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peacockstop2024-08-15 09:00 pm
goldmods) wrote in peacockstop2024-08-15 09:00 pm
TDM 05
【 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
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.
GILDED CAGE
AN ENDLESS FEAST
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.
PHOENIX CASINO
ALEA IACTA EST
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.
BEAK
ENTERTAIN YOUR BETTERS
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.
TALON
SHOW OF STRENGTH
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.
INDULGENCE
DESIRES FROM THE VOID
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.
OOC NOTES
▶ 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! ♥
▶ 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! ♥
no subject
[Bakugo didn't know about the statue thing because he's barely a month old here and has no fucking idea how this place works! Hence the semi-mind-break when he thought breaking a statue meant killing a world-napped guest. Luckily that's managed to slither the majority of the guilt out in a convoluted manner.
But yeah, the two notions Hiyori's bringing up in his mind are what Bakugo's suggesting. No one remembers their time here back home, because no one technically left their home, and the house can yank whoever it wants whenever it wants, screw time and place. On the one hand, of course that's horrible, if you make a bunch of good memories here. On the other hand, do you want to remember being kidnapped and forced into a sex game with semi-torturous results half the time? Bakugo spent his first week waking up each morning hoping it'd all been a fucked-up dream. No such luck...
He's not been here long enough to consider the memories he's made currently worth keeping in the grande scheme of things. Give him some more months and he'll change his mind.
From the silence and expression on Hiyori's face, the same can't be said for the idol.
...
A small huff.]
Unless we find a way to beat this damn bird down and make it change its shitty mind.
no subject
Still. To lose all his memories...
He's quiet for another moment, his head swirling with dark thoughts. Those aren't going to go away anytime soon. But the conspicuous silence on Bakugo's end, followed by him talking about beating up the House or whoever, snaps him out of it. Bakugo shouldn't have to be the reasonable one here. He picks his head up, schooling his expression into something more neutral.]
First we have to actually get home. That other stuff won't matter until we find a way to accomplish that.
[He's telling himself this as much as Bakugo.]
But even that can come later, since right now we need a cart! So, let's take care of that first of all.
[And then he starts to walk again.
He seems to have regained his usual energy. Still, he's sorry he showed the other boy an unpleasant face.
It's not like anything is confirmed. They do still need to find a way home. And he can even see where it might be beneficial to lose his memories of this place—that way, his friends and family and fans won't notice anything amiss when he gets back. He'll be the same "Hiyori Tomoe" he was before, completely unchanged, like one of those statues frozen in time and then brought to life again.
But he thinks about his partner, up in his room, and he can't help the tugging on his heartstrings or the tightness in his throat. It's almost suffocating. Are they just toys to be played around with...?]
... you know. Someone told me they brought us here to "change our fate."
[He speaks up again after a moment. Although he's the one who suggested moving on, he ends up bringing the subject back up again anyway.]
By meeting people from other worlds, whom we never would've met otherwise, our fate supposedly changes. I don't know what that means exactly, but it does make me wonder what point there is when we're bound to forget in the end.
no subject
If there's any consolation, it means their lives back home aren't moving on without them...
Hiyori's not fooling anyone with that drawn-up general expression. His words and rationalization hit the guy hard. Tch, that's what happens when you get attached to something or someone, then risk being torn away from it. He can't blame the idol for it. But he should have thought about what this place meant first... Who the hell is he kidding? People form bonds no matter where they are or what's happening. Not even Bakugo's immune to that.]
Find the nearest store. We should be able to locate a cart in that.
[He'll leave Hiyori to deal with his feelings in private. There's a small piece of hope if they can gain control of the resort, but pushing such a thing right now is foolish. They have something physical and current to focus on instead.
If the idol thinks Bakugo sees less of him for showing his emotion, he's wrong. Despite the blonde's abrasive attitude and irritation towards people's emotional outbursts, he's not cruel. People have emotions. So does he. Hiyori's done enough for now. The entire hour's been an emotional roller coaster. It's not like the idol didn't see Bakugo's shell-shocked horror back there...]
Hm? [He glances to Hiyori, red eyes narrowed but not in the sharp expression he usually wears; it's blunted. Not a topic so easily left behind. Bakugo's quiet or a while before he focuses forward again. His rough voice carries a gentle resolve in it. Something for both of them to think about.]
Just because you forget something in your mind doesn't meant the people who touched your heart can be erased.
[Even if their presence becomes little more than a sliver within, unrecognizable but there when you need them most, can it really be said you've forgotten them? A ghost of encouragement during a rough time, a nostalgic feeling of happiness... Memories can be messed with and erased, but bonds aren't so easily severed.]
no subject
Bakugo definitely has a heart. He's just clumsy about showing it. Hiyori knows his type. Or so he thought, but...
Those last words catch him by surprise. He throws Bakugo a look, blinking slowly.
Before, at last, a smile spreads on his lips.]
Those are some nice words.
[Deep, heartfelt, and sincerely meant. So of course Hiyori can't help but lightly tease lightly.]
I didn't expect you to start talking about hearts. Baku-kun has more than just heroics on the brain, hm~? ♪
[It's cute.
He's not sure how he feels about the sentiment, though. It's not that he disagrees. He just deeply dislikes the idea of his memories being erased. Still looking at the other boy, he asks,]
You're not talking from experience, are you?
[There isn't some villain back at Bakugo's home who attacks people's memories... is there?]
no subject
But Hiyori's not wrong about him in the other assumptions. He's got a good heart under all that crappy attitude and he has every intention of making sure everyone in this resort is able to go home safely. One way or another. Whether it's a skillful victory wish or taking down the being holding them here.
Now stop looking at him with your big purple goo-goo doll eyes, ya gay little parrot.]
Urusei.
[Don't make a big deal about it. There are people here Bakugo would rather not forget either. Not for the same reasons as Hiyori. Also being able to keep some memories, even if nothing more than slivers in your heart, would be a fun middle finger to this shitty peacock on the way out.]
I said shut it! You wanna die?! I'll rip yours out!
[And back to being the explosive grumpy bear Hiryori's more acquainted with. He bristles at the suggestion he's gone through something like this before. Mostly because of how incredulous the suggestion is.]
Hell no! [...] But someone else had something like it happen to them. [The way his tone quiets suggests the story is not a pleasant one.]
no subject
But he definitely does not appreciate Bakugo threatening to rip his heart out, even if it is just an empty threat (which it had better be). He turns up his nose in the air.]
Nope! If you want to win my heart, that is not the way to go about it! So I'll just have to keep my life, my memories, and my heart all for myself, thanks! ♪
[Even if it sounds increasingly like keeping the second thing might not be possible.
... he's not going to come to terms with that right now. It's too early, and he and Jun are going nowhere close to getting out, anyway. Still, that feeling of dread lingers, until suddenly he remembers a conversation he and Jun had. "I'm sure we would've ended up the same, even if it weren't for this resort. Things might've gone a bit differently, but I won't give this place all the credit."
His hand slowly curls into a fist at his side. He still hates the thought of surrendering his memories, but for now, he grasps onto that idea like a lifeline. The idea that he and Jun would've ended up the same way they are now—it just would've taken some more time. (And involved less animal transformation.) (... probably.)
But back to Bakugo's life. He denies that he's ever had his memories stolen, which is good news. He does, however, say he knows someone who had something like that happen to them. How exactly did that turn out? He's very tempted to ask.
Something about Bakugo's tone tells him that would be straying into dangerous territory, though. So in the end, he doesn't.]
Is that so...?
[He says vaguely.]
Well, I'm glad to hear your memories stayed intact. For as long as possible, try not to forget that there's an idol called Hiyori Tomoe, alright?
[His voice sounds casual, but it's a sincere wish. And after imparting that wish, he starts to pick up the pace towards their destination again.]
no subject
Like hell I do! [Hiyori has way better options than Bakugo going after his heart! The blonde hasn't even thought about dating in the first place, and trying to do that here?! What a shit idea... He only scoffs at the latter part. At least Hiyori's determination to keep his trio is admirable.
Bakugo's sticking to logic rather than dreams, but if there's a way to somehow keep their memories, he won't begrudge the idol for choosing that route. It'd be nice to keep his own if he learns something advantageous or helpful about his kin worldmates, but that's unlikely to happen.
Yeah, don't drag him into your love-life woes, Hiyori. Bakugo's not a sympathetic person even to mushy stuff. While he could give some talk about the memories, the story's more from his teacher's side of view about a friend. It would be third party source. Beyond that, however, and Shinsou's Brainwashing Quirk, there's no much in the way of mental assaults or manipulations in Bakugo's world. He should be thankful for that.]
Hmph. Who could ever forget you? [Grumbled like that's a problem, despite the grumpy reassurance he won't forget him. Even if it's only a sliver in his heart that comes if he ever watches and idol group in concert.] To your right.
[Another hallway, then some venues they can hunt a cart down at.]
🎀 unless there's something else you want to thread?
But then he, too, has threatened violence when he's been in a really bad mood. So perhaps he has no room to judge. Still, that's how he is. "One set of rules for me, another set for thee!" In any case, once it becomes clear that Bakugo is not about to retaliate with explosives, he just laughs to himself.
He's not laughing when Bakugo says that last thing, though. That gets him to slow his walk and swivel his head around, and he looks genuinely surprised. It's one thing for Bakugo not to launch a grenade at him, but to actually say he won't forget him? That's unexpected. But nice.]
...~♪
[He hums cheerfully before nodding, in response to Bakugo's directions and to his other words. Who could forget him indeed? He's Hiyori Tomoe.]
Yep, got it!
[His worries haven't gone anywhere. But his steps feel lighter as he skips off to the nearest eatery, barging right into the establishment and voicing his request with plenty of gusto.]
Excuse me! ♪ I have some heavy things to carry, so I'd like to borrow a cart, please! To be more specific, I'd like to borrow that one, since it looks conveniently empty! Mind handing that one over for a bit?
[He'll attempt to sweet-talk the staff and promise to return it later. Hopefully that'll be enough. It's all he can do: split the burden with others, and try to make it a little less heavy.]
wanna handwaive the statue wasn't there when they return? ...dun dun dun...
DON'T JUDGE HIM FOR THREATS OF VIOLENCE WHEN YOU DO THE SAME, DAMMIT!! Take ye forth thy rules and deposit them forcefully upwards within the place where the sun shineth not. (Says Bakugo never.) He's apparently only going to grumble to himself rather than follow through on the dangerous promise.
Bakugo shoots him a glare, daring the other boy to open his mouth and say a damn thing about the comment. No one said being unforgettable meant it was in a good way. Some people are so annoying, they forever stain your brain like an unwanted ditty!
Hiyori says nothing so there's no further grenades. This entire event has been turbulent from the start to the end. He's no fool enough to think a few nice things and some talk will lift Hiyori's (or his own) worries away. There's a lot for them to think about going forward.
As for the cart... Bakugo stalks right in while Hiyori's sweet talking the staff and promptly commandeers the cart with a crushing grip on its handle. The reason? SHUT UP AND DIE!! YOU WANT THE STATUE TO BREAK IN HERE NEXT?!
*yoink!*
Alas, Hiyori's going to have to sweat drop this off and try to sweet talk a whole new deal. Bakugo leaves it to the idol and his silver tongue. Isn't that what idols are meant to do? Good luck.]
actually we can just thread that if you want, since it'll only take a few comments
It's not a pleasant thought. But there are a lot of powerful people here. People with downright terrifying abilities. Sorcerers who can burn people to ash with a murmured incantation; gods who can do seemingly anything; part-human, part-monster types with teeth and claws that could cut through human flesh. Hiyori has been going out of his way to find guests like that, since it benefits him to have strong people on his side who can protect him. The ones he's forged relationships with are good, at least as far as he knows. But there are bad people here, too—people who would definitely fall on the "villain" side of the heroes-versus-villains equation.
It's not just the House or some enchanted statues they have to worry about. He wonders if Bakugo knows that yet.
But now isn't the time to talk about the murders he's heard about. Now's the time to grab a cart! Which he's just on the verge of getting the staff to give up, although at first the restaurant employees don't seem too sure—the person asking isn't a face card or anything. Is it alright to let a Rank 8 borrow one? But he flashes them his most winning smile and says,]
Not to worry! I'll be very gentle with it, and won't leave so much as a single scratch ♪ I just thought I'd use it to deliver gifts to people! Specifically, I have some fancy gifts to deliver to my high-ranked friends.
[That should do it, he figures. If he says it's for the sake of the higher-ranks, they'll approve. He doesn't respect the hierarchy here, or his place within it, but he knows how hierarchies work. And this wouldn't be the first time he's used the rank system to his benefit.
However. These words don't have the magical effect he intended, because Bakugo appears behind him and just grabs the cart without saying a word! This sends the staff into a tizzy, with some of them calling out after him. It looks like a low-rank thief stole the restaurant's property! A frowny, delinquent-like thief!
Hiyori, meanwhile, glares after Bakugo's back for a moment, before smoothing over his expression and turning back to the staff.]
Sorry about him. He's not very good with words. But he's actually the servant I hired to deliver those gifts to the higher-ranks! I tell him which presents to load on, and he pushes the cart for me~♪ That's the deal we have. I'd better go keep an eye on him, though. He'd be absolutely hopeless without me.
[And then he rushes after Bakugo before they can say another word. Once they've left the restaurant and re-entered the hall, he chides him gently:]
Baku-kun, Baku-kun! You almost un-did all the work I did! You know that good kids ask before borrowing things, right? I bet heroes are supposed to ask, too! Not that I have much respect for the property here, either...
[Well, whatever. They have a cart now, and so he'll walk quickly with Bakugo back to where those statue pieces should be waiting. (Keyword being "should.")]
sounds good to me
He's well aware of the kinds of people here. The villains from his world and two heroes make it obvious this place is capable of handling all kinds. Even with ridiculous power. Bakugo might consider allying himself with people he meets, provided they pass his high standards and he actually wants to work with them. Hiyori's notion to ingratiate himself with strong allies isn't a bad idea. So long as he's careful and knows who he has connections with.
Anyways, they've got a damn cart now! If these people need proof they're doing what they say they are, he'll bring the pieces right back here and dump it into the fucking store! That or lead the next statue assault right through the kitchen door. Are the statues even going after the staff or only the guests? Who gives a shit. Hiyori's left to deal with his blaze in/blaze out actions as Bakugo hauls the cart through the swinging doors and into the main area once more. He sizes it up, deeming it able to carry the statue pieces.
Good thing he's not there to hear what Hiyori said about him. That'd get the sparks flying.]
Haa? [Bakugo twists his head on his neck when the guy comes yapping after him. Why the fuck is he talking to him like a little kid?! Then simmers into normal Hiyori and the blonde glares at him in response.] It's called commandeering. You don't fucking ask.
[Technically you're supposed to have a badge and reason though. Bakugo's already shoving the cart down the hall, getting the hell out of there while they have the chance. Back to the statue so they can stash it away.]
no subject
I'm pretty sure "stealing" is what most people would call it! Heroes don't just take things without saying a word to explain themselves. I'm amazed you haven't gotten in trouble for that yet, considering your rank. People at your level usually can't get away with the sorts of things the so-called higher ranks can get away with. Though I guess the standard "punishment" around here is just an overnight stay in that cushy jail. The food there is surprisingly fresh! It does get boring after a while, though.
[But with Bakugo's powers, he could probably break himself out. And any angry staff members who come chasing after him can most likely be blown away by his explosions. Yep, it's no secret why he doesn't behave himself! Still, Hiyori wags a finger and continues the lecture.]
Anyway, I'm not saying you should have begged them, but there are other ways to get what you want. Someone needs to teach you the art of sweet talk! There's a saying that goes, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." As long as you know what to say and how to say it, you can easily get what you want from people~♪ Or at least I can. I'm sure it helps that I'm charismatic and cute, though. But you never know. Maybe people would find you endearing if you smiled more! ... hm?
[They're approaching the hall they were in before. He doesn't see any statue debris up ahead, though. He squints his eyes.]
That's odd. This is where were before, isn't it?
no subject
I'm not explaining shit to these people. They're the ones who treat everyone like crap based on rank! [From what he knows that Hiyori's told him, a 3 of Spades wasn't going to be loaned a cart by some snooty restaurant manager. Beside, he DID explain why he needed the cart: statue attack! Not his fault those idiots could parse the warning from his threat. He grits his teeth when Hiyori brings up the punishment. Yeah, there is that, and Bakugo doesn't like getting marks on whatever record he's got. But for a place that bases its "livelihood" on kidnapping people, he has zero respect.] You've been there already, huh?
[Jail. He could break himself out. Bakugo already nuked the fucking lifeguards twice during the beach event. And he's avoiding any of that "enslavement" crap from this one. He's more than willing to obey the rules when the rules aren't made by fucking villains! Which is exactly what he's calling the resort and its staff, who go along with it. Still, he's listening, not happily, but listening.]
I blow flies up! [That or kills them with a flyswatter like an absolute badass. Hiyori's prattling on and on, grating down Bakugo's tolerance the more further they go. Sweet talk? Fuck that! Trying to change his personality and image!] Shut up! You're like a gaudy version of Denim Hea-
[Urk. The yell cuts in his throat when they round the corner into the hall again. It's... it's gone. The statue's gone. He sweeps the area with his eyes. No chunks. No pebbles. Not even dust. Everything's completely vanished as if the battle had never taken place.] What the hell!? Of course this is where we were! Look, the plant's still turned from the blast.
[Did someone take it? Did the resort relocate it? Or did it reform and run off like a freaking monster?]
no subject
[For example, he knows all about the jail. (And, after this TDM, he'll know all about the Punishment Room, too, though for simplicity's sake we can say that thread hasn't happened quite yet.)]
Yep, together with Jun-kun! We didn't commit any real crime, before you ask. We're not villains, so there's absolutely no need to punish us~♪ ... We just got caught looking around "forbidden areas." I know people here have gotten away with actual crimes before, though.
[Up to and including murder. Which he doesn't want to talk about. Or think about.
He doesn't want to think about flies getting blown up, either, thanks, and his nose wrinkles at that mental image. But before he can retort or ask Bakugo who this Denim person is, he notices the floor in front of them is clean. Conspicuously clean. No rubble here. Baffling.
At least until he remembers what happened during his other encounter with a statue this week.]
Either someone came and cleaned it up really quickly, but left the plant for some reason, or...
[He remembers what that other statue had said before it crumbled away, and he shudders.]
Or it dissolved into nothing.
no subject
Che! Fine! Next time, I'll wait while you talk it out of them! [Is that the truth? Probably, unless Hiyori takes too long and Bakugo loses his patience. He isn't forgetting that "not human" comment either, in case he ends up having to battle those assholes. Could've guessed as much from the gull-headed lifeguards...
Bakugo doesn't intend on going to jail in a place that already kidnapped him and now wants him to obey some shitty hierarchy rules. He'll return the cart without a problem once they're done with it, dammit! Hopefully without running into another one of those stupid statues.]
What are the forbidden areas? [The way Hiyori says the words makes him suspicious. If there are places the guests aren't supposed to go, that instantly makes him think those areas are vulnerable. (Or dangerous.) Something worth knowing about when it comes to taking the Peacock down. It's a pipe dream, but he has to focus on something.
No, he's not surprised about people getting away with actual crime. They've got fucking villains in here.] This place doesn't have shit to say about people committing crimes.
[Since their very presence here is a crime: kidnapping.
That can be dealt with later, when he's not distracted by the statue-less area in front of them. Bakugo leaves the cart at the mouth of the hallway and cautiously walks in, noting the lack of debris and evidence of the previous battle. He's on alert, in case the statue lurks nearby.]
Or reformed. [Since that was an option earlier, if the resort wants to keep the statues around for other purposes.]
no subject
Anything with a sign that says "Staff-only," pretty much. I wouldn't recommend poking around in those halls, since you can get lost for hours or worse. But there's a supply room at the back of the first floor with some stuff inside. I asked someone who can shapeshift if he could break in there for me, and he did it in a flash! ♪
[Thanks, Loki.]
He said he found something that belonged to someone who'd disappeared here. Once they clear out the person's room, that's where their stuff goes, apparently.
[Which he supposes is better than just incinerating it. Still he wonders why they're holding that stuff. In case the person reappears? In case they come back from being a statue, like that Eiden person did? Does this mean the House doesn't intend for all those people to vanish? These are questions he has to wonder about.
But first there's the question of what's in front of them (or rather, what's not in front of them). What happened to the statue? Did it disappear? Or, as Bakugo suggests, have the pieces already put themselves back together somehow? He thinks about the dissolving statue from last time again and explains a little more about what happened.]
The one I saw before said something about "just wanting to feel alive again." Then it shed a tear and slowly crumbled into dust. You didn't hear that one say anything, did you?
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Is that so... [Hiyori, you're talking to a guy who jumped down the back of the waterfall during his first week here. Avoided getting caught in the gears and shit behind the water, but definitely went past the "Do Not Cross" barrier in his efforts to escape this place. He's seen some "Staff Only" signs before without broaching an entrance. What the hell are they hiding back there? Likely not a way out, or else people would've already made that a priority.
Bakugo frowns at the rest of the information, more out of interest than upset.] They store people's belongings in the back rooms? [Since no one arrives here with their shit, it's technically all "resort" property they forced the newly kidnapped to buy. Why not reuse it once people are gone? Question is... how do you get "gone" in the first place?]
It said the same thing. [Why the hell does Hiyori think Bakugo almost had a breakdown from destroying it? It was a vicious (albeit unintended) one-two punch to his moral stomach. While he's still not quite sure what to think about that, everything he's talked about with Hiyori now and theorized during the discussion tilts towards the statues being made in the likeness of past guests, but not technically their real bodies. Or what "real" their bodies are in this alternate reality.
Even if they are real, the fact someone came back suggests the bodies repair themselves once needed again. Puppets with a soul placed inside. It's creepy as fuck, but alleviates the idea of "murdering" someone here. All three of the villains from his world mentioned a certain futility when it came to killing someone in the resort. People came back.] If people can't die here, only return to their world, we should be able to find the statue again.
[Damn right he's suggesting they hunt this thing down. Later. Not now.]
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Apparently so!
[Then he adds,]
That includes current guests' stuff from home, or so they say. But I heard those things were locked inside a safe somewhere. That person who broke into the storage room found some items in bins, but I'm guessing those were just from people who'd disappeared.
[That was Loki's conclusion, anyway.
He could break in there and check for himself now, perhaps. He has a feeling his birthday gift might allow him to get away with that. The last time he wore the suit Jin Mingming made for him, why, it was like a spell fell over the resort staff. They were absolutely head over heels for him, and they let him get away with all sorts of unreasonable requests, even though he's just a so-called Rank 8!
But back to the statues.
Bakugo said he heard the same words from the statue before it died, which takes Hiyori by surprise.]
You never mentioned that.
[But then he failed to mention what he saw until now, himself. And it does explain why Bakugo was so quick to believe the statues might have been real people.
People can't die here. That was what he told Bakugo after hearing it from someone else. It means they don't have to worry about the statue either way. Still, the idea of "finding it again" causes his forehead to wrinkle.]
You're not suggesting we look for it right now, are you? I don't know about you, but I'm not sure what exactly it looked like. And is it really a good idea to chase down those things when we know they attack people?
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[Definitely planning on trying to get in there now. But if the rooms can move around like other things in the Peacock, it's a shit gamble to find that. The possibility of getting his belongings back makes it worth the attempt at least. Even if he doesn't find much use for his Quirk and certainly not battle-worthy heroics in the resort, having some part of his home (that isn't villains) would be fucking amazing.]
Haa?! You were here when I destroyed the thing! Why would I have to mention it?!
[Hiyori heard it too! Bakugo gives him an incredulous look before turning back to the empty spot. They don't need the damn cart now. He isn't sure how he feels about the event. If the statue reformed and wandered off, guilt's gone. If the resort transported it away to do something else with, not so much. But why would someone else show up and clean the debris? The staff might have... Fuck, he's ready to be done with this.]
Of course not, Parrot! I've had enough of this bullshit.
[It still means he'll be stopping future statues with non-"fatal" damage and then locking them in closets or tying them up until he gets a definitive answer.]
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[He says, immediately seeing through to Bakugo's intentions.]
You might not be punished too harshly, but you're still a so-called low-rank. So, why not use someone else as a lookout? Someone who's excellent at distracting guards, for example! ♪
[Someone like him, in other words.
In response to the statue thing, well. He crosses his arms and says,]
I couldn't hear very well, since someone's explosions left my ears ringing!
[Also, he'd sort of ducked somewhere nearby for cover. But back to the lack of statue debris...
Honestly, the most logical assumption is that the statue simply dissolved into nothing. He doesn't much care for the idea, but if a staff member had truly cleaned up the area, they should've fixed the nearby plant. He knows the staff to be meticulous for all their other faults, polishing every wall and floor until it sparkles. The other alternative is that the statue magically respawned like Bakugo suggested. Either way, there's nothing to put inside the cart. He's not in the mood to go statue-hunting, and Bakugo thankfully isn't either. So, he simply pushes the cart into the wall with his foot, and shrugs.]
Same here, so that's that! Which means we can go return this cart, I guess. Unless you'd rather take it for a joy ride? Or we could use it to transport something else. Like clothing purchases, or plushies from the arcade!
[He flashes a smile and asks,]
Have you ever been there before? I know arcades are popular with boys your age.
[Bakugo is lucky he didn't say "commoner boys."
And yes, that was a very sudden and abrupt subject change.]
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[That's an order, his decision, and Hiyori can agree to it or not! It's not like Bakugo needs the lookout or anything. It's simply making use of a teammate's strong point. That's all.]
Plug your ears next time! [The logical
stupiddecision! What a shocker. Bakugo walks forward to the place the statue had been, scanning the floor for any sign of its presence. None whatsoever. Not even dust or dirt in the corners or flakes by the baseboards. All evidence in the hall of their activity was gone. Only the knocked plant was any indication the event took place.It doesn't do much to settle the idea of the statue being a person's body with a spirit or some kind of magic inhabiting it, but also doesn't reinforce any idea he might have "killed" someone alive. Either dispelling the magic or sending the spirit off to another body or storage. He'll feel better if he sees the statue again, but isn't going to put Hiyori through the hunt. That burden falls to himself for his own comfort. Resigned, he drops his arms and backs off from the scene, returning to the idol.]
Haa? I'm not riding in a damn cart! We return it where we got it! [Despite rudely commandeering it, he's now obstinate in returning the thing properly without damage. What a responsible guy. Until Hiyori spins off on a wild romp idea.] Haa?! You wanna take this thing shopping?! They have bags for that! [And yes, he's been to the arcade before. It's an occasional hangout for him.]
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Great! ♪ I'll be sure to dress the part of "lookout!"
[In other words, he'll bring his birthday suit.
He watches Bakugo scan the area, who of course finds nothing. Their attempt to collect the statue's shattered pierces is a wash. But their hearts were in the right place, and surely that's what counts!]
Hm? First you grabbed it and took off with it, now you want to return it? Very interesting! ♪
[He can't resist the urge to tease. And yet it makes a certain kind of sense. He smiles.]
True, that is what bags are for, but I prefer not to carry my own bags! I normally have Jun-kun do it! But Jun-kun unfortunately isn't here right now, which means this cart will have to serve as a replacement! ♪
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You better not look like a fucking hooker.
[Mostly because Bakugo'll be mortified to be seen with him like that.
He's not sure if the statue's disappearance settles everything or not. Finding it again will definitely make everything better. But that's not a burden he wants to foist on Hiyori, who's been very patient and helpful throughout the entire emotional roller coaster the two of them have gone through this time. Let him rest.]
It's called commandeering, dammit! You return it after you use it, in the same state you got it! [That's the ideal at least. Not usually what happens, but heroes are responsible people! Damn, Hiyori's really tagging the grump right now.]
Ugh, fine. Take it. You know where we got it from. [Probably best Hiyori returns it anyways. He wasn't the one who yoinked it and thus can sweet talk it back into the service it came from.]
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I'll look sexy and handsome in a tasteful way! Same as always! ♪
[But the reproachful look doesn't ask. As soon as Bakugo caves to his suggestions, he smiles triumphantly.]
Great! Will do! ♪
[He'll return the cart! ... probably. In truth, he doesn't really care about keeping his word to the staff, who he's pretty sure aren't even human anyway. But Bakugo's insistence on returning it properly is kind of endearing. Deep down, Baku-kun's a good boy!
And Hiyori thinks they could both stand to blow off some steam, after what they just saw. So:]
Want to come along? I know you've been here long enough that you probably already know where to find the necessities, but I could show you some of the fun stores I like! Like the one that does costumes. I've even seen some hero-like things in there...♪
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[Hiyori's the one making goo-goo eyes at the workers and talking about dressing the "lookout" part! Could've been fishnet stockings and feather boas with hotpants and haltertops. Not that Bakugo's thinking of the possibility.]
They can't be too mad with the way this place runs itself.
[Bakugo wouldn't fault Hiyori too much for ditching the cart when he was done with it. He'll be irked to hear it, but considering how they get treated half the time, they're damned if they do and damned if they don't. Might go looking for it later to make sure it was returned, the hunt it down if it wasn't.
Someday they need to talk about the staff not being human... but they've had enough discussion of weird creatures and guilty parties today.]
You want me to-?! [DON'T INVITE HIM TO GO SHOPPING WITH YOU, DAMMIT! He just had a near-traumatic experience and now you wanna bounce off to some stores with a commandeered restaurant cart?! ... With possible hero costumes? ... Fuck. Bakugo's initial flustered, angry refusal seems to war HARD in his head, teeth baring and head tilting as if he's trying to escape from the looming cave. FuuuuuUCK!] Fine. But I'm leaving the second I get bored!
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