riverviewlogs | [closed] mission: carnivorous harvest

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[closed] mission: carnivorous harvest

who: hana song, genji shimada, x'rhun tia, shigeru miyata, keith, shiro
what: the carnivorous harvest mission
when: sept. 15-18
where: the jungle; outside of the abandoned city walls
warnings: none foreseen; will update as necessary

TRAVELING, CAMPING

[ It’s early in the morning when the team sets out from the Perimeter Guard’s base of operations; they have a long ways to go to reach the jungle, which lays beyond the outerwall that surrounds the abandoned city. The Guard has equipped them with supplies for traveling, including camping gear, containers for collecting the Lababerries in, and of course the information they need to reach their destination within the jungle.

Passing through the abandoned city before reaching the outer wall is quicker than the traveling they will do outside of the wall; while the abandoned city is grown over, there were still paths that were relatively clear for the party to travel along – there won’t be much of that out in the jungle. That does not, however, preclude any sudden appearance of the monsters that may have broken through the outer perimeter of the city.

Traveling concludes during when night falls, which puts the team just within the confines of the city: it would be easier for them to take on what may lie beyond the fence once they’ve rested for a night. They camp out around what would have been an old house on some small plot of farmland at the very outskirts of what would have been settled before the Quarantine was compromised. At the very least, it provides some solid shelter in the event of a freak weather event, but vines and other vegetation have overtaken it to the point that it was really barely a shell of its former structure. The area around it is open and well-suited for setting up tents and a fire and everything else.

Members of the team, of course, take turns keeping watch through the night.

The plan would be to find a suitable campsite for the following evening within the jungle but away from the area where the Lababerry plants grow; it wouldn’t be wise to camp near carnivorous plants, after all, although there’s nothing to say that there aren’t other dangers lurking within the jungle. After examining the search area and locating the plants, they would harvest the fruits and then journey back, likely making this a four-day trip in total. ]

SURVEYING THE SITE

[ After about half of a day’s travel into the jungle from the outer perimeter, they reach an area that had been marked down as habitat for the Lababerry-growing, carnivorous plants. The party will have to make camp at least some distance away come nightfall lest they be eaten in their sleep, but in the meantime they can get to work by surveying the habitat area and pinpointing the locations of the plants; both for data collection purposes and to make it easier for the seasonal harvest that will take place once the plants are once-again dormant because, in an environment as rapidly-growing as the forests outside of the Quarantine, things are constantly changing.

The Lababerry plants grow on a shrub that enjoys the shade and dampness of the jungle’s understory. At first glance, it is almost indistinguishable from most other plants growing beneath the large trees, but closer inspection would reveal the Lababerries themselves growing in clusters directly along the shrub’s stems. But closer inspection would get your hand and/or face possibly bitten off by the leaves also growing on the stems. They appear to be completely unsuspecting until someone gets too close, at which point the leaves split and reveal toothy openings much like a venus flytrap’s that can elongate and extend from the stem almost like a vine, and snapping at its prey much like a snapping turtle. So, good luck fighting off the plants while making sure the berries stay in tact (which probably means less fire and explosions, more hacking and slashing). The goal, for now, would merely be to observe the plants’ behavior and come up with a good strategy for harvesting later.

Oh, and making sure the party doesn’t get attacked by any of the other monsters dwelling in the jungle. ]

HARVEST

[ After a day of surveying and clearing the area of any outside threads, it’s time to harvest! If the team has prepared sufficiently the previous day, this should be the easiest part of the mission! Hopefully. Barring, again, any angry monsters coming through.

Using the information they gathered on the plants and coming up with a good way to extract the fruits, the team will have to fight the plants without completely destroying them to leave enough crops for the next harvest season and collect them in the containers provided by the Guard before making their journey back toward the inhabited area of the city. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Genji is always very focused when he has a mission, but he's been keeping an eye on the people in the group as best he can as well. Especially Shigeru (and it's not just because of his blossoming feelings, he swears) because he knows how tough his phobia must be on him.

So when there's a lull after they set up camp, Genji realizes his friend isn't around. He frowns a little and excuses himself to try to find him. After a moment, he hears the sound of splashing water by the river and heads to the source.

Ah. ] Shigeru? [ He approaches him but stays behind him. ] Is everything okay?

[ Shigeru went away because he has a certain tendency to feel so...self conscious when his phobia and ocd gets the better of him. He knows it's nothing to be ashamed about but...having Genji see him like this was not something he wanted at the moment. For him it had been hard back at home to talk to anyone about his phobia, let alone show them what it makes him do, so its understandable that when he hears Genji behind his movements still and he draws away from the other man.

His hands are bleeding from how hard he'd been scrubbing them, but his powers are quick to fix the wounds, though there's still some minor cuts regardless when Genji approaches. He doesn't turn around because he can't bring himself to do so just yet, but he will shake his head in a 'yes' fashion at Genji's question. Ugh, please Genji, just leave him be for a little awhile?! ]

[ Genji would never presume to know what he's going through or what it's like to have a phobia, but he does know quite a lot about having a rough time because of your circumstances. He can't even count the number of times he had a burst of anger and Reyes or McCree or Dr. Zielger would have to talk him down, bring him back to reality.

He keeps his distance, his heart twisting a little at the sight of his bloodied hands. Genji wants to help and be there for him, but he also knows sometimes that's the worst thing to do. He's not going to barge in on his space, or demand he talk about it. ] I'm here, if you need anything.

[ A pause. ] But if you would prefer privacy, I can wait until you are finished and take you back to the tent.

[ Ugh he's really sorry Genji. Shigeru doesn't like people seeing him like this, especially people he has feelings for. He's so worried that his phobia will push people away, because it's too hard to have a decent relationship with it, that he winds up never really...showing it to people.

So having Genji beside him through this...actually makes him feel equal parts good and awful all at once. He'll nod his head silently while he begins the meticulous ritual of purifying his hands even more. He'll apply a copious amount of rubbing alcohol to them and then using a clean towel he'll dry them before a new set of white gloves are applied. He'll finally turn back around, his expression dour and embarrassed.

He can't really seem to look Genji in the eye as he types on his phone. ]

I'm sorry. I...didn't mean to worry you. I didn't want you...to see that.

[ He can't exactly help it though and being through everything these last weeks probably just caused it to boil over. His white gloves are stained with flecks and spots of blood even as he stands there. But the wounds will be healed entirely in a few minutes. ]

[ It's hard to watch only because Genji cares so much about him. And he knows that simply caring in and of itself isn't enough to help someone. Patience, boundaries and respect are the keys.

He had removed his helmet as they set up camp, so he gives him a soft little smile when he turns around. ] You don't need to apologize, Shigeru. I do not think any less of you.

[ Genji's hands are behind his back. ] Is there anything you need that I can help you with? [ A tangible thing, or something else. ]

[ Ah, well, those are words he definitely needed to hear. Still he looks back down at his hands and the products he'd been using to clean them and there's a guilty almost...embarrassed look on his features still.

He'll look back up at Genji and nod. ]

Do you think we could...try some of that meditation?

[ It might help him calm down some more. ]

[ Genji's still smiling when he suggests it and nods. ] If you would like to, I think it would be a wonderful idea. If only maybe to calm your thoughts some.

[ He changes his stance and gestures for him. ] Are you ready to head back to camp, then?

[ Shigeru will nod shyly as he moves a bit closer to Genji. For some reason being nearer to the other just makes him feel...better, safer, and not as stressed. He's already feeling a bit better, but he still is wringing his hands a little, a nervous habit he has, as he walks beside Genji back to camp. ]

Thank you...

[ It is much the same for Genji, finding the other man's presence calming. He wants to help him and it's not just because of the mission. Genji fights a little smile. ] You're welcome.

[ Once they reach camp and one of the tents, he opens the flap and gestures inside. ] Would it make you more comfortable to have some privacy?

[ Shigeru will nod, though honestly once he's inside the tent and Genji comes in with him, he kinda realizes what it might look like to the others. Oh, gosh, he's so flustered that he fumbles with his phone. He might hesitate before taking a seat over in the corner of the tent. ]

Is this...okay?

[ People sharing tents on missions isn't strange to him, nor does he think it should be to anybody else. And they are friends, after all, first and foremost. He doubts anyone will make any snarky comments that aren't wanted.

Although seeing him flustered makes him a little himself. Genji clears his throat and settles inside the tent after closing it. ] Of course. As long as you're comfortable as well.

[ He crosses his legs and straightens his back a little, taking a silent and deep breath himself. Emptying his mind with Shigeru so close might prove a little harder than he thought... ] Have you ever tried to do this or something similar before?

[ Pause. ] Meditation, I mean. [ Fingers crossed he isn't blushing. ]

[ Shigeru knows people won't say anything, well not outwardly, but then again he should be used to comments being spoken about him privately or publicly. Still this...makes him awkward and flustered because it's Genji of all people. But, ah, he was acting childish getting flustered over being alone with a handsome man who he has genuine and deep feelings for. Obviously who would ever get that way in this situation?!

Shigeru just shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head to rid himself of miscellaneous thoughts. ]

I've tried is a few times since...since we talked about it. But I dunno. Maybe I was just too...focused on other things for it to work.

Edited 2017-09-27 23:19 (UTC)

[ Genji is perhaps realizing his slight error in judgement as well. He's never had to meditate in close proximity to... someone had an affection for. (He's nearly thirty-six years old, it isn't a crush.) He supposes his Master would just chuckle and say something about 'adversity' and 'change.' He misses that monk.

He takes a deep breath. ] It is something you have to sort of work toward. It took me weeks to reach a sort of breakthrough with it, so it can depend.

[ He crosses his legs. ] I found that focusing on one specific thing and only that was a good starting point. Like a making a phrase a mantra in your head to help ground you. Or maybe an object or a memory? Something you've found calming in the past.

[ They're just both too pure for this. Shigeru knows all about working hard towards something. His entire life has been an uphill battle since his powers manifested.

But focusing on a specific thing in an enivroment like this is going to be hard, if only because its not exactly clean...and he has trouble with places like this in general. ]

Okay. I'll...I'll try. [ He'll take a deep breath and exhale closing his eyes as he does so. ]

[ He wishes he had a recording of his Master's orb song, although he isn't sure if it would help Shigeru. Genji leans in just a little bit after he closes his eyes, keeping his voice low and gentle. ] Try to take full breaths from the bottom of your lungs, and just focus on that one certain thing. If your mind wanders, acknowledge it and put it away.

[ Ah, this is hard. He really wants to just take his hand.... ]

[ Shigeru will nod and try to do just that, but his cheeks are turning red ever so slightly as he feels the presence of the other near him. He takes deep, full, breaths and continues in a steady rhythm for awhile. But his mind is wandering and focusing on Genji who is very close to him! This is hard. He's going to open one eye just a crack and look at Genji with a flustered smile. His hands will pick up his phone to type something. ]

Something like that is good?

[ He wants to make sure his technique is proper and good, yes. ]

[ Goodness, he's cute. Genji just sort of huffs a croaky little laugh and leans back in return. He reads what Shigeru wrote and nods. ] Yes, I think that works well. The phrase I found that grounds me is a quote from a swordsman who lived many centuries ago.

[ His family would probably be so shocked to learn he reads now, of all things. Before the only books he ever picked up were manga. ]

[ Ah. Shigeru's expression looks disappointed when Genji leans back. But he covers it up with his device as he types something. ]

Can you tell me what it is?

[ He's just honestly curiously. Learning more about Genji always makes him happy. ]

[ He's almost shy about revealing it, as it really is a personal thing but... it's Shigeru. He's comfortable around him, and sees no reason not to. ]

"Even if I sacrifice my body, I will never sacrifice my honor." [ He gestures to the lights on his chest, to 'War God' written in Kanji there as well. ] When I realized I wanted to be a better man, I started to see this body as a gift instead of a curse.

[ Ah. He is just going to listen as Genji explains, he's always wondered what that symbol meant to the other, and he can see it does mean quite a lot to him. His hand might go the kanji and trace it on instinct with a gloved hand. He'll realize what he's doing and pull his hand away with a rather flushed look on his face. He really hadn't meant to do that?! Oh my gosh. He is just going to pretend he didn't do that! Yes, try to act normal Shigeru! ]

I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...do that. [ He totally did. Shigeru looks so flustered right now as he fumbles with his phone to try and make the situation less...awkward. Please forgive him, he's no good with being openly affectionate with the people he likes. He's trying though!! ]

I'm...glad that you could see the good in it. Even if you're different, you're still you on the inside. It's like...me and my powers. If you can help someone with them then you shouldn't even feel ashamed to use them. Is what my father once told me. Perhaps I should use his words for my meditation...

[ He looks so shy when he shows that to Genji. He looks thoughtful as he takes his own words into consideration. ]

[ Since it's part of his armor, Genji can't feel his touch but... he finds himself wishing he had? Goodness. The action itself is more than enough to make his stomach flutter a little and he clears his throat a little, trying not to blush. ] No, it's all right— You can't make me uncomfortable, Shigeru. [ Well, not physically at least... he sure makes his heart do funny things.

When he reads what he types next he smiles, nodding. ] That was part of my realization that my body was a gift, that I could help people. Your father sounds like he was a wise man. I think that would be a great idea.

[ His own father was... complicated. But he doesn't want to think about the man time, especially not when he's alone in a tent with Shigeru. ] Would you like to try again?

[ Well he's grateful to hear that at least. He really doesn't know what's gotten into him lately?! But he feels comfortable around Genji and...touching him doesn't cause his anxiety to spike as much as it would normally. But he'd never want anyone to feel uncomfortable by his actions is the thing. ]

I want to try again. [ He nods as he gets into same position that Genji is in. He'll take a deep breath and then exhale as he closes his eyes.

It is hard to concentrate with Genji around though. ]

[ Genji keeps his own breathing silent, the only sound the faint hum of his systems whirring deep in his chest. He typically would meditate in return but he finds himself just... watching his friend for the time being.

He cares for him immensely, there's no denying that. Although he still isn't quite sure if he should do anything about these feelings. The friendship they have is wonderful and Genji wouldn't want to do anything to harm that. In the end, he wants him to be comfortable and happy.

A few minutes past and he's pulled out of his reverie (more like pining) and he clears his throat. ] So how did it go that time?

[ The faint humming from Genji helps him relax even more, perhaps it's knowing that the other is there should anything go wrong. He finds comfort in Genji's presence and he will open his eyes with a smile at the question asked. ]

It was better. I think I'm getting the hang of it.

[ He smiles at that. ] I'm glad. Like I said, it takes time. But I do hope it helps you.

[ Genji finally lets himself relax, shoulders dropping just slightly, when he remembers something he wanted to tell him. ] Oh! I did start looking into some sign language after we spoke about it. I haven't had a chance to study much yet, but— [ He does a gesture for 'Nice to meet you.' ]

camping ii electric boogaloo

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