DECEMBER EVENT || SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR PART 1

[synfluxmods]

▷ SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR PART 1

CONTENT WARNINGS: drug use, gambling, violence against both kaiju and humans, human sacrifice

▶ 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 it’s seen in recent years. Food is a little more plenty, things are a little safer. It’s 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 aren’t 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 outsider’s 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 been… good. Too good, perhaps? There’s 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:

“Angels 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 don’t want to lose momentum, and while you all should take time to enjoy the downtime while it lasts… there is more to be done, I’m afraid. The places you have been before have continued to contribute something to the cause, and we want to cement the resources before it’s too late. We may need a lot more of each of them in the coming days.”

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!

▶ 002. THE NEON OASIS. (NEW VEGAS, USA)

Viva, New Vegas, Baby! The city is thrumming with light and life as always. It’s 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 – advertised as (mostly) safe, of course, but what’s 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 they’ve 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 – 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 “zoo” filled with many smaller kaiju like nihonzaru, timonsutas, and some that outsiders haven’t seen before – like the local Bigger-horn Sheep (not to be confused with Nevada’s state animal, the Bighorn Sheep) or the Helarctrocine, and other smaller kaiju found across what locals proudly call the “Wildest West”. There’s also a kaiju-themed casino, bar and restaurant – 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 – and those who go to the casino for any entertainment there will see that there’s also a lot of money exchanging hands – 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, it’s fight night. Who’s fighting? That’s a bit more mysterious, but they encourage outsiders to stick around. “It’s gonna be big,” they promise.

On the last night, some high-profile executives arrive from… Neo Tokyo, of all places! Those who’ve been involved with some of the shadier elements in the city might even recognize a lackey or two that they’ve encountered in the past. It all speaks to something… 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 hasn’t been advertised, the night of, suddenly it’s clearly advertised – the Ozark Howler versus The Akumas.

At Commander Yamakawa’s 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 – the Ozark Howler, a large bestial kaiju that supposedly stalks the mountains. The Akumas...they’re 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 don’t 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 another’s 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 there’s 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?

▶ 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 won’t 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 LILITH’s base, there’s something a bit more somber to the man, given that this is his first time back since the incident, he looks a bit like he’s 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.

“Now don’t go causing too much trouble, alright? Let’s have a good time, and see me if you want to know the best places to eat!”

Outsiders are treated with respect, but a bit more formally than last time, and there’s still a slight chill from most locals as they explore the city. They won’t 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 – including several Xiphosuransus – looking for food or, territorial fights, or otherwise. But the locals aren’t without their own resources, and getting a chance to deal with the problem on their own means that they’ve 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, it’s 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.

▶ 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 hasn’t 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 LILITH’s 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 hasn’t 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, LILITH’s 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 hasn’t gotten far. There are plenty of tents, but they look like they were abandoned within the past few weeks, other than the small house that’s been converted into a communications center, where eagle-eyed Outsiders will be able to notice that it’s 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. There’s 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.

“You’ve found what? Signs of sacrifice? Certainly they couldn’t be… 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, they’re trying to gather enough energy to bring it back!”

Outsiders will find that some rituals are currently ongoing, and much of LILITH’s 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, they’ve become slow and… human. Outsiders need to stop the rituals, and fast, because deep in the basement, something is… stirring. The longer they wait, the closer it gets, and the stronger the rift energy becomes. Quickly, Outsiders! They must be stopped!

▶ 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.

▶ 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.

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 LILITH’s 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 what’s going on. Looking in, it’s apparent that something is very, very wrong. Some cultists snuck away after the attacks, and have been using LILITH’s 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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Comments

[copy]

[ Pressed and solidly held against Muramasa's frame, their faces so close together, the warm sound is laughed directly into his ear and the vibrations felt all along his side through every point of contact. It's really not helping Yuta's flustered state one bit. Nor is the finger remaining on his ear, burning a hole in his awareness. There's no chance given for him to recover; to breathe properly again, to let his thundering heart slow, and let the hot flush in his body subside. Instead it's made worse when his ear is pinched and he can't help flinching, the motion slight like a shiver but impossible to miss when they can feel one another's movements this keenly. The only mercy is that Muramasa seems to attribute his current state—the red no doubt staining his ears—to the cold.

Or so Yuta thinks. Hopes. ]

Nnh- I'm alright, r-really! I can keep going. The sooner we're done, the better, right? I can warm up in the transport.

[ Babbling a little, desperately trying to redirect the focus back to work. In that selfsame desperation, he's glancing around at anything but Muramasa, trying to find something to distract or excuse himself with when the splash of color moving amidst the snow catches his eye.

A fox. It doesn't look like a kaiju and at a glance, Yuta's reminded of the friendly foxes of Zao village more so than anything, especially given where they are. Which is why he doesn't react beyond a blink of surprise, not particularly alarmed and still mostly distracted by Muramasa, until it closes in fast with intent and its goal becomes obvious, maw opening as it hones in on Muramasa's leg. ]

Oh, look— [ out, he means to say in warning, but it's already too late. ]

1/3.

[misclassed]

[ Saying things like that, while making a face like that.

It's really going to get misinterpreted. ]

[misclassed]

[ Encumbered by the sword in his hand, Muramasa can't embrace him any more than this, but they're close enough that the shiver that runs through Yuta's body when he grabs his ear is plenty obvious. As obvious as the stuttering breath, the heady flush, the nervous glancing about — like a maiden on the first night together, though he's done no such thing. Even though they're still fully clothed. ]

We're still a ways away from the summit, and the sun can only do so much.

[ If he sets the sword aside, though, he could cover Yuta's hands. The smith's fire is further from the sea than almost anything, but it'd be warm. He could take him into his arms, properly, and keep him safer from the elements. Monsters are no problem, but it is bitterly cold on this mountain, and... ]

Shall I—

3/4

[misclassed]

[ Perhaps he should have heeded Yuta's warning instead.

Needle sharp teeth dig right into the tender muscle of his calf, and it is Muramasa's turn to nearly jump out of his skin, with a surprised shout. ]

—fuck!

[ The embrace is forgotten. The suggestion of warmth, forgotten. The mission, or the attempt to bully an honest man into hiding his mischief, all of it is forgotten in the moment. Muramasa tries to dislodge his attacker with a rough kick, as he finally releases his own captive from his grasp, raising his blade up to strike down his enemy, and — ]

[misclassed]

[ The fox, sensing danger, lets go before he can fully finish the motion, and skitters just out of range with plenty of time to avoid the strike, her fur all puffed up in fury, her little teeth bared. (How dare he! First her shrine, and now he kick Ukanomitama? Getting kicked out of heaven isn't enough, she needs to throw something at him. If she had thumbs or could be anything other than a passenger on a fox, she would! Jail! Jail for Father for 1000 years!)

Muramasa is a mirror of her indignation, his sword in hand, with his shoulders tense and color racing to his face. Yuta, and his racing heart and stuttering answers, is entirely safely forgotten. ]

... What the hell were you thinking, girl!? You bit me!

[ Susanoo has met his match. Girldad down. I repeat, girldad down. ]

1/2

[copy]

[ Tucked firmly against Muramasa's side, attention fractured and split between the warm frame he's pressed against and the incoming fox, there isn't much Yuta can do. Or well, maybe he could push Muramasa away or shrug his arm off to free his own in order to get the space needed to wield his whip, but uncertainty about the fox's nature and actual threat level stay his hand for a few seconds too long in his hesitation. It's not helped at all by how his attention half-hangs on the unfinished sentence out of Muramasa's mouth. Whatever request or suggestion Muramasa was going to make, Yuta won't get to know. What follows next happens too fast for Yuta to even react much.

Muramasa's bit, he's released, his two-handed grip is turned back to a single one as Yuta's hands dart up halfway with a little "ah!" and an unsure 'wait' left lodged in his throat. Luckily any intervention on his part isn't needed, the fox dodges the blade in time and gets out of range before any more harm can be done.

Thank goodness. Maybe? Yuta's still not sure until... ]

[copy]

[ His niggling suspicions pretty much get confirmed by the interaction that ensues; how Muramasa addresses the fox cinches it. Watching the indignant figures from where Yuta's left standing, a little nonplussed, at least distracts from the keen pang of loss he feels upon no longer being pressed against a forge-warm body. Free from Muramasa's hold, he can breathe easier again and recover some semblance of composure too, allowing the chill that's immediately creeping back in to chase the heat from his cheeks.

He does his best not to stare at Muramasa's flushing face, forcing focus on the family drama unfolding before him. ]

Well, you did destroy her shrine....

[ He chimes in meekly, giving voice to the presumed voiceless. ]

1/2.

[misclassed]

[ Head whipping around at the (factually correct) interpretation of his actions, Muramasa grabs a handful of snow in one hand — which begins melting immediately in his forge-warm grasp. In the next breath, he drops his sword and uses the other to yank the collars of Yuta's shirt and jacket away from his neck, and then stuffs the handful snow down in that new opening. Don't tell him what he did wrong!

(Maybe it wouldn't be his first choice of action if he were still himself, but the other one... is as much of a hothead as he is a romantic. Tempestuous.) ]

[misclassed]

[ The fox, with Ukanomitama riding alongside it, scolds him harshly, skittering around the two of them and voicing her discontent from behind the relative safety of Yuta's shins with shrill chattering. Whatever she is trying to say can only be guessed, but Muramasa seems to have no problem whatsoever, as he leaves Yuta to his snowy punishment and crouches down to be closer to eye level. ]

You didn't have to bite m— [ (Angry fox noises.) ] No, I was paying attention!

1/2

[copy]

[ His shoulders hike up on defensive instinct when he so suddenly finds himself under Muramasa's scrutiny, close to flinching at having all that discontent directed at him. The handful of snow is warily tracked and yet what proceeds to happen catches Yuta off guard entirely. Mostly because he was not expecting Muramasa to drop the sword and reach to catch hold of him. There are firm fingers in the fabric of his coat before he can even think to step back. ]

Ehh—?

[ It starts as a startled noise when he's grabbed, breath hitching hard when his collars are roughly yanked away from his neck. His brain just seems to freeze in that split-second, all thought vanishing and leaving him open and vulnerable for Muramasa's attack. There is a brief brush of warm skin against his own when Muramasa shoves his hand down the newly created opening, contrasted sharply by the bitter, stinging cold wetness of the snow he's holding and then promptly releasing. It's the latter that snaps Yuta out of his frozen shock, jolting with an undignified yelp. ]

[copy]

[ The awful sensation at least offers plenty of distraction to keep his thoughts from running away in an improper direction again after the brush of forge-warmth against bare, sensitive skin. Instead Yuta has to now contend with the icy wetness seeping into his clothes and numbing his skin as the snow rapidly melts.

He wants to step away from Muramasa, get safely out of reach, but with the fox now hiding behind his legs and seemingly scolding Muramasa on her own just fine, he feels compelled to remain where he is. It's on the spot that he struggles with shaky, half-numb fingers to open his coat and untuck his shirt from his pants to shake out any remaining snow in an awkward shimmy for what little good it will do.

Voice slipping back into a high whine, teeth starting to chatter with the additional cold: ]

W-what was that for...?

[misclassed]

You're supposed to have my back, stoppit.

[ Ignoring the small cascade of snow, Muramasa slaps Yuta's thigh for his belligerence, eliciting another sharp bark from the fox (his hand lingers, warm, as he uses Yuta's leg to keep his balance). She lunges for him with bared teeth again, before circling around to the other side of Yuta's ankles, keeping her safety barrier between her and her father. ]

Ukatan... Don't be like that...

[copy]

I was just—

[ 'saying' gets cut off before the word can ever leave his mouth when a hand slaps his thigh, instead replaced by a high, soft yip of a sound that would not be out of place coming out of the fox's mouth and could almost be mistaken for such if she wasn't already barking. Yuta momentarily can't pay any attention to her or the cold wet fabric now sticking to his skin unpleasantly, all attention on the mild stinging in his thigh and the warmth that remains as Muramasa's hand lingers, pulling on his awareness like an iron-hot brand and making his mouth suddenly dry, face heating right back up again.

Continued family bickering and the cold causing his skin to pebble get him to snap out of it quickly enough though. In an attempt to diffuse the situation and force his focus elsewhere, it's the fox by his ankles that he looks to and addresses with apologetic sheepishness after clearing his throat awkwardly. ]

Um... I'm sorry I couldn't stop him in time.

1/2.

[misclassed]

[ Fingers dig into Yuta's thigh in a warning pinch — more of a grip, really, but he's reluctant to give up his support leg to adjust the position of his hand. ]

[misclassed]

[ But it's short lived, only a moment of warm, dimpling pressure, before Muramasa shifts his attention back to the fox again and tries to offer her his other hand — hoping to pick her up off the ground to talk to her like they had in Zao... ]

Your shrine was a piece of junk, anyway.

[ ... And is immediately rebuked by a fluffy tail batting at his fingers as she turns and twines around towards the other side of Yuta's ankles again.

( Why wouldn't she want to get picked up by papa, huh? It's a mystery. )

Finding herself still in range of Muramasa's hand, the fox hops up onto her hind legs and, bracing herself against Yuta's free thigh with little damp paws, pushes her nose into Yuta's fingers instead in a show of allegiance. Up, please. She is not going to talk to this boor while she is stuck in the snow. ]

H-hey...

1/2

[copy]

[ Yuta only barely manages to choke back a noise that would no doubt be embarrassing (and maybe too telling) when the pressure on his thigh increases. The grip he still has on the bottom of his shirt where he'd been shaking the snow out turns white-knuckled as a fresh flush of heat sweeps through his body to settle low in his gut in spite of all the cold. As much as he wants to, he absolutely can't look at Muramasa while he's crouched down in front of him and clutching his thigh. It's simply too much. ]

[copy]

[ Thank goodness for the fox and all the distraction she offers. Lighter pressure on his other leg offers a counterweight on the pull for his attention, redrawing his focus, though it's not nearly as potent as the nose against his fingers tipping the scales. Yuta blinks down at her in surprise, more than a little unsure when animals normally hide away from him. The message seems clear though. ]

Ah, you want up...?

[ He twists his torso and bends down a little to reach for her, movements careful and slow to give her ample time to slip away in case he misinterpreted her intentions, to gather her in his arms and pick her up. ]

[misclassed]

[ The fox doesn't move, her legs awkwardly stick straight as Yuta's hands curl around her ribs and lift her off the ground — Muramasa watches the foolishness, offended but attentive, a worried father watching his child get lifted by someone who's never held her before. ]

... Nn— [ He's begun to rise as well, the warm hand on Yuta's thigh slipping away as he follows her up to Yuta's chest, his brows canted down as she is cradled gently against the damp coat. Far bigger than Sesame, her heartbeat is a staccato thrum under his hand, and her tail piles against his arm where he keeps one arm to support her.

Muramasa's still not satisfied — for a different reason. ]

Wait. Hold on. Y' can't just steal him like that.

[copy]

[ Everything else gets momentarily forgotten as Yuta finds himself picking up the fox with no trouble. Unsure caution makes way for wonder and delight. How can he not be utterly enthralled when regular animals have shied away from him since he was ten? This is something he hasn't gotten to experience in years. The hand slipping away from his thigh is only a distant pang of loss (and relief) when his focus is solely turned on the small creature entrusting herself to him.

It's with utmost care that he positions her, carefully cradled against his chest and well supported by one arm underneath her and another around her in a comfortable hold that will still allow her some movement without the threat of tumbling right down again. The warmth and softness of her thick fur somewhat makes up for his open coat and damp shirt she ends up pressed against and he can't help marveling at it. ]

You're so soft! Are you comfortable like this?

[ Sorry Muramasa, daughter has completely stolen the show and captivated Yuta. He's too busy happily fussing over her now. ]

[misclassed]

[ The fox bears the awkward motion of cold hands and the carried whip in Yuta's grasp as she settles against him, her long legs akimbo and sticking out this and that way, even as she tries to curl up properly. Muramasa hasn't moved from his spot in front of them, watching the careful, unpracticed way Yuta goes about holding the fox carrying the spirit of a grain kami in his arms. He watches his expression begin to bud, and then bloom into wonder right before his eyes, watches as she settles herself in as best she can with one of Yuta's hands so occupied, making little chirping noises and yips in the cold air.

He tips his head, listening to words that can't be heard, and then stoops to scoop his sword up from the snowy ground, instead of argues. ]

Says she wants to come with us. You're no mikoshi, but you'll have to do. [ (Grumpy fox yipping at this inelegant paraphrasing.) Next, he reaches forward to pluck the whip from Yuta's hand so that he can hold her properly. ] Put your whole hand under her rear so her legs don't dangle.

[copy]

[ Yuta wishes he could understand what she's saying, but lacking the ability to do so, he tears his gaze away from the fox to look at the only translator he's got, watching Muramasa with curious eyes. Inelegant phrasing or not, the fact that Susanoo's daughter wants to come along with them like this is enough to visibly delight Yuta further; a rare chance to be so near an animal and a more than welcome distraction from his infatuation. Before his focus can fall back on the creature in his arms, the warmth of her thick fur already beginning to compensate a little for his open coat and the wet snow-soaked patches of his shirt, Muramasa's actions and words ensure it stays on him a little longer. ]

Ah, right! Thank you.

[ He allows the whip to be plucked from his hand, grateful to have it freed, so he can adjust his hold. Following both instruction and drawing upon a distant memory of holding his baby sister, he makes sure to do as told in hopes of making her more comfortable in his arms. It's then his attention falls squarely back on her as he addresses her again, unable to stop smiling. ]

Is that better?

[misclassed]

[ He's come to a dilemma. Sword in one hand, whip in the other, and with Yuta's hands full of a spoiled perfect princess, there's no good way to manage their equipment, and he can't just materialize things out of nothing like the smith can...

So.

He sticks the tsuka in his mouth. Not horizontally, of course, that would be too easy. Once the kashira is past his teeth, he can just clamp onto the ito with them instead, biting into the silken cord with enough force to keep the whole thing secure. It makes his jaw ache with the effort, but he ought to be done fast enough that it doesn't matter.

In Yuta's arms, the fox stares up at him with a pleased sort of calmness, nearly alien for a woodland creature, and makes a small yip once more. He can't leave it untranslated, can he? ]

'Sfe safs tha's fi'e.

[ Said as he loops the whip over itself in his hands a few times, coiling it up until the entire length is contained in a ring of cybernetic cord no wider than his forearm. Rather than put it away on his own person, he hangs the loop over the bared tsuka of Yuta's own wakizashi — and takes advantage of his freed hands to begin to relieve himself of the Muramasa's sukajan as well. (With the sun up and the rest of a mountain to climb, he finds himself less and less in need of it.) ]

1/3

[copy]

[ For all that Muramasa's motions in his peripheral tug on his attention, Yuta's eyes remain lingering on the fox in his arms, gaze softening further at her seemingly serene demeanor. That along with the single little yip seems like a positive answer enough on their own, not really in need of any direct translation. He gets one anyway.

One that sounds off enough to finally pull his focus back up. By the strange muffled way of speaking, it sounds almost as if— ]

2/3

[copy]

[ Well.

Muramasa certainly has his mouth full alright.

That is... an unconventional way of holding a sword in one's mouth, to be sure. Horizontally would make more sense and be less dangerous, might even be a bit more comfortable in so far such an inherently awkward position can be made such. It would also certainly look a lot less like—

No.

He can't be thinking such indecent thoughts while he's standing here, holding a god-carrying fox who happens to be the daughter of the very person he's staring at in shock. The damage is already done though. There's no quelling the hot flush that the sight sends through him, especially when Muramasa proceeds to reach into his space. It's only because it's Muramasa—known and trusted anchor point as the swordsmith has been in his life for months now—that he doesn't instinctively take a step back in his rising fluster. He simply goes still while his heart jolts in his chest, his hold (gently) tightening the slightest fraction as he tenses. ]

3/3

[copy]

[ But all Muramasa's doing is putting the now neatly coiled whip away on Yuta's person. All the same, the brush against his hip leaves his heart racing and a treacherous longing lodged in his throat that keeps him from stammering out another automatic word of polite thanks. He watches, ears stained red and still a bit wide-eyed, as Muramasa proceeds to shrug off the sukajan like that until he remembers what was said and that he should probably respond instead of just gawking. ]

O-oh, good. I'm glad.

[ Said while his gaze remains glued to Muramasa instead this time. ]