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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([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

▶ 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:

“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.

▶ 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.


█ █ █ 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:

“... 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.


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.

curingidiocy: (pic#17171060)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-16 11:36 am (UTC)(link)
Then you agree that the circumstances that caused this to happen were your father's doing.

[ But he knows that isn't enough to absolve Yato's guilt. He can reason what he might try to say to keep the blame on himself. And then after that, and then after that. Guilt isn't logical, nor can it be bargained with. One has to internalize the truth in order to free themselves from it. ]

Have you learned from this experience?
intertwinedfates: sad (211)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-16 11:43 am (UTC)(link)
More than likely. Though I still should've... listened to my instincts. I knew with every fiber of my being that telling her was wrong, and still I did it.

[The remorse in his voice is almost palpable, like he's flogging himself mentally for what he did, even now. Because Ratio's right: guilt doesn't easily give way to logic, even if it seems like it should. Feelings are stupid and stubborn like that, especially for long-lived beings like gods.]

I-- Yeah. Never in all my years since have I spoken a word about my shinki's past to them. I do everything I can to protect them from that knowledge. I don't want to ever lose another to that horror. ...I name them after her, too. So I'll never forget my mistake.
curingidiocy: (pic#17171070)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-16 11:54 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's sweet, in a way, that he cares so deeply for that woman that he's carried her memory for years upon years upon years. He, too, might be remembered for that long, or longer, thanks to his accomplishments, but the ones who would have remembered him for himself would be long gone before that point. He would become nothing more than a name in a science textbook, mentioned once in a classroom lesson and never again. He isn't bitter about that, but perhaps Yato may not realize he how much he has done for that woman. ]

Then this memory has become a guidepost for you to keep yourself true to who you wish to be. And that version of you—are they worthy of the contempt you hold for yourself?
intertwinedfates: sad frown (209)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-16 12:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[There's so much he could say about Sakura that it would take hours to explain her importance to him. How she taught him to be something besides his father's tool, to love humanity and the beautiful world they exist in... Right from wrong, how to be kind and compassionate, to help others... She changed his fate for all eternity, and he stole her soul from her in death. That's what he can never forgive. She came to him seeking a name and found only despair.]

A guidepost... Yeah. Maybe... maybe I have become someone who doesn't deserve that level of contempt. At least, I'd like to think so. But I don't know. It seems like all I do is continue to bring misfortune to people who get close to me. I keep hurting Hiyori, for example. That's hardly someone who's earned forgiveness.
curingidiocy: (default)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-16 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
[ They're getting there slowly. The guilt of what he's done will probably never leave him, but at least he's learned to move on and do better. But that doesn't mean his life is perfect now, as he indicates with his troubles with Hiyori. ]

Everyone makes mistakes; some more dire than others. At times you will hurt people, sometimes irrevocably so. But even then, you must persist, because you are alive, and your life is worth living. Even if every step is mired in failure, it is still worth living, because you have the potential to be better.

[ These aren't empty platitudes he's spouting. This is his genuine belief, and what he sees when he looks at the memory. What he sees isn't a murder that he should condemn Yato for. He sees the difference between the memory and the present and sees a man who is trying to grab ahold of the future he desires. And that is worthy of respect. ]

Is it not worth continuing to try for the day that you will no longer hurt her?
Edited 2025-04-16 12:26 (UTC)
intertwinedfates: talk smile (153)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-16 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[Bit by bit, he's made progress, it's true. A good deal of it he's learned in the last couple of years since meeting Hiyori. Maybe it was her similarity to Sakura that first drew him to her, but it's her support that's kept him there by her side.]

Heh... You've got a way with words, Doc. You and Hiyori are a lot alike in that regard. Always knowing what to say to make me get my head out of my ass and do better, to get me not to give up even when things seem damn futile.

[While Ratio may not mince words, sometimes that's a good thing. It means he's honest and that Yato can trust in what he says to be his actual beliefs and not simply what he thinks others want to hear. A good number of Outsiders may take issue with that bluntness, but he appreciates hearing it straight. It finally gets a genuine smile out of him.]

Yeah, it is. Maybe I'll never stop being a calamity, but hopefully I can at least bring her happiness at all other times.
curingidiocy: (frown)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-19 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ratio exhales sharply in irritation, and summons a piece of chalk into his fingers, pointing it threateningly at Yato. ]

Zero points. The potential to be better also includes your 'existence' as a calamity. If you cannot fathom it as a mutable trait, then you will never learn how to change it.

[ Say something stupid again and he will throw the chalk, dream be damned. ]
intertwinedfates: frown stare (257)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-19 08:48 am (UTC)(link)
[Hey, the chalk-summoning thing is pretty cool, Yato has to admit. It's a neat trick that gets his attention, though it's Ratio's words that really hit home for him.]

You really think I can change my nature? I mean... I was born from a wish to kill. Even with my shinki Yukine guiding me, sometimes it still seems like all I do is cause problems for people.

[Do it. Throw the chalk, Ratio. Sometimes violence is the answer, especially when dealing with a stubborn god.]
curingidiocy: (impressed)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-19 09:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ Unfortunately for you, Ratio stays his hand, if only because he can't be certain how divine natures work. If Yato was born from a wish to kill, is it limited to killing people, or can it be taken figuratively? ]

Depending on how broadly this wish defines killing, it may not be limited to a force of destruction. To kill is to end something, and an ending may be the precursor to a new beginning. Killing a failing project so you can start a new one. Killing a business that dumps cheap quality goods so a local company may have the chance to create and sell a better version. Or killing an opportunity for a malicious actor to introduce disinformation to a news network, thus preventing the start of a civil war, as a few examples.

Even if your ability to kill does not apply to concepts, there are all manner of beings whose deaths are beneficial. Bacteria and viruses, for instance. The ones that harm the body must be killed for our survival. Pests or invasive species. Cancer cells. Preparing food involves killing the flora and fauna we consume. Perhaps you could be a chef.

[ The last part is said teasingly, although it may still come off somewhat serious from Ratio. ]
intertwinedfates: think (212)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-21 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
[It's something even Yato himself isn't quite sure of; his father kept him in the dark about a lot of things, most of what he knows he picked up on his own over the long years he's been alive.]

Well... His exact wording was to "cull the herd" of humanity. So I don't think I can get away with just ending things... I wish I could, though. So much so that I've been trying to become a God of Fortune instead, using my ability to slay things to help people. My guidepost shinki Yukine believes it's enough for me to just take out ayakashi before they hurt people. But there's no ayakashi here, and the kaiju are tougher for me to tackle on my own without Yukine to help me out. I can't draw borderlines as clearly without him, so nailing small things like bacteria are right out.

...I thought about going back to my roots of killing criminals and evildoers here, but Hiyori would hate me if I did that. Maybe I should look into becoming a chef, heh.

[His smile says he knows it's meant jokingly, but honestly, maybe hacking up food would be something he'd excel at.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171053)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-22 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[ That is certainly a lot less ambiguous wording than he'd hoped. Still, nothing says that Yato can't change. Ratio does not make it a habit to believe in Permanence, despite its existence as a Path. Even as a concept, its interpretation is quite flexible. ]

Even if there is no precedent, it does not mean you cannot change. Consider the difference between yourself then and now. If you truly embodied the desire to destroy humanity, you would have the connections and friendships you have now?

[ Not to mention, Hiyori probably wouldn't have promised to marry him. ]

You are also quite the creative individual. The desire to create quite different from the wish that gave you existence. Is that not proof that you are multi-faceted, just like any other?

[ Perhaps what Yato really needs is a change in perspective. He is convinced he can't change because he's a god and was born from a wish for destruction. But is it really the case that either of those factors play a role in what he is? ]

The debate between nature versus nurture has always been prominent in the study of sapient development, and I believe gods are not an exception. We only lack the data to prove it. Why not be the first one to disprove the null hypothesis?
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.
curingidiocy: (default)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-25 04:19 am (UTC)(link)
From my perspective, your disruptive behaviour stems from an abundance of energy you do not know how to direct or moderate. Why not indulge in that creative spark of yours? Of course, keeping in mind what would displease Dr. Iki.

[ Let's not have a repeat of the smut doujins again, Yato... ]

Precisely. Even if, in the end, you find yourself bound to a divine calling, I doubt you will regret trying your hardest to subvert it.

[ In other words, he should stop giving a damn about this whole Calamity business and do what he really wants to do. ]
intertwinedfates: anime grin (Alstromeria)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-26 07:27 am (UTC)(link)
[OOF. Called out! But he can't say Ratio's really wrong, per se...]

Haha... Yeah, I definitely need to find better outlets for myself, that's for damn sure. I don't ever want to get into another fight like that with Hiyori again.

[No, no repeats, thankyouverymuch. Lesson LEARNED.]

Can't hurt to try! [He hopes.] You know, you're pretty good at this pep talk thing, Doc. Thanks. I mean it.

[He really does feel infinitely better about continuing to try and be something more than a Calamity, even if he's struggling with being a God of Fortune here.]
curingidiocy: (aloof)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-28 02:12 pm (UTC)(link)
...I am simply stating what is evident. Nothing more. It is up to you to internalize the possibilities that are available to you and act upon it.

[ So don't thank him, because
he hasn't done anything, really.
]
intertwinedfates: shrine happy anime blush (so blessed)

[personal profile] intertwinedfates 2025-04-29 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
All the same, I appreciate it. Sometimes you can know something yet it doesn't sink in until someone comes along and beans you over the head with it. I'll do my best not to let you down.

[He'd argue otherwise, but he's just happy to have Ratio's faith that he can change and become whatever he wants.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171049)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-05-03 09:26 pm (UTC)(link)
See to it that you don't.

[ It sounds rude, but it means Ratio has high hopes for him. Or at least enough hope that he'll actually make something of himself, given his drive and creativity. ]