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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.

eyescar: (pic#17149194)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-18 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
You're not going to die.

[ There's sheer determination there, as he tugs the man closer and shifts him into his arms. It might be more embarrassing for a more conscious Ratio, but Yuji doesn't care all that much right now. He can move faster with Ratio held like this, and his healing ability can kick in.

It's infuriating that his upgrade isn't working faster, despite him having a year to work on it, but he pushes all his strength and energy into it. If he can at least stop the bleeding... ]


I'm not going to let you. You're meant to be smart, so stop being so dumb!
curingidiocy: (pic#17171063)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-18 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ The shifting around hurts, but once he's settled into his new position, he closes his eyes, feeling Yuji's healing implant working on him. It's not a lot, but it should help. He activates his own healing implant as well, but quickly stops when it starts to drain on him more than it's helping. ]

His curse... I need to... beat it... he'll... cry...

[ His speech is laboured, but he's doing his best to stay awake. Unfortunately, his blood loss induced delirium means he's going to ramble about anything that comes to mind. ]

You too... can't let you... suffer more loss... need to close wound... use pressure...

[ It's frustrating, being unable to summon more than a few words at a time when he knows what he needs to do to staunch his blood loss. Weakly, he brings a hand to his chest and tries to pinch the gash shut. ]

Hypovolemic shock... breathing elevated... stage two or three... running out... of time...
eyescar: (pic#16770005)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-18 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Do you think you might be better off if you stop talking?

[ Yuji doesn't know what Ratio means, at least not towards Aventurine, but he knows what it means for himself, and he grits his teeth. He has lost a lot - more people than he could possibly find the time to grieve in a proper and healthy way - but he is determined to make sure that he's not going to lose more people here.

With his speed, it's easy enough to get out of the way of more danger and find a place to duck into safety, and he hesitates for a moment. If he called for Okkotsu-senpai to come, then he could use his technique to heal him, but he's not sure how fast the other boy could get here. He's worked on his implant for long enough that it should work, especially if he keeps hold of Ratio.

And he's not planning on letting go. ]


Stop talking and focus on yourself. And shut your brain off! Overthinking isn't gonna help right now!

[ All the same... He does as he's told, holding Ratio in his lap and applying pressure. ]
curingidiocy: (pic#17490183)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-20 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
Trying... to stay awake...

[ Other than being able to confirm that he's not in critical condition, there isn't a huge benefit for him staying awake. But he promised Aventurine he would fight to the death, so even if it strains him, and he wants nothing more than to close his eyes and sleep, he fights the urge and continues to stare at Yuji, the only thing he can reasonably focus on at the moment. ]

Implant may not... be enough... retreat to base... or find a proper healer...

[ Blood still pours from his wounds, though thanks to Yuji's intervention, they're clotting faster than normal. ]
eyescar: (pic#17110297)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-21 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
You're not the first person I've had to take care of like this, you know.

[ Yuji is already getting his less than stellar brain to work, to think about who he knows that can heal. Yuta, obviously, and if he had someone else with an implant that might work, so someone like Raidou... But it might just be best to get him out of here and to the nearest medical station.

If only he could teleport with other people.

Frustrated, he waits until he can shift, tugging off his sleeve and using it to press into the wound, and then going back to that application of pressure. It's probably a bit too harsh, but he's a little too frantic to worry about that right now; instead, he grabs Ratio close again and begins to move. ]


I'm going to run, so don't freak out.

[ And he does - faster than a car. ]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171053)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-24 07:58 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ratio closes his eyes and braces for the pain that comes with movement. His breaths are laboured and hitch when Yuji jostles a particular wound, but he speaks no complaints. He can't tell what Yuji is doing exactly, difficult as it is to observe his surroundings right now, but he trusts that the young man will be able to find him the medical help he needs. ]

I... trust you. You have... a good heart. But you... push yourself too much... at times... your experiences have made you strong... but I wish... to see you enjoy a regular life... without loss or strife...
eyescar: (pic#17444020)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-24 08:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, Ratio-sensei, it's way too late for that.

[ He's doing his best to not make it too painful, but there's only so much that he can do. Ratio needs medical attention, and he can't slow down, just in case it ends up being worse than he already thinks it is.

He has to do this. He has to. ]


Don't worry about that kind of thing, okay?
curingidiocy: (pic#17171064)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-25 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
You are... worthy of concern. Do not... try to deflect my worry.

[ To Ratio, Yuji is still a child deserving of love and attention. He knows Yuji has already suffered far too much to ever return to being young and carefree like a teenager ought to be, but he's trying to express that he has that option still. If he wanted to be childish and do stupid things befitting his age, he could.

Perhaps now isn't the time to be trying to communicate this to the young teen though, when his own life depends on Yuji getting him back to base as quickly as possible.
]

I'm sorry... that you must see me like this.
eyescar: (pic#17328089)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-25 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
It's too late for that.

[ Yuji knows lots of people see him as a child, more than anything else. Nanami is one, Geto-san is one, probably even Gojo-sensei, too, but... He knows that he's been through more than one kid would in their life, and he's doing his best to rationalise that with all the other things that have been going on, the balance of his age and his experiences.

Shaking his head, he swallows. ]


And don't worry about those kinds of things, either. You're allowed to get hurt, and you're going to be okay.
curingidiocy: (pic#17490187)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-25 09:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[ When Ratio has recovered, he'll ask Yuji how he wants to be treated, because he's right. He's young, but his experiences far outstrip an adult's. It can be difficult to reconcile that when people have different expectations for him.

But for now, he lets the topic drop. So long as Yuji knows that Ratio cares, that will be enough.
]

I... cannot. My life is not my own. If I were to die... I cannot bear... to imagine the immeasurable pain... I'd cause Aventurine...

[ He can't let this happen again. He just can't get hurt. That was a promise he made to Aventurine, even if he never spoke it aloud. ]
eyescar: (pic#16293312)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-25 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
... Yeah, I understand that, too.

[ Yuji sighs softly.

Will this help? Talking about this kind of thing? It might, at least, give Ratio something to focus on as they get closer and closer to the medical space, close to the base... ]


I was prepared to die before, you know? It was just how things were for me before, but when I had to try and get Megumi back... I realised how bad that is. To have that mindset.
curingidiocy: (pic#17490184)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-25 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Anything that will keep Ratio awake would be good. He could even ramble on about how his cursed energy works, because that would pique Ratio's curiosity. But this topic is also good, since it tells him how Yuji feels about his own life. ]

Good. It's... good that you realize that. To be convinced that one's own death is beneficial to everyone... is the peak of selfishness. Unless you have so... utterly alienated all of society... there will always be someone... who wishes to see you healthy and happy.

I wish... Raidou would understand that.

[ He only brings up Raidou because he knows the summoner and Yuji are intimately connected. ]
eyescar: (pic#17064367)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-26 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ If he was smart enough to be able to 1) explain it 2) realise Ratio would be into it then he would, but alas... ]

You see, the problem with that is I was getting close to there being no one left. I'm glad so many of us survived, but we lost so many other people, too.

[ Yuji had thought Kugisaki was gone forever, for a while, and he had been worried he wouldn't get Megumi back. After that, all his friends and peers were getting so hurt... ]

That means you can't die, doubly, or you're going to make me extra sad.
curingidiocy: (pic#17171054)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-28 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
I have... no intention of dying... you may rest assured...

[ Says the man bleeding out to death at this very moment. But he can feel Yuji's implants working overtime to keep him alive and his consciousness is not yet fading, though he can still feel the call of the abyss, beckoning him to give in and welcome its peace. ]

Just keep moving, Itadori... I will not surrender... to death so easily...

[ Even though he says that, his breaths are becoming shorter and more laboured. Yuji may be getting close to their makeshift base now, but time is running out. ]
eyescar: (pic#17186838)

[personal profile] eyescar 2025-04-30 05:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Good.

[ With Yuji's speed, it's not going to take him that much longer. He's already crossed more distance than an ordinary person might and the only reason he isn't going faster is because he doesn't want the impact to damage Ratio more than he already is.

He'll skid to a halt soon, and then... Do something. ]


Do - did you like the ducks?
curingidiocy: (pic#17818730)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-05-04 07:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes... I did. They were... adorable. But... I lost them... to the destruction of the base...

[ His poor burgeoning duck collection. He pauses for a moment to regulate his breathing, which was starting to become laborious, and opens his eyes to a blurry sight. Ah... ]

Once I recover... you must... gift me... a new set...
Edited (wow i misread LOL) 2025-05-04 19:13 (UTC)