TRAVEL LOG #7

[synfluxmods]

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.

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Comments

[gavehead]

_{[ Once he decides on a horse, he picks out the equipment to use and makes his way to its enclosure. ]}

I may not know entirely, but I know enough that this isn't like you. I don't know who is messing with everyone's heads around here, but I am going to figure it out.

And I am going to kill them, if I have to.

_{[ see he's a violent little fucker too.. ]}

[vivisexual]

[He almost wants to believe Dirk. But even if entertaining it didn't make him literally sick to his stomach, how could he? How could he consider his family being fake? The life they have here? The legacy of the clinic?

Also wait, wait, hold on. Kill???]

Wh- We're supposed to be protecting people, Dirk! That's the whole point of LILITH!

[gavehead]

That's right. I'll be protecting many people once I figure out who or what is making so many of you guys believe you're someone else. I'm not going to let some kind of delusion poison my brain either.

_{[ he starts to suit up one of the horses. ]}

Sometimes you have to kill to protect. I learned that lesson a long time ago.

[vivisexual]

[Honse... He genuinely spaces out for a moment because he gets distracted imagining Dirk as sone knight in shining armor fighting for his honor. FOCUS, AOI.]

A-as much as I'd... admittedly, love to see you get covered in someone else's blood on my behalf, I'm telling you, I couldn't possibly have just imagined the life I have!

[gavehead]

_{[ oh my god yugamu... GET BETTER TASTE.
Dirk pauses, looking over his shoulder at Yugamu. ]}

Oh yeah? So what does that make me, crazy? Crazy for knowing that I am from a completely different world and was sent here to protect what is left of humanity here. Are you saying my experiences and friendships, my memories, they're invalid?

LILITH brought us here with their technology. The life you are led to believe now is a delusion. Get a grip.

[vivisexual]

[Yugamu does have better taste. Aoi is the one with bad taste.]

Wh-No! Most of LILITH is still outsiders, I know that! I'm not saying your memories are fake, you're the only one saying that!

[He stomps his foot.]

M-maybe you're the one who should get a grip!

[gavehead]

_{[ A few small, purple sparks emit from the inside of Dirk's palms, wrapping around his wrist then vanishing into a small crackle in thin air. He still remains peaceful, though, though his eyebrows are firmly pressed together. ]}

You don't get to tell me what to do.

_{[ but he can tell you what to do??? Apparently?? ]}

I've already talked to others who are under this shitty spell so I am not about to waste time talking to another.

_{[ A pure black horse now suited up now, Dirk settles his attention back on it. He's kind of nervous; he's never been on one of these things before. ]}

I'm going to be pretty pissed if I can't snap you out of this, though.

[vivisexual]

[Damn he got them lightning powers... Cool.

Also to be fair, Aoi/Yugamu WOULD do what Dirk told him to do but that's because he's a bottom and is into it. Aoi in particular isn't sure if Dirk should be riding this horse, hasn't he never seen one before? But even if he tried to talk him out of it, Dirk isn't going to listen to him.]

I... I really think trying to "snap" me out of this is more of a waste of your time, but obviously you're not interested in my opinion right now.

[gavehead]

<sub>[ more like he's got that.. rip someone's soul out of their body kind of powers, but they're nerfed. Still, the aesthetic is cool when he's losing his temper.

Climbing up and saddling on the horse seems to go okay, and he should be more reluctant to get it to move but he's having a hard time focusing. ]</sub>

I don't, because I know what is factual and real and what is not. Trust me, you're going to feel like an idiot when all of this is over. I know we had a conversation about how people don't understand us and what we are into. I also know for a fact that you're a pervert and not this timid person unless put under the right circumstances.

_{[ Dirk studies people. A lot. He's got mental notes on everyone he's spoken to so far. ]}

If you're done here, I am done here.

[vivisexual]

[Riding a horse for the first time when you're having trouble focusing is surely a good idea.

(Me Caitie, having ridden for five years, I can attest it is a terrible idea, it is so much harder to keep your balance than you think.)

Anyway that p word again. Like!!! Deep down he knows Dirk is right!! He's a filthy pervert!!! His hidden, buried desires, so inappropriate and wrong, he aught to be punished just for thinking about them!!!

Wait what was it Dirk was saying?]

You should run me over with that horse.I-I mean!!
[COUGHS.]

Don't- don't run too fast with that horse!

[gavehead]

<sub>[ There's a pause. A slow lift of his eyebrow. Dirk isn't sure if he heard him correctly, so naturally, Hal chimes in.

TT: It seems Yugamu-kun would like you to run him over with the horse. ]</sub>

Yeah, that's what I thought I heard.

_{[ then, to Yugamu: ]}

See, that's the kind of masochist bullshit that you'd say loud and proud. That's the person that I am gonna save.

[vivisexual]

[Help why is Hal using Japanese honorifics.

Anyway oh nooo he heard it. Terrible terrible terrible. Wait. What'd he say?]

Wh- That sort of- You couldn't possibly want that! No one would want me if I was... If I said things like that... out loud... Even if I really wanted to.

[gavehead]

<sub>[ because Dirk is a weeaboo and Hal is a 13 year old mental clone of him.

But anyway. ]</sub>

It might be off putting, but at least it's how you really feel. Some people just don't understand.

Anyway. I'll see you on the flip side, when you aren't delusional.

_{[ looks like the horse is cooperating as it starts to move... but we all know that isn't going to last long. ]}

[vivisexual]

[The fact that if he ever does it out loud, Yugamu won't notice because of the auto translate, he already hears everything in Japanese anyway. He's immune to weebery.

He shakes his head lightly. Yes, people don't understand. But he can't make them understand either. Still, the family business, their image... How could he do that if people thought he was a freak?]

Just... Be careful!

[In general, really.]

[gavehead]

<sub>[ Dirk almost refers back to earlier in their conversation to further prove Yugamu wrong about something else, but he figures it might be best just to walk (or trot) away and try to enjoy this whole thing with the horse.

At first, the horse seems to be obedient, but once it picks up the pace and while he's still in sight, it suddenly loses control and bucks Dirk right off of it. Of course, he could probably float and prevent himself from hitting the ground, but not thinking sharply cause of all of this mess ultimately earns him a clunk against the ground, one side of his head hitting a cobblestone and solid pathway. The glasses also fall off, a few inches shy of him, but are miraculously unscathed.. much to Dirk's relief (and disappointment, in some way.)

It's hard to know if he's conscious or not, but the horse neighs triumphantly and shakes its head out. So much for being careful. ]</sub>

[vivisexual]

[BITCH HE TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL!!!

No okay obviously Aoi goes running after him, alarmed. He's already pulling a med kit out of his sleeve.]

Dirk! If you're still conscious, don't move until I can check you for signs of a serious head injury!

[gavehead]

<sub>[ AS IF, BEING CAREFUL IS FOR HETEROSEXUALS...

But anyway, he's conscious, at least. He sits up, undisturbed that theres a large cut right along his temple right near his eyebrow; it's already starting to bleed. Almost instantly, he puts his hands up in defense. ]</sub>

I'm fine. I don't need anything.

_{[ Sure, Jan. ]}

[vivisexual]

[OH?? IS THAT WHY YOU'RE MOVING WHEN HE SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU NOT TO????

Anyway yeah obviously that's patently untrue given the gushing blood and all. Head wounds love to do that.

Aoi swats those hands away before putting on a latex glove.]

Don't be ridiculous. At an absolute minimum you need disinfectant and a styptic on that wound, but you're also going to let me run concussion protocol on you. Because if you don't I'll kill you myself.

[There's a sharp intensity in his eyes now. He's the picture of confidence because he's in his element. Doctor time.]

[gavehead]

_{[ His freckled nose scrunches up at, well.. everything right now. One of his hands paws around for his sunglasses, but they aren't in direct reach now, revealing his orange eyes. The second Yugamu tries to reach for any part of him, he's going to attempt to grab his wrist to prevent from being touched at all. ]}

No. That's a lot of goddamn work for no reason. Where the fuck are my shades?

[vivisexual]

[So like obviously he hasn't seen THAT much of Dirk, but it still strikes him that this is the first time he's properly been able to see Dirk's face. That orange is... So striking. He's distracted a moment before snapping to. He gets up a moment to snatch the glasses and holds them out to Dirk.]

No reason? The reason is so you don't suffer traumatic brain damage or worse, die. A head wound left untreated is serious business.

And besides, this is my job. So let me do it. Please.

[gavehead]

Wouldn't be the first time.

_{[ That he has died. But fine, whatever. He's going to allow this but he's not going to be happy about it. He folds the ear pieces on the glasses together and merely holds them in his hands; their pointed edges might get in the way of whatever Yugamu is about to do. ]}

Such bullshit.

[vivisexual]

[If real Yugamu were here: lmao tell me about it dying is so old hat. Unfortunately it's Aoi. He's alarmed, but then figures.... Is this just something that some outsiders deal with?? Crazy.

At least Dirk is behaving now. He starts by pouring some antiseptic on a swab before cleaning the area around the cut as best he can. Once he's cleared it he can decide if stitches are needed or just the styptic. As he works;]

Well, here as far as I'm aware, once you die you're dead for good. So we're going to make sure to avoid that. Sound good?

[gavehead]

I figured that already, but whatever.

<sub>[ and yet, he is still reckless. And yet, he doesn't believe he is worth all the fuss over.

He remains still, not even flinching when his wound is being cleaned and dressed. He avoids eye contact though, feeling a little awkward for some reason. He isn't used to people being close to him like this. ]</sub>

I think you're worrying too much.

[vivisexual]

[Despite all of shyness and fluster Yugamu and Aoi have both shown in the past, he's all business now. This is serious medical business.]

I'm not. I don't want my friend to become anemic or get an infection, isn't that normal?

[Hmmm.]

You could probably benefit from a couple stitches, but I'm thinking you're not going to sit still long enough for me to do them, are you?

[He applies the styptic at least. Just to stem the bleeding so he can run concussion protocol.]

Follow my finger with your eyes without moving your head.

[And he starts moving it from side to side.]

[gavehead]

_{[ nah he's just staring straight at Yugamu, ignoring the way his finger moves from side to side. He's pouting?? It definitely looks like he is pouting. ]}

What happens if I refuse the stitches, doc?