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synflux2025-04-13 09:43 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-04-13 09:43 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #7
KAIJU FIGHT #7
▶ 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. LILITH’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 together… 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.
▶ 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:
While it’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 Yamakawa’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.
It’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. It’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,
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. It’s time to find that kaiju!
“Angels 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!”
While it’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 Yamakawa’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.
It’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. It’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,
“This is it… This is how we get down below. The kaiju is under us! Angels of LILITH, hold your breath… Let the sand consume you if you wish to go further with me!”
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. It’s time to find that kaiju!
▶ 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.
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.
▶ 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.
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, it’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 Kabus’ power will also begin to dwindle, which hopefully all the Outsiders take full advantage of.
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.
█ █ █ 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 before—not much information can be provided. Proceed with extreme caution.
RIFT EFFECTS: Bad memory share, weakness to sunlight, nightmares.
█ █ █ 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, it’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 Kabus’ power will also begin to dwindle, which hopefully all the Outsiders take full advantage of.
▶ 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 don’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:
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 don’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:
“... Good job. Most impressive."
...👍
...👍
- 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 can’t believe this works).
▶ 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.
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.
5B
Instead, there's only a long cry for help, one that breaks his heart to pieces hearing his friend in such agony. It presses in on him and threatens to crush his own sense of self with how powerful it is, with how helpless he feels being forced to see someone he cares about sink, quite literally, into despair. So once the memory fades away and he's left glancing around for the source, he hurries after Ereshkigal and tries to snag her by the hand from behind. It's probably not the best idea he's had, but he has to try. Has to let her know...]
Eresh--! Wait, please!
[...let her know that she's not alone in dealing with such feelings. That he's there for her, should she want or need someone to listen.]
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Y-Yato...?
[ It's the worst. Not because she doesn't feel close enough to him or anything like that - but specifically because she does feel so close to him, she never wanted for him to see this side of her. The weak and pathetic goddess who had given up and chosen the worst option when given the slightest nudge in that direction.
Besides, he has so many problems to deal with already. H-he shouldn't have to deal with that kind of pathetic display from her. ]
I-I am fine, I promise.
[ She is - in fact - not fine. ]
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Eresh... Hey...
[He knows how bad those memories are, the shame and embarrassment and guilt... But more than that, he understands the weight that comes from keeping things to yourself, bearing the burden of one's mistakes on your own. It's not something he wants her to go through, not if he can at all help it.
That's why his grip only tightens on her when she insists that she's "fine" when clearly she isn't.]
You don't have to keep up a facade around me, y'know. I won't tell anyone if you need to cry. Or if you wanna talk about it...
[He doubts she does, but that's typical of her. Of them. Gods have to be strong, after all.]
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I... I survived, don't worry. [She knows some outsiders were dead in their homeworld, but that's not her case.] Ritsuka leaped in to save me.
[ Of course the memory ended before that part. The kaiju means to make them relive their worst moments, not beautiful ones.
Deep breathes. She can't break down right now, not in front of him! Talking about her issues has helped so much in the past, and she trusts Yato absolutely. But this in particular... It's like something in her freezes the moment it's brought up. There's a wall she can't surmount. Still, she should try, right...? It's helped her before, surely if she can surmount that wall it'll help her again. ]
... It's pathetic, isn't it? A Goddess of Death who wants to... [She trails off, choking on her words and fighting back against the tears. No, she can't. She can't talk about it. Not when she sometimes feel as though those feelings could resurface. Ritsuka had saved her, but without her around, it feels like sometimes it's all coming back.
She shakes her head and turns around, facing away.] T-There's no way you'll forget what you have seen, is there?
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I'm glad to hear that... I thought that maybe you... That you'd-- [Perished. He doesn't like that idea at all. If anyone of the Outsiders deserves a chance to live, it's Eresh.] She's a good friend.
[Someone he'd like to thank, for giving them the chance to meet. He's been grateful for Ereshkigal's presence from day one, and that hasn't changed upon seeing her pain.
If anything, it makes him all the more glad she's hung in there despite everything she's been through, much like him. They're two sides of the same coin in a way, one who takes lives and one who cares for the deceased. Both used and left to fulfill their purpose as gods, with precious few people to care for them.]
No... It's not pathetic at all. It's an understandable reaction to a horrible situation. I don't think I could've been as strong as you, lasting so long all alone. Anyone would give up when faced with an eternity of that. [Coming around to her front, he takes her other hand in his as well, holding both tightly in the hopes of providing some reassurance.
Although she quickly turns away from him, leaving him staring at her back.] I don't think I should. It's always tough to have your secrets exposed, but there's something to be said about sharing your pain, y'know? I want to help, Eresh. Even if all I can do is offer you a hug.
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I-I'm so tired, Yato... [She buries her head in her hands and falls onto her knees, sobbing.] I... I never had any hobbies... f-friends... loves... Nobody-Nobody ever... ever came to help... o-or even to check on me... F-Father abandoned me there... T-They all did...
[ She feels so pathetic. She can't remember the last time she cried so much. And it's probably the first time she's tried to speak while crying so much. Ugh. H-He should go back to Hiyori. He doesn't deserve this. ]
E... E-Even now that I-I got friends... I-I am going to lose you-you all and be left alone once I-I go back... But I... I have to.
[ The souls of the dead are like her, in a way. Unless she's there for them, they have no one. To abandon them would be denying them what she craves. S-She can't do that. She won't. ]
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I know... You've been at it for so long, it's a wonder you didn't go insane from the loneliness. [As she falls, he follows her to his knees so he can place his hands on her shoulders and rub them lightly, encouragingly, he hopes.] You were forced into a position that no one person should've been saddled with. It was wrong of them. You have every right to feel the way you do, yeah?
[He hopes to at least validate her feelings so she won't beat herself up for being hurt by everything. She doesn't need to feel guilty on top of everything.]
....yeah. It's not ideal, the idea of going back. If you want to know the truth, I'm probably going back to a bad situation as well. But hey-- just because you have to return to the Underworld doesn't mean you're stuck there forever, right? Why not venture out now and then, just for a little while...?
[He knows she can't completely abandon her post, but even gods deserve a vacation now and then.] Maybe somebody can trade positions with you for a bit...!
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Who-Who would accept such a thing...? [She thinks someone would have offered her help already if so. And she most certainly cannot count on Dumuzid to do it.] Even if they did, I...
[ Would she accept it? Would she trust them with such a monumental task, even temporarily? She remains silent for a little moment as she tries to bring the sobbing under control. Yato... He's so kind. It's nice, feeling like you can confide into someone. ]
T-The shadow in that nightmare... He... He had planned to use my divine authority to turn the Underworld into a hellscape, riddled with maggots and rot where the souls would be endlessly tortured. [She tilts her head up.] He-He thought doing so, humans would fear him and amplify his divinity through their beliefs...
[ The one time she nearly lost it, and that's what was going to happen. How can she trust anyone to care as much as she does? To protect the souls like she does? She tries (keyword being tries) to smile at Yato. ]
I... I love the souls under my care. I truly do. And they need me. [A pause.] Sometimes it's just... Harder than others.
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I would. [It's said immediately and without hesitation.] You deserve a break - a vacation, even. I'd shove you out the front door and into the sunshine so you could get some fresh air for a change.
[He might be a somewhat unreliable person in personal matters, but he always takes his jobs seriously, so she would be able to rest easy knowing a fellow god was looking after her charges. And it's not like it would be the first time he's been in an underworld.]
Ugh... That sounds terrible on all accounts. A typical, selfish desire to use someone innocent for their own horrible plans... [Taking her hands again, he gives them a squeeze.] I'm glad that didn't happen, though.
[He can see her trying to smile, which makes it easier for him to do so as well. Nobody can probably care as much as she does; she's such a kind, sensitive soul.]
I get that, really I do. But Eresh, you gotta take care of yourself, too. If you wanna be there for them, you need to be in good shape mentally and emotionally. That means taking a break when you need it. You have to learn to advocate for yourself. Get out there and demand that someone give you hand, if just for a little while.
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... I-I wish we could have met in my world. [She smiles a bit more genuinely.] When I'm with you two, it always puts my heart at ease.
[ It would have been nice. She imagines herself spending time with him and Hiyori, that would make her existence so much better. Yet again... Maybe not. She would feel too much like the proverbial third wheel. There's just no winning when you're an anxious mess. ]
You're right. I know you're right. But... [But what? She's making excuses every time such things are brought up. She remains silent for a moment. Anything she says will just be an excuse - even if it's true.] I-I don't know if I am capable of it.
[ The thought that something may go wrong because she's decided to be a bit selfish... It's horrifying. She already gets that thought every now and then with this avatar, so if she took any steps further... It's not something she can do, not on her own. ]
no subject
Hey, maybe we still can! All I gotta do is find your pantheon's underworld, right? [Ever the optimist, that's him.] Hehe... I could say the same for you, you know.
[No worries about being a third wheel, though - they wouldn't let her. The pair of them would take her places like the theme park near Tokyo, out on picnics, to lunch... She wouldn't have time to feel like she was intruding on anything.]
Hey now... [Giving her hands another squeeze, he tries to smile reassuringly for her. Excuses are just reasons that other people don't like, after all.] Maybe not now, but someday... I'm sure you'll make it. You can do it, Eresh. I believe in you. So believe in me, yeah?
[It's a bit cliche, but he means what he says. If she can't find faith in herself to be strong enough to overcome this hurdle, then maybe she can place her trust in someone who does believe in her. Sometimes it's easier to not let others down than yourself.]
no subject
R-Right... If we exist in the same world.
[ If not... Well he'll need to find a god who can do trans-dimensional travels first. They exist, but they're pretty rare she'd wager. Their services must come at a pretty hefty cost too. Mhm... W-Will that financially ruin Yato if he tries to visit her? That's absolutely not her intention, she swears!
But! The keyword is optimism. Even though she still feels like crying, she has to try. ]
I do believe in you. [It's in myself I don't believe.] Thank you, Yato. I... I feel a bit better.
no subject
I have faith that we do. Every religion's pantheon has gods, so surely you're out there somewhere!
[Hell, even if he does have to go dimension-hopping, it'd be worth it to help her out. He'll just get into debt like Hiyori and spend the next few lifetimes working it off. He's game for that.
At least she seems to be doing a little better...? If not completely, a small bit is good.]
Heh, thanks, I'm glad you do. [It's alright. He doesn't have much faith in himself, either.] That's good...! I... I know I can't do anything to really help your problems, Eresh, but... I'd like to think you trust me enough to come to me when you need someone to talk to.
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I do trust you.I would probably trust you with my life.
[ Not with writhing her biography though. She'd fear he'd sneak some weird stuff in there... B-But still, she manages a real smile! ]
I hope next time I come to you, that will be for happier things. [A pause.] Or to help you.
[ Because now that she thinks about it... S-She's been helped by him far more often than she's helped him! Her pride as a goddess won't recover unless balance is restored, somehow. ]
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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.]
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Thanks Yato. You're the sweetest god I know.
[ And honestly one of the sweetest person, period. ]
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That said... S-Strong arms... [A very painful pause.] I'm embarrassed to ask, but... I-Isn't that... Unladylike?
[ The romantic books are clear about it, she's supposed to be rescued by someone who is stronger than her! M-Maybe that's where her romantic woes come from? There are no such persons alive!! ]
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Hehe, right back atcha, Ere. You try so hard for others. I really admire you.
[Though the topic shift is welcome, he can't help laughing a little at her apprehension. Not unkindly, though.]
Nah, I don't think so. Hiyori is pretty girlish, but she has a grip like a vice! The number of times she's put me in a headlock or caught me between her thighs would impress you.
[Look at these two dorks, so helpless in the romance department and getting their ideas from media. No wonder they have issues.]
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S-She does...? [She... She's not sure what to make of that information! Catching someone between your thighs sounds unusual to say the least.] I had no idea she's so strong!
[ She's full of surprise! As he is. Once the hug over, she pulls back and smiles brightly at him. ]
You know what Yato? Whenever either of us feel down- [A beat.] We should contact the other to get a moral boost! Let's make it a promise, so even if we're terribly embarrassed, anxious and don't dare doing it, we will have to!
[ Divine promises are special after all, they can't be broken like that. W-Well, they can but she takes them seriously. ]
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Oh yeah! Maybe more when she was younger and had a spirit form, but she still kicks ass. We practice all the time, and sometimes she even beats me! [It sounds kinky, but honestly it's perfectly innocent when you're slamming somebody into the mat.]
Huh~ That sounds like a good idea. I like that! It's reassuring to know you've got somebody you can rely on for support when things get tough, and I'm happy to be that person for you, Eresh. And even happier to have you there for me!
[He does too, so they'll have to follow through on it! After all, once when Hiyori made a wish, he sundered the Heavens for. That's how serious he takes his commitments.
After a moment, he holds out a hand with his pinky extended.]
Here--! Let's pinky swear on it, too, just to make it super official, okay?
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Regardless, she's more impressed by the second! Who knew such a powerhouse was hiding under Hiyori? And to think she calls herself useless... ]
Wow! [A pause.] I better never get on her bad side...
[ She can't see it ever happening, but you never know. While she's strong, Ereshkigal isn't really the type to fight physically. She's more of a magic user, even with her spear she uses it mostly for long range attacks and magic.
She tilts her head in surprise at his offer though. ]
P-Pinky swear it...?
[ What does that mean? She blinks confusedly as she stares at his pinky. ]
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Hiyori may not be blood-thirsty, but she sure isn't meek and powerless, either. Something Yato's been trying to get her to see.]
Right~? She'll probably turn you into a godly pretzel, too! ....well, likely not since you're so sweet, but still.
[Magic counts for strength! Physical power isn't the only way to go when it comes to fighting. Hell, he doesn't wanna ever face Eresh and not just because they're friends. Goddesses of Death are tough in his experience.
Clearly needing to take the lead, he hooks his pinky finger around hers, giving it a little squeeze as he grins.]
Uh huh! Now it's really official! It's a solemn oath, the pinky swear. More so than a simple promise. It's binding!
[He's making it sound so serious haha.....]
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That's what she thinks anyway. ]
Binding...
[ Blinks blinks.
She'd never ever heard of it before! Such a powerful and solemn oath... Is it something divinities do in his world? She'll have to remember it for next time she'll have a serious promise to make. She's a cool goddess after all (she tries) so she has to do what's cool and hip! ]
Thank you Yato...!
[ As far as she's concerned, this is very serious and real. Thank you for the newfound knowledge, Yato. ]
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Yup! A sacred vow!
[He's putting way too much weight on such a simple gesture, but then, it's Yato. Dork. Besides, it's fun and charming all in one! Sure beats a written contract or super serious swear. And what's more, he's helping to broaden her horizons! Hurrah!]
Sure thing. As long as I'm in this world, I'm here for you, Ere. That's my promise to you.
[Now whenever she needs to pledge an oath or such to someone, she can use the pinky swear to make it even more valid...!]
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And I will be here for you.
[ She puts a little energy into the pinky swear before withdrawing her hand. She has to to, if she wants to try and wipe away those tears! H-he's seen her cry enough for ten human lifetime, she'd rather he sees her smiling.
Which she does, even if it's a teary smile. ]
S-Sorry, hopefully this will be the last time you see me like that!
[ .... Unfortunately, it probably will not. ]
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