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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-08-11 10:49 am

KAIJU FIGHT #10

KAIJU FIGHT #10


CONTENT WARNINGS: bugs, insects, wasps (prompts 3 and 4), insect stings, rift poisoning, medical testing (antidote to the sickness) and emotional side effects.

▶ 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.



▶ 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.



▶ 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?


▶ 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.


▶ 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.


▶ 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.



redangelofpreventingharm: (Content)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-08-31 02:24 am (UTC)(link)
The big alligator snapping turtle mutant keeps going down the path, making sure they're not getting swatted with the branches, checking out around them for any baddies while they go. So far it seems to be safe - at least for now - and he smiles down at his companion when she asks.

"I do! He's my little brother!"
asagami: Where no one understands you (A lonely life)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-01 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
"So, you're not just teammates, then? Wow..."

It probably should have been obvious, considering the colored headbands and such. But, in her defense, she didn't want to assume too much either! Though, remembering that his shield glowed in a similar manner to whatever the heck she got from Donatello...that can only mean one thing-

"Say, do you happen to know anything about these, uh-" She waves her free hand a tad- before a plastic spork materializes. Not...the kind of example she was hoping for, but close enough. "-strange powers? Considering you're related to him and all..."
redangelofpreventingharm: (Oh Fux)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-01 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
"We're teammates too but yeah! Donnie and Leo are my little brothers! Our third little brother isn't here though." He isn't sure if he wants to think about Mikey here or not.

But when she waves her hand around and gets a little spork, that's formed up from the purple ninpo, he's blinking down at her. "Now that we're not worried fer our lives, I was gonna ask about that. You were able to summon up Donnie's staff! And like...that's our family powers--we call it ninpo!"
asagami: they’re apparently going to start a riot if I don’t deliver Pepsi (I have to get to the supermarket quickly)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-01 01:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"So that's what it's called? I see, I see."

She makes a soft hum as she nods. 'Ninpo' and 'Ninja'? Yeah, much easier to remember.

Although, something else does make brow raise a bit. "Family? Does that mean it gets stronger if you're near each other?"
redangelofpreventingharm: (Thinky Thinky)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-01 03:44 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yup! That's what my Pops and like, m'ancestors said it was, so I just kinda roll with it!"

He's all smiles now - this big guy loves his fam so much - you can tell with how proud he is over them all.

The question makes him hmmm, but he nods after thinking about it. "I believe so! We all work better as a team - the power's from our family and everything, so like, it gets bigger and stronger when we're all together. I don't know like the super specifics because I just like, trust it to work, but when all of my brothers and me are together we can do even more fantastical things with it!"
asagami: instead of actually saving them, ‘cause that would make sense (I must deliver Pepsi to these people)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-01 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
She keeps up her smile, despite her still not quite understanding about all that ninpo jazz. Can one blame her, though? His energy is pretty infectious! Quite adorable, if she had to be honest.

"So that's how it is? Amazing..." she lets out a soft giggle as she says it. "Life back home must be quite lively for you guys, huh?"
redangelofpreventingharm: (Default)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-01 06:20 pm (UTC)(link)
He's just a big sweetheart and will gush over his family and how awesome everyone is if people will listen. His smile just gets even bigger when she asks though, so he nods.

"My brother Donnie would disagree but it's kind of like...magic! I'm...not sure how it works but that's what my shields are. My ninpo powers. I can make like, copies of myself and stuff too. Really helpful for when you gotta fight bad guys."

The question about home makes him nod. "Oh yeah, we fight the bad guys tryin' to hurt people or take over New York. S'not allowed on our watch. It's a busy life but I like it!"
asagami: Today I returned to Dreamland (Dear Diary)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-02 02:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Mm, that does sound like incredible power to have. You and the others are basically superheroes, more or less."

She shifts her gaze forward, as if she means to make sure nothing else in the jungle pops up, though a weird feeling settles into her gut. Thankfully much less heavier compared to the past months, but the weight sinks into her a bit. Ugh, how is she going to be able to tell him that she got his brother's powers via a blood ritual at the altar? One that she willingly took part in?? She can't just do it. Not right now, at least!

"Since you're close to Donatello-san, is there anything else his ninpo can do?"
Edited (missed a word, oops) 2025-09-02 02:45 (UTC)
redangelofpreventingharm: (Thinky Thinky)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-02 02:49 am (UTC)(link)
The big guy has absolutely no idea that his little brother basically did a blood ritual out at some altar somewhere or else he'd be probably freaking out WAY MORE about the fact that she somehow has his powers. For all he knows she has some sort of copying ability and Donnie's out there kicking ass somewhere.

"We do our best! Someone's gotta fight the weird stuff going on around there. So like, when I ended up here, it wasn't all that different honestly!"

The question distracts him some as he considers it. "Hmm...well like, he's really good at building machines and tech stuff. So like his powers can make like, guns and engines and stuff?"
asagami: Here comes the 90s lingo! (Speaking of trainwrecks...)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-02 03:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh yeah. He does seem to be really adept with technology, from what I've seen."

It's a good thing Raphael can't see her face right now, because another strange feeling takes over; her smile falters somewhat as there's a tiny pinprick at her heart, like she's missing- or missing out on something. At least it's only for a brief moment, as it soon subsides back into the other emotion from before.

"Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to conjure up those things. Especially guns...to be honest, I'm not fond of violence at all."

That's the truth- is the truth. Even if it's an unconscious lie.
redangelofpreventingharm: (Default)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-02 04:07 am (UTC)(link)
"Donnie's really good with inventions and science and stuff - it's kind of amazing what he can do with his hands, even without the ninpo!"

He isn't really focusing on her too much, making sure that there's nothing going to get the drop on them as he continues down the path.

"Oh yeah? That's understandable. I know we all got grouped up to fight these kaiju things but like, there's lots of ways to help without doin' the actual fighting and everything. I can do plenty of it for both of us if I gotta."
asagami: commence (Press A to let this horrible mistake)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-03 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
"Thank you. I'll do my part and give you support as best as I can, too. It's rude to leave all the work to just one person, you know?"

The further down the path they get, the more the surrounding noises fade away. Still no signs of anything ready to leap out, but it's probably (or hopefully) a good thing. Least there's no chance of getting interrupted because boy oh boy, she doesn't want to hide what actually happened to her and Donnie's powers much longer!!

"Um, Raphael-san. I was wondering, but have you by any chance encountered an altar during one of those expeditions to the ruins?"
redangelofpreventingharm: (Thinky Thinky)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-03 02:26 am (UTC)(link)
"Everyone's got a way to help the team out! I figure that's why we all got taken here because like... the boss people need lots of different perspectives and junk? At least that's what I think..."

He isn't really sure and while he would prefer to be home, he's under the impression that they need HEROES to help save the WORLD!

Their progress means it's quieter, which helps ease some of his concerns over things coming out of the woodwork to try and eat them, but it at least lets him be able to have a conversation with a partner.

"An altar?" he parrots back, thinking about it, before he shakes his head. "Not personally. I was talking to the locals when we were investigating and they were talking about how like, people were getting sick, but I didn't see anything like that. Why do you ask? Did you come across it? Maybe it has something to do with the kaiju..."
asagami: they’re apparently going to start a riot if I don’t deliver Pepsi (I have to get to the supermarket quickly)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-03 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"Could be a possibility, or maybe not. I'm still not sure myself..."

Oh, right. She should get down already, huh; her legs having lost most of their numbness by this point, she genty taps on Raphael's forearm, signaling him that she's alright to walk now.

And once she does get on her feet...

"But, uh-" she's fidgeting slightly, though she's trying to hold her gaze as steady as she can at the big turtle. Eugh, what is this other weight of emotion beset upon her?? There's already enough as it is, she kind of doesn't like it! But oh god, she has to get it over with already!! "I think Donatello-san and I may have tried something..."
redangelofpreventingharm: (Thinky Thinky)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-03 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, it's like...a lot! I still don't really get it but I'm willin' ta help if need be!"

The gentle tap is enough for him to stop yapping, glance at her and give her a big grin as he kneels so he can put her down without her having to hop from his hold or anything. Very much big brother vibes as he makes sure she's upright and okay.

When she fidgets though, he waits, keeping himself lowered so not to loom over her. "Oh? What happened? Is this why you seem to have his abilities?"
asagami: you can save Pepsi city (C'mon,Pepsi-man)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-04 12:33 am (UTC)(link)
"Yes, well..."

Deep breath- and immediately, she falls to the ground on her knees, hands out in front whilst leaning over enough for her forehead to touch the dirt, doing the lowest and deepest of deep bows.

"My humblest apologies, Raphael-san. But your brother and I have done a blood sacrifice!"
redangelofpreventingharm: (Wait What?)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-04 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
He was just waiting for an explanation. Not an actual deepest of bows!

It startles him a little as she does that, before he's curling a hand against her shoulder, big and broad but still so gentle.

"Whoa whoa whoa - hold on, you don't gotta do that---"

The mention of BLOOD SACRIFICE is terrifying though. "Wait, WHAT???? Are you okay??? What happened? Was Donnie okay too????"
asagami: you can save Pepsi city (C'mon,Pepsi-man)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-07 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Fujino tenses up a tad. Even for how gentle his touch is, she doesn't know how well he'll take the full news.

“We only put in one tiny drop each and had a moment of dizziness, but then the next thing we knew, we were both fine- at least at the time, it seemed to be? But after we went our separate ways, well-" There's an audible gulp, her tone taking on a bit more of a waver as she speaks again. "this started happening..."

She can only hope that Donnie might be faring better than her...maybe. Hopefully? Or for as little as a single blade of greenery that may or may not constitute as some kind of a bright side can allow, anyway.
Edited 2025-09-07 00:50 (UTC)
redangelofpreventingharm: (Oh Fux)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-07 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
Raphael listens, because of course he will; this is serious enough to really pay attention to what she's saying. He can tell that Fujino is worried about the whole situation, especially since it seems that she somehow has Donnie's powers, but he keeps from hollering about it.

After all, it's over and done with - he can't stop it from happening at all.

"But why? Blood magic stuff is usually bad news? How come you two decided to do that?"

He isn't yelling. Just confused. Big brother mode: ACTIVATE.
asagami: He's a quacking penguin...with a duck face (He's a quack. He's a penguin.)

[personal profile] asagami 2025-09-07 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I'm not sure about his reason, but as for mine, I thought it was the only form of payment and that using other means would only end up with a horrible curse, just like in some of those horror movies..."

So many fantastical things have happened during her time here that don't and can't exist back in her home, going by movie logic seemed like a good idea!

"Um," she quavers for a moment, keeping her forehead still so close to the ground. "Please don't be get mad at Donatello-san, regardless. I am also partly responsible for the trouble it caused and for that- I am truly, deeply sorry, Raphael-san."
redangelofpreventingharm: (Oh Fux)

[personal profile] redangelofpreventingharm 2025-09-07 02:31 am (UTC)(link)
The big guy isn't sure what to think about this, but he listens and hums lightly at the explanation that she gives him about movies and curses. He can't really deny that logic, since he could see it coming from himself or one of his brothers.

He gently tries to tug her up so she doesn't kiss the ground for him. "I'm not mad at either of you. I just want you guys to be safe and that was real risky. Especially since you guys seem to have swapped powers, given what you've been summoning with Donnie's ninpo."