TDM 007

[goldmods]

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

Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our 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

WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN PEA... CAR?

► Thanks to a classic move called “overbooking,” new arrivals aren't being checked into rooms — the front desk and concierge have made an executive decision to temporarily house new arrivals in the parking garage. This may actually not be as bad as one may think! All of the vehicles in the Golden Peacock's garage are luxury; some are even bigger than the basement suites. There are, however, a limited number of cars available. Guests are booked into cars in pairs or sets of three.

► All vehicles in the Golden Peacock's parking garage are top of the line models. While the body style and year vary, their common denominator is that they are expensive. New arrivals may wake up in any kind of luxury vehicle from a zippy little Maserati to a SUV limousine. Guests waking up in larger, party-style vehicles may find the inside bar stocked with booze and snacks. Due to the nature of waking up in cars, they may wake up anywhere in their new ride. Even the trunk!

► New arrivals wake up naked save for a robe, as is standard for the Golden Peacock. This round’s robes are dramatic sets bedazzled with precious gems. These robes are inspired by the 1920s. Some are silk, some are sheer, some are lined with fur. All are over the top. If it has the flavor of old Hollywood or wealth your character can wake up in it. Some lucky guests may even find old fashioned smoking pipes or extended cigarette holders in their robe pockets.

► After briefly being dumbfounded, the valet, who normally has nothing to do, will scurry down with a few racks of clothes. All articles on the racks have been dragged out of storage; the majority of the pieces are old-fashioned or mismatched. All he can do is continue to bow deeply and apologize for the lack of amenities in the parking garage. No one ever comes here!

SUITES DON'T DO THIS!

► The cars in the parking garage are temperamental. Guests may find doors locking and unlocking of their own accord when they're trying to exit the vehicle. When inside with someone else, the radio will change to a channel playing romantic music. The lights will flicker, dim, or turn off to create some sexy ambiance. They've been in the parking garage for a long time and haven't seen any action in decades. That famous car that starred in Titanic got people to have sex in it. Why can't they!

► Some of the cars may act strangely in other ways. The AC or heat will blast unexpectedly, the horn will go off at the least opportune moment, the engine will steam, the seats will spring back without anyone pressing the lever... if it can go wrong in a car, it can happen.

If asked, the valet will explain that over the past few months parts have gone mysteriously missing from some of the cars. Stolen, by no good dirty thieves! But what kind of ragamuffin would snatch car parts in the Golden Peacock? Regardless, he will apologize about the issues. They will continue until those missing parts are returned or replaced.

He will offer a monetary reward to anyone that can bring him any information about the guests that have been stealing car parts. It makes him look incompetent at his job, you see. All he has to do is watch these cars that don't go anywhere! If the house catches wind that they're needing repairs on his watch he's liable to lose his job. He's got four engaged daughters and he's got to pay for their weddings. He can't afford to get fired!

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.

AT THE DOOR

► Guests must adhere to the black tie dress code to enter. Those that show up in less than their best won't be turned away — but they will be stuffed into a rental outfit provided by the staff. All provided outfits are gaudy, flashy, and encrusted with jewelry. Also — itchy. Too much starch.

► Guests that do not want to come will be "helped" to the party by the casino's favorite ghost hands. They will be dragged, levitated, and thrown across the resort until they've "joined" the party. Those that wish to opt out will be conveniently overlooked, completely forgotten by both the house and the hands because they, "lack presence." Ouch!

► Guests that wish to leave the party before it reaches its official end 168 hours later will find obstacles getting in the way of exiting. Staff pop out of nowhere to cheerfully guide them over to this new game they must try. Waiters stop them with trays of steaming food that they think they'll really enjoy. Long-standing guests stumble directly into their path and drag them into some drunken shenanigans. The doors will randomly get stuck. While guests can certainly escape the party, the forces that be are determined to make it difficult for them to call it a night.

REFRESHMENTS

► WHAT THE RICH FOLK EAT: A massive buffet table lines the back wall of the casino. This nod to overconsumption and gluttony features expensive and exquisite eats from land to sea. Everything on the table is decadent; only the best for guests of the Golden Peacock. The servers working the table encourage guests to eat and eat and eat, even going so far as to help them load up their 16 inch plates until they're overflowing. Less is more? Nonsense. More is more.

► IT'S GETTING BUBBLY: While there are plenty of libations to go around, there is one special champagne that's guaranteed sweep you off your feet. A few sips of the bubbly will have you floating in the air like you're the grandpa from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Guests that drink the bubbly will become like a bubble themselves, rising to the ceiling and swimming through the air. Unlike Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, however, burping isn't the answer to grounding safely. The bubbly wears off randomly and without warning, so be careful of falling on another guest or someone's game table.

► JUST A PUFF OR TWO: There's a new smoke that's captured the attention of party-goers. This popular new drug is called twig. Smoked from a very thin joint with an earthy taste. Need to add some pep to your step? Twig is the smoking equivalent of two hundred cups of coffee. Who needs sleep? With twig, it's possible to stay awake for upwards of three days without feeling tired. Guests report feeling "brilliantly energized" after smoking twig. However, reports also note that once the high wears off, the user might feel like a deflated balloon that's been run over by a truck. Long-standing guests will encourage newer guests to give it a try. You can sleep after the party, bro!

GAME ROOMS

TRY YOUR LUCK

DIRTY DICE: EVEN DIRTIER

A crowd favorite — Dirty Dice is BACK and now it's even dirtier. The creators put their heads together to come up with funnier and more dynamic dice options to keep things interesting for players. While the original game used a pair of standard six-sided dice, Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier debuts a pair of hefty twelve-sided dice.

► The rules for Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier remain the same as last year. Players will be seated at a two-top (though group Dirty Dice games are also encouraged!) with a set of dirty dice. The starting player rolls both dice. The action created with the dice must then be done to the opposing player — however, the rolling player does have the option to turn down the action if they're chicken. The second player will then roll the dice to create an action, similarly able to turn down the action if they're also chicken. Players continue to take turns until there is a winner.

► The first player to complete four actions will receive bragging rights, an extra large chip payout, and the resounding applause from the audience. For low rank guests, winning Dirty Dice: Even Dirtier may also come with an invitation to one of the exclusive lounges.

DIE A
1: TICKLE
2: FINGER
3: KISS
4: SUCK
5: CARESS
6: SLAP
7: FONDLE
8: PINCH
9: LICK
10: BITE
11: SNIFF
12: GRIND ON

DIE B
1: LIPS
2: THIGH
3: CHEST
4: ASS
5: MOUTH
6: ELBOW
7: NECK
8: EAR
9: NIPPLE
10: GENITALS
11: KNEE
12: NOSE

SEX TOY ROULETTE

Come one, come all, step right up and try your luck with Sex Toy Roulette! Several giant roulette wheels (an ode to our favorite morning TV show, The Price Is Right) are waiting for those brave enough to give them a spin. Sex Toy Roulette is a game of chance that comes with risks and rewards. Are you daring enough to give it a go?

► Sex Toy Roulette is very easy to play. The player steps up to the wheel, grabs the handle, and gives it their best spin. Whatever the needle lands on when the wheel stops is what the player wins! Lucky ducks might land on one of the fabulous instant prizes which can be claimed immediately. Less lucky ducks land on one of the sex toy options.

► If the needle lands on one of the sex toy options the roulette manager will give the player the corresponding sex toy. The toy will sync with the player's Watch and begin a countdown of 4 hours. The instructions for further steps are also transmitted to their Watch: Use this sex toy in a sex act with another guest within 4 hours.

► Players that complete the game and use the sex toy within 4 hours will receive no penalty. They also get to keep the sex toy. Yay!

► Players that do not complete the game and do not use the sex toy within 4 hours will be penalized. Not only will a substantial amount of chips be drained from their bank account, guests may experience a sudden and intense suit flare. Wildcards may randomly experience symptoms of ANY SUIT.

1: BLINDFOLD
2: CHOCOLATE SYRUP
3: PADDLE
4: DILDO
5: INSTA-PRIZE
6: G-STRING
7: CLIT SUCKER
8: ANAL BEADS
9: ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
10: INSTA-PRIZE
11: MAGIC WAND
12: GUN

13: A REGULAR SPOON
14: VIBRATOR
15: INSTA-PRIZE
16: ROPE
17: BALL GAG
18: FLESHLIGHT
19: BONDAGE TAPE
20: FLAVORED CONDOMS
21: INSTA-PRIZE
22: BUTT PLUG
23: GARTER BELT
24: KNIFE

25: NIPPLE CLAMPS
26: INSTA-PRIZE
27: LEASH & COLLAR
28: RIDING CROP
29: SEX DOLL
30: BEN WA BALLS
31: CHASTITY CAGE
32: ANKLE CUFFS
33: COCK RING
34: INSTA-PRIZE
35: CUCUMBER
36: HANDCUFFS

► Guests that land on INSTA-PRIZE may select from the following prizes:

An extra-large chip payout and money box experience. Stand inside a narrow box and enjoy being showered with the bills of different cultures across the multiverse! Dollars, yen, euros, yuan... you name it.

The royal experience. Travel around the party in the coveted Pure Gold Peacock Palanquin. Enjoy 24 hours of topless servants and constant hand-and-foot service. All of your commands will be obeyed.

Select from an assortment of luxury watches, necklaces, earrings, and other expensive articles of clothing. Cashmere, pure silk, Mongolian wool — high quality items for keeps. May also select from appliances that would not be normally found in low rank suites.

A brand new car or motorcycle!!! Yes, the car will have to live in the garage, but it's all yours. Winners who choose a motorcycle may ride it around the hallways of the resort.

► The specific details of the sex toy a character is given is left to OOC discretion. For example, if you choose to land on "vibrator", you may have your character given any kind of vibrator. Have fun!

1 or 11

Down the hall from the main hub guests may find a clandestine room with a silvery sign on the door — ARE YOU 1 OR 11? Crossing the threshold brings a different atmosphere from the card tables and slot machines. The game manager stops every person that comes inside, offering four cards and asking the new player to select one.

"This will be your role inside Lovers' Hideaway," she explains with a smile. After selecting a card, the player will be guided past the velvet curtains to join in the amorous atmosphere of a silver-studded lounge with several private bedrooms.

► 1 or 11 is a game of dominance and submission. The four hidden cards offered at the door are all Ace cards. The specific Ace card that the player draws indicates their role of either Dominant or Submissive. For the rest of their time inside Lover's Hideaway that is the dynamic they are expected to play. Players will win a large payout after any intimate D/s encounter.

► A player must redraw every time they leave and return to Lovers' Hideaway, so it is possible to play both dynamics.

A♦: ACE OF DIAMONDS — 1, Submissive.
A♥︎: ACE OF HEARTS — 11, Dominant.
A♣: ACE OF CLUBS — 1, Submissive.
A♠: ACE OF SPADES — 11, Dominant.

► The rules of 1 or 11 are otherwise very relaxed. Doms and Subs seek one another out inside Lovers' Hideaway and find mutual satisfaction together. The staff of Lovers' Hideaway are happy to provide any amenities that the couple would like to use in their play.

HOUSE OF CARDS

Ladies and gentleman! Do you dare to test how steady your hands are? Are you ready for a new challenge? Come play our new game, House of Cards. Step up to any table with a house of cards and prepare to go head-to-head with another guest in a game of strategy and luck.

► Players take turns removing one of the cards from a house of cards. Similarly to Jenga, players must be careful not to knock the house of cards over when removing a card. The player that causes the house to collapse is the loser. A large sum of chips will be transfered from the loser to the winner after the house falls.

► Each card has a question. After successfully pulling a card, the player must then answer the question honestly. Questions vary in intensity, ranging from simple inquiries such as, What is your favorite color? to more complicated, Would you betray a loved one for financial gain?

► Failure to answer the question or to answer it honestly will register as a loss on the player's Watch. The player will then be flagged as the loser and a large sum of chips will be transferred to the winning player.

EXCLUSIVE LOUNGES

ONLY FOR THE FEW

HIGH CLASS OASIS

Being a high rank in the Golden Peacock comes with perks. 168 hours is exhausting, so staff have arranged a luxurious respite for the high rank guests that need a break from the party. Guests ranked 10 - King are invited to come relax in the High Class Oasis. Suit-clad and sunglasses wearing security stand at the door and check each guest's credentials before they're allowed to enter.

Security are strict about monitoring who is allowed to come into the oasis. They won't even allow a high rank to bring a mid or low rank with them; they won't risk upsetting any of the other high ranks. However, while these security guards are loyal and diligent, they aren't especially smart. It is possible for low and mid rank guests to sneak into the oasis with a bit of ingenuity. But be careful — if you don't walk the high class walk, one of the royal long-term guests might call for security to drag the peasants away.

Private bedrooms and sleeping pods.

Bathroom featuring showers, bath tubs, hot tubs, sauna, and steam room.

Racks of complimentary clothing.

Top-shelf bottles of wine, champagne, and spirits.

Complimentary cigarettes and cigars.

Full body massages and masseuses on call.

Birdbucks baristas serving up any and all coffee drinks, on the house.

Peace and quiet away from the peasants!

HIGH ROLLER CLUB

Guests that are willing to bet high and gamble hard are invited to play in the High Roller Club. The High Roller Club isn't for the faint of wallet or heart; everything played inside this exclusive club is high risk and high reward. Guests that refuse to match the high risk energy of the club will be escorted out immediately. Entrance to the High Roller Club is dependent upon the means to bet high. If the dealers judge a guest to be broke and/or a coward, unable to put forth chips and unwilling to bet their bodies, they will be denied access.

Guests that have been denied access but are caught trying to sneak in will be conscripted into drink service. They will be dressed up in a sexy bird costume and made to serve drinks to high rollers. Think sexy casino bunny, bird edition. Hey, at least that gives them a bird's eye view of how the extremely wealthy (and gambling addicts) play?

All games require large bets, either monetary or bodily.

Sex acts may be offered in lieu of chips if the player has no chips left to bet.

All drinks are complementary when playing in the club.

Wins and losses must be large enough to be impactful on a player's daily life.

Players can end up in the red, which triggers instant conscription. Players in massive debt will be forced to work in other areas of the party to begin paying back the house.

Any kind of game may be played in the club, including games under the "Game Rooms" tab.

WOMEN'S PARLOR

A pair of eight foot Amazonian bouncers guard the doors to the Women's Parlor. Only guests that identify as women will be allowed to enter the parlor. Guests that identify as men will be blocked by the bouncers' crossed spears. This lounge is a private space for women to relax and refresh during the festivities.

Like the other lounges, it is not impossible for guests that identify as men to sneak into the Women's Parlor. However, these Amazonian bouncers won't move an inch from the door and refuse to engage with men, leaving little room for persuasion or sneaking. Men who wish to sneak into the Women's Parlor will have to crossdress as women in order to pass the bouncers. It's important to keep up the act, too, lest the long-standing guests inside the parlor realize that men have snuck into their haven and call the Amazons to come catch them.

Comfortable couches and sofas; blankets and pillows.

A few showers stocked with amenities.

Quick laundry service for gowns and pantsuits.

Exclusive dessert bar, featuring limited edition pastries.

High tea at all hours, featuring limited edition tea blends and mini sandwiches.

Running chocolate fountain and numerous dip-able foods such as fruits and marshmallows.

Numerous kittens and cats for cuddling.

Complimentary shoulder and/or foot massages.

HANGOVER AFTERCARE

DID YOU HAVE FUN?

A LITTLE AFTERCARE

► The morning after the party ends, characters will find themselves waking up with someone else in their bed. Did you go to bed with someone last night? Oops, looks like they got misplaced in the shuffle, but please enjoy this new person. No one should wake up alone after a party — or so the house thinks. Affection and intimacy have been reported to increase happiness in humans and semi-human individuals after an exhausting escapade. Plus, it's heard that hangovers can be torturous. Not that it would know.

► Guests won't just be waking up to each other. Waiting for them are trays with steaming hot breakfast and a large cloth bag labeled Hangover Kit. While you're enjoying some coffee and munching on bacon, feel free to dig into the bag and check out what the house has sent for you! Isn't it the best host?

Please enjoy your complimentary: water bottle; aspirin packs; Pepto-Bismol; Gas-X; Imodium; anal douche; enema kit; viagra; face masks; a box of Bon-Bons; and one (1) random sex toy.

Have a pleasant sleepy morning!

OOC NOTES

INVITES | RESERVES | APPLICATIONS

▶ BLANKET CW: Alcohol; altered states; BDSM dynamics; coercion; drug use; exhibitionism; food play; gambling; servitude

▶ 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.

▶ Happy New Year and 2025! ♥

NAVIGATION • LOG • NETWORK • OOC • MEME

Comments

[belheir]

[Maybe Persona 6 will have him... if they can stop milking the persona 5 cash cow.]

... Sorry. I'm the new god back home. King of Bel, Overlord of Demonkind, Slayer of God, Newest Powerful Deity On The World Stage.

[You know how it is.]

[survivaltricks]

[please Atlus I am begging you for the gift of P6. . .]

[Akira's response is casual, given as he meets Kazuya's gaze evenly, features completely blank]

Ah. Sorry if I have to kill you, then.

[TAKES A SIP OF HIS CHAMPAGNE. it won't make him float this time]

[belheir]

[...

Kazuya immediately puts his arm around Akira's shoulder, incredibly buddybuddy like.]

I welcome the attempt. I love putting the lesser people into the dirt, you see.

[He doesn't. But he is playing up being a Big Bad Evil Villain, mostly because it's fun and Genya isn't here to take him seriously.]

[survivaltricks]

[it's okay, Akira has no desire nor plan to kill Kazuya in turn. god or not, Kazuya seems far too easygoing to be a true enemy. as long as he isn't trying to enslave humanity, then he's fine in Akira's book!1]

[BUT WHEN YOU'RE COMMITTED TO THE BIT. . .!]

[you elbow a guy in the ribs. like Akira is doing right now. he is not pulling his punch, either]

Good luck with that one. I always spring back to life. Like a cockroach.

[belheir]

[Wow.

Kazuya grunts at being elbowed, and it smarts, but even for as hard as it is, he's particularly sturdy.]

Already an aggressive, bite-y little cockroach, huh?

[He squeezes his arm around Akira's shoulders. Leans in ominously.]

Careful, wouldn't want you to get hurt.

[survivaltricks]

[Akira had that feeling!!! anyone who brags about being STRONG can take an elbow to the gut]

[also, oh my god. BARKS OUT A LAUGH]

How fragile do you think I am? Like expensive glass?

[shoves a hand in Kazuya's face, less to push him away and more to just be a brat. few people can draw this side out of him, Kazuya!!]

That's the second time you've offended me tonight.

[belheir]

[That hand? Immediately bitten. Absolutely chomped on, because demons are, if nothing else, just talkative animals with a bite first questions later response. Kazuya likes to think he's better than that.

He's not. It shows, as his teeth sink right into poor Akira's hand and he holds there, grinning widely.

He says something. It's absolutely muffled by the fact that Akira's hand is in his mouth.]

1/??? I'M LOSING MY MIND

[survivaltricks]

[-- ?!]

[survivaltricks]

[???!?!?!???]

[survivaltricks]

[OH MY GOD???? THIS??? COMPLETE AND TOTAL ASSHOLE???? THIS PUNK??? THIS JERK????]

[survivaltricks]

[sorry please excuse Akira for a brief moment as he is struck by the exasperated realization that he is, like. . . now 90% sure the last time he was here (the time he apparently does not remember) they banged]

[hate that!! now he's questioning his taste in men!!]

DONE

[survivaltricks]

[does it hurt? hard to tell; Akira isn't flinching, other than the way a cloud of pink suddenly spreads across his cheeks, creeping up to the corners of his ears. otherwise? his expression is unreadable as he stares Kazuya dead in the eyes and says]





Table manners. Don't talk with your mouth full.

[gives as good as he gets, at least]

oh boy did they ever bang. also akira has every right to punch him right in the face.

[belheir]

[That's not a no biting.

That's not a no biting. That, and the dusting of pink that appears over his face absolutely makes him incredibly amused.

And. Fucking.

Licks him. Behind his teeth. Like the nasty crime demon he is, because he's been here an entire year now, and he has, unfortunately, gotten way too into the demonic hedonism juice.]

AKIRA CAN TELL. he knows his type!! hates it (does not actually hate it) but he knows it!!!

[survivaltricks]

[OH MY GOD??]

[now this is just unfair. Akira just got here!!! he is still getting his bearings!! he still halfway thinks this is a dream!!! IS HE NOT ALLOWED TIME TO BREATHE FIRST??]

[punching is usually saved for people who really tick him off, and Kazuya has done no such thing. if anything, he is probably already one of Akira's favorite people here-- barring Yusuke, who gets a "phantom thief" bonus, of course. with an exasperated bark, Akira tries to ignore the heat that suddenly rushes across his cheeks as that blush deepens, and he moves to yank his hand free]

I'm going to shove your face in the dirt--

[flustered? respond with play violence!! if he manages to free himself, Kazuya is getting treated to one (1) headlock and noogie combo]

i thought his type was someone who wants to kill him :thinking:

[belheir]

[He does get his hand free, because it's not as fun if Kazuya immediately puts him into the dirt instead, right? A little bit of a tussle is fun, and it's not like Akira has put down the law that he's not allowed to do this sort of thing. If he had, he'd have respected it fully.

So until he does that, Kazuya is going to continue teasing him. The other boy puts him in a headlock. Kazuya allows it. Allows himself to get a noogie from him for about... five whole seconds. Before he makes use of those demonic overlord powers and teleports out of his grasp to attempt to return the favour, grip strong and unyielding this time if he can manage it.]

Yeah? How're you gonna go about that? I told you. I'm the one with all the power here. You're nothing but a wanna be hero against my dark, evil might.

what was that can't hear you over the sound of simply not perceiving that particular factoid?

[survivaltricks]

[Akira has pretty thick skin-- he had to, after attending Shujin amidst an ocean of baseless rumors. if he couldn't take a little playful ribbing, then what right would he have to be as full of cheek as he is?? this kind of dynamic is only fun if it can go both ways!!]

[. . . however. . .]

[. . . certain individuals could be blamed for this, but he also has a bit of a competitive streak. he likes to win!! and this is not winning! though clearly, there is no way he is going to win, here. not that he is ready to admit that]

Ack--

[Kazuya's grip is strong, and Akira instinctively grabs at those arms, prying at them in a (halfhearted, mostly-for-show) attempt to get free]

Are you going to start monologuing at me? Because if you are--

[. . . and then he promptly kicks Kazuya in the shins]

HMMMMMMMM

[belheir]

[His shin! Is kicked. Kazuya frowns, adjusting his grip on Akira with a wince. Ow? Ow! He hasn't been nearly as violent as this would-be hero... Rude. Mean.]

Kick me again and I'll put a tetrakarn on myself and see how you like it.

[AKA, Everyone's favourite Stop Hitting Yourself spell. It's also not a threat, but a promise.]

Ah, yeah. I forgot to say. We're from pretty similar worlds, by the way. Same magic. Same demons, just that yours are head demons and mine are actual demons.

[He's not letting the term head demons go. Thank you.]

looks away

[survivaltricks]

[HA. GOT A WINCE. that's victory enough in Akira's book. he stops scrambling so much, not necessarily going slack in Kazuya's grip (because he isn't, his body is still tense and ready to spring into action, should the opportunity present itself) but. . . you know. taking a break]

[also head demons is a valid phrase, even if Akira is rolling his eyes at it]

I kind of gathered that, when you said your demons looked like my Personas.

[actually. . .]

I meant to ask you about that, but then we started talking about Gnosticism. [. . . a mutter] Tetrakarn is cheating, by the way.

rings the shame bell

[belheir]

I said your personas look like my demons. You have that backwards.

[Just so he's aware. Demons came first, thank you!]

There's another guy with your head demons here, by the way. His name is Narukami Yu. You'll probably end up running into him if they make you stay here, and no. Tetrakarn isn't cheating.

FELLOW SMT PROTAG YOU ARE NOT ONE TO TALK

[survivaltricks]

Right. Your demons look like my Personas.

[is this the hill he is going to die on. also-- DOES QUICK TIMELINE MATH, Yu's thread is now officially before Kazuya's]

[Akira blinks a few times at that revelation, brows raising]

Yu. . .? That guy who-- [rang of an uncanny sense of familiarity? whose smile felt strangely comfortable and nostalgic. . .? whose soul seemed to resonate with the Fool and the World all at once?]

[. . . god that all sounds so fucking lame. Akira can't say any of it aloud, so he cuts himself off and shakes his head]

First off, if Tetrakarn isn't cheating then neither is Tetra Break, and also. . . [less cheeky, more thoughtful. perhaps a bit distracted. . .?] . . . that's good to know.

[belheir]

[Kazuya forces him down lower at the comment that his demons look like his personas. Enjoy your spine being bent!!! Even if Kazuya is the same height and his spine is being bent too.]

Oh, you did meet him. His soul belongs to me, just as an FYI.

[It doesn't. He's just been saying that as of late... It's just a fun little joke between them. It's fine.]

Tetra break isn't. [He confirms with a nod.] But I have fun magic up my sleeve that I don't need a head demon to cast. I have the advantage, you know.

[survivaltricks]

Gck--

[. . . if he bends over enough on his own merits can he pick Kazuya up on his back. this is so dumb. people are looking at them funnily now. THIS IS NOT HOW GUESTS BEHAVE AT FANCY PARTIES]

So you're all magic. . . I bet your melee game sucks. Do you even know how to use a weapon?

[belheir]

Interesting assumption you're making there. I could easily put my fist through your chest cavity.

[A very normal thing to say! But also, unfortunately, he is a demon. A demon overlord. The King of Bel. He gets all the perks.]

But no to the weapon. The most I've ever done is punched another demon with a phone charm.

[survivaltricks]

[phone. . . charm. . .]






So how'd that work out for you?

[belheir]

I won, and then I ate him.

[In a manner of speaking.]