peacockstop | TDM 05

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!tdm

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

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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There's a pool here, through the doors to the right.

[ Of course Kleken would know where the nearest body of water was. ]

[ And though it's a less than ideal destination, especially compared to a proper bath, Kleken doesn't have a clue as to how far Bakugo's sense of responsibility is willing to go, only light guesses and probes to go off of. A small task like this would be a useful gauge, however... ]

I don't suppose you'd be able to carry me the rest of the way?

[ He really doesn't know when to not push his luck. ]

Dammit, your legs are perfectly fine!

[The physical human-looking ones at least. He isn't going to say that for Kleken's tentacles that were lucky enough not to be turned into the fattest pieces of calamari you ever saw. Still, Bakugo hefts the other man's arm over his shoulders and around his neck to prop him up, then starts forward again towards the doors to the right. It's not a full bridal-style carry, but he's supporting the majority of Kleken's weight via his arm around the man's side in addition to the hooked one.]

You can be my damn satchel.

Oh? I hadn't been aware.

[ He was well aware that his legs were perfectly fine, but it wasn't a complete lie that his energy was rather low. Could he have walked himself somewhere? Yes, certainly. But not nearly as far as he would have preferred to go. ]

[ Kleken isn't a heavy man by any means, particularly when most of his tentacles had been drawn up into the shadows of his coat, so at least Bakugo won't be terribly tasked while dragging him around. The part that might be a bit more difficult to ignore would be the way Kleken shifts a few of his tentacles to wrap around Bakugo and support his own weight. ]

Ah, I shall do my best then.

[ Aside from the man being an absolute annoyance, anyway. ]

Shut up! Die! [Before Bakugo throws him over his shoulder like a sack of shitty potatoes and carts him off that way. He's carried far heavier weights than Kleken. Ashen brows furrow and his lips twitch in slight "gross" when the guy wraps his tentacles around him to anchor and support. On the one hand, it's not bad, considering he worked up a heat during the battle. On the other hand, it's still slimy tentacles twining around his hips and more.

Bakugo shoulders open the door to the other rooms, ignoring the occasional glance from more gladiators waiting to head up and take their turn. He makes sure Kleken's not getting smacked or jostled on the way.] How much of your illusions are solid?

[Damn, can't keep the closeted nerd silent forever.]

[ That he isn't actually thrown off after those harshly scowled words is some kind of miracle, but Kleken can tell he's just about found the line in Bakugo's patience. Seeing as he has no interest in being forced to walk himself, nor literally dragged, he simply smiles and pointedly keeps his mouth shut for the rest of the way. ]

[ Kleken's unfortunately too worn to cast an illusion over them to divert those curious eyes, so ignoring the stares will have to do for now. He's using enough energy as is keeping himself semi-wrapped around Bakugo and not resting his head on the man's shoulder so he can rest his eyes. ]

Are illusions usually solid where you're from?

[ Sorry closeted nerd, but Kleken's terrible at straight answers. ]

[Keep pushing him and he'd have whacked Kleken in the back of the head to knock his ass out! But if anything, passing through the locker room area to the pool elsewhere means they won't have as many people looking at them. It sucks it's such a long trip to the actual pools around Beak or Talon, but these ones will have to do. Walls slick with condensation, floors no better, Bakugo watches his step as they emerge into the room. One or two people are already there, yet two pools towards the back remain open and unused. No surprise he makes his destination one of them.]

I hit something solid during that fight, asshole! [Completely deflecting that vague answer and going right back for the jugular! Does he need to shake Kleken's burned tentacle in his face to clarify that question?] It's not just illusions.

You did, yes.

[ At least there's a drop of honesty amongst the ever present evasiveness for Bakugo to take. ]

[ He's pleased that Bakugo heads for the pools further in the back, given he's not terribly keen on anyone else being in his immediate vicinity while weakened. It's pleasing enough that he'll even let another bit of truth slip, though he'll leave it to the younger man to try and piece together exactly how his abilities worked. ]

And it is not, yes.

[ Given how aggressively he's trying to figure them out, it's probably best that he didn't use his third. Otherwise he might really be in trouble should they ever end up facing each other again. ]

Che! [Trying to trick him again like this isn't going to work. Kleken can catch the door with his foot or get bumped in the shoulder/leg depending on whichever one he lets drag as they pass through the door. Bakugo doesn't want interlopers either, careful as he walks along the damp floor. Condensation clings to the walls, drips down the surface of rocks and bricks. It's quieter in here, with a few murmurs of conversation becoming white noise in the distant background.]

No shit. You use your illusions to hide your real body. [Bakugo doesn't sound dismissive or angry, but rather intrigued despite his rough voice. He speculates there's some degree of teleportation that enables Kleken to get from one part of his illusion to another. That or he's extremely fast.] No wonder you're an assassin.

[A successful one at that. Like octopus mimicry.]

[ He does smile a bit more sincerely at that, if only for a moment before it slides right back into his usual vaguely suspicious one. Wild and fight-crazed as the younger man seemingly is, there's a brain in there. One that's seemingly fine-tuned to figuring out abilities like his Luminatics. ]

I'm a conman.

[ Real? Lie? Just another mystery to add to his list if he's so inclined. ]

[ But Kleken's mind discards the thought of dragging out that particular line, attention on the water and a tentacle or two already reaching out toward the pool to slip in. Impatient as the rest of the man was. ]

Will you be joining me?

[A lot of people end up being surprised there's a brain behind Bakugo's aggressive explosive personality. And a very impressive brain at that. He isn't 3rd in his class performance and grades for nothing. Only an idiot would think they could be the top hero by pure strength alone. Though getting Bakugo to admit to that closet nerd side is... impossible.]0

When it suits you. [Whether that's a guess or assumed fact is up to Kleken to figure out. He's got something else to deal with now. Once the man's tentacle dips into the pool, Bakugo heads for the steps down, walking into the water while making sure Kleken's not going to fall.] Unless you want me to chuck your ass in there...

It often does.

[ It's true that he's posed as quite a few roles, and could probably hold a number of titles based on his ever changing position within the Istvan Gang, depending on the needs of their leader. 'Right-hand man' had been used to describe him more than once. But in the end, he felt himself best fitting the title of conman, making deals for the gang and conning people into less favorable positions for his gain, whether through illusions or intimidation or any other cards up his sleeve. What else could he be, but a conman? ]

I'd greatly prefer not to be chucked.

[ As they submerge, there's an eager spread of his tentacles in the water, more spilling out from the shadows of his tattered clothing now that the burden of weight has been eased on Bakugo. And though he certainly could by now, he keeps an arm around the younger man's shoulders. ]

You might find the water quite soothing as well though.

[A skeevy guy in the corner of a bar. But conman is a good all around title. That's the kind of person Bakugo thought Kleken was when he first saw him. Today makes that association all the more fitting. While he knows nothing of the other man outside of his appearance, some nuances of his personality, and a glimpse of his ability, Bakugo's decided he's not a bad person. Rather he's someone who can choose to play that side if he feels it necessary. It makes him a lot more tolerable. Maybe even more than, since he's carried the guy all the way here.]

Then don't give me a reason to throw your ass in. [Bakugo gets to waist level in the pool before he shrugs Kleken's arm off his shoulder, letting go of his wrist in the same motion. Unless the guy wants to fight for it to be there. Doesn't need him hanging on now that he's able to settle in the water. Bakugo didn't promise to be his damn coat rack forever.] Yeah yeah, I'll stay here and make sure you're not dying.

[ With both men settled into the water, Kleken finally lets go of his grip on the younger, floating further into the water as his tentacles begin to spread out further and further. He doesn't drift very far from Bakugo, just deep enough in that he's submerged from the neck down. Which is more than enough to pull a relieved sigh out of him as he finds comfort in the cool water. ]

[ While water doesn't play some sort of miracle liquid to an internal healing process or anything of the like, it's a far more comfortable environment to his tentacles and does help them quite a bit. Almost like laying in a warm bed when recovering. Though it does mean their owner has to indulge in the same. ]

I'll do my best not to die for the next while then.

[ And as he says that, he begins to peel off his ruined clothing one by one with the assistance of his healthier tentacles without further warning. ]

[It feels weird to sit here in his clothes, but he's not about to straight up strip down in front of the other man. Bakugo sinks into the pool up to his shoulders, watching Kleken adjust to the temperature and wetness. Good. He's not that damaged. Satisfied the man's fine, he goes underwater to scuff at his hair and wipe at his face to get the grime off. They better clean these pools or have some kind of chemical or "magic" in here to do it.

Bakugo comes back up for air after a minute, only head and neck exposed within the cooling water. He looks around the area to get a better feel of it since his attention's not laser focused on Kleken for now. The moist walls and dim lights belie a surprisingly clean area, without any dank air or algae on the walls.]

Tch. You better. I'm not carting your carcass to the doctors. [He would if it happened. Not sure how "death" even works in this place, asides from a few people saying "you just come back" and that's it. He glances over as Kleken starts stripping down.

Oh.] Are you some kind of octopus demon or do you naturally have those?

[ Be free, Bakugo, it's so much more comfortable. ]

[ For Kleken, it certainly is. A full suit has never been very comfortable when soaked, and a tattered one was unsurprisingly even less so. The remnants of his outfit have been collected up by healthy tentacles and put aside for later examination, to see if anything could be salvaged from the mess. Leaving a very much now nude Kleken sitting beside him when he surfaces again. ]

[ He doesn't seem particularly perturbed about the water dirtying around them both from the grime of the ring, driving the bulk of it away with his tentacles as his own attentions focus on Bakugo now that he's settled. ]

I've been told I'm a demon of a man, but as far as I'm aware, I'm not actually one.

[Bakugo finding the cave walls interesting while Kleken makes short work of his clothes with his tentacles. Watching someone strip down in a pool is a lot different than stripping down in the locker rooms with his classmates. It's ironically easier to turn and face the man again once he's completely nude. At least the water's not blazing with light to show everything. Hopefully it'll clean itself or something to avoid sitting around in... uh... yeah you get the idea.

That doesn't mean he isn't glancing at Kleken to try and suss out where those tentacles actually come from. Look, he's curious. Shut up. Quirks often have physical evidence of their presence, from a girl with thorny vines for hair to a boy with holes in his larger-than-average calves for his engine mufflers.]

So are they magic or natural? [He starts working on his own shirt, irked at the cling of the material. If they're gonna bathe, fine. He's not shy.]

[ Kleken has exactly zero shyness about his body, no matter what lies the man may tell otherwise and it shows in his relaxed body language. Sitting back with his legs comfortably crossed, looking for all appearances like a man attending a casual meeting business in a neatly tailored suit and not a man who had just survived a pseudo-fight for his life. ]

[ There are clear injuries on his pale skin, bruised and scraped with blue blood coloring the edges that continues to add to the man's unique appearance. A few tentacles are gently inspecting his body as he sits, feeling over the injuries and bringing out small cloths to help clean the man. ]

[ From where? If Bakugo keeps his eyes fixed on their movements, he'll see them slipping in and out of the shadows under Kleken's legs as well from behind his back, which is currently not in full view of the younger man. But what glimpse he might have caught of it before was of a smooth, if bruised, back. ]

[ What a mystery... ]

They're natural, of course.

[ A truth amongst the many lies he's told so far, head turned to rather blatantly watch as Bakugo starts working off his own shirt. ]

My 'magic' would be what you encountered during our match.

[It's got nothing to do with shyness about his body; Bakugo's not used to stripping naked in front of someone he barely knows in a place that's not an obvious locker room setting. But the privacy and his own irritable nature prompt him to do just that, giving both his shirt and pants a quick neat fold before slopping them on the side of the pool. No way are they going to dry out in this damp atmosphere.

He sinks down in the water again, stretching his legs out in front of him and rubbing at one shoulder. Red eyes linger on Kleken's body, taking note of his injuries. Blue blood, huh. He can't find it in himself to be surprised. An ashen blonde brow twitches upwards into his bangs when one of the tentacles produces a cloth and wipes at the injuries. Sharp attention instantly jerks down their length to find the origin, yet finds his eyes blocked by a mixture of leg and obscured back.

So those things come from Kleken's shadows. Likely made possible by keeping the true emerging point concealed. Akin to one of those mysteries or legends where something happens so long as you don't who the "back" of the item. Satisfied with that, Bakugo starts focusing on his own body, little more than a few bruises from where Kleken got in some hits.]

Your illusions, right? [Being the 'magic' Kleken refers to. Whether he can move between his own illusions as teleporting or simply speed and misdirection is a question he opts to figure out on his own.] No wonder you're not a one on one fighter.

[ The obvious truth here is that Bakugo has a fairly normal sense of human decency and Kleken, well. He very clearly does not, for all that he pretends or lies that he does. ]

[ The neat removal of his clothing pulls another amused smile onto Kleken's lips, his mental assessment of the man needing to be adjusted once more. It's interesting, how Bakugo seems to be a walking pile of contradictions to the conman's admittedly small experience with 'heroes.' But it's just the type of contradiction to catch his interest the most. ]

Right.

[ It's an almost abnormally simple and direct answer for the man, almost suspiciously so. ]

Oh, I'd prefer not to be a fighter at all, but circumstances rarely allow one to do as they please.

[Human decency in the presence of someone who's probably not very human. That's a clash. At least he's had a few interactions with Kleken enough to feel comfortable with it. Other more unknown people would've been dumped and left.

Then again, he did kind of blast this guy around the arena, so responsibility takes a big swath of his presence. Despite looking at Kleken to check out his tentacular abilities, he's also occasionally making sure the guy's scrapes and burns aren't hurting too bad. If he has to take him to the medical wing, he will, but would prefer to let him be. Maybe get some over-the-counter medication from the convenience stores. He owes him that much.]

You can always avoid a fight if you stay the fuck out of it. [People who keep their head down, down enter combative vocations, and try to talk their way out or stay away from the situation altogether rarely have to fight... Kleken's malleable personality and shadowy abilities suggests he could easily keep from combat if he wanted.]

Volunteering for that particular position came with some benefits that I was inclined to take.

[ More specifically, volunteering to be the monster in the pit meant that he couldn't be tossed into the random match ups that were also happening. As a 'monster' he was left mostly undisturbed, if awkwardly themed dressed, but the match ups left him extremely underdressed, oiled, and feeling disgusting in a way he would much rather avoid if and whenever possible. There may not have been much of a difference between the two options to most, he was still being shoved into a pit to fight after all, but those little details were just enough for Kleken to prefer one scenario over another. ]

[ As injuries are wiped clean, it's clear that some light medical aid would be needed, unless the water magically healed the injuries on his skin (spoilers: they do not). A fact Kleken seems to be ignoring for now, suspiciously enough. ]

[ But when he sees the opportunity... ]

Tch. Danging some stupid bonus for siccing yourself on other people...

[He can't blame Kleken too much, considering he also opted for the gladiator route rather than stick around in the feast area to get called on as some slave. Hell no! He's always demanded to do this his way, even if that means picking between two bad options. At least HE was the one to pick which option. It's a weak semblance of control, but a weak semblance is better than a defeatist accepting whatever's doled out on him without word.

Bakugo frowns as the injuries clear up in the water. A few burns and scrapes, but nothing dangerous. They'll be painful for someone who prefers being wet and cool most of the time. Tch. Fried calamari. That's what Kleken's gonna have to deal with. Bakugo moves over to the other man, reaching out to one arm.]

Let me see. [He wants to give a quick close-up inspection.] I can get some ointment at the corner store.

[Despite them both being forced into the ring, Kleken's injuries are Bakugo's responsibility; he's the one who gave them.]

Survival often comes at a cost.

[ As dramatic as that may sound, it rather felt like a game of survival for Kleken when it came to these more physical challenges. Better to have a field advantage than none at all in that case. ]

[ When Bakugo moves over to reach for an arm, Kleken freely offers it to him to look over. There's a moment's temptation, to color it with more injuries than he'd originally held, but he was rather sure the overly observant young man next to him had already noted all of his injured spots. A shame, that would have been fun, if maddening for the younger man. ]

Oh- do be careful. I'm very delicate.

[ As if he hadn't survived being carted here by Bakugo in the first place in one piece. Fortunately for them both, none of the injuries visible are anything that require more than some ointment and bandaging, but it's unclear if letting them simply soak in water like this would be beneficial or not to someone with Kleken's... unique biology. ]

Edited 2024-11-24 09:26 (UTC)

We're not paying a shit cost like that here! [Despite the House giving a few examples of not exactly caring about the guests' safety this month. A few other warnings also happened in the past, from ghosts to monsters. The place grows more dangerous the further down someone goes. There's a reason for that...

Whatever. He'll kick its ass if something happens. Bakugo cups water and pours it over Kleken's arm, thumb moving to the burn. If he had any speculation the guy illusioned up some more injuries, he's not showing it. Would've noticed. And Kleken would've gotten another "injury" via a smack on the stupid head.]

Shut up. You're not made of glass. [His legs worked just fine and he pretended he was a lame invalid the whole drag here! Bakugo seems satisfied after the inspection, deeming the injuries superficial at best. It's not like he'd been going in for fatal injuries while battling Kleken. The water doesn't seem to be magically healing them at an accelerated rate, only cleaning, so he's in for the promise of medication.]

Where's your room? I'll bring the medicine to you later today.

Oh, are we not? I suppose I'll have to ask for a refund then.

[ That feistiness of Bakugo's really was charming in its own way. A very... unique way that appealed to men of odd tastes like Kleken. ]

[ Kleken manages to behave himself once Bakugo starts looking over his injuries, sparing himself a fated headsmack as he takes to simply watching the younger man examine his body. It's interesting, to see the contrast once more in the man with how carefully he seems to look him over versus the coarse language leaves his mouth. It's fun to see, and the spike of greed that lives inside the conman wants more of it. ]

[ Kleken even manages to hold his tongue at the press against one of his burn marks, just barely avoiding raising a fuss as might have been expected. Is this behaving?? ]

Hmm... you'll have to escort me there. I can't remember with all this blood loss.

[ It was not behaving. ]

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