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DECEMBER EVENT || SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR PART 1
ā· SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR PART 1
ā¶ 001. TOUR KICK OFF. (INTRODUCTION)
With the holidays just around the corner, Neo Tokyo seems to thrum with a more hopeful, different kind of life than itās seen in recent years. Food is a little more plenty, things are a little safer. Itās now been two years since LILITH and the Outsiders made their arrival in the world, and it shows. People are happier and safer, and there has been a distinct change. The impact Outsiders have had is palpable. You have done this, Outsiders. You have made the impact, and people will show their gratitude. Outsiders arenāt always easily found, given that they keep those secret identities, but outsiders will find that locals have been leaving small gifts at the entrance to LILITH's base for their favorite outsiders. Things like foods, little trinkets, meaningful cards, addressed to their code names, and left with heartfelt little annotations, thanking them for saving them. Most in Neo Tokyo recognize that outsiders have been doing a great deal of work, and the gifts keep coming. LILITH will deliver them under a large, decorated tree for outsiders, labeled by code name, so outsiders might want to check back often!
But an outsiderās work is never done. While everyone else is gearing up for the holidays and New Year's, LILITH has tasks for the outsiders. This is a global organization, after all, and things have beenā¦ good. Too good, perhaps? Thereās a sense that something is coming, and that Outsiders will be needed, but more importantly... Commander Yamakawa seems to be seriously considering the future of LILITH, and the future of the Outsiders. She reaches out to the Outsiders via their implants early in the month:
What does she mean by that? Well, assignments will be given out to different locations for Outsiders. Visiting different old locations can yield new possibilities, and maybe help LILITH prepare for the new year!
But an outsiderās work is never done. While everyone else is gearing up for the holidays and New Year's, LILITH has tasks for the outsiders. This is a global organization, after all, and things have beenā¦ good. Too good, perhaps? Thereās a sense that something is coming, and that Outsiders will be needed, but more importantly... Commander Yamakawa seems to be seriously considering the future of LILITH, and the future of the Outsiders. She reaches out to the Outsiders via their implants early in the month:
āAngels of LILITH, your impact should not be downplayed. Every choice you all have made is the reason why we have been so successful against the Kaiju threat. We donāt want to lose momentum, and while you all should take time to enjoy the downtime while it lastsā¦ there is more to be done, Iām afraid. The places you have been before have continued to contribute something to the cause, and we want to cement the resources before itās too late. We may need a lot more of each of them in the coming days.ā
What does she mean by that? Well, assignments will be given out to different locations for Outsiders. Visiting different old locations can yield new possibilities, and maybe help LILITH prepare for the new year!
ā¶ 002. THE NEON OASIS. (NEW VEGAS, USA)
Viva, New Vegas, Baby! The city is thrumming with light and life as always. Itās getting darker earlier, and the city bursts to life spectacularly in the evenings. Lights, excitement, digital drone displays and large holographic billboards that sell everything, from showgirls to performance-enhancing drugs, casinos, and fight nights. The outlandish casinos on the strip are ever-changing and ever-expanding, creating new sights and works of architectural wonder. One new hotel has been generating a great deal of excitement, promising up-close-and-personal encounters with kaiju ā advertised as (mostly) safe, of course, but whatās life without a little danger? Commander Yamakawa is organizing the response, and any Outsiders who join him on this leg of the journey will find that theyāve not only gotten suites in the hotel, but themed suites. Many of which feature prominent kaiju, and some will even find some based on outsiders ā particularly ones that garner a lot of attention from the public, have had heavy hits, or KOs...but really, it could be anybody. (Go wild!)
The lobby of the hotel advertises many attractions, including a kaiju āzooā filled with many smaller kaiju like nihonzaru, timonsutas, and some that outsiders havenāt seen before ā like the local Bigger-horn Sheep (not to be confused with Nevadaās state animal, the Bighorn Sheep) or the Helarctrocine, and other smaller kaiju found across what locals proudly call the āWildest Westā. Thereās also a kaiju-themed casino, bar and restaurant ā with recipes that looks suspiciously like they were influenced by a certain kaiju kafe back in LILITH headquarters. All of this seems above board, but there are a lot of people staying in the hotel ā and those who go to the casino for any entertainment there will see that thereās also a lot of money exchanging hands ā or wrists, as it were! They are rumbling about something happening a few nights from now. Something...big. The truly crafty or charismatic may be able to weed out that in a few nights, itās fight night. Whoās fighting? Thatās a bit more mysterious, but they encourage outsiders to stick around. āItās gonna be big,ā they promise.
On the last night, some high-profile executives arrive fromā¦ Neo Tokyo, of all places! Those whoāve been involved with some of the shadier elements in the city might even recognize a lackey or two that theyāve encountered in the past. It all speaks to somethingā¦ big, like was promised. What, however, is still shrouded in mystery. That is, until the night of, when the basement arena (which is truly a massive arena underground) is opened to the public, and the main event is ready to begin. What is it? The fight of the millennia, apparently, and while this hasnāt been advertised, the night of, suddenly itās clearly advertised ā the Ozark Howler versus The Akumas.
At Commander Yamakawaās urging, Outsiders are asked to watch and be ready. This is illegal, but is it illegal enough to chance another international incident? The opportunity presents itself as the fighters are introduced ā the Ozark Howler, a large bestial kaiju that supposedly stalks the mountains. The Akumas...theyāre clearly spliced gang members, each one looks...dangerous. One crackles with electricity on his skin, another with molten cracks opening their now scale-like flesh, and another with sharp looking scales, and their body starting to lengthen, almost snake-like. The fight is caged, but not sealed, and it looks dangerous. The referee is projected via drone, and as it nears the beast, it swats the drone away, agitated and straining against the locks holding it down.
The drone sent flying, and it hits the bell in a wild tailspin, and the beast's locks release. The fight starts, and...
And...
The cage starts to lift, leaving no barrier between the crowd and the fight. The Akumas donāt look surprised at all. In fact, they look ready for this, rolling their shoulders and cracking their knuckles. They take to the Howler, but lightning shoots off from one, another has a long tail that whips out, and anotherās lava is starting to seep over the stage, and into the crowd. People are starting to panic, standing, trying to force their way out, abandoning the floor, but thereās not enough exits, and intervention is required. Will you help escort people out, or are you going to take to the floor, and help incapacitate the fighters and the kaiju both?
The lobby of the hotel advertises many attractions, including a kaiju āzooā filled with many smaller kaiju like nihonzaru, timonsutas, and some that outsiders havenāt seen before ā like the local Bigger-horn Sheep (not to be confused with Nevadaās state animal, the Bighorn Sheep) or the Helarctrocine, and other smaller kaiju found across what locals proudly call the āWildest Westā. Thereās also a kaiju-themed casino, bar and restaurant ā with recipes that looks suspiciously like they were influenced by a certain kaiju kafe back in LILITH headquarters. All of this seems above board, but there are a lot of people staying in the hotel ā and those who go to the casino for any entertainment there will see that thereās also a lot of money exchanging hands ā or wrists, as it were! They are rumbling about something happening a few nights from now. Something...big. The truly crafty or charismatic may be able to weed out that in a few nights, itās fight night. Whoās fighting? Thatās a bit more mysterious, but they encourage outsiders to stick around. āItās gonna be big,ā they promise.
On the last night, some high-profile executives arrive fromā¦ Neo Tokyo, of all places! Those whoāve been involved with some of the shadier elements in the city might even recognize a lackey or two that theyāve encountered in the past. It all speaks to somethingā¦ big, like was promised. What, however, is still shrouded in mystery. That is, until the night of, when the basement arena (which is truly a massive arena underground) is opened to the public, and the main event is ready to begin. What is it? The fight of the millennia, apparently, and while this hasnāt been advertised, the night of, suddenly itās clearly advertised ā the Ozark Howler versus The Akumas.
At Commander Yamakawaās urging, Outsiders are asked to watch and be ready. This is illegal, but is it illegal enough to chance another international incident? The opportunity presents itself as the fighters are introduced ā the Ozark Howler, a large bestial kaiju that supposedly stalks the mountains. The Akumas...theyāre clearly spliced gang members, each one looks...dangerous. One crackles with electricity on his skin, another with molten cracks opening their now scale-like flesh, and another with sharp looking scales, and their body starting to lengthen, almost snake-like. The fight is caged, but not sealed, and it looks dangerous. The referee is projected via drone, and as it nears the beast, it swats the drone away, agitated and straining against the locks holding it down.
The drone sent flying, and it hits the bell in a wild tailspin, and the beast's locks release. The fight starts, and...
And...
The cage starts to lift, leaving no barrier between the crowd and the fight. The Akumas donāt look surprised at all. In fact, they look ready for this, rolling their shoulders and cracking their knuckles. They take to the Howler, but lightning shoots off from one, another has a long tail that whips out, and anotherās lava is starting to seep over the stage, and into the crowd. People are starting to panic, standing, trying to force their way out, abandoning the floor, but thereās not enough exits, and intervention is required. Will you help escort people out, or are you going to take to the floor, and help incapacitate the fighters and the kaiju both?
ā¶ 003. THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE. (BUSAN, KOREA)
For some time, outsiders have been barred from entering Korea, and for reasons that are at least...sympathetic. The loss of so many people left the government somewhat tense, and nervous, and quite frankly? Hurt. Time, however, heals all wounds, and now that they have time to grieve, the government is opening themselves up to the Angels of LILITH once again. Although they promise that Outsiders wonāt need to be doing much, and in fact, they should enjoy the sights and sounds of Busan while they are in town again.
Seok Dang is with the outsiders when they travel, and some will notice that while the man is generally jovial and in good humor on LILITHās base, thereās something a bit more somber to the man, given that this is his first time back since the incident, he looks a bit like heās just barely keeping his composure. Over the implants, outsiders will catch that he even sounds a little gruffer than usual; or more accurately, like he's trying not to sound choked up.
Outsiders are treated with respect, but a bit more formally than last time, and thereās still a slight chill from most locals as they explore the city. They wonāt get treated poorly, but people are certainly nervous, and maybe still a little suspicious that things will go awry yet again. Though the city is electric and lit, there are still some districts in disrepair, and intrepid outsiders can learn from locals that a lot of mid-sized, local kaiju are encroaching on the rubble ā including several Xiphosuransus ā looking for food or, territorial fights, or otherwise. But the locals arenāt without their own resources, and getting a chance to deal with the problem on their own means that theyāve come up with a...unique way of handling the encroaching kaiju threat. Across several points are several speaker systems set up. Apparently, most of the kaiju that are making their way across some of the rubble are easily repelled by sound and light.
Outsiders interested in cleanup will be given an option to test out one of these speaker systems. They have sound boards, of course, and an array of sirens, calls, and other options. However, some outsiders will notice that there are other ways to deflect these kaiju, as some local bands use these sound systems as a way to both get in their practice and help the city! Music seems to be the most effective in getting them to move away, and outsiders are welcome to join in, either with the bands, or on their own to help repel the encroaching kaiju. Outsiders can also venture out to just fight them, if they want too. Messier, but just as good. After all, itās a great way to build goodwill with the locals to help out!
Outsiders are also welcomed to enjoy some of the local concerts. Popular idols and indie groups can be found throughout the city performing at concerts that begin in the evening and go on until sunrise. The shows are full productions with flashing lights and firework shows. Concert goers can also collect lightsticks that come in various designs and colors. They're trendy but they can also be used to ward off weaker kaiju or signal for help in case of an emergency.
Seok Dang is with the outsiders when they travel, and some will notice that while the man is generally jovial and in good humor on LILITHās base, thereās something a bit more somber to the man, given that this is his first time back since the incident, he looks a bit like heās just barely keeping his composure. Over the implants, outsiders will catch that he even sounds a little gruffer than usual; or more accurately, like he's trying not to sound choked up.
āNow donāt go causing too much trouble, alright? Letās have a good time, and see me if you want to know the best places to eat!ā
Outsiders are treated with respect, but a bit more formally than last time, and thereās still a slight chill from most locals as they explore the city. They wonāt get treated poorly, but people are certainly nervous, and maybe still a little suspicious that things will go awry yet again. Though the city is electric and lit, there are still some districts in disrepair, and intrepid outsiders can learn from locals that a lot of mid-sized, local kaiju are encroaching on the rubble ā including several Xiphosuransus ā looking for food or, territorial fights, or otherwise. But the locals arenāt without their own resources, and getting a chance to deal with the problem on their own means that theyāve come up with a...unique way of handling the encroaching kaiju threat. Across several points are several speaker systems set up. Apparently, most of the kaiju that are making their way across some of the rubble are easily repelled by sound and light.
Outsiders interested in cleanup will be given an option to test out one of these speaker systems. They have sound boards, of course, and an array of sirens, calls, and other options. However, some outsiders will notice that there are other ways to deflect these kaiju, as some local bands use these sound systems as a way to both get in their practice and help the city! Music seems to be the most effective in getting them to move away, and outsiders are welcome to join in, either with the bands, or on their own to help repel the encroaching kaiju. Outsiders can also venture out to just fight them, if they want too. Messier, but just as good. After all, itās a great way to build goodwill with the locals to help out!
Outsiders are also welcomed to enjoy some of the local concerts. Popular idols and indie groups can be found throughout the city performing at concerts that begin in the evening and go on until sunrise. The shows are full productions with flashing lights and firework shows. Concert goers can also collect lightsticks that come in various designs and colors. They're trendy but they can also be used to ward off weaker kaiju or signal for help in case of an emergency.
ā¶ 004. THE SEQUEL NO ONE WANTED. (BRASOV, TRANSYLVANIA)
Brasov has remained as isolated as ever. Most of the villagers were eliminated in the fallout of the Outsiders' actions around Halloween last year. The children in the village were taken, and are thriving in the orphanages in Neo Tokyo, and there hasnāt been much reason to return, now that the land is not quite as fertile as it had been when the Kaiju protected the land.
But one thing has still thrived, and a small group of LILITH regulars have been harvesting poppies for some time to help support LILITHās needs, such as surgeries and other reasons for painkillers. That all has seemed to go well, and Outsiders are directed to Brasov to help with the transport and protection of the fairly large poppy crop from the year. While ready for processing, the staff hasnāt started to send it through, and LILITH and their staff are getting worried. Outsiders are asked to travel there, and help find out what caused the halt in materials. Dr. Spim is interested in developing new strains, and the doctor will come with the outsiders to assist with the transport, and to test the offerings for themselves.
Strangely enough, LILITHās staff are nowhere to be found when the outsiders arrive through the teleporter. The village is still decimated after the destruction a year ago, and though nature has started to encroach on the ruins, it hasnāt gotten far. There are plenty of tents, but they look like they were abandoned within the past few weeks, other than the small house thatās been converted into a communications center, where eagle-eyed Outsiders will be able to notice that itās been traversed recently.
The only other structure in the area is...the castle. Looming in the distance, and the source of strife for many just over a year ago. Outsiders with tracking abilities can locate signs of travel from the village to the castle, and they are fresh signs. Following the trail, Outsiders will find a trail of mud and...blood leading into the castle. Searching deeper inside feels a bit like deja vu, some of the bodies from their last visit are still there, though rotting. The entire location smells like rot, death, and, predictably, blood. Thereās still so much blood. Outsiders will need to scour the castle, trying to find the location of the missing staff and harvest, but outsiders will find that the castle is peppered with small rituals around the castle. Some are occupied, some already hold the signs of a successful sacrifice.
Outsiders will find that some rituals are currently ongoing, and much of LILITHās staff has been sacrificed or...tortured into participating, much like the outsiders before them, the cult has not changed tactics...much. Although without the Forest Lord, theyāve become slow andā¦ human. Outsiders need to stop the rituals, and fast, because deep in the basement, something isā¦ stirring. The longer they wait, the closer it gets, and the stronger the rift energy becomes. Quickly, Outsiders! They must be stopped!
But one thing has still thrived, and a small group of LILITH regulars have been harvesting poppies for some time to help support LILITHās needs, such as surgeries and other reasons for painkillers. That all has seemed to go well, and Outsiders are directed to Brasov to help with the transport and protection of the fairly large poppy crop from the year. While ready for processing, the staff hasnāt started to send it through, and LILITH and their staff are getting worried. Outsiders are asked to travel there, and help find out what caused the halt in materials. Dr. Spim is interested in developing new strains, and the doctor will come with the outsiders to assist with the transport, and to test the offerings for themselves.
Strangely enough, LILITHās staff are nowhere to be found when the outsiders arrive through the teleporter. The village is still decimated after the destruction a year ago, and though nature has started to encroach on the ruins, it hasnāt gotten far. There are plenty of tents, but they look like they were abandoned within the past few weeks, other than the small house thatās been converted into a communications center, where eagle-eyed Outsiders will be able to notice that itās been traversed recently.
The only other structure in the area is...the castle. Looming in the distance, and the source of strife for many just over a year ago. Outsiders with tracking abilities can locate signs of travel from the village to the castle, and they are fresh signs. Following the trail, Outsiders will find a trail of mud and...blood leading into the castle. Searching deeper inside feels a bit like deja vu, some of the bodies from their last visit are still there, though rotting. The entire location smells like rot, death, and, predictably, blood. Thereās still so much blood. Outsiders will need to scour the castle, trying to find the location of the missing staff and harvest, but outsiders will find that the castle is peppered with small rituals around the castle. Some are occupied, some already hold the signs of a successful sacrifice.
āYouāve found what? Signs of sacrifice? Certainly they couldnāt beā¦ No, no that must be it. You have to find them! They might be trying to revive the Pricolii! Quickly, find the rituals and stop them, theyāre trying to gather enough energy to bring it back!ā
Outsiders will find that some rituals are currently ongoing, and much of LILITHās staff has been sacrificed or...tortured into participating, much like the outsiders before them, the cult has not changed tactics...much. Although without the Forest Lord, theyāve become slow andā¦ human. Outsiders need to stop the rituals, and fast, because deep in the basement, something isā¦ stirring. The longer they wait, the closer it gets, and the stronger the rift energy becomes. Quickly, Outsiders! They must be stopped!
ā¶ 005. TRADITIONAL RESTORATION. (KYOTO, JAPAN)
For those who want to stay closer to home, an option is also provided. From LILITH's main base in Shinjuku, the Outsiders can provide support to those abroad. They will be able to work with LILITH's other agents to provide and collect information, send supplies, and coordinate the various teams around the world. If necessary, they can also serve as back-up units to provide relief to the other teams.
However, there is still work to be done within the country, too. It's been nearly two years since Kyoto's base was restored and citizens began to return to the city. The population is small but steadily growing as the area becomes more stable. What was once a city that consisted mostly of LILITH agents and researchers is now a small city where civilians can also call home.
Kyoto has always been famous for its shrines and temples, and with the New Year approaching, the locals want to restore many of them to their old glory. For the most part, they have been able to fix up the ones within the city limits where it is much safer. However, some of the shrines in the outskirts are more precarious. These are the locations they ask the Outsiders to help secure and restore.
In particular, they are asked to take back the once prestigious Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Located in the outskirts of Kyoto, these sacred locations have been completely overrun by Nihonzaru, Marionants, and yama-kujira. Outsiders will have to clear these areas of kaiju while maintaining the integrity of the historic properties. Be careful not to destroy the buildings or gates.
As the perimeter is secured, some families will begin to venture into these areas. This will result in rest areas being set up for the Outsiders. These families take back old inns and tea houses. These accommodations are humble. They are run down, drafty, and have limited amenities but they offer everything they can to try and give the Outsiders shelter and a place to rest on their assignment. It isn't all bad, though. The traditional meals are simple but delicious and while the Outsiders do the fighting, the locals manage to clean up some of the old hot springs which they are proud to show off to guests.
However, there is still work to be done within the country, too. It's been nearly two years since Kyoto's base was restored and citizens began to return to the city. The population is small but steadily growing as the area becomes more stable. What was once a city that consisted mostly of LILITH agents and researchers is now a small city where civilians can also call home.
Kyoto has always been famous for its shrines and temples, and with the New Year approaching, the locals want to restore many of them to their old glory. For the most part, they have been able to fix up the ones within the city limits where it is much safer. However, some of the shrines in the outskirts are more precarious. These are the locations they ask the Outsiders to help secure and restore.
In particular, they are asked to take back the once prestigious Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Located in the outskirts of Kyoto, these sacred locations have been completely overrun by Nihonzaru, Marionants, and yama-kujira. Outsiders will have to clear these areas of kaiju while maintaining the integrity of the historic properties. Be careful not to destroy the buildings or gates.
As the perimeter is secured, some families will begin to venture into these areas. This will result in rest areas being set up for the Outsiders. These families take back old inns and tea houses. These accommodations are humble. They are run down, drafty, and have limited amenities but they offer everything they can to try and give the Outsiders shelter and a place to rest on their assignment. It isn't all bad, though. The traditional meals are simple but delicious and while the Outsiders do the fighting, the locals manage to clean up some of the old hot springs which they are proud to show off to guests.
ā¶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Happy December, Outsiders! This year, Outsiders are invited to take a trip down memory lane... or experience something new. Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean everyone is taking it off, and some groups are causing as much trouble as ever.
We hope you enjoy our little trip through Synflux's past, and stay tuned for part two mid-month.
We hope you enjoy our little trip through Synflux's past, and stay tuned for part two mid-month.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. TOUR KICKOFF: Outsiders will find that everyone in Neo Tokyo is getting ready for the holidays, and fans are leaving small gifts near LILITHās base for their favorite outsiders. Yamakawa is asking outsiders to help by traveling to prior locations to help out with some issues that are arising.
2. THE NEON OASIS First stop on our tour is New Vegas, NV! Outsiders are treated to a luxurious stay in a Kaiju-themed hotel and casino on the strip. Some may even find rooms themed around outsiders. There is a kaiju zoo, a casino, restaurant, and bar; and the entire stay culminates in a dangerous fight between some kaiju-spliced fight team and a large kaiju. Outsiders will need to help out, or help evacuate the arena!
3. THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE: Next is Busan, South Korea. The borders are now open, and South Korea seems poised to welcome Outsiders back. Seok Dang travels with the outsiders, and he seems to be grateful to be home. In the absence of outsiders, locals have taken to belting it out with music and sound experimentation to drive Kaiju away, and it seems to be working! Outsiders are welcome to come try and join in.
4. THE SEQUEL NO ONE WANTED: Last on our tour is Brasov, Transylvania. Some staff have held back to keep growing the materials necessary for the painkillers LILITH uses, but after some radio silence, Outsiders have been sent to check out whatās going on. Looking in, itās apparent that something is very, very wrong. Some cultists snuck away after the attacks, and have been using LILITHās scientists as sacrifices to try and bring back their Forest Lord. Outsiders need to stop them pronto, before we have another Vampire Invasion on our hands!
5. TRADITIONAL RESTORATION: For those who choose to stay in Japan, they can provide assistance from Neo Tokyo or head out to Kyoto to help with restoration efforts. The locals ask the Outsiders to help take back the city outskirts. Fight kaiju while protecting the historical landmarks. Locals will show gratitude by inviting them to their reclaimed inns, shops, and even hot springs.
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[ Yuji leans up, pushing the wrist away from his face with a bright smile. ]
We can go another day, or you can take Geto-san, make it a date or something. I just wanted you to have some gifts that... [ Ahh... ] Could make this place a little more like home for you.
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Going with you sounds nice. Suguru and I have our own date priorities. [ Romantic fight excursions. Romantic hot spring retreats. Romantic staying in while Suguru cooks them dinner. Gojo's pretty much got the full package on what he thinks of as 'romance'. And it's probably good for him to not spend every waking moment with Suguru. ]
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[ Yuji looks pretty pleased, though, to get that kind of compliment, beaming as he settles where he is, content to stay here until Gojo is done with the intimacy. ]
I don't wanna hear about your dates, though. It's kind of like hearing about a parent doing it...
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But he returns his attention promptly to his student. This gathering is most of all for the boys, in Gojo's opinion. It's good for all of them to be together, and Gojo's happy to be spoiled a bit while he spends time with his students. All of those things are good. It's only the personal side of things that makes him itchy. He doesn't know how to deal with being valued as a person rather than just as a teacher, and birthday stuff edges a little too close to that line. ]
Okay! What flavor is the cake? [ Hug time ended, now he needs cake. ]
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[ Hearing about them going on a "monster hunting holiday" was enough for Yuji to make a decent enough guess about what they were up to, and he's not interested in learning any more about it. It's not that it's disgusting or anything - Yuji is happy for his teacher! - it just feels painfully weird to think about.
Stepping away, he walks over to where the cake is, cheerful. ]
It's a regular vanilla one, but the icing has strawberry in it, and is extra sweet.
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[ He's teasing, but he's also extremely happy.
Getting everyone's attention so that he can cut into the cake, Gojo refuses to blow out any candles, waving them off and insisting he already got his wishes. Despite intentionally drawing everyone over, he promptly needs out of the center of attention, so he serves himself a slice and then abandons everyone else to get their own, retreating back to the edge of the party for a breather, letting people drift over to him at their own speed.
When Yuji drifts in his direction again, Gojo grins and gives him a wink over the rim of his sunglasses. ] Did I tell you I met Raidou?
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The cake is good (he had practice with Nanami's birthday, even if that had been a disaster), and he's happy enough to float around and engage with the others, to enjoy himself as much as he can with the childish glee that's been missing for the last few weeks. Heading back to Gojo feels natural, but his eyes widen when he hears that.
Uh oh. Or... yay? He's not sure yet. ]
Oh? You did?
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[ Gojo is enough of a bully to let him stew in the anticipation for a few seconds before he goes on. ] Good kid. I can see why you like him.
[ He wouldn't have clocked Yuji as queer, not compared to some of his other students who wore their hearts or orientations on their sleeves, but maybe he can see Yuji as more likely to be demiromantic. Not the type to get crushes easily, but forming deep attachments when they happened. He expects that this bond with Raidou is something serious, and no wonder that it's lasted for years. ]
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He's a great guy. I really... He's the best.
[ He loves him, which is what he wants to say, but it's still embarrassing to say to people that aren't Raidou himself. He has a lot of soft feelings for people who are close to him, but Raidou is the most important, and the one who claims his attention. ]
It's been almost two years, now.
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[ Gojo ran into him here, higher up on the mountainside, after some of the work they've been doing exterminating the local kaiju and rebuilding Kyoto. Gojo would have been happy to leave it in ruins, for the most part, but talking to Raidou helped give him a more optimistic outlook. Maybe Kyoto was worth saving if it could be built as a kinder and more welcoming place than the side of it that Gojo had known. ] What are your goals, for the longer term? Do you think about building a life in this world or do you think of it as merely temporary?
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[ It was natural they'd be friends, given their similar viewpoints and dispositions. The rest of it came later, and Yuji is genuinely happy. He's content. Somehow, in this world, he's forged a place for himself, and the idea of leaving it behind feels... A little bit sour.
The question makes him pause, suddenly nervous, and he glances away. ]
Would it be... Bad? To want to stay?
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[ Free of his responsibilities back home. With a handful of his loved ones. Most of all, with Suguru. He's heard that traumatic things have happened to his people here, but he still feels like he wants to choose this. He wants this life. He wants to stay. ]
So let's stay. If we can. [ He holds out his hand to Yuji: an offering, an invitation. ] My question is: then what? What do you want to shape your life into, in this place? What do you want to shape this world into?
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So many people he's lost are alive here, with a second chance. How is he meant to choose to give that up?
Shaking his head, he crosses his arms. ]
I want to help people here, just like I did before. That's all I've ever wanted to do, sensei.
[ 'You're strong, so help people'. What a curse.
Reaching out, he takes the hand. ]
The people I love are here. Alive. I don't want to lose you all again.
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I liked Raidou's plan for that, and I believe that the youth should build the future. So work with him, and I'll help.
[ He tugs Yuji in, looping an arm around his neck to reel him in and then rubbing his knuckles playfully over Yuji's hair to make him laugh and to escape from the too-earnest sincerity of the moment. ] And in the meantime, let's all have some fun.
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Lifting his head, he tries to escape the grip, wiggling even as he laughs. ]
Sensei!
[ It feels good, to laugh and be merry and bright again, after... Everything. ]
We're gonna make it a better world. I believe in that.
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Good.
[ His lips part to say something about how it's nice that the kaiju are relatively less morally complicated, being more like mutated beasts and not created from the misery of humanity, but then he realizes that there are several assumptions in there. One thing has already been bothering him, which he can push aside, but the situation still seems too ... easy, compared to the messy, tragic morality that constantly assaults them back home.
He hesitates, face turning aside, though with only the sunglasses his expression is still relatively easy to read. Calculating and thoughtful. ] The kaiju. Does it bother you to fight them?
[ It hadn't bothered Suguru, but Gojo doesn't have a good sense of what Suguru's moral code is these days. Yuji is a more trustworthy moral compass. ]
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[ Yuji gives the matter some thought.
When he had been corrupted by the rift, when Ratio-sensei had experimented on him and drug him under, he had empathised more with the kaiju. Some of them, he thinks, are more like mindless beasts, some of them are monsters, but some of them seem more rational, too. The lion and the unicorn in England had proven that.
It's hard, and there isn't an easy answer, so...
He hums softly, thoughtful. ]
I don't know. Some of them are just monsters, like some of the curses were, but others aren't. I think, in the end... I'm still fighting to protect people. So I have to think of it like that, or I won't be able to stop thinking about it.
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If they're animals, then it bothers him to be slaughtering wild animals in such horrifyingly large numbers. With curses at least there was the moral reassurance that they were actively malicious or actively suffering.
Gojo wiped out a large pack of what felt like just overgrown wild boar. It had bothered him, then it had stopped bothering him. When it stopped bothering him, Geto had had the sense to immediately pull him out of the situation. ]
Yeah. [ He considers elaborating on the things that bother him about it, but decides not to. Yuji's had longer to think about this, and Gojo asked him because he trusts him. He nods, accepting Yuji's advice as it is. ] That helps.
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[ Fighting, dealing with monsters, or curses, or even people that have done bad things, is a struggle. Yuji wants to see the best in everyone and every thing, so coming face to face with the darkness in the world is hard. This is the boy who extended a hand to Sukuna in their final moments together; why would a kaiju be different?
But if they hurt people, if they're causing pain and damage... He has to protect people.
That's what he always promised to do.
Breathing out softly, he shakes his head. ]
I think we're doing the right thing. And if we're not, or I do something wrong, I trust my friends here to tell me, so I can make it right.
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And that's why I asked you.
Not as a test or a lesson for you. [ He feels he should clarify. Gojo's constantly making things into tests or lessons. (Especially for poor Megumi.) For once, it's not. ] I needed the guidance. [ And he respects Yuji's judgement enough to ask him for that. Gojo's still his sensei, but Yuji's not just his student anymore. ]
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[ Yuji shrugs.
Is it odd that Gojo is looking for his guidance? Sure, of course it is. Is he offended? Not at all. ]
I've been here years. It makes sense to ask about it.
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You always had your heart in the right place. [ Reckless, self-sacrificing, but always for the right reasons. Gojo pushes his glasses back up, retreating behind that shield even as he keeps talking. ] Now you've got experience to back it up.
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[ Yuji doesn't know how much Gojo knows about the things that happened after he died, or Yuji's fight with Sukuna after - any of it. The things Yuji did still haunt him somewhat, but he's doing his best to work through it and keep moving forward.
He's literally in therapy about it. He's doing what he can. ]
I've made some bad decisions, too, though. I'm not... [ He waves his hand. ] As long as we do our best, sensei, that's okay.
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He shrugs, happy enough to dismiss that. ] I don't expect there to be a right answer. Maybe not even an easy answer.
I'm working on gathering enough context to be certain of my own judgement. Until then. [ Shrugging again, Gojo gives him a smirk, then stretches his arms above his head. ] You wanna spar? [ Too much talk. Gojo wants to let off some energy now. ]
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