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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
[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.]
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
Haa?! I'm not clueless, dammit! [Bingo on the temper.] It's not real in my world, but people write about it all the time. I can handle it.
[Old books. Magic contact. This guy really has done a lot of research already. Bakugo crosses his arms over his chest in contemplation. Magic may not be a real thing in his world, but he's no stranger to odd abilities. Quirks are very varied.]
Where'd you find the books? Some kinda library? [He doesn't want to end up at a weird kiosk in the hall asking for perverted crap in exchange for books.] Fine, give me their contact. [Won't he be surprised (see: pissed).] I'll see what they know.
[Luckily Bakugo's not going to ask Hiyori to get detailed on the awkward shit. It's bad enough to deal with the inferences the guy keeps making. He'd rather think about how to handle this place's perverted tendencies in the privacy of his own room, thanks.]
YEARS?! [His expression blows up into complete rage, shock, and yeah, horror.] WHAT THE FUCK!! I'M NOT STAYING HERE FOR YEARS!! I'LL BLOW THIS ENTIRE PLACE UP FIRST!!
[And he's not kidding about that. If it comes to that long, he's going to go insane and will certainly attempt to nuke himself out of the cage. There are people here he'll want to get free as well. Dammit, start a revolution already!]
I don't need stupid fans! [Bakugo's very cat-like in regards to praise. He loves it and demands it, but more than a passing acknowledgement or a few focused seconds quickly turns into fucking annoying and pisses him off to the point to telling said "fans" to buzz the fuck off! Hiyori can probably assume that's how it works with him anyways.] And I don't need to try convincing myself I'm awesome.
[He knows he is.]
What the fuck?! I just woke up in a damn room with this stupid robe and four beds! [There was nothing else he paid attention to before stalking out into the hall and running into someone he wished he hadn't.] Account?
[Bakugo blinks before looking down at the watch on his wrist. Something else to look into, huh. It wasn't like this damn hotel welcomed him with a detailed orientation explaining all this shit to him. He makes a face at the suggestion of borrowing from Hiyori and gambling.] I'll find my own means.
no subject
He nods in response to the library question and chirps:]
Yes, there's a huge library with all kinds of stuff, but I'm afraid most of it belongs in the trash somewhere! I'm sure you can already guess what kind of trash I'm talking about, so I won't specify. As for that contact I told you about, his name is something overly long and hard to remember, but his username is "Wildflower!"
[Now, as for the horrified reaction to hearing that Jin Mingming has been here for years... honestly, Hiyori can't blame him one bit for it, but he does still wince and cover his ears briefly. So loud!]
I never said you were going to! I'm not staying for years, either! My fans would miss me too much, so that's a huge no-no! If we have to blow up this place to keep that from happening, then so be it!
[Should he tell Bakugo that Jin Mingming and J both sounds as though they've been here for at least a few decades, if not for centuries? Nope, absolutely not! That's not going to happen to either of them, so it's not relevant! Also, he'd like to keep his hearing!
That might be why he eases off on the teasing. "That's right, you don't want stupid fans, you want "awesome" fans~♪" ... is what he almost says, but he's still recovering from the last bout of yelling, so he decides he'll refrain. He drops his hands away from his ears, settling them back down at his sides, eyeing Bakugo in silence as he rages once again. This time it's about not being given any clothes upon arrival, which Hiyori agrees is an injustice. Though it's not just him—Rinne and Leo said they woke up without any clothes. Hiyori's batch just got lucky. However, he refuses to feel gratitude. Just because other people had it worse doesn't mean he'll ever be glad about what happened to him!
Defiant until the end: that's what he is. And that's what he assumes this guy will be, too. Hiyori has faith he won't lose himself in the luxury. He's too hot-tempered for that. Too hot-tempered, and too "heroic!"
At the end, he shrugs.]
Suit yourself. I do like singing, so it's no skin off my nose. But as for your account, everyone has one of those attached to their name. It should have a set number of chips in it, which is the currency around this place. Not yen, not dollars, not Euros, just chips. All because they fancy themselves some big casino, I guess.
no subject
I get it! You don't need to explain it!
[Ugh, everything in this place is a goddamn dick in disguise! Bakugo takes note of the username, intending to contact them at some point in the future over this.]
I'll find something decent in the library.
[It can't all be smut. People still need mental and physical stimuli that isn't sex to continue being healthy. In order to have more sex... He shoves the thoughts aside.]
Che! These assholes are content to stay here if they haven't tried breaking out more... Or they're biding their time. [He opts to think it's the latter, since people who've been here this long have at least tried. Well, one of them did.] Does anyone know the state of our worlds?
[It's a tough question, but he has to know. If everything's still moving, then All Might... No, he can't think about that. If he does, he's going to get even more pissed off! Everything would be over if he vanished at that time. He can't-! Fuck, stop thinking about it! He'll figure it out. This place can't have just yanked people. It would've shown up somehow. Timelines, worlds, dimensions, someone would've notice.]
Is that so. [Bakugo eyes the Watch again, tilting his wrist a bit to angle the face. So this thing is a smartphone, wallet, internet connection, all that bullshit in one go. Damn. He scoffs at the casino reminder.] Right. A fucking gambling hall.
no subject
Good luck with that, I guess.
[He'll have so much porn to dig through. Hiyori wonders what the consequences are for mass burning library books. A fine? Jail time? Slap on the wrist? Like most things around here, it probably depends on Bakugo's (eventual) rank.
In any case, now that the other boy's no longer yelling, Hiyori relaxes somewhat. Idly he contemplates his words; it's true that some people might be content to stay here. Those who come from war-torn countries or whose lives back home were filled with suffering, for example. Others are just lazy (cough cough Leona, cough cough). Or they've just given up hope on ever getting out without the House granting their "wish." But most people Hiyori's spoken to aren't happy here, and would prefer to leave.
"Biding their time" is right in some cases, at any rate. That's exactly what he's doing. But as for the state of their worlds, well... He slowly shakes his head.]
There's no way to tell what's going on outside, at least as far as I know. I've heard different theories about how our kidnappings played out—whether time is passing normally outside, or whether this is some sort of alternate timeline, like you'd see in a sci-fi film. But it's all just speculation, since none of us have any clue!
I also arrived here a couple of months after two other people from my home world, but I had no memory of them being gone at all, if that tells you anything.
[Is that even what Bakugo meant by "the state of their worlds"? Hiyori is dearly worried about the rest of his unit, and about his family. If time is indeed passing normally outside then they can't have reacted well to his disappearance. But that's about where his concern ends: he's not worried about some apocalypse transpiring without him. Curiously he asks,]
Your world's not in peril or anything, is it?
[Bakugo didn't hint that it was. But then the purpose of heroes is to save the day, right? As for the gambling hall, he'll just quickly advise:]
There's a casino, but I wouldn't spend too much time there if I were you. I heard the dealers there "suck people's energy," whatever that means. Not that you need me to tell you, since you're not a fan of gambling from the sound of it. Good, good ♪
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He's not gonna burn the damn books. Ugh, dumbass. He's a jerk, not a wanton property destroyer. (He matured past that stage.)
The idea of people wanting to stay here isn't strange. Bakugo himself comes from the middle of a war ravaging his country, with the world at stake as the prize for the winning side. But it's because of that, he hates the idea of being trapped here, unable to return and finish his own story. Doesn't matter if his world is "paused" in the meantime; HE'S not supposed to be here!
And if their worlds aren't stopped... No, he can't think of that. If he does...]
If someone's left and come back, they'd be able to tell. [He glances at the other boy when he mentions meeting people from his own world. That's interesting. In a good way.] I also met someone from my world here, but they don't know things I do. They came from "earlier" in time. [It sounds weird to even say that.] But I haven't heard of anyone talking about all this shit happening back home.
[He'd have to inquire more, make some assumptions, and get back to his own world to go further to actually ask, due to the relatively minor span between their "departure" points. But as they are now, with what Hiyori said, with what they know from this, it leaves more weight on their worlds being "stopped" for them while they're here.
The other question finally sees Bakugo's expression darken. Less angry, more somber worry.]
My nation's in the middle of a war. The side who wins decides what path the world's future takes.
[Destruction or healing. It is very much in peril. Noted on the gambling, but this topic's more important.]
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[That earns a look of interest. Bakugo had seemed pretty new here, and Hiyori didn't realize he'd already run into someone he knows. So the person from his world doesn't remember as much, either, huh...?]
Then we're in the same boat. Rinne-senpai and Leo-kun don't remember a thing about the qualifiers, the main competition, or anything that was going on before me and Jun-kun got kidnapped. They supposedly arrived here earlier, so I wonder if that had something to do with it. Do you know how long that person from your world has been here?
[He doesn't bother to explain what "the qualifiers" and "the main competition" are, but he's talking about SS: the big year-end competition for idols like himself. He and Jun were snatched before their unit could perform in it. To them, it's a huge deal: a dream they've been working towards, and something various corporations have sunk a ton of money into. Something even the overseas mafia has a hand in, if you can believe it. Idols in his country talk about it like it's a matter of life and death.
Even though it isn't, of course. Some people have war in their countries.
Some people like Bakugo.
Hiyori's soldiers sag, his face grown serious. Great—someone else from horrible circumstances.]
I'm sorry to hear that.
[It's the only thing he can think to say at first. His experience with "war" isn't real war. He knows he can't understand how the other boy must be feeling, despite his own desperation to get home.
Yet this doesn't stop him from commenting further, anyway.]
And it's your duty to defend your side, correct?
[Hiyori poses the question, but it's perfunctory. He can guess the answer. Which means Bakugo doesn't just want to get home because he misses his friends or his creature comforts. He wants to get home because he has a sense of duty. In other words, he's noble.
Not that Hiyori didn't already know that. That's what "heroes" are, of course.]
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[He just said he did! Of course it's right! Bakugo certainly had no idea he'd run into someone he knew here, though somewhere in the back of his mind, there was a hope of it? Maybe All for One teleported him and a few others to a strange place to get them out of the war. But that wasn't the case, he came to find out.]
Around six months.
[Which really pissed the blonde off. As much as he doesn't like his worldmate, he hates kidnappers even more. There are things people have to do at home! Taking them out of their world for this sick entertainment is fucking wrong! Not to mention disgusting. He'd hoped the six months "start" indicated the first wave of kidnapping, but apparently this has been going on for a long fucking time. Hearing Hiyori confirm that sort of discrepancy between himself and his worldmates is a relief.
If someone's been here longer than him, yet comes from earlier in their world's timeline, that's a pretty fucking good indicator their real worlds aren't affected by whatever this bullshit is. No exact proof, good enough to hypothesize.
When Hiyori sympathizes with him over the state of his world, Bakugo's expression hardens. Not at him, but at the war.]
It was a long time in coming. [Dismissive? Not really, but indicating now's not a good time to talk about that. He can explain more to Hiyori later, since there are complexities on both sides of the war. The drive to get back home is even more intense because of what he was stolen from.]
Of course it is! I'm not a fucking pacifist! [He slams his hand into a fist, eyes narrowing.] We're gonna win. And save as many of those idiots as we can in the process. Even if they don't want it.
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Stop!
[It was pretty loud. Loud enough to rival Bakugo's yelling. As he's boasted to people before, Hiyori has a large lung capacity! Plus he's an idol, so he's good at projecting his voice!]
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I wasn't doubting you. That was not a literal question! I know you're under a lot of stress right now, but you don't need to assume the worst and start shouting every time, you know.
[Yep, that's a scolding. It's accompanied by a stern look. He sympathizes with this kid, but he's not going to stand there and be screamed at, even if he's interested in staying on good terms because of the guy's powers!
Still. Hiyori doesn't like to stand around angry. And so after a moment, his eyes soften and he resumes smiling his usual smile.]
But Baku-kun's a hero who's worried about his home world, so I guess it can't be helped!
[Yep. That's what he's decided to call the guy for now. "Baku," as in "bakuhatsu," as in explosion. Since he doesn't know his name yet, that's what he's decided will suffice! A nickname that's actually pretty close to his real name, funnily enough. But Hiyori glosses right over that to address the rest of Bakugo's points.]
Six months is an awfully long time. I wish I could say I was surprised, but that's about how long Rinne-senpai and Leo-kun have been here. Maybe we can make it our goal to get you out within six months, so you don't have to suffer the same fate. After all, you've got a world to save ♪
[Despite the little singsong at the end, he isn't teasing. He's prepared to accept Bakugo's story about his world since he's heard other people say similar things about their worlds. Everyone's homes are different, but the existence of human conflict such as wars seems universal. It's sad, but it's also expected. Even his comparatively peaceful world isn't free of struggle.
He thinks about Gatekeeper and the oracles and all the signs that someone is out to sabotage SS. And then he thinks of Nagisa—how distracted he's been lately, and how different he's been acting ever since his stay in the basement of that shrine. Then he adds,]
And I've got family to save. Or, at the very least, I have family who needs me. So let's try to work together, alright? With your Quirk and my info-gathering, I'm sure we can accomplish something.
bless you, hiyori
If he really thinks yelling at Bakugo is going to make him get quiet, Hiyori's going to be extremely disappointed. Mostly because the blonde snarls right back at him. For a second, he didn't even consider the word was to his volume, but something alarming he needed to pay attention to. The reality cleared up immediately and Bakugo only glares at him.]
Then cover your damn ears!
[Buuut, he's not shouting it. More grousing because he's getting scolded and that's fucking irritating. Even if Hiyori has every right to. Stress is putting it lightly. Don't look at him like you're some teacher disappointed in his performance or something! At the very least, Bakugo's not angry at Hiyori. It's the circumstances he's pissed at. He shove his hands into his pockets and leans back against the boardwalk railing.]
Tch! [Guilty and he knows it. A weirded out look ratchets half his face.] "Baku-kun?"
[Where's this guy get off calling him the -kun suffix?! He barely looks older than him! Unaware it's actually nickname. Considering Bakugo's already assigned this guy's name as "Parrot" in the future-- green, showy, talks a lot --it's an ironic justification on Hiyori's side. Nailed it.]
'rusei... [Of course he's worried about his home world! All of them are! Or should be.] When I get out, I'll make sure the rest of you extras get out with me. What kind of hero would leave a bunch of losers behind?
[Maybe the kind of hero that calls people "extras" and "losers" while saving them? Six months seems like the standard for how long people have been here, either being six months or shorter when it comes to... "this group" of victims. He hasn't met anyone who's been here before January. Bakugo frowns when Hiyori mentions his family before asking for alliance. Making friends is NOT what he wants to do here... but considering everything he's heard from this guy and others, it's a crap shot going at this shitty place alone.]
We'll win. That's what heroes do. [Even if Hiyori's not technically a hero. Bakugo glances at him before leaning his head back with a huff.] Bakugo Katsuki.
[He owes him something after all this.]
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[The easier solution is for Bakugo to simply stop yelling in his face. Or nearby vicinity.
... Look, he knows "under a lot of stress" is an understatement. It's why he hasn't complained more about the yelling, the cussing and what-have-you. (Usually he's prone to complaining quite a lot.) It's terrible that they keep kidnapping new people here. Moreso when it's someone with a world to save, and doubly so when it's some innocent kid. He doubts Bakugo's ever laid his hand on a girl before. (Or a boy.) Too busy being a hero, presumably. Plus who on earth would want to put up with that temper?
But it is what it is, and so he can spare a little sympathy. He got off easier than most people here (pun not intended). He has his partner. If he got drugged or he was in some other unpleasant situation, he'd just call Jun to come take care of him. That's not an option most people here have, but hopefully he can make things a tad more bearable for those who aren't so lucky.
Or just annoy them with silly nicknames. Bakugo's bewildered reaction to that earns a satisfied smile, and his declaration about saving them all earns a chuckle. Hiyori won't even complain about being called an extra; that gruff do-gooder attitude is simply too cute.]
That's the spirit! ♪
[He puts his hands on his hips, beaming brightly as he replies,]
I'm Hiyori Tomoe! Also known as "Eve" around here ♪ I might be a bit older, but you can call me Hiyori instead of Tomoe-senp—
[........ wait.
Suddenly Bakugo's introduction catches up to him, and he blinks stupidly.]
Did you say your name really is "Baku"?
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[Because he'll out shout anyone who wants to get in his face about it! Most of the time. There are rare moments where his friends (and particularly his mom) have shut him up into a growling silence. Hiyori is not one of those people, though he's at least managed to reprimand the blonde into lowering his volume, if not his emphasis.
Of course he's stressed out! This isn't the first time he's been kidnapped, there's no immediate solution to a way home, he can't blast his way out, and he has no idea what's become of his world now that he's vanished from it! Hiyori has given him a lot of information, plenty he's grabbing to take, a fair bit he's wishing he never had to hear.
Wow. Don't speculate about his damn dating/sex life just from meeting him once, Parrot! At the very least, Bakugo's not some prude. He knows how that kind of crap works. But the idea of doing it with a bunch of strangers?! Ugh... that's the worst part.
Hiyori seems to be in better spirits than that exasperated explosion a few seconds ago. There's some irked satisfaction over knowing this guy's not a pure sweet marshmallow all the time; he's got some fire in there. Even if he could do without the damn singsong voice chirping out of that beaming face.]
Haa?! I'm not calling you "-senpai" ever, damn Parrot!
[Not unless he's being a massive sarcastic bastard about it. And trust me, Hiyori would know if/when he hears it. The pause and question, however, earn a small glare + scowl combo.] Didja go deaf? Bakugo Katsuki!
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... is what he'd say if he wasn't still hung up on the whole name reveal. Boy, he wasn't expecting his stupid nickname to be short for Bakugo's real name, and he looks a tad flummoxed about the whole thing.]
That's pretty on-the-nose. But I guess so is my name.
[His name has the kanji for "spiral" and "weather" in it. Which hints at his sunshine superblast personality. Recovering from his surprise, Hiyori smiles again and extends a hand. You know, for a handshake!]
It's been a pleasure meeting you~ ♪ Since it turned out to be part of your real name, I guess I'll keep calling you Baku-kun. Unless you absolutely can't stand it, that is. I do figure you're going through enough right now without adding an unpleasant nickname to the list. I think it suits you, though ♪
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Don't look so stunned, dammit.
[Hiyori's gaping at him like he saw a bunch of fairies fly out of a tree hollow. Or whatever shit guys like him associate with being surprised. Something sparkly and full of cheer. Gross. "Spiral" and "weather" are certainly not the inspirations for the "Parrot" name Hiyori's now going by in Bakugo's nickname habit.
And technically a weather spiral is a fucking TORNADO OR HURRICANE!! Who the hell associates those natural disasters with things like sunshine and super blasts? Well, 'super blast' is up in the air. Anyways... Bakugo scowls at the hand.]
You talk way too much. [He didn't need the exposition. But reluctantly takes the offered grip for a quick shake. Once and done.] Why're you named after a tropical storm?
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[Though he'd rather look "stunning" than "stunned."
Also, that was a baldfaced lie. He performs for a living and he's very good at controlling his expressions when he's on-camera. But anyway.
He can't help but notice that Bakugo does not tell him to quit it with the nickname, even though he gave him the chance to. Which he will, of course, be taking as implicit permission to keep calling him that. Silence is the same as agreement in his mind! And Bakugo did shake his hand, however grudgingly, which means they're officially comrades now. Fantastic!
He drops his hand to his side and shrugs lightly.]
You know what a cartoon sun looks like, right? Those are sometimes represented by spirals, with little rays coming out. That's me! ♪ The sun who brightens up and everything and everyone! So don't be afraid to seek me out if you're ever missing some sunlight in your life.
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[Get one "wtf" moment and then wipe it off the face! Bakugo's already gathered this guy is a performer, an idol, model, singer, whatever combination of that there is, so he can damn well change his face! Even if natural reaction is natural.
A number of people in his class call him names, from his childhood "Kacchan" thanks to Midoriya always calling him that, to other stupid ones due to Bakugo's attitude and some jackasses in class who like poking the bear. But often he doesn't bother correcting them unless the nicknames are rude or annoying. Mostly because they made it clear they won't stop even if he yells at them.
Hiyori is probably one of those who'd keep calling him it simply out of "cute" or "habit" whenever he wanted. Besides, it's not the worst name he's been called. Letting him keep the nickname and shaking his hand... That's enough repayment for all that Hiyori's given him, dammit! He shoves his hand into his pocket with a grumpy expression on his face.]
Haa?! Who the hell draws suns as spirals?! [Draw a circle and color it in! It's way more efficient! Though he has seen that and thus Hiyori's name makes a lot more sense now. Ugh, now the guy's singing his own advertisement.] You sound like a walking billboard.
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[He proudly boasts.]
Which means I'll just have to draw one for you at some point. I'll even throw in my signature ♪
[Which also includes a sun.]
I can show you some research and investigations I've made, too. Let's meet up and trade notes sometime, alright? ♪
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I'll meet you at the end of the week.
[Provided he's still here...]
Show me what you have and I'll work off it.
[He wants to get the data first, then improve.]
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[Just not... that kind of date.
He raises his wrist and taps at his smartwatch.]
You can reach me over this thing. My username is Eve. That's E-V-E, like Christmas Eve! ♪ You can also find me on the eighth floor, since that's where my room is. And when you do end up shopping for clothes, you also might just see me in one of the stores around here. If there's someone with me carrying my bags, that's Jun-kun! Got all that?
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