【 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 parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!
All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.
In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】
PARKING GARAGE
ANY CAR IN A STORM
PHOENIX CASINO HALL
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS
Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.
Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!
All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.
▶ 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 January event.
▶ 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. This month we also have an ongoing ATP / EMP where players can connect. Please feel free to utilize this for all of your peafowl needs!
▶ 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!
▶ 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.
[Normally, he wakes early. Up at 5:30 or 6 to get started on an exercise or jog. But sometimes, this shitty place has other ideas and he's left worn out, sleeping in for some extra hours to recover from staying up too late the night before. Doesn't mean he's at all used to getting dumped in some damn car instead of sleeping in his bed. Amid the neon lights and lush interior of the limousine, he's tucked on the seat nearby, blanket drawn around his ribs and one arm crooked under his head in slumber.
At least until someone's voice warbles its way through his mind. Interrupting whatever dream he's having as if some guy's calling at him from underwater. Brows furrow, doggedly trying to shut them up before going back to sleep, but another call dislodges it entirely. Red eyes open halfway, glaring in half-asleep irritation at the leather in front of hi-
Leather?
-dea what this is?
He snaps awake instantly, adrenaline and anger fueling hot shot through his veins. One second he's down, the next he's upright in a seated position, one hand slung out in front of him with palm forward in a threatening mixture of strike and back off. Lips peeled from bared teeth in a snarl, eyes narrowed as his vision quickly focuses in on a man in front of him. Red hair, slender, fucking gross opulent robe... and a disgustingly posh vehicle interior. He abandons the man for a few seconds to check out the inside, then growls and drops his arm onto his shin.]
Fucking bastards did it again. Every other damn month! [He slams his fist against the small bar next to him, rattling the glasses on its surface.]
[Reno doesn't care that he woke the man, he wants answers, and that means having to ask the only person that is stuck with him. He doesn't know the guy, nor is he surprised or impressed by his display of aggression upon waking up. He remains calmly seated on his side of the limousine, at this point bored enough to reach over and inspect the liquors on display. Well, at least it's the good stuff, that's for sure.
He turns back towards the other guy who hasn't answered his question, but has at least said something interesting.]
Every other month? So it's a regular thing to wake up in cars like this and look like some a class hooker?
[He's always been horrible at getting woken up. Getting roused out of sleep and finding himself dumped in a stupid car with an unknown "roommate" doesn't help that record either. Bakugo rubs the side of his head in frustration and glares to the side, mouth hidden against a knee as he watches the man rummage through the liquor bottles. Fuck, he hopes this guy's not some dumbass who likes getting wasted in the mornings. The kind of person who thinks a glass of wine goes good with riceballs.]
No. Every other month, new people get dragged into this shithole.
[Apparently they decided to drop them into the parking garage and make use of the damn eternal cars here.]
[To be fair, Reno has no idea what time it is right now, though it does feel more like morning than evening, but he could be completely off here. It's not like he ever had a regular sleeping schedule to go by, nor does he know how long he's been knocked out.
And apparently the whole ordeal is a regular occurrence. Huh.]
Okay, and what exactly is this "shit hole" you're talkin' 'bout? 'cause so far, I got no idea where I am, and that's not something that I like. Well, aside from in some tacky car.
[And he wants to know how the fuck anyone managed to even bring him to this place. Sure, he's got a deep sleep, but he will notice anyone trying to sneak up on him while he's resting, or else he'd be a pretty shitty Turk to begin with.]
[The big ass clunky watch on his wrist would be helpful in knowing the time. But it's whatever time the house sets it by. Who the hell knows whether time here is in relation to their own worlds. The sky and sun they see in any outdoor area is nothing but a fake. Bakugo stifles a yawn and leans back on his hands. Great, he gets to do the explaining bit and come across as a damn nutjob.]
We're inside some magical entity that likes trapping people from different worlds and making them fuck around for some reason. It pretends it's some gaudy ass sex resort that occasionally changes itself up.
[Magic = excuse for whatever shit goes on here. Entity = not some weird conglomerate of people in a screwed up company. And the rest is the bullshit spinning about it. Honestly the last part only explains why it looks the way it does.]
[Reno has heard - and seen! - a lot of weird things in his life so far, so maybe the idea of a magical entity shouldn't be surprising to him. To a degree, it isn't. Just sounds like a usual Tuesday, with just another group of aliens, clones, weird experiments ... At least this one sounds like fun and not like it's trying to kill him for once. Unless of course there is a dark side to it after all.]
Must be some big ass entity then. And you're serious 'bout that sex resort? Meaning the whole fucking around literally? That's definitely a new one. Explains the outfit, though.
[He sighs, now definitely considering that drink. But maybe keeping a sharp mind is the better idea for now.]
Reno. Nice to meet ya. So, how does this thing here work exactly?
[He's taking it better than some people. No flustered, angry denial, slack-jawed questions, or protesting. Bakugo arches a brow in suspicion. Something this guy's been through a lot? People he's met here come from all sorts of backgrounds, ranging from normal athletes with nothing special to interdimensional powerhouses running between worlds. This redhead's falling towards the right side of that spectrum.]
I'm not gonna waste my time lying about this crap. [What does he look like, some kind of joker playing a prank? Tch, there goes the second usual question after swallowing the stupid part. Bakugo grabs a glass from the sidebar and pulls open the minifridge. Look, it's here. Might as well use it. Fishing out a bottle of water, he twists the top off with a crack.]
Everyone's got a rank corresponding to a card in a 52 card poker deck. Orgasm with another guest, you get their card. [He indicates the watch on Reno's arm.] Collect all the cards and the house grants you a wish. Whatever you fucking want.
I don't know what happens after that.
[And tosses Reno a glass, fully expecting him to catch it.]
[Reno is still a bit hung up on being INSIDE a magical entity; but who knows if that's really true. Maybe it's something like the VR training rooms at Shinra, but no one else here knows that something like this exists. Fuck, he wouldn't even put it past Shinra to have their hands in this somehow, and this being just another experiment that he just happened to stumble into.
Fair, fair, no need to get all worked up 'bout it, I was just asking.
[He shrugs, still completely unimpressed by Bakugo's attitude.]
Ah wish, huh? Like what, getting home, or even for the entity to show it's real face? Something like that? [He leans back, and still, when the glass comes flying, he catches it easily, maybe even a little too fast for a regular human.]
Ah, thanks, [He smirks, fully aware that Bakugo was testing him. He places the glass to the side and nods ] Toss me a water bottle too, while you're at it.
So, these cards, how do I know what card I got? And what the other's are? Hope I'm not something lame.
[If you can't get out of something, then you're stuck inside it. Simple as that. Bakugo had doggedly refused to believe the damn thing was a living entity for a long time, refuting evidence and explaining it off as advanced technology or even superhuman abilities run by some shady corporation or perverted group. But... he's not the kind of person to deny what's in front of him when enough proof lines up, so resigned himself to this shitty reality.
At least it means they only have to take down one thing, rather than some army.]
Che, no clue. But that's my intention. I'll wish for this stupid thing to grow deathly allergic to kidnapped victims.
[That way, if it wants to show up and ask first, like a fucking decent creature, and people choose to come here, win win situation for both. Still gonna give it a giant middle finger. Bakugo notes Reno's reaction speed. Well trained, huh.
Water bottle's handed rather than tossed, since it's larger. Hope you like sparkling water; this car's too fancy for plain old bottled spring. Silently Reno gets points for not asking for wine or beer.]
People'll tell you or you can check their watch. [He holds his arm out, showing his own, which displays the time and a small-but-impressive 3 of ♠ card suit on the left of the screen.] You're not officially "checked in" yet, so you're a wildcard right now.
[He'd have said "Joker" but Reno seems like someone who'd have fun with that.]
[Reno makes a mental note to explore this place further once the opportunity arises. Whenever that might be. Then again, he hasn't yet tried to leave the car, so maybe he is able to do just that.
Bakugo's wish makes him laugh out loud, even as he takes the bottle from him to fill his glass. He's not at all bothered by the fizziness and just reaches for his glass once the bottle is put aside again.]
That's a good one. Thought 'bout what the allergic reaction should be like? Cause, ya know, insta death is kinda boring, don't ya think?
[He takes a sip of his water and squints at Bakugo's watch, seeing the card on display.]
As I've always been, [He shrugs, checking the display of his own watch. Not quite the fancy thing he would like, but it seems to come with some interesting features. Another thing to store away for a later point.]
And what's the place like? Just one big room where everyone's doing the dirty, or what's it like? I mean, so far all I know is that there's apparently a car. Or probably more of them, I don't know, I didn't check yet.
[That's exactly how he spent his first week: splayed the map out on the wall and visited each area to scope the hotel out on his own. Making notes of what place did or offered what and whether he wanted to waste his time or energy looking into it.
He snorts at the man's laugh and lifts the glass to his lips. It's fizz bites into his tongue, bland taste a brief shock to the system and chases away any lingering tiredness from his body. Hmph, at least someone finds the wish valuable.]
Puke us all back out into our real worlds. [Despite what he regularly says, he doesn't really want to kill the entity, if it's indeed a living creature.] It's sentient enough to make all this shit; it can learn to ask first.
[Originally he only wanted everyone to go home and that's that, but after being here a while, there are people whose lives are better in the resort than at home. They should at least have the choice to return or stay.
In response to Reno's question, Bakugo accesses a quick dial app on the watch and abruptly blooms a massive map all over the roof of the car. The watch's projection capability isn't explicitly stated, but who the fuck wants to text and type on a goddamn watch screen?] There's at least thirty floors in this place; someone said more than a hundred.
[Ranging from the penthouse at the top to shopping centers, restaurants, university, training facilities, a nature preserve, and of course all the rooms and suites for different ranks. And the basement...]
[Well, Reno does have special training, including how to get out of places he is being held in against his will. Something enhanced with magic might pose a bit more of a challenge, but he's sure that there are still ways to figure this thing out.]
Yeah, consent is kinda an important thing at times, even for some magical being,
[He leans in closer as the map appears, eyes flickering over the 3D model and taking in the different floors and markings that explain what exactly each floor is supposed to be.]
So no one knows exactly how many floors there are? Do they maybe even change from time to time?
[He scratches the back of his head, still studying the place.]
Interesting that there's even universities in this place. Like, why would anyone wanna go there while being trapped in a place? Also what's down there?
[If he finds a way out of this place, Bakugo will be right behind him (snarling about how he could've done it faster), but he has major doubts about anyone escaping beyond the wish or defeating the house. He tried a few times to escape through brute force; attempts were quickly quashed.]
Tch, it doesn't care about consent in some things.
[Like kidnapping and dumping people in here. Though on the other side, it's not very eager to encourage people forcing themselves on others and most of the time reluctantly gives the guests way out of its stupid events. If you're stubborn.
Bakugo indicates the floors and markings as Reno surveys them. The map's able to project itself in a 3D like this, or splay out on a surface in a 2D style. Something to note for later.]
Most are fixed, but a few can change. [The residential floors don't move. Basement floors, who the fuck knows. And the "entertainment" areas should be static, but Bakugo's heard of a few instances where they moved around for the hell of it.]
Every other month, the theme of the hotel changes. When I arrived, everything was a damn tropical island. In October, it looked like a fucking horror film.
[Right now, it's cold. He snorts in annoyance and amusement when Reno asks about the university.]
The university won't try to shove a dick in your face as often.
That's unfortunate to hear. 'specially giving the nature of this place.
[Reno's jaw clenches, his face darkening a little for the first time since arriving here. There are lines that even he doesn't like or want to cross. Few as they are, he is holding on to those. He doesn't know about the loopholes that the resort offers, so he just assumes. And many does it taste bitter in his mouth.
He keeps studying the map, trying to put everything to memory in case he needs it. He's not sure how functional his own watch is yet, or if they won't stop working at some point, so it's better to be familiar with the place from the get go.
He leans back in surprise though, when he hears about the changes.]
The theme changes? I mean, I heard 'bout seasonal decoration, but something tells me that that's not all it was, wasn't it? What's the theme right now? Roaring 20s?
[He nods towards the gaudy robes, not even bothered by how sheer they are. Just that he would've liked to have a word in changing clothes, but again, that's coming back to the consent bit.]
My, isn't it nice to know that people can at least finish their education before being invited to an involuntary orgy. How considerate ..
[The eye roll is just as much audible in his voice as it is visible on his face.]
Sex is consensual. It's at least got some damn standards. [Figuring Reno's concerns, he takes a stab at the most logical consent issue.] But some bullshit it pulls can make you horny enough to think otherwise.
[Bakugo's been here over half a year now and hasn't heard of an actual malicious rape instance. Even with the suit activation at its fullest, most people around are at least willing to lend a hand, provided you don't go for someone who fucking hates your guts. There's a lot more influence and heavy persuasion than straight up force.
Luckily Reno's watch should be working well enough. Bakugo can show him how to access the map application and protection feature, probably the most important thing asides from your hand record in this place. Hmph, this guy's smart. Already trying to lock everything into memory even after just arriving. Survival instinct or hard training?]
Hell if I know. [All he's seen so far are these stupid robes and being stuck in a limo. He twists around and peers out the tinted windows. Cars, more cars. Shit, they're in the damn garage. No way to tell the theme from that alone.] We're in the garage. Won't know the theme till we get to the hotel's main floors.
[The garage never changes.]
Che! It's a change of pace from all this perverted crap. [Doesn't mean there aren't classes on Karma Sutra or sex ed. Still have to dig through smut in the library to get to the actual academic texts. But otherwise, it can be a tame haven.]
[That's at least good to hear, and Reno gives an approving nod, hai features relaxing a bit more.]
Basic minimal standards then, that's good. Though if it still has that much influence on ya that it can even make you horny as you say, who says that it's still your actual free will?
[He himself doesn't care. He likes sex and enjoys the hell out of it, but he still wants his partners do to the same, out of their own free will. His ego might tell him that obviously everyone would want a piece of him, but realistically he knows that there must be those out there that don't. And he'd like then to be honest and not forced, thank you very much.]
Well, since there's a university but not a school, i assume there are no children here. Cause that would also just be fucked up.
[It's a bit of both, survival instinct AND training that makes Reno study the map as intently as he does. Living on the streets meant having to know all the escape routes and hideouts to survive, while being a Turk requires to be well prepared for a mission if it's not supposed to end in a disaster. He spots the garage on the map, checking it's location in comparison to the rest of the hotel.]
Think we can get there? Should we even? Or does staying here mean I can just leave again when I'm not paying into this bullshit?
It's a damn contradiction at times. [Wanting people to get along, bond, and have sex as friends, then shoving them into a ranking system that encourages social climbing and greed. The peacock's lucky it hasn't pulled in someone who really doesn't give a shit about other people and rapes their way up to a full deck...]
Hmph. You can always lock yourself in a closet until you go completely insane and turn to stone. [It may be "death" for you, but you'll at least have said "fuck off!" to the bird and gone out on your own terms. Free will, fucker!] It's your choice to play however you damn want. I know an guy who chose to be monogamous with his boyfriend no matter what the House wants.
[Whether that's throwing yourself into the hedonism or taking things slow, or even barely participating at all. Bakugo dug his heels in for a long time out of pride and decency, but ultimately decided to cooperate in order to win and fuck over the house. Petty revenge is a good motivator. Reno might come across as a tough guy, but he's got a good heart in there if he's giving this much thought and attention to consent.]
Yeah. 16 and up. [He rubs the side of his head in annoyance.] Some people think you're still a fucking kid if you're not 18, but that's only in their world or country. 16's "adult" in my world.
[Which can make for some trouble with clashing viewpoints. Bakugo's yelled at a lot of people who call him or act like he's a child. Heedless of the fact he's fighting in a goddamn national war back home to protect his entire country from people who'll murder him and any other hero available the second they get the chance.]
HA! [He barks a laugh at Reno's cheek. Damn, he's heard that a few times before and it's fucking hilarious.] There's different opinions on that last one. But if you wanna get out, there's a fucking door right behind you.
Huh, so that's what's happening if ya don't play along? Ya get insane and turn to stone? Really a great alternative if someone doesn't wanna fuck around, [He rolls his eyes, not quite convinced of this place. Sure there seem to be quite the extensive list of luxuries offered upon arrival, but thinking about it further than the surface and it seems just as rotten as everything that Reno knows from his own world.] Okay, so ya can choose to not sleep around, but one way or the other, you're supposed to have sex, that's the whole core point? [Well, he's sure he'd find enough willing people, but the point still stands that it shouldn't be necessary in the first place. He's not sure yet which way he will go, it might depend on the overall situation he is presented with upon his actual confrontation with the resort, but for now, he isn't quite convinced yet.
He does however raise an eyebrow at the fact that sixteen year olds are brought here as well. He is under no illusion that teenagers aren't making their experiences, and they can enlist for SOLDIER at the age of fourteen to become canon fodder for Shinra where he is from. Still, most of that is based on their own decisions (and a lot of fake propaganda), and not because some entity forces them to.] Still fucked up, if ya askin' me. I know what sixteen year old are doin' in my world, doesn't mean they should be here, But thanks for tellin' me that I need to check for and ID, just in case.
[Well, Bakugo's reaction is telling enough and Reno sighs.]
Okay, okay, I get it. I'm stuck here, huh? No one ever escaped unless they wished for it?
Yeah. You have free will, but you're incentivized as fuck to play along. At least you can choose how you want to play.
[Bakugo dug his heels in hard when he got here, refusing to do anything with anyone for a while until he got the lay of the place and decided for himself he was going to cooperate. Glad to know Reno recognizes a gold-coated cage instead of getting soaked in the lie.
He clicks his tongue in annoyance when Reno prods the next question. Guess he should've expected that.]
Uh-huh. It's up to you how. Stick with a single partner. Keep to yourself and voyeur. Nothing but handjobs. Shit like that.
[The fact he says all that without sputtering, cussing, and flushing hard shows how far he's come since his first day. It's still embarrassing, but he shoves it out for Reno's sake. The guy deserves to know his options. Sex is required, but the House isn't picky as long as someone orgasms. Shallow shitty bastard.]
No one should be here. [This entire place is fucked up. Getting kidnapped by some sex-crazed bird to perform in a cage. Bakugo snorts at the ID comment.] If you want. This place doesn't care about shoving alcohol and drugs and everything else at you no matter what your age. [If you can drink, smoke, drug, and fight for your life in this hotel regardless of age, why the hell do people make a big deal about fucking?]
That's the informed rumor. [The hotel and staff refuse to confirm or deny it.]
Okay, okay, I get it. Whatever is widely regarded as a sexual act is what counts, noted. [Once more, if people are in it for the fun of it, sure. If anyone is less than happy to be here, it's fucked up, plain and simple. Well yeah, the whole concept is fucked up in the first place, but so are many things in life. All he needs to do now is to see how to deal with the situation at hand and make sure to come out of it alive. He's always been good at that but, thankfully. And thankfully his morals are somewhat adjustable, even though he has grown more and more of a conscience these days. Probably not exactly helping right now.
His eyebrow raises again when Bakugo continues, and he huffs.]
Sure this place isn't just some secret Shinra facility? Sounds pretty much like the old days, if ya askin' me. Weird experiments and training 14 year olds to become SOLDIERs, pumped full of mako. None of that's what children are supposed to do, but when the alternative is the slums and the propaganda's just that good, I guess people fall for it. Still this shit here is fucked up.
[But he's going in circles. They established that they both agree that this place shouldn't exist in the first place. Yet now they have to deal with being here.]
'course they wouldn't admit when someone's just walked out on them. Would kinda ruin their whole game, wouldn't it. But you look like someone who has already tried a bunch?
[Bakugo grunts in acknowledgement, not one to shove a point already made. Giving Reno the basics is enough; he can use that to learn his own way around and decide for himself what he wants to do. He's had his own issues while adjusting to the place, too proud and stubborn to simply throw himself at people without at least trying to know them first. Even more difficult when he's antisocial as fuck and doesn't want to get buddy buddy with a bunch of strangers. Some exceptions have annoyingly begun to apply themselves, much to his irritation and chagrin. Good for his life here, bad for his tough guy image.]
Shinra? [An ashen brow jumps into his choppy bangs. Doesn't sound like a descriptive word, so probably something from Reno's world. Ah, child soldiers. He drops his chin in his hand, annoyed and frustrated.] Take it those kids didn't have a choice in the matter. [While he's not going to decry young people in war (he and his classmates were already fighting in one back home) there's a difference between forced and volunteered. Disgusting of Shinra if that's what they're doing in Reno's world.]
Not a lot of soldiers here, just a bunch of people with different degrees of tolerance. [Age ranges all over the scale. At least he's glad Reno's in the "this place is fucked up and shouldn't be" camp. Some people are... not.]
Uh-huh. [Bakugo cups his free hand and a series of sparks and small explosions pop and burst above his palm.] Right through the damn ceiling of the top floor. Just more ceiling.
[Same thing with the outer walls. He couldn't get through the repeating layers mockingly reforming before the smoke even cleared.] Someone got through, but all they saw was a void. I dunno if that's true or not.
[Either the getting through part or the peacock just showing a void cause it's a massive asshole.]
[The social aspect will hardly be a challenge for Reno, however he hasn't decided yet whether to give in to the whole thing or not. It does sound like fun on paper, but man, under the surface it's just as rotten as everything else.
Speaking of ...]
Ah yeah. Shinra's a company where I'm from. Big one. Basically rules the land, cause it supplies everyone with power 'n energy. They had this whole propaganda thing going for years 'bout how amazing they are and that everyone could become a hero like their poster boy child, if only they joined SOLDIER. Too many kids do fall for that, ya know. [He didn't fall for it back then, but he also didn't have much of a choice.] They're also kind of the company I work for, though I'm not one o' those SOLDIER types. [No, he gets paid a lot better, but he also has to do the work that's a lot dirtier than that.
Reno's eyebrow raises slightly as he watches Bakugo produce that lightning, and for a second, he almost gets excited, when he realizes that along with his clothes, also his materia is gone, and he can't use any of those lightning abilities that he loves so much.] Nice trick. Bet that was pretty useful. But good to know that the place prepared for shit like that, too.
[So, and active rumour mill, but no real evidence. Figuring things out might be a bit tougher than he thought at first, but Reno's never been one to give up easily.]
[A golden cage. Doesn't matter how pretty or fancy the damn thing is, it's still a prison forcing its whim on the captives inside. Bakugo refuses to let himself (or anyone who brings it up) forget about it. Eternal chip on the shoulder, especially from someone who's been kidnapped before. Salt in the wound.]
Was it for the military or a private militia?
[The idea of having one company rule the land is crazy. He comes from a world were there are quite a few powerful companies, but none of them are making government decisions on the nation. Shinra's over here duping kids into becoming soldiers. What the fuck? It's not the same as encouraging upcoming heroes.]
Ah. [Thanks for predicting the question, Reno. Bakugo tilts his glass again and finishes off the drink. Then bristles with pride at Reno's compliment.] It's not a trick, dammit! It's my Quirk. 80% of the people in my world have one.
[Too bad Reno's power isn't internalized like a lot of people's in this place. Bakugo would've gone stir crazy without his Quirk. Taking away the last shred of "normalcy" after they took away everything else.]
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
1. - Arrival
At least until someone's voice warbles its way through his mind. Interrupting whatever dream he's having as if some guy's calling at him from underwater. Brows furrow, doggedly trying to shut them up before going back to sleep, but another call dislodges it entirely. Red eyes open halfway, glaring in half-asleep irritation at the leather in front of hi-
Leather?
-dea what this is?
He snaps awake instantly, adrenaline and anger fueling hot shot through his veins. One second he's down, the next he's upright in a seated position, one hand slung out in front of him with palm forward in a threatening mixture of strike and back off. Lips peeled from bared teeth in a snarl, eyes narrowed as his vision quickly focuses in on a man in front of him. Red hair, slender, fucking gross opulent robe... and a disgustingly posh vehicle interior. He abandons the man for a few seconds to check out the inside, then growls and drops his arm onto his shin.]
Fucking bastards did it again. Every other damn month! [He slams his fist against the small bar next to him, rattling the glasses on its surface.]
no subject
He doesn't know the guy, nor is he surprised or impressed by his display of aggression upon waking up.
He remains calmly seated on his side of the limousine, at this point bored enough to reach over and inspect the liquors on display.
Well, at least it's the good stuff, that's for sure.
He turns back towards the other guy who hasn't answered his question, but has at least said something interesting.]
Every other month? So it's a regular thing to wake up in cars like this and look like some a class hooker?
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No. Every other month, new people get dragged into this shithole.
[Apparently they decided to drop them into the parking garage and make use of the damn eternal cars here.]
The backdrop changes each time.
[That robe is pretty sucky hooker getup...]
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And apparently the whole ordeal is a regular occurrence. Huh.]
Okay, and what exactly is this "shit hole" you're talkin' 'bout? 'cause so far, I got no idea where I am, and that's not something that I like.
Well, aside from in some tacky car.
[And he wants to know how the fuck anyone managed to even bring him to this place. Sure, he's got a deep sleep, but he will notice anyone trying to sneak up on him while he's resting, or else he'd be a pretty shitty Turk to begin with.]
Who are ya, by the way?
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We're inside some magical entity that likes trapping people from different worlds and making them fuck around for some reason. It pretends it's some gaudy ass sex resort that occasionally changes itself up.
[Magic = excuse for whatever shit goes on here. Entity = not some weird conglomerate of people in a screwed up company. And the rest is the bullshit spinning about it. Honestly the last part only explains why it looks the way it does.]
Bakugo Katsuki.
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At least this one sounds like fun and not like it's trying to kill him for once. Unless of course there is a dark side to it after all.]
Must be some big ass entity then.
And you're serious 'bout that sex resort? Meaning the whole fucking around literally?
That's definitely a new one.
Explains the outfit, though.
[He sighs, now definitely considering that drink. But maybe keeping a sharp mind is the better idea for now.]
Reno. Nice to meet ya.
So, how does this thing here work exactly?
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I'm not gonna waste my time lying about this crap. [What does he look like, some kind of joker playing a prank? Tch, there goes the second usual question after swallowing the stupid part. Bakugo grabs a glass from the sidebar and pulls open the minifridge. Look, it's here. Might as well use it. Fishing out a bottle of water, he twists the top off with a crack.]
Everyone's got a rank corresponding to a card in a 52 card poker deck. Orgasm with another guest, you get their card. [He indicates the watch on Reno's arm.] Collect all the cards and the house grants you a wish. Whatever you fucking want.
I don't know what happens after that.
[And tosses Reno a glass, fully expecting him to catch it.]
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Fuck, he wouldn't even put it past Shinra to have their hands in this somehow, and this being just another experiment that he just happened to stumble into.
Fair, fair, no need to get all worked up 'bout it, I was just asking.
[He shrugs, still completely unimpressed by Bakugo's attitude.]
Ah wish, huh? Like what, getting home, or even for the entity to show it's real face? Something like that?
[He leans back, and still, when the glass comes flying, he catches it easily, maybe even a little too fast for a regular human.]
Ah, thanks,
[He smirks, fully aware that Bakugo was testing him. He places the glass to the side and nods ]
Toss me a water bottle too, while you're at it.
So, these cards, how do I know what card I got? And what the other's are?
Hope I'm not something lame.
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At least it means they only have to take down one thing, rather than some army.]
Che, no clue. But that's my intention. I'll wish for this stupid thing to grow deathly allergic to kidnapped victims.
[That way, if it wants to show up and ask first, like a fucking decent creature, and people choose to come here, win win situation for both. Still gonna give it a giant middle finger. Bakugo notes Reno's reaction speed. Well trained, huh.
Water bottle's handed rather than tossed, since it's larger. Hope you like sparkling water; this car's too fancy for plain old bottled spring. Silently Reno gets points for not asking for wine or beer.]
People'll tell you or you can check their watch. [He holds his arm out, showing his own, which displays the time and a small-but-impressive 3 of ♠ card suit on the left of the screen.] You're not officially "checked in" yet, so you're a wildcard right now.
[He'd have said "Joker" but Reno seems like someone who'd have fun with that.]
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Bakugo's wish makes him laugh out loud, even as he takes the bottle from him to fill his glass. He's not at all bothered by the fizziness and just reaches for his glass once the bottle is put aside again.]
That's a good one. Thought 'bout what the allergic reaction should be like? Cause, ya know, insta death is kinda boring, don't ya think?
[He takes a sip of his water and squints at Bakugo's watch, seeing the card on display.]
As I've always been, [He shrugs, checking the display of his own watch. Not quite the fancy thing he would like, but it seems to come with some interesting features. Another thing to store away for a later point.]
And what's the place like? Just one big room where everyone's doing the dirty, or what's it like?
I mean, so far all I know is that there's apparently a car. Or probably more of them, I don't know, I didn't check yet.
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He snorts at the man's laugh and lifts the glass to his lips. It's fizz bites into his tongue, bland taste a brief shock to the system and chases away any lingering tiredness from his body. Hmph, at least someone finds the wish valuable.]
Puke us all back out into our real worlds. [Despite what he regularly says, he doesn't really want to kill the entity, if it's indeed a living creature.] It's sentient enough to make all this shit; it can learn to ask first.
[Originally he only wanted everyone to go home and that's that, but after being here a while, there are people whose lives are better in the resort than at home. They should at least have the choice to return or stay.
In response to Reno's question, Bakugo accesses a quick dial app on the watch and abruptly blooms a massive map all over the roof of the car. The watch's projection capability isn't explicitly stated, but who the fuck wants to text and type on a goddamn watch screen?] There's at least thirty floors in this place; someone said more than a hundred.
[Ranging from the penthouse at the top to shopping centers, restaurants, university, training facilities, a nature preserve, and of course all the rooms and suites for different ranks. And the basement...]
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Something enhanced with magic might pose a bit more of a challenge, but he's sure that there are still ways to figure this thing out.]
Yeah, consent is kinda an important thing at times, even for some magical being,
[He leans in closer as the map appears, eyes flickering over the 3D model and taking in the different floors and markings that explain what exactly each floor is supposed to be.]
So no one knows exactly how many floors there are? Do they maybe even change from time to time?
[He scratches the back of his head, still studying the place.]
Interesting that there's even universities in this place. Like, why would anyone wanna go there while being trapped in a place?
Also what's down there?
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Tch, it doesn't care about consent in some things.
[Like kidnapping and dumping people in here. Though on the other side, it's not very eager to encourage people forcing themselves on others and most of the time reluctantly gives the guests way out of its stupid events. If you're stubborn.
Bakugo indicates the floors and markings as Reno surveys them. The map's able to project itself in a 3D like this, or splay out on a surface in a 2D style. Something to note for later.]
Most are fixed, but a few can change. [The residential floors don't move. Basement floors, who the fuck knows. And the "entertainment" areas should be static, but Bakugo's heard of a few instances where they moved around for the hell of it.]
Every other month, the theme of the hotel changes. When I arrived, everything was a damn tropical island. In October, it looked like a fucking horror film.
[Right now, it's cold. He snorts in annoyance and amusement when Reno asks about the university.]
The university won't try to shove a dick in your face as often.
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[Reno's jaw clenches, his face darkening a little for the first time since arriving here.
There are lines that even he doesn't like or want to cross. Few as they are, he is holding on to those.
He doesn't know about the loopholes that the resort offers, so he just assumes. And many does it taste bitter in his mouth.
He keeps studying the map, trying to put everything to memory in case he needs it. He's not sure how functional his own watch is yet, or if they won't stop working at some point, so it's better to be familiar with the place from the get go.
He leans back in surprise though, when he hears about the changes.]
The theme changes? I mean, I heard 'bout seasonal decoration, but something tells me that that's not all it was, wasn't it?
What's the theme right now? Roaring 20s?
[He nods towards the gaudy robes, not even bothered by how sheer they are. Just that he would've liked to have a word in changing clothes, but again, that's coming back to the consent bit.]
My, isn't it nice to know that people can at least finish their education before being invited to an involuntary orgy. How considerate ..
[The eye roll is just as much audible in his voice as it is visible on his face.]
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[Bakugo's been here over half a year now and hasn't heard of an actual malicious rape instance. Even with the suit activation at its fullest, most people around are at least willing to lend a hand, provided you don't go for someone who fucking hates your guts. There's a lot more influence and heavy persuasion than straight up force.
Luckily Reno's watch should be working well enough. Bakugo can show him how to access the map application and protection feature, probably the most important thing asides from your hand record in this place. Hmph, this guy's smart. Already trying to lock everything into memory even after just arriving. Survival instinct or hard training?]
Hell if I know. [All he's seen so far are these stupid robes and being stuck in a limo. He twists around and peers out the tinted windows. Cars, more cars. Shit, they're in the damn garage. No way to tell the theme from that alone.] We're in the garage. Won't know the theme till we get to the hotel's main floors.
[The garage never changes.]
Che! It's a change of pace from all this perverted crap. [Doesn't mean there aren't classes on Karma Sutra or sex ed. Still have to dig through smut in the library to get to the actual academic texts. But otherwise, it can be a tame haven.]
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Basic minimal standards then, that's good. Though if it still has that much influence on ya that it can even make you horny as you say, who says that it's still your actual free will?
[He himself doesn't care. He likes sex and enjoys the hell out of it, but he still wants his partners do to the same, out of their own free will. His ego might tell him that obviously everyone would want a piece of him, but realistically he knows that there must be those out there that don't. And he'd like then to be honest and not forced, thank you very much.]
Well, since there's a university but not a school, i assume there are no children here. Cause that would also just be fucked up.
[It's a bit of both, survival instinct AND training that makes Reno study the map as intently as he does. Living on the streets meant having to know all the escape routes and hideouts to survive, while being a Turk requires to be well prepared for a mission if it's not supposed to end in a disaster.
He spots the garage on the map, checking it's location in comparison to the rest of the hotel.]
Think we can get there? Should we even? Or does staying here mean I can just leave again when I'm not paying into this bullshit?
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Hmph. You can always lock yourself in a closet until you go completely insane and turn to stone. [It may be "death" for you, but you'll at least have said "fuck off!" to the bird and gone out on your own terms. Free will, fucker!] It's your choice to play however you damn want. I know an guy who chose to be monogamous with his boyfriend no matter what the House wants.
[Whether that's throwing yourself into the hedonism or taking things slow, or even barely participating at all. Bakugo dug his heels in for a long time out of pride and decency, but ultimately decided to cooperate in order to win and fuck over the house. Petty revenge is a good motivator. Reno might come across as a tough guy, but he's got a good heart in there if he's giving this much thought and attention to consent.]
Yeah. 16 and up. [He rubs the side of his head in annoyance.] Some people think you're still a fucking kid if you're not 18, but that's only in their world or country. 16's "adult" in my world.
[Which can make for some trouble with clashing viewpoints. Bakugo's yelled at a lot of people who call him or act like he's a child. Heedless of the fact he's fighting in a goddamn national war back home to protect his entire country from people who'll murder him and any other hero available the second they get the chance.]
HA! [He barks a laugh at Reno's cheek. Damn, he's heard that a few times before and it's fucking hilarious.] There's different opinions on that last one. But if you wanna get out, there's a fucking door right behind you.
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[He rolls his eyes, not quite convinced of this place. Sure there seem to be quite the extensive list of luxuries offered upon arrival, but thinking about it further than the surface and it seems just as rotten as everything that Reno knows from his own world.]
Okay, so ya can choose to not sleep around, but one way or the other, you're supposed to have sex, that's the whole core point?
[Well, he's sure he'd find enough willing people, but the point still stands that it shouldn't be necessary in the first place.
He's not sure yet which way he will go, it might depend on the overall situation he is presented with upon his actual confrontation with the resort, but for now, he isn't quite convinced yet.
He does however raise an eyebrow at the fact that sixteen year olds are brought here as well. He is under no illusion that teenagers aren't making their experiences, and they can enlist for SOLDIER at the age of fourteen to become canon fodder for Shinra where he is from. Still, most of that is based on their own decisions (and a lot of fake propaganda), and not because some entity forces them to.]
Still fucked up, if ya askin' me. I know what sixteen year old are doin' in my world, doesn't mean they should be here,
But thanks for tellin' me that I need to check for and ID, just in case.
[Well, Bakugo's reaction is telling enough and Reno sighs.]
Okay, okay, I get it. I'm stuck here, huh? No one ever escaped unless they wished for it?
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[Bakugo dug his heels in hard when he got here, refusing to do anything with anyone for a while until he got the lay of the place and decided for himself he was going to cooperate. Glad to know Reno recognizes a gold-coated cage instead of getting soaked in the lie.
He clicks his tongue in annoyance when Reno prods the next question. Guess he should've expected that.]
Uh-huh. It's up to you how. Stick with a single partner. Keep to yourself and voyeur. Nothing but handjobs. Shit like that.
[The fact he says all that without sputtering, cussing, and flushing hard shows how far he's come since his first day. It's still embarrassing, but he shoves it out for Reno's sake. The guy deserves to know his options. Sex is required, but the House isn't picky as long as someone orgasms. Shallow shitty bastard.]
No one should be here. [This entire place is fucked up. Getting kidnapped by some sex-crazed bird to perform in a cage. Bakugo snorts at the ID comment.] If you want. This place doesn't care about shoving alcohol and drugs and everything else at you no matter what your age. [If you can drink, smoke, drug, and fight for your life in this hotel regardless of age, why the hell do people make a big deal about fucking?]
That's the informed rumor. [The hotel and staff refuse to confirm or deny it.]
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[Once more, if people are in it for the fun of it, sure. If anyone is less than happy to be here, it's fucked up, plain and simple.
Well yeah, the whole concept is fucked up in the first place, but so are many things in life.
All he needs to do now is to see how to deal with the situation at hand and make sure to come out of it alive.
He's always been good at that but, thankfully. And thankfully his morals are somewhat adjustable, even though he has grown more and more of a conscience these days. Probably not exactly helping right now.
His eyebrow raises again when Bakugo continues, and he huffs.]
Sure this place isn't just some secret Shinra facility? Sounds pretty much like the old days, if ya askin' me.
Weird experiments and training 14 year olds to become SOLDIERs, pumped full of mako. None of that's what children are supposed to do, but when the alternative is the slums and the propaganda's just that good, I guess people fall for it.
Still this shit here is fucked up.
[But he's going in circles. They established that they both agree that this place shouldn't exist in the first place. Yet now they have to deal with being here.]
'course they wouldn't admit when someone's just walked out on them. Would kinda ruin their whole game, wouldn't it.
But you look like someone who has already tried a bunch?
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Shinra? [An ashen brow jumps into his choppy bangs. Doesn't sound like a descriptive word, so probably something from Reno's world. Ah, child soldiers. He drops his chin in his hand, annoyed and frustrated.] Take it those kids didn't have a choice in the matter. [While he's not going to decry young people in war (he and his classmates were already fighting in one back home) there's a difference between forced and volunteered. Disgusting of Shinra if that's what they're doing in Reno's world.]
Not a lot of soldiers here, just a bunch of people with different degrees of tolerance. [Age ranges all over the scale. At least he's glad Reno's in the "this place is fucked up and shouldn't be" camp. Some people are... not.]
Uh-huh. [Bakugo cups his free hand and a series of sparks and small explosions pop and burst above his palm.] Right through the damn ceiling of the top floor. Just more ceiling.
[Same thing with the outer walls. He couldn't get through the repeating layers mockingly reforming before the smoke even cleared.] Someone got through, but all they saw was a void. I dunno if that's true or not.
[Either the getting through part or the peacock just showing a void cause it's a massive asshole.]
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Speaking of ...]
Ah yeah. Shinra's a company where I'm from. Big one. Basically rules the land, cause it supplies everyone with power 'n energy. They had this whole propaganda thing going for years 'bout how amazing they are and that everyone could become a hero like their poster boy child, if only they joined SOLDIER. Too many kids do fall for that, ya know.
[He didn't fall for it back then, but he also didn't have much of a choice.]
They're also kind of the company I work for, though I'm not one o' those SOLDIER types.
[No, he gets paid a lot better, but he also has to do the work that's a lot dirtier than that.
Reno's eyebrow raises slightly as he watches Bakugo produce that lightning, and for a second, he almost gets excited, when he realizes that along with his clothes, also his materia is gone, and he can't use any of those lightning abilities that he loves so much.]
Nice trick. Bet that was pretty useful.
But good to know that the place prepared for shit like that, too.
[So, and active rumour mill, but no real evidence. Figuring things out might be a bit tougher than he thought at first, but Reno's never been one to give up easily.]
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Was it for the military or a private militia?
[The idea of having one company rule the land is crazy. He comes from a world were there are quite a few powerful companies, but none of them are making government decisions on the nation. Shinra's over here duping kids into becoming soldiers. What the fuck? It's not the same as encouraging upcoming heroes.]
Ah. [Thanks for predicting the question, Reno. Bakugo tilts his glass again and finishes off the drink. Then bristles with pride at Reno's compliment.] It's not a trick, dammit! It's my Quirk. 80% of the people in my world have one.
[Too bad Reno's power isn't internalized like a lot of people's in this place. Bakugo would've gone stir crazy without his Quirk. Taking away the last shred of "normalcy" after they took away everything else.]
Tch. It likes to keep its image.