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𝚂𝚱𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 đ™Œđš˜đšđšœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-09-29 05:51 pm

TRAVEL LOG #7

TRAVEL LOG #7
CONTENT WARNINGS: memory manipulation, nausea, headaches, references to hunting

▶ 001. IT’S (NOT) LONDON, BABY.

As the last dregs of summer fade into the beginning of true Fall in Neo Tokyo, Outsiders wake up to the sound of sirens blaring, the call coming through their implants - there's no time for relaxation, not when the world still needs to be saved. As soon as everyone has gathered for the debriefing, Yamakawa explains their next destination: a request for aid has been sent by a civilian militia group in Windsor, England, and it's a desperate plea for support for an ongoing kaiju crisis.

While LILITH doesn't have a branch in the area, they're able to work with their contact to ensure that a data portal is set up for the easy transportation of Outsiders from the main base. Travelling feels a little bit easier compared to before, but the common side effects still remain - a little nausea, some headaches, dizziness and some minor glitching. It seems as if caffeine is a solution, and upon arrival, Outsiders are offered a cup of tea to get them settled.

Weirdly, unlike previous teleportation, physical touch seems to make the symptoms worse, rather than better. Anyone attempting the usual form of intimacy will find that being close to people, especially those they’re most comfortable with, will feel strangely awkward, leaving them with an uneasy sensation and the urge to take a step back.

As this is another warp rather than air travel, Outsiders will be asked to bring only what they deem necessary on this journey. Yamakawa reminds the Outsiders that, once they arrive, further supplies will be sent; both those that the outsiders request, and additional medical supplies for the militia in England to support them in their ongoing quest.

Everyone will be given the standard 24 hours to pack and prepare for departure. Once the time is up, Outsiders are transported to the arrival point... In Windsor Castle.

▶ 002. AN OUTSIDER WALKS INTO A CASTLE.

Upon arriving in the bailey of the castle, a beautiful woman who introduces herself as Gwen approaches. She welcomes the Outsiders to her base of operations, promising to provide beds and food for everyone. She’s quick to give an overview of why they’ve been summoned to the castle and what the problem is: they’re a militia group who are fighting against a large kaiju that is threatening the remains of the civilian population of the United Kingdom. They need help from the Outsiders to put the kaiju (and the rebels that are supporting it) down so that peace can continue. With how few people they have capable of fighting, they turned to LILITH in desperation.

As the Outsiders are directed to one of the wings of the castle to settle in, some might notice something
 Off. While all the Outsiders who had agreed to go to the mission are present and accounted for, some members of their group are acting a little odd. When spoken to, they behave the same in terms of personality, but some of the things they’re saying are strange, or don’t sound right


Some Outsiders have come to believe that they have always lived in Neo Tokyo, and don’t remember any other life. They’re convinced that this is the truth, and any attempt to dissuade them is met with resistance, both of the Outsiders feeling nauseated, with the risk of migraines developing. It doesn’t seem as if anything works to break this strange sickness, no matter what is attempted.

That might be a problem to deal with later.

Once bunks have been agreed on (and they will need to share rooms), Outsiders are given free rein to explore Windsor Castle. Gwen - and her generals, a group of women who can often be found around her, peering over maps, reports and other paperwork, giving advice and arguing about the best course of action - tell Outsiders that it would be best to stay within the castle walls, due to the threats of smaller kaiju outside the base. They do ask that, if they have spare time, that they help the people around the castle as much as they can, as there’s a lot of upkeep to do, and they’re running low on people thanks to their failed missions.

The castle is large, and beautifully decorated with medieval tapestries that have clung to their existence despite the impact of time. There are various locations of interest that the Outsiders are welcome to nose their way around: a library, filled with hundreds of books; the stable, where various horses of different kinds can be found (and ridden!); the outskirts around the bailey, with various small dogs; the feasting hall, where meals are served (mostly farm grown foods, and very limited meats) and, finally, the garrison (which, at the moment, only the non-afflicted Outsiders are permitted into, for ‘the safety of the others), with medieval weaponry on the walls.

▶ 003. IT HAS A GREAT KNIGHT-LIFE.

As the Outsiders settle in, the influence of the strange memory manipulation becomes stronger. Outsiders who are convinced they’ve been in this world their entire lives may grow more determined about it, and find strength in talking about their strange new memories. Anyone attempting to convince them otherwise will likely find themselves ostracised and left to the generous mercy of the civilians around the castle. Either way, both sets of Outsiders are generally welcomed around the castle.

The accommodation is good, but there are a few minor issues. Some of the dishes the Outsiders are served taste a little off (perhaps the lack of spice?) and locals urge their guests to stay away from some areas of the castle. If they do decide to go there despite the warnings, there doesn’t seem to be anything amiss. Maybe it’s a British thing?

There are a huge amount of things that need doing around the castle, and the native population are more than happy to encourage the Outsiders to take part and help them with what little resources they have remaining. If Outsiders volunteer to help, they’re informed about the many odd jobs that need doing around the castle and how they can support the locals:

OPERATION: CAN WE FIX IT?
  • Outsiders are tasked with helping to repair and, in some cases, reinforce the wall surrounding the castle and the bailey.
  • It’s clearly been damaged from kaiju attacks, and some areas are more damaged than others.
  • There are limited amounts of brick, so there may be a need to go out on a reconnaissance mission to gather more supplies.
  • Outsiders will be rewarded with carved items from the civilians - dogs, horses, dragons, and lions.
  • OPERATION: WE’RE GOING ON A KAIJU HUNT.
  • Outsiders are asked to go out in small groups to deal with the small, minor kaiju that have been threatening the castle.
  • The threat is a mixture of various wild kaiju, including vicious wild deer, boar, foxes and badgers. Some are more dangerous than others, and most attack on sight.
  • Outsiders will be rewarded with small gifts from the civilians - gloves with sheep wool interiors, large cotton blankets and, if they bring back their kills, fresh kaiju meat meals.
  • OPERATION: CLAYSON’S FARM.
  • Outsiders are asked to help the castle farmers for the upcoming months, both the livestock and the crops themselves.
  • The calves will need to be weaned (which might include chasing them around a field), wool from ewes clipped and harvesting the winter wheat, potato and sugar beet before planting the new crop.
  • Outsiders will be rewarded with small gifts from the farmers - bouquets of dried flowers, their first choice of the harvested crops, bottles of homemade cider, and even naming some of the livestock after the most helpful.
  • OPERATION: THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT (AU’D CHARACTERS ONLY).
  • Outsiders are asked to tend to a graveyard deep in the back area of the castle, surrounded by forests.
  • They will need to clean the graves, tidy up anything that has been left behind, check the records are accurate and pay their respects.
  • Outsiders will be rewarded with a broach in a strange horse shape from Gwen herself, who says it will permit them into some of the closed off areas of the castle. This includes the ‘spa’ (where the water is always cold); the ballroom (where the curtains are too heavy to move, so it’s always dark) and a special dining hall (which none of the cooking staff seem to know exists).
  • OPERATION: A PROPER GANDER (NON-AU’D CHARACTERS ONLY).
  • Outsiders are asked to deal with the rebel propaganda that’s popped up around the castle.
  • They will need to clean the graffiti, remove posters, try and track down where they’re getting in and ensure none remains.
  • Outsiders will be rewarded with Turkish Delight candies (hand-delivered by Gwen, as it’s her own personal recipe), nightly offers of hot chocolate and their choice of art supplies so they can add their own murals to the castle (once approved by the generals, of course).

  • There are dozens of other odd jobs that need done, too, and Outsiders can find themselves tasked with almost any minor task that they can imagine - from novice carpentry, to cleaning, to taking care of the corgi population to even exercising the horses. There are no limits to how helpful the Outsiders can be to their temporary home.

    Throughout this time, Gwen and her generals are preparing for the upcoming mission and sharing briefs with the Outsiders as they gear up: there’s been a trace of the beast somewhere near Egham, ironically called the “Enchanted Forest”. If the Outsiders attempt to probe Gwen or question her for specifics, she’ll shrug them off, for now; there simply isn’t enough time to answer everyone personally, and she’s incredibly busy.

    ▶ 004. HASTY PREPARATION.

    Not long into the Outsiders’ stay at the castle, a scouting report comes back with alarming news: the kaiju is on the move and seems to have more humans under its control, preparing to launch a counterattack on the castle and the people within. The generals, Gwen leading the charge, are quick to gather their weapons and supplies and start to consider a way of fighting back before the worst happens: the castle is laid siege.

    Everyone in the castle is suddenly part of a whirlwind of motion, all trying to plan the counterattack and how to deal with the kaiju before it’s too late. Gwen is more than willing to listen to what the Outsiders have to say as spokespeople for LILITH, and due to their experience in dealing with kaiju in the past; she’s keen to know what they’ve tried, what worked, and what didn’t work.

    The next few days have the castle in preparation mode. Weapons are checked, books on tactics and histories are revised to see for any weaknesses that might have been missed, and Outsiders are encouraged to do whatever they can to help, just as they have been before.

    It’s as hard to get Gwen and her generals alone as it was before, but there’s a general feeling of finality around the keep; this could be it. She does make an announcement a day before the march:

    "My men and I have discovered what may be causing the strange... Affliction your friends are suffering from, dear soldiers of LILITH. The kaiju seems to have the power to influence emotion, and memory along with it. A previous attack left a relic in the beast, which has healing properties: it is this that will cure your friends. We must defeat the monster and bring this relic home, with all swiftness."

    Killing this kaiju might be the only way to free the Outsiders from its influence.

    This might be the final push to get rid of the kaiju forever.

    ▶ AFTERWORD.

    This Travel Log #7!

    Due to the nature of the final prompt, the Kaiju RNG will be posted in a few days to allow for time for Outsiders to gather clues and plan a counterattack against the kaiju.

    The clues Outsiders receive (both AU and non-AU options) will be vital for charting a course for tackling this kaiju, so please add your suggestions (and ICly +1 other people's) before the 10th at the latest. We strongly encourage players to coordinate their clues together ICly to come up with solutions!

    The planned attack will be based on character suggestions using this comment.

    All comments in this event count for 2 points towards October AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
    EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
    1. IT’S (NOT) LONDON, BABY: Outsiders are awoken to the siren alerting them to a mission and are transported to England to help a militia group with a kaiju problem.

    2. AN OUTSIDER WALKS INTO A CASTLE: Outsiders meet the leader of the group, Gwen, who urges them to get settled in. Some Outsiders begin to have strange issues with their memories, and side effects when challenged.

    3. IT HAS A GREAT KNIGHT-LIFE: While they settle in, Outsiders are tasked with helping the organization out with various tasks with various rewards for their hard work.

    4. HASTY PREPARATION: Gwen and her men prepare for a final counterattack against the kaiju with LILITH's support, and ask the Outsiders to suggest ways to track down and kill the threat to their people. They must retrieve a relic embedded in the kaiju to free their friends.

    blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (đŸ’„ Rip everything away.)

    [personal profile] blastedass 2025-10-10 01:29 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Fuck! This sucks! He hates seeing Izuku like this.]

    YOUR BROTHER?!

    [WHAT THE HELL IS THIS MESS?!]
    blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (đŸ’„ Unusually serious for him.)

    [personal profile] blastedass 2025-10-10 01:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Not his problem if she gets flicked away like a pest. But if she's successful, she'll at least earn a pause. Hopefully. They can exploit that, either violently or conversational.]

    There has to be more beyond the barren parts. There were trees further out.

    [Had to use the zoom feature on the ocular, but...]

    A colony of half-feral cats.
    gorb: (cvix.)

    gonna rock up after this w his memories back and just shove food at him

    [personal profile] gorb 2025-10-10 01:53 pm (UTC)(link)
    Hm.

    ( He glances away, to the skyline, then back. )

    The three of you can take Yuji out. The movies, or something. Silco owes me a drink. A proper one. And I'd feel better knowing he's not doing something foolish.

    ( Let him get drunk in peace. )
    gorb: (34)

    amazing ok

    [personal profile] gorb 2025-10-10 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    ( Blithely ignorant. )

    You might want to curb the Jekyll and Hyde approach for now. At least until you have more solid ways of checking who's afflicted. Also, it's so hard training new recruits.
    muttering_and_mumbling: Art Credit: Lapin (Thundering storm outside)

    [personal profile] muttering_and_mumbling 2025-10-10 02:20 pm (UTC)(link)
    [Izuku's smile falters. Concern spreads over his features.]

    Yes? Is this elaborate prank not his idea?

    [...surely Katsuki doesn't really believe the things he's saying?]
    projections: (fsn80)

    [personal profile] projections 2025-10-10 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
    i wanna know more about the weird swords

    who even made them

    was it you
    projections: manga icons are not shareable (fsn30)

    [personal profile] projections 2025-10-10 02:30 pm (UTC)(link)
    Energy drinks aren't good for anyone. I haven't had any myself because I just know it would ruin my sleep at night.

    [Probably a struggle some can relate to.]

    How much sugar have you added by now?
    misclassed: MANGA; SHIMOSA. (☞ 77)

    [personal profile] misclassed 2025-10-10 02:31 pm (UTC)(link)
    how the fuck would I make the swords they already have

    we JUST got here tetsu

    are you confused too?
    queenofkur: (gaa 053)

    [personal profile] queenofkur 2025-10-10 02:32 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Several among us have false memories, it seems. ]

    Again?

    [ Why are those kaijus so kin to manipulate their minds? This is becoming a psychological horror story! Which is better than physical horror mind you, this goddess can be quite queasy. But really, she figured they'd just destroy stuff, not mess with their minds like that all the time.

    She remains silent a moment. Maybe it would be better if Silco remained like that forever... But that would be wrong too, wouldn't it? ]


    I- What I remember matters not. It is evident from your perspective my memories have been altered, whilst from mine yours have been. And while I would very much like better for this to be your true self, why don't you check LILITH's records?

    [ Their minds being altered is one thing, but LILITH itself? The Kaiju can't reach that far and modify data. Probably. ]
    projections: manga icons are not shareable (fsn89)

    [personal profile] projections 2025-10-10 02:33 pm (UTC)(link)
    when you put it like that, yeah. It was kind of stupid of me to think that.

    I was just pulling your leg

    Dont be mad at me ok
    misclassed: MANGA; SHIMOSA. (☞ 60)

    [personal profile] misclassed 2025-10-10 02:43 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ to anyone wondering which of the twins has a temper? just watch long enough, and you'll see ]

    dont do that man, shits weird enough as it is

    im not gonna babysit you but id like it if you at least didn't get your brain melted or something within a week of getting here
    newphew: (raised in hate)

    action?

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 02:57 pm (UTC)(link)
    They won't eat me?

    [ most things in the demon realm want to eat other things ]

    I'LL be right there.
    newphew: (OoOOONE of UuUUUSS you get it)

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    Silco.... I can't.... Dante, he's nice. NICE! What is this? How is this even possible?

    [ he is freaking out. but dante gives him something to latch onto ]

    Right--- we just need to find a solution -- defeat the kaiju -- fix everything. No problem.
    newphew: ((see you later agitator))

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
    Hunter, not Caleb! Caleb is my alias.

    [ taryon's one of them now.... noo ]
    newphew: (ONE OF US!!!!!!)

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 03:00 pm (UTC)(link)
    Right. I know your name!

    [ it's in her file. he heard it in her memories ]

    S-Sorry, Powder.

    [ man is he ever acting weird ]
    newphew: (ONE OF US!!!!!!)

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 03:01 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ hunter openly stares at him, not even knowing how to react. to any of this. ]

    [ this is just so wrong. nice silco? thinking about his health? and other people? and cutting back on cigars? and.... hunter's mind can't take it. he feels like he's going insane ]


    Are you... feeling okay?
    newphew: (OoOOONE of UuUUUSS you get it)

    [personal profile] newphew 2025-10-10 03:03 pm (UTC)(link)
    Yeah, Hunter.

    [ a small sigh of relief, though it isn't lost on hunter that there's no real recognition, none of his warmth, just... as if they were just acquaintances. their history has been lost. vash knows who he is, but he doesn't know him. not really. ]

    [ and that makes hunter want to cry a little. he shakes his head, then, realizes he screwed up and nods instead ]


    Y-Yeah, I'm fine. My head's fine. Don't worry. No worries.

    [ everything's okay!!! ]
    gavehead: (( 74. ))

    [personal profile] gavehead 2025-10-10 03:17 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ He is not sure which horse he should try to saddle up and ride, and his concentration is being interrupted by the nagging feeling that he's being too harsh with Yugamu. Hal is considering interrupting his thought process, but he sits and waits to see what happens next (and maybe pops himself some fake, cyber popcorn while he's at it.) ]

    No.

    [ First Silco was acting a little weird, and now Yugamu. He keeps his back turned on the other teenager, pretending to be looking at the horses. ]

    I don't want you to do anything for my sake. I want you to be yourself, goddammit.
    copy: (1 0 6)

    [personal profile] copy 2025-10-10 03:28 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Yuta brightens further at the smile, the words, and the easy touch that his presence is welcomed with. There's maybe a little bit of embarrassed sheepishness at the overt claim of favoritism, as there usually is, but it's something that Yuta can't help but feel pleased about, too. (He works hard to make himself worthy of the continued honour.) Where he might have wavered on the risk of potentially imposing with anyone else, his agreement to the suggestion comes quick and easy with Geto. ]

    Sure, a walk sounds good.

    [ Moving while talking might help with the nerves when it comes to discussing his personal matter, he thinks. At the very least it will keep Yuta from fidgeting on the spot too much. So it's with casual ease that he falls into step, moving along without hesitation. ]

    I'm doing all right. Things are a little weird here, but the castle's been nice.

    [ Putting aside the strange memory issues other people seem to be having and all things considered, their mission could've been somewhere worse. ]

    What about you, Sensei?
    gavehead: (( 66. ))

    1/2

    [personal profile] gavehead 2025-10-10 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
    Yeah. You are.

    [ this shithead ]
    gavehead: (( 51. ))

    2/2

    [personal profile] gavehead 2025-10-10 04:37 pm (UTC)(link)
    Either way, I've not ever seen you smile before. The dick must be that good. Happy for you.

    [ even if Silco smiling is creepy. ]

    Hope it keeps going well for you.

    [ Cause Dirk knows how awful it feels when it doesn't. ]
    copy: (1 3 9)

    [personal profile] copy 2025-10-10 05:05 pm (UTC)(link)
    [ Tasuke stirs and Yuta falters for a tiny moment in his reaching, the pang of guilt only deterring him for a second or two, before he follows through on his intention. His friend is already returning to the waking world so... Yuta allows himself two gentle passes of his hand through Tasuke's hair under the guise of brushing the unruly tufts back, out of the way, before pressing a cool palm against his forehead.

    It's— pretty much what Yuta's come to expect to feel by now and yet how unnaturally warm Tasuke's been to the touch ever since he got his new augmentations right before the mission still continues to nag at him. The urge to go grab a cold, damp cloth and painkillers has yet to dissipate entirely even though all signs indicate that this higher body temperature just seems to be Tasuke's new normal. He's grappling with that selfsame compulsion, teetering on the verge of turning his head and asking for Rika's assistance, when bleary eyes and a groggy voice—so familiar and dear— distract him from it. ]


    Me? [ He blinks in surprise before helpless fondness and faint amusement replace it with his next sentence. ] It's other people who got hurt, you know.

    [ It would make more sense to ask after the patients who'd been in his care. Daybit got shot, Tezcatlipoca lost a leg; their well-being was in far more danger than Yuta's ever was when he's whole and unhurt. The concern is sweet though, stirring warm embers in his chest, and Yuta is quick to soothe it all the same. ]

    I'm okay. [ More or less. ] Are you?

    [ His palm has yet to move. ]
    Edited (i forgor... a sentence...) 2025-10-10 19:16 (UTC)
    likemybooks: talking to someone to the side (thoughtful)

    [personal profile] likemybooks 2025-10-10 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
    No...Caleb's your name. Hunter's your code name or whatever you call it. Nickname?
    photosympathies: (liv.)

    [personal profile] photosympathies 2025-10-10 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
    ( Oh. )

    Hey.

    ( There might not be recognition, but Vash is still himself. He's crossing the distance without thinking about it, hands on Hunter's shoulders and a small smile on his face. )

    This place is kind of gloomy, huh? Do you want to head back with me? I heard they have biscuits in the kitchen, and I'm real sneaky. I could get us some.
    gorb: (lxxvi.)

    [personal profile] gorb 2025-10-10 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
    I'd much prefer to be back home, but I don't mind helping out. Though keep an eye on the lady of the house, won't you? I think she's hiding something from us.

    ( Some things remain the same. While this Geto has not quite moved in defiance of the higher-ups that use them, he still remains reasonably vocal when someone does not reach his exacting standards. )

    Between that and the memory issues the others are having, it pays to be on your guard, mm? You and Rika are fine though, yes? No side-effects.