TDM 04

[goldmods]

【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made on our brand new beachfront for new guests. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. Affected guests may convene with the nearest lifeguard or reception for a complimentary swimsuit, at their earliest convenience.

Please remember that beach-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking dress code may be escorted off the beach until they return in proper swimwear. We hope you enjoy your stay, and have a beachy keen experience. 】

BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

A BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT

As the resort moves into what it claims is summer, the days grow longer. The sun is projected well into the evening, the heat of its warmth dialed up to a level some guests complain is unreasonable. Then there’s the most excessive transformation of all – half the Cloud Dwelling Gardens have been transformed into a sparkling beach of white sands and blue waves, seemingly overnight. Statues nearby have been dressed up with wide hats and stylish sarongs. Upbeat music fills the air without any discernible source.

A section of the beach has been reserved for a collection of bungalows. These cute pastel homes open straight onto the sand, and are comparable in size and amenity to a rank 7 or 8 suite. All screens within these bungalows are fixed to a channel that airs reruns of Boobwatch around the clock, a classic TV series about blue-footed boobys running in slow-motion across the beach. Staff and long-standing guests all agree — there’s no better summer programming than this!

IT’S FREE REAL ESTATE

▷ Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals are being checked in to all this wondrous new property that’s just opened up. The catch? Why, characters are stuffed up to 4 in a room, of course. Don’t worry, that’s what the bunk beds are for!

▷ Characters still wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are a light and breezy linen, patterned with tropical flowers and colorful designs. Some of these robes are more sheer than others. Watch out that the gentle breeze on the beach doesn’t reveal more than you wanted.

▷ Existing characters are welcome to temporarily take up residence in any empty slots in these homes. The staff understand that sometimes you want to pretend to be a brand new guest again, all bright-eyed and ready for adventure. They can even lock you out of your real room for an extra bit of authenticity. No need to ask! It’s all taken care of already.

THOSE WHO POUND SAND

▷ Several lifeguards have been newly hired to protect the beach and its visitors. These burly fellows and lasses all have three things in common: skimpy swimwear, rippling muscles, and seagull heads. They spend most of their time hanging out in groups, flexing and gossiping loudly. If characters approach them for their complimentary swimwear, they will provide whatever they’re currently wearing for them to use... by force, if necessary.

▷ Characters who seem particularly vulnerable or are holding something particularly tasty may find themselves surrounded by these lifeguards out of nowhere. The seagulls are relentless, pushing and shoving and pulling hair until they get what they want. Hope you didn’t like your sand castle very much. Those on the lower end of the rank scale will suffer the worst harassment, and they may even go out of their way to harass wildcards, 2s, and 3s just for the heck of it.

▷ Being new hires and fairly low on the resort staff hierarchy, these troublemakers can be easily chased off by someone of a high enough rank, or an assertive enough presence to pass as one. T-they’re not scared! They just remembered they have a mandatory group cawing session to get to! Buzz off!

FUN IN THE SUN

DON'T FORGET TO OIL UP

What’s a beach without fun and games? Dreadfully boring! That’s why all of the beach classics have been expertly set up by staff, including strip volleyball nets, giant boob-shaped beach balls, and plenty of floaties for use in the shallower areas of the temporary ocean. A row of parasols with paired lounge chairs underneath them are placed in some prime viewing areas for festivities. Any time you get thirsty, there’s always a cooler full of canned drinks conveniently nearby, courtesy of Cock-a-Doodle-Doo’s. Sometimes you can hear the staff whispering to each other, “What if it’s too perfect? We won’t be able to deal with the ratings dip once the beach ends!”

Seashells have been arbitrarily scattered along the shoreline, coming in both natural shapes and ones a little more... erotic. The sexiest ones of all are conch shells that let you hear the moans of another guest when held up to your ear; supposedly, if you hook up with the person on the other end of the shell, you’ll be extra lucky in the casino for the rest of the summer. All in all, it’s a carefully tailored creation that can be called nothing short of paradise.

THE BEACH BUNNY BARBECUE BONANZA

▷ This booth constantly has smoke billowing out the top and is manned during the entire day by one man – Steve, formerly from reception. It seems this is his punishment duty for be-bathrooming all of the arrivals, last time. Those willing to lend Steve a sympathetic ear will be entreated to bring him water, since the sweltering heat of the booth dries him out like nobody’s business. No matter how characters try to help him, though, a tragedy always occurs and the water always ends up spilled across the sand. That curse really is something, huh?

▷ The signature item at this cookout are the Flamin’ Hop Skewers. Made due to the current overpopulation in the Conservatory, these spicy-sweet — emphasis on the spicy — glazed skewers temporarily grant those who consume them the soul of a rabbit, including their insatiable desire to mate. Any rabbits that resort-goers have formed an attachment with have not been culled, so don’t worry about your precious buns!

▷ The booth also boasts several other exotic meats and vegetables that are considerably safer to eat, for guests who find themselves unable to overcome their attachment. Some of these skewers also feature fruits, including the hybrid ones from the previous gardening collab with the Dizzy Pigeon. Characters are free to revisit any of the Orchard prompts under the Smoky Nectar section of our PREVIOUS TDM.

A SHOW OF STRENGTH

▷ When the projected sun is at its highest, staff members will start bringing out tarps and watermelons, fresh from the gardens. What’s that, you ask? Oh, of course these were donated willingly! What a strange question!

▷ The goal is to smash the watermelon the staff give you until the succulent red fruit inside is splattered all across the tarp, perfect for falling comically into or... eating, if you’re into that. The rules are that you must use your buttocks to do so, and you only get two tries. Successfully cracking open the watermelon on the first try will earn characters a large payout, and if it’s on the second try, a medium payout.

▷ Failing to bust a watermelon at all won’t have any penalties associated with it, and you can always try again tomorrow! In order to keep their watermelon supplies steady for the duration of the beach festivities, the staff do ask that guests attempt this no more than once per day.

DAYDREAM PARASOLS

▷ Every umbrella set up on the sands has two lounge chairs set up underneath it, with a shared table between them. The chairs are padded and oh-so-comfy — sitting in them for too long while another person is present will result in both characters falling into a deep sleep.

▷ While asleep, characters will discover they’re sharing a dream with their umbrella-mate. The dream is always set on the same beach as the waking world, but there are floating clouds and sparkles in a range of pastel colors. Other beachgoers are faceless, if not entirely absent. It’s just the two of you.

▷ Anything the characters think of can drift in and out of the dreamscape, including but not limited to items from home, scary monsters to dramatically rescue your partner from, and strange abilities to fly or float through the air. However, characters will also be at full suit activation in the dream. Once both characters orgasm or they naturally wake up from their naps, they’ll find things are entirely back to normal, as much as they ever are in the resort.

NOTES

▶ All new arrivals have been issued four food and four clothing vouchers. These vouchers are as good as money around the resort. The staff will strongly insist on characters picking out "summery" attire with it, though.

▶ Existing characters may be booted into the bungalows or locked out of their room against their will. We leave it up to player discretion if this happens and the degree to which they're removed from their normal suite.

▶ For the Daydream Parasols, wildcards may be afflicted by whichever suit their player prefers for the duration of the dream. This will have no bearing on their suit selection when applying, and suit effects should not manifest once back in the waking world. It's just a dream, after all!

▶ The dreamscape has no explicit time limit, so feel free to make them as long or as short as desired. Dreams should also be sexy first and foremost. While you can include your mom dying in the background if you'd like, you have to be horny about it too.

TWINKLING CURRENTS

THE PARTY NEVER STOPS

As the sun sets in a cascade of colors over the water, lamps are lit and floating lights surface from the depths. Stars twinkle in the sky, and Steve is finally released from his smoky shackles. Though the daytime amenities have gone to sleep, the night promises its own set of beachy wonders sure to please even the most distinguished of vacationers.

Flyers posted in the lobby and in the hallways promise of a bar ran by the most enchanting mermaids you could ever want to fuck, as well as a fireworks show in every color, including ones you’ve never heard of. With the seagulls gone to bed, peace settles across the sands, tinted blue, yellow, and pink from the myriad of lights. For those seeking a more subdued, romantic air — this is the beach for you.

SWIM UP TO THE BAR

▷ While the advertisements promised mermaids, they were careful not to include any photos or illustrations. Wading out into the sea to the floating bar quickly illustrates why: these merfolk are fish on top, not the bottom! If asked about this configuration or accused of being unsexy, they’ll lift their elegant legs out of the water and exclaim, “How else would you be able to fuck us if not for these!” Though a few guests seem unsatisfied by this clarification, there are no complaints about the drinks themselves.

▷ HOLDING ON TO SUMMER. This cocktail brings seaberry-gin, limoncello, white crème de cacao, and freshly squeezed lemon juice over pebbled ice, wrapping you in decadent flavors accenting the season. Drinking this cocktail can cause you to be overcome with the desire to lean back and sink into the ocean itself, but fret not! It also grants you the wonderful ability to breathe underwater, no gills required! And it’s topped with a yummy little ball of white chocolate.

▷ MANGO STAR. A delightfully bright drink in a highball glass, the combination of elderflower rose syrup and seaberry-gin floats a summery pink over the orange mixture of mango juice, lime juice and honey syrup on the bottom. On top are two cute little stars cut out of mango, accented with mint leaves. Guests who drink this cocktail report some confusion in the identity of other guests, as just one drink is enough to shift perception of others. Other characters may appear to be different guests of the resort, or familiar faces from home.

▷ SEABERRY FLORADORA. This is a vibrant cocktail made of seaberry-gin, ginger beer, lime juice and raspberry syrup, highlighted by floral ice cubes and edible flowers. Despite its bright pink color indicating a level of cheerfulness for the summer, this flavorful cocktail causes guests to be quickly overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. The longer this sensation goes on, the more guests will try to seek out company to aid in the ache, even if it means appearing quite desperate in the process. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ BLACKBERRY ROSEMARY GIMLET. Blackberries, rosemary sprigs, simple syrup, and a combination of seaberry-gin and lime juice make this aromatic cocktail. It’s double strained over ice and garnished with a blackberry on a pick, giving it a regal appearance. Drinking this cocktail causes obsessive and possessive behavior, however — sometimes to extreme levels. Should your partner choose this cocktail to drink, you may not want to mention anything that could make them jealous. Each successive drink will increase the severity of the effect.

▷ JUST SOME SEAWATER? Questioning the mermaids and mermen on how they came to be the way that they are will result in them offering you an item off the sea-cret menu. Taking a glass from the bar, they dip it into the ocean and offer it right over to you. Drinking the seawater does, in fact, turn you into a very sexy reverse merman or mermaid. This occurs whether or not you drink it from the glass or take in a gulp while swimming, so watch out!

ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY

▷ Where else could you get a perfect view of the stars? Despite the sea of lights below, the artificial nature of the skies in the resort means that all guests get an unrivaled view of the galaxy. Which galaxy? Why, any of them — characters will see a shifting range of constellations from night to night, including ones they don’t recognize, ones shaped a bit like something you might find in Love Dove, and ones that are identical to those from their home. Happy gazing!

▷ A fireworks show is held every night, from 10PM until 1AM. The noises are just loud enough to block out a whispered confession timed correctly, but aren’t quite enough to inhibit conversation. Most of the fireworks are from a design series known as Matteo’s Masterpieces, and range from the standard burst to abstract shapes to... well, you know. Unlike the sloppy doodles found in the margins of books while Swan Lake was decaying, all of the boobs and dicks blasted across the sky are very well rendered. For fireworks.

SANDY SCAVENGING

A GAME OF BEACHES

It wouldn't be the Golden Peacock without a game for guests to play! All guests that wander into the beach area may find themselves receiving one of two Watch messages. Some very special guests may even receive both challenges — or continuously receive a new challenge when the last 24 hours is up. The resort just wants you to have the most fun possible!

SCAVENGER HUNT: EASY MODE (SFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our EASY MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Great Tit! Dessert Vouchers and a large payout.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down and then publicly spanked by a SEAGULL LIFEGUARD.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one unfinished drink.

2. Collect two kisses.

3. Collect three pairs of sunglasses.

4. Collect four sets of sandals.

5. Collect five feathers from a lifeguard.

SCAVENGER HUNT: HARD MODE (NSFW)

Hello, dear guest. You have been randomly selected to play our HARD MODE: SCAVENGER HUNT! You have 24 hours to complete this hunt. Once completed, please submit your collected items to the nearest SEAGULL LIFEGUARD to claim your reward of Naked Yolk Kink Vouchers and an extra-large payout. Winners will also be given a limited edition WINNER pin. Any guests wearing a WINNER pin will be treated as kings and queens of the beach, and be permitted to command any other guests as they see fit.

Guests who do not complete the hunt in 24 hours will be hunted down, stripped, and then strapped into the fuck pillory by our SEAGULL LIFEGUARDS. Losers will be free game for other guests to use for their pleasure.

Please note that items scavenged may not be personal items. They must be collected from other sources. Good luck!

1. Collect one cup of cum.

2. Collect two bite marks.

3. Collect three pubic hairs.

4. Collect four nudes (nude images).

5. Collect five bathing suit bottoms.

NOTES

▶ All effects from the swim-up bar last around 2-3 hours, but may be extended by having another drink.

INTO THE DEPTHS

IT'S HIGH TIDE WE GET OUT OF HERE

Though the beach experience is perfect on the surface, things are less elegant behind the scenes. Wave-making machines pulse and rattle down below, shaking the ceiling of the basement suites. Water leaks from pipes, streaking across walls and pooling on the uneven floors. The maintenance levels are abuzz with staff setting out buckets and pans, shooing lost guests away with a heightened level of urgency. Someone got a little too enthusiastic with mopping, they claim. Nothing to worry about at all!

Even the ocean itself isn’t without its issues. Despite appearing as a boundless expanse from the shore, the walls of the Golden Peacock are a very real factor. To avoid any undue damage to the screens that comprise the sky, the sea stops abruptly before it reaches them, cascading into a waterfall all the way down to the depths of the resort. Gentle currents become swirling vortexes and choppy waves, sure to pull down any guests that aren’t careful about where they swim. A few gull-guards patrol the line of buoys that mark the end of the safe swimming area, but the primary line of defense the resort relies on is the utter disinterest most of its guests have.

TUMBLING DOWN

▷ Characters who stray past the line of buoys out in the far sea will find themselves caught in a riptide that sucks them straight over the edge of the water. This applies both to characters swimming, or characters in some sort of vessel, such as a small rowboat borrowed from the staff.

▷ Feel free to make up any sort of vehicle rentals in general, as long as they’re reasonable in size — they should be able to accommodate 1-2 characters at most. A waverider would be okay, but a yacht would not.

▷ While falling down the waterfall, characters will temporarily black out before hitting anything solid. They will resurface anywhere there is standing water, whether that be a flooded hallway, in the Crane’s Respite, or even in someone’s open toilet bowl. There are no limitations on where in the resort the resurfacing can happen; even the bathrooms at Roost aren’t safe from this teleportation.

A RISING FLOOD

▷ Drainage is a difficult aspect to manage. Though the majority of the seawater is recycled to maintain the ocean above, enough of it is siphoned off for deeper filtration that the resort’s plumbing systems simply can’t handle the volume. Leaks are happening on all floors below ground, increasing in depth the further down into the basement characters go.

▷ Characters living in the rank 2, 3, and 4 suites may notice that in addition to having leaks in the hallway, their own rooms are also flooding. This can range anywhere from a constant, unpleasantly damp floor, to having an entire cascade of water blow them and any other unsuspecting guests down several hallways the moment their door is opened. Life vests are recommended.

▷ The flooding will intensify as the event goes on, culminating in some of the maintenance levels being entirely underwater towards the end of the event. Once the event is over, the flooding will recede within about a day, leaving only a few water stains here and there as evidence of their presence.

NOTES

▶ Any amount of standing water is a valid target for a character’s resurfacing, even something as minor as a glass of water. For situations where a character would not actively fit into the source of their arrival, they will be violently flung out of it, knocking over or spilling it in the process if that’s possible.

▶ As always, players are free to control the level to which their individual characters are affected, and being flooded out of their space is not mandatory.

---

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: alcohol; altered states; aphrodisiacs; breeding urge; delusions; forced clotheswearing; hallucinations; harassment and bullying; jealousy; thalassophobia; transformation; unreality

▶ All 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 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 June event. The beach will ICly be present from June 15th - June 30th.

▶ Current characters may top level on the TDM. 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 prioritized and receive attention!

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort! There are recent additions to the locations page as well, for those who have yet to see them!

▶ 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 regardless!

▶ 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.

▶ Don't forget your sunscreen! We'd hate for any chicken wings to come out burnt.

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

those who pound sand (w/ assumed CR from last tdm!)

[worldbent]

[In the wake of fluttering feathers, Matoba has few priorities before taking noticing of the bakeneko struggling around in the sand; he stoops over to collect a few of the rumpled quills that have landed in the sands, smiling to himself in satisfaction as he tucks them away into the pocket of his (uncharacteristically floral) camp shirt.]

[That's one item from the scavenger hunt checked off the list, and a few extra for some experimenting. By the time he's dusting the sands off his fingertips and strolling up to Kai proper, the frustration and heat has well and truly gotten to the poor beast. Matoba tsks, and kneels down in the sand to shift the paper parasol in his hand to at least shadow the ayakashi from the sun.]

We meet again, kitty-cat. Goodness, aren't you struggling a little too much for your own good?

[His eye and his smile narrow with meaning as he says the next words:] This is a place with "rules".

that is a shirt worth appreciating

[catmemes]

[ He feels the vibration of something right before the voice hits, and somehow Kai can't bring himself to feel too surprised when he shifts around enough to find himself face to face with the familiar-looking exorcist. His one visible eye blinks, but he does make an attempt to right himself, stretching up to his full height even as he sits back. Any attempt at looking respectable is probably doomed to fail with the swimwear still on his head, but there's something about Matoba that puts him on guard.

Experience, probably. ]

Rules? [ Which okay yes, he'd noticed that there's a certain specificity to this odd world he's been pulled to, but considering the strange places he's been dumped in both of his impromptu visits he hasn't actually considered much about how it all works. He doesn't even know how much time has passed since he was here last, or if time has passed at all.

But there's two ways this can go, Matoba can either make him ask outright or be far too happy to explain whatever Kai doesn't currently know. He can hope for the latter, but he's got a sneaking suspicion he's going to be disappointed.

Also the elastic is still really uncomfortable where it's pulling at his fur. It takes a lot more effort not to start pawing at it again than it should. ]

[worldbent]

[The exorcist very much takes pleasure in the surprise and immediate tension that comes with being recognized; it was a good thing to become known and feared by ayakashi in this place, as it should be. Too long had it taken for him to build up a proper reputation again as Matoba.]

[But it wasn't all for the purpose of being threatening; it also meant that he was one with which you could bargain, if you were willing to make an exchange. Just as Kai expects, Matoba's expression turns idle and aloof, spinning the parasol in his fingertips.]

You haven't yet realized it? It's the same here as it was in the patisserie... Well, a lot less in your favor this time. [His eye draws across the cat, far larger than the first time they crossed paths, and far more true to his form. His aloofness once more narrows into sharpness.] The powers that control this place are very particular, as you ayakashi tend to be. In order to remain in this "domain" [The beach. He just means the beach,], you must be wearing proper attire.

[Fingertips reach out to tug at one of the bikini strings dangling from Kai's head.] I'm afraid just fur isn't going to cut it. Is this design not to your liking?

[catmemes]

[ Part of him sort of wants to roll his eyes at the drama of it all, but the rest earns a mildly thoughtful look. Is that what the birds had been doing, trying to dress him up? That at least explains the bikini. Sort of. The vehemence of the attack might be attributed to Matoba's rules, or it might just be a bird thing. Kai won't judge, but he's not exactly feeling guilty about scaring them off either.

He can't help but grimace as Matoba tugs on the stupid thing and it pulls just short of painfully, but he does have at least enough pride not to beg for the exorcist to just pull the stupid thing free. If he wanted to do that, he would have done it already. ]

I'm not not dressed properly. [ Currently wearing nothing at all as he is. It's a certain kind of logic, at least. It's hard to fight the urge to get snippy when Matoba's tone wants to drag it out of him. ] What difference does the fur make?

[worldbent]

[Welcome to Matoba................ who wouldn't mind "dressing up" Kai, either, though perhaps not in a bikini. Maybe in a cute beach-appropriate collar. Maybe a nice cone to protect him from the fake sun would suit nicely?]

[While he's scheming away ridiculous things to stuff him into, he makes note of the wince as he tugs on the string. Hmmm, was spandex not doing for him? After a moment more of smugly enjoying Kai's misery, he carefully watches to ensure he's not going to get a swipe of cursed claws as he slides fingers into smokey fur, finally extricating the tangle of bikini straps from over Kai's head.]

Cats are such talented little escape artists, and you couldn't manage to be free of this? [He dangles the rest of it off the tip of his finger, swaying it back and forth.] Ahh, no matter... It isn't my place to split hairs, little bakeneko. These rules were sent to us by "the house". [He turns the wrist of the hand dangling the bikini, to show off his Watch.] Didn't get the memo?

[catmemes]

Not a bakeneko. [ First things first.

His ears flicked a little when Matoba's hands were suddenly in his fur, but the resulting freedom means he can't be too affronted about it. Though the last question does get him to pause in the middle of shaking himself out, ash drifting off his coat in little clouds. ]

Ah. Maybe? [ He glances down at the incongruously small watch wrapped around one of his front legs. Probably should have been paying more attention to that, huh. ]

So what's proper attire, then?

[worldbent]

Haha. [Casually, dismissive,] In your state, does it matter?

[His eye sharpens with meaning as he takes in the ash sifting off of Kai when he shakes out. Certainly, he can sense there is... something to this aura that isn't malice. What manner of ayakashi Kai is- or perhaps was- it is a tale alike so many he has heard. In the era where mankind has forgotten the gods and spirits of old, there was hardly a difference between them anymore. Thus derived the Matoba clan's now long-held stance: All ayakashi were threats.]

[Matoba, also, glances down and notices with mild surprise the Watch that was attached around Kai's paw. Ah; even for beasts? He hadn't witnessed it transforming to fit in-action before, but since he had met Kai as just a small cat before... well, that seems the only explanation. How curious...]

Hmmm... Have you ever witnessed humans at the beach in the modern era? Ah, or perhaps taken a visit to Okinawa? If I had to explain it to you, it might seem quite confusing from your standpoint.

We humans call it "resort attire". [He gestures with the swinging bikini.] This, for example, is a bathing suit, a waterproof garment meant for swimming. Ah, but in your fuzzy case, just something festive-looking might do... How about a cute bandana?

[(Is it time to dress Kai up in little kitty outfits again...!?)]

[catmemes]

[ Kai's eyes instantly narrow in annoyance--how would Matoba like it if someone called him a chimpanzee?--but he can definitely tell when someone is trying to get a rise out of him and is just petty enough not to want to give him the satisfaction.

Case in point. ]

I know what a bathing suit is.

[ Though maybe that would be a fair enough concern for most youkai, without the patronizing tone attached.

It does mean he has to take a solid moment or two to consider what's more annoying in the long run, before he lets out a long breath and lets himself dissolve into smoke an ash before reforming into his human shape. Sorry Matoba, cat dress up some other time. He's still just got his resort-supplied robe and nothing else, and while he doesn't look particularly bothered by the semi-sheer nature of it, one has to wonder why it's not considered 'festive' enough. ]

I'll take a shirt, thanks.

[worldbent]

[He's been called far worse by youkai and humans alike; a chimp would at least be funny. But Kai seems too practiced, too old perhaps, to be ruffled by the jeers of a human.]

Is that right? Well, you were certainly at a loss in wearing it.

[He watches as Kai shifts with interest. So he was a strong enough one for a human form, was he? That doesn't really surprise Matoba, especially given the nature of their environment. If he's going to have to fuck, it's mostly humans around to do it with.]

[Once he's fully formed and has made up his mind, Matoba holds the bikini bottom back out towards him. It's not underwear, but hey!]

A shirt, hm? I think we can acquire one for you. But might as well keep your welcome gift anyway- never know when you might need it.

[catmemes]

I didn't expect anyone to try to force it on me.

[ Ending up with it on his head was far from the worst result he could have ended with, uncomfortable as it had been. Kai regards the suit being held out to him with a dry expression before he does indeed reach out to take it. Really, what's the worst that can happen?

Aside from Matoba continuing to be smug at him, and something tells Kai that would happen anyway. ]

And what would I owe you for the assistance? [ He's catching on to how this works, sort of. At least with Matoba. ]

[worldbent]

Hmmmm.

[An annoying skeptical hum, but easily forgotten. With the skimpy little suit off his hands, Matoba returns his to the pockets of his quite casual jogger pants; there was a band of a swim trunks under the waistband, but it seemed that the exorcist was more content to stroll along the beach than to get wet and wild.]

[His eye sparkles with Kai's understanding. Very good; like an ayakashi should be, already getting down to business.] Oh, let me see.... It isn't that much of am inconvenience to me at the moment, and I find you to be a fascinating specimen. So in light of that...

[His hands raise in the air between them.]

How about a few good minutes of petting and toe-bean touches, sometime?? In that much more appealing little kitty form of yours, of course.

[catmemes]

[ There's a long pause before all Kai can do is offer a more than slightly nonplussed blink. That's it? ]

Sure, okay.

[ Should he be offended at his cat shape being dubbed 'more appealing'? Possibly. Being called a specimen? Probably. But it's not as if he minds being petted, generally speaking, so now is not the time to start borrowing trouble.

And really he should just keep his mouth shut, but curiosity has always been a besetting sin for a lot of reasons. ]

Do you pet a lot of youkai? I thought you didn't like us.

[worldbent]

[That's it.]

[For now.]

I certainly don't, [Matoba cheerily agrees,] But that doesn't mean I can't make use of you in a variety of ways. And I do like kitty-cats.

[Is he truly that pragmatic, or is he just making excuses?? That is left for Kai to decide. The deal has been loosely made, though, so Matoba turns to lead him on to the various stalls of touristy-looking beachwear that have been set up along the fake 'boardwalk' along the beach. There's all manner of gaudy and overtly sexy swimwear and resortwear on display, everything from skimpy bikinis to brightly floral shirts.]

Anything catching your eye? [He hums, and then glances back over-shoulder.] ...Did anyone explain the currency here to you?

[catmemes]

Ah...

[ Kai pauses in his study of the clothing on display to stare blankly back in Matoba's direction. So that's probably a no, then. To be fair, he's never had to pay for anything before ever, so it's not likely something to occur to him offhand.

Is he just ignoring any references to Matoba making use of him? Absolutely. They can deal with that later. ]

Is there anything else I should know?

[ And what is that going to cost him? ]

[worldbent]

[What an excellent face. It fills Matoba with terrible delight, to have yet another thing to hold over this ayakashi's head. Kai is going to learn, that's for sure- about transactional favors, and about weighing cost. Like the cost of Matoba giving him this information, for example.]

Goodness.... You haven't even learned that much, yet? You really ought to pay more attention when you're whisked away into an unfamiliar realm.

[Leave it to an ayakashi to be unconcerned, though. Matoba lifts his own wrist, to indicate the Watch.] Haven't read your welcome messages, yet? If you haven't even taken note of it, you should. It will tell you everything you need to know about your new surroundings.

[For example, that Kai was flat broke! Not a chip to his name; and that he had yet to be registered a 'card'. Beside his username, yet to be set to the resort's network, was the text WILDCARD. That much at least showed right on the 'home screen' of the smartwatch.]

...Well. Not everything. [Matoba's smile curls, waiting for Kai to poke around the device. Somewhere on there would be his inbox with the text message from the house that would introduce him to Game 52, and the purpose of his being here. But if he hasn't read all of that yet, then tough luck: the chance is Matoba's.] I've told you so much already for free. What are you going to offer for more?

[catmemes]

[ He studies Matoba for a moment before letting his eyes drop to his own, now much more reasonably sized watch. The 'new message' alert definitely is there, and Kai lets out a sigh that isn't quite annoyance. It had been hard not to notice the watch itself, sure, but he hadn't really had time to process much before he'd been set upon by seagulls so that had sort of taken priority. And to be honest, part of him is still sort of waiting to be suddenly and unceremoniously whisked home again like last time.

But while he's here he needs to play by the rules, so fine. And it's only when Matoba says something about offering that Kai realizes he hasn't really been paying attention, head snapping up suddenly to give the exorcist a narrow-eyed look. ]

What else do you want? [ What an excellent reminder of the fact that he's never been particularly good at these kinds of word-game deals. Too direct, too blunt. Probably too much to hope that Matoba will take the invitation to just be straightforward in return, he seems to delight in the runaround, but it's helpful to at least have a starting point. ]

[worldbent]

[Matoba feels a curl of delight as Kai looks to his Watch, realizing that there must be a whole host of things the exorcist can hold over his head right now. Not that the cat-like spirit has done anything to earn this bit of bullying, but from Matoba's point of view he is only helping. A naive spirit won't last very long in a place like this, and a corrupted spirit was only trouble.]

[His troublesome smile stays steady and expectant as Kai snaps at him, his calm a contrast that he quietly lords over the spirit. He allows that to hang in the air between them for a moment, perhaps to let Kai recognize it, before he easily replies,]

What shall I call you? [Not "what is your name", a question so forbidden that even Matoba would not dare to trespass it. Certain things were forbidden for a reason. But he does want Kai to realize that he could have asked it. His smug smile practically screams it.] We were never properly acquainted. I am the exorcist Matoba.

[Does he know the name? He is always surprised to find his clan's reputation doesn't precede him here. But who knows how long that luck will run?]

[catmemes]

[ That earns a single, slow blink, Kai more taken off guard by the apparent subject change than anything. There's zero recognition in his expression for the name, though he says it like it's something maybe Kai should know. A thing to keep in mind, maybe. On top of everything else he feels like he has to keep track of with Matoba. ]

You can call me Kai. [ He says it easily enough, if somewhat bemused by the intensity of the question. Matoba's smirk says there's something else going on there, but it's the same sort of vibe he's given off for most of the conversation so that doesn't narrow it down much.

But hey, Kai can be polite. He's practiced. ] It's nice to meet you, Matoba-san.

[ There's a pause. ]

But you didn't answer my question.

[worldbent]

Kai, huh.....

[It's not quite a change of subject. Names were important; they held power, gave identity to the shapeless, gave exorcists the power to engage with things otherwise indescribable. Without a name, how can Matoba ask for anything?]

[Even if that identity was as murky as Kai's.]

[He seems so out of sorts, Matoba thinks, that he wonders how much experience he really has with the human realm, with human things and society. This resort, which seemingly modeled itself upon the ideals of human desire, might be baffling to an ayakashi from the old era. Ah, but he does know what a bathing suit is. What a curiosity...]

Payment, [Matoba explains,] at least in its most common form, is mutual. If you become a player here, you will be assigned a value. That value may be exchanged with the value of other players, and you will both benefit.

That said, if you currently lack a value, you have nothing equivalent to give me. [His mouth curls upward as he looks Kai up and down.] Unless you'd like to get creative.

[catmemes]

[ Ah yes, creativity. Something he's clearly great at, what with all of the clever thinking on his feet that he's doing. It earns Matoba a decidedly dry look--the man can't have missed it, what with all the dissecting he's been doing. But there comes a point where even the most suspicious of situations can level out. They both know exactly who has the power here, and until Matoba decides to do something with it, all Kai can do is play along.

And hey, if Matoba already thinks he's kind of an idiot, he might as well play dumb. His already wide eyes somehow go even wider, rounding into as close as he can get to guileless. Probably not enough to actually fool anyone, let along Matoba, but Kai has to take his fun where he can get. ]

What do you mean?

[ Making him spell it out is it's own kind of victory. Sort of. ]

[worldbent]

[Amusement colors the soft snort that leaves Matoba, his narrowed eye and smirk quivering as Kai lays it on thick. Well.... Clearly he's aware enough of his position, but he expects Matoba to be- more forward with it? Ah. But he knows not to blow his load all at once; so to speak. What that means is that he ought not blow his load at all, yet.]

[So he will give Kai the freebies. Better to wait and bait him in slowly, slowly. He didn't have the resources to maintain a stranglehold purely with power here, like he did back home. Ayakashi were fickle creatures, but they could be domesticated.]

This is a resort geared towards very particular tastes.

[Wearing as annoying a smile as possible, it seems, the exorcist gestures around them. Inspecting the beach and the market, everything around them may perhaps seem fairly normal at first blush. But if Kai looks closer, the signs will begin to show. The beach is dotted with a number of guests who are either completely nude or wearing only the skimpiest of enticing beachwear. Some of the longstanding guests might even be engaging in salacious acts right out on the sands. The shops around them have normal items in them too, but some feature far more curious merchandise- toys of a sort, herbs and edibles for enhancing one's perceptions that smell of suspicious drugs, lewd imagery...]

[Matoba's eye settles back on him, and it's both conniving and anticipating.]

You really ought to take the time to read the welcome message on your Watch once you have acquired some proper clothes, little kitty. You've been made a player in a rather unsavory game.

[catmemes]

[ The wide-eyed innocence fades out of his expression in favor of something considering once Matoba starts actually talking, back to that too focused, almost unblinking stare. He studies the exorcist for a moment longer before taking the unspoken invitation to turn and look around. Really look, beyond just the odd unreality of it all.

And yeah okay, once he focuses it's hard to miss a certain theming to everything, even in just what he can see from here. Explains some of the strangeness of last time too, if not why he's found himself here again.

Why would be an excellent question, but somehow he imagines that even if Matoba knows he probably won't say. And would knowing the reason really change anything? The urge to know is there, but that's probably for later. ]

We're all players here?

[ Matoba too, he means, judging by the identical watch on the man's wrist. For all the grandstanding, it seems like he's just as stuck in whatever this is as Kai is. He glances back Matoba's way out of the corners of his eyes, measuring. ]

All in it together, hm?

[worldbent]

[Watching Kai take in the reality of the resort around them puts a gleeful curl through Matoba's veins- the effect of one understanding the gravity of their situation. In some, it bloomed helplessness and panic; in others, a hardening of one's resolve. And still others might show delight, if they were the sort to fall to the allure of what the resort promised.]

[In this ayakashi- cat-like as he was- what Matoba saw was a very careful coiling, defensive, wary. He'd already been wary, what with Matoba's presence, but there was a gap between a single dangerous figure before you and your entire surroundings revealing themselves as the danger that probably made Matoba seem much smaller by comparison.]

[Smiling, tilting his head, Matoba grins.] Now you understand.

[An exorcist would be the least of his problems.]

I'm sure we can get along fine given the circumstances. For now.

[catmemes]

[ He doesn't quite roll his eyes in return, but the vibe is clearly there. As if this is any kind of mutual antagonism rather than Kai being confused and Matoba being smug. But the acknowledgement that they are going to have some kind of understanding is at least a mild relief. Matoba can dislike him all he wants as long as he's not planning on actually doing anything about it.

He's not wrong that they both have much bigger things to worry about anyway. ]

I'll do my homework.

[ Promise? Warning? Both? Not that he wouldn't like to give Matoba less of an upper hand, but Kai does genuinely want (and need) to know what exactly he's found himself in. Apparently at least some of that is already available, the rest he'll probably have to find for himself. Well, it's something to do.

He turns the rest of the way to give Matoba a considering look before nodding once. ]

Thank you for your assistance. [ Never hurts to be polite. ]

[worldbent]

[An ayakashi's existence in his presence is a microaggression. Which, in Matoba's mind, makes this quite the mutual antagonism. But poor Kai will just have to remain befuddled for the time being; the exorcist's current, impenetrable passive-aggression will remain a mystery.]

[At least he has the benefit of his form granting him a relative amount of tolerance, not that any of this screams "tolerance". But leading Kai along into answers as he has done was, impossibly, Matoba's flavor of bias. Instead of merely spitting vitriol and leaving him to find the answers on his own, he finds it suiting him to toy with his food a little and leave him in a relatively decent state. Because, who knows? In the future, this cat-spirit might prove more useful than distasteful.]

I look forward to discovering your assignment, [Matoba leaves him, with another utterly joyless smile.] At a time which we can be of more benefit to each other.

[He doesn't bow or nod back; he just watches Kai turn to leave, holding his gaze.]

Then, you may repay me properly. [He won't forget.]