TDM 05

[goldmods]

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

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our KING SUITES for all new arrivals. We will endeavor to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.

As a token of our gratitude for your understanding, front reception has arranged for a GRAND FEAST to welcome our newest guests. The attendance of all guests is required. The house will enforce compliance.

Please note that rank-appropriate attire is mandatory. Guests found breaking social code may be disciplined. We hope you enjoy your stay! 】

ARRIVAL

DIVINE AWAKENING

A cool breeze lofts across the room. Gentle, soothing. Cotton sheets and silken covers slip with the tired stretch of limbs. New arrivals dozing in the comfort of their king-sized beds wake to the balmy warmth of a hazy sun and the rhythmic lap of waves on the shore. Clouds mist around the floor, granting ethereal ambiance. Gauzy curtains flutter, revealing a majestic stretch of sky in all directions. This temple is nestled at the top of a mountain, one where the sea somehow meets its edge.

All King suites have been set to the Heavenly setting for the comfort of these new Wildcards. To call this place a room feels like a misnomer; all of the senses scream that this is a real temple at the top of a crisp oceanside mountain. The only clue that this place isn't what it seems is the door in the distance. It stands dark against light, a stark rectangle distinctly out of place.

New arrivals aren't waking up alone. Reception would never expect their guests to wake up in a cold bed. All new guests will be waking up next to another Wildcard or a current guest snatched up from the hallways. Guests waking up in these heavenly King suites will wake dressed in sheer white tunics and togas that leave very little to the imagination.

MARK OF THE GODS

None of the traditional suits have manifested on these Wildcards. Instead, all new arrivals will discover intricate patterns winding their arms and legs, each one different from the next. Thorns, vines, stars, or moons — the commonality of these marks is that they come in either glittering gold or shimmering silver.

► BENEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of gold running along their skin have been identified as benevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the kind spirit within. All benevolent Wildcards may experience the effects of any RED SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

► MALEVOLENT DIVINE: Those with marks of silver running along their skin have been identified as malevolent deities. The powers that be have sensed the muck that lurks beneath the surface. All malevolent deities may experience the effects of any BLACK SUITS over the course of the next two weeks.

MADDENING HUNGER

Itchy throat, dry mouth. Headache. Hungry. It comes on slow, at first nothing of note. But, surely, it begins to deepen. Grapes don't feel filling. Water barely quenches thirst. All new arrivals will wake up in a state of hunger. They will find that despite the complimentary snacks left in their room by room service, nothing hits the spot.

No matter how much food they eat, these new arrivals, who have been dubbed as divines, won't find any satiation from food or wine. This gnawing hunger is exhausting; as it increases, their strength decreases. They cannot continue on like this for long.

All Wildcards, regardless of divine differentiation, will need to be worshipped for sustenance. Otherwise, they risk falling into a frenzied state.

There are many ways they can be worshipped. While having their bodies worshiped through sex is the most effective, they can find minor relief in acts of praise, affection, offerings, service, and so on. The longer a Wildcard goes without being worshiped, the more their god mark will leech their energy, and the faster they will lose their sanity. Loss of sanity can result in any kind of frenzy, from general mania to breaking from reality.

GILDED CAGE

AN ENDLESS FEAST

Doors to the grand banquet hall of Gilded Cage have been opened. A singular massive table stretches throughout the entirety of the restaurant, every available inch loaded with trays of food and goblets of wine. Waiters seamlessly dip in and out of the kitchens with platters over their shoulders, bringing delectable cuisine from all avenues of every earth around for guests to enjoy. Vibrant fruits, roasted meats, and decadent desserts funnel into the hall without end.

Rugs and cushions have been laid out for low rank guests. All high rank guests have thrones and benches covered in crushed velvet and delicate linens. Wildcards have a seat of honor amongst it all, each fresh new divine lead to the grand dais for their own semi-private tent with daybed and eager servants.

Low ranks are carefully watched by security and wait staff. Some low rank guests may even be dragged in by resort staff to assist serving high rank guests and Wildcards. All high rank guests and Wildcards are revered and catered to during the feast. Low rank guests are expected to feed them, rub their feet, and comply with any whimsical demands. Any low rank guest that defies a higher ranked guest is at risk of being shackled, forced to scrub chamber pots, and other humiliating punishments.

ROYALS

► Royal cards are King, Queen, and Jack ranks. All ranks beneath them must comply with their demands, no matter how whimsical or stupid. They are waited on hand and foot, with low ranks throwing themselves forward for the honor of pleasing them. Royals do not need to obey the commands of anyone aside from Wildcards. While it is good manners for a lower royal card to defer to a higher royal card they will not be punished if they decline.

► Royal cards are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry. Be selfish! Be greedy! Take everything you want! There is no end to the pampering and indulgence offered to royals. Long-standing guests line up to flatter them and give them gifts. Resort staff are desperate to make them laugh or smile. A royal card frowning strikes terror every servant. Resort staff will insist that they seek their own pleasures and not worry about the feelings of those lowly cards. All numbered cards exist to satisfy the royals; being concerned about their peasant feelings is unnecessary.

► Royals can command any numbered rank. If they find a numbered rank they particularly like they may monopolize them for their exclusive use. The word no does not exist. Whatever a royal wants, a royal gets. They can also issue punishments to numbered ranks that do not please them. There are guards prepared to discipline servants at their command. They may also dominate unruly servants with their own hands if that pleases them.

SERVANTS

► Servant cards are ranks A - 10. Hierarchy exists within the servants as well. While a rank 10 servant must flatter and please the royals, they may issue orders to any servant rank beneath them. This continues down the line — a rank 6 servant must obey and adore any rank above them but may command and bully any rank below them.

► The Ace rank shows its fickle nature. All Ace cards are bottom-barrel servants sitting at Rank 1 that anyone can bully. They are automatically ordered to clean up trash, scrub sticky floors, and dance provocatively for any rank that demands a show.

► Servants must obey anyone that outranks them. There are guards standing along the walls waiting to discipline any servant that defies the hierarchy. However, the guards are mostly for show — suits enforce real compliance. Any servant that disobeys an individual who outranks them is at risk of their suit flaring. If their suit does flare, submitting and obeying or an orgasm can abate suit effects.

WILDCARDS

► Wildcards are akin to deities. There is no greater honor than to serve or possess a Wildcard. Royals want to own them and servants want to please them. All Wildcards are showered with endless adoration. Fights break out for the chance to feed them grapes or rub their calves. Wildcards may do whatever they want without consequences, even toward royal ranks.

► Wildcards are encouraged to indulge in the finest of everything. Servants must tend to them and obey their commands. While royals do not need to obey them, there is great prestige in claiming a Wildcard’s affection. Wildcards are encouraged to be selfish and enjoy themselves to the fullest.

► Any royal or servant that satisfies a Wildcard can collect a Wildcard token. This is an electronic token that appears in their bank account once a Wildcard has climaxed during sex. Physically pleasing two Wildcards bring about great blessings. Players may submit two Wildcard tokens under their rewards thread to collect a small item voucher.

PHOENIX CASINO

ALEA IACTA EST

Phoenix Casino has been reborn in antiquity. Stone pillars line the aisles and embroidered linens cast a gauzy filter over every corner of the gambling center. The number of statues has increased, with every corner decorated with marble figures in provocative poses. The feast continues into even here; scantily clad servants and waiters carry around platters of succulent fruits and pitchers of wine.

The game tables are abuzz. Special games have kicked off in honor of the new godlings that are waiting to check in. Even here, those of different ranks are distinct from one another. The lowest ranks wear small slips of clothing. Some are even collared to show they belong to a particular royal or Wildcard. Royals and Wildcards dress luxuriously in thick robes and golden jewelry.

Game managers clap and encourage guests of all ranks to join in on the fun. While there are numerous card games, slot machines, and raffles happening around the casino, staff are promoting three events in particular.

WILDCARD AUCTION

► All shiny new Wildcards have a unique number pinned to their robes. Early in the night these nubile virgin Wildcards will be paraded across the stage and asked to introduce themselves to the crowd. After, the bidding will commence. Don't miss this opportunity to claim a resort virgin and beloved divine!

► Bidding for a Wildcard can get intense! Numerous long-standing guests are already obsessed with these stunning new arrivals and are quick to bid high. Bidding wars can break out at any time. Some very eager long-standing guests are willing to get violent if it means they get to monopolize one of these Wildcards. Security is on stand-by for cases of Wildcard theft; some guests are so desperate for these Wildcards that they'll even try to kidnap them if they see the chance.

► The hierarchy is temporarily set aside for auction purchases. Any rank can dominate a Wildcard if they have the means to bid high enough and buy. In the case of Wildcard purchases, their god marks will force compliance to whoever buys them during the auction.

CASTING LOTS

► This special game of lots is designed for a high rank and a low rank to play together. In the case of guests of the same rank playing together, a coin flip will decide who plays the "low" rank for this game.

► The high rank guest will roll a six-sided die. The number rolled will reflect the game rule by which the low rank guest must try to satisfy the high rank guest. If the low rank guest manages to satisfy the high rank guest they will receive a large payout. If the high rank guest is not satisfied they may discipline the low-rank guest in any way they see fit.

ONE: Without using hands.

TWO: Using only mouth.

THREE: While blindfolded.

FOUR: Using only butt cheeks.

FIVE: Using only legs.

SIX: While remaining on knees.

► The high rank decides if and when they have been satisfied. Work hard, low rank!

HEADS OR TAILS

► What's a casino without a bit of risk? There's a special game of Heads or Tails happening at the game tables. All guests must bet their rank in order to play. Winners of the game will have the option to either swap ranks with the loser, or keep their rank as is and move on to another game. With a little bit of luck, even a Rank 2 can experience living the high life.

► All rank swaps are temporary. Winners that choose to swap ranks with the loser of their game will have 24 hours with their new rank before they revert back to normal. They may continue playing on with their "new" rank if they want to test their luck.

► Heads or Tails is played with a physical Golden Peacock coin. Players will take turns as the coin flipper, with their opponent guessing if the outcome will be heads or tails. The first guest to reach three correct guesses is the winner.

BEAK

ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS

A massive circular arena has been erected in the middle of Beak. Staggered seats rise up to the ceiling, where royals lounge in luxury viewing boxes. The gaping mouth of the arena is wide and desolate. An assortment of weapons, such as spears and shields, hang along stone walls. It waits for the taste of blood and stench of battle. The sound of the audience cheering and booing echoes throughout the Wellness Quarter.

Beneath the open arena is a smaller closed arena and the warrior’s bunk. Warriors will find cold showers, rustic wooden benches, and training weapons available for their use. Deep in the earth is a grimy prison where servants who refuse to battle are thrown to wait for their turn. There are also cages where the hungry “animals” wait to go out and entertain the masses.

A long track rings around the perimeter of the arena. Gone is the standard green fuzz and white lines, replaced with stone and dust to elicit the real feeling of running beneath the hot Grecian sun. Foot and chariot races take place throughout the day.

BATTLE ROYALE

► Numbered ranks have been conscripted into battle for the amusement of the Wildcards and royals. While high ranked servants may be able to wiggle their way out of a fight, low ranked servants will be thrown into the arena without mercy. Warriors that win their battles will be showered in accolades and payouts while losers will be mocked and pelted with rotten tomatoes. Warriors that try to forfeit their match will be stripped naked, strung up on a pole, and mocked for 24 hours.

► Battle rules are simple. Any means and methods of fighting are acceptable when in the arena. The arena’s overseer will decide if a battle will end when first blood is drawn or if it will continue until one side can no longer continue. There are rare instances of battle to the death, typically reserved for warriors who have deeply offended a Wildcard or royal.

► Royals and Wildcards are welcome to join in the royale if they wish. They will not be forced and they will be given any armor they want before stepping into the arena. Low rank warriors are given no armor — some may even be forced to fight nude.

SUBDUE THE BEAST

► Any numbered ranks that have displeased a Wildcard or royal will be thrown into the arena to fight barehanded against hungry tigers and lions. If there are no troublemakers on hand to throw into the arena for entertainment, low rank servants will be forcibly volunteered instead.

► Those alleged hungry tigers and lions? They are other servants dressed up in sexy animal costumes. While staff will take genuine volunteers for this role first, they will forcibly volunteer low rank servants into the role if needed. All costumes are revealing and offer little protection. There is an assortment of looks to choose from, not just tigers and lions, though whether or not a servant gets to pick their outfit depends on how charitable the arena master is feeling.

► Matches will end when one party can no longer continue or the audience is sufficiently amused. Royals and Wildcards are permitted to partake if they please, and there will be no consequences if they decide to withdraw.

RACE TRACK

► Royals and Wildcards are invited to participate in horse racing. Only, there are no horses to be found — all the “horses” are servants! Any chosen servant must carry their master over the finish line. While piggyback rides may make the most sense for a race like this, many of the high class prefer more elegant positions, so anything goes. Horses are required to wear a bridle at all times during the race.

Servants are also allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. Servants may ride any servant of a lower rank. Aces are ordered to walk around with a poop shovel and bag, even if there won’t be any real horse poop lining the track (probably).

► Royals and Wildcards are also invited to participate in private horse racing. These races involve no track, taking place in the back of Beak in private rooms furnished with cushions and silks. Like with the public races, royals and Wildcards may select any servant that catches their eye. Unlike the public races, the goal here is to make their ‘horse’ orgasm as quickly as possible. Times will be saved on their Watches. The faster a master makes their horse come the more bragging rights they have.

Servants are once again allowed to participate as jockeys as long as they observe the hierarchy. The higher ranked servant must make the lower ranked servant orgasm as quickly as they can. While the ‘horse’ may offer mutual comfort they will receive no accolades for their skills.

TALON

SHOW OF STRENGTH

Talon is bustling with warriors training for the arena. Several strength building stations have been set up, including benches for royals to perch on while warriors bench press them. Additions have been made to Talon as well; multiple mud pits have been dug for warriors to participate in some mud wrestling between arena battles.

Servants that appear too fragile to handle mud wrestling have been conscripted into the oil bearer role. Their job is to slather the warriors in oil from head to toe, and otherwise prepare them for their matches in either the arena or in the pit. This includes styling their hair, tending to their wounds, and wiping the sweat off of their bodies if so desired.

The locker rooms that connect Beak and Talon have been fully stocked with first aid kits and luxury bathing supplies. Warriors that have won their matches get first pick, leaving the dirty towels and shampoo that smells like ass for the losers to sift through. Those sneaky ghost hands are having a field day, snapping rat tails at unsuspecting bathers and locking naked warriors together in the supply closet. Guests lacking vigilance may find their bottoms unexpectedly pinched.

MUSCLE CONTEST

► Who can appeal to the royals and Wildcards most? It’s a competition based on aesthetics! Strip down, oil up, and flex your muscles to earn a high score from the judges. Royals and Wildcards may issue a score between 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.

Wildcards and royals are welcome to join in the competition. For some reason, their scores always end up being 10 no matter how skinny or noodly they may be! The flattery and praise for their stunning looks and bodies is endless. No need to work out, my lord, my lady. You’re stunning as is! Truly no body is more perfect!

► Servants are not only allowed, but encouraged, to bribe royals and Wildcards into giving them a high score. While chips and gifts can certainly be offered, isn’t the most compelling argument some hands on experience? Staff will hint to competing warriors that offering sexual favors to the judges may help improve their scores. What better way to prove their physique is the most superior than to put it to work?

► Royals and Wildcards may purchase warriors for their exclusive entertainment if they so desire. Staff are eager to impress these nobles and make a pretty penny in the process. While this isn’t an official auction, these sneaky staff aren’t above making sure the elite and their requested warrior are left alone in a locked room. You grease my palms, I’ll make sure that sexy warrior greases yours.

WRESTLING MATCHES

► Guests will find that a deep mud pit has been added to the front hub of Talon. Servants are stripped and oiled down before being thrown into the pit to wrestle for the entertainment of the nobles. While staff will take volunteers for wrestling matches, they will also grab whoever looks good, even if they’re just passing by! On-lookers place bets during the matches. The winner of the match will receive a small cut of the prize money.

► Wildcards and royals may enter as well. Servants are expected to throw their matches if they’re facing a noble… and if they don’t, they may be facing some unexpected consequences! All suits are sensitive to the hierarchy and will suddenly flare if a servant starts thrashing a noble.

► During a match-up of nobles, it is expected that the lower ranked noble will throw the match in favor of the higher ranked noble. While royal suits will not flare if this isn’t adhered to, discipline between royals isn’t unheard of!

► Some matches are held under “Special House Rules” — which means that the winner of the match gets to claim and fuck the loser. On-lookers will jeer and demand that the winner publicly fuck the loser where they can watch, but private rooms are available for the winner to claim their spoils of war without sharing.

WAYWARD ARROWS

► An archery range with targets has been established for warriors to show off their shooting skills. Like the arena, there are benches and boxes for the audience to admire this graceful art — or to throw tomatoes from when a warrior misses the mark! Both servants and nobles are welcome to participate as archers.

► Servants have been conscripted to act as moving targets across the range. They are told to heckle the archers while avoiding their arrows, and only advised that the arrows won’t pierce their bodies if they get hit. It’s all fun and games. We can’t have all of our servants dying en masse!

During this portion of the games, archers will be given an assortment of charmed arrows with chalk tips that elicit different effects:

RED ARROW: Chalk powder from red arrows will trigger an intense need for physical release by grinding, humping, or frotting.

BLUE ARROW: Chalk powder from blue arrows is pure aphrodisiac. Inhaling this powder will cause close spike to near-orgasm, one that the target will find that cannot be completed by their own hand.

GREEN ARROW: Chalk powder from green arrows will stir neediness. The hit target will suffer cravings to be sticky and hug, climb, and generally latch on to another person.

PURPLE ARROW: Chalk powder from purple arrows will cause a bad case of loose lips. This may manifest in a compulsion to loudly speak in pretentious purple prose, dirty talk, or say otherwise hilarious things for the amusement of the audience.

► Effects from the arrows will wear off within the hour. Multiple hits from differently colored arrows can create fun new effects so feel free to get creative!

INDULGENCE

DESIRES FROM THE VOID

The spirit of the festivities rouses something primal. With emotions heightened, the core of the Golden Peacock responds in kind. It drinks in the sweat of the warriors in the arena. Inhales the laughter of the royals using servants as furniture. Basks in the brilliant glow of fresh Wildcards. The portraits in the elevators are rowdier than usual and the chandeliers lining the hallways gleam with new vibrance. Energy is palpable.

Things begin to move around the resort. The forgotten and the old exhale a dusty breath. Like the hunger that the Wildcards woke up with upon arrival, as its heart begins to beat quicker, there is a tension in the air of those things hungering to feed. To join in, and indulge. To get what they want.

And they’re coming out.

GALATEA

► Statues around the resort begin to stir. First it’s with a hazy blink, moving to the slow creak of their stiff mouths. Eventually they break off of their pedestals and out of their poses before clumsily making their way down the hallways, stone feet an emphasized thump with every step. They tremble, their cold stone bodies aching for warmth and human embrace.

► Statues around the resort have begun trying to kidnap guests for themselves. Once they’ve spotted a guest they want, they will stop at nothing to try and drag them back to their pedestal to spend forever locked in love’s embrace with them. They do not need food, drink, or rest.

► There are two ways to put a statue to rest. One is to engage the statue in battle and break off its head. Once the head is broken off, it will cease to have a spirit and crumble to dust. The second is to involve the statue in a physical act of intimacy — have a threesome with it! Or twosome, if someone is willing to watch. In the case of the second, statues will return to their pedestals satisfied upon completion.

► Statues that end up destroyed may drop a small lore hint. They will wheeze as their stone begins to disintegrate, their stone eyes dripping liquid gold tears. “I just wanted to feel alive again… I wanted to feel like you again… to be whole,” will slip past their marble lips before they crumble away.

NARCISSUS

► Gaze into the water. Admire your pretty face, the curve of your lips, the squint of your eyes... wait, are you winking at yourself?! Over the next few weeks, water-based reflections will begin acting of their own free will. They have the ability to move within the scope of the water and speak, their voices muddled but understandable.

► These reflections are extremely flirtatious and charming. They smile and bat their lashes, pretending to be innocent while drawing the original owner in closer. How about a smooch? How about more than a smooch? Their whispered promises are sweet. Salacious. Loving. Anything to get closer to you. Leaning in too close to the water is dangerous — these reflections will reach out and try to drag unsuspecting guests in. Whether this is out of malice or affection is unclear, but how can they possibly make love to you unless you join them in the water?

► Once caught, it is challenging to escape from their phantom limbs in the water alone. Several long-standing guests need to be saved from The Nest’s decorative fountain because they keep coming close to drowning after trying to kiss their reflections. Unfortunately, not every location with water is as prepared to save unsuspecting would-be lovers. No body of water is safe — not even a cup of it!

► Reflections will become increasingly indignant if they're ignored. Their sweet words will take a sharp turn into insults similar to, "I'm the better looking one between us anyway!" They may also let slip some personal secrets like, "This is why Johnny will never love you back! You're so cold, ignoring even yourself!"

Any mention of the fact that they'll end up drowning the character in question will earn a scoff and another small lore hint along the lines of, "Why are you being such a baby? Only the resort can really kill you anyhow. It's not like you'll die forever if I fuck you in here for a while!"

PANDORA’S BOX

► A spider's web threads through the resort. Invisible, but audible to those that are willing to listen. One of the Punishment Rooms on the maintenance levels is unlocked. Without the padlock on the door to keep them silent, silvery whispers drift up from the basement. A brush of thought, a tickle of an idea that won't quite go away — come down… come down and see… what is inside… don't you want to know?

► Those that heed the call and explore the maintenance levels will find the unlocked Punishment Room. The closer one comes to this door, the stronger these voices grow. They will continue calling, eagerly encouraging whoever stops in front of the door to step inside.

► The inside of this Punishment Room is plain. White walls, a single card table, and two plastic chairs. A single lightbulb offers a dusty glow. There is nothing particularly interesting upon first glance. Slowly, the door behind will creak closed until it is closed, locking itself in the process. That small lightbulb will begin to dim until everything inside the room is plunged into darkness.

► This Punishment Room senses the worst memories and fears of one of the captives inside and forces them to experience them in real time. The manifestation of memories or fears inside this room are realistic, to the point that it's impossible to discern whether or not this takes place in reality or the mind. The Punishment Room will randomly select which prisoner to dig from if there is more than one, but all guests inside will experience the room's effects.

► The door cannot be unlocked from the inside. Someone must either open it from the outside or captives must wait until the punishment is over and the door unlocks itself. How long that takes is random, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours. That’s what you get for listening to disembodied voices!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; aphrodisiacs; battle; blood; bondage; compulsion; costumes; discipline; dominance; drowning; dubcon; fears; fighting; food; hierarchy; humiliation; indulgence; kidnapping; noncon; paranormal; power imbalance; roleplay; servitude; stalking; submission; supernatural; terror; violence; weapons

▶ All characters on the TDM are WILDCARDS, which means they have not yet been assigned a card value. Suits will not manifest until characters are accepted into the game.

▶ All TDMs are game canon. This TDM acts as the game's August event. Changes to the above locations will ICly be present from August 15th - September 1st.

▶ 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 would be interested in a game invitation, you can note that in your comment header.

▶ If you aren't satisfied with these prompts, please feel free to check out our LOCATIONS to explore more of the resort!

▶ Smut threads that take place on this TDM can be used for rewards. If both parties in the smut thread join the game, you may retroactively apply the character's initial card values to your 52 bank. If one character does not join the game the thread will not be applicable toward rewards (as that character would not have a card value). The character that does join would still receive a small payout for the encounter. Hopefully it was a fun thread regardless!

▶ Wildcard tokens from the GILDED CAGE prompt may be redeemed even if the newbie(s) in question do not join the game, but only for the small item reward; the token does not carry over to Game 52.

▶ 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 to relax and enjoy the end of your summer! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

galatea

[tfy]

[He already had one close call with a statue. He wasn't going to make the mistake of getting too close to one again.

But that's easier said than done when the statues are off their pedestals, lugging their stone bodies up and down the halls. Trying to avoid them isn't doable when they're roaming freely around the resort, and he's in the process of getting chased by one when a certain someone makes his explosive entrance.

Bakugo doesn't just blow up the statue, he bodily throws it over his shoulder like all that stone weighs absolutely nothing to him. Then he blows it up. It's a real case of déjà vu, even though there aren't any feathers floating through the air this time. Sadly, Hiyori doesn't feel as chipper as he did when Bakugo blasted those seagull heads sky high; people have said things about the statues here that make him think it might not be such a good thing for them to be destroyed.

Still. He did help him out, and that deserves praise. The same praise he gave last time, in fact.]

Thanks for your help! ♪

[He calls out to Bakugo from a safe distance down the hall, managing a smile.]

I just knew you'd be good for public service-type stuff. That's a hero for you!

[blastedass]

[That's a good idea, until you remember the statues are all around the resort and can move on their own. Who the hell wants a stone figure to lumber out of the door and grab at them? Does this stupid place not realize how much damage a fucking arm made of stone can do when thrown at someone?! They want their prisoners to be good and "operational" for sex, but they're the ones actively threatening to damage their "guests" with this shitty prank.

That anger and annoyance fuels another explosion, turning one statue into a pile of rubble, while the other one gets summarily pitched ass over teakettle hard enough to crack the floor (and its butt) upon impact. Before meeting its untimely demise. By now he ignores the longing sigh of the statue's lingering lament, opting not to think about its implications. In all honesty, he prefers these over the fucking seagulls. At least the statues weren't instantly perverted and didn't strike annoying poses like obsessed muscle models. But they're also not as resilient in some ways, breaking from force where the lifeguards would squawk off smoking.

Urk! He knows that singsong voice instantly. The fucking green idol. Should've let the statue have him...]

Urusei! You're noisy! Get over here and help me move this shit outta the way, Parrot!

[Thanks for the compliment. He really does appreciate it, but hell if he's going to show that to Hiyori. Tough guy.]

[tfy]

[Hiyori, too, has noticed that much of what goes on around the resort seems to have the opposite effect of what the place is aiming for. "Make love, not war" they say, and yet the rank system fosters resentment between the haves and have-nots. "Have sex regularly, or you'll turn to stone," and yet they have things like monster attacks and "suit effects"—a category which includes hallucinations and nightmares—that would logically make it harder to achieve intimacy. It's impossible to get in the mood when you're suffering from some debilitating status effect, as he unfortunately now knows from experience.

But he also knows that's by design. Their misery is the House's enjoyment. And no one's really meant to "win the game," are they?

None of those bitter thoughts are at the forefront now, though. They're always somewhere in the back of his mind, but for now he focuses on his "hero." Who, in response to being thanked, proceeds to yell and call him a parrot.

His eyebrows jump.]

Parrot?

[He had no clue this was how Bakugo saw him. When Bakugo referred to him as a gay little green parrot last time, that was in the metatext!]

I'm more of a songbird! But I guess I can help you move debris, since you did help me. I don't have a shovel or a dustpan, though.

[blastedass]

[Good to know someone else is picking out the oxymoronic elements in this place's logic. Then again, Bakugo would be even more pissed if the resort did away with all variety and just "orgy all the time" with no variation period. Even if their events all circled back to the same perversion. They want them to get along well enough to fuck, yet pit them against each other in a fucked up caste system, which makes the sex less "I want to" and more "I have to". Great job, turning the reason you brought them here into something they learn to hate rather than grow to like. Even fun hobbies turn sour when they become a job.

But so long as the resort gets what it wants, why the hell should it care? The house must enjoy the action far more than the feelings or thoughts behind it. Like watching porn, where it's almost always fucking fake. Bakugo aims to win even if it's a pipe dream. Because losing that goal makes staying here an aimless waste of time.

Bitterness aside, at least he's with someone he knows. Even if Hiyori's slotted into that "annoying" category of people. And that gay little green parrot reflected in his thoughts, culminating in Hiyori's nickname. Which are usually childish and insulting, because Bakugo's still a jerk even if he has matured a lot since chapter 1.

Certainly not going to call Hiyori a bird of paradise.]

You've got feet and hands. Get it out of the middle of the hall.

[As much as he wants to leave it here like a big "fuck you" to the Hotel, if more of these statues are chasing people, he'd be pissed if someone else tripped and got caught over the mess he made. He's already using his instep to sweep some chunks of stone towards the gilded baseboards.]

[tfy]

[He's closer to a bird of paradise than a parrot, he'd argue. Eden is supposed to be paradise, after all. But he's too busy being put on janitor duty to worry about birds!]

So kick them off to the side, you mean? Very well! That shouldn't pose any problem.

[Hiyori Tomoe performing manual labor: what a rare thing! But he comes over to the crumbled statue and joins Bakugo in doing so. The other boy was a big help, and might've even saved him, so now it's time to do his part. He can think of worse things than kicking some debris around.

If only he could see the statue pieces as just debris. Seeing the crumbled statue turns his expression a bit more somber, and he goes quiet as he nudges the stone pieces away with the toe of his shoe, no longer a happy parrot.

He does start talking again after a moment, though. He can never go too long without doing so.]

Say, Baku-kun.. Have you heard of people turning into statues here?

[blastedass]

[Irritably, he does his own part in the clean up, reminding him of that damn period of house arrest he was punished with for getting into a fight with Deku after hours. The nostalgia ticks him off more than comforts him, since he's here.

Good thing Hiyori didn't bitch about it, or Bakugo would've raze him for being a wuss. At least he's not demanding they get a broom and sweep it out of the rug. That's the staff's job. So's picking that shit up. They only got it out of the way and that's that. IF the staff don't want the extra work, they can deal with the damn statues!

His irritation sombers when Hiyori talks. Dammit, Parrot! Don't latch onto the thought he's been trying to avoid since hearing the statues' first lament when he broke the initial attacker. Ashen browns furrow, eyes narrows, lips setting into a small stoic frown. One foot pushes the statue's head to face the wall.]

Is it true?

[Straight to the point.]

[tfy]

Yep.

[Equally straight and to the point.]

I don't know if all the statues used to be people. But people have gone missing and turned up as statues around the resort. Someone I know said that happened to two of his underclassmen.

[He moves another piece of stone aside, nudging it with his shoe rather than kicking it. He knows, of course, that this information is disturbing. It's the stuff of his nightmares, literally; he had an upsetting dream last month about finding Jun, Leo and Rinne's statues. Which is why he continues talking, wanting to share the good news as well as the bad.]

It's possible to come back from being one. Jun-kun met someone who said that happened to him. But we don't know how or why any of that happens.

[blastedass]

What?!

[He was holding onto the bare hope as each word came down the proverbial pipe. The statues being people was bad enough, but they couldn't be the people who this place brought here. Kidnapping people from their worlds and then turning them into stone decorations for whatever reason!? The thought twists his stomach instantly, boiling hate from within.]

He found them? As statues?

[Yelling in that disbelieving way demanding proof or affirmation of something Bakugo definitely doesn't want to be true. Making a statue in the semblance of someone who had gone back home? Sure, gross, but sure. KILLING someone instead of sending them back home?!]

That's bullshit! I know someone who's here but from a point further back in my time, still alive in my world!

[The more disturbing truth being they're just "copies" of their real-world selves, who go on living as if nothing ever changed.]

[tfy]

[Poor Baku-kun. He already has enough to be pissed off about, especially since he was given a low rank to start off with. And yet Hiyori just added one more big thing to his plate. Still, it's almost gratifying to see someone react normally. Esikko had reacted to the news with little more than a shrug when he told him last month.

Though the second thing he says gets Hiyori to blink, unsure of what the connection is to what he said. First thing's first, though:]

Yep. He found their statues after they'd been missing for about two months. Their names were taken off the registry, and the staff weren't any help in finding them. There's at least one person here who had the same thing happen and has come back, but...

[Those two underclassmen haven't. Not as far as he knows, anyway. Not yet and possibly not ever. But in response to that second thing, he looks curious.]

You don't mean this person died in your world, do you?

[blastedass]

[Of course he's going to get pissed off! Those are people! People who were alive and now they're turned to stone?! For what? Why?! None of them asked to be brought here! Is this what the resort does? Kidnap people, use them for perverse pleasure, and when done with them, petrify them to death?! LIKE HELL IS HE GOING TO ACCEPT THAT!! There are people here he doesn't want to see die!! Seeing any of them as statues like that would twist his guts!

Hiyori's confirmation of it doesn't help his reaction either, made even worse because Bakugo's already destroyed a few statues. The realization drains down his face and neck, mouth partially open as he process is. Was it like... killing a zombie, a corpse already dead and then reanimated? Or were there ways to bring them back, now unable to do so once destroyed? FUCK!!]

Someone was turned to a statue and then came back to life?

[His voice twists in a strange way, like he wants to shout, but is suddenly too horrified to get more than a gravelly shock out of his throat. What the fuck? WHAT THE FUCK?!]

[tfy]

[Uh oh. It's starting to look like he broke the kid. Time to put the breaks on!]

Baku-kun!

[He puts his hands on his hips and shouts. Not as loud as he did last time at the end there, but (hopefully) loud enough to get his attention!]

You know it's not your fault, right?

[He steps closer, prepared to put his hands on Bakugo's shoulders and shake him if he needs to, though for the time being he doesn't.]

It's this place! They're the ones doing things like that. And since they operate on magic, there's no telling how any of it works. I'm sure they can use magic to bring normal statues to life, too. And even if that was an old guest, apparently they can also bring dead people back to life! So!

[He grimaces, not even fully believing his own words. He's concerned about the statue, about the rubble he just moved, too. But he forces them out anyway.]

Don't feel bad about defending yourself!

[blastedass]

[The idea of accidentally murdering a human being remains a secret nightmare within Bakugo's subconscious. As much as he loves his Quirk and rides proud on his control of it, the obvious threat of misusing it remains buried away in his mind. He pulls his punches when dealing with petty thieves, only breaking out his full power when against people he knows can take it. Because if he ever killed someone, accidental or or purpose. No... No, he couldn't have! This wasn-!!

Bakugo jolts when his name's shouted into his face, though it takes a hand catching him on the shoulder to really jerk him out of the momentary panic. His eyes snap out of their widened zone, focusing on Hiyori a second later.

Not his fault?]

But- If that was a person! [Even if they used to be-! If they had a chance to come back to life, a chance to reclaim their humanity, even in stone form-! If that was a conscious, living being inside that stone flesh-! He just killed them!

Hiyori's yelling about magic, about how vague it is, how the hotel can return people to life, but all of that clashes against a morality screech. He could have defended himself without destroying the statue! If the soul inside had thanked him for freeing them from imprisonment, it would have been more than fine. Instead, lingering regret, sorrow over not getting the chance to live again. And they might've been someone who'd been here before?! What it that was Midoriya?! Or All Might?! Could he have destroyed a statue knowing it was housing Midoriya's soul, when he just wanted to live again?! FUCK!!]

[tfy]

[His chest sinks and he grimaces. He really screwed up royally, even without knowing that there are people from Bakugo's world who've been kidnapped here before and then disappeared. There's no good rebuttal, no foolproof words of solace he can offer. The statue thing unnerves him, too; it's creeped him out to the point of nightmares. He shouldn't have told Bakugo what he knows, at least not while those broken pieces are still strewn across the floor.

But what's done is done, and he curls his hands on Bakugo's shoulders, gripping firmly.]

If that was a person, they were already hopeless. One of them tried to force itself on me. We can't be expected to do nothing while they do that.

[He defended himself with force, too. After Esikko gave him a head start by cracking a vase over the statue. There was just no alternative. Or at least that's what he tells himself, but he can't afford to feel bad about it. If he lets terrible things happen to himself, then that isn't fair to him or to everyone who loves him.]

But the doctors here revived someone who'd been murdered once. So, if that really was a person, then—

[Suddenly he gets an idea.]

—then perhaps if we brought them the pieces, they could do something.

[blastedass]

[Logic and emotion vie for control. He's faced villains who wouldn't give a second thought about killing him and defeated them without death involved. He's dealt with reanimated corpses, bio-engineered and bloated into monstrosities that barely look human anymore. But he's never been forced with the decision to kill. Heroes don't kill unless it's the utmost last option for the greater safety of far more than the one death. And even then, that option can leave a heavy mark on their souls. Bakugo can't grasp how Hawks and Lady Nagant did what they did, or the traitorous heroes who sided with the League. Finding himself suddenly potentially being in the same lane... blood on his hands even if he didn't know... It's wrenches his insides.

And yet, the calculating side remains, pointing out this place is outside of their space and time, that reanimated statues imbued with a soul are still just chucks of stone, imprisoning a trapped spirit. They hadn't been alive the entire time he'd been here, suddenly coming to life from magic or whatever ability runs this place. Destroying them could free the being inside. Yet their longing suggests they didn't want to go... Unless all of this was a trick designed to psyche them into an emotional mess so they'd seek each other in comforting solace. Which is a fucking sick game to play. Or a threat as to what happens to those who don't obey. FUCKING HELL, WHICH IS IT?!

Hiyori talks to him again and Bakugo narrows his eyes at him, trying to grasp the pieces of his nerves and force them back into place. Shaken, but still proud enough to attempt regaining control.] I'll stop them without breaking them next time. [Said in a growl that's more a promise to himself than anyone else. Agreed, he can't let these things run around and assault people either. Turning his head, he glares at the statue pieces, listening to Hiyori trying to console him. It's working, mostly. Hearing the doctors revived someone...]

His underclassmen. Did they ever act like that when they were alive?

[tfy]

[That's the thing: are the people who disappear and get turned into statues "people who didn't obey?" In his heart, Hiyori fears that possibility. Yet he and Jun haven't disappeared yet, and they've been ignoring the Game 52 rules ever since they got here six months ago. And not everyone who has disappeared was refusing to play the game, were they? Rinne was playing, and he still vanished for a month. It doesn't feel like there's a rhyme or reason to things which only unnerves him further.

Still. The last thing he should be doing is spreading his anxiety to someone who's barely found his footing here. To someone who's done nothing wrong, and who goes out of his way to protect others.

It's a relief to see Bakugo calm down. His conclusion, however, earns a curious Hiyori.]

Can you use your Quirk to freeze them or bind them?

[Because otherwise he's not sure how Bakugo plans to stop them without breaking them. Regardless, Hiyori releases his shoulders.

It's a good thing Bakugo doesn't ask about the person who got murdered. Technically he wasn't even supposed to tell people about that; it's just that in the heat of the moment, he forgot! He is glad he told him the doctors can revive people, as that seems to have helped calm him down. Though, honestly...

He doubts the cost of revival is free.]

Act like what?

[He blinks in response to the question.]

They weren't attacking people in the halls. I only ever met one of them, but he seemed like a good kid. An innocent boyish type, who liked things that were "awesome!" I'm sure he'd be impressed by your powers.

[This is said with some amount of sadness. He wasn't that close with Deuce but it's infuriating to think about what happened to him.]

[blastedass]

[Bakugo can't gather the reason behind the petrification, though he suspects it has something to do with punishment. Why else would they turn someone to stone? Unless that's how the hotel feeds. That's fucking gross. Can this place really be killing people though? He has five people from his world in this place and yet all of them are alive and well (the last word's arguable in his current world state) back home before he was pulled here. None of them were ever reported missing for any length of time. So this place can't be affecting their home worlds. In that case... does "death" here really matter?

Spinning through the logic is at least helping to calm his nerves somewhat, even if the idea of killing someone here continues to bother his heart. Does that mean their souls are wandering around, ready and able to be put back in statues and restored at the hotel's whim? Can the statues be repaired then, before they're restored? Bakugo breaks from his mental wheel spinning and focuses back on Hiyori.]

No. I'll just make sure they can't fucking move. [There are a lot of items around the hotel. Curtains, stanchions holding their velvet ropes, bedsheets, etc. If this place is going to let dangerous statues run around and accost people, then it can go fuck itself if people use what they can to defend themselves! However they want to do it!

Don't think he forgot about the mention of murder. But right now, he doesn't want to inquire about it. Later, he'll ask.]

Assaulting people. [And indicates the pile of rock nearby. Perhaps those trapped inside the statues are forced to act in ways they never would in real life. In that event, there's a clash between them wanting to feel real again, but also imprisoned in activities they don't want. Hiyori's answer is at least the expected one.] So even if they are brought back, like this, they're not themselves...

[tfy]

[Hiyori could probably poke some holes in those ideas. Surely the stone statues are strong enough to rip apart curtains and bedsheets. But he doesn't question Bakugo's words; instead he just smiles faintly.]

Well, whatever works. Just don't beat yourself up so much. You did a wonderful thing by protecting by me. I'd even be happy to reward you! ♪

[Though of course he knows that Bakugo didn't do it for the reward. The reason he did it was simple: "because that's what heroes do." Right?

His good cheer pretty much evaporates when Bakugo says that last thing, though. Now there's a possibility he hasn't considered: that the House can not only turn people to stone, but also rob them of their original personalities and turn them into mindless, sex-hungry stone zombies. He finds the idea so disagreeable that he rejects it instinctively, wrinkling his nose and shaking his head.]

And that just means these statues probably weren't former guests! I don't know much about the person who came back from being one, but I spoke to a close friend of his, and they made it sound like he came back normal. They never said anything about him coming back with a different personality. Plus Jun-kun met that person, and I'm sure he would've mentioned if he'd been a violent creep who chased him down! So, it sounds to me like you do keep your original character, even after you become statue.

[blastedass]

[Unfortunately, Bakugo is not Midoriya, and he doesn't run his thoughts through his mouth for others to parse through. He's more the kind to think on his own, gathering information as he needs, and finally putting forth an idea or conclusion that's right or sound enough it's close. As for the curtains or bedsheets, there's a surprising amount of strength that comes from layers. Just like folding a normal sheet of paper in half more than ten times. It's almost impossible.]

I'm not beating myself up! [Even though he almost just had a major emotional wrench in his brain over potentially killing someone without intending to. Bakugo snorts at the suggestion of a reward. Maybe he'll take Hiyori up on the offer when they finally get off the more dour topic.

Ironically, it's far easier for Bakugo to think the House steals people's personalities and trades them out for "zombies" like this. The person is no longer a person, but rather a monster, already "dead" inside with no way to wake up. It's like the Nomu, bio-engineered to be strong soldiers for All for One and nothing else, regardless of what alignment the corpse used for their creation was. Heroes, villains, civilians, it didn't matter. Those people... they weren't alive anymore.]

Then these fucking things right here aren't their original bodies or personalities. [As much as it weirds him out to think the hotel is putting petrified guests around the resort as decorations (or bragging trophies) if the hotel can return them to normal, they wouldn't put a recognizable person in a public spot, only to have them "vanish" once they become flesh and blood again. That would lead to a lot of questions being asked, plus potential damage to the statues they want to keep in good condition, should they return to life...]

[tfy]

[Is it better to stay yourself but to be trapped in stone, immobilized and unable to speak? Or to lose yourself but not have to suffer as much? It's a philosophical question he hopes will never be relevant to him, and would rather not spend any time pondering!

Hopefully it's relevant to nobody here, though. As he goes on to explain:]

That person who became a statue didn't seem to have any memory of that time. Neither did the person from my world who disappeared for a month. Though he never became a statue.

[.......... unless he did and they just didn't find... him... But nope, he shakes his head again, hurriedly clearly away that thought, too!!]

Anyway, the House can use magic. Which is kind of like superpowers, which are kind of like your Quirk! I've seen objects levitate and chase people around before, so hopefully the moving statues are just an enchantment. Sort of like a robot that moves and is programmed to repeat certain catchphrases!

[He speaks confidently, throwing that idea out there. Then he pauses—does he really believe that? The statues and the words they speak before they die feel more "real" to him than that, too. It's an eerie feeling, and in his heart he still worries about himself and his castmates ending up like that.

But he's done unloading his anxieties on Bakugo. So this time, he smiles.]

Anyway, I said that thing about gathering the pieces and bringing them to the clinic in the heat of the moment, but I'm not truly sure what good that'll do. I don't think they really are real people. That thing about the clinic bringing the dead back to life is true though, but I still wouldn't want to risk dying in this place. That's why I'm so glad to have a hero like you around ♪

[There's another pause, him idly toeing another piece of rubble. Then he asks,]

Speaking of heroes, what was that you said about someone from your world? I've talked to a lot of people, so it's possible I've met them!

[blastedass]

Did they have memory of the time before they were a statue?

[No memory of their time as a statue suggests they weren't conscious while they were a statue, weren't even present (if the soul was removed), or had their memory wiped upon recovering. Regardless, if they didn't remember, there's still a chance the statues that have been wandering around the resort are nothing more than fakes cast in the shape of people who left the resort, their "dying breath" nothing more than a cheap scare tactic.]

No shit.

[Of course it can use magic! Shoving all that technology into a massive wave machine that appeared overnight? Talking statues assaulting people? Kidnapping shades of people who exist in other worlds? NO SHIT IT'S MAGIC!! As much as he'd like to believe this damn place is run by a conglomerate of people with technology and perverted intentions... the more "obvious" excuse of magic is making itself the stupidly logical choice. In that there is no logic. Just the "it's magic" plot device.]

Tch, this damn place isn't going to turn people on by scaring them.

[Despite the disturbing idea, even IF these statues are the original bodies, now petrified, with no memories of what happens while petrified, and the House putting them back together to revive them later with no damage, more or less nullifies any lasting crime of breaking the figures. He wants to believe they're nothing more than fakes, but... Going forward, Bakugo still plans to take down the statues without breaking them. Even if that means trapping them in rooms or ripping all the fucking drapes, sheets, and towels out of this place.]

I'm not gonna die in this place. [He isn't going to let anyone else die here if he can help it. Bringing the statue to the clinic, however... Bakugo narrows his eyes at the pieces.] We should take this one. If the person really can come back, having it somewhere we can find it later would answer a lot of questions.

[He doesn't recognize this person though, but if it ever vanishes and someone who looks like the statue appears in the Hotel, they'll know where to check and who to talk to. Unless the place steals or moves the statue pieces away. Bakugo breaks from his thoughts at the question.]

There are five people here from my world. [Because at this point in time, Endeavor and Hawks are still here.] A huge man with red hair, a blonde man with red wings, a guy with white hair and purple scars, a guy with white long white hair and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth, and a guy with black hair who acts like a theatrical magician.

[Descriptions first, then names if necessary.]

[tfy]

Yep! Sounds like it. I haven't talked to that person myself, though. I'd like to ask him some questions at some point, though I sort of doubt he likes being interrogated about that stuff.

[Because who on earth would?

There is one other explanation besides magic: the idea that this is all a VR system. His world had something like that which some of the other idols tested out, and even used to perform live shows. He's sort of given up on that idea after Esikko shared his findings about the House's magic, though. So, he won't mention it.

He's glad to hear Bakugo won't die in this place—]

Right, of course you won't!

[... but he's less enthused about the idea of lugging all these chunks of marble to the clinic (especially considering he doesn't trust the staff). He normally prefers not to lift anything heavier than a chopstick! His face falls, but he won't object. He is the one who suggested it. He does, however, point out the following:]

Then we'll need a wheelbarrow in that case. Unless we can make the staff carry the pieces for us. I'd much prefer that, but I'm not sure they'll listen to me at my rank unless I wear that outfit again. I wonder if we can get Weiss-chan to order them around on our behalf? She's a Queen now, so they ought to listen to her!

[The outfit he's referring to is his birthday reward. But he doesn't explain that, so the statement probably just sounded bizarre.

As for that last bit, his brows shoot up when he hears it.]

That's the most I've heard so far!

[He says, though it's not a record. He just only knows a couple of Hoyoverse characters.]

I'm not sure about the others, but I do know the last one. Or at least I think I do. He went first at the Magic Showcase! ♪ I'm guessing you weren't in the audience, were you? Next time I'll send you a special invite~♪

[But then he pauses. When he speaks again next, there's no singsong to it, though he tries to sound casual.]

I was just wondering if anyone from your world had disappeared. You sort of made it sound like someone had. But if not, I'm glad to hear it.

[blastedass]

[It sounds more and more like the time spent as a statue has no bearing on the person. These people don't even remember what happened as a statue, so how the hell does anyone know whether they were a statue or not?! He scowls at the pieces on the floor, clashing ideas rumbling around in his head.]

He's not going to give you any answers if he wasn't conscious of the time he was gone.

[Bakugo's also had a brief talk with Esikko about the magic imbuing this place. It's weird to think about, but the "magic entity" versus "high tech corporation" is leaning towards the former, as much as he hates to admit it.]

I don't know who the hell that is. [Hiyori has a point though. The staff won't listen to him either due to his rank, even if he threatens to blast their heads through a wall. Usually that gets a retort threat for law enforcement and he has to back down and leave with a snarl. The other option is to just take some parts, like the head, but does he really want to come to the place and find a disembodied head bleeding out on the floor?] I'll take care of it.

[If anything, it'll make a good workout and he can tell Hiyori where he stashed the pieces later. (He's thinking about putting it in a car in the garage, since nothing happens there.) But getting a wheelbarrow isn't a bad idea.]

Urusei. [Hiyori better not be talking about "the most" he's heard Bakugo say so far! He's not going to run a garrulous description of each of them! This guy asked for something and he gave it! If he can't pick out a familiarity with that, he hasn't met any of them. Except the last one... who had the most generic physical description at least. Bleh.]

I just got here! How the hell would I be at a Magic Showcase!? [He never heard of one at least? Not that he wants to be invited to a magic show run by that guy. Bakugo's still adjusting to the idea of them being here. As for the last part, only an irritated scoff kicks off the words.]

I'm the furthest along from my timeline out of the five of us and none of them said shit about getting dragged into some fucking sex hotel back home. [And if such a thing had happened, surely Endeavor of Hawks would have mentioned it to someone, considering the work they'd been doing at the time and the people they worked with. Yet none of them said anything.] I don't think "we" matter to the "us" back home.

[They're literally copies of themselves sucked out of their timelines for this damn place's entertainment.]

[tfy]

Well, he might be able to talk about what he was doing beforehand. Or if the staff treated him any differently after he came back, or if he's noticed anything that changed since then. It might not be a lot to go on, but it's worth a shot, anyway!

[Hope springs eternal and all that. But even he doesn't suspect he'll be able to uncover anything too useful.]

I'd be happy to introduce you, but it's terrible manners to swear at girls. So if you ever do meet, do try to watch your language, alright?

[This about Weiss, who is a prim and proper young lady as far as Hiyori knows. But it seems Bakugo would prefer to haul around hunks of marble himself, rather than use someone else's influence to get the staff to do it, to which Hiyori can only sigh.]

Well if you're going to do it, then I feel like I should help. We will need something to carry the pieces in, though. Which is why I like my wheelbarrow idea!

[But back to that in a minute.

He does glance at the scattered pieces on the floor again, wondering if there's any point to preserving them in spite of what he said before. The statue is just a stone statue that was enchanted to look real, wasn't it? And if not, he can't imagine that even all the king's horses and all the king's men could assemble the broken pieces into a breathing person again.

Still, he has been holding onto the broken pieces of a hair ornament he wore here, just because it holds sentimental value to him. So if nothing else, he supposes it's a nice gesture.

He's not sure why he got told to shut up when all he meant is that five is a high number. He only knows three people from his world here, and most people he's met know fewer people than that. But, you know, whatever. Being this kid's charm school teacher is too difficult a job, so he'll pass! He does address the Magic Showcase thing, though.]

I advertised over the Network! ♪ And over that Mating Season thing. And I hung sparkly flyers with rhinestones on them!

[Not over all 90+ floors, though. Ain't nobody got time for that, least of all Hiyori Tomoe. And all preparations ended up being done at the last minute, since it took him some time to recover from some status effects brought on by the Hearts Game. Bakugo can be forgiven for not having heard of it.

And as for that bit about the people from his home world, well, that's something he has experience with.]

It could be that they lost their memories, and that's why you remember more than they do. I don't really have an answer to that other stuff, though. And I'm not sure how to feel about there being two of me somewhere. If that's how things work, then what exactly does it mean to "go back"?

[It's a rhetorical question. He doesn't like to think about it; it's too much of a headache. But it does raise the issue of whether "going back home" is really so simple. Whether it's really even possible. And that's less of a headache and more of a heartache.]

[blastedass]

People who have left and returned are rare. We should take the opportunity we get.

[If the guy thinks it's rude or has some kind of psycho reaction to it, they can deal with either of those. The first by not giving a shit; if this asshole wants to remain trapped, that's his problem. The second by backing off and waiting a bit before trying again. Either way, Bakugo wants to get answers out of him, even if it's small and leads to conjecture rather than facts. Having something to go on is better than nothing.]

Haa?! If that's what you're worried about, you talk to her! [Because he's not curbing his language for someone! Granted, he hasn't raised his voice at Hiyori as he did their first meeting...]

Do you even know where a wheelbarrow is? [As tempting as it is to hotwire a car and drive it up here, reality's a bitch. No way is a car getting in an elevator or up the stairs.

If it's any consolation, Bakugo says "shut up" a lot to plenty of things. Don't take it personally, Hiyori. As for the statue collection, it's now more an experiment they can control rather than collecting pieces out of potential guilt.]

Uh-huh. I've got other things to focus on. [He usually avoids the network as much as he'd avoid people's social media pages. The Mating Season thing isn't a focus for him yet, and he must've missed the flyers.]

No. They look different too. As they did from earlier in the year back home. They're from my past. I'm from their future on our world's timeline. [It's not a matter of memories being forgotten; it's a matter of Bakugo comes from weeks or months forward on their world's timeline than they're from. And none of them mentioned this place, which would've been something All for One would've latched on to, or the heroes would have wanted information on.] There has to be. Otherwise our worlds would've gone on without us and people from our futures who arrive here would mention it.

[The world would have known if Hawks and Endeavor vanished for an entire fucking month, at least. He'll explain it if Hiyori really needs the blow by blow.]

[tfy]

[His shoulders slump a bit as he admits,]

It does seem rare. Which makes me wonder what it is that made him special. But if even one person can come back, then that means there's hope for the others. And I have to assume he's not the only one in this place.

[He needs to meet Midnight at some point, too. But he doesn't know about him yet!

Hiyori doesn't address the bit about Weiss, who it doesn't sound like they're going to for help anyway. But in response to the wheelbarrow thing:]

Nope, no clue!

[As though that inspires confidence.]

But there are stores selling just about everything around here. And if not a wheelbarrow, a cart should work. You see staff pushing those around at some of the shops and restaurants. All I need to do is ask if I can borrow one ♪

[Will they really let him at his rank...? He's not bottom of the barrel, so maybe. And when in doubt, he can always just grab one without asking!

He's not upset with Bakugo for missing the showcase. He does tell him,]

If you haven't been using the Network much, it's honestly a good source of info. I much prefer talking to people in-person, though. My wrist has been absolutely killing me from typing messages lately. These tiny little screens are so inconvenient.

[They'd be hurting less if he could only be brief. Even over text messages, he's a real chatterbox!

But Bakugo's next words get him to drop the frivolous complaints. His expression sobers up and he looks contemplative.]

They looked different, too, huh?

[Well, that's a new one. Rinne and Leo looked the same as usual to him, but if the people from Bakugo's world look visibly younger—or they're missing something their future selves have, like battle scars—then it really can't just be a case of missing memories, can it? And if it's not missing memories, then what is going on? He thinks about what Bakugo said a moment ago, about their current selves not mattering to the selves in their home worlds, and he frowns.]

I guess that makes as much sense as anything. I can't say I like it, though. I don't like the thought of my world moving on without me and Jun-kun, of course. But now it feels like we're in some sci-fi novel. And if there are different timelines, then what does it mean to go back?

[It's a question he knows Bakugo can't answer. But it's yet another thing that's bound to weigh on him, muddying their situation and contributing to his stress.]