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synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
DOWNTIME MINGLE / TEAM BUILDING #9
DOWNTIME MINGLE #9
ā¶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.
The Outsiders have returned to a base that looks far healthier than the one that was left behind, and the decorations reflect the success of the latest missions. With the staff mostly recovered from their bout of flu, the decorations are back in full force, a celebration of the heroic achievements of the Angels against their own.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
ā¶ 002. STATE OF THE BASE.
Finally, the Neo Tokyo base has been repaired. After being attacked on the inside by a fearsome kaiju known as the Imugi, Outsiders had been temporarily housed in a back up base located in Kyoto. With the repairing of the base, LILITH was also able to renovate and improve the base with some new additions. Although most of them are still getting the finishing touches done, Outsiders are free to explore them as they like.
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they arenāt always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they arenāt always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
ā¶ 003. TEAM GET-ALONG.
It's been a while, and maybe some Outsiders remember the Get Along handcuffs from last year. They are back, now, but this time with a twist! Like before, Outsiders will be required to check in with Commander Yamakawa when she asks for them to arrive in the Simulation Arena. A metal device will place a small, metal device on their wrists.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
ā¶ 004. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS.
Recent reports have filtered out from LILITH that a pair of major traffic jams have stopped all transport of supplies, equipment, and individuals in Neo Tokyo. Two major thoroughfares have been blocked for half a day before Outsiders have been given the alert, and Commander Yamakawaās instructions filter out to all outsiders.
āIt seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These arenāt destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.ā
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally donāt attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payloadā I mean, the kaijuā will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
āIt seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These arenāt destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.ā
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally donāt attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
ā ā ā MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Xiphosuransus
HEIGHT: 12m
WEIGHT: 1000 tons
CLASS: Non-threat
LOCATION: Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Neo Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: This kaiju has a protective shell and can hide from most threats. It has no teeth, claws, and its stinger is harmless. It's only purpose is to flip itself back over.
WEAKNESSES: Being tipped on its back and unable to move, attacked on its vulnerable stomach through any sharp object.
EXTRA NOTES: LILITH has specified this kaiju WILL NOT be killed. Hurting it could cause disciplinary action. This kaiju seems to be attracted to music and can even be seen "shaking" to certain beats (it's dancing.)
RIFT EFFECTS: None.
ā ā ā ATTACHED PHOTO:
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payloadā I mean, the kaijuā will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
ā¶ 005. OPEN FORUM.
While LILITH has spent much of the month tending to the civilians, LILITH also wants to give Outsiders a space to just chat and put out their feelings. Apparently some of you have some big ones to share. Once more, they will find the trusty forum reopened for everyone to participate in.
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
r/AntiCapitalism
u/EIJI ā¢ 
ā¢ 1d
ISO: A funky chair to fit my new room!
ISO
I'm looking for something to fit my new room, maybe an old-style chair, like from before the kaiju attacks! If it has a weird pattern, all the better, can anyone help?
r/LILITHonBASE
u/SpimMeRightRound ā¢ 
ā¢ 1d
Has anyone heard those weird sounds on base?
Creepy
Social
Community
Last night I spent too much time in the rec room, and I heard the weirdest noises. Honestly? It sounded like a Kaiju was making a mess in the bathroom. I've never heard anything like it. I asked another guy down the hall if he heard it, and he said yes. So what gives? Has anyone else heard this? Someone has to know what the source of the horrible sounds was, right? Did anyone else die? Are we haunted? Or did a kaiju get in the building during construction???
ā¶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Downtime Mingle / Team Building #9. All comments in this event count for 2 points towards July AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The Neo Tokyo base now renovated, new trends are hitting the streets from our latest kaiju winners!
2. STATE OF THE BASE: An update on the base and it's renovations. Please give it a good read and make note of it! Room upgrades, an onsite restaurant, improve recreation area, etc.
3. TEAM GET-ALONG: Characters who have not been getting along will be handcuffed together until they complete three tasks: admit a secret, compliment the other person and also give them a hug.
4. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS: Giant horseshoe crab kaijus have appeared in Akihabara and Ikebukuro! LILITH wants to research them since they seem docile and drawn to music. Can your team figure out what kind of music each one likes and lure it back to base?
5. OPEN FORUM.: Asking advice or letting out your frustrations online is always super healthy (texting prompt.)
no subject
Tezcatlipoca's luck is a law of the universe. It's kind of funny when it's applied to guns, but when it comes to people? He's been feeling the sting, that's for sure.
So, he sighs and looks away as he shrugs. He wanted to do this on his own time, but yeah. Sure. This is how it would go. Hopefully it doesn't get fucked in the process. ]
Well, there's context that goes with it. That's why I was waiting 'till you got settled her before diving into it.
[ He looks back to Daybit. ]
This is the second world I've been "recruited" to since the last time I saw you. They don't have anything to do with each other, though, far as I can tell. That's why I was waiting, since that last world isn't important. Fuck, for all I know, it's dead and gone, and good riddance, I'd say.
[ Tezcatlipoca pauses, staring back at him in a similar way, but his question is earnest. This is the part that he's more upset about this being spilled too early. It wasn't his own feelings or shyness or anything like that. He was trying to be considerate, since he truly does think Daybit would be better spending his five minutes learning this world before getting into this. ]
You wanna hear about it today? Or save it for later?
no subject
[ the last thing he wants right now is for that to come out of the mouth of someone else that isn't Tezcatlipoca. even if it truly isn't important, even if it's not even worth remembering more than a snapshot of this moment, he wants this matter settled as quickly as possible.
no matter what, he knows what his answer will be. and that knowledge feels... not great, in all honesty. it feels like something is squeezing his chest. it's nothing like when his heart was ripped out, which was a shot of sharp pain. this is far slower. a gentle pain, almost.
steeling himself, he nods again. ]
I want to hear it now, Tezcatlipoca. Don't mince words, either.
no subject
[ He sighs it out with a half-hearted laugh and a shrug. This still isnāt how he wanted to do this, dammit, but fine. Circumstances are coming to a head here, so he gets to explaining. ]
The name of that place was Kenos, and its whole deal was different from here. Couldnāt see the full truth of it, but the story is that the worlds we all came from, they got destroyed. Some souls get snatched out of the chaos and brought there. Pretty believable for ours, at least. But the question there was what to do next. It was a nice little war where one side wanted to restore what was lost, and the other side wanted to make something new. I was on the latter, obviously.
[ That, and being able to compete against Set, but. He can leave that part of the story out, since itās not important. The fact that reviving his world felt like a waste of time was the more central part of his decision. ]
ā¦āCourse, thatās a hard sell for your average person. So, the ālet āem burnā side had a little incentive to try and sweeten the deal, since their leader was the one that could nab souls in the first place. She could grab one for ya. Save one person. Bring āem to that new world. Et cetera.
[ But itās this point where his expression starts to twist and he looks uncomfortable. Again, itās not because he feels embarrassed or anything like that, but rather, admitting this aloud irrationally feels like something that could bring consequences. Accepting that deal was essentially taboo. A god of impartiality shouldnāt pick one soul above all others to save. And yet. ]
I picked you. Part of it was to see if she was bullshitting, sure, but once I held your soul in my hands? Nah. She wasnāt.
[ Which had been a whole crisis on its own once the weight of that decision hit him. Thereās the obvious part, the feeling that he could just lose his Authority outright for doing something like that, but also a new gravity and responsibility for having something so fragile made tangible. Heād been as devotedly protective of that crystal as any Zenite was, but also conflicted about just keeping it tucked away. So, just in case?
He showed āDaybitā that world. Five minutes a day. Every day. Talking to a rock and taking it on a tour so steadfastly is whatās embarrassing, but he doesnāt share that part. That probably counts as mincing words. It also makes his face feel just a little hot, so he clicks his tongue and shakes his head, like that would get rid of it. ]
ā¦Canāt exactly say that youāre just a guy undertaking my Trials after making that kind of decision.
no subject
[ Daybit says the words slowly, making sure that he heard them right and that there wasn't something messing with his senses. this alone is testament to how shocking Tezcatlipoca's admission is. the impartial, all-knowing god, had chosen him, the man that had sought to destroy the world and Enemy of Humanity, to have his soul be rescued from... an unrelated world destruction?
he doesn't remember any movie that he watched that was this full of irony. perhaps one of the one's that kadoc recommended, that he could only remember snapshots of.
what Tezcatlipoca had done needed no further questioning. it showed the depth of his emotions, and it was clear now why Ereshkigal kept on calling the two of them a couple. had he been a normal human, he probably would have been appreciative of the gesture, either overjoyed or intimidated by the fact that a god would favor them to such degree. he could fill a bookshelf with the amount of stories about gods favoring humans and the results of that.
but if there's something that Daybit knows very well, is that he is far from a normal person. ]
There were others in our group that were less on board with our plan. [ Tenochtitlan cared too much about her inhabitants and her city to see it destroyed. Izcalli would have never been able to go through with the plan. that's why Daybit had the Foreign God's heart transplanted to him: because he knew it would be him giving himself to ORT in the end. ] If you wanted to save anyone, you had others to pick from.
[ but he understands what Tezcatlipoca will likely say: they weren't him.
Daybit shuts his eyes, centering himself as he feels like his heart is being slowly squeezed by a feeling he hasn't felt in a long time. guilt. ]
I can't return these feelings. You know that better than anyone else.
hitting daybit w the bond 5 line
...Almost never, as it turned out.
Because even if picking a soul at all was out of curiosity, and Tezcatlipoca would have had the reaction of "oh, fuck" regardless once he realized that it was true. It's like Daybit says. He could have picked someone else, and yet. He hadn't debated the choice at all. Even in the myriad of people that he'd met in his long existence, there was only one that he wanted to pluck away.
At least this is the part of this conversation that he'd played in his head countless times. It's embarrassing to admit that he'd picked Daybit, that he'd been so careful and considerate with his soul, but when Tezcatlipoca thought about making that new world? About getting to speak to Daybit and explain this to him? ]
Yeah. I know. And that's fine.
[ That tension at least easily fades away, because this is why he balked at how Ereshkigal categorized things. Like, he gets why she did it, because when you hear the story, what the hell else would you think? But that's only half the story. Even if you objectively explain what Daybit's condition entails, that's not the same as experiencing it. Watching over it. ]
...That's the part that she didn't get, and, hell, I don't know how many people would. That's why you ain't my boyfriend and whatever it is, "love" just doesn't feel like the right word for it.
[ Though even saying "love" in this context does make him want to smoke an entire pack of cigarettes. He pauses, shrugs, then sighs. ]
You wanted to know how I'd put it. And it's that I decided I'd follow you to the end, no matter what that end is.
AAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHHHH
[ because they won't be able to understand the situation unless they've spent time with him for long enough. if it took Daybit time to realize that he had it in the first place, how would a stranger be able to comprehend it? ah well, it's not like he can hold it against Ereshkigal. she wants the best for the two of them... it's just that, for the two of them, conventional methods will never work.
Daybit looks down at his Command Spells, tilting his head just slightly to the side to take a good look at those three strokes in the form of a wing. Tezcatlipoca says that it's not "love", and Daybit, against his better judgment, wants to know more about the god's feelings. even if they will go nowhere...no, because they will certainly go nowhere, he feels like he needs to know them. he looks up at Tezcatlipoca, scrutinizing the god's reactions.
seriously, this is why he had wanted to summon a Berserker. ]
As far as I see it, this changes nothing. You're still my partner, even if you do talk a lot. [ unnecessary baggage. that's all this god keeps saddling him with. and yet here's Daybit, practically asking for more. ] But what would you call it, then? If not love, then what?
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Yeah. Sorry for mentioning it and causing ya problems. I think I had my expectations a little misaligned there.
[ Because though this had become a whole thing, he actually hadnāt mentioned Daybit more than in passing all that much, and he especially hadnāt explained his condition casually. It was only given to people that Tezcatlipoca trusted, so while, sure, he hadnāt expected Ereshkigal to completely get it, he figured a godās perspective would at least make it clearer than it would to a mortal.
The problem is, itās just also easy to forget that his own perspective is unique even among the divine. Itās what endeared Daybit to him in the first place, actually. The way that they perceive the universe is just so vast that itās nearly impossible to explain to someone else.
ā¦As such, the irony that itās the god having the softer feelings in this equation is not lost on him. So, he nods again, since heās truly perfectly fine with Daybit not reciprocating. Itās what he expected from the moment he realized that he viewed the guy as someone special. What is surprising, though? He still questions it. ]
You too? Cāmon, why does it have to be a wordā¦
[ Because obviously, Ereshkigal had asked him the same thing. It at least means he has an answer, but. Itās more embarrassing to explain it to the guy who also rejects it. ]
ā¦Tlazotli.
[ Itās not a word that he expects Daybit to know, but at least unlike Ereshkigal, Daybit does understand the nuance in Nahuatl. Itās a language that places importance on metaphor and multiple meanings, so a single word can have a surprising amount of depth. Maybe thatās why Tezcatlipoca is reluctant to put it into a single word. ]
Itās that I favor you, but not how I favor Izcalli or Metztliapan or others. Itās beingā¦ [ ugh, he doesnāt want to put this into another tongue, but. ] āPrecious. Like jade, chocolate, or, ugh, quetzal feathers, but obviously ignore that last one. Itās a word you use for something or someone you treasure separate from yourself. Likeā¦ Even knowing that picking your soul was probably a bad idea. That my luck would make things go to shit eventually. I donāt regret it. Donāt regret that you canāt return the feeling either. Thatās the difference of tlazotli.
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[ but he gets it. he may not be fluent in Nahuatl, but he has managed to absorb enough knowledge during his travels on the culture of the Aztecs that still persists throughout the modern day Mexico. so he didn't expect anything less than for said word to come with an explanation to show the depths of this word.
one could say that it's more baggage, but it was something that he asked for. and now that Daybit had been given it, he found himself at a loss. Tezcatlipoca tells him not to regret being unable to return these feelings, and he doesn't. how can he regret something that he never had an option on? no, he doesn't regret it. but that doesn't mean that his chest doesn't still have that faint ache, like a phantom pain. maybe it is because he doesn't want to allow himself to become truly indifferent of others. as distant from the rest of the world and humanity as he is, Daybit understands that if he doesn't hold on to his own Grand Order with a vice grip, he'll drift away and become nothing but a mouthpiece for the angels.
Myourenji. Kirschtaria. Tezcatlipoca. what do these three have in common? is it even worth answering? no. he's fairly certain that he knows the answer, and he feels that faint phantom pain again.
Tlazotli: nahuatl word. a precious thing, separate from oneself. jades, quetzal feathers,
you.]Well, for what it's worth, I'm pretty sure that this probably counts as a compliment too, doesn't it? You're good with your words in both languages.
[ not that this is by any means surprising. ]
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[ He protests, but it's soft, more joking than something serious. After all, even if Daybit isn't the most expressive, Tezcatlipoca still had a year to learn those subtleties. The slight furrow in his brow feels telling, even though it's still mostly a guess. He can't know the depth of what Daybit is thinking, but.
It makes him want to explain just a little more. He can't help himself in turning it into a paragraph after all, but he still keeps it as concise as he can. ]
...It's hard to boil it down to a word, y'know? Part of why I was intrigued enough to answer your summons is because of how you see the world. Obviously, it ain't exactly the same, but it's still about as similar to a god's point of view as you could get without being the real deal. Like, it's the kind of experience that you just can't put into words. It never quite conveys it. And it's kinda like that.
[ Like, that's what he struggled to explain to Ereshkigal, because even if they bonded over senses of duty within their pantheons and depressing fates... The romantic love that she thinks of just doesn't feel fitting for him. A god of conflict just isn't suited for love that way, but it's not like it meant he didn't care about people. It was just different. ]
So, don't feel bad, that's my point here. Part of why I like ya is that we get each other. Obviously, if I could kick those freeloaders outta your brain right now, I would, but you're my partner because I like ya the way you are too.
[ He huffs out a laugh as he shrugs. ]
But, yeah. If all that doesn't count as a compliment, then these- [ He wiggles their joined hands ] Totally busted.
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[ there's not that much that they can do right now anyways. beating himself up over something that's impossible is a waste of time anyway, and he figures that the god wouldn't have allowed these feelings to grow if he wasn't able to accept the rejection. there may be stories upon stories of gods taking their share of lovers by force, but Tezcatlipoca was not one of them. ]
But don't come drunk to me one day saying that you regret saying that. It'd be embarrassing for a god to be rejected twice.
[ for the both of them, really.
Daybit looks down at the cuffs, making a mental note to remember this moment, as ridiculous as it is. because it's ridiculous. ]
You must have done the Goddess of Kur a huge favor for her to be so into you.
[ not that it wasn't obvious already, but she is talking about them on Not!Reddit... allegedly, of course. ]
1/2
Which is to say that Tezcatlipoca clicks his tongue harshly, but thereās also no escaping his retaliation while theyāre stuck together. So, predictable as it may be, he reaches up with his free hand to ruffle Daybitās hair aggressively. Itās always a fond gesture, but this is the sort where Daybit usually just becomes a bobblehead in response. ]
Yeah, nuh-uh, not happening. That was a super harsh rejection, man! Even a god has feelings, yāknow?
[ As is obvious from this conversationā¦ His tone is joking, though. Even if thereās a grain of truth in how much it stung, heās also completely sincere in understanding where that comes from. This is no different in tone from his usual retorts to Daybitās scathing (true) criticisms. ]
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Guessinā you saw the āmysteriousā goddess E too, huh.
[ The āmysteriousā there could not have more air quotes around it in tone, and Tezcatlipoca laughs as he shakes his head. This isnāt the first time sheās been painfully obvious when trying to be anonymous, but at least time heās leaving her be about it, considering the subject. ]
ā¦Well, the major favorās yet to be delivered, technically. But, yeah.
[ And rather than yap away, he actually asks: ]
What do you know about her and her underworld?
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he nods at the first question. of course he saw. just because he doesn't use the network often himself doesn't mean that he doesn't see the value of it. he'll interject when he needs to!
at the second, well... ]
The goddess Ereshkigal was the ruler of Kur, the lowermost section of the Earth according to Mesopotamian cosmology. Her underworld is said to be a deep, dark, and barren cavern where all go to regardless of their status and deeds in life. Those souls would have nothing but dust to eat, though they would receive offerings from their family members.
Due to her status as a deity that rules over death and the Sumerian's view on it, she saw little to no worship and is rarely found outside of stories that involve her. [ a beat. ] Inanna's Descent into the Underworld is the most well-known out of them.
[ might as well use that archeology knowledge for something. ]
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He also nods at Daybitās explanation, since he figured that heād know some, and this explanation is actually pretty much perfect. It saves him the from having to provide context, though naturally, he gladly would. See, he can control the yapping! ]
Yep. Thatās the deal. Obviously, itās pretty miserable, so far as afterlives go. Definitely no five star resort.
[ He stresses the amount of stars automatically with a toothy, teasing smile, but, wait, that joking around probably didnāt make the cut, did it? Well, whatever. Daybitās good at picking up context clues. Itās not like that mattered anyways, so he just continues on. ]
ā¦But thing is, itās pretty shit for her too. She canāt talk to the souls. Canāt do much to shape the place to be more hospitable. Canāt even leave. Sheās just been down there basically by herself for as long as Kur has been in use, unable to do much of anything, since her culture feared death too much for her to get any Authority to make it better.
[ Itās the opposite of his that perhaps embraced death too readily, butā¦ Thatās why Mictlan is such a rich world. The various abodes all reflected their patron godās tastes, since the structure carved out little pieces like Tezcatlipocaās Mictlampa rather than leaving it all to Mictlantecuhtli. Itās harsh when itās time to take the journey to the Root, sure, but even then, you could never call it barren.
Itās no surprise that Tezcatlipoca would have a deep sympathy for her situation. Even with Tezcatlipocaās harsh, sometimes cruel disposition, he quietly has his soft spots. Daybit knows that well between the nature of Mictlampa and Tezcatlipocaās choice in Kenos at this point. ]
So, promised her a good while ago that Iād figure out how to at least exploit some loopholes so we could get flowers blooming in Kur.
[ Which is definitely part of it, though diving into the abyss to save her was another... Heāll at least start with this, since this is the part that heās still firm on. The latter, well. Thatās part of why Daybitās timing is so ironic. ]
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[ to Daybit, it all makes sense now. not that he ever had any doubts about the fact that this had to be born from both their similarities as rulers of their respective underworlds and their differences in rule and worship.
it makes sense, as well, why the Alter version of Ereshkigal ruled over Mictlan's third underworld; a barren desert. to become an Alter is to reject your wish, as she clearly had done to herself. working backwards from there, he had been able to figure out her personality and, from what he's seen from her here, he wasn't off the mark. a goddess like her was probably so lonely, that the idea of anyone reaching out is probably like a light at the end of an endless tunnel. it's only natural she'd become a romantic. ]
You're always splurging. Don't you know that's going to make someone's wallet hurt? [ he shakes his head. there's no doubt about how Tezcatlipoca likes to go all out for those that he's fond of, even with the risk of it backfiring. ]
No wonder she's mad. Does she still know that you plan to fulfill her wish?
[ because Tezcatlipoca may be a trickster god, but a promise is a promise. he doesn't think he would go back on his word, even with Daybit's presence ruining their situationship. ]
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Yeah, mine. I can get Silco to buy me some stuff, but youāve met the guy, so you can probably guess. If itās anything too āniceā, he vetos it.
[ Besides. Though he wouldnāt admit it, because itās showing that soft side that Tezcatlipoca likes to keep as subtle as possible, he wouldnāt ask anyways. If itās a gift for someone else, then Tezcatlipoca goes through the effort to realize it himself. Itās important to him that a gift be genuine and unburdened in that way, even if heās the only one to ever know it.
With a shrug, he gives a little tug to their handcuffs, but he doesnāt actually wait before starting to walk. He figures Daybit will indulge him. ]
I wanna go smoke. Cāmon, thereās a balcony nearby.
[ These conversations give him a headache, so let him have his vicesā¦ But he still answers the question anyways, since heās not avoiding it. ]
Havenāt talked yet, since Iām giving her some space [ until handcuffs time but he doesnāt know that ] but I hope sheād know that Iām still serious about it, yeah. Even if I fuckinā hated herāwhich I donāt, obviouslyāI wouldnāt go back on my word.
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wordlessly, Daybit follows Tezcatlipoca towards the balcony, one hand in his pocket. as he keeps up with the godās pace, he considers the otherās words in continued silence. being the romantic she is, he figures that Ereshkigal must have had incredibly high expectations for Tezcatlipoca, which he would obviously look to fulfill. and then Daybit arrives to unknowingly knock down what they had so carefully built.
christ. clearly somethinghas a sense of humor if this is how things are working out. even if she may have played matchmaker with the purest of intentions, it doesnāt take away from the fact that sheās clearly upset.
Daybit sighs, shaking his head just slightly. ]
This was Myourenjiās expertise, not mine. He would have been all over this topic if he were here.
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He's definintely surprised by where Daybit's thoughts go, though. He laughs as he pulls out his cigarettes and lighter, then ends up going to the edge of the balcony. It's just a nicer view of the city. ]
Yeah? Well, would have appreciated insight. Maybe. Guess it depends on what kind it would've been.
[ Since Daybit could also just mean gossip, and he's definitely had enough of that... But he also can't really hate it that much, since it certainly is conflict and chaos. His domain is much more annoying when it's about him. ]
Kinda miss my prescience at this point, but at the same time if I'd foreseen I was gonna get caught up in relationship problems. Yeah, no. Would've totally dismissed it. No way.
[ He pops the cigarette into his mouth and takes a puff to get it started, then pulls it away with a laugh. ]
I will say that I'm sorry for it comin' up this way, if only because the people here are nosy bitches. [ (fond) ] My bad for any headaches this causes ya.
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[ headaches and Tezcatlipoca go hand in hand like Mexico and pulque. it's a bit of a shock to be dragged into this so soon since his arrival, but really, it's on him for not expecting it.
he leans his body against the balcony, resting his free arm on the railing as he stares ahead into the distance. ]
If it weren't because the consequences were worse for you than they were for me, I would have chalked this up to being one of your trials.
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Now, you put it that way, and youāll make it sound like my Trials are just chaos for chaosās sake or some shit. No way, they always have a meaning.
[ Now, are the meanings sometimes so obscure that itās maybe unreasonable to expect someone to understand the lesson? Donāt worry about that. ]
This would be, what, a Trial for you navigating romance or some shit? Thatās dumb. Not my style. [ ...Which he said without thinking, so: ] Not sayin' it was romance, to be clear. That's just an example.