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peacockstop2024-06-15 12:00 pm
goldmods) wrote in peacockstop2024-06-15 12:00 pm
TDM 04
【 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
▶ 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
▶ 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
▶ 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.
▶ 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.
no subject
[It's a good thing Bakugo isn't preparing to kill him. He'd rather live, thanks. Though it's not much of a "life" being stuck in this place. 90 floors or not, it's still a cage they can't spread their wings in.
He shrugs off the admonishment about his know-it-all comment—he doesn't really think he knows everything, it was just a (silly) comparison—and focuses on the issue at hand. He's been searching for someone powerful enough to blow a hole in this resort for a while now. But he's been told the resort has some kind of magical forcefield surrounding it, and most people won't even try. Here's someone who probably is brash enough to try, and he's reluctant to pass that up.
He just doesn't want to treat the poor newbie too badly. Even if he is ill-behaved and rude!]
I'm afraid I can't do that, since they're too cowardly to show their faces. But if you do want to try tearing down one of the walls, I'd recommend going down about 90 floors. Right now we're up on the topmost floor, so even if you did knock them all down, we still wouldn't be able to leave. See that sky up there?
[He points a finger at the ceiling.]
It's not really a sky, it's just a screen. That's the roof of the building we're in. If you want to go down, I can show you the way there. If not, that's that, I guess.
no subject
[And that's not even getting into the Mutant type Quirks that can make people look... well, monstrous regardless of their personality or alignment. Heteromorphs, as they're more officially called, don't see much stigmatism and prejudice in cities and developed places, but the war revealed an undercurrent that ran strong in many rural and underdeveloped places. Even one of Bakugo's own classmates was almost killed in his home village for that...
Anyway, he's not planning on becoming a bomb for this guy. Despite his attitude and reckless impulses at times, Bakugo's quite the intelligent and efficient person. Crashing into something he knows little to nothing about isn't going to happen. These people have kept others here with probably similar strength, and if they haven't gotten out, then there's a reason. He doesn't think he's the first person in this place who has powers.]
Che! What a bunch of cowards. [It doesn't surprise him. People like this usually sit behind the curtains. He's more stunned by the floors aspect.] 90 FLOORS?! They have a fucking wave machine on the TOP FLOOR?!
[And that's no small piece of machinery. It's almost two to three levels down of working mech and this is one floor?! How big are all the other floors? How big's the fucking BUILDING?! Bakugo grits his teeth as Hiyori starts explaining more, paying attention despite his incredulous anger.] Yeah?
And no one's tried to break through it yet? [Getting out the top seems like a lot more rapt way of escape compared to 89 floors down... He'll get to the offer of stairs in a minute.]
no subject
[As for that last question...]
I'm honestly not sure. It seems as though someone ought to have tried by now. I do know someone from my world tried tearing down the "artificial view," but he didn't have much luck. He doesn't have special powers the way you do, though. Then I heard from one person who does have powers that there's some sort of force field or enchantment surrounding the place. That might explain why no one's done anything. That, or everyone's too busy being distracted by things like beach parties and "Game 52."
[Which he'll namedrop, but he won't explain to Bakugo. Someone has to be the bearer of bad news, but he'd rather it not be him! Instead he'll strive to keep the mood from getting too dour, fixing Bakugo with yet another smile.]
Which makes this the perfect time for a hero to step in. Don't you agree? I think someone like that is exactly what we all need right now.
no subject
[Look, he appreciates the information in his own grouchy way, but this guy's rambling along a fucking mental train track and jumping topics without a shit in the world! This prison is expanding? Suddenly there's "magic" involved?! Then ramps right back to Bakugo's world with another assumption that sounds like some gamer talking about their console game. Ugh. There are way too many questions he has about this place and Hiyori's... shotgunning the answers.]
Someone tried? What happened? [Does that mean he went at a wall with a sledgehammer or was he up on the "ceiling" with some other tool? Don't just say "no luck" without any kind of detail! That's the IMPORTANT kind of detail!
Okay, the notion of a barrier seems more legitimate... Bakugo scowls in thought, trying to decide whether attempted breakout is worth the potential trouble in the face of either punishment or previous experience begetting failure.] A barrier, huh...
[He glances up when Hiyori mentions "Game 52" in a way that says "important keyword" but it's glossed over. Probably on purpose. That smile proves it.]
I'm not your fucking missile. Heroes don't blindly run in. [Sometimes they do, but in this case, he wants more information.] But once we've got a shot-
[He cracks his knuckles.] -I'll kill 'em.
no subject
If all you want to know is the building layout, you'd be better off seeing for yourself! Or opening the digital map. Your watch should have one of those.
[Of course it isn't fair to expect this new arrival to know that. It took Hiyori a day or two to realize his watch had anything like a map on it, and before that, he was getting horrifically lost. ... though he still gets horrifically lost even with the map sometimes. This place is just unreasonably huge!
As for who tried to break the ceiling:]
That was Rinne-senpai. Apparently it wouldn't come off no matter what he did. Then he got chased away by staff once they saw what he was doing. He didn't use dynamite or bombs or anything like that, though, so I'm not sure if things would go any differently for you.
[He has a feeling they won't. Their escape route can't be that simple, or everyone would've figured it out by now. What he wonders instead is what will happen if enough people start taking Bakugo's approach—if they start reacting to their imprisonment by tearing down walls, setting off explosions, and blowing the staff to smithereens. Will the House finally be forced to reconsider their methods? Could someone possibly overthrow them? Someone like a big, strong hero?
Bakugo won't be his bomb. Hiyori's eyes narrow a bit in appraisal when he hears that, but his smile doesn't fade. As it turns out, this guy isn't a reckless idiot (could've fooled him). But he is a self-proclaimed hero, out to bring their captors to justice, and that's promising. Hiyori can work with that.]
Fine by me. If it goes to court, I'll hire you a lawyer ♪
[Then he adds,]
I'm not the type to get my hands dirty. I don't have your kind of firepower, so that sort of role doesn't suit me. But I'll be sure to let you know if I do see a "shot."
no subject
A digital map? [Muttered to himself as he starts messing with the watch. While smartphones are rampant in his world, he's not bothered with smartwatches. Why the fuck is the screen so small?! If they wanted it this tiny, give a collapsible stylus or something so they don't have t-
*bewoop*
-and there goes a blown-up version of the watch screen all over the wall beside them. Bakugo narrows his eyes at it, but then reaches out into the projection to swipe his finger through it. The watch responds and now that's a lot easier to work with. Resuming the search for the map.]
So those bastards are watching. [Considering how his Quirk works, Bakugo would only have a short time attacking the ceiling before the guards showed up. Even more reason not to waste the element of surprise. Tch-! Patience was never his strong point.] Then we need to get out the first time we try.
["We" being everyone united in a bid for escape. Bakugo might hate the idea of being kidnapped, but he's a hero, and leaving behind people in the clutches of whatever's running this place is not something he'll accept. Like Hiyori's thinking, if it were that simple, people would've figured it out in six months. Guess he's gonna have to start talking to people about that and see what the idea is for revolt. If it's a one-shot attempt, it has to go through.]
You wanna escape, you better be ready to fight. [He finally gets the map up and the image blooms up on the wall. Huh, Hiyori wasn't kidding; the place is huge.] Was Rinne the only one who tried to get out, or have other's tried too?
no subject
There's strength in numbers, though, and he hears that "we" loud and clear. It helps keep the smile on his lips. This guy is rude, brash, and has the power to deal real damage to people, but he's not just out for himself. Which makes sense, because a real hero wouldn't be!
It'll surely take more than just one hero to solve this mess, though.]
I'm prepared to do whatever's needed, but I do think my strengths lie elsewhere. I wasn't raised to be a soldier, but I can divert the enemy using other means. Or I could boost morale from the sidelines, like one of those singers who's sent to rally the troops! ♪
[He chirps that last thing while knowing full well that the other boy will not be impressed. Then he adds, almost offhandedly:]
And I'm not too bad at setting traps, either, I guess.
[Or scheming. He doesn't like it, really—he'd prefer to just relax and not have to fight or manipulate others. But those skills, honed during the "War" and through competition with other idols, could come in handy in a place like this.
His eyes glance towards the map. The place really is huge, and Bakugo will have to scroll a lot and zoom in if he wants to see what's on every floor! But as for that question:]
I'm not sure how many people have taken a direct approach like that, but he can't be the only one. At the very least, all of us have searched for an exit at some point. But there just isn't one—not in the lobby, the garage, anywhere. Or at least that's what they want us to think, since we're supposed to believe "Game 52" is the only way to get back home.
[And then his smile finally falls off his face, his expression turning grim as he says his next piece.]
There should be an explanation about that on your watch. I'd rather not explain that one myself. Just be sure to take everything they say with a grain of salt. There's absolutely no reason to think they wouldn't lie to us, in my opinion.
no subject
Trying to escape right now is a foolish idea. They need to know more about the protections of this place, how they keep them, how they procure them, and if that can be reversed to get out. None of that's going to be apparent on the first day. Or even longer, considering what Hiyori's said. Of course it's a "we" situation! One person's not going to cut through this, dammit! Loathe as he is to admit that even in his head...]
You can be live bait. You're loud and colorful enough. [Distracting their enemies like a gay little green parrot flying around with annoying songs. That's a good option. Hell if he wants Hiyori as a cheerleader.]
what kind of traps? [Oh now he has to add something interesting. He's not too bad at communication once he gets past the chaff. Hiyori's giving him better information than before. Bakugo continues to scroll through the map, but he's still paying attention to the other boy. Multitasking skills.]
Fine, I'll read it later. [Consider it a compromise for Hiyori offering all he has already. The way he's talking suggests Bakugo would be better off reading about it alone.] What else do I need to know?
the phrase "gay little green parrot" is going to live in my mind forever now, thank you
But he doesn't explain that.
He'd rather not be considered "live bait," but Bakugo isn't wrong. With his flashy persona, he's good at diverting a crowd. All his "traps" spring from that same personality. Though if Bakugo was hoping he's good at setting literal traps then he's about to be disappointed. He shrugs a bit and says,]
That depends. But you can trick someone into revealing more than they ever meant to, if you know which buttons to press. And getting people to do what I want is the same deal: that's just a matter of figuring out what appeals to them, not letting them have any openings, throwing out distractions, and other such things. But as far as appealing to "the House" goes, first we have to figure out what it is they value—other than just card games and debauchery—so that's what I'm on a quest to do now.
[Hopefully that suffices.
The other boy doesn't demand a Game 52 explanation, which is a relief. That still leaves plenty of other stuff he should warn him about, though. Goodness, where does he even begin...
He holds up one finger and smiles grimly.]
First of all, they like drugging us. A lot of the restaurants and cafés are safe to eat at, but you should still be careful. Someone on the Network put together a list of places that are safe if you scroll back far enough. And some of the places with drugged food say so on the menus, because apparently some people like to ingest that stuff on purpose—I don't have the foggiest clue why, so don't ask about that... But that's thing number one.
Second, [he holds up two fingers] some of the flowers aren't safe to sniff, either. I've been around the garden without any issue, but if you're the type who likes to stop and smell the flowers, I'd think twice about it.
Third, [he holds up three fingers] there are monsters here. There were these creepy "crawler" things at one point—they looked sort of like giant spiders, only a lot more monstrous! I've heard there are monsters with tentacles, too, though I've never seen one. I think those are only found on the lowest levels, so if you have a room on a higher floor, you should be safe. Although I guess with your powers, you could probably make them all explode, couldn't you?
haha it's fitting!
Look, if Hiyori can't set literal traps, can't or doesn't want to fight, isn't a good hacker, etc, but still wants to participate in whatever fight that happens to break them all out of here, then he's getting the "live bait" role! Unless he opts for cannon fodder. It wouldn't be horrible to launch the annoying guy into their opponents and have him, uh, flash them to diversion.
Bakugo frowns at the information, more in thought than irritation. Hiyori brings up a few good points. It sounds simple on paper, but getting it into action isn't that easy. He growls in acceptance.]
Have you found anything at all, or did you just start?
[What does a place that kidnaps people to serve in some fucked-up perverted game want to get out of it? And what can be done to eschew that need enough they don't need to kidnap people? That sounds more like capitulating to the villains rather than busting into their control room and beating the shit out of them until they open the gates...]
Bastards! They're really trying to piss us off! Fine, I'll cook my own food! Where's a fucking grocery store?
[Expect him to do the scrolling to find the network post for that list. He appreciates the warning though. Bakugo's face screws up at the idea of someone wanting to be drugged, but hey, people smoke and shoot up, so it's not uncommon. He's not gonna ask about weird people.]
Haa?! Do I look like someone who wants a bunch of flowers?!
[While he's not someone who'll go stomp on a flower patch for the hell of it, no one's going to accuse Bakugo of stopping to stick his nose in a flower. Some flowers look nice, and he secretly leans into any that look "explosive" or cool. No one's going to know that though.]
Monsters? [He detonates another explosion in his hand, a wicked grin curving at his face.] Bring those fuckers on! It'll be something I can tear apart here! [Musclebound Gull-headed junks apparently count too.]
no subject
[He rattles all this off without pausing to go into detail about any of it. Or to take a breath, really. But at least he's a good sport about being peppered with questions! It helps that he likes talking.
Even though the subject matter is less than enjoyable.]
There are all kinds of stores, including ones that sell ingredients. I don't really cook for myself, though. That's what Jun-kun, my partner, is for! ♪ So he'd be better able to answer your question than me. But they did have a big "welcome market" shortly after we arrived, so maybe they'll do the same thing now that they've kidnapped another batch.
[In response to the flower comment, he smirks slightly. No, Bakugo doesn't look a thing like someone who's ever stopped to smell the flowers, so that was a tease. But it's also a fair warning.]
Not really, but you never know! ♪ It's best not to judge a person by their looks too much. That's how people get swindled.
[And now onto discussing the monsters.
Bakugo's reaction would not have been Hiyori's if anyone had been kind enough to tell him that stuff after he arrived. But honestly, if this guy can handle himself, then it should be handy to have someone like him around. They sure could've used him last month when all those crawlers invaded the lobby! Hiyori had to be rescued twice from those.]
I don't like seeing gore, but good luck with that, I guess. It'd help relieve stress, it'd be a public service, and you'd get to show off your flashy powers to everyone, so by all means, feel free to take care of the monster problem ♪ Perhaps your show of bravery will win you some admirers!
[Though whether or not the long-term guests and staff will admire him depends heavily on his "rank."
... which is probably something Hiyori should also explain. Ugh, it never ends.]
no subject
[A vague reference to a bar owner who wants favors, diary entries that said nothing, and a useless drunk you can't get information out of. This guy loves to hear himself talk, doesn't he. Or he desperately wants to be useful and runs his mouth with anything he thinks will be seen as such. Bakugo gives Hiyori a flat, annoyed look, barely able to take away something he can use from all that ramble. At the very least, it proves the parrot's not standing around doing jack shit. Some progress... he guesses. As for spirits and magic, that sounds like bullshit.
Thankfully they can move onto a better topic: food. Bakugo snorts in visible relief to hear there are stores that sell ingredients. While he's not afraid of eating out, considering what Hiyori's said of this place, cooking his own food seems a better idea. Less risk of getting drugged.]
A welcome market? What kind of asinine decision is that?! [Kidnapping people, then throwing food at them they don't have the money to pay for, but obviously need. Way to force their perverted hands. He hunches his shoulders in annoyance.] Whatever! I'll get my own food and cook it. If that market shows up, tell me where it is.
[Yeah, he's ordering the parrot around just in case there's something fucked up with the hotel's communications on Bakugo's part. A backup isn't a bad idea, so long as it's his idea! Just gonna ignore the swindled comment; he's rather insightful for someone of his temperament. A thief trying to steal from him is a dead man.]
Wuss. I'm not gonna be their fucking pest control! If I wanna kill some monsters, I'll do it on my terms! [And yeah, he'd end up protecting people if they were attacked by said monsters. Hero. Yell at them for letting themselves get attacked in the first place, but whatever. At least it's a way to vent.] Heh, they better not be shitty fans. I want awesome fans.
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I wish you wouldn't say that. Those were just some examples of stuff I've found! And stuff I'm trying to find out. I could go into specifics more, but I'm not sure how much sense those would make when you haven't been here long.
[And when he doesn't know what Game 52 is. How does Hiyori explain the concept that the resort gets its energy from sex when this poor angry soul doesn't even know he'll be forced to do that yet? Hiyori doesn't feel like being the one to break it to him, so he'll be skipping over that for now.
Regarding the welcome market thing... look, he doesn't take kindly to being bossed around. But does he object to being this guy's contact person? Nope! He was already planning to stay in touch, less because of the guy's charming personality and more because of his usefulness. As pest control, as a jailbreaker, as a "hero," you name it! It's best to be on good terms with someone like that, not bad terms or no terms.
Though he can't resist pointing out:]
You don't look like the type who cooks, either, you know. Which just goes to show that you shouldn't judge books by their covers! ♪
But sure, I can do that. Perhaps you can shop for ingredients together with Jun-kun ♪ I'll probably go too, though, since you never know what you might find.
[Last time he saw several porn doujins for sale featuring himself. And Jun. And some other people he knows. He's morbidly curious to know how Bakugo would react if he saw something like that with his own lookalike on the cover. He assumes he'd explode the whole sale table, which would be another public service.
Now, as for the monster-killing thing...
It's about the reaction he expected, but he does blink when the guy admits he does want fans. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's pretty funny. In his anger, and in his desire to be seen as a cool hero, the guy seems charmingly pure.
He has some bad news about the fan situation, though (and whether or not said fans will be shitty).]
Well, you'll definitely make people like me happy who hate dealing with monsters! And you might impress the longer-term guests, too. Although how they feel about you is going to depend on your rank, pretty much. Not that you should even care what they think, but have you heard about that whole system yet?
yo! i just wanted to say i'm loving their cr already; thanks so much!
[Whether Bakugo gathers the guy's talking about his language or referring to his evaluation of his results is up to Hiyori to decide. Though privately, the explosive blonde admits, even if the information's not that useful, it proves the parrot's actively looking for means to understand this place better. Hopefully with the intent to escape. He'll support him on that.
Bakugo waves off the suggestion to go into more specifics. That's something for later. Right now, maybe they should stick to the basic surface-level shit. Learn as much as he can before digging into the details.
He's already made a mental note to look up Game 52 on the watch later. Due to how cagey Hiyori was about the thing, the results are probably going to suck. Indeed, there'll be explosions in his room once he learns about it. And a lot more bad language. At least two pillows will due a gruesome fate.
Luckily there's no push back about being designated Bakugo's contact regarding the market. He would've snarled about it. Hiyori's not someone the young hero would look to contact for anything on his own, but as it is, he's useful, with both information and experience on his side, so the contact's tolerated. Expect demands and angry questions, not pleasant requests. But he'll get some decent conversation out of it as well.]
YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY THE FIRST PART!! [You want him to have some kind of emotional whiplash via backhanded compliments?! Admire his cooking skills and keep your damn pearls of wisdom to yourself! He knows that!] I'm full of skills!
Ngk! [Great, now he just got roped into going shopping with two dumbasses, one he doesn't even know! They're gonna slow him down if they're both as talkative as Hiyori. But if drugs and weird shit are abounding in this place, having someone who can point out what not to buy is... Ugh, he'll tolerate it ONCE. That's it.
Hiyori is correct. If he saw such an insult, he'd blow it up with a vengeance. Ironically, Bakugo grew up wanting legions of fans and the world looking at him as he stood a glowing pinnacle of hero society! And while he does want people to acknowledge his skills, victories, and power, he's quickly found out how annoying people can be. Very cat like. Praise me! Praise me! ENOUGH, YOU BASTARDS, FUCK OFF!!]
I don't give a shit what people think about me. [He both does and does not. It's kind of complicated.] What rank system? Who's the best right now?
[Yeah, guess where his eyes are now aiming. THE TOP!!]
Ah, thanks! Same tbh. Good luck with apps!
[Prettier language. Politer language. But he can already hear the other boy saying "You expect ME to be polite?" or "You expect ME to talk pretty? I'll kill you!" so he won't say that. He doesn't have a death wish! Explosions are only good news when they're happening a safe distance away from him!
Though he does laugh in response to Bakugo's shouting. So on second thought, maybe he has a death wish after all.]
Fufufu! ♪
[Yeah, this probably does not quell Bakugo's rage. ... at least his next words are complimentary?]
You certainly sound it! Very well, I won't doubt your skills again! Now I want to see you have a cook-off with Jun-kun, actually. Do you ever use that power of yours for cooking? It seems to me like you could use it to fry birds, at least. Though seagull is not considered a delicacy, so I'll pass on ever trying that.
[Fortunately, Jun is not as talkative as Hiyori. He's not as quiet as he used to be! He can hold a conversation now. And you might even get him to talk a lot if you get him started on one of his interests, like exercise or manga. But he's not an irritating chatterbox (or a gay little green parrot), and he's had to tell Hiyori once or twice to put a sock in it.
Unfortunately, Hiyori's not done talking yet, because now he has to explain the rank system.
First thing's first: he is not going to explain that the only (or at least the most effective) means of raising your rank. Maybe Bakugo would be fine with it. He is a boy, and he's at that age. But Hiyori finds the whole thing distasteful, and as an idol, he'll pass on the whole competitive-sleeping-around thing himself. It'd be a betrayal of his fans if he did that. He's hoping to bust out before anyone can force him to properly play Game 52.
Though the rank system is still something he finds distasteful, even putting aside how you change rank. He predicts more swearing to follow! Time to brace his delicate ears.]
Alright, here goes!
[He takes a breath, straightens up, and then begins another tl;dr infodump, wagging a finger in the air as he explains stuff.]
After you've been here a week or so, they give you a rank. The rank is based on playing cards—that's another thing they're obsessed with here—and the lowest is two, while the highest is King and Queen! Or at least I think those are the highest. Ace and Jack also seem to be treated like "royalty," though.
Basically, your treatment and accommodations depend on what your rank is. So if you're a so-called "royalty card," the longer-term guests will all gossip excitedly about you and worship the ground you walk on. You'll also be given a grand room—I visited a Queen's suite last month for a birthday celebration, and her "room" was more like a private villa. There was another fake beach inside like this one, and she even had her own private pool with a waterslide. She had her own elevator, too.
[Then his expression darkens.]
But if you're a low rank, like in the two to four range, you'll be stuck in a shabby room without its own bath. The staff will treat you like you're invisible, or so I've heard. And those rooms are located on the lower-level floors, where there's all sorts of unpleasant stuff going on: ghosts, monster attacks, chemical spills, you name it! It's that kind of corrupt system: the kind where they take one look you and decide whether you're somebody worthwhile. And everyone's meant to accept it as "just the way things work around here."
[His tone and the negative framing should let Bakugo know what he thinks of that. Though it's not like the world he comes from doesn't also have similar hierarchies in place. Some people are at the top of the food chain, some are on the bottom!
But he, Hiyori Tomoe, has never been anywhere close to the bottom. Not even in this place, though he's also far from the top here.]
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[Definitely yelling at him with the underlying comment as expected. Does he really expect Bakugo to change his manner just because it makes Hiyori squirm?! Fuck no!! A hot glare burns under his choppy bangs at that laugh, one hand curling in a threatening fist, though he isn't punching the guy in the face. Yet... He wants to get more out of the other boy before he buries him in the sand!]
Haa?! Of course not! I use kitchen utensils like everyone else. [It took him a while to be able to light a fire with his Quirk without blowing up all the logs or the brick oven. But no, he doesn't actively cook with his Quirk, even if he can technically heat and reheat a pan with it.] I'll blow those shitty birds up any time they piss me off.
[If a cooking challenge shows up, he'll likely get caught up in it, provided someone actually convinces him into it (or pisses his off enough to make it personal). Bakugo's a tricky balance like that. He quiets down as the other boy starts diving into the next part of the system. Figures a place like would have some kind of hierarchy to avoid chaos.
Fuck, this guy reminds him of Midoriya, running his mouth with all the details. At least in this case, he wants to hear said details, so... jaws set and he listens with a glare.]
Tch, fucking royalty... What bullshit. [Pretending to be better than other people just cause they have a higher rank. It breeds dissatisfaction and competitiveness, though is it really all that different from grades in school? Well kind of, since you don't get treated (or you're not supposed to get treated) better depending on your grades. It's an evaluation of your knowledge, not your damn status. A sex game, a casino, a hotel, card suits... Ugh.]
So they incentivize you to play their game by pitting us against each other and simultaneously reward or punish based on how you play it. [Whether you win at it or lose at it. Meaning... yeah. He puts the pieces together quickly enough. A disgusted look crosses his face and a growl rumbles in his throat.] Goddamn bastards! You think I wanna play your shitty games?! FUCK OFF AND DIE!! I'LL GET TO THE TOP AND WISH YOU OUT OF FUCKING EXISTENCE!!
[Screw wishing for a way home; he'll kill two birds with one stone!]
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Nope! ✩ Good guess, but not quite! I turn twenty next month! ♪
[... And then he deflates shortly after the words leave his mouth.
Being stuck in this place for his birthday is not a good thing. For starters, it means he's been spinning his wheels for months. But he's also heard that bad things can happen to people on their birthdays. Rinne got cursed for his birthday! At best, all Hiyori can hope for is that they'll hand him some sex toy as a "gift." But at worst, he's screwed! And then Jun's birthday is the month after his, so he has to worry about that too...
Yep. That took the wind out of his sails. No more talk about birthdays!
He works hard to keep a pleasant smile on his face after that, even after Bakugo unleashes more obscenities. At least his attitude is funny enough that it lifts Hiyori's spirits just to hear him go on. He doesn't normally like listening to angry outbursts, but in this case, the anger mirrors his own and feels gratifying to hear. At least someone sees things for how messed-up they really are.
... really, Bakugo does see things for how they are. Hiyori hasn't explained Game 52 to him, and yet he immediately deduces the point of the whole rank systems and sees how the House intends to manipulate them. Hiyori grimly replies,]
Bingo. That's exactly what they're trying to do.
[But he hasn't fallen for it, and it sounds like Mr. New Arrival won't, either. That's good!
... except now Bakugo's saying (or shouting) that he wants to get to the top. So, on second thought, never mind. He plans to do exactly what they want him to do! ... or so he says, but since Hiyori hasn't explained Game 52 yet, he probably has no clue what ranking up entails. Will that force him to rethink his plans or not?
He still won't talk about Game 52, but he will explain one thing. In an even-handed tone:]
I'd wait to see what rank they give you before deciding on a game plan. You might be given a high one for all we know. There's no rhyme or reason, as far as I can tell; I know the ranks don't reflect our real-world status, since there are princes and other scions here with low-to-middling ranks. It's not inversely proportionate either, though, since there are also wealthy celebrities who were given high ranks. And neither of the princes I've met were assigned the absolute lowest possible number, either. I think it really is just random.
[Though he doesn't know that for sure. With a small, sardonic smile he adds:]
I'm a so-called 8, in case you were wondering. Not that my "rank" means any~thing to me. The accommodations are big enough to house both me and Jun-kun, which is all I need. So if they want me to work hard to improve my station, too bad!
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[Something about this guy turning twenty is odd as fuck, considering his appearance, but he isn't completely callous towards Hiyori's sagging shoulders and deflated look. Being stuck in this place on your birthday would suck. Especially if it punctuated how long you've been here... Who knows what the hotel will do for someone's birthday. Bakugo has no intention of finding out. He doesn't like dealing with his birthday even in his own world! So damn annoying, people making such a big deal out of it. Can't they just leave him alone! Embarrassing.
At least he's not cussing Hiyori out this time? There are emotions Bakugo stuffs inside and deals with on his own, but incensed rage isn't one of them. He already hates whatever the hell this place is for kidnapping him; the more he hears about it, the worse it's getting in his mind! Defying them is the only way he feels like he has some control over his life right now. So damn right he's gonna do it! Hiyori's little "bingo" comment only confirms what Bakugo already sussed out. Great.
He's not doing what the place wants! He's going to decide for himself whether he's going to participate in effort to bring this entire place down! It's no different than beating the shit out of every gladiator in the ring and then claiming the top prize in order to best the people running the damn show! And yeah, he's already deduced what the likely rank-up activity is, and fucking hates it. He'll... deal with that decision on his own. Later.]
Doesn't matter how random it is; they better assign me a high one! I'm not settling for some low-rank shit! [That's a pure affront to his pride, dammit! He's on his way to becoming the greatest hero in his world! Or he was. That dream has changed now, replaced with something more mature, though he still aims to be amazing and continue win every time.]
What happens if you don't try to increase your rank? [Obviously you don't win the game and get a wish granted, but even if Bakugo recognizes the implications of the game, how it's meant to manipulate them into doing what the hotel wants, it might not matter if he's going to get reamed over for not playing.]
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[He's a little taller than Bakugo. Not that he points that out, since he doesn't have a death wish! Though the "cute face" comment might just provoke more outrage, anyway.
Then again, maybe he knows a cute face when he sees one. Or maybe he doesn't like cute faces. Maybe he prefers handsome faces. Or pretty girls. Or muscle men. Or muscle women. Or part-humans. He'll need to like something if he wants to avoid turning to stone, to say nothing of increasing his rank. Or at least pretend to like something, but it's sad to think of him taking such a jaded approach...
Obviously the answer is not to think of him playing Game 52 at all, though, so Hiyori's just going to do that! He won't warn about how "ranking up" works, since the "game rules" on Bakugo's watch will explain that anyway. But he does warn him,]
Be careful not to jinx yourself. I do agree that a hero shouldn't be stuffed in some leaky basement room, but one of the worst things about this place is you never know when they might be eavesdropping.
[Is there a chance they'll give the guy a high rank just so he's less likely to blow stuff up and cause problems for the staff? Possibly, yes! Is there also a chance they'll give him a low rank just to troll him now that he's said that? Also yes. The House is awful. But as for that question...]
That's sort of hard to explain without getting into that "52" business, but I guess the answer is "nothing, at least so far."
[He taps on his chin.]
I've made no effort to change my rank, and the same holds true for at least one other person I know. I'd rather not jinx myself, but so far there haven't been any consequences. In theory, they should want to have at least one person assigned to each "playing card," so if everyone ranked up to a King or a Queen, that might not be the most favorable outcome anyway. They'd have to give everyone huge suites, the higher ranks wouldn't have anyone to look down on, and those long-term guests would grow bored of worshipping the "royalty cards," since the distinction wouldn't mean anything. It's sort of like how wealth functions in the real world—if everyone suddenly came into a ton of money, then we'd lose all concept of "rich people" and "poor people."
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[He's not going to mention that Hiyori is a slightly taller; it's only a tiny bit! He can still kick his ass! Doesn't matter how damn "cute" he is. He'll just be beating the shit out of a tall kid. It's happened before.
STOP INTERNALLY DEBATING ON WHAT KIND OF PERSON HE LIKES, DAMMIT!! Bakugo's already bristling about the notion of having to do this kind of shit with someone he barely knows. He's by no means a romantic, but he's also not some slut running around fucking no matter who it is! At least get with someone you like! Or remotely tolerate well enough to deal with it.
Don't worry, Hiyori. He's getting told about ranking up in another thread. And Bakugo's already planning on looking this up later, which will have the explosive results expected.]
That's not a jinx! That's fucking manipulation and shitty behavior!
[The idea the people running this place are eavesdropping on people and then giving them ranks based on spite or some bullshit like that! Ugh, just how much more can the hotel paint itself in a negative light...]
Che! [If nothing happens from at least not attempting to climb ranks, that's some potential positive. Bakugo's going to have to take some time to himself and figure out if he wants to play this crap or not, weighing the punishment and survival traits. He's trying to at least get his mind around it, but...] So they might end up manipulating the ranking if everyone gets to the same level.
[Despite the wordiness, Hiyori lays out a good example.]
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[His fans see him as a proper prince! ... Or as Jun's princess, depending on their tastes. Some fans prefer to view him as a surrogate boyfriend, while others prefer to imagine him in a lovey-dovey illicit relationship with his stage partner. Different strokes for different folks, so Eve makes sure to pander to both crowds.
Anyway, no more wondering about Bakugo's preferences! They can agree on that!
And they can also agree on another thing. Or two things, rather. First, sex is more fulfilling when you truly care about the other person. He's learned that much from experience. It's one more reason he's still resisting the 52 game, and it's why he finds it sad that young, inexperienced people like Bakugo keep getting brought here. Choosing to sleep around on your own is one thing—that kind of experimentation can be a part of youth. But when everyone's being forced to do things they wouldn't normally do, that's just unpleasant. It's unforgivable, really.
It's manipulation, and it is shitty. Which is why Hiyori says nothing about the rude language, only voicing his agreement.]
You're absolutely right about that.
[His eyes are still dark. But he keeps his tone level. None of this is anything he hasn't already thought about exhaustively before.]
I don't know what they're planning, as far as ranks or anything else is concerned. One girl I spoke to thought they might actually be aiming for everyone to be at the same level, so that no one can complete the "game."
[This won't make sense if Bakugo doesn't know the Game 52 rules, but Hiyori glosses over it.]
I still think they'll want to keep some lower ranks around, though, just so they can get away with treating some people like garbage. Or so they can make examples of those people and say, "This is why you want to aim high! So you don't end up like these poor souls!" But those are just my thoughts. They're so rotten to the core I can't tell what they think.
Still, [his voice softens,] even in a rotten environment like this one, there are bound to be some people you can trust. People who keep their hearts clean and their heads on straight, and who don't lose their shine in spite of all the filth around them. One of those types would be me, of course ♪ But there are others who've been helpful to me, so try not to be too afraid to rely on others where you need to.
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[Yeah, he's not going to bother with responding to that. Fans. Tch, Bakugo's always dreamed of fans when he was a kid. Now his opinion on them has changed course a fair bit due to experience...
He's doing his damnest not to think about what's going to happen in the future. If he has to fulfill this twisted place's demands. Getting close to someone else like that, having sex with strangers he doesn't know shit about, what the hell is he supposed to do with that kind of requirement?! It's not like he's some damn prude; he knows what sex is and how it works. But it still needs to at least mean something with the person you're with in his opinion. Being forced into it just takes the personal desire out of it and turns the entire experience into a threatening chore or worse.
Hiyori agrees on the matter and Bakugo grunts in annoyed acceptance.]
I don't care what they want us to do or where they want us to be; I wanna know why the need us to do it in the first place. If this is just some sick form of entertainment or something this place has to have happen.
[The mention of the "game" again is something he's getting used to Hiyori skipping over despite it seeming an important aspect of their imprisonment here. But he's gathering bits and pieces as he talks through the conversation.]
Trying to get the higher ranks to accept being kidnapped or forget where they came from... It's always easier to deal with something if you see worse treatment elsewhere. [Fucking manipulative. They've thought this out.] If they had everyone at the same rank, they couldn't keep that kind of control.
[Bakugo makes a slight face when the other boy touts his own virtue and suggests he rely on others. Uh, did that really need to be said? But he can't deny Hiyori's been helpful.] Hmph. I'll keep it in mind.
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[He watches Bakugo with a contemplative look on his face. It's hard to say more without getting into the resort's sex-obsessed nature. Does Bakugo know about that yet? He knows he hasn't read the Game 52 rules, but it's hard to miss the obscene stuff when it's constantly all around them.
He can't say anything comforting there. Can't provide a satisfactory answer to Bakugo's "why" questions. Can't lie and say it's fine to ignore the sex requirement, either, when he knows it's not okay. There are consequences—bad ones. But he can at least say one thing.]
I'm on a quest to learn more about those "whys" now. It's one of those deals where you promise to do something for someone, and in exchange they grant you some info. So I'll let you know whatever I learn there.
[It's not much, just the vague promise of "something" in the future. But that's something he has going for him that other people here don't, he figures: he's not the type to hoard info. If he learns something, he'll generally share it, free of charge! Since the more people know things, the more likely they all are to solve the puzzle.
Being a lone wolf won't cut it. Rely on him, rely on others! That's the message he's trying to send, even if it is a dog-eat-dog world out there, as Bakugo himself pinpointed and as Hiyori grimly agrees with.]
Yes, exactly! If you have an underclass to look down on, you can tell yourself, "I may have been kidnapped, but at least I'm not as pitiful as that person." Not that the higher-ranks asked for their rank, either. And not that it brings me any joy to look down on others! I don't need to do that when I already love myself plenty! ♪ When it comes to the less fortunate, I'd rather help them!
Anyway, you seem like you're able to see right through them, so I think you stand a good chance at keeping your head on straight. Any more burning questions you'd like to ask? I know there are still some missing pieces [like Game 52], but you seem to have the gist of how things work.
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[Though it's not unbased either. Plenty of fantasy stories and fairy tales have worked their way into superhero comics and shows, augmenting villains with magic to give the heroes a harder fight. Even if it's not really mainstream, the traditions of Japan are still alive in Bakugo's world. Possessed items, haunted houses, a strange entity that runs on "people" in one way or another, shit like that's not vanished. That doesn't mean it sounds plausible when said to his face. That crap's fictional!
The fact he's not grabbing Hiyori and yelling at him suggests the blonde's... at least willing to consider the idea. His defiance is more anger over the situation than outright rejection. But damn does he want proof now before he goes and punches this hotel in its fucking kidneys!
And yeah, he gets Hiyori's implying this sentient building thing feeds off sexual energy.]
A goddamn hotel-shaped incubus. Che, what bullshit.
[Still griping and grumbling to himself, Bakugo eyes Hiyori's comment about learning more. A brow arches when he mentions the trade, arms crossing over his chest.]
What makes you think they know more than you do? And how'd they find out?
[From what he's heard, the hotel staff are tight-lipped and why would any other of the kidnapped ones not want to share what they've learned that might help everyone escape? The notion of working together to figure this out isn't lost on him; he knows how to be a team player despite his atrocious attitude. Actually, Bakugo's an amazing leader once he's invested in something personally. It's just, working together in this place comes with that damn perverted caveat...]
A prisoner's still a prisoner. [He makes a face when Hiyori starts extolling his own virtues again. That little gay parrot idea from earlier is certainly not shaking free any time soon.] Shuddup. You prop yourself way too much.
[It makes him wonder if Hiyori's got some crushing self-esteem issues he needs to continually talk to bay, or if he's just that much of an air-headed egotist...]
Yeah. Where the hell am I gonna get clothes? I'm not wearing a swimsuit all damn week. [He already blew up three guards who tried to literally pressgang him into one of their own thongs. Disgusting.]
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The longer answer is that it's complicated.]
Most things here are stupid! Just look at those seagull heads!
[He gestures in one's direction. The seagull head in question is currently following around some bikini-clad guest and flexing his muscles in an attempt to impress her. Judging from the look on her face it isn't working.]
Anyway, I don't have "proof" really, but I can show you some old books people found that suggested that's what this place runs on. Or I can get you in touch with someone who's used his magic to prod at the resort's inner workings before. Though it sounds like you're just as clueless about the subject of magic as I am, so I'm not sure how much good that will do. Some of what he says goes com~pletely over my head...
[Because surely Mr. Angry Guy will appreciate being called clueless. Also, the magic user he's talking about is the same pink-haired prince who's irritating Bakugo in another thread, so that revelation will be fun. As will the one about the resort's sex obsession...
No. It sounds like Bakugo already has an inkling about that, actually. Which isn't too surprising. Hiyori's smile doesn't waver and he says nothing in response to the "incubus" comment (do demons like that really exist in his world)? It's true, the place does allegedly run on sexual energy, but he'd rather not get into it. He's too much of a priss!
In response to the "what makes you think they know more than you do" thing, he shrugs a little and says,]
Because she's been here longer, for one thing. She was a "player" years and years ago. I know I've gained more information over time, so I'm sure I'd know a lot more if I'd been here years. Not that I intend to be, and not that I know why she's still here! That's something I plan to ask her, but she seems rather tight-lipped.
[He, on the other hand, is the definition of loose-lipped.
At least some of the time, anyway. He can mind himself at other times. But apparently not right now, since his responds to Bakugo telling him he props himself up too much is to say to him,]
You want fans, too, don't you? I'd say we both like our props ♪
[He's not the only one here who seems to think highly of himself, in other words. Perhaps Bakugo's self-importance is justified if he's a superhero at home, though. If he ends up being the one to heroically rescue them all, then Hiyori will be happy to sing his praises, too!
But for now there's no singing or praises. For now he simply blinks in response to that last question. Hmmm.....]
They didn't give you anything to start with, huh? I had a few racks or clothes to pick through.
[Yep. Bakugo is talking to someone who got off easy. He was part of the batch who woke up in wedding suites, dressed to the nine in clothes fit for (un)holy matrimony. But there were racks full of elegant-looking clothes waiting for them in the wedding lounge, and they were free to take whatever. Meanwhile some of his castmates arrived here naked in a jungle, without any clothes on their backs. Once again, Hiyori Tomoe had it better than most!
He's aware this revelation will not make the angry guy happy. Also, what he said isn't helpful! So he quickly adds on:]
You have some "chips" in your account, right? It's possible to buy clothes with that. They have all kinds of stores here. It's also possible to buy clothes using "vouchers"—I sometimes earn those as tips for singing, so if you're ever desperately in need, I could share the wealth a little bit! And then it's also possible to more earn chips through other means, like gambling in the casino. I'm not a fan of that myself, though.
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bless you, hiyori
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