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synflux2025-12-14 01:35 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-12-14 01:35 pm
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DECEMBER EVENT || SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR 2
â· SYNFLUX WORLD TOUR PART 2
ⶠ001. DUE FOR AN UPGRADE. (ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT.)
After a busy round of assignments, the Outsiders might want to rest but almost immediately, another call comes in. This time, the Alexandria Institute reaches out to LILITH. Over the year, they have been making progress with their research and they heard LILITH has done the same. They think this would be an excellent time to collaborate.
Upon arrival in Alexandria, the Outsiders will be given a chance to rest. The same as last time, they'll be housed in the student dormitories at the University of Alexandria. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room with a common shared area on each floor that also includes a kitchen. Unlike last time, the kitchens are stocked with more than just energy drinks and energy bars. This time, they can find coffees, teas, local and a rotation of snacks supplied by staff.
After a night of rest and catching up, they will be asked to come to the labs in the morning. They'll meet with some of the engineers. They want to take a look at their plugsuits and add some upgrades. They recovered some files from the lost research facility in Greece and believe they have a way to create a lighter and more resistant material for their suits. However, their current fabric blend compromises its integrity against physical attacks. They are trying to remedy this. Outsiders will be provided with multiple plugsuit variants and asked to test them in the field later. Plugsuits can have a mix and match of some flaws and weaknesses: Weak to rift corruption, strong to rift corruption, easily torn, repulses touch by anyone including allies, a heavily tinted helmet, sound-dampening, enhanced tracking and vision modes (infrared and night vision, and a mode to pick out where rift-energy is strongest), as well as some suits may come equipped with a pair of wheels in the feet; along with small rockets for propulsion. Yes, someone tried to install rocket-powered heelies.
Additionally, they will be provided with some new weapons... They can test these out in virtual reality simulations.
Some of the items that outsiders can be equipped with are:
Upon arrival in Alexandria, the Outsiders will be given a chance to rest. The same as last time, they'll be housed in the student dormitories at the University of Alexandria. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room with a common shared area on each floor that also includes a kitchen. Unlike last time, the kitchens are stocked with more than just energy drinks and energy bars. This time, they can find coffees, teas, local and a rotation of snacks supplied by staff.
After a night of rest and catching up, they will be asked to come to the labs in the morning. They'll meet with some of the engineers. They want to take a look at their plugsuits and add some upgrades. They recovered some files from the lost research facility in Greece and believe they have a way to create a lighter and more resistant material for their suits. However, their current fabric blend compromises its integrity against physical attacks. They are trying to remedy this. Outsiders will be provided with multiple plugsuit variants and asked to test them in the field later. Plugsuits can have a mix and match of some flaws and weaknesses: Weak to rift corruption, strong to rift corruption, easily torn, repulses touch by anyone including allies, a heavily tinted helmet, sound-dampening, enhanced tracking and vision modes (infrared and night vision, and a mode to pick out where rift-energy is strongest), as well as some suits may come equipped with a pair of wheels in the feet; along with small rockets for propulsion. Yes, someone tried to install rocket-powered heelies.
Additionally, they will be provided with some new weapons... They can test these out in virtual reality simulations.
Some of the items that outsiders can be equipped with are:
Anti-Gravity Boots - These will allow Outsiders to push off and hover wherever they can push. Stronger characters can move further, weaker characters shorter distances. Turning them off results in an outsider falling, but you can turn it on and off for a controlled landing.After they have been equipped, transport will be provided to send them to a place where they know they can test their suits out in an area with high Rift activity and kaiju threats: Iraq.
Stun Shield - Shield that protects the wearer and when hit, will stun most attackers for a short duration. For extremely large attackers, may deliver a zap instead.
Cloaking device - A chameleon-like device that allows the wearer to blend in when still. When moving, they may be perceivable, but only if someone is *really* looking for them.
Nausea baton - whacking this against a human or a small kaiju will render it ill, and cause it to keel over. Just⊠clear out quickly!
Grenades - Outsiders will be equipped with a variety of concussive, and EMP grenades to test their efficacy on different Kaiju.
High-Velocity Sword - This sword is fitted with a blade that vibrates, letting it cut through tougher hides and metal. Outsiders are asked to test these only on Kaiju.
ⶠ002. GHOSTS OF THE PAST. (BAGDADH, IRAQ.)
Since the events in Iraq, the area where Outsiders were kidnapped to seemingly hasnât changed much. The rift energy here is high, and Outsiders are recommended to keep their plugsuits on and active the entire time. Equipped with their weapons that they obtained in Egypt, there are a plethora of dangerous Kaiju now drawn to the ruins near the caverns that were once occupied by the rift-corrupted Outsiders.
As they step into these ruins, which are situated over the caves where the corrupted Outsiders once were â the rift corruption still hits you through your plugsuit like a wave of heavy clouds. Outsiders are protected, but the longer you linger, the worse it gets. Apparitions, memories, that sickly feeling that turns your stomach. You feel it, the doom that is coming to humanity. This is where the rift had corrupted Outsiders for a long time, and that feeling of doom is here. You can almost understand what they saw, exposed to it. Itâs been left to fester and grow in the caves, and now itâs looking for a target. Their target might just be you.
The ghosts of the (Christmas) past linger in these cloudy, rift-corrupted ruins, and even moreso if you venture close to the caves. The apparitions of your past are here. Do you hear them? Do they call out to you? Will you call out to them? Outsiders will see visions of the past, and perhaps their companions will see them too. These could be people from the Outsiders' worlds that are important to them, or dark memories long sense gone. But are they real, or no? They mustnât be, right?
So why do they reach out for you? Why do their fingers not pass through your arm, when they grab you, and try to pull you into memory with them? Do you need to relive your past? Will you drag your companions with you?
If you make it through the clouds of memory, there are kaiju who occupy these ruins, making it their home. They venture into the desert as well, but in here, this is their territory. You can find Persian leopard kaiju and mongoose kaiju; but just as dangerous, a ghostly, ephemeral hand will erupt from where the rift energy is the strongest, and try to drag Outsiders back into the rifts. The corrupting energy is strong, and the closer one gets, theâŠmore reasonable it seems, doesnât it?
Wouldnât it be easier to just give in? Or will an ally reach out and pull you free? Outsiders can break the spell with one another by sharing a memory from their time with LILITH and running from the high rift energy once the trance is broken. It may take many memories to have an Outsider come to their senses once again.
As they step into these ruins, which are situated over the caves where the corrupted Outsiders once were â the rift corruption still hits you through your plugsuit like a wave of heavy clouds. Outsiders are protected, but the longer you linger, the worse it gets. Apparitions, memories, that sickly feeling that turns your stomach. You feel it, the doom that is coming to humanity. This is where the rift had corrupted Outsiders for a long time, and that feeling of doom is here. You can almost understand what they saw, exposed to it. Itâs been left to fester and grow in the caves, and now itâs looking for a target. Their target might just be you.
The ghosts of the (Christmas) past linger in these cloudy, rift-corrupted ruins, and even moreso if you venture close to the caves. The apparitions of your past are here. Do you hear them? Do they call out to you? Will you call out to them? Outsiders will see visions of the past, and perhaps their companions will see them too. These could be people from the Outsiders' worlds that are important to them, or dark memories long sense gone. But are they real, or no? They mustnât be, right?
So why do they reach out for you? Why do their fingers not pass through your arm, when they grab you, and try to pull you into memory with them? Do you need to relive your past? Will you drag your companions with you?
If you make it through the clouds of memory, there are kaiju who occupy these ruins, making it their home. They venture into the desert as well, but in here, this is their territory. You can find Persian leopard kaiju and mongoose kaiju; but just as dangerous, a ghostly, ephemeral hand will erupt from where the rift energy is the strongest, and try to drag Outsiders back into the rifts. The corrupting energy is strong, and the closer one gets, theâŠmore reasonable it seems, doesnât it?
Wouldnât it be easier to just give in? Or will an ally reach out and pull you free? Outsiders can break the spell with one another by sharing a memory from their time with LILITH and running from the high rift energy once the trance is broken. It may take many memories to have an Outsider come to their senses once again.
ⶠ003. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. (MEXICO CITY, MEXICO.)
Mexico City comes alive during the holidays. This time of the year, itâs only slightly cooler, hovering around seventy degrees, and the city is as alive and vibrant as when the Outsiders visited recently. Flowers and greenery still dot every bit of the city, and the people are thriving. Now that the Kaiju is done with, the city seems like itâs back to its old, cheery self. Even moreso now with the holidays! With the Outsiders back, locals will hand out small gifts of food like tamales, homemade chocolates or baked goods, or small candies. Street vendors can be found serving seasonal drinks like champurrado and atole alongside other local foods.
Coming to Mexico seems to be mostly a breather, and theyâre put up in local hotels to relax and enjoy the warm weather, before returning to chilly Neo Tokyo. There arenât many threats these days, though when Outsiders visit things certainly seem⊠amorous, donât they? People holding hands on the streets, and even leaning against one another. People seem in good spirits about it, but the keen-eyed will notice that many in the street seem to come together under⊠a certain bright, cheery plant. Vibrant, neon leaves, white berries that almost seem translucent in the sunlight, and a sheen that almost seems like psychedelic colors running through the veins of the plant.
Itâs Mistletoe, of course! And it seems like itâs rift corrupted. Maybe thatâs the culprit for all the amorous acts? Outsiders are free to try and remove it, or even track down the source â which seems to be a line of the plant growing from deeper in the jungle, attaching to other plants and overtaking their roots â and locals will be grateful for the help. Be careful, howeverâŠ
Finding oneself underneath the plant with another will leave the outsiders compelled to not only stay put, but being close will fill outsiders with a sense of belonging. The person next to you looks rather nice, donât they? Is there a blush to their cheeks? Outsiders who kiss or cuddle under the mistletoe will also be compelled to stay with one another, and not only that, will start to feel agitated and paranoid if they arenât constantly touching. Whether thatâs holding hands, hugging, or⊠something else, itâs up to you! Effects seem to fade after a few days, but in the meantime, itâs best to hope youâre stuck with someone you can stand!
Coming to Mexico seems to be mostly a breather, and theyâre put up in local hotels to relax and enjoy the warm weather, before returning to chilly Neo Tokyo. There arenât many threats these days, though when Outsiders visit things certainly seem⊠amorous, donât they? People holding hands on the streets, and even leaning against one another. People seem in good spirits about it, but the keen-eyed will notice that many in the street seem to come together under⊠a certain bright, cheery plant. Vibrant, neon leaves, white berries that almost seem translucent in the sunlight, and a sheen that almost seems like psychedelic colors running through the veins of the plant.
Itâs Mistletoe, of course! And it seems like itâs rift corrupted. Maybe thatâs the culprit for all the amorous acts? Outsiders are free to try and remove it, or even track down the source â which seems to be a line of the plant growing from deeper in the jungle, attaching to other plants and overtaking their roots â and locals will be grateful for the help. Be careful, howeverâŠ
Finding oneself underneath the plant with another will leave the outsiders compelled to not only stay put, but being close will fill outsiders with a sense of belonging. The person next to you looks rather nice, donât they? Is there a blush to their cheeks? Outsiders who kiss or cuddle under the mistletoe will also be compelled to stay with one another, and not only that, will start to feel agitated and paranoid if they arenât constantly touching. Whether thatâs holding hands, hugging, or⊠something else, itâs up to you! Effects seem to fade after a few days, but in the meantime, itâs best to hope youâre stuck with someone you can stand!
ⶠ004. WINTER IS COMING. (WINDSOR, ENGLAND.)
The return to Windsor is far more peaceful than the first time around, and the differences in the castle are immediate, even though it has only been a short time since the Outsiders were invited to stay.
Most of the damage from the battle has been repaired, and the castle is bustling with life. Many of the ârebelsâ who had been part of Eadmundâs group have returned to live within the walls of the keep, and the people have an aura of true joy and happiness about them, far different from the tense, edgy fear that had left things tense and awkward the first time they had arrived.The graffiti is gone, the monsters appear to have been cursed and returned to their families, and all seems peaceful.
The main attraction for Outsiders visiting England is the Winter market that has begun, spread throughout the bailey and surrounding landscape of the castle. Various goods are on sale, and the people are more than happy to bargain and trade with the organisation that had done good work in saving them. So, the question is⊠What do you want to buy?
The stalls are offering various wares, ranging from woodworking, jewellery, leather work, blown glass and precious art items. Thereâs also a fair amount of food and drink on offer, from hog roasts to sausages to gin and mulled wine. If the Outsiders stop to chat with the vendors, theyâll find out that this is the first time in years that theyâve been able to run the market, and while thereâs not a significant amount of goods to purchase (itâs only been a few months!) thereâs enough for a handful of decent winter gifts.
Anyone who might be bored with their Christmas shopping might hear some rumours of a minor kaiju hunting the livestock and stalking the forests around where the citizens live, stalking the pathways the rebels used to live. Theyâll happily share any information, should an Outsider want to hunt it, and leave the matter in their more than capable hands.
Towards the end of the month, there are whispers amongst the common folk. It might be noticeable to those Outsiders who care that both Gwen and Eadmund have been missing in action, and while no one at Windsor seems concerned, theyâre giggly and coy if asked about it. They offer the reassurance that both their leaders are fine and well, but theyâre otherwise occupied elsewhere at the moment. Weird.
Most of the damage from the battle has been repaired, and the castle is bustling with life. Many of the ârebelsâ who had been part of Eadmundâs group have returned to live within the walls of the keep, and the people have an aura of true joy and happiness about them, far different from the tense, edgy fear that had left things tense and awkward the first time they had arrived.The graffiti is gone, the monsters appear to have been cursed and returned to their families, and all seems peaceful.
The main attraction for Outsiders visiting England is the Winter market that has begun, spread throughout the bailey and surrounding landscape of the castle. Various goods are on sale, and the people are more than happy to bargain and trade with the organisation that had done good work in saving them. So, the question is⊠What do you want to buy?
The stalls are offering various wares, ranging from woodworking, jewellery, leather work, blown glass and precious art items. Thereâs also a fair amount of food and drink on offer, from hog roasts to sausages to gin and mulled wine. If the Outsiders stop to chat with the vendors, theyâll find out that this is the first time in years that theyâve been able to run the market, and while thereâs not a significant amount of goods to purchase (itâs only been a few months!) thereâs enough for a handful of decent winter gifts.
Anyone who might be bored with their Christmas shopping might hear some rumours of a minor kaiju hunting the livestock and stalking the forests around where the citizens live, stalking the pathways the rebels used to live. Theyâll happily share any information, should an Outsider want to hunt it, and leave the matter in their more than capable hands.
The SgĂ ilcĂč.
â â â MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET.
NAME: SgĂ ilcĂč
HEIGHT: ???
WEIGHT: ??
CLASS: Mild threat
LOCATION: Enchanted Forest, England
ABILITIES: Shadow manipulation, poisonous bite
WEAKNESSES: Sunlight, fire, blind during the day
EXTRA NOTES: This Kaiju tends to attack at night, and can use the darkness and shadows to its own advantage. If bitten by the poison, sleep related effects may occur.
POISON EFFECTS: Unconsciousness and long-term sleep. Can be reversed with physical contact with a loved one.
ATTACHED IMAGE:
NAME: SgĂ ilcĂč
HEIGHT: ???
WEIGHT: ??
CLASS: Mild threat
LOCATION: Enchanted Forest, England
ABILITIES: Shadow manipulation, poisonous bite
WEAKNESSES: Sunlight, fire, blind during the day
EXTRA NOTES: This Kaiju tends to attack at night, and can use the darkness and shadows to its own advantage. If bitten by the poison, sleep related effects may occur.
POISON EFFECTS: Unconsciousness and long-term sleep. Can be reversed with physical contact with a loved one.
ATTACHED IMAGE:
Towards the end of the month, there are whispers amongst the common folk. It might be noticeable to those Outsiders who care that both Gwen and Eadmund have been missing in action, and while no one at Windsor seems concerned, theyâre giggly and coy if asked about it. They offer the reassurance that both their leaders are fine and well, but theyâre otherwise occupied elsewhere at the moment. Weird.
ⶠ005. RIFT ANOMALY. (NEO TOKYO, JAPAN.)
As Outsiders conclude their world tour, they are given a chance to recuperate back on base. It looks like LILITH staff has decorated various common areas with holiday festivities. In the Library, Outsiders will find stockings with their CODENAME on it, but nothing will be seen inside of it (yet!) In the GREENHOUSE, LILITH staff will be seen decorating the trees and other plantlife, real and artificial alike. If you're feeling festive, why not give them a hand? Outsiders who wish to relax in the CAFETERIA will be treated to hot chocolate and other refreshments. It seems like it's going to be a sleepy rest of the year, right? At least, that is what it feels like as Outsiders head to their dorms for bed.
The next day, bright and early, an alarm goes off, awaking everyone on their oculars. SYNTHIA gives a quick message:
Outsiders will be provided a high speed railway pass that takes roughly an hour directly from Shibuya to Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, they will be directed to investigate various trails of the volcano for any clues. The trails are as listed: the Yoshida Route, the Fujinomiya Route, the Gotemba Route, and the Subashiri Route. The site will be shut down from tourists and civilians and granted only access to safety personnel and LILITH crew. It is very cold this time of year, so be sure to pack accordingly. Outsiders will be given a small device that tracks RIFT ENERGY and will be instructed to find anything that has high RIFT ENERGY or looks suspicious to be brought back and analyzed. Characters can bring it to LILITH personnel at SUV stations they have around the area.
After retrieving items and turning them in, head back to base. Or maybe you want to sight see Fuji yourself? Might as well while you are here if you can bare the weather.
The next day, bright and early, an alarm goes off, awaking everyone on their oculars. SYNTHIA gives a quick message:
"Attention, Angels of LILITH. Intense RIFT ENERGY has been detected around Mount Fuji. However, no rift is seen. Please co-ordinate in groups of 2-4 and take the public transportation to Mount Fuji for investigation. Please keep plugsuits and cloaking devices on at all times. Thank you."
Outsiders will be provided a high speed railway pass that takes roughly an hour directly from Shibuya to Mount Fuji. Upon arrival, they will be directed to investigate various trails of the volcano for any clues. The trails are as listed: the Yoshida Route, the Fujinomiya Route, the Gotemba Route, and the Subashiri Route. The site will be shut down from tourists and civilians and granted only access to safety personnel and LILITH crew. It is very cold this time of year, so be sure to pack accordingly. Outsiders will be given a small device that tracks RIFT ENERGY and will be instructed to find anything that has high RIFT ENERGY or looks suspicious to be brought back and analyzed. Characters can bring it to LILITH personnel at SUV stations they have around the area.
After retrieving items and turning them in, head back to base. Or maybe you want to sight see Fuji yourself? Might as well while you are here if you can bare the weather.
ⶠ006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to the Synflux World Tour part 2! Happy holidays from all of us at the Mod team, and we hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane! Don't forget to check in your AC, and turn in any bonus points if you would like!
We also have team building exercises started by some of your fellow outsiders to check out this month as well!
We also have team building exercises started by some of your fellow outsiders to check out this month as well!
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. EGYPT: Outsiders are sent back to Egypt for some upgrades made to their plugsuits and new gear LILITH is developing to test them out.
2. IRAQ: With their new upgrades, outsiders are sent back to Iraq. There's something evil still in the ruins, something sharing awful memories. Investigate the cause, but leave before it is too late!
3. MEXICO: Rift corrupted, magical mistletoe has residents of Mexico City acting particularly jolly. Outsiders are sent to celebrate the holidays but also stabilize the mischief-causing plant by removing it from the source.
4. ENGLAND: Outsiders visit England to participate in its yearly winter marketplace, but a strange, shadowy creature that attacks at night has been prowling the area. Characters are encouraged to hunt it for the civilians' safety.
5. NEO TOKYO: Strange things happening on Mount Fuji send Outsiders to investigate various hiking routes to obtain items that seem suspicious or carry rift energy. Outsiders are encouraged to travel in 2-4 member groups and report any findings in a group chat.
EVENT QUESTIONS
MOUNT FUJI INVESTIGATION
Character Name:
Route Investigated:
Anything Else:
no subject
Route Investigated: Subashiri
Anything Else: N/A
Thank you for the variety of event options, and also for promoting Dante and Yesod's mingle, mods! Happy holidays!
ITEM FOUND: WEAPON
A bearded axe, seeming to belong to a much earlier time period. It is tattered and used, but looks clean.
It has a rift energy level of 250. This doesn't make it dangerous to be around for long periods.
This item will be turned in to LILITH staff for analyzing, but returned to your character as a token.
no subject
Route Investigated: yoshida
Anything Else: boy can fly if that matters at all
ITEM FOUND: CUP
A drinking horn, seeming to belong to a much earlier time period. It is tattered and used, but looks clean.
It has a rift energy level of 75. This doesn't make it dangerous to be around for long periods.
This item will be turned in to LILITH staff for analyzing, but returned to your character as a token.
< CHAT > OPERATION: FUJI-SAN
daybit sem void | fate/grand order | redemption
[ It takes a moment for Daybit to obtain medical clearance to start doing work for LILITH again, but the moment that he is he's quick to get to work. It had been a long time since he had visited Egypt, and it would be a lie if he didn't admit some level of curiosity for the changes that the future could bring such a historic city.
He has yet to put on any of the plugsuits, because what he sees is obvious. Picking up one of them, he pulls on the sleeve and watches as it tears apart with very little effort. ]
This one needs reinforcement. [ He goes for another one, holding it to the light. ] This one will have the user dying from rift sickness. [ And another one. ] And this one's too stiff-- are you trying to get them to become Kaiju food?
[ The engineers are looking a little aghast. Who is this sassy lost adult? ]
2. Neo-Tokyo
[ In LILITH, you may be wondering where to find Daybit. Usually, he'd either be found training or not found at all.
Today... he is on top of a ladder, placing Christmas decorations on a tree...
......all while wearing a Santa costume.
He looks down at your character, and gives them a quick nod in greeting before turning back to his work. ]
3. Wildcard
(Feel free to contact me through DM/Plurk/Discord if you wanna plan something special, or just drop something there and I'll work with you!!)
2 SLAMS INTO HERE!!!!!!!!!!!
Though he does scoff at the sight as he passes, derogatory, and he's smoking. Is the tree real? Probably a fire hazard, but Silco doesn't seem to be all that intentional about where he waves his hand. ]
I see they managed to dress you up in one of those ridiculous costumes.
[ Last year the elves had made him do it. By Force. And Callisto had made sure it's plastered on base. Even now, if he tried to remove it, the poster seemed to always make its way back to the photo wall. Someone was still holding to Callisto's mission to make sure it wasn't forgotten. ]'
And they've subjected you to all of this?
[ A wave of his hand. ] Wouldn't this be a waste of time?
[ Pointedly ]
no subject
However Daybit simply turns, sitting down on the top of the ladder and adjusting his hat to make sure that it doesn't come off. Yes, this would normally be considered a waste of time, wouldn't it? Anyone normal would agree with Silco. ]
I asked to volunteer.
[ Too bad Daybit is far from normal. ]
no subject
He isn't even embarrassed? What is wrong with him? ]
Why? What good is this doing?
[ Silco just straight up doesn't get Christmas, or have the Christmas spirit. (Despite, of course, the picture.) ]
Or is this something about this season I keep hearing about?
[ He doesn't get it. ]
no subject
[ He says this matter-of-factly, recalling Chaldea and Team A. Even Kirschtaria had attempted to use parties to bring the rest of the team together⊠with little success.
But that was a mistake on Kirschtariaâs judgment, which is, notably, not a problem here. ]
And while Iâm here, others can focus on finishing their tasks. Itâs that simple.
no subject
Everyone has a different reason for this silly little holiday.
[ A wave of his hand. To Silco, who's from a much harder place, something like Christmas seems...
Indulgent. Frivolous. Silly. ]
You speak to some people, and they talk about a man made of snow, and others kitchen utensils, others talk about babies â but we all know what they all really have an interest in, don't we?
[ He leans against a wall, gesturing to the tree. ]
Purchasing.
Is that the task you're helping them make time for?
no subject
[ He nods, purple eyes staring directly at Silco as he rests his chin on his palm. ]
You find my actions a waste of time. I figured you would.
no subject
Why wouldn't I?
[ His eyes slide to the tree, then back to Daybit. ]
I still don't understand what this holiday has to do with trees, or gifts.
Care to explain?
[ Well, he also hasn't spent that much time investing in learning about the holiday. He could have, but... you know. Why. ]
no subject
Tree worship was fairly common in Central and Northern Europe. Scandinavians brought those traditions with them when they were converted to Christianity and assimilated them. Before, the tree used to be one with apples-- a nod towards the story of Adam and Eve, which is another Christian story. Now they use the baubles, which are often colored red to symbolize the apples that are a central part of that story.
[ He turns back around again to get more decorations, but doesn't say anything to let the information sink. He's not sure if Silco even cares about this, but he figures he should be fair. ]
As for the gifts, they're a nod to the original story of Jesus Christ's birth, which is the celebration that this holiday centers around. After he was born, three mages approached Mother Mary with gifts. This story would mix with another, that of Saint Nicholas, who was known for his generosity by anonymously giving gifts to the needy in the night.
achievement unlocked: daybit yapping
But this is a lot more information than he was used to getting. From Daybit, but most people in general. He narrowed his eye, not aggressively, but as if he was trying to figure something out about Daybit from this.
For having so many holes in his memory, he certainly knew a great deal, didn't he? ]
How very well-informed.
[ He doesn't know who Jesus Christ is, but that's fine. ]
And where does the kitchen utensil come in?
[ The... kitchen utensil... ]
Birthday Season (closed to Megumi and Hikaru)
Neither of them cook, so Gojo buys a cake from a fancy bakery and picks up takeout. With two teenage boys and a muscular noodle man, he expects they can put away a large quantity of food. The cake is a vanilla cake with lemon curd, decorated with strawberries on top and an extra scatter of strawberries on the side. (Gojo plans to eat at least half the strawberries on his own.)
He brings a card table and some folding chairs to set up in Megumi's room, as requested, delivering three presents in advance, then the cake, then finally arriving only a little past the agreed time with the containers of fried chicken and a variety of sides.
The little stack of presents he brought is beautifully wrapped. Three small to medium sized boxes with gleaming black wrapping paper and tasteful gold ribbon. This is not Gojo's work. He very obviously went to Geto for help with the wrapping. ]
boss music playing
granted, there weren't any to start with; megumi intentionally blindsided gojo-sensei with a birthday dinner so he wouldn't have an excuse to skip out, and now he's getting fair turnaround. just as usual, just as standard. but the gifts aren't standard. without tsumiki to buffer, megumi knows these prettily wrapped gifts have been picked out for him â maybe, possibly, would gojo satoru buy a gift for a stranger?
megumi stares at the pile first, early upon arrival in that window of time where gojo-sensei had left to get food. card table, folding chairs, a decent table cover. then the gifts, so obviously there, so obviously real.
when the criminal finally arrives megumi blocks the entryway, hiding hikaru from view, and then swings his gaze over to look at the buckets of knockoff kfc.
oh, he's going to strangle this man. lovingly, as a son might their father, but he will inflict some violence upon him, and soon. ]
You've outdone yourself, sensei.
[ it's a threat. ]
no subject
If that were where he had been. He had promised Megumi he'd bring him something from someone who knew how to cook. The only person he trusted with what was going on had been Midoriya. That means he made it all the way there on time with this Katsudon and sweet-sauce as he'd been told sweet is what to go for. So. There it is on the card table while Megumi seems to play bouncer at the door.]
Ah? Megumi ya oughta not be up in the guy's face, he's got food in his hands.
[Which is the ultimate reason, right? Calling Megumi by his first name also feels odd, but it'll be fine, he's sure. They have a gentleman's agreement about it.]
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Yeah? [ His tone is bright and cheery. He's wearing his sunglasses today (indoors, in the evening) instead of the blindfold, and his celestial blue eyes are radiant as he meets Hikaru's gaze over the edge of them. Smirks like a predator. ] Did I do a good job?
[ Releasing Megumi, he strolls in past him and sets the bag with takeout sides on the table. ] Oooooh, first name basis, huh? Cute.
You'll have to excuse Megumi's manners, Hikaru. [ Megumi's manners are not the problem. Gojo is the problem.
He'd thought of the kid as Indo, before, but now that he knows he's close friends (a romantic interest) with Megumi, Gojo claims the right to use his first name, too. Easy to do, when you're an adult with authority over everyone in the room. ]
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and he's dead certain gojo-sensei hasn't missed the immense casualness of calling each other by their given names, particularly given megumi's famous insistence on decorum and courtesy. megumi knows gojo-sensei knows he's allowed it, likely insisted on it.
hoo boy. megumi places the chicken on the table with the seriousness of someone ferrying a special grade cursed object, and laser-eyes his gaze to gojo-sensei's bristly short hairs on the back of his neck.
...huh. have they always been that short??? ]
You know you have, sensei. You brought gifts. [ then, to hikaru; ] This is Gojo-sensei. If you've met before, please take any commentary he's made with a grain of salt. He's a walking math equation.
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A good job? Yeah...
[He's asking rhetorically, he wouldn't know what to say if he did or didn't actually get asked. He doesn't feel like that's an actual question he feels like it's an excuse to strike a pose and he's not going to tell the man otherwise. It's intimidating and stunning at the same time to see those blue eyes and just how blue they are. His seem dull and uninteresting even remotely next to them.]
I uh...
[He has nothing constructive to say at first and just lets everything command itself further down the line, nodding his he- cute? Hikaru? Why is it cute? Why is he Hikaru to both of them? Are they all doing this? No, no, Megumi is using Sensei. He should've brought Midoriya, he's out of his league he thinks.
When Megumi starts talking, he nods his head again, answering them both one at a time and all at once.]
I met him before. I tried t'land a good shot on him but he's fast.
[His eyes slide back over to where Gojo is and he'll sit down once the other two are, too.]
I've been practicin' ever since t'get better... I think I got pretty fast since the last time I tried. Nice t'see ya Gojo-sensei. Again I mean.
[Wait.
Sit down?
He's already sitting down.
Which makes him realize he should be standing and that's what he does immediately. Stands. Yep, he's nervous but he'll get there. Or wait is that just for women? Everyone is really informal when it comes to this kind of thing in his orbit back home. Well too bad, he's on his feet now.]
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[ He's immensely amused by being called a walking math equation, and of course only takes it as an invitation for more antics. ] He's right--you know, my favorite geometric term is epitrochoidal? It refers to the path of a circle along the edge of a circle. If a planet is orbiting a sun and a moon is orbiting the planet, the path of the moon with respect to the sun is epitrochoidal. The equations for it are really fun. And beautiful.
You should practice sparring with Megumi. He's really good, and he could always use a new sparring partner. [ And it's very romantic.
Gojo notices the weird down-up Hikaru performs, the sudden standing and the way that he looks like either this was a mistake or he's too nervous to do whatever he got up for. It's like the boy just glitched. ]
You're so right. [ Said as if in response to Hikaru. ] Megumi, we need plates. And utensils. Unless you have some here already, go and fetch some from the base kitchen. And I don't think any of us remembered drinks? Hikaru, go with him and get cups with water. Sodas, if you can find them, but don't spend time looking. Both of you be quick about it, the food will get cold.
[ Gojo himself takes the little stack of presents and moves them to set on Megumi's desk, so they'll be out of the way and safe during dinner, then busies himself with unpacking the food and arranging the takeout containers as nicely as he's capable. ]