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synflux2025-06-15 10:41 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-06-15 10:41 pm
KAIJU FIGHT #9
BEYOND THE GATES (KAIJU FIGHT #9.)
ā¶ 001. GATE OF HEROES (FIFTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
The Underworld halls and passages abruptly end in a massive cavern, filled with grinding vibrations of high tech engines and many thrusters firing in succession. Hovering in place amid the spacious chamber is a gigantic aerial stronghold primed with energized force fields above a dangerous chasm of pillars. Any Outsider who's spent time with Bakugo might recognize this as his hero academia transformed: U.A. - The Flying Fortress. The gate they need to access lies within.
Those who cannot fly or traverse the air freely must deal with the Pitfall grounds beneath U.A., a grouping of flat-topped spires linked together with ropes, wires, and cables. Trying to navigate them with the thrusters firing above is difficult enough, but some of the pillars are (visibly) booby-trapped with powerful landmines, combustive cursed energy blood, and mechanical explosives alike.
Passing through U.A.'s force field barely grazes the Outsiders who enter, as its goal isn't to keep people out but to utterly strip Outsiders of rift poisoning and debris. Like a purification filter, there will be no signs of rift poisoning within U.A.'s protective walls. Outsiders can take time to rest amid the campus' trees, dorms, pathways, and towering H-shaped school.
Don't rest too long. The sound of machines revving and metal crashing heralds an army of green-plated robots approaching. Red sensor eyes lock onto the Outsiders. U.A.'s fleet of Villain Bots are combat testing robots designed to create battle simulations, and they mean business. Wait, is that a white rabbit hopping around? Yep! Get too close, and they burst into a dark swirl of energy. And those roses blooming in the grass? Approach them and they erupt in a volley of nails.
With the chaff weeded out, the Outsiders can finally approach U.A.'s school proper and the two figures standing atop it. Explosions burst and flare, a threatening display around a hero's hands, while spectral blue flames ignite on a sorcerer's fists.
"Oi, you shitty extras! Making it all this way here just to die? Sucks to be you!"
"Hey, don't forget about me! I made a promise, didn't I?"
One of the Outsiders' strongest tag teams finally takes the stage.
Those who cannot fly or traverse the air freely must deal with the Pitfall grounds beneath U.A., a grouping of flat-topped spires linked together with ropes, wires, and cables. Trying to navigate them with the thrusters firing above is difficult enough, but some of the pillars are (visibly) booby-trapped with powerful landmines, combustive cursed energy blood, and mechanical explosives alike.
Passing through U.A.'s force field barely grazes the Outsiders who enter, as its goal isn't to keep people out but to utterly strip Outsiders of rift poisoning and debris. Like a purification filter, there will be no signs of rift poisoning within U.A.'s protective walls. Outsiders can take time to rest amid the campus' trees, dorms, pathways, and towering H-shaped school.
Don't rest too long. The sound of machines revving and metal crashing heralds an army of green-plated robots approaching. Red sensor eyes lock onto the Outsiders. U.A.'s fleet of Villain Bots are combat testing robots designed to create battle simulations, and they mean business. Wait, is that a white rabbit hopping around? Yep! Get too close, and they burst into a dark swirl of energy. And those roses blooming in the grass? Approach them and they erupt in a volley of nails.
With the chaff weeded out, the Outsiders can finally approach U.A.'s school proper and the two figures standing atop it. Explosions burst and flare, a threatening display around a hero's hands, while spectral blue flames ignite on a sorcerer's fists.
"Oi, you shitty extras! Making it all this way here just to die? Sucks to be you!"
"Hey, don't forget about me! I made a promise, didn't I?"
One of the Outsiders' strongest tag teams finally takes the stage.
ā¶ 002. GATE OF TRUTH (SIXTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
Straight to the point, just like its Guardian, it's a short passageway to the next gate. When it opens up to their next trial, the area is brighter and smoother, the floor checker-patterned with black and white stone. It's essentially a huge chess board, and the Outsiders stand on one end of it.
The gate stands just beyond the opposite side, tall and imposing and so close. It looks like it's been carved out of steel with a simple design. In the center, a large hourglass is fixed on a rotator, the sand still at the bottom. It's blue-tinted, paneled, and vaguely familiar to some. The Gallu on the opposite side of the board wear different colored uniforms. Atop the gate is the Duel Blitz, its beam rifle in hand. Perched on its shoulder is Yzak himself, twisting his precious, bone-made black bishop chess piece between his fingers. He leans forward, sharp blue eyes staring the arrivals down as if sizing up prey.
"Come on over, then, if you have the capacity not to bullshit me."
The Gallu disappear.
"You're on a timer, too. So tick-tock, or else..."
He lifts his free hand at the Outsiders in a gun cocking motion, the Duel mirroring with its beam rifle. The hourglass begins to rotate and reset.
It's a simple walk across the floor. Some squares are fine, but others? One of the spirits springs up, grabs an Outsider's throat, and Yzak's voice echoes with a question. Honesty will cause the Gallu to crumble and Yzak will seem to reel mentally, clearly affected. Lie even a little and the Gallu can tell, inflicting something (rift effect/physical/player choice) as a punishment. The answer must be spoken out loud - to the spirit, to Yzak, to those around you.
Admit some hard truths about yourself, and you'll be rewarded by the hourglass turning again, stopping halfway into the rotation to leave an opening, allowing the Outsiders to proceed through the gate and advance.
The gate stands just beyond the opposite side, tall and imposing and so close. It looks like it's been carved out of steel with a simple design. In the center, a large hourglass is fixed on a rotator, the sand still at the bottom. It's blue-tinted, paneled, and vaguely familiar to some. The Gallu on the opposite side of the board wear different colored uniforms. Atop the gate is the Duel Blitz, its beam rifle in hand. Perched on its shoulder is Yzak himself, twisting his precious, bone-made black bishop chess piece between his fingers. He leans forward, sharp blue eyes staring the arrivals down as if sizing up prey.
"Come on over, then, if you have the capacity not to bullshit me."
The Gallu disappear.
"You're on a timer, too. So tick-tock, or else..."
He lifts his free hand at the Outsiders in a gun cocking motion, the Duel mirroring with its beam rifle. The hourglass begins to rotate and reset.
It's a simple walk across the floor. Some squares are fine, but others? One of the spirits springs up, grabs an Outsider's throat, and Yzak's voice echoes with a question. Honesty will cause the Gallu to crumble and Yzak will seem to reel mentally, clearly affected. Lie even a little and the Gallu can tell, inflicting something (rift effect/physical/player choice) as a punishment. The answer must be spoken out loud - to the spirit, to Yzak, to those around you.
Admit some hard truths about yourself, and you'll be rewarded by the hourglass turning again, stopping halfway into the rotation to leave an opening, allowing the Outsiders to proceed through the gate and advance.
ā¶ 003. GATE OF BOUNDARIES (SEVENTH GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD.)
(cw: suicide)
An unassuming and quaint hospital sits in your view. But it's quiet. Empty. There are no Cars and no personages on this solitary lot besides you. Should you choose to enter the double doOrs, the halls are just as still. It's as though everyone got up and left their stations exactly as they are.
This was not a drill.
Wander the rooms and you might run into your fellow "OUtsiders". You might run into a dead end. Travel up the floors and back down again. The longer you stay, the more youR nerves may fray. Look back whence the way you came and the door to the outside is gone, there's no escape.
Enjoy your sTay.
Wander and wander, wander and ponder, the flutter of a butterfly's wings over Yonder. The steady ticking of a nearby clock. The echo of your steps while you walk. For all the rooms and all the corners you might search, there's only one place that this gAtekeeper might find heR perch.
Once you riDdle out your destination, our cheerful winged friends become an infestation. Barring your path at every opportunity, poisoning your blight at a touch, from which even your gods have no immunity. The only remedy sits upon her gate—strange tail swishing, tears streaking, fangs bared, and inconsolable as of late.
"We HĢ“Ķ Ģ¢ave to diEĢµĢ½Ģ," she sighs, hoarse and cracked from an eternal cry. "It's the onLĢ“ĶĢy way. PĢµĶĶlease, let MĢ“ĢĢ¹EĢ“Ģ¾Ģ© kill you."
In a ruined white night gown, she drops from her gate and lands on all fours, succumbing to the intertwined fate. The whites of her eyes a luminescent yellow, voice shifting into a strange and distorted bellow.
With a lunge, red in her eyes, this battle for humanity has begun.
An unassuming and quaint hospital sits in your view. But it's quiet. Empty. There are no Cars and no personages on this solitary lot besides you. Should you choose to enter the double doOrs, the halls are just as still. It's as though everyone got up and left their stations exactly as they are.
This was not a drill.
Wander the rooms and you might run into your fellow "OUtsiders". You might run into a dead end. Travel up the floors and back down again. The longer you stay, the more youR nerves may fray. Look back whence the way you came and the door to the outside is gone, there's no escape.
Enjoy your sTay.
Wander and wander, wander and ponder, the flutter of a butterfly's wings over Yonder. The steady ticking of a nearby clock. The echo of your steps while you walk. For all the rooms and all the corners you might search, there's only one place that this gAtekeeper might find heR perch.
Once you riDdle out your destination, our cheerful winged friends become an infestation. Barring your path at every opportunity, poisoning your blight at a touch, from which even your gods have no immunity. The only remedy sits upon her gate—strange tail swishing, tears streaking, fangs bared, and inconsolable as of late.
"We HĢ“Ķ Ģ¢ave to diEĢµĢ½Ģ," she sighs, hoarse and cracked from an eternal cry. "It's the onLĢ“ĶĢy way. PĢµĶĶlease, let MĢ“ĢĢ¹EĢ“Ģ¾Ģ© kill you."
In a ruined white night gown, she drops from her gate and lands on all fours, succumbing to the intertwined fate. The whites of her eyes a luminescent yellow, voice shifting into a strange and distorted bellow.
With a lunge, red in her eyes, this battle for humanity has begun.
ā¶ 004. THE ABYSS (KAIJU BATTLE.)
Upon reaching the depths of Kƻr, outsiders are greeted by an empty seat made of rocks, ruined columns, and the rift where the waters of the abyss should be. Ereshkigal is already transformed and towering above the rift. Her voice is deeper than usual, colder and distant.
āI commend you for having come so far. But there is no hope for humanity. I shall put an end to your foolish hopes and keep your souls safe forevermore!ā
As seven ethereal spears appear around the corrupted goddess and shoot at the outsiders, Rin and Lucy open up the offensive — all while trying to call out to Ereshkigalās true nature. They are not alone in doing so, a number of other outsiders following them. Indeed, Hunter tries and reminds her that people care for her. It causes Ereshkigal to hesitate, allowing Kaga, Kadaj, Raleigh and Donatello to attack her.
Following sage advice, Archer takes a shot at praising Ereshkigal, which leaves her very confused — helping Yato who takes advantage of the opening to deal heavy damage. Aki summons a blizzard of cherry blossoms that lasts for the entire battle, lowering visibility. Ereshkigal is taken aback, her next attack missing Raidou as a result. Unfortunately, it also causes Asagami, Laios and Vergilius to miss some of their attacks. Furthermore, Vash, who has been corrupted, tries to stop his own comrades!
As the assault continues with Nanami, Leonardo and Yesod, Akakagiās paper shikigami leave the goddess burned, allowing for Murasama and Yuta to deal even more damage. And seeing how the praise worked once, Dearka and Gilgamesh do it again, but with a twist: they also insult her! This creates enough of an opening for Cagalli, Shinn, Harusama and Aventurine to attack. Tezcatlipocaās and Danteās words manage to get her to hesitate further, allowing Hunter to land a critical hit.
The battle takes its toll on the corrupted goddess and Outsiders alike, but suddenly a giant ethereal spear forms in her skeletal hand, twice her size and crackling with energy: her Noble Phantasm. She aims it at Geto, the blow shaking the foundation of the Underworld itself as she strikes. Anyone standing around him will be wounded or knocked out.
Ereshkigal pulls the spear back and prepares to pierce Taryon this time — but as he speaks and even apologizes for his perceived misdeed in allowing this to happen, the skeletal enemy freezes. After a moment of silence, the gigantic spear vanishes and Ereshkigalās beastly form explodes. The rift vanishes, revealing the dark waters of the abyss beneath it. Outsiders with good eyes may see Ereshkigal has returned to her normal form — unconscious, bloodied, yet no longer corrupted. Though she fell into the waters of the abyss, someone has leapt after her. But that is likely to be the least of anyoneās concerns for the ground starts trembling...
āI commend you for having come so far. But there is no hope for humanity. I shall put an end to your foolish hopes and keep your souls safe forevermore!ā
ā ā ā MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Ereshkigal
HEIGHT: 20m
WEIGHT: ???
CLASS: Evil of Humanity | Beast: Null
LOCATION: Underworld - The Abyss
ABILITIES: Can lower the atmospheric pressure. She must be quickly defeated or else the atmosphere may become unsuitable for life. She can materialize ethereal spears and attack multiple targets at once. She is capable of unleashing her Noble Phantasm - an unblockable attack directed at a small area. She can control the ground to trap or separate Outsiders and weaken their offensive abilities.
WEAKNESSES: She can become stunned or confused briefly under the following conditions: Being complimented or praised. Being reminded of her true self.
Mocking and insulting her may cause her to attack prematurely, resulting in a miss. However, her following attack will be more powerful.
EXTRA NOTES: Those already suffering from Rift poisoning and effects are warned to be careful in case effects worsen.
RIFT EFFECTS: Corruption, Sumerian Fever
ā ā ā ATTACHED PHOTO:
As seven ethereal spears appear around the corrupted goddess and shoot at the outsiders, Rin and Lucy open up the offensive — all while trying to call out to Ereshkigalās true nature. They are not alone in doing so, a number of other outsiders following them. Indeed, Hunter tries and reminds her that people care for her. It causes Ereshkigal to hesitate, allowing Kaga, Kadaj, Raleigh and Donatello to attack her.
Following sage advice, Archer takes a shot at praising Ereshkigal, which leaves her very confused — helping Yato who takes advantage of the opening to deal heavy damage. Aki summons a blizzard of cherry blossoms that lasts for the entire battle, lowering visibility. Ereshkigal is taken aback, her next attack missing Raidou as a result. Unfortunately, it also causes Asagami, Laios and Vergilius to miss some of their attacks. Furthermore, Vash, who has been corrupted, tries to stop his own comrades!
As the assault continues with Nanami, Leonardo and Yesod, Akakagiās paper shikigami leave the goddess burned, allowing for Murasama and Yuta to deal even more damage. And seeing how the praise worked once, Dearka and Gilgamesh do it again, but with a twist: they also insult her! This creates enough of an opening for Cagalli, Shinn, Harusama and Aventurine to attack. Tezcatlipocaās and Danteās words manage to get her to hesitate further, allowing Hunter to land a critical hit.
The battle takes its toll on the corrupted goddess and Outsiders alike, but suddenly a giant ethereal spear forms in her skeletal hand, twice her size and crackling with energy: her Noble Phantasm. She aims it at Geto, the blow shaking the foundation of the Underworld itself as she strikes. Anyone standing around him will be wounded or knocked out.
Ereshkigal pulls the spear back and prepares to pierce Taryon this time — but as he speaks and even apologizes for his perceived misdeed in allowing this to happen, the skeletal enemy freezes. After a moment of silence, the gigantic spear vanishes and Ereshkigalās beastly form explodes. The rift vanishes, revealing the dark waters of the abyss beneath it. Outsiders with good eyes may see Ereshkigal has returned to her normal form — unconscious, bloodied, yet no longer corrupted. Though she fell into the waters of the abyss, someone has leapt after her. But that is likely to be the least of anyoneās concerns for the ground starts trembling...
ā¶ 005. ESCAPE FROM THE UNDERWORLD.
With the riftās disappearance, the Sumerian Fever immediately ceases, though its after-effects may still be felt. Likewise the corruption no longer spreads, even though it may still take a while (or a good beating) for its effects to dissipate. Perhaps more importantly, the trembling intensifies, an earthquake rocking the entire Underworld and causing it to collapse!
Held together with magic from another world, there is nothing left to sustain it. First the cage with the souls disappear, followed by all the GallĆ» Spirits. Be careful not to miss a step while running back to the surface, or you may plummet and fall into the abyss. Collapsing platforms and paths may require jumping or finding creative ways to pass over them. Itās a bit of a rocky exit, especially while carrying the wounded and formerly corrupted outsiders, but it could be worseā¦
ā¦ Will it be worse?
On the way out, a collapsed wall reveals a previously unexplored room filled with all sorts of gems: emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and the like. Should anyone be tempted to take one (or more) of those gems, two ghouls will appear, each holding a clay tablet upon which the words āUSELESS GODDESSā are inscribed. The entities cackle and — oh, dear! The room starts collapsing on itself, better leave it immediately! And — wait, why is there a giant boulder rolling towards you now? Run! Are those arrows flying from the wall and lightning bolts striking the ground?
The escape has become a veritable adventure! Such is the fate of anyone activating the trap that was meant for this elusive āuseless goddessā Ereshkigal had been preparing for. And it is also the fate of everyone else really, since the trap doesnāt differentiate between thieves and innocent passersby just trying to escape impending doom.
Held together with magic from another world, there is nothing left to sustain it. First the cage with the souls disappear, followed by all the GallĆ» Spirits. Be careful not to miss a step while running back to the surface, or you may plummet and fall into the abyss. Collapsing platforms and paths may require jumping or finding creative ways to pass over them. Itās a bit of a rocky exit, especially while carrying the wounded and formerly corrupted outsiders, but it could be worseā¦
ā¦ Will it be worse?
On the way out, a collapsed wall reveals a previously unexplored room filled with all sorts of gems: emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and the like. Should anyone be tempted to take one (or more) of those gems, two ghouls will appear, each holding a clay tablet upon which the words āUSELESS GODDESSā are inscribed. The entities cackle and — oh, dear! The room starts collapsing on itself, better leave it immediately! And — wait, why is there a giant boulder rolling towards you now? Run! Are those arrows flying from the wall and lightning bolts striking the ground?
The escape has become a veritable adventure! Such is the fate of anyone activating the trap that was meant for this elusive āuseless goddessā Ereshkigal had been preparing for. And it is also the fate of everyone else really, since the trap doesnāt differentiate between thieves and innocent passersby just trying to escape impending doom.
ā¶ 006. AFTERMATH.
Dr. Masuda is waiting at the exit. Mere moments after the last Outsider has escaped, the tunnel crumbles and the path to the Underworld is forever sealed. Analysis tools reveal the inside of the cave has returned to the way it was before — as if the Underworld had never existed. However, any gems grabbed on the way out can be kept. The sole physical reminders of this adventure. That and any wounds that have been sustained, of course.
All of the disappeared Outsiders have been rescued and are (mostly) well, the corruption is gone and the Sumerian Fever is a distant memory. Communication has been reestablished with LILITH headquarters, and there is confirmation the staff is slowly recovering from this ordeal.
While Outsiders may be expecting a congratulations from the Commander, their oculars are oddly quiet as they had back to base. However, seemingly out of nowhere, SYNTHIA delivers a sudden message:
All of the disappeared Outsiders have been rescued and are (mostly) well, the corruption is gone and the Sumerian Fever is a distant memory. Communication has been reestablished with LILITH headquarters, and there is confirmation the staff is slowly recovering from this ordeal.
While Outsiders may be expecting a congratulations from the Commander, their oculars are oddly quiet as they had back to base. However, seemingly out of nowhere, SYNTHIA delivers a sudden message:
"Hello, my dear children. It is my misfortune to deliver to you all this message;
Commander Shiro has passed away. Captain Yamakawa will be taking the position of Commander with a heavy heart."
ā¶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Kaiju Fight #9 and the conclusion of a player plot hosted by Melodie. Thanks for everyone involved in this event! All comments in this event count for 2 points towards June AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. GATE OF HEROES: Bakugou & Yuji's gate, which consists of booby traps, pitfalls, villain robots and the corrupted teen tag team themselves, proves for a challenge to Outsiders.
2. GATE OF TRUTH: Yzak's gate is quite different, asking Outsiders a handful of questions (player's choice) that must be answered honestly to proceed.
3. GATE OF BOUNDARIES: Solve the riddle and fight the fight.
4. THE ABYSS: The results in full detail of Ereshkigal's battle.
5. ESCAPE FROM THE UNDERWORLD: An earthquake shatters the Underworld, and Outsiders must escape through an array of booby traps, ceasing opportunity to take some gems. The corruption and illness are beginning to fade away entirely.
6. AFTERMATH: The Outsiders make way back to Neo Tokyo, only to receive news that Commander Shiro has died.
no subject
[ There's no strength in him to keep pushing him away, not able to shove him aside and let go, feeling the knot of tension in him get tighter and tighter. He feels as if his own emotions are cleaving him from the inside out, making him feel sick, making him want to throw up all the dust and dirt in his stomach, to cleanse himself of all the horrors left within him.
Yuji breaks, then, the sobs coming harder, his body shaking and tears cleaning tracks through the blood and dirt on his face. He can hardly breathe, let alone speak, and he collapses into Raidou as if his bodes have turned into glass and collapsed under the weight of his grief. He can't do it anymore. He can't.
He doesn't even know what to say to make it better. To make it okay. There isn't anything, is there? ]
I - I can't...
no subject
I would never. Y-You know I wouldn't. And I know you'd do the same for me.
[There was never a second thought in Raidou's head about it. That the Outsiders found a way to the Underworld together was a miracle in its own right, and he battled his way through. For as furious and hurt he was by Yuji going in alone, never once did he ever consider leaving him behind.]
I'm going get you out of this place. I-I just--
[He tries so hard to get the nanotech working, but it's minimal at best, working just as hard to keep Raidou upright as it is healing Yuji.]
Breathe with me. Okay? O-One step at a time.
[Even if Yuji doesn't follow along, that's okay. Raidou needs a moment to keep himself together too, counting his breaths helping him focus and think as best as he can manage right now.]
no subject
Blinking through the mess of tears, he tries to match his partner's breathing, tries to do something to be less of a wreck, as if anything is possible when he feels so desperately, awfully guilty, wanting nothing more than to disappear and not show his head for weeks.
How does he recover from this?
Leaning in, he tries to rest his forehead on Raidou's, ever so gently. ]
I'm sorry. I hurt you and the other so much... I did so many bad things.
no subject
I-I know. You were only thinking of them. [Of the others, the guardians, people they both cared about so much.]
But I need you to promise me. Together. We a-always said together.
[And yet Yuji went without him. Raidou was left utterly heartbroken, feeling abandoned and left behind. He tried to chase those feelings off, knowing that Yuji only did what he did out of concern for their allies, but he never could manage it. He never wants to feel like that again.]
Promise you won't leave me behind again.
no subject
[ The only thing he wanted was to try and save the others as quickly as he could, and instinct had him moving before his rational brain had any chance of catching up. In hindsight, he knows it was reckless and stupid of him, he knows he was foolish to leap ahead and not think of the consequences, and the messages left from the people who love him are going to be a constant reminder.
Just... At that moment? He couldn't handle the notion of someone else being ripped away from them with no real clues as to how to find them.
It's not okay. How can it be okay? How is Raidou meant to trust him, after all this? How is anyone meant to trust Yuji when he's been such an idiot, so stupid, he did something so terrible and hurt them so much...?
Shivering, he shakes his head. ]
I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...
no subject
His ragged voice is as gentle as he can make it, trying to sound firm, though it's not very convincing. He pulls back just enough to look Yuji in the eyes, red and rimmed with tears.]
I know. But I-- I need you to promise me.
[He needs that consolation right now more than anything else. Maybe it's not fair, asking something like this at this moment, but he's been through so much to just get to this point. In a world where he trusts so very few, the one person he wants to trust the most, who can give him any kind of reassurance, is right in front of him.
Because if Yuji can't make that promise...]
no subject
The guilt and shame are gnawing at him, and he's still actively bleeding, and he still struggles to draw in breath, even with nanobots and RCT doing their jobs. The idea of making any kind of promise right now feels impossible, but at the same time, Yuji knows he can't lie. He can't sit here, half-dead and starved, and lie just so he can feel better. It would be wrong.
Looking away, ashamed of himself, he shakes his head. ]
I can't promise that.
[ Not right now, at least. It wouldn't be genuine.
Maybe in a few weeks, when he's recovered and his mind is working again, he might be able to do it. To make that kind of vow, the one that Raidou deserves. Here and now, the idea of saying something so hollow, when the lingering poison in him makes him want to claw his skin off, is unfathomable.
Raidou might need it, but Yuji can't lie to him. ]
no subject
It was too much to ask, he thinks, but he can't help feeling completely heartbroken all over again. He crossed literal Hell to get him back, but it wasn't enough.
When Raidou finally speaks again, his voice is distant. Somewhere else entirely.]
Alright.
[That's it.
He'll let Yuji continue to gather himself together, heal him up, and hopefully get him on his feet. Raidou will wait as long as it takes, concentrating on the healing and keeping himself conscious.]
Let's get you out of here.
no subject
He knows it's not alright. He can tell from the tone of Raidou's voice, the shift in his body language, the gentle difference that makes it obvious. Maybe it isn't to someone who doesn't know him as well, but Yuji knows Raidou well enough to recognise when he is disappointed, when he's upset, when he's angry, and surely Yuji's inspired all three in him right now.
Slowly, he pushes himself back, putting a little bit of distance between them. ]
It's fine. I can walk now, and other people probably need to be purified, don't they? Katsuki will need it, and Yzak-san and Hiyori-chan.
[ He groans as he stands, pushing his hand against the wound on his chest. He can breathe a little better now, so the healing has worked. ]
I'll head back on my own.
no subject
N-No, you-- If I can't go with you, someone should. Don't go alone. Regroup with the others first.
no subject
[ Even though Yuji said such cruel things to him... ]
Go ahead.
no subject
He searches for words for a moment, looking lost, a pale shadow wrapped in a cloak and splattered with blood.]
Okay. Message them. They'll come if they can.
[He doesn't know what to do now, so he turns to go, as much as it pains him to let Yuji out of his sight. The other Outsiders were still in this gate somewhere, and they were going to need Raidou's skills.]
Please get back safely.
[A weak-voiced wish is all he can manage as he slowly walks off.]