▶ ORIGINAL TEST DRIVE 2 POST IS LOCATED HERE ▶ ALL NEW TOP LEVELS SHOULD NOW BE POSTED ON TAKE 2
▶ ALL CARRIED OVER OLD TOP LEVELS SHOULD BE LINKED, NOT COPY AND PASTED
【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-Star Resort and Casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to unprecedented high demand we are temporarily unable to check you in to your reserved room. We apologize for the inconvenience. We have arranged for a temporary room while we work on processing your reservation as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.
As a special wedding gift from us, we have arranged for you and your new spouse to stay in one of our junior penthouses while you wait. Congratulations on your new marriage. We are so pleased you have chosen our resort for your honeymoon.
You will be notified as soon as your official reservation has been processed. Your comfort and happiness are our utmost priority. We hope you enjoy the provided amenities and lose yourself in marital bliss. 】
EVENS
EVENS: NEW CHARACTERS
Music plays. Instrumental, the tune gentle enough not to disturb peaceful rest. The sudden insistent beep of the Watch is a cutting cacophony across an otherwise sweet lullaby. Upon opening their eyes, new arrivals will quickly discover that something is wrong. The quilt snug across their body is weighty. Crystals glint in a weave of embroidery and cotton shimmers with threads of silver. Dozens of decorative pillows surround the bed. The gauzy curtains of the canopied bed are drawn, obscuring the rest of the room.
Extravagant for a kidnapping. Too extravagent. What’s more, these new guests will find something even stranger than this new diamond-studded suite tucked into bed beside them. Someone else. Who are they, what are they wearing? What happened last night?!
Guests are encouraged to explore the resort from here! There are paper maps available for those who would like and staff are happy to recommend locations if they have any preferences. Enjoy your honeymoon, you lovebirds!
ODDS
ODDS: SPECIAL RE-ARRIVAL
Never trust a hallway in the Golden peacock.
Cross the wrong threshold and time begins to slow. A short hallway becomes long, sheds its doors, only leading to turns without end. Guests too eager to explore the resort have gotten lost before. For how long always varies, dependent upon capriciousness of the resort. Hours? Yes. Years? Yes. Every guest caught in the winding hallways has reported the same thing: time is different there and too difficult to discern.
Some wayward guests have been caught in the endless hallways since the FIRST TDM. Weeks pass before a single doorway appears in the distance. It creaks upon opening before everything goes topsy-turvy. These guests have been let out of a trap door in the depths of Crane's Respite.
All water corridors will eventually lead back to the populated areas of Crane's Respite. The waters are warm, the scent of bath salts returns, and staff are wild with joy at finally finding all of you. They have been beside themselves searching ever since you vanished!
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Because we love all of the new characters premiering on this TDM, we kindly request that our Evens prompt be top level exclusive for new characters. Current characters are encouraged to tag in to these prompts with the caveat that they’ve been picked up from their assigned suite (or wherever else they were before) and dumped into the new arrival’s bed. We would like for new characters to have this prompt unique to their top level comments!
▶ Players are welcome to have their current character riff off of these prompts in the log community with the exclusion of the new arrival element. This request is just for TDM top levels.
▶ Current characters and new characters are both welcome to freely mess around with the Odds prompt with the exclusion of the arrival element. For new characters, players may participate with the idea that their character is exploring Crane’s Respite after their unique arrival in the Evens prompt. The Odds arrival element may also be utilized by current player characters who may have been on an unofficial hiatus in January and did not tag as much as they would have liked, to explain any long IC absence.
▶ Octopi may be killed. If a character decides to eat one of the octopi they may find themselves taking on some of its traits. Which traits are up to player discretion.
ELEVATORS
ELEVATORS
The house has recently ordered a full changeout of art in all high traffic areas. The elevators in particular have received special attention with many different famous artworks and portraits studded to the walls for guests to admire. These artworks are treasures of the modern world that one would typically see behind glass at a museum. Guests may even find works from their own world hanging in the elevators. Even famous works that maybe have been lost to time. So this is where they ended up. Is that Vermeer's The Concert?
Guests may find their elevator suddenly stopping without warning. The portraits on the wall stir, curiously studying them, but there are three main portraits calling the shots. The portrait that controls that particular elevator will make their demands known with the threat that, if they are not obeyed, you will be trapped forever.
Elevators will function after the portrait's demands are met. Guests that hold out and refuse may find themselves trapped upwards of twelve hours. Guests with the ability to do so may crawl out of the top emergency door, free to go wherever they want from there.
GREAT TIT!
GREAT TIT!
Great Tit! is the Golden Peacock’s popular dessert bar and cafe. With its bright pops of color and whimsical treats, guests simply can’t resist stopping in for a butt shaped cookie and hazelnut coffee. After catching wind that the resort has decided to celebrate a dessert shop's most lucrative holiday, Great Tit! is ready to impress the masses. Advertisements for limited edition drinks and desserts rain the main lobby; one can’t go three steps without slipping on a neon pink coupon for 10 percent off nipple buns. Guests that decide to pass by the cafe will find themselves assaulted with confetti cannons and eager employees ushering them inside.
Guests will find a temporary communal shower room upon exiting Great Tit! where they can wash off after a fun day of rolling around in sugar. All guests will be gifted a tee branded with a, CHOCOLATE IS MY LOVER logo.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ This portraits prompt has been triggered by several characters expressing interest in and investigating the lore of the resort paintings. This is just dipping a beginning toe in, but congrats to all for poking around!
▶ Portraits in the elevator should not be destroyed, purely for continuity’s sake. If a character would go far enough to attack one of the portraits, the portrait will slap them back with ghostly power.
▶ Characters may also figure other ways out of the elevator if they have specific abilities to do so. While the portraits can control the elevators, they cannot control your character(s). Any destruction to the elevator itself is liable to result in a rush of security dragging the culprit(s) away to the Iron Net.
▶ Great Tit! is running a massive sale! Even characters who are on the broke end of the spectrum will be able to afford to join in on the fun and indulge in sugar at these prices.
▶ Players are encouraged to make up any other elements for the Hall of Chocolate. If it’s a dessert and edible, it’s there. Enjoy your sugar coma!
▶ While the chocolate boxes are ICly limited due to Alessandro’s skills as a chocolatier, this is only an IC mechanic. There is no OOC limitation on this prompt as far as chocolate rarity goes.
THE NEST
ALICE AND THE PARROTS
Fashion boutiques are a dime a dozen in the Nest. The shopping hub is massive, lined with stores all trying to aggressively appeal to guests. A challenge in itself — but the guests of the Golden Peacock are no ordinary people. Used to being pampered and fed excitement, if these boutiques don’t bust their bottoms to appeal to the fickle nature of their patrons, they won’t be in business for much longer! One particular boutique, Alice and the Parrots, is riding winds of romantic thrill and churning out a couple of brand new fashion lines sure to draw in loads of chips.
Guests are welcome to try on clothes in Alice and the Parrots' dressing rooms. These dressing rooms are small and can only accommodate two people sharing at a time. Such is the life of a small boutique store. Sharing is no big deal, right? And there’s no way you can buy clothing this expensive without giving it a test first.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Players are encouraged to make up whatever cute outfits they would like for this prompt.
▶ Wedding clothes do not have to be cute and frilly; this section accommodates tastes of everyone.
▶ Alice and the Parrots is more expensive than Love Dove. Their clothing quality is excellent but their price tags are high. Staff may watch low ranks extra diligently to cut off any stealing. Thieves will be chased by NPC security! Anyone caught gets a day in the Iron Net.
CASINO CHAPEL
CASINO FLOOR
A Pop up Chapel has appeared in the Phoenix Casino. Guests are delighting in playing out weddings and pretending to get married — and a few guests are even tying the knot for real. They aren't worried about the sanctity of marriage; they can divorce tomorrow if they get bored of each other. And everyone knows that getting married doesn't mean you can't fuck whoever you want!
Since the resort isn't keeping track of how many marriages a guest has, all guests are encouraged to marry as many people as they would like. The more the merrier!
Wild wedding events will continue all throughout the month of February, until the guests find it's gotten stale. A divorce rush will round out the fun at the end of the month.
NOTES
PROMPT NOTES
▶ Weddings are not legally binding. Birdvis is not registered as a real officiant, but he does have an excellent beak and pompadour.
▶ Prizes from easy mode slot machines are automatic and do not require mod thumbs up to claim.
▶ Chip prize from difficult mode slot machines is automatic. The special prize is 5 reward points to add to your bank on rewards. Players who wish to claim the special prize should link the finished thread (the kink in question has been completed) under their rewards header with the header, Wedding Slot Machine. If you do any combination of 6/6 (finger hand lol) we ask you somehow make this sexy or involve a climax in order to claim the points.
BLANKET CW: Aphrodisiac; Compulsion; Costumes; Dubcon; Entrapment; Foodplay; Gambling; Lingerie; Matrimony; Tentacles; NSFW Images and Language; NTR; Nudity; Roleplay; Sacrilegious Themes
▶ All new characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. The house is still observing and deciding. As rank and suits are assigned upon acceptance your new character's suit will not manifest until they are accepted into the game.
▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's February event.
▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. Please make sure to review the arrival prompt notes! Any current characters posting to the TDM should note they are current in their subject header.
▶ The top level directory is for new characters only. We want to make sure new characters are priority and receive attention!
▶ If you aren't satisfied with the prompts on this TDM please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort.
▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread anyway!
▶ We ask you to kindly add content warnings to your threads as appropriate.
▶ If you do not currently have permissions and kinks listed in your character’s journal we suggest leaving a note in your top level of any limits or boundaries for other players to reference.
▶ Thank you for spending Valentine's Day with us! You're our sweetheart this year. 💕
That I can use it? I'm a mage and going to a famous magic school back home, Night Raven College. Though from what I gathered, not everyone here comes from worlds with magic. That's fine! One of my best friends back home, Yuu, is the same!
[Yuu isn't here so it's not cringe to say that! But, cough, anyways...]
I can't really just up and use it though, because I didn't get to bring my pen with and they don't seem to have any mage stones, so I have to be careful, but it's an option.
[His brow creases. He blinks slowly. Then blinks again. And again.]
Umm...
[What is he talking about? Is he just someone who loves to play pretend? Like ES's magician trio, or the kid in his dorm who pretends to be a ninja? Of course, there's a lot about this place that can't be explained using logic, but he's just been telling himself he's stuck in a VR simulation or something...
Basically: he's not ready to accept magic into his heart just yet. But he's also not ready to dismiss the other boy as a crackpot and be done with him, since he does need all the help he can get. So! First thing's first:]
I've never heard of magic that requires a pen to use.
[Isn't it normally a magic wand that people wave?]
Unless you can write a strongly-worded letter that casts a spell on the reader's heart, or some such. But anyway, first you said you "can't just up and use it," but then you said it is an option. So, which is it? Do you have any tricks that will help us break out of here, or not?
Well, it doesn't need to be a pen, just a mage stone...
[Deuce trailed off and creased his brow and then decided to do something simple, a spell he was experienced in.]
Cauldron!
[With a crash, a metal caulrdon will drop behind Hiyori. That should be good enough without him having to cast more, right?]
What about that? Is that useful? I do have the other skills I mentioned too, but like I said, I can use that in a pinch. I just can't do too much here without making blot.
But that's neither here nor there. What's important is that something just landed behind him with a great crashing sound! He gives a full-body jolt, bringing both hands in front of his face (got to protect his best asset!) and taking a great leap backwards, his head whirling around to see what on earth that was. And the answer is...]
He blinks, staring down at the object with no small amount of trepidation. It's not a bomb, is it? But no, it really does look like a pot...
Or like a "cauldron," which is what the boy called it. Hiyori slowly turns back to find him chatting like all of this is normal, implying that was his doing. Is this his magic? Really, he did that?
Careful where you aim that thing. You almost caused a tragedy! But I won't complain at all if you want to drop one of those on a guard, or on whoever's in charge of this place.
[His smile twists into a satisfied smirk. That brief scolding it's over; time for the good news!]
[Deuce flinched for a second, wondering if he'd gone too far. He hadn't to make that much noise and he could see that the cauldron was listing dangerously against a clothes rack, ready to topple it over. Quickly, Deuce makes the gesture to dissolve it, causing the hunk of metal to fade away.
But Hiyori seems to approve instead.]
Really!? You mean it?
[It's stupid, but Deuce feels giddy. Sure it took a little near manslaughter, but he made the cut!]
[Deuce's timing is good. The loud noise startled more people than just Hiyori, sending a couple of staff members over to investigate. But by the time they get to where the noise came from, the culprit (the cauldron) is gone! Disappeared into thin air! No evidence left behind, which is even better for Hiyori's half-formed escape plan.
And, wow, just look at the boy smile. So happy to be praised (even though Hiyori scolded him in the same breath), so happy to be chosen. It makes sense, of course, being chosen by him should be a cause of celebration, but his reaction is still oddly endearing. Not only that, but he hasn't even dropped the clothes he's carrying! Yep, no doubt about it! He's a winner!
Though even the self-absorbed Hiyori is a little taken aback by the whole "Boss" thing. He blinks slowly, his smile turning a tad awkward.]
I'm not sure you need to go that far... Being a boss sounds tiring. Though if it makes you that happy, I suppose I'll allow it.
[And now that that's settled, he clears his throat!]
Anyway, our first step is to find the hidden exit. There's got to be one somewhere, but this place is huge. I do have one of those maps they were passing out, but it figures that they wouldn't include that on it. I've already ruled out some places it isn't, though. And I do have a back-up getaway driver, so the good news is that when we do find the exit, you can just focus on your cauldron thing! Or any other spells you think are useful.
[You have to be far more backhanded to get under Deuce's skin than that. The scolding hardly cuts him. And besides, it's kind of exciting to be a part of something, to be proactive.
Deuce blinks though and the nods.] I mean we can be on a first-name basis if you prefer.
[Ooops he slipped into his deliquent habits again. This guy isn't running around in any gangs, Deuce thinks to himself.]
Oh, that sounds good! I can be the muscle then! And don't worry I have a lot of physical muscle too. Though hidden exit? Maybe like an employee entrance or something? But they probably have keys for those huh? What if we stole one?
[He's rattling off ideas like they're in an action movie.]
[He doesn't belong to any gangs, but he does belong to an idol unit, and isn't that close enough? Especially when two of the other members have mafia ties.]
Now that sounds perfect ♪ Though first I'll need to actually hear your name. I'm Hiyori—that's Hi-yo-ri ♪ It's got quite a lovely ring to it, wouldn't you say?
[A first-name basis is fine; there's no need to bring his family into this. He's all too conscious of the fact that being seen in this place could spell trouble for them. But in spite of those dark thoughts looming like a stormcloud overhead, he's trying to stay spirited.
He blinks as Deuce rattles off a whole bunch of ideas at once. Goodness, someone's enthusiastic, but that's certainly not a bad thing! When Deuce mentions having muscle, Hiyori looks him up and down, as though evaluating the claim, before he nods to himself.]
Yep, I can see that!
[Does he mean that he can see the muscle bulging through Deuce's clothes? As a matter of fact, he can't! But he can absolutely picture this guy being jacked, because he seems like the type who has muscle for brains! Plus, this boy is a lot like Jun-kun in other ways, at least so far, so it makes sense that they'd have that in common, too!
Anyway, time to give his opinion on some more escape methods. Hiyori is a fast-talker himself, so he has no trouble keeping up with Deuce.]
Ah, those "staff only" doors, huh? I tried one of those yesterday and it led me down this winding hall. It seemed to go on and on for hours. And when I got out, I was in some rooftop garden! I tried looking at my surroundings, but by that point it was pitch-dark, so I couldn't tell where I was. And there didn't seem to be any way to exit the roof, either. But at least it's something, I suppose.
[He shakes his head to himself—crazy stuff, right?—before continuing cheerfully.]
Anyway, if you can steal without being caught, that's even more useful! I don't normally associate with crooks, but I'll make an exception this time ♪
[Idol groups are pretty close to gangs actually. At least that's how it felt when Deuce was working with everyone to put on that performance at the SDC. That was pretty much an idol group right there. Complete with brutal training.
But Deuce nods and holds out his hand for a handshake.]
Deuce! Deuce Spade! It's nice to meet you!
[Deuce frowned and tried hard not to pout, both because he didn't like being called a crook and also because he didn't want to disappoint Hiyori. Especially not after he'd talked so big.]
I mean, I'm not so good at that sort of thing. I'm fast, but not nimble. But... I'm sure I can figure out something. Unless you know someone else with light fingers.
[Shame Ace isn't here. Otherwise, this would have been a snap.]
[He blinks a couple of times before accepting the hand and giving a firm shake.]
Now there's an interesting name. I'm guessing your parents met at a poker tournament or some such. Otherwise I'm not sure what they were thinking...
[He drops the hand, and, assuming Deuce doesn't deck him (pun unintended) for the insult, proceeds to respond to that comment about light fingers. It's obvious that Deuce is eager to prove himself and be useful, which is just wonderful! But there's no need for him to pout.]
No one that comes to mind, anyway. I'm not even sure we'll need that yet, so let's cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime, your cauldron thing should be plenty useful. And your driving skills, and your ability to hold lots of clothes in your arms! ♪ Speaking of which, perhaps we should mosey on over to the dressing rooms. I'd like to try some things on now.
[...]
Actually, we might want to look for some getaway clothes while we're here. That way, we could make our escape in style! Doesn't that sound nice?
[He echoes the term curiously. Though he won't press the matter if Deuce lets the conversation move on, all too happy to get swept up in the idea of picking out even more new clothes. (Never mind the gigantic pile he already has and the fact he can't afford everything in it!) The fact Deuce even has to ask that question at the end makes his lips twist—this boy is not very bright, but there's something sort of funny about it.]
Nope, they definitely do not call them that! But when you think about chases or heists during the movies, they're often wearing black, aren't they? A black suit, black gloves, and a pair of combat boots. That sounds like it would be just perfect ♪ Though I do prefer adding a bit of color. But anyway, why not start by looking at boots? I saw a lot over there, let's go that way!
[A lot of them. Rows and rows of them. Which Hiyori will proceed to skip off towards.]
[Deuce doesn't have a chance to explain about the card soldiers or the Queen of Hearts because off Hiyori goes and he hurries after. Deuce is fully caught up in the vibe right now.]
You're right! It should be black! And really sleek, right? So we can move around better...
[Deuce trails off once he catches up to Hiyori and eyes all the boots. Deuce isn't immediately skeptical of the style either, since there are a lot of guys back home with that kind of taste. Besides Hiyori is the authority here.]
There have to be at least fifty different black boots here. But we should make sure to get something we can run in, otherwise, we're going to fall on our faces before we even have a chance.
[They'd probably be better off in tracksuits and sneakers, but Deuce is getting caught up in Hiyori's pull. It helps that he does like badass things.]
[He can run while carrying clothes, he can do magic while carrying clothes... yep, this settles it all over again! "Deuce Spade" will make an excellent underling, even if his name is a bit of a head-scratcher.
As is his judgement. Neither one of them ought to be burning their limited supply of chips on fancy boots. Unless Deuce got more currency to start with than he did, and is willing to share the wealth (which would be another excellent reason to take him as an underling). But it doesn't hurt to dream or play dress-up. And who knows—perhaps they'll spot a good deal in all this expensive stuff, though Hiyori's concept of a "good deal," however, might be a bit different from most people's.
In any case, he ponders the selection, immediately noting the same thing: the majority of these boots have chunky heels or large platforms. He doesn't seem too concerned, though, and as it turns out, there's a reason for that.]
I know how to move in high-heeled boots. Falling flat isn't ever the sort of thing I'd do.
[It's true, more or less. Some of his costume shoes do have a heel and he knows how to walk as well as dance in them. He's never tripped during a performance or a job before, either, his unit known for their high level of professionalism.]
Still, some of these do seem a tad impractical...
[But he can concede that much. They don't all appeal to him visually, either.
But as he circles the display, he does find one pair that stands shorter than its neighbors.]
These seem comfortable to walk in, but I'm not sure I like the skull. It seems like the sort of thing an adolescent boy would think is cool.
[Which may or may not render these shoes the perfect fit for Deuce.]
[A boy definitely can dream. And as Hiyori will eventually learn that Deuce has really bad impulse control. Not having money will stop him this time, but later...
Who knows what could happen? Perhaps Hiyori will be a cooler, more level-headed influence on him.
Deuce eyes the boots and those are pretty cool. Normally he's more of a tigers and dragons guy, but skulls and batwings are cool. A bit more gothy than he's used to, but they can make it work, right?]
Wow, I like the chain! And those do look comfortable. The price...
[He frowned a little at it. Not bad, but more than he could justify spending right now.]
...something to save up for, huh? Since we want things to go off without a hitch.
[The idea of Hiyori being a level-headed influence on anyone is rather or questionable... or so you'd think, but he did play a vital role in Nagisa and Jun's development, and both of them turned out alright. ... Mostly.
Anyway, of course Deuce likes the giant winged skull chain. Hiyori doesn't really, but he won't shame him for having boyish tastes (any more than he already has). It's almost endearing, triggering the ghost of a smile.
But the reminder about the price tag—or, more accurately, the reminder that he needs to budget because he's been cut off from his bank account—wipes that smile clean off. He doesn't even want the shoes for himself, but the fact he can't buy them (or shouldn't) makes him angry.
He turns away from the shoes.]
I don't plan to start over. Things were just heating up, rather.
[The main competition was about to start, and there's someone he must go back to. Come hell or high water, he's not abandoning his precious family.]
Which is exactly why we need to pull off our escape plan. But anyway, if you like those shoes, there's no harm in trying them on. I don't see any rule that says we can't do that. And if there was, I'd say "I've never heard of such a rule" and try on what I like anyway ♪
[He manages a smile again at the end. Their circumstances are ridiculous and unfair, but he refuses to let that get him down forever. And that's exactly why he reaches for the pair of shoes, uncharacteristically lifting a finger for once and placing them on the floor.]
[Just heating up? But Deuce does understand a little. He'd just started to settle in at school. He'd made friends and was beginning to understand his lessons, both magical and mundane. He'd even discovered his Signature Spell. Would he be able to grow the same way here? Especially without any mage stones to help him?]
I suppose you're right that it wouldn't hurt. Not like they can just kick us out. If they do, I'll kick their asses.
[Taking the boots, Deuce sat down on one of the nearby stools and slid off the tennis shoes he had on. He then started to lace up the boots, making sure to take care.]
You know, you talk a lot like some kind of Young Master type. No offense or anything like that. It's just I can imagine you with like a butler and bodyguard and maid.
[Shoes fully laced, Deuce stoo up and took a few steps.] They're pretty comfy. I was worried they'd run a little small.
[Actually, he doesn't like hearing words like "ass" and might complain if Deuce says it again in front of him. But this one time, he'll allow it!
He lets Deuce set the clothes pile down on the adjacent stool, watching while he slips on the shoes. In response to that comment he smiles and voices agreement.]
Yep, I do carry that vibe, thanks for noticing! You could call it "the spirit of nobility" ♪ Though we don't have butlers and maids in the dorms, except for Tori-kun, whose butler tails after him everywhere like a mother hen. I do have a personal chef at home though, and plenty of other staff. And then at the dorms, Jun-kun's always around to cook my favorite meals.
[He stops talking about himself (one of his favorite pastimes!) when Deuce starts to model the shoes. Hiyori takes a good look at them, and then a good look at him, stepping back to appraise the whole picture. He soon nods, looking satisfied.]
Wow, that's a lot to say you are super rich. Though I guess you can't have butlers and that at school, huh? It'd make the other kids jealous.
[Deuce felt bad for this Jun guy, whoever he was. Though when he thought of it...]
I guess Draconia-senpai did have some kids who worked as his bodyguards, including one in my year. But that's a little different.
[A chill runs down Deuce's spine once he mentions Malleus's name but he shrugs it off. Instead, Deuce smiles at the compliment before doing another twirl.]
I usually don't wear shoes like this, but I think I like it. I'll have to make sure I save up for them. [After taking a few more steps and looking in the mirror, Deuce decides to regretfully remove them.]
It'll probably be a long time before we can pull this escape mission off, huh? I'm not too good at planning for the long game on my own.
I'm all finished with school now. And I guess no one ever said butlers weren't allowed. But it would've been a bit redundant for me to bring one, since I already had Jun-kun!
[Reimei Academy, the school he graduated from, was rather weird. You could say that all the "Special Students" had servants, since in addition to hogging the school's resources, they had all their chores done by "Non-Special Students." That wasn't quite the dynamic between Hiyori and Jun, however; Jun stopped being a "Non-Special Student" when Hiyori chose him as a partner, so Jun wasn't required to wait on the Specials anymore. Hiyori just expected him to do stuff for him anyway, since he has an entitled personality!
... or perhaps he also made Jun his personal "slave" as an excuse for them to spend all their time together. Who's to say?]
There's another interesting name.
[He says of Draconia, before Deuce switches to showing off the shoes. Seeing him twirl around like he's wearing a skirt or something is kind of funny. It's just a shame he has to take them off. Hiyori can't offer to sport him the pair, even in exchange for chores or manual labor. Back home, a pair of shoes like that would've been pocket change. But he keeps a smile on, determined to keep the mood light.]
Well, the sooner we can get out, the better. But it wouldn't be smart to do anything too rash. I can handle most of the planning, but it'd be good to get some other people onboard. So if you know someone who might be useful, be sure to send them my way. Or our way, I suppose I should say ♪
Oh... so you're free to do whatever you want then, huh? Well, I mean outside of work.
[That's a whole other world from the sounds of it. Then again, Deuce supposes that if you have a job like an idol it makes sense. Gotta keep busy and he's sure school would get in the way. Deuce is a little jealous even though he wants to complete his schooling. But Hiyori seems just a little more grown up now.]
He's an interesting guy, that's for sure.
[Moving on...
It's too bad about the boots though. He should probably be careful not to window shop too much, otherwise he'll do something dumb like blow his budget. What a time to be a responsible adult.]
And yeah, I definitely will! We have to make sure to vet our people. I don't want to bring in someone new only to have them bring morale down. And I'm not always too good at knowing who should go where. But let's keep each other posted.
More or less! Though I don't get too many days off. That's just the price of fame, I suppose.
[Fame at what...? He hasn't exactly explained about his career. But such explanations can wait for another time.
In any case, the shopping trip wasn't a total waste. Deuce won't be getting his boots, and Hiyori doesn't intend to buy any of the things in that pile since neither one of them can justify spending the chips. But he met someone who seems useful, both when it comes to magic and when it comes to chores like carrying clothes, so that's a win.
And the other boy's smile isn't too bad, either.]
Yep. No need to bring any deadweight onboard. But we can both keep an eye out for others who seem useful. I'm sure you'll remember me, and I'll definitely remember you thanks to your unusual name, your cauldron-dropping, and that thing on your face! ♪
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peacockstop2024-02-19 10:08 pm
@tfy
[Yuu isn't here so it's not cringe to say that! But, cough, anyways...]
I can't really just up and use it though, because I didn't get to bring my pen with and they don't seem to have any mage stones, so I have to be careful, but it's an option.
(continued from here)
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Umm...
[What is he talking about? Is he just someone who loves to play pretend? Like ES's magician trio, or the kid in his dorm who pretends to be a ninja? Of course, there's a lot about this place that can't be explained using logic, but he's just been telling himself he's stuck in a VR simulation or something...
Basically: he's not ready to accept magic into his heart just yet. But he's also not ready to dismiss the other boy as a crackpot and be done with him, since he does need all the help he can get. So! First thing's first:]
I've never heard of magic that requires a pen to use.
[Isn't it normally a magic wand that people wave?]
Unless you can write a strongly-worded letter that casts a spell on the reader's heart, or some such. But anyway, first you said you "can't just up and use it," but then you said it is an option. So, which is it? Do you have any tricks that will help us break out of here, or not?
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[Deuce trailed off and creased his brow and then decided to do something simple, a spell he was experienced in.]
Cauldron!
[With a crash, a metal caulrdon will drop behind Hiyori. That should be good enough without him having to cast more, right?]
What about that? Is that useful? I do have the other skills I mentioned too, but like I said, I can use that in a pinch. I just can't do too much here without making blot.
1/3
But that's neither here nor there. What's important is that something just landed behind him with a great crashing sound! He gives a full-body jolt, bringing both hands in front of his face (got to protect his best asset!) and taking a great leap backwards, his head whirling around to see what on earth that was. And the answer is...]
2/3
He blinks, staring down at the object with no small amount of trepidation. It's not a bomb, is it? But no, it really does look like a pot...
Or like a "cauldron," which is what the boy called it. Hiyori slowly turns back to find him chatting like all of this is normal, implying that was his doing. Is this his magic? Really, he did that?
There's a long, long pause.]
3/3
Can't say I expected that...
[He mutters this to himself.]
Careful where you aim that thing. You almost caused a tragedy! But I won't complain at all if you want to drop one of those on a guard, or on whoever's in charge of this place.
[His smile twists into a satisfied smirk. That brief scolding it's over; time for the good news!]
Yep, it's decided! You're hired ♪
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But Hiyori seems to approve instead.]
Really!? You mean it?
[It's stupid, but Deuce feels giddy. Sure it took a little near manslaughter, but he made the cut!]
Alright Boss!
...may I call you Boss?
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And, wow, just look at the boy smile. So happy to be praised (even though Hiyori scolded him in the same breath), so happy to be chosen. It makes sense, of course, being chosen by him should be a cause of celebration, but his reaction is still oddly endearing. Not only that, but he hasn't even dropped the clothes he's carrying! Yep, no doubt about it! He's a winner!
Though even the self-absorbed Hiyori is a little taken aback by the whole "Boss" thing. He blinks slowly, his smile turning a tad awkward.]
I'm not sure you need to go that far... Being a boss sounds tiring. Though if it makes you that happy, I suppose I'll allow it.
[And now that that's settled, he clears his throat!]
Anyway, our first step is to find the hidden exit. There's got to be one somewhere, but this place is huge. I do have one of those maps they were passing out, but it figures that they wouldn't include that on it. I've already ruled out some places it isn't, though. And I do have a back-up getaway driver, so the good news is that when we do find the exit, you can just focus on your cauldron thing! Or any other spells you think are useful.
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Deuce blinks though and the nods.] I mean we can be on a first-name basis if you prefer.
[Ooops he slipped into his deliquent habits again. This guy isn't running around in any gangs, Deuce thinks to himself.]
Oh, that sounds good! I can be the muscle then! And don't worry I have a lot of physical muscle too. Though hidden exit? Maybe like an employee entrance or something? But they probably have keys for those huh? What if we stole one?
[He's rattling off ideas like they're in an action movie.]
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Now that sounds perfect ♪ Though first I'll need to actually hear your name. I'm Hiyori—that's Hi-yo-ri ♪ It's got quite a lovely ring to it, wouldn't you say?
[A first-name basis is fine; there's no need to bring his family into this. He's all too conscious of the fact that being seen in this place could spell trouble for them. But in spite of those dark thoughts looming like a stormcloud overhead, he's trying to stay spirited.
He blinks as Deuce rattles off a whole bunch of ideas at once. Goodness, someone's enthusiastic, but that's certainly not a bad thing! When Deuce mentions having muscle, Hiyori looks him up and down, as though evaluating the claim, before he nods to himself.]
Yep, I can see that!
[Does he mean that he can see the muscle bulging through Deuce's clothes? As a matter of fact, he can't! But he can absolutely picture this guy being jacked, because he seems like the type who has muscle for brains! Plus, this boy is a lot like Jun-kun in other ways, at least so far, so it makes sense that they'd have that in common, too!
Anyway, time to give his opinion on some more escape methods. Hiyori is a fast-talker himself, so he has no trouble keeping up with Deuce.]
Ah, those "staff only" doors, huh? I tried one of those yesterday and it led me down this winding hall. It seemed to go on and on for hours. And when I got out, I was in some rooftop garden! I tried looking at my surroundings, but by that point it was pitch-dark, so I couldn't tell where I was. And there didn't seem to be any way to exit the roof, either. But at least it's something, I suppose.
[He shakes his head to himself—crazy stuff, right?—before continuing cheerfully.]
Anyway, if you can steal without being caught, that's even more useful! I don't normally associate with crooks, but I'll make an exception this time ♪
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But Deuce nods and holds out his hand for a handshake.]
Deuce! Deuce Spade! It's nice to meet you!
[Deuce frowned and tried hard not to pout, both because he didn't like being called a crook and also because he didn't want to disappoint Hiyori. Especially not after he'd talked so big.]
I mean, I'm not so good at that sort of thing. I'm fast, but not nimble. But... I'm sure I can figure out something. Unless you know someone else with light fingers.
[Shame Ace isn't here. Otherwise, this would have been a snap.]
no subject
Now there's an interesting name. I'm guessing your parents met at a poker tournament or some such. Otherwise I'm not sure what they were thinking...
[He drops the hand, and, assuming Deuce doesn't deck him (pun unintended) for the insult, proceeds to respond to that comment about light fingers. It's obvious that Deuce is eager to prove himself and be useful, which is just wonderful! But there's no need for him to pout.]
No one that comes to mind, anyway. I'm not even sure we'll need that yet, so let's cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime, your cauldron thing should be plenty useful. And your driving skills, and your ability to hold lots of clothes in your arms! ♪ Speaking of which, perhaps we should mosey on over to the dressing rooms. I'd like to try some things on now.
[...]
Actually, we might want to look for some getaway clothes while we're here. That way, we could make our escape in style! Doesn't that sound nice?
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[He doesn't have a dad anyway and is also in a good enough mood to not perceive any insult to his Mother. Hiyori should be thankful.]
I don't see how holding a lot of clothes is helpful. It's just something I learned from helping my Mom shop.
[He pauses at the mtion of get away clothes and can't keep himself from smiling again.]
It does! We have to look cool when we're doing it! Comfortable but awesome!
[This is what happens when you watch too many action movies.]
I dunno, where do they keep the getaway clothes? I suppose they don't call them that though.
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[He echoes the term curiously. Though he won't press the matter if Deuce lets the conversation move on, all too happy to get swept up in the idea of picking out even more new clothes. (Never mind the gigantic pile he already has and the fact he can't afford everything in it!) The fact Deuce even has to ask that question at the end makes his lips twist—this boy is not very bright, but there's something sort of funny about it.]
Nope, they definitely do not call them that! But when you think about chases or heists during the movies, they're often wearing black, aren't they? A black suit, black gloves, and a pair of combat boots. That sounds like it would be just perfect ♪ Though I do prefer adding a bit of color. But anyway, why not start by looking at boots? I saw a lot over there, let's go that way!
[A lot of them. Rows and rows of them. Which Hiyori will proceed to skip off towards.]
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You're right! It should be black! And really sleek, right? So we can move around better...
[Deuce trails off once he catches up to Hiyori and eyes all the boots. Deuce isn't immediately skeptical of the style either, since there are a lot of guys back home with that kind of taste. Besides Hiyori is the authority here.]
There have to be at least fifty different black boots here. But we should make sure to get something we can run in, otherwise, we're going to fall on our faces before we even have a chance.
[They'd probably be better off in tracksuits and sneakers, but Deuce is getting caught up in Hiyori's pull. It helps that he does like badass things.]
no subject
As is his judgement. Neither one of them ought to be burning their limited supply of chips on fancy boots. Unless Deuce got more currency to start with than he did, and is willing to share the wealth (which would be another excellent reason to take him as an underling). But it doesn't hurt to dream or play dress-up. And who knows—perhaps they'll spot a good deal in all this expensive stuff, though Hiyori's concept of a "good deal," however, might be a bit different from most people's.
In any case, he ponders the selection, immediately noting the same thing: the majority of these boots have chunky heels or large platforms. He doesn't seem too concerned, though, and as it turns out, there's a reason for that.]
I know how to move in high-heeled boots. Falling flat isn't ever the sort of thing I'd do.
[It's true, more or less. Some of his costume shoes do have a heel and he knows how to walk as well as dance in them. He's never tripped during a performance or a job before, either, his unit known for their high level of professionalism.]
Still, some of these do seem a tad impractical...
[But he can concede that much. They don't all appeal to him visually, either.
But as he circles the display, he does find one pair that stands shorter than its neighbors.]
These seem comfortable to walk in, but I'm not sure I like the skull. It seems like the sort of thing an adolescent boy would think is cool.
[Which may or may not render these shoes the perfect fit for Deuce.]
no subject
Who knows what could happen? Perhaps Hiyori will be a cooler, more level-headed influence on him.
Deuce eyes the boots and those are pretty cool. Normally he's more of a tigers and dragons guy, but skulls and batwings are cool. A bit more gothy than he's used to, but they can make it work, right?]
Wow, I like the chain! And those do look comfortable. The price...
[He frowned a little at it. Not bad, but more than he could justify spending right now.]
...something to save up for, huh? Since we want things to go off without a hitch.
[Deuce placed a hand on his hip and sighed.]
It's hard having to start all over again.
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Anyway, of course Deuce likes the giant winged skull chain. Hiyori doesn't really, but he won't shame him for having boyish tastes (any more than he already has). It's almost endearing, triggering the ghost of a smile.
But the reminder about the price tag—or, more accurately, the reminder that he needs to budget because he's been cut off from his bank account—wipes that smile clean off. He doesn't even want the shoes for himself, but the fact he can't buy them (or shouldn't) makes him angry.
He turns away from the shoes.]
I don't plan to start over. Things were just heating up, rather.
[The main competition was about to start, and there's someone he must go back to. Come hell or high water, he's not abandoning his precious family.]
Which is exactly why we need to pull off our escape plan. But anyway, if you like those shoes, there's no harm in trying them on. I don't see any rule that says we can't do that. And if there was, I'd say "I've never heard of such a rule" and try on what I like anyway ♪
[He manages a smile again at the end. Their circumstances are ridiculous and unfair, but he refuses to let that get him down forever. And that's exactly why he reaches for the pair of shoes, uncharacteristically lifting a finger for once and placing them on the floor.]
Now, why not step into them?
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I suppose you're right that it wouldn't hurt. Not like they can just kick us out. If they do, I'll kick their asses.
[Taking the boots, Deuce sat down on one of the nearby stools and slid off the tennis shoes he had on. He then started to lace up the boots, making sure to take care.]
You know, you talk a lot like some kind of Young Master type. No offense or anything like that. It's just I can imagine you with like a butler and bodyguard and maid.
[Shoes fully laced, Deuce stoo up and took a few steps.] They're pretty comfy. I was worried they'd run a little small.
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Now that's the attitude ♪
[Actually, he doesn't like hearing words like "ass" and might complain if Deuce says it again in front of him. But this one time, he'll allow it!
He lets Deuce set the clothes pile down on the adjacent stool, watching while he slips on the shoes. In response to that comment he smiles and voices agreement.]
Yep, I do carry that vibe, thanks for noticing! You could call it "the spirit of nobility" ♪ Though we don't have butlers and maids in the dorms, except for Tori-kun, whose butler tails after him everywhere like a mother hen. I do have a personal chef at home though, and plenty of other staff. And then at the dorms, Jun-kun's always around to cook my favorite meals.
[He stops talking about himself (one of his favorite pastimes!) when Deuce starts to model the shoes. Hiyori takes a good look at them, and then a good look at him, stepping back to appraise the whole picture. He soon nods, looking satisfied.]
Not bad. Those suit you pretty well, I'd say.
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[Deuce felt bad for this Jun guy, whoever he was. Though when he thought of it...]
I guess Draconia-senpai did have some kids who worked as his bodyguards, including one in my year. But that's a little different.
[A chill runs down Deuce's spine once he mentions Malleus's name but he shrugs it off. Instead, Deuce smiles at the compliment before doing another twirl.]
I usually don't wear shoes like this, but I think I like it. I'll have to make sure I save up for them. [After taking a few more steps and looking in the mirror, Deuce decides to regretfully remove them.]
It'll probably be a long time before we can pull this escape mission off, huh? I'm not too good at planning for the long game on my own.
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[Reimei Academy, the school he graduated from, was rather weird. You could say that all the "Special Students" had servants, since in addition to hogging the school's resources, they had all their chores done by "Non-Special Students." That wasn't quite the dynamic between Hiyori and Jun, however; Jun stopped being a "Non-Special Student" when Hiyori chose him as a partner, so Jun wasn't required to wait on the Specials anymore. Hiyori just expected him to do stuff for him anyway, since he has an entitled personality!
... or perhaps he also made Jun his personal "slave" as an excuse for them to spend all their time together. Who's to say?]
There's another interesting name.
[He says of Draconia, before Deuce switches to showing off the shoes. Seeing him twirl around like he's wearing a skirt or something is kind of funny. It's just a shame he has to take them off. Hiyori can't offer to sport him the pair, even in exchange for chores or manual labor. Back home, a pair of shoes like that would've been pocket change. But he keeps a smile on, determined to keep the mood light.]
Well, the sooner we can get out, the better. But it wouldn't be smart to do anything too rash. I can handle most of the planning, but it'd be good to get some other people onboard. So if you know someone who might be useful, be sure to send them my way. Or our way, I suppose I should say ♪
Okay with wrapping up here?
[That's a whole other world from the sounds of it. Then again, Deuce supposes that if you have a job like an idol it makes sense. Gotta keep busy and he's sure school would get in the way. Deuce is a little jealous even though he wants to complete his schooling. But Hiyori seems just a little more grown up now.]
He's an interesting guy, that's for sure.
[Moving on...
It's too bad about the boots though. He should probably be careful not to window shop too much, otherwise he'll do something dumb like blow his budget. What a time to be a responsible adult.]
And yeah, I definitely will! We have to make sure to vet our people. I don't want to bring in someone new only to have them bring morale down. And I'm not always too good at knowing who should go where. But let's keep each other posted.
Works for me!
[Fame at what...? He hasn't exactly explained about his career. But such explanations can wait for another time.
In any case, the shopping trip wasn't a total waste. Deuce won't be getting his boots, and Hiyori doesn't intend to buy any of the things in that pile since neither one of them can justify spending the chips. But he met someone who seems useful, both when it comes to magic and when it comes to chores like carrying clothes, so that's a win.
And the other boy's smile isn't too bad, either.]
Yep. No need to bring any deadweight onboard. But we can both keep an eye out for others who seem useful. I'm sure you'll remember me, and I'll definitely remember you thanks to your unusual name, your cauldron-dropping, and that thing on your face! ♪
[... The spade mark thing. That's what he means.]