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synflux2025-08-11 10:49 am
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-08-11 10:49 am
KAIJU FIGHT #10
KAIJU FIGHT #10
▶ 001. FIND THE HIVE.
Reports of mysterious drumming deep in the forest seem promising. With the assistance of local scouts, they also find a clear path of destruction marked by dead plants and fallen insect kaiju. After collecting enough data, LILITH Mexico calls back the Outsiders and their scouts to regroup and recover for what they believe to be the final battle.
Based on their understanding of the region, the clues they've found, and Rift readings, they suspect a human-threat level kaiju is at the location of a known ancient temple. The reason they called the Outsiders back, however, is because it seems like not just one but two of these kaiju might be there. They want the Outsiders to recoup their strength before they head out.
Additionally, they believe one of the kaiju is one they have records of. A long time ago, during the first kaiju attacks, a plant-like kaiju they called "Nephenthipula" appeared and destroyed many cities which resulted in them becoming swallowed up by the expanding jungle. Over time, it simply went dormant and the forest became what it is today. They don't know why it suddenly returned but they suspect it might have something to do with the forest.
Before the teams are sent out, Dr. Flores approaches. Thanks to the hard work and research the Outsiders have been able to do, a basic antidote has been created that should be effective in helping to deal with most of the symptoms that they’ve been experiencing. There’s a very limited amount, however, and he recommends that the Outsiders are cautious: once it’s gone, there won’t be any more until the kaiju is dealt with.
The other downside? It’s not completely refined, so some Outsiders might continue to face side effects. He has more good news to offset this, though: Based on toxicology reports and additional reports about abandoned hives and dead colonies, he suspects the second kaiju might be a wasp of some sort.
Both the wasp kaiju and the Nephenthipula are located deep within the jungle, further even than most outsiders have dared to travel. Interestingly, based on the coordinates they have received so far... they both seem to be in the same vicinity. Before being sent out they will be warned to prepare for a potential double battle.
Based on their understanding of the region, the clues they've found, and Rift readings, they suspect a human-threat level kaiju is at the location of a known ancient temple. The reason they called the Outsiders back, however, is because it seems like not just one but two of these kaiju might be there. They want the Outsiders to recoup their strength before they head out.
Additionally, they believe one of the kaiju is one they have records of. A long time ago, during the first kaiju attacks, a plant-like kaiju they called "Nephenthipula" appeared and destroyed many cities which resulted in them becoming swallowed up by the expanding jungle. Over time, it simply went dormant and the forest became what it is today. They don't know why it suddenly returned but they suspect it might have something to do with the forest.
Before the teams are sent out, Dr. Flores approaches. Thanks to the hard work and research the Outsiders have been able to do, a basic antidote has been created that should be effective in helping to deal with most of the symptoms that they’ve been experiencing. There’s a very limited amount, however, and he recommends that the Outsiders are cautious: once it’s gone, there won’t be any more until the kaiju is dealt with.
The other downside? It’s not completely refined, so some Outsiders might continue to face side effects. He has more good news to offset this, though: Based on toxicology reports and additional reports about abandoned hives and dead colonies, he suspects the second kaiju might be a wasp of some sort.
Both the wasp kaiju and the Nephenthipula are located deep within the jungle, further even than most outsiders have dared to travel. Interestingly, based on the coordinates they have received so far... they both seem to be in the same vicinity. Before being sent out they will be warned to prepare for a potential double battle.
▶ 002. OPERATION: NEPHENTHIPULA
The trip to the designated coordinate is fraught with danger. The forest seems to close in on itself, like it is protecting whatever it is that the Outsiders are trying to reach. The vines almost seem to take on a life of their own, the deeper into the jungle they travel. Forest creatures will attack outsiders, divebombing and trying to stop them when they take breaks from the trek deeper into the jungle. The deadly plants will become more aggressive, and the deeper Outsiders go… the quieter it gets.
The animals stop attacking. The vines almost seem half-hearted as they move deeper. They are thinner and weaker. Many are cut or rotted. They’ve been chewed through and though they still try to stop the outsiders, it is more like stopping the inevitable. As Outsiders breach the treeline, they’ll come into a clearing, where not only the Nephenthipula resides, rising from the forest like a raging colossus, but it is focused on a ruin. On trying to destroy it, its vines try to slap down stone towers, and strangle out parts of the ruin, but on the Outsiders' arrival, its focus is now fully shifted to focus on the new arrivals. Now is your chance, but Outsiders will find that they have to split up, and while some stay and fight the Nephenthipula; intel says that the Vescidae is inside the ruins but there is no clear way in.
Outsiders will quickly realize the Nephenthipula is not alone. In response to the plant kaiju, the entire forest seems to come to its aid. Vines will spread across the battlefield, attempting to tangle and strangle the Outsiders. Different vines manifest thorns, carnivorous flowers, and razor leaves to deter them even more.
Local kaiju also join in. Mutated jaguars, monkeys, snakes, and iguanas appear to further hinder their advances. From above, mutated butterflies, hummingbirds, and beetles rain pollen dosed with Rift energy. On top of the usual Rift sickness, this one seems to have an additional effect as well. The longer Outsiders are exposed to it, the more reluctant they are to attack the plant life and animal kaiju. They will feel a bond with the forest and become aggressive towards Outsiders causing harm.
The forest is their ally. They have to protect the forest at all costs. If that means turning against their friends then so be it. As long as Outsiders ally with the forest, they will find that they can call on it to assist them in limited capacity. They can use vines to block attacks and command some of the mutated kaiju to attack. Fortunately, Dr. Flores' antidote uses resources from the forest itself to counter some of these effects.
The animals stop attacking. The vines almost seem half-hearted as they move deeper. They are thinner and weaker. Many are cut or rotted. They’ve been chewed through and though they still try to stop the outsiders, it is more like stopping the inevitable. As Outsiders breach the treeline, they’ll come into a clearing, where not only the Nephenthipula resides, rising from the forest like a raging colossus, but it is focused on a ruin. On trying to destroy it, its vines try to slap down stone towers, and strangle out parts of the ruin, but on the Outsiders' arrival, its focus is now fully shifted to focus on the new arrivals. Now is your chance, but Outsiders will find that they have to split up, and while some stay and fight the Nephenthipula; intel says that the Vescidae is inside the ruins but there is no clear way in.
Outsiders will quickly realize the Nephenthipula is not alone. In response to the plant kaiju, the entire forest seems to come to its aid. Vines will spread across the battlefield, attempting to tangle and strangle the Outsiders. Different vines manifest thorns, carnivorous flowers, and razor leaves to deter them even more.
Local kaiju also join in. Mutated jaguars, monkeys, snakes, and iguanas appear to further hinder their advances. From above, mutated butterflies, hummingbirds, and beetles rain pollen dosed with Rift energy. On top of the usual Rift sickness, this one seems to have an additional effect as well. The longer Outsiders are exposed to it, the more reluctant they are to attack the plant life and animal kaiju. They will feel a bond with the forest and become aggressive towards Outsiders causing harm.
The forest is their ally. They have to protect the forest at all costs. If that means turning against their friends then so be it. As long as Outsiders ally with the forest, they will find that they can call on it to assist them in limited capacity. They can use vines to block attacks and command some of the mutated kaiju to attack. Fortunately, Dr. Flores' antidote uses resources from the forest itself to counter some of these effects.
▶ 003. INTO THE HIVE.
Observant Outsiders may notice an entrance into the temple. They will have to find a way up the steps, over living and dead vines. Occasionally the vines cover the entrance so Outsiders will have to destroy them again and again to enter.
With this being the only entrance and the vines controlling how many can enter at a time, it is essentially a bottleneck. Those who enter first will have to be ready to respond quickly because sentry wasps the size of housecats will charge at them. They are small, fast, and aggressive but weak. Their stings are incredibly painful to victims but fatal to the wasps which die shortly after. However, after being stung, the Outsider may notice they are attacked more frequently, as if they have been specifically marked.
Eventually, the sentry drones die or retreat, granting them peace. The inside of the temple is covered in a paper-mache like material. Instead of the regular comb shaped pattern one might expect, the combs are shaped like stars. From deep inside the temple, they will hear a steady drumming sound. Following the drumming sound will lead them to even more sentry drones as well as larger soldier drones that are far more aggressive.
They will have to navigate the catacombs of the temple to find and kill the queen. Surprisingly, characters that have been stung will instinctively know which direction they need to go in and will feel drawn to its location. They will also be able to telepathically communicate with others who have been stung or significantly affected by the hive's rift energy.
They will encounter more sentry drones as well as larger solder drones that are far more aggressive. They will also find comb filled with a thick, sweet, milky colored substance and larvae in the center. Characters affected by the hivemind will know this is a precious, nutrient rich resource. Maybe it might be worth collecting?
With this being the only entrance and the vines controlling how many can enter at a time, it is essentially a bottleneck. Those who enter first will have to be ready to respond quickly because sentry wasps the size of housecats will charge at them. They are small, fast, and aggressive but weak. Their stings are incredibly painful to victims but fatal to the wasps which die shortly after. However, after being stung, the Outsider may notice they are attacked more frequently, as if they have been specifically marked.
Eventually, the sentry drones die or retreat, granting them peace. The inside of the temple is covered in a paper-mache like material. Instead of the regular comb shaped pattern one might expect, the combs are shaped like stars. From deep inside the temple, they will hear a steady drumming sound. Following the drumming sound will lead them to even more sentry drones as well as larger soldier drones that are far more aggressive.
They will have to navigate the catacombs of the temple to find and kill the queen. Surprisingly, characters that have been stung will instinctively know which direction they need to go in and will feel drawn to its location. They will also be able to telepathically communicate with others who have been stung or significantly affected by the hive's rift energy.
They will encounter more sentry drones as well as larger solder drones that are far more aggressive. They will also find comb filled with a thick, sweet, milky colored substance and larvae in the center. Characters affected by the hivemind will know this is a precious, nutrient rich resource. Maybe it might be worth collecting?
▶ 004. OPERATION: VESCIDAE
The drumming sound becomes practically deafening and the Outsiders will find themselves in a great, open hall. The walls are carved with designs all the way up to the ceiling which is filled with stars. In the center of the hall they will see the Queen Vescidae. Her wings beat in a steady, drumming sound that echoes off the walls as she takes to the air and attacks.
As she attacks, drones will fly down from the ceiling to her aid. The venom from their stings is very potent and fast acting. At first, it clears the mind of their victims but some Outsiders react to this differently. Some Outsiders become incredibly calm and relaxed, as if all of their concerns– including the battle– are unimportant to them. Others will find that their new clarity makes it easier for them to focus, making them react to attacks faster and giving them an energy boost. For those who are particularly unlucky, however, the venom seems to wipe their minds completely, making them incredibly susceptible to the hypnotic beating of the Queen Vescidae's wings.
Certain Outsiders may suddenly find themselves turning on their friends as they become loyal to the hive. Their priority will become protecting the queen. By essentially becoming new drones, they become a part of the hive's hierarchy and can order lesser drones to assist them. Outsiders that still have Dr. Flores' antidote can protect themselves and potentially save some of their friends.
In a closed space, the battle is especially chaotic and it only gets worse when parts of the temple-hive begin to crumble and collapse. Vines pierce through the walls and outside attacks make the entire hive tremble. Letting in light and fresh air from outside which provides some relief. Shinn is able to land a critical attack on the Vescidae which stuns it. It staggers in the air disoriented and this allows the Outsiders to attack more easily. Shoto sets it on fire and it frantically begins to fly into the walls of the hive, causing more of it to collapse. Eventually, a reckless attack from Geto brings it down once and for all, putting an end to it.
The Vescidae smolders as parts of the hive and temple collapse around it. As parts of the ceiling collapse, they can see the traditional star designs up close. At the center of each star is a drawing of a striped insect.
As she attacks, drones will fly down from the ceiling to her aid. The venom from their stings is very potent and fast acting. At first, it clears the mind of their victims but some Outsiders react to this differently. Some Outsiders become incredibly calm and relaxed, as if all of their concerns– including the battle– are unimportant to them. Others will find that their new clarity makes it easier for them to focus, making them react to attacks faster and giving them an energy boost. For those who are particularly unlucky, however, the venom seems to wipe their minds completely, making them incredibly susceptible to the hypnotic beating of the Queen Vescidae's wings.
Certain Outsiders may suddenly find themselves turning on their friends as they become loyal to the hive. Their priority will become protecting the queen. By essentially becoming new drones, they become a part of the hive's hierarchy and can order lesser drones to assist them. Outsiders that still have Dr. Flores' antidote can protect themselves and potentially save some of their friends.
In a closed space, the battle is especially chaotic and it only gets worse when parts of the temple-hive begin to crumble and collapse. Vines pierce through the walls and outside attacks make the entire hive tremble. Letting in light and fresh air from outside which provides some relief. Shinn is able to land a critical attack on the Vescidae which stuns it. It staggers in the air disoriented and this allows the Outsiders to attack more easily. Shoto sets it on fire and it frantically begins to fly into the walls of the hive, causing more of it to collapse. Eventually, a reckless attack from Geto brings it down once and for all, putting an end to it.
The Vescidae smolders as parts of the hive and temple collapse around it. As parts of the ceiling collapse, they can see the traditional star designs up close. At the center of each star is a drawing of a striped insect.
▶ 005. AFTERMATH.
Outside the hive, the battlefield and temple are swallowed up by vines and plantlife. In all of the chaos, it is impossible to tell where the Nephenthipula stops and where the Nephenthipula begins. They finally get a break when Ereshkigal's spears do massive damage, severing many of the Nephenthipula's vines. This makes it easier for Outsiders to attack closer or allows them to focus on holding back the forest and lesser kaiju. Weakened by everyone's efforts, the Nephenthipula eventually grows tired which allows Raphael to find an opening. The kaiju falls to the ground and begins to wither. As it turns to dust, a voice whispers, "How could you all do this to us and this planet?"
With its most powerful fighter defeated, the forest has taken a major blow. It still tries to defend itself but all of its attacks are much weaker. It does not stop until the hive temple begins to crumble and the beating sound from within comes to a stop. Suddenly, everything goes silent as the vines still and the lesser kaiju stop to observe.
Finally, the forest breathes. The vines recede and the lesser kaiju return to the jungle, leaving the Outsiders alone.
With the kaiju dealt with, it’s like a heavy weight has been lifted from the city, and the air itself feels less oppressive. Many of the issues that Outsiders had been dealing with seem to settle, the way of nature restored. It’s not all perfect, and there are still some lingering effects of pollen and other issues, but things seem to be better, to say the least. The Rift energy that had plagued the landscape settles and, over time, begins to recede.
One of the more lingering effects is the sickness affecting the civilians. Dr. Flores, using the research materials that Outsiders had returned to base, has begun to create a cure for the strain. There’s a catch: there’s no one to test it on except the Outsiders, so he reluctantly asks for their aid in seeing how effective it is. At first, it doesn’t seem to work too successfully, so Dr. Flores requests the venom of the Vescidae and the royal honey-like substance in order to supplement the cure, and tasks Outsiders with bringing samples of the venom back to base. Once this is added, it works far better.
There are various side effects as the cure is tested. The happier of Outsiders might find themselves prone to bursts of anger and irritation, while the more bitter team members could find themselves experiencing bouts of ecstasy and euphoria. As night falls, some might find themselves irrationally afraid of the dark and struggling with a chronic case of insomnia, which nothing seems to relieve. Thanks to the kaiju venom, there are still lingering effects from previous ventures into the jungle… The same violence and extreme emotions from before (yes, those too).
In addition, in the city there is another kind of testing, the kaiju left more than just venom behind, after all. Some vendors, perfumers, and even bars and smoke shops are making use of the remaining pollen, and Outsiders might find themselves asked to try a free sample, or get sprayed with a random perfume without their asking. Surely it’s fine! You might find yourself subjected to some of the pollen effects, like the increased hunger (of any kind) so you might want to go satiate those munchies, pronto!
Once the cure has been tested appropriately, Dr. Flores begins to make the rounds on the locals, dealing with the most sick first. The cure is also handed out to the Outsiders, so they can do their part. Dr. Flores congratulates the Outsiders on their success, and seems genuinely pleased - and proud? - of the work they’ve put in. What’s that about blood sacrifices…? He doesn’t want to hear about any of that. Just hand over any remaining insects, please, and get ready for a return to home.
With its most powerful fighter defeated, the forest has taken a major blow. It still tries to defend itself but all of its attacks are much weaker. It does not stop until the hive temple begins to crumble and the beating sound from within comes to a stop. Suddenly, everything goes silent as the vines still and the lesser kaiju stop to observe.
Finally, the forest breathes. The vines recede and the lesser kaiju return to the jungle, leaving the Outsiders alone.
With the kaiju dealt with, it’s like a heavy weight has been lifted from the city, and the air itself feels less oppressive. Many of the issues that Outsiders had been dealing with seem to settle, the way of nature restored. It’s not all perfect, and there are still some lingering effects of pollen and other issues, but things seem to be better, to say the least. The Rift energy that had plagued the landscape settles and, over time, begins to recede.
One of the more lingering effects is the sickness affecting the civilians. Dr. Flores, using the research materials that Outsiders had returned to base, has begun to create a cure for the strain. There’s a catch: there’s no one to test it on except the Outsiders, so he reluctantly asks for their aid in seeing how effective it is. At first, it doesn’t seem to work too successfully, so Dr. Flores requests the venom of the Vescidae and the royal honey-like substance in order to supplement the cure, and tasks Outsiders with bringing samples of the venom back to base. Once this is added, it works far better.
There are various side effects as the cure is tested. The happier of Outsiders might find themselves prone to bursts of anger and irritation, while the more bitter team members could find themselves experiencing bouts of ecstasy and euphoria. As night falls, some might find themselves irrationally afraid of the dark and struggling with a chronic case of insomnia, which nothing seems to relieve. Thanks to the kaiju venom, there are still lingering effects from previous ventures into the jungle… The same violence and extreme emotions from before (yes, those too).
In addition, in the city there is another kind of testing, the kaiju left more than just venom behind, after all. Some vendors, perfumers, and even bars and smoke shops are making use of the remaining pollen, and Outsiders might find themselves asked to try a free sample, or get sprayed with a random perfume without their asking. Surely it’s fine! You might find yourself subjected to some of the pollen effects, like the increased hunger (of any kind) so you might want to go satiate those munchies, pronto!
Once the cure has been tested appropriately, Dr. Flores begins to make the rounds on the locals, dealing with the most sick first. The cure is also handed out to the Outsiders, so they can do their part. Dr. Flores congratulates the Outsiders on their success, and seems genuinely pleased - and proud? - of the work they’ve put in. What’s that about blood sacrifices…? He doesn’t want to hear about any of that. Just hand over any remaining insects, please, and get ready for a return to home.
▶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Kaiju Fight #10! All comments in this event count for 2 points towards August AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. FIND THE HIVE: Outsiders receive coordinates and useful information for their upcoming battle. Dr. Flores provides a basic antidote to protect them.
2. OPERATION: NEPHENTHIAPULA: The Nephenthipula is found outside a temple. The forest and native kaiju assist the Nephenthipula. Some Outsiders might feel a bond with the forest and turn on them. Dr. Flores's antidote can protect and cure some of them.
3. INTO THE HIVE: The temple has been converted into a hive. They fight drones while searching for the queen. They also find a royal honey-like in some of the combs.
4. OPERATION: VESCIDAE: The Queen Vescidae can induct Outsiders into the hivemind. Dr. Flores's antidote can protect and cure some of them.
5. AFTERMATH: The Nephenthipula is defeated and whispers an ominous question to the Outsiders as the forest retreats. Dr. Flores asks the Outsiders to collect venom and royal jelly from the battlefield to create a better cure. Outsiders can opt in to test the new antidote.
FINDING THE HIVE, SIR. YES SIR.
"Yer just gonna walk in??" he asks, getting up and moving when he's told, too. Be it Bakugo telling him to, or that he wants to is two different things. He hasn't let on what he is or what his purpose could be here. "Might've well just brought a big ol' red sign n' get it glowin' at night." He says as he shakes his hand out of a creeping vine that made to try to hold between his fingers.
Well, Bakugo was right about one thing. He can't stay still, he's not interested in finding out what kind of eternal plant food he makes either. "What if it's just waitin' around the corner?" He asks, rhetorically as is most of what he's yammering about by the time he catches up with Bakugo, "Just waitin' and bam!" the boy says a little louder with a stumbled jump, arms bent as though he's startling someone in front of him. It's to serve as example for the jump scare they were surely going to encounter any second-- Alright no jump scare, but he has a point in his own mind!
"That kinda attitude's gonna get us both ate up, Senpai." And yet, here he is, every inch walking behind the man leading them forward.
no subject
"Of course I am! I'm no gonna wait for it to invite me!" Nothing in their viewpoint screams "lair" or suggests a damn trap! If other Outsiders want to sneak up and surprise their quarry, that's on them. Don't get pissed when he takes it out faster than their shitty stealth mode choices can react. Matted peat and vines, faint curves on either side. Something large and single-footed pushed through, as if dragging a large wide whatever. Either a body or shell is his guess. Nothing torn or uprooted suggests a rock.
"Do you see a fucking "corner" around here?" It's a massive carve right through the jungle! Nothing's hiding out here except annoying creeper vines and jungle wildlife leaping at them from between trees or overhead. Bakugo scrunches his nose, lips pursed in irritation at Hikaru's childish suggestion. "Shut up. I'm the worst thing any beast can try to eat." A feral promise complete with explosions popping around his hands like threatening cluster blasts.
no subject
"Walkin' right in still feels like we ain't supposed'ta. Jungle's already got its mouth open, don't need us feedin' it." He keeps pace, eyes darting at the shifting underbrush.
"Might be no corner, but things wait where you ain't lookin'. That's how they get ya." He swings an arm wide, half-joking, half-warning. Maybe a 70/30 split. "Somethin' just around a bend." He raises his arms, hunching as he walks, pretending to be whatever that might be. To his credit he isn't loud about it. "Then one, two-- an' boom! Main character monster."
Not unlike the spider web behind the next vine he's moving. Which he is avoiding right in that moment. Having lived where he lived, it's not a big deal he just doesn't want web in his face.
no subject
"You wanna go around, go for it." He tilts his head to the side, indicating the other Outsiders heading through the underbrush and trying to keep quiet. Some of them at least. "Trying" being the operative word. Whatever made this path is large. Either it knows there are approaching hunters or it's oblivious given its size. Depends on what kind of life it's led so far.
"Che." If he's got that active an imagination or expectations, all the better for Hikaru to walk an open path with nothing around to grab and jump him out of nowhere. Bakugo drops from the log and starts his path through the flat expanse in front of him. Definitely heading to the proverbial front door via a laid-out driveway. "Stop messing around with the leaves and get out here!"
no subject
He huffs, not loud enough to give away where he is but with a note of disbelief all the same. "Yeah, yeah, I'm comin'." His voice carries from the treeline, dry as the cracked bark under his hand. "Ain't the one playin' pretend with a bunch of leaves." He steps out, boots sinking a little before he adjusts and finds firmer patches, keeping his weight careful.
Hikaru shoots him a look, faint smirk tugging at his mouth. "Front door's real nice, long as it don't cave in under ya. If y'vanish, I get yer cool grenades."
no subject
Is that guy coming along or not? He glances over his shoulder, lower half of his face hidden behind the high collar of his costume top. Hmph, a least Hikaru seems to be making headway. Avoiding the dangerous parts just like Bakugo did. Ahead of them, the sounds of something moving comes clear through the tree line they're all approaching. Great, another larger kaiju. Better than a ton of smaller ones.
"Stop talking shit and focus on your damn feet! I'm not dragging your ass outta the swamp!" And he's not gonna go down so easily either! What kind of talent does he think Bakugo lacks?
no subject
"Ah?? Like I'd need draggin'!" Hikaru steps light across a root, arms out just enough for balance, like it's more of a game than a slog. The bog shifts under him, but he keeps his grin. "Not bad advice, though. My shoes would hate me if I faceplanted in this mess." His eyes are forward, a Kaiju up as close as he's ever been to any of them that weren't the starfish on the beach.
The noise ahead draws his focus forward, his grin dropping into something steadier as he grips his weapon. "If it's a big one, then good. At least we see what we're swingin' at. ...Right? Yer really just gonna rush in there at it, Senpai?"
no subject
"Of course, idiot! I'll take the fucking thing out before it's got a chance to- GET DOWN!" He instantly slams his hand forward and a wave of explosions crash overhead. Hikaru's gonna take a rush of hot air from above, but otherwise unharmed as the cluster bomb crashes into a panther leapt from the underbrush. Fried cat, flying back into the green with a yowl.
Tsk! Great, he didn't want to ravage the local wildlife. Bakugo launches off the trunk and lands on some roots not far from Hikaru. "Give me your hand. We're getting out of here." He'll carry him piggyback; it's too dangerous here.
This is why he stuck to the wide-open area. True, it makes them more a target, but the hunters have to come to them exposed.
You may have my first em dash in 9456 years
His eyes snap back to Bakugo, wide and uncertain. The offer of a hand, the demand, really—it isn't something he argues with. He hesitates for only a heartbeat, then grips Bakugo's hand tight enough to make up for what he doesn't say.
"...Guess I'd just slow you down if I tried on my own," he mutters, voice low. He glances toward the shifting green where the cat had been thrown, then back at him. "So... fine. Just don't drop me, alright?"
The words come out with more bite than fear, but his grip stays firm, betraying how much he's relying on Bakugo to get them through the open ground alive.
verily a relic of the ancient past
Leaves rip past their faces as he breaks through the foliage above, a branch snapping against his chest in the process. But they're up and out in seconds, soaring in the sky over green seas. Ahead of them, a clearing shelters what looks like an old temple. With a giant mass of green and orange lumbering towards it. That's the kaiju?! Some fucking mutated plant? "There's the bastard!"
no subject
His stomach twists when he catches sight of what waits ahead. The thing is huge. Roots and vines shift like muscle, that unnatural blaze of orange cutting against all the green. He has no idea what it even is, but his throat is already dry just looking at it.
"That's what we're up against?" The words slip out, half disbelief, half dread. His grip tightens unconsciously on Bakugo's shoulder. He tries to force the fear back down, to make his voice steadier. "Hope the thing's got knees 'cause that's all I can think've what I'm gonna be punchin'" He's not sure just who would, or wouldn't take well to finding out his true form. Would it be helpful? Yes. Yes it would, but he's afraid.
no subject
"You didn't do any fucking research, did you." They had a ton of kaiju files in the training room and accessible on the ocular! Hikaru should've been familiarizing himself with the threats he's walking into battle against! Bakugo clicks his tongue in annoyance. Punching. Didn't these bastards give Hikaru something long range? Like a fucking gun or even a sword. "If you've got any powers hiding up your ass, you better start bringing them out. It's not gonna give a shit about going easy on you." And neither is he, because BOOM!! they're rocketing forward as Outsiders pour from the jungle border. No point in sticking to an initial volley. They've always been little more than cannon fodder flung at the monster.
Really strong deadly successful cannon fodder.
no subject
But this is also, according to Sensei, one of his important people. "I don't know how to fight!" He can. He would. He just has to be wielded the right way. He admits it though, mid launch. He has no clue how the other outsiders are just hurtling themselves at these monsters. It can't be that hard, right? He just has to heal breaks or sprains or other things. "Shit...!" All he can do is consume, "Get me close enough! I'll cover you while you do something comicbook cool!"
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Bakugo hits the ground on his feet, skidding backwards in the loamy soil a few feet. More Outsiders swarm the plant, triggering flailing vines and lunching maws. Typical monster plant attacks. Here comes a spew of sap or acid, likely gonna stick or burn. Those extras better have their plug suits ready. He leans forward, charging up his left hand into a sizzling white glow. "You better make it quick." *KA-BOOM!* Another explosion erupts behind, rocketing him into the monster's face. He slams one foot atop its head, twisting and giving Hikaru at maximum five seconds to do something before another explosion will send them away from stabbing vines.
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The world is a blur of noise and heat, the roar of the monster and the rush of explosions rattling in Hikaru’s ears. He can barely breathe with the pressure of Bakugo’s grip keeping him in place, and when they hit the ground his teeth clack together from the impact. It is all too fast, too violent, and he knows he has nothing that can measure up.
His fingers dig in against Bakugo’s shoulder, knuckles white. He can feel the demand in his words, the five seconds he has been given stretching out like a lifetime. He should do something. Anything.
The anything comes in the form of him biting down hard on the fleshy side of his hand on the pink side, slamming it down hard against something that Bakugo has long knocked open. It keeps him hidden, and while he tries to control the giant Kaiju's soul-- he realizes immediately that he cannot. That something is jamming him from doing it, it's jarring, and so the only other thing he can think to do is confuse it, let Bakugo go undetected by reaching out to the soul and only momentarily reaching its eyes as his insides work as best they can. Touching and damaging is something he can still do- it's all he has at that moment he can do and keep safe. "Now, Senpai!"
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Keeping Hikaru from plummeting off the plant while still letting loose one explosion after another is an effort in juggling. He isn't gonna stay atop the monster long, smoke trailing from his fingers as he twists around post another explosive crash. Five seconds. All he'll offer Hikaru to make himself useful before Bakugo snatches his scruff and rockets them clean off the monster.
White flashes in his peripheral, red snatching sideways in a momentary widen as his ally bites his own fucking hand. What the hell? Is he a blood user? Hikaru's hand plunges into an open wound, he has no idea what the hell he's doing, but flailing vines and green monstrous plant heads abruptly seem to lose their sense of direction. Now means bracing himself in front of Hikaru and KA-BOOOM! the entire plant top becomes a lightshow, punching a massive blast outward and vaporizing one of the plant's thicker limbs.
All they have time for. Bakugo snatches Hikaru and jets off right as two more vines slam down atop its head.
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He cannot be sure if what he did made the difference, only that he felt it connect. The kaiju staggered, even if just for a second, and that second was theirs. His breath catches in his throat, not from strain but from the thrill of it, his eyes bright as he fixes on the horizon ahead.
"Did you get it?" he calls, the words rough with exertion but edged with a spark that was not there before.
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More Outsiders swarm its body from the sides, beneath, and above. Larger kaiju have an advantage in sheer bulk and strength, but make themselves a much easier target for powerful, nimble attackers. Someone gets swallowed, but considering this is a damn plant, he's pretty sure little more than a gourd's inside is gonna meet them. Time enough to break them out... yep, there's a text about it.
"Huh? Are you fucking blind? Look" Even if the plant's regenerating, notable scorch marks blacken where he and Hikaru had stood a moment ago.
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"...So it worked." His voice is low, quick, like he almost doesn’t believe it. A grin pulls sharp across his face, not calm, more electric. His smile spreads and he grins wide. "Senpai, let's go back!" He gets back up, dusting himself off.
Despite that he is insisting he isn't a fighter, he does anything he can to help the other outsiders with disrupting the plant. He may not be able to control it, which he has to think about another time, but if Bakugo doesn't shoo him away, he stays until the end of that battle, or at least the decisive moments. He's not even winded, he has to turn it off, all of it, just to survive any broken ribs, any hard hits because he isn't a fighter. He has no training, but any time he gets close he did what he could to help until the end.