHOTO: SEE ABOVE


This kaiju is capable of trapping people in nightmares and illusions, as well as sharing them. In addition, by looking its target in the eyes, itโ€™s capable of causing them to feel intense fear to the point of paranoia. These effects can last even when no longer in the presence of the Kabus. The Kabus uses the disorientation caused by its abilities to render its victims incapable of fighting back, and uses its dark and inky black tendrils to trap its victims. The tendrils cannot be cut, and almost appear illusory as well.

The mummies also seem to be working in tandem with the Kabus and will gradually make their appearance in this deepest region of the tomb. However, they seem less aggressive and are far more interested in grabbing, or biting down on Outsiders to decrease their overall mobility, especially if they fall under the Kabus nightmares.

Unlike the permanent rift in Tokyo, LILITH will eventually send in help by blocking off some rift signals, enough to eventually get them shut down. Without the power of the rift, the Kabusโ€™ power will also begin to dwindle, which hopefully all the Outsiders take full advantage of.

โ–ถ 005. AFTERMATH

It's an intense fight, and Kento Nanami along with Cagalli deliver the hardest blows with 600 HP each, the monster grows weaker. It somehow knows it is about to die, though, especially when Choso's toxic blood poisons it. It's spiteful, seeking revenge for the pain it is feeling, and when it is attacked again, it lashes out, temporarily blinding Power and releasing a deafening screech to disorient Rico. The final blow is delivered by Muramasa, and when it dies, it speaks to him, something inaudible but it sounds like it is speaking in Arabic. It dissipates into sand, and LILITH encourages Outsiders to round up the sand for further evaluation. From the looks of it, though, it appears to be nothing special.

When the Kabus is eventually defeated, Outsiders will have a pocket of time in which they must make their escape before the tomb is completely buried in sand. Perhaps, without the kaiju there, the structure is no longer stable. If Outsiders donโ€™t want to be buried in sand, they will have to make their escape swiftly.

... But not without gathering samples: Outsiders will be prompted to collect as many samples as they can. Some of these samples will be given over to the research institute, but the researchers of LILITH also feel like they could find a use in the sand and bloody bandages that the lynx left behind.

The Outsiders and LILITH crew escape successfully, moments before the underground is filled with sand. They high trek it back to the Alexandria Institute, where they are greeted with something that Outsiders have probably been craving.. along with crowds cheering, some falling to their knees in gratitude, LILITH & the Outsiders are provided the following before flying back to Neo Tokyo:

Free lodging at the most comfortable hotels with the most comfortable beds. Finally, they can rest easily and as much as they want to without the threat of the kaiju around! It takes one full day cycle for daylight and night time to return to normal, and after a long, sleep.. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to sleep as much as they would like because they deserve it.

Right when they close their eyes, though, one more message flashes across their oculars. It's been awhile since Outsiders have heard from their robotic-tentacled Commander. After all of that, he has a few words. On voice, he speaks, but then he also sends a text message:

โ€œ... Good job. Most impressive."

...๐Ÿ‘


- Medical staff will be on standby.

- Effects from the kaiju can last 24-48 hours to fully dissipate. (Note: This is up to players how they want to play this out. It could also come and go, so it does not affect their ability to play in any other aspect of the game in the meantime).

- As Outsiders were able to discuss and piece together some clues: they were able to rendezvous with the lynx in the desert and collect a hefty amount of samples (sand from the lynx, bloody bandages from the lynx, mummy parts.) Some of these samples will be used for medicine, while others for their suit. While Greece is still unresponsive, it may just be because of the rifts.

- LILITH will offer the energy drinks freely to those who want them. However, since it seems like some Outsiders get carried away, there will be a daily cap of two.

- The ESSENCE generator shows signs of working again, now with all aspects of the rift gone (the rift itself and the kaiju.)

- There will now be a simulation option once Neo Tokyo base reopens to mimic traps, so people can practice avoiding them. Even the ones with random screaming being used to lure people in. (They canโ€™t believe this works).

โ–ถ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our seventh kaiju log!

Aftermath details were gathered from reading through the chat logs of the last post and from IC discoveries and explorations that took place in which unearthed the location of the Kabus.

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


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. EGYPTIAN DINNER: Investigative efforts and careful research has led to the Outsiders next location. They are moved out from the comfort of their temporary base and are now having their last supper before they head out to the hunt.

2. QUICK AS SAND: They encounter more foes in the desert in the form of sand crocodiles. Everyone is provided weapons and ammo to hold these creatures back and minimize initial damages to the team. However, it seems the one of their biggest mysteries get solved. It's quicksand! .... and it looks like there's a lot more to unearth beneath them.

3. TOMB RAIDER: Outsiders arrive at the entrance of the tomb. Once in it, they are prey not only to the sand crocodiles, but the various booby traps set out for them. They will also encounter mummies which seem to be reanimated or powered by the kaiju.

4. HEART OF THE TOMB: Outsiders will find the kaiju at the heart of the tomb. As the preliminary report states, the kaiju infiltrates a being's consciousness and body through their dreams to stop their heart. Outsiders will need to be wary of this fact while battling the kaiju.

5. AFTERMATH: Recap of the usual aid provided to Outsiders. As well as some thoughts and details moving forward as a result of investigative efforts and details noted from prior log.

gilgamess: (smilleeee)

[personal profile] gilgamess 2025-04-23 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Is that what you assume?

[ ... well, Gilgamesh can see how his response might have given that impression, actually. ]

No, certainly, I have no objection to humans. I was created to guide and look out for them, in fact. But much of what I have encountered that could be described as a "monster" was kin to the human race, coming from some similar primal origin. Had your word been "gods," I might also have had "humans" as an association, though the two do not co-exist equally -- yet in both cases, it is a complex relationship.

[ Well, maybe that explanation helps. Or maybe not. He could have also said "Humbaba." Even his friend had been called a "monster." But enough of that. ]

Yes, indeed. Let us proceed from my word. What does it call to mind, for you?
thefinalpower: (POWER15)

[personal profile] thefinalpower 2025-04-24 12:53 am (UTC)(link)
Hello! belated question, but what would happen if Power tried to taste some of the kaiju's blood in the aftermath of the fight?
misclassed: FANART; <user name="misuko_mm" site="twitter.com"> (โ˜ธ 097)

youve commited a classic blunder: leaving me more than 8 hours to get home from work and reply

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-24 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ sigh. ]
misclassed: FANART; <user name="no7star" site="twitter.com"> (โ˜ธ 094)

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-24 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ Now, Muramasa steps up alongside Yuji and scruffs him on the top of his head. Peak grandpa motion, despite Yuji having an extra two inches in height on him. ]

See? Don't worry so damn much about what other people do! If you know you can solve a problem in front of you like that, just do it!
misclassed: FANART; <user name="misuko_mm" site="twitter.com"> (โ˜ธ 105)

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-24 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ And just as fast, the scruff turns into a ruffle of his hair. ]

Good work.
misclassed: MANGA; SHIMOSA. (โ˜ธ 047)

done.

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-24 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ He releases Yuji and resumes making his way back down the hall. Thankfully, they've already covered this ground, so it's not like there's any point in being careful. ]
Edited (i was not having two tags in a row start with the same phrase i know i said this thread was a threat but i have limits to how lame i can get, surely) 2025-04-24 02:45 (UTC)
wwtd: calm, sad (yeah i'm stupid)

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ it looks like she's been struck. for the best.

everything else means all the other hints at what he's been through that she's heard and read about, doesn't it? that glitch-out some time ago. about that sukuna - as if she needed the warning. about curses. about shibuya. maybe he's right.

still, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't see her grandmother dying as for the best. even if she were here, now. so maybe she's selfish? but it's clear yuji loved his grandfather as much as she loved her grandmother. ]


... I meant, what can I do for you?
wwtd: happy, blush (happy)

๐Ÿฅš๐Ÿฅš๐Ÿฅš

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 02:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ right back at him. he doesn't deserve her frustration or her sadness. but -

also.

it's yato. ]


Mmm, I did manage to kick his ass a little bit once. If I remember right.

[ or tried her best to. see chapter 81. then, there was that time she DID kick his ass when he was going up against heaven.

though she shakes her head at his apology, sighing, fiddling with his hand more with her throat feeling dry so her laugh is a bit hoarse after he says she always knows the right thing to say because she's a doctor. not even close. ]


Some doctors have horrible bedside manner. I've seen it. There are times I don't know what to say at all to some people, either. I think it's just... because it's you. Cheering up her husband is what a wife is supposed to do, right?
intertwinedfates: talk smile (229)

๐Ÿฃ๐Ÿฃ๐Ÿฃ

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
[Frustration comes with the territory when it comes to Yato, huh. He'll take all her sadness, though, if it'd make her feel better.]

--oh? You actually tried to go up against him and--

[He was going to say "he did nothing to you", but... they both know what happened with the hospital, and he has an idea of what's going to occur in his future:

Hiyori's going to die.

All because of him. It's enough to make his face pale and for his stomach to turn. He has to swallow the lump in his throat before he can even attempt to speak again, and when he does, it's strained, like her voice.]


You're a model doctor, though... Nobody can argue that much. [That part comes out quietly as he cups a trembling hand over hers and gives her a strained smile.] ...heh. Yeah, that's true. For better or worse, right? That's how it goes, isn't it? Or something like that. We still need to write our marriage vows...
intertwinedfates: talk happy (151)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 03:18 am (UTC)(link)
[It's made even more complicated back home where he needs human wishes to survive, making his acceptance of his father's will all the more necessary. Here, at least, he's free to follow a different path. But a millennia of living a certain way doesn't just fall away easily.]

...no, I suppose not. All my life I've wanted friends like I have now, here, and yet I kept driving everyone away out of fear they would get hurt. I-- I guess I don't have to do that now.

[It isn't as though his father's wish is his wish, after all.

Glancing at his hands as they flex, Yato finally finds it in himself to genuinely smile.]


You might be right. I love to create things - be it drawing, or weaving, or sewing. These hands don't just take, do they...?

[It's certainly a way he's never quite looked at things before, because of everything his father had repeated to him throughout the ages, over and over again until it seemed like hard facts.]

Kick off the study of godly natures, huh? I kinda like the idea of that. Just-- do my own thing, damn what my nature is supposed to be, and damn what my father raised me to do. I mean, hell, who'd think a God of Calamity could love, right? If I'm capable of that, I should be capable of anything just about.
intertwinedfates: shrine happy anime blush (so blessed)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
[Then him and Hiyori can be the debt duo!! There may be a cheaper way, although it could be a one-way trip, whoops.]

Hehe... I'm glad and honored to hear that. Because know that I would trust you with mine.

[...y'know what? That's fair. He probably would embellish it with some rather... interesting "facts". But yay! Smiles all around!]

Definitely! You're always welcome to visit for whatever reason, or none at all! We should have drinks some time! Or tea, even! Though I wouldn't mind being rescued by you again. Being caught in your strong arms was kinda nice.

[In a strictly platonic way! Even if he's a terrible flirt sometimes. Thankfully his pride is such that it won't be wounded by having her come to his aid, either hero-style or just for advice.]
intertwinedfates: surprise (97)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Those pants are certainly doing a better job than Yato's tracksuit pants, which are sagging to the point he almost looks like a damn delinquent or wannabe hip teenager. Thankfully he tucks his pants into his boots, too, otherwise all his goodies would be pouring out and making him into a crying mess. As is, he's still running kind of awkwardly in a vain attempt to keep as much treasure as possible from just jangling out of his bulging pockets.

Breathing just a bit harder than normal once they stop, he gazes up where Katsuki indicates, then lets out a groan, crouching over with his hands on his knees. It's one thing to get himself up there, but quite another to make sure everyone makes it.]


Doesn't that just fucking figure. [Taking a few more breaths, he heaves himself back upright and scans the ceiling for any signs of trapdoors or other possible exits. ....no such luck from a quick survey, but it's tough to tell from down here.]

Maybe we could collapse part of the ceiling behind us so the sand piles up and creates a ramp? Or d'you think that'd just bury us completely before we could climb it?
stonehearts: ๐Ÿฆš fanart โ†’ <user name="clam154" site="twitter.com"> (pic#17335327)

[personal profile] stonehearts 2025-04-24 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
( Fool, Ratio says, and Aventurine can't help but give a soft, amused huff at that. Typical Veritas Ratio, and Goddess does Aventurine love him. He brings Ratio's hand, clasped in his, to his mouth to press a kiss against his knuckles. To feel the warmth and know that the man he adores is still alive. )

Ratio. We've worked together long enough that you should know my luck is as real and true as anything. Are you saying I should, what? Pre-empt it?
wwtd: sad, worry, calm (guilt)

๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ—

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 07:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ sharing it should be enough. hopefully. once she works up to it. it's not easy being vulnerable, he should know that. when you're tired? she's afraid of snapping at him on accident.

and - yeah. it's not like she won. much to her annoyance. what an asshole. ]


I'm just doing my best, Yato. [ the praise does make her smile, as best as she's able. she squeezes his hand back.

for better or worse. something like that. ]


... We do. [ her gaze drops to the table and she clenches his hand harder, lips curling in to hold back her wobbling lips, the smile struggling to stay in place.

it's pretty obvious she's moments away from tears. ]
intertwinedfates: sad frown (209)

I WAS GONNA DO THAT BUT THOUGHT IT WAS TOO MEAN LMAO

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[Oh yeah, it's something he knows all too well, hence him not being one to push, except by accident like at Capyper Land.

Fuck that guy with a rusty fork!!]


I know. That's what's so admirable about it. You give it your all, all the time... I don't think I could handle it. [Right now, any smile is a good smile, except for ones that are forced or verging on tears, like she's currently expressing.

Suddenly, he's up and around the table, arms coming around her shoulders in a loose hug in case that's not what she wants.]


...what is it, Hiyori? What's bothering you?
wwtd: sad (AND EVERY TIME I TRY TO FLY I FAAALLLL)

DKLGJDG ILL DO IT FOR BOTH OF US

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ how times change.

funnily enough, it's exactly what she wants. she looks up in shock as yato's out of his seat and putting his arms around her in record time. she nearly spills everything right then and there, reaching up and holding onto his forearms.

one thing at a time. ]


I - I'm fine. [ she's not. ] I'm fine, it's just...

Ishmael left. She was one of my bridesmaids, and she said she had never been to a wedding before. I was so happy to be able to share that experience with her. [ a sad, small, watery laugh. ] And then, of course, I had to make Ereshkigal my Maid of Honor. She's been in the Underworld her whole life, so I was happy to share something so important with her. My family couldn't be here, Yama and Ami couldn't. Yukine-kun couldn't! But - !

But now... now she's gone. She's disappeared. I failed both of them. I shouldn't have said I wanted to wait. It's my fault. We should've gotten married as soon as possible...

[ there. tears slip down her cheeks, but she reaches up to try and hurriedly wipe them away. ]
intertwinedfates: hiyori (143)

WINNER WINNER BABY CHICK DINNER ๐Ÿ”

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
[And yet the more things change, the more some things stay the same. Like Yato being weak to Hiyori's tears. That will never change.

Once he's certain that physical comfort is what she wants, he holds on tighter, resting his chin upon the crown of her head before placing a kiss right to the part in it. He maybe be new to being a romantic partner, but he knows what he'd want: the warm embrace of someone he trusts.]


It's okay if you're not, you know... [It's said softly, in the space between her reasserting that's she's fine when clearly she isn't. He gives her a minute to get it all out, waiting silently to hear what's bothering her so much. Only then does her dare to try formulating an answer.]

Hiyori... There's no failure, here. Only unfortunate circumstances. There's no way you could've known that anything would happen to those two... And it's not your fault. You did what you thought was right and what was best for you, and frankly that's all I want. For you to do whatever you need to in order to be happy. You wouldn't have felt right rushing into marriage, yeah? So I don't think hurrying would've been good for you.

[Again, he kisses her head and gives her a gentle squeeze, hugging her to his front.]

Ishmael might be gone, but... we don't know about Eresh. She might've gotten lost in the escape. Let's... let's give it a bit of time, yeah? We can wait. However long you want. However long you feel is right, okay? Meanwhile we'll keep looking for her until something turns up.
harboredfeelings: (25)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-04-24 08:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ She 100% lands weirdly on him, legs straddling him, their faces maybe a little too close.

Unsurprisingly Kaga's ears and tails proceed to puff out and stand on edge as she slaps Donnie right across the face. ]


Bastard...! [ Very quickly she pushes herself up to her feet and... kicks him in the leg. Yeah, sorry Donnie. ] How dare you...? I should burn your damn fingers off you... you...!

[ While Kaga fumes, Kiko has also made her way down with them. The shikigami sits off to the side ignoring the kerfuffle that's unfolding, absently scratching her head with one of her hind legs in that way that dogs and foxes tend to do. ]
harboredfeelings: (42)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-04-24 08:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ Kaga simply nods at Ereshkigal's refusal, not really one to push the issue if it's not a thing someone's interested in (Unless it's someone she feels like messing with). The flask slips back into wherever Kaga was storing it as she speaks up. ]

Don't do that.

[ Her tone is firm but not unkind. She's used to seeing people put the burdens of others on their shoulders when said shoulders are already straining to keep up with the weight someone's own life has given them. Hell, Kaga's probably so familiar with it because she's usually that person.

Hypocrite that she is she's not about to let someone else wear themselves down. ]


No one is going to thank you for acting like things don't bother you, especially not anyone that gives a damn for you. They'll be more concerned than anything.

[ Spoken with the authority of experience. She gives Ereshkigal's shoulder a little tighter of a squeeze. ]

So if you're not alright, that's okay. [ Her metallic hand gently touches under Ereshkigal's chin, tilting her face back up so they can look eye to eye. Maybe a little improper but all of Kaga's pep talk experience comes from Akagi. ] You're allowed to count on other people too from time to time.
wwtd: calm, sad (follower)

delicious ๐Ÿคค

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ it's okay if she's not, yeah, but this feels

shitty. because she's tired and sad and there's nothing she can do about any of it but cry in front of yato.

there may be no failure, but she still feels like one. there is no way she could've known, but she should've said 'fuck it' and gotten married because she knows how this place works. nothing is permanent. what if it wasn't ereshkigal or ishmael that left? what if it was yato?

just because she wanted to call him her fiancee for a bit longer. just because she wanted to enjoy being engaged for a bit longer. just because she wanted to take her time and enjoy planning instead of rushing.

she tried to do what she needed to be happy and it's like it didn't matter.

but- ]


No. [ a great big sniff. ] I wouldn't have felt right rushing into it. You're right...

[ as much as she wants to hold out the hope that ereshkigal will come back, hope is hard to hold on to when it's been one blow after another. she's been able to pick herself back up and keep fighting, every time. only in front of yato does she break a little because he can put her back together.

better here to break, where she's safe, than anywhere else. even brasov hadn't kept her down for long.

hiyori buries her face in his chest, inhaling deeply and trying to find equilibrium again. he sends her off kilter a little, saying they can wait. she pulls back a little to look up at him, eyes wet and brow furrowed. ]


But... what if you leave? What if I...
intertwinedfates: smile anime (new self)

om nom nom chicken nuggets ๐Ÿ˜ˆ

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 09:15 am (UTC)(link)
[If that's what she needs to feel a modicum of relief from her grief, then so be it. He isn't about to judge her for needing an outlet, and even if she wanted to take it out on him, he would let her after everything they've been through.

The only answer is that there is no good answer. Given the transient nature of this time and place, there isn't any answer that would've been definitively right. It's just a matter of getting Hiyori to understand that in the hopes of absolving some of her guilt.

Not that he has any right to try, given his own guilty conscience. But damn if he isn't going to give it a go for her sake. Everything is for her sake and yet still she's suffering. It makes him feel so fucking useless. What good is a husband if he can't ease his wife's pain?

Except this isn't about him. He has to remember that much.]


See...? It's okay that you did what you felt appropriate and necessary for your happiness. It's okay, Hiyori.

[He understands. Heavens does he understand. His own life has been one shitty happening after another thanks to his dad, and it only ramped up once he met Hiyori. The problem is he doesn't really know how to make things better. He's never managed to do so for himself, so how can he possibly help her...?

Hopefully talking will be of some benefit. It's not something he has a lot practice with either, but it's something he can do.

That and hold her close, gently rocking them back and forth in a slow, hopefully soothing manner. Sometimes Sakura had held him similarly and no less tenderly, and it always made him feel better.

When she glances up at him, he manages a smile before kissing her forehead.]


You said you met me again, yeah? Then I'll marry you when we get home. I may have to wait ten years to do so, but I will have you as my bride. You can guarantee it. I love you too much to let you go.
curingidiocy: https://x.com/quattro__01/status/1849013162370343011 (unhappy2)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-24 09:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ While Aventurine isn't entirely convinced yet, Ratio is happy to see him amused, if only because it means he's calming down from his panic and should be able to think more clearly. ]

Your luck may be real, but the toll? Less so, in my opinion.

[ He closes his eyes to think, or at least try to. He can't remember what Aventurine has told and shown him through shared memories of the losses he's been dealt. It has been a lot, but most have happened only during a specific period of his life. ]

Compared to that luck, how often has the toll been paid? If your fortune comes at a price, why didn't it come for me when I was, though only a colleague then, the person closest to you? Why didn't it come for me when I confessed months ago, if it was waiting for a suitable target?

[ He stops for a moment to catch his breath, head somewhat dizzy. Oh, he really shouldn't be talking this much should he? But he continues to talk, aware that his words are starting to make less and less sense. ]

You do not have proof that it still exists, now that you have risen to the position of Aventurine. Perhaps a lifetime's worth of fortune has already been paid in your losses. You cannot know what your so-called curse demands from you, if anything. And even if it still demands from you, you should have the power to stop it, as a Stoneheart. None of them died to an accident, correct?

[ He grips onto Aventurine's hand as desperately as he can, though given his current state, he can hardly muster the strength. ]

...I won't stop you, if you truly want to leave. If you've lost affection for me, because I was foolish and didn't protect myself from injury, knowing how you feel about that curse of yours. But I cannot accept you leaving because you are afraid that your luck will kill me. I refuse.

[ He clings onto Aventurine with all the might of a man recovering from near-death. If Aventurine left now... he wasn't a weak-willed man by any means, but how long could he go on experiencing battle, injury and trauma without him as an anchor? Nearly a year has passed here, and he already feels so tired of it all. ]
wwtd: happy, blush ([redacted])

chimkin

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 09:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ nonono. no taking it out on yato. he does enough dumb shit that she DOES need to get on his case for. this is just hiyori being upset. not because of him.

and he's good even if it can't ease her pain every time. as long as he's here, he makes things more bearable. that's why she didn't want to let it get to her.

it did, anyway. she let it.

yet yato says it's okay. it's okay. right now, it doesn't feel okay but she knows he's right. it's not really her fault but god damn it feels like it.

if shitty things kept happening when he met her, though... maybe she should let him go...? if only he wasn't holding her so tightly. if only it didn't feel so good to be in his arms, in his orbit. ]


Y - Yato... [ that's the problem, too. she doesn't know if they can realistically get married at home! this is the place. here. regardless, her cheeks redden and she reaches up to cup his face. ]

Swear to Yatogami?

[ she flashes him a small smile, thumbs on the corner of his mouth. one skims across his cheek as her smile dims. ]

... I still want to get married here. I have a dress I really like already and I was thinking we could use all those paper cranes you folded to decorate the ceiling. And... and like you said, maybe Ereshkigal will come back. Maybe even Ishmael will come back. Maybe Wriothesley and Elysium, too.

[ probably not. right now, she'd rather think they will, though. ]

What'd be really great is if Yukine-kun and Nora popped in for a little bit. Kofuku and Daikoku. Bishamon and Kazuma. My family, Yama and Ami. Once it was over, they could go back home. Haha...

[ though she's laughing, a few more tears stream down her cheeks. ]
intertwinedfates: hiyori yukine (128)

finger lickin good!

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-24 10:08 am (UTC)(link)
[Honestly, fair haha... He may have accepted her ire, but that doesn't mean he enjoys it (usually.)

Though in his mind, clearly not bearable enough for her to be so affected by everything, even if it's only natural that eventually the negative things happening would come to weigh too heavily on her heart.

It's a weight he wants to help lighten, however he can, however little. He just... doesn't want her harboring guilt for something beyond her control. It isn't fair to her to beat herself up over something nobody could do anything about.

As he said though, he's not going to let her go. No matter what troubles come their way, he wants to weather the storm together from here on out. To go through life as husband and wife, not merely friends or lovers. Which is why he only smiles when she takes hold of his cheeks, nodding once.]


I swear by my name as Yatogami. No matter the place or the time, I'll find you and court you a million times until we're together for good.

[Carefully, he turns enough to kiss her finger, smiling enough for both of them even if her struggles remain. He'll be her light for as long as she needs him to be.]

Me too, if I'm being honest. I wanna have my intimate wedding with you like I've always dreamed of since you promised not to forget me. That's a good idea, you know, with the cranes. Maybe we can even write the names of everyone we want to be there on some new ones in the hopes that it'll help draw them back.

[She's probably right about not seeing them again, but hey, in a place like this, who knows? At the mention of Yukine and all their friends, his expression turns wistful, if somewhat sad. He misses his boy so damn much...]

Heh, that would make things amazing, I gotta admit. I'd love to have them all there, even if half of them would be objecting or freaking out at the fact you're marrying a god. [Taking her left hand, he kisses the ring there, eyes closed briefly before gazing at her.] You tell me when, and I'll arrange everything, okay?
wwtd: sad, calm (what about us)

๐Ÿซฑ๐Ÿ‘…

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-24 10:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ that's the thing. hiyori thinks she could've done something about it. married sooner, for one. like he pointed out, she didn't want to rush it.

there's no winning, here. ]


Well. You've done it twice now already, huh? 999,998 more times to go.

[ for good.

since she PROMISED NOT TO FORGET HIM?? she stares, brain shorting out. that was pretty early on. that was not long after, um, he fought with bishamon. yukine turned into a blessed vessel. tenjin told yato to try cutting her ties to cure her problem.

she cried out she wanted to be with him longer. she didn't want to forget him. ]


O - oh? You think? [ cranes. yes. it would be a waste not to use them. ]

We can do that. That's a good idea, too. I like it. [ a way to have them be there without being there. ]

I think Yukine-kun would have the most to say. [ since he saw the connection between all the people she was tied to before she was

tied to yato's plaque.

watching him lean down to kiss her ring finger, her heart flutters wildly in her chest and she wonders about those plaques. soulmate. ]


I'm tempted to say now because you're still here. That's what I'm really afraid of, Yato. That one of us will disappear. I don't want to leave you. And... if you left, I'd miss you. So much.

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