softstoneheart

( the sudden rank, suit and room assignments had been, well, sudden, and the absolute downgrade from his usual accomodations at pier point aside, something else begged for his attention more.

scrolling all the way down the contacts list, he finds it - topaz, and though it'd be a hilarious coincidence if someone went by his dear coworker's cornerstone name... well, this is a bet he's happy to make.

hence the incoming text from one username: aventurine. )

Pop quiz: the fourth rule of the Special Debts Picket Team is?

[ Undeniably, the suite was pretty nice. ]

"In Business, there are no permanent enemies."

Are you seriously quizzing me on my own lecture?

[ The Audacity of this guy. The eyeroll and her offense can be sensed, even though text is devoid of tone. ]

Haha. Think of it less as an actual quiz, and more as a reminder. You will be needing it in this place.

It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?

Haha. Think of it less as an actual quiz, and more as a reminder. You will be needing it in this place.
↳ Fostering goodwill is in my wheelhouse, I don't need the reminder.

It would be terrible business practice to reach out to a stranger with the same name as yours thinking it's you, wouldn't it? Should I have asked for a picture instead?
↳ fair point. I would have assumed the worst if you asked for a pic.

So how may I help you? Also, where are you?

( fostering too much goodwill would only bring her down, but he won't say this. alas. )

Even after seeing my name? The faith you have in your fellow coworker is so fickle, Topaz. ( he doesn't care, btw )

Would you not believe me if I was simply looking out for my underling? I was wondering if they had kept you here or been merciful enough to let you go, if not worse. As it stands, luck hasn't quite been in our side just yet.
One of the lower floors, though I've been given quite the lucky rank. You?

4. Could be worse.

[ Literally anything is better than unbreathable air and acid rain, but it's sure been a while since she's had to deal with a communal bathroom. ]

Lower than me again? Aren't we starting to get into a pattern, Topaz?

I'm in 6. It's not too shabby. I have a big bed and a bathroom all for myself. How's 4 treating you?

[ Typing and deleting. The pattern repeats in a furious loop until she can fight the urge to not let that first comment rile her up. ]

The walls are thin, the room is small and the bathroom is communal. I think I've found some of the negative reinforcement tactics.

I've been informed about others.

( ah, communal bathrooms. it's like she's back down to p13 again. maybe. does pier point have communal bathrooms? probably. )

And what have you been told?

[ The lower ranks are likely in dormitories instead of nice homes and apartments. Thankfully, she's been spared the haunted experience the 2s are having. ]

Avoiding sex for a couple of days to a week triggers psychological effects that won't stop until guests comply.

A person marked with a spade cited a compulsion to do things he didn't want to do.

A few days to a week? That feels like no time at all. ( they can easily verify the credibility of that information, and he almost feels compelled to ask if she's going to be fine, but that can wait for a later time. )

Well, that explains how they keep their guests obedient. Have you gotten a mark on your body as well?

[ She has half a mind to test it, but also doesn't want to go crazy. Surely there are other people who will resist. ]

Yes. The location varies, apparently.

You've learned this much in such a short amount of time? You're reliable as ever. I feel like I didn't even have to do anything. Good job.

Should I be a good boss and reward you to keep morale up? ( not that he has much to offer in their current condition but hmmm... )
Why don't you come share a room with me? The softer bed will help your 4.5 hours of sleep, and the private bathroom must be tempting to you.
Haha, if you can stand to spend so much time with me, that is.

Edited 2024-03-07 05:31 (UTC)

[ The more she sits in her narrow room and hears through the paper-thin walls...

Well. It couldn't hurt to at least look at what he has. ]

It would make it easier to provide research updates.

If you're fine with giving up your space.

( ??????????????????? ummm, miss topaz, ma'am? you weren't supposed to say yes? )

... While that is certainly true, are you sure about that? You do realize it's me we're talking about, yes? ( the guy half of pier point complained about, has been death threatened countless times, etc )
You put so much faith in me. I'm touched. You truly don't think I would do anything to you when we would share a bed?

Point 1: If you weren't serious, then you shouldn't have offered. The joke is totally in bad taste.

Point 2: Going insane due to avoiding sex will severely impact my productivity. If having sex with me actually *was* your intent— which I honestly doubt— then I would consider that psychological maintenance necessary for doing my job at a level that meets your expectations and more importantly, mine.

On a related note, if the rumors in the office about me being one of the more desirable single ladies in the office are true, then congratulations and you're welcome. Feel free to brag about it at work if you want to, but I can't guarantee people won't be super weird about it. I'm saying that for your comfort, not theirs.

Point 3: In my opinion, this is what makes you impossible to deal with: There are perfectly understandable reasons for me to not be there. You could just say, "I'd prefer to live alone," or "I need a place to take partners to," or "I just don't want to be around you," and I would get that. We have the same goals and you're the point person on this mission. I'm not out to sabotage you or cramp your style.

So don't flip it like you're doing me some kind of big favor and you're concerned about my well-being under your influence or whatever. I'm not going to thank you for acting magnanimous all because you won't say something directly.

Edited 2024-03-07 23:45 (UTC)

And that's Miss Topaz for you. A detailed report on a simple observation. Reliable as always.

Your points all have substance and can easily be backed up. That being said, point 3 severely lacks in both. What supports your statement is only how you, and our coworkers, perceive me. Would I truly prefer to live alone? With the sort of place this is and game that we are playing, I'm sure there are more than enough rooms to be used for our entertainment. As for the last statement...

I hold no ill feelings towards you, nor do I reject partnership and cooperation when it's beneficial to both parties. We are both well aware that there is no one else we can trust in this place more than each other, and therefore there is little to no reason not to work together. What guarantee do we have that each one of our conversations isn't being recorded and sent to the House through these watches? The walls in our rooms may be thin, but communication might prove to be easier personally than otherwise.

But I can admit defeat when I find fault in my reasoning as well. Perhaps I thought you disliked me more than you actually do. My offer was neither posed as a joke nor as a magnanimous act towards someone in less favorable conditions. It was a simple bet to gauge your thoughts of me. Well, I'll say I lost this one.

Those were hypothetical examples, I'm just saying that if you wanted to say "no," you can. I was trying to be considerate of your feelings, you know.

[ Because she always tries to identify potential problems on the horizon. The more risks she can nip in the bud, the more confident she is moving forward.

Except sometimes she sees problems where there aren't any, and sometimes it's better to listen. Jarilo-VI taught her that. ]

But I also shouldn't be assuming that I know what you want.

So.

I'm sorry.

( ?????????????????????????????????????????????

'trying to be considerate of your feelings' and 'i'm sorry' are words that should never be directed to him... is what most people would say, and yet. always leave it to topaz, heart of gold and too nice for her own good. anyone back in sigonia would have exploited that weakness with too much ease.

good thing this is texting. congratulations on leaving him speechless, topaz. )

You're only going to be owing me one if you apologize to me, and we both know you're too smart to put yourself in that situation. ( it's less advice, and almost like a request. he doesn't want those genuine feelings. )
I wasn't hurt by your assumptions, so don't worry about my feelings. If you want my thoughts instead, I'm glad you agreed with my proposal. Easier to share information between us if we room together, and easier to help each other out if anything happens, don't you think?

Right, right. I'm relieved you're not bothered by it.

Exactly. And I already agreed, so are you coming or not?

I offer you a better room to stay and you want me to go all the way down to escort you? One could almost think our ranks have been switched around. ( the ipc one, that is. )

Meet me by the elevator in ten. And don't keep me waiting.

Got it.

[ She'll be there in five. It's not like she has anything to pack. ]

( in five?? so diligent. at least she doesn't go karen on people like he does.

down the elevator he goes, at least, and aventurine doesn't arrive a minute later nor a minute sooner. despite both of them being low rank cards, the difference between six and four is still surprising. he can only imagine how much worse it is at two. things to keep shelved in his mind for later.

cue the ingenuine expression of surprise on his face once his eyes land on topaz. ) Hmmm? Not wearing your wedding dress again? That's a shame.

( not like he's wearing the nice suit they had given him either. he holds his hand out, noticing her lack of baggage. it does not, of course, come as a surprise. what do they really have in here, really. )

Want me to carry your things?

What, that bulky thing? It's staying down there. You should've taken a picture while you had a chance.

[ It looked very pretty. She felt pretty in it too, like a princess. But she could hardly breathe in it and the weight of the train threatened to drag her off the bed as soon as she sat down. How do fancy girls live like that?

No one will go there. Even housekeeping, from what she's heard. A break-in is unlikely. Thanks to the generosity of the resort, she can wear athleisure fashion that's like a dressed down version of what she's used to: tight with cut outs in all the fun places. Due to some skilled packing, she manages to get whatever spare clothes, underwear and even the fancy robes tucked into a bundle she can easily carry under one arm. ]

No need. There obviously isn't much.

( maybe he should have. not for blackmail - there's no need to blackmail topaz of all people, nor is this an underhanded tactic aventurine uses that often -, but the memory of it would've been fun to keep, and perhaps posteriority proof of the sort of place this is, for when they are back in pier point, for when they report all the findings and experiences they've gone through after being, probably, forcibly kidnapped.

he lowers his hand back into his pocket, and walks back into the elevator. for all that they're the only physical people in there, aventurine knows well enough the paintings on the walls have eyes and ears aplenty. )

Have you made any friends yet?

( casual talk, if only on the surface. though the weight of the word friends is genuine in this case, the question itself is posed to know whether topaz has spoken to anyone with valuable information to provide, that is. )

[ If or when she gets promoted, the dress will be whisked to their new room, so it will follow her wherever she goes until she destroys it. Except she doesn't have the heart to do that.

He's more aware of the paintings than she is, as long as they stay static. Surely they're just nice decorations, she isn't paying them any mind. ]

Oh, I don't have friends.

[ Taking the question at face value, that's her honest answer. Even back in their world, she doesn't have time for the closest thing she has to friends. ]

People have been super friendly, and easy to talk to.

[ Friendly, but not useful. Not yet, anyway. ]

But I've memorized the dating profiles, and found some guests who look interesting. Sometimes it's better to say hi in person.

( should it have been a shocking answer? maybe not. but for a moment aventurine can't help but think, that if topaz of all people lacks friends, then what hope is there for the rest of them, when she's so kind-hearted and honest?

the follow-up answer, at the very least, is useful in its own way. super friendly means there's an increased chance of easy connections, a lack of suspicion, and a possible beneficial relationship for all parties involved. friendly means this will be far easier than what penacony could be.

the elevator lands not long after - the gap between their ranks is hardly the largest, after all -, and he holds the door open for her. ladies first, and away from snooping paintings. )

Compile me a list when you can. I'll approach the ones you haven't. ( because two ipc workers who know each other trying to befriend the same person could rise suspicion. ) What are your thoughts about the situation?

( as in... the need for sex to win the game, that is. allegedly. )

[ She just nods in agreement to the request. It's something she'd do anyway, though part of her thinks the interactions and reactions the other guests would have with them would be different in dynamic. He'll get farther with some she can't and vice-versa. But there's also no point in both of them going through the introductions when the other could supply information that would make things go more smoothly.

She'd been mulling over the answer to his question before he'd even asked, but even she's not fully confident in her answer. She's inexperienced to say the least, which isn't a problem in her opinion, even if diving right in under these circumstances isn't what she envisioned. The loss of control, her freedom, her ability to dictate her own pace is more troubling than something as silly as virginity. The mask of dispassion doesn't fit her, but she tries to cover up her frustration with it. Any other answer would just cause Aventurine trouble. ]

Until an alternative is found, there's no other way, right? Sex has to happen. It is what it is.

[ At the very least, she's more confident and honest in her reminder: ]

Regaining what we lost is our priority. Just because I said you're the point person doesn't mean I expect you to do all the work. And even though I entrusted that to you, it's still my responsibility.

[ it would be unfair to make him get both their cornerstones back. ]

It's inevitable and necessary on multiple fronts, so I may as well play and have fun with it.

[ if the resort takes away her full autonomy, she at least has say over whether she enjoys it or not. She refuses to have a miserable time. ]

Edited 2024-04-02 12:16 (UTC)

( and just like that, a professional and matter-of-fact answer, as expected of topaz. not for a moment he thought she would be freaking out about it, the debauched nature of this game, what it means to her. for the job they do, these kind of spontaneous and unpredicted situations are normal, and they have to do what is asked of them, for the ipc, for diamond. keeping a cool head and assessing the predicament objectively is key, and topaz has done just so. sex has to happen, and that's the crucial fact.

good. at the very least, he won't have to worry about her - worry about tainting her, or darkening a heart as pure as hers. maybe the house will do it, in his place. maybe, still, as the 'point person' of this impromptu mission, he would be able to shoulder most of the work.

aventurine checks his watch again, and within it the information about payouts and rewards. their cornerstones would be considered a magical item, though an argument can be made whether the house is aware of it or not. 20 points minimum, 60 points maximum for one of them... ten people, if he's smart about it. it could be worse. )

We are both Hearts, and close in rank as well. If we make the right connections, the easiest hand we can get is a straight flush. Forty points could get us both our Cornerstones back at best. ( if the house is ignorant on their true power, that is. ) I'm not worried about mine, so let's get yours back first. I would rather use my points to move around with our ranks, and we can exploit that. What do you think?

[ Topaz, ever cautious, conservative and suspicious of riding any perceived waves— pessimistic, even— naturally assumes the worst: The resort will make them work for it. She's sure of that. The weight of her disagreement pulls her mouth downward into a frown. ]

Forty sounds way too optimistic. There wouldn't be a category for "magical items" if they had no way of knowing if something was magical or not. And we can't be the first batch of guests with those kinds of items or abilities.

Actually, I've been monitoring a network post regarding rumors that our items are being kept in a safe. There's no evidence that it's true, but there's still discussion of a potential heist.

[ Her initial reflex to balk over Aventurine not caring about his cornerstone is tempered by prioritizing hers. She's conflicted: regaining hers would be a relief, but leaving him without his is worrying. She understands the importance of switching ranks, playing the game, continuing their investigation. She knows better than to ask "are you sure?" when he's already laid out the plan. Unease lingers in her expression, but she still nods in acceptance. ]

That's fine.

... In a safe?

( it can't be so easy, is his immediate thought. it can't be a normal safe, or it can't be one unprotected. for what it's worth, even without their cornerstones, at least they still have all their other skills. that possibly implies others do as well, and several people with their powers intact could open a safe with ease. )

Something to keep in mind. I'm not so interested in adding burglary to my repertoire of skills just yet. If you hear anything else about that heist, let me know. ( not that he wants to participate, but while the involved parties are busy with it, there's increased chances of breaching security, of slipping through open cracks.

this would all be such a tiresome job if he were doing all of it by himself, despite his own preferences. for all that this is a resort meant to help people relax and enjoy themselves, perhaps he, too, is about as work-pilled as topaz is. funny how things turned out to be, or perhaps this is just a late realization. )

On a lighter note, ( aventurine comes to a stop, in front of door number six. lucky number, lucky suit. he runs his watch over the lock, and the door is pushed open, ) welcome to your new home. This is your one chance to establish any boundaries and house rules.

[ The way he questions the information confirms they're on the same page. Good. ]

My thoughts exactly. At best, it's a lie and a trap. At worst, it's a system that's more complex than just "a safe." I'll monitor the network and get in touch with anyone interested in carrying out the heist.

[ If they succeed, they'll know the info is true and it's doable. If they fail, she wants to know the consequences.

When he opens the room and she sees the connecting, private bathroom, a sigh of relief rushes out. He's truly a savior, even if she could have forced herself to tough it out two floors below. But what's this about boundaries and house rules? ]

This is your place, why're you asking me?

[ She is genuinely appreciative for the consideration, but it catches her off guard. All these concessions for her are making her feel kinda guilty. ]

Or you can start with one and we'll take turns.

[ This way she can get a feel for what he wants. ]

( there's a lot of ways he could answer that question, but none of them escape his tongue. instead: ) I don't have any. ( because it's true, and the seemingly freedom he gets from having his own place and set of house rules feels too foreign for him, despite being much of the same back in pier point.

but at the very least, for the sake of an amicable and productive partnership, he will come up with a few. ) You manage to sleep even less than I do, so feel free to eat breakfast without me. If you need to come back and I'm not around, send me a message and I'll come. If I'm busy, I'll let you know.

( coming up with these, he finds, is surprisingly hard. not once had aventurine ever thought he would share a room with someone, despite all the times he has laid with other people. by morning he'd already be gone. )

Sleep whenever you want, and don't worry about me. You can pick whichever side of the bed you want as well. We can decide on a set hour to return here at night, if that's easier. No need to wait for me like that.

[ All of that sounds really accommodating. There's nothing to complain about, if she's honest. It's actually kind of nice that he'd considered her habits. Like any good businessperson, he understands who he's dealing with and what they want.

Though this it makes it more apparent how little she noticed anything beyond the gambling and glitter. What kinds of concessions should she be making? ]

You're out later than me, so just pick a time to meet up, and you can just let me in.

I'll probably be at the gym in the morning, so just let me know when you're up and I'll come back with breakfast.

If I use the rental kitchens to cook, we can go there for lunch and dinner so it doesn't disrupt what you're doing too much. And if you don't need those, sending a message is fine.

( out later is understatement, frankly. especially in a place like a casino-turned-resort, the night life is active and crowded. what happens during the day differs from the kind of people who prefer to be around at night, so there's value in being around both times of the day.

frankly, maybe it is good that topaz sleeps so little. had this been a certain someone else, it would be harder to accommodate. essential eight hours of sleep, etc. ) How's 2 in the morning for you? Depending on my schedule that day, I will send you a message to meet up earlier or later. Oh, and don't wait for me to sleep either. I might be out until later.

( as for food matters... aventurine shakes his head. that's a bit of a delicate topic for him. ) Don't wait for me for breakfast, but we can meet up for lunch and dinner. ( to exchange any information they've learned, more than anything.

and for the most important point, though one he's sure topaz is aware of: ) If there's someone you want to sleep with, don't bring them here. The House is already watching, and it would be a headache to deal with anyone else listening in on us. Besides, you can learn a lot about a person from their quarters alone.

[ 2 am is honestly earlier than she was expecting, but she won't complain. ]

2 am works for me. If it's earlier or later, that's fine too.

Would lunch and dinner on a schedule work better or should we keep those flexible? If I'm cooking, I'll need time to prep.

Also, you already said yourself that there's plenty of other places to do be with other people. So there's no way I'm bringing them back here.

[ and if/when cornerstones are back in their possession, there's even more reason to keep non-IPC parties out. ]

[After scrolling through a bunch of names in the directory, he finds her!]

Hello there! 👋 You're the Senior Manager girl with the streak in her hair, aren't you? The one who loves lizards and things! I'm Hiyori Tomoe ✨😊✨ We've spoken a few times. I just had some questions.

1. Since you can do that thing with fire magic, would you be willing to burn some books for me? If you require payment, I can pay you with vouchers!

2. On a related note, do you have any interest in doing that fire thing in front of a crowd? If so, be sure to let me know. Sign-ups are still ongoing for the ✨Magic Showcase✨!

>12910

👆 That's this thing!

3. Actually, I was going to type someone here, but I think this one might be better asked in-person. Nothing crude or overly personal, though, don't worry.

Hello there! 👋 You're the Senior Manager girl with the streak...
↳ Yep! That's me, at your service!

1. I get what you mean. I can totally do that. As long as it's in a place where we won't damage property. I'd rather not be in debt.

2. Being stared at is a little uncomfortable for me, but if there's any other way I can support you, please let me know.

3. Let me know when and where you want to meet.

1. Excellent! 🎉 It shouldn't be too hard to find a place without much property. The gym or a quiet corner of the garage might work. But the first one smells and the second one has endless voids in it, or so I've heard. Plus there are those guards walking around, so on second thought, we'll just find an empty hall somewhere!

2. That's fine. I don't want to force anyone. I've been looking for judges too, but I have more of those than I do performers at the moment. Do you know anyone else who might like soaking up some spotlight?

3. Great, sure thing! As far as timing goes, this weekend works for me. As for the place, I'm open to suggestions. I know you like the conservatory and the arcade, but the second one might be too loud and I've been told the first one has dangerous pollens in it. So, perhaps a cafe somewhere? Those are tried and true meeting spots for a reason.

1. The closer we get to where the lower levels congregate, the less likely we'll see staff. But I also don't wanna bother anyone with stuff on fire. How many books are we talking about?

2. I might. I'll ask.

3. A cafe is fine.

1. Just four. There was a 5th, but someone snatched that one. I'm not sure what she plans to do with it, but oh well.

2. Great!

3. Also great! 😊 Any preferences when it comes to food and drink, or should I just choose a place which suits my tastes?

1. 👍🏼

3. Go for it. I'm not picky.

👍🤗💖✨️

[Annnd then switch to action if you're up for it!]

I was told to reach out to you concerning a prize. But.
Isn’t this Toto?

( or is there more than one topaz in the resort… well, they can both be totos, then. )

Yeah, that's me. What's up?

I didn't know you knew aventurine.

( "he literally added her to the groupchat" ok but there were a million other things happening in there. anyway. )

He wanted me to alter your rank instead of his.

[ Oh. So that's how Aventurine was going to do it. As always, whatever he says can be done, he does. Rather efficiently, too. While she was expecting this, it also doesn't feel right to just take it, especially if Kirma had intended to give it to Aventurine. ]

We're coworkers.

More importantly, are you okay with that? You don't have to do it if you don't want to.

Oh. The eye pea sea thing.
?

( tts is hard. )

Most people would jump at the chance for an easy boost. Regardless of where it came from.
It doesn't bother me. Does it bother you?

[ The spirit of the convo is that he understands that she and aventurine work for the same organization. There's no need to correct what's probably text to speech. ]

Yup, that's the one.

I mean, you're right. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to move up. But if I'm not the one you want to give it to, then you shouldn't just do something because Aventurine tells you to.

( hmmm. )

I don't find being told what to do the worst thing that's happened to me.
I might have minded more if you were a stranger.

What rank are you now?

I'm not gonna say you're wrong for feeling that way. I just don't want Aventurine pushing you to do something you don't want to do.

Four.

Is that a common thing he does?
For you to be so worried about it.

Getting a private bath seems to be a sticking point for many. The deal seems fine to me.

He's extremely convincing when he wants to be, in case you haven't noticed.

Well, anything that benefits me benefits him, anyway. So if that's what you want, ok.

I've noticed he talks a lot. ( to put it mildly )

More than any of that. Are you alright with it?
Or do you secretly prefer the communal baths?

That's an understatement.

I totally don't prefer communal baths.

[ there's no way she's going to refuse when he puts it that way. ]

Then there's no problem. Is there?
If you have any other reservations. I'm sure it'll be fine.
They even move everything for you.

No, there isn't. Thank you.

Is there anything I can do for you?

It's a small favor. Don't worry too much about it.
When our paths cross again just remember me favorably.
🐺

Well, yeah. But I already thought you were alright from the start.

Edited 2024-06-28 02:49 (UTC)

Just alright.
?

Good, I mean.

You made some valid points, and I respected that.

( so you might say... he's a good boy........... )

Well. Anything to help.
If you ever need anything besides a rank change too.
We don't have to wait for aventurine to come up with something first.

This is plenty, actually. I don't think there's anything else I'd need.

But do you know if there's Aventurine wants?

Is there any way to know what he really wants?

( superficially, perhaps. but beyond that… )

I haven’t actually spoken to him in. A few weeks. ( maybe more bc who knows when this conversation happened except Earlier Probably )
But I think if there’s anything.
It might be company.

[ She'd immediately disagree if it wasn't for the time in early May when he was clinging to her. But then he was back to his old self. ]

It's surprisingly easy to miss him, when our schedules are so different.

Something to keep in mind. Then.
I’m sure he’d have a different idea if you asked him directly.
But it’s up to you which you’d rather believe.

If you think that way, then I'm pretty sure the conversations you and I have with him are completely different.

And that's okay. As long as he has someone he feels comfortable with, that's the important part.

It was really just. One conversation.
I could be entirely wrong.

( … )

But I hope the upgrade works out all the same.

I misunderstood then. If I made it seem like I was dumping responsibility of him on you, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way.

I appreciate it, thanks.

✨⭐️✨⭐️~Hello!~⭐️✨⭐️✨ It's ✨me✨ again! 😊

I was just passing by that Starbucks knockoff, and I noticed they now have ice cream! Which has been the case for about a month now, but it's put me in the mood for some!

Perhaps you'd also like to go get ice cream! We can discuss the community meal plan! And the chef contest, and my romance book!

Sure. I could go for some ice cream.

Great! 🥳 Then if you're free now, I'll see you there shortly!

[And, true to his word, the ice cream stand next to Birdbucks is where he'll be. Standing before the selection and perusing the different flavors. ... And trying to ignore the smell wafting from behind the counter. Yep, that's why he doesn't hang around here much, even though he likes ice cream!]

[ Topaz's expression mirrors that of the Birdbucks employees, unable to ignore the stink of cheap weed. It's clear that as soon as they get their order, they're going elsewhere. A win for Hiyori. ]

See anything good?

Ah, there you are ♪

[He manages a smile despite the stench.]

They do have some good-looking flavors. Though I sure hope that's not coming from the ice cream...

[This in reference to the smell. As for the flavors, those come in varieties that range from normal-sounding (Mint Chocolate Chip) to highly suspicious-sounding (Love Potion #69). There's a lot to choose from, but the person in front of Hiyori finishes paying and moves aside, so now it's his turn. He points to one of the flavors.]

I'll have that pretty-looking one! "Berry blossom," it's called ♪

[He holds out his watch, the chips are exchanged, and one stoned-looking staffer proceeds to scoop his ice cream. While they're doing that, he turns back to Topaz.]

Need me to treat? I know your boss has some cheat where he can win unlimited chips from the casino, but I wasn't sure whether he split his winnings with you or not.

[ Hiyori is so strong. A hero, really. She can't hide how the odor makes her wince. ]

He offers, but I try not abuse it. He earned it, after all.

[ She'd been financially independent— wealthy, even— for so long, it's weird taking handouts, even if she's pretty sure this is the only way he knows how to connect with people. ]

I'll take the same, but I'll pay my own way.

[He nods cheerfully.]

Sounds like something you'd say! Though I don't see anything wrong with accepting. Just as long he's not the type to expect reimbursement later. Some might even say it's the duty of people like him to share the wealth ♪

[Plus she's already bumming off him room-wise. But he doesn't point that out.

He steps aside so she can pay for her own order. Shortly afterwards, their ice cream is handed to them.]

Now that's what you call "Pretty" ♪

["Pretty," said in English. He's sure that if he went to this ice cream stand with his circle, they'd all unanimously agree this is the prettiest flavor. Perhaps they'd even declare it to be the official ice cream flavor of Pretty 5.

But enough nostalgia.]

It smells like a skunk here, so let's go elsewhere!

[Somewhere without onlookers. Or eavesdropers. With the ice cream cup in-hand, he starts walking swiftly away from Birdbucks.]

It is really pretty, isn't it? I love the colors~

[ She says "pretty" in English, too, and it rolls off her tongue like a native speaker. Even if tech makes learning languages unnecessary, learning is important to her. ]

And I totally agree. We'll appreciate the flavor way more if we go somewhere with fresher air.

Mm-hm! ♪ ... I'm sure my circle back home would've loved it, too.

[Alright, so maybe he's not done being nostalgic. There's the faintest trace of yearning in his voice; even the happy discoveries here are tempered by the realization that he can't just text the people back home and show them what he's seeing.

Still. His present company isn't bad. She even knows what "pretty" means!]

Yep, that we will!

[He throws her a smile, and then continues to walk off.

He doesn't grab the first unoccupied table he sees. Nor does he suggest grabbing the second or third. Those are too close to occupied tables. Only once they've reached a quiet corner does he stop walking, one that should afford them some conversational privacy.]

Now this seems like the spot~♪

[He pulls out a chair and sits down. Rather than jump right into the crime talk, however, he'll go ahead and sample the ice cream first.]

I wonder what the flowers taste like? Guess we'll find out ♪

[And then he scoops up a bite of ice cream and spoons it into his mouth.

(The answer: they're strawberry-flavored cookie dough.)]

[ His nostalgia is something she can't relate to; she was eager to leave home and never look back. But she empathizes with his longing for something stable and familiar.

But his mood shifts and she follows the flow, taking a seat and sampling her own scoop. ]

Oh! It's cookie dough. This is delicious!

[After finishing his spoonful:]

So it is! That adds a nice texture.

[He beams, very enthusiastic.]

And they even flavored it so that it matches the ice cream ♪ The one-point deduction is for that weird smell that came from behind the counter. But it gets full points for taste and presentation~

I'm relieved it didn't get infused into the ice cream itself. The stink was pretty intense.

[ her nose wrinkles again just thinking about it. So gross. ]

This was a good idea, so thank you.

Yep! Thank goodness for that. I'm not sure what that was.

[His dorm room back home isn't always free of alcohol stench (or fish stench), but it is thankfully weed-free.

He eats another spoonful before he chirps,]

No problem ♪ Ice cream's usually a good idea, in my view. Sometimes even when it's cold!

[Then he eats another spoonful. And another.

It's only when they're starting to get close to being done that he mentions, casually:]

Whenever you're finished, I have something to show you.

[ Even if he doesn't recognize the smell, she's been in enough unsavory places to know. ]

It's a drug. Nothing super-crazy, if it's related to what I think it is. Like obviously it's not killing anyone, but try not to breathe too deeply when you're around there.

[ she finishes off her ice cream and wipes her hands. ]

I'm good, let's see it.

[His eyebrows lift.]

Really? That's what it is?

[He wouldn't be surprised to see guests doing that kind of thing. But staff? Aren't they usually more professional??

Never mind that, though.

When she confirms, he reaches into his bag and pulls out a note. It isn't laminated, and it's not part of some case file (or romance novel) despite what he said in the text. It's something he wrote hastily on a piece of scrap paper after their Network thread.

He glances around the vicinity surreptitiously before he passes it across the table.]

Here.

[It'd feel inappropriate to smile at this point. It's with a somewhat grim look that he resumes eating the last of his ice cream. Here's what the notebook page says:

The first crime I heard about involved a guest killing a staff member. Some detective told me he knows someone who killed one accidentally. I'm not sure who did it - I assumed he was covering for a friend, though I guess there's a non-zero chance he was telling me about something he did. Whoever it was, he said they received no punishment for it. He also said he thought the staff members were something other than human. Something akin to "puppets," which might line up with something else I heard later.

The second crime I heard about wasn't quite as severe. It involved someone breaking another person's arm and locking him inside his suite afterwards. There was a Network post about it, and the victim wasn't shy about naming the culprit, so I'll just go ahead and say that it was Kirma-kun who did that. He's a short muscular boy with funny dog ears. I don't know if his suit was influencing him or what, but I think it's just that one person he has it out for, so I wouldn't assume he's a danger to you or me. I'd stay away if there's ever an outbreak where people's suits are acting up, though.

The third crime I heard about was just awful. Someone apparently murdered someone else and did something disgusting to the corpse afterwards. I don't know who did it, because the person who witnessed it said they were worried the killer would go after them if they spread it around to everyone. But supposedly they got taken to the clinic and "brought back to life" by the staff after.

The person who did it is still on the loose, as far as I know. I just heard about it, so there's no reason to think they've gone anywhere. The House knows and seems to reward that sort of behavior. So, that's something I'm worried about.]

Yeah. Personally, I'd fire anyone doing drugs, drinking or partying on the job, but clearly The House has a different view of management.

[ The House has her disapproval especially in this regard, even if her gripes are more with the danger lower level guests are subjected to.

When reading Hiyori's report, Topaz does her best to maintain a neutral expression, but she has the worst poker face. Her eyes go wide and her jaw drops. She knows Kirma and suspects his suit might have been at play in his case. But murders? Two of them? And one was a guest? This is disturbing.

Even worse, The House carries on as if nothing happened. Truly any vice can be indulged here. She pushes the sheet back to him, her mouth pressed into a tense line. ]

I can't imagine the cost of revival is free.

And so would my family. I thought they were all diligent little worker bees, so I'm surprised they'd be doing anything like that during their shift.

[He didn't think the staff had the free will to slack off and do drugs at work. Then again, they're not all perfect. Just look at Steve!

But back to the murder discussion.

Her reaction mirrors his own when he found out about the crimes listed. Some people are awfully cavalier about violent crime here, but he's not one of them, and hearing about the last one in particular really disturbed him.

He sets down his plastic spoon in the empty container and takes back the sheet, tucking it into his bag.]

I wouldn't think so either. I'm not sure what the cost is, though. And it's funny that it's not something they advertise. Someone who can bring the dead back to life is basically a god, no? Proving that they can do that could earn them even more worshippers.

Considering what they supposedly are, I'm surprised myself. But maybe they have more free will than we thought.

It's somewhat reassuring that they haven't announced their revival ability. Except it's just as possible keeping the murder and the fix a secret is to protect the culprit.

Like a puppet who became a real boy, huh.

[... But back to the murder discussion again.

Her words only turn his expression more grave—he didn't think the House truly cared about them, so he's not sure why they'd bother to protect the culprit. But they're certainly not on the side of the victim, either. He looks at the empty ice cream cup, eyes downcast.]

Honestly, I feel like people should know there's a killer on the loose. But if everyone knew you can get away with murder here, that might just embolden others to act on their worst thoughts. I wish I could say it was just one bad apple, and that the rest of us should all join hands and trust each other. But that would just be hopelessly naive, so.

[So he won't say that.]

That's a romantic way of putting it. I was thinking it's a possible sign of a lack of control. After the Clubs Rebellion, things that don't fit the glam, sex-forward "brand" of The House cropped up. It's possible with a few more of those, there could be additional changes. On the other hand, the places are power slipped because too dangerous.

I'm not sure if it's worth it.

If it helps, keeping the revival ability a secret should keep those who'd take advantage of it from doing harm. The House not making that public is prolly to our advantage. As for the murderer, it's hard to say if they'll kill again without knowing the motive of why they killed in the first place. But you're prolly right to assume they didn't get punished.

[ It's saddening to hear optimistic Hiyori say this is "hopelessly naive." It's a failing she takes almost personally, because she doesn't think a normie like him should be exposed to things that would get him down. ]

There's nothing wrong with hoping people would do better simply because it's the right thing to do. Punishment shouldn't have to exist to keep people from murdering each other. That's just basic human decency.

Did they now?

[That first response piques his interest; for all his info-gathering, he didn't really know what effects the "rebellion" had (if it could even be called that; seemed like a pretty weak rebellion in his opinion).]

I'm not sure I've noticed things getting any less glamorous. The resort seems as tacky as ever to me. Places haven't started to rot and fall apart again, have they? The last thing I want is for our suites to rot.

[Then it might just be time to put a stop to Clubs. The enemy of your enemy isn't always your friend. Sometimes everyone's just terrible!

Which ties into the rest of their conversation. She brings up the issue of the murderer's motive and his shoulders sag, his stomach churning with disgust when he thinks back to what Esikko told him.]

I don't know about a motive. All I know is the killer must be horribly depraved, since the crime sounded absolutely disgusting. Someone no longer fit to call themselves human.

[He won't get into the details about what precisely was so disgusting. She'd be happier not knowing, surely.

So would he, of course, though he's not completely sheltered. Things like violence and criminal networks exist even in his world (thanks Akira). That Gatekeeper guy who hijacked SS was some overseas mafia boss, wasn't he? And then there's that unit called Double Face, which exists to resolve problems in the underworld. These things wouldn't be part of his ideal world, but they do exist, much to his disgust.

He's not hopelessly naive. His tone is measured as he responds to her last words.]

You're not wrong, of course. But even in my world, you hear about killings and other things on the news sometimes. And that's with the threat of jail looming over people's heads. In this place, no one needs a clean reputation, and the "jail" is just a place where you can play games all day. And then there are those suit effects, and that Springtime game that encouraged people to hunt "rabbits"... It's like they want us to hurt each other. Though I don't think that's all they want.

[He trails off, pausing for a moment, remembering Jin Mingming's words. Then he seems to realize something.]

Whether we embrace or kill each other, we might be "changing our fate" either way. And that's supposedly what gives them energy.

If you haven't had time to check out the Ugly Duckling University, I'd recommend it. It's got everything a normal school would have... including stuff that doesn't revolve around sex.

[ It's become one of her favorite places to go, not just to study, but because the music practice rooms are soundproofed. It's the best option for discussing private matters.

"Changing fate" is a different energy concept from the one she and Matoba had discussed. It's interesting. ]

How does changing fate generate energy?

A university?

[He blinks.]

That name doesn't sound very appealing. Though I guess I've heard worse around here. Do you know if they have rooms for dance rehearsal? If so, then I'll just have to show all the ugly ducklings what a beautiful swan looks like...♪

[He'd love to stop having to use Mating Season pods for practice.

But now it's time to give her some info. He initially chirps,]

No clue!

[Because he really, truly doesn't understand how magic works.]

But that's what she said. "She" being the Red Cardinal proprietress. That was the same woman Victoria mentioned in her journal entry. I asked her what she meant when she told Victoria that the resort runs on us, and that some are more "valuable than others." Then she said what the resort takes from us is "our fate." Some people are destined to do great things, like an emperor, while some aren't, like a servant who dies young—that was the example she used. Apparently someone like the emperor is worth more to the House, since they offer more for the resort to "sustain itself on."

As for how "changing our fate" works, she said that by "sharing something so intimate" with people from different worlds, we're changing our fate since we never would've met those people otherwise. Or at least that's the idea. And that's supposedly how the resort gets its energy.

[He waves a hand as he finishes. There's a smile on his lips but it doesn't quite meet his eyes.]

I don't know how you feel, but that explanation didn't satisfy me at all. But she declined to answer more questions even though I offered to double what I'd done for her before. So for now, that's all I have to go on.

They had soundproofed practice rooms for music, so practice and performance areas for schools wouldn't be far fetched. Wanna walk over there and check?

[ Honestly from what she understands about alternate timeline theories, the explanation does make a little sense. Even if she dislikes the answer. ]

That's still more than what I knew, so I appreciate it. It makes getting closer to people from your world sounds useless to them.

Sure, sounds good!

[He says in response to her invite. But as for the second thing, well.

His smile tightens.]

Apparently. Which doesn't make much sense, but it is what it is, I guess.

[It's not just sour grapes. He doesn't see why having a fling with someone you'll never see again would have any more impact on "fate" than being with someone you will see throughout your life. But he's decided he's done talking about this. Or thinking about it. So. He pushes his chair back somewhat forcefully and gets up from the table.]

Which way did you say that school was?

It's just past the library.

[ she gets up and starts leading the way. ]

I think get what they meant: basically everyone has their set "fate." For you, it's being an idol in your universe. That's a pretty clear game plan, right? But then you meet someone from another universe, or hundreds of years in the past or the future. Meeting them under normal circumstances would never have been part of your original life plan. It's impossible. The power born from making the impossible possible... that's prolly why the merging of those paths has more weight. Not that I like that idea.

[He walks off with her in that direction, leaving his ice cream container and his spoon on the table. This would be considered "littering" at home, which is unbecoming for an idol, but here he doesn't care. Some staff member will clean it up.

He listens to her explanation while they walk—apparently he's not done thinking about this—and it doesn't make him happy. Or explain much, in his opinion.]

They want us to do more than just meet people, though. So I'm not sure that holds too much water.

[There's a trace of spitefulness now, in his voice and in his steps, which clomp against the floor harder than necessary. It's not aimed at her, of course. She's probably not thrilled to hear that her dalliance with her boss means nothing, either.]

I guess having an illegitimate child could change the course of fate. Or spreading a life-threatening disease around. But they haven't been encouraging those things to happen in particular, have they?

[(Hopefully he didn't just give them two new ideas.)]

In some belief systems, sex has power. Like the merging of two life forces.

[ the explanation is clinical, neither approving of or disparaging the act. Sex is sex and she's no prude, but she won't fault Hiyori for clutching his metaphorical pearls.

And it is frustrating anything she does with Aventurine means less. It tracks, considering how existing relationships were broken up before by the House's influence. ]

Well, just because it's less useful to them doesn't make it meaningless for us. Honestly, it makes me want to dig my heels in more.

Well, she said they don't take the energy from that, so there goes that theory.

[Said of matter-of-factly. He isn't lying. Also, he doesn't wear pearls!

Though he could certainly afford them.

He does smile when she says that thing about digging her heels in.]

Now that's the spirit~♪

[Though his voice is lacking any genuine cheer. Jin Mingming said that restricting your intimate life to people from home probably doesn't prolong your existence in the resort. Which means what, exactly? That he and Jun are in danger of disappearing and becoming two more stone statues, presumably. Should he tell her that he lies awake at night worrying about that?

Nope. Absolutely not. He'll just focus on this university thing they're headed towards instead!]

If that's true, I wonder what the fixation on that is. Because it's on-brand? Easier to get people on board?

[ she scoffs, still annoyed by it all. Dispelling the theory that it's sex energy should have been a relief, but now it raises even more bothersome questions. ]

That's stupid.

No idea, since she didn't explain at all.

[Topaz isn't the only one annoyed. Not that it's Jin Mingming's fault. According to her, she was just brought here as a pawn like the rest of them. And she couldn't even use her wish to go back home because she used it to save her daughter's life.]

At first I thought it was for blackmail. I guess it's possible they just like to watch the footage instead of spreading it around, though. If so, they're creeps! ♪ But we already knew that, didn't we?

I wonder about that. Who'd be watching? Ignoring like... the paintings. And staff.

[ Her face scrunches up at the realization that her rhetorical question had more realistic answers than she'd like. ]

I guess it's more of a why question. As long as we keep doing what they want us to do, and they get energy out of it... there's no reason to care enough to watch.

"Whoever's in the House" would be my guess. I doubt it's run by humans, but even gods can be perverts~♪

["As long as we keep doing what they want us to do," she says. If they all banded together and refused to do anything, would that have any effect? But it's hopeless, he knows. They can't work together and unite against a common enemy when some people don't even want to go home. When some people don't even have morals, and kill people just to get "cards," as he told Topaz about earlier...

He shakes off those thoughts as best he can, however, stopping in front of the double doors up ahead.]

Is this it?

I've read databank entries with myths about gods that were deffo perverts.

[ But she'll leave that aside as they close in on the doors leading to the university. ]

Yup! These are the ones.

[ Dramatically, she throws them open, revealing a changing area similar to a school locker room, with racks of uniforms and teacher outfits in various styles and levels of modesty.

From the windows beyond the changing area, appears to be a quad like one would find on any other college campus, complete with its own coffee stand, a few snacks, and of course, other class buildings.

Her expression brightens, as if she's home. At the very least, it's a nice break from the debauchery of the rest of the resort. ]

The arts building with the music practice rooms is this way. The only thing is we've gotta change into school clothes.

Edited 2024-11-12 17:20 (UTC)

[His eyebrows raise at what's unveiled. Not classrooms or a study lounge, but a locker room? What gives? But then he sees the view through the window, and his eyes widen at the sheer scale of the place they're in.]

It really is a school!

[Albeit one you have to enter through a locker room. His schools all had shoe lockers at the entrance, of course, but this seems a bit weird. In a few words, she explains that away, however, and surprisingly he just nods.]

Ah, so that's how it works. Makes sense!

[Though then he adds:]

That's sort of odd for a university, though. Those don't tend to have uniform policies where I'm from. They should've called it Ugly Duckling Academy if you ask me.

[Still, he's already walking towards the uniforms, thumbing through the selection. Which definitely includes some options that wouldn't have passed the dress code at any of his schools. Eyeing one of the short skirts, he asks:]

They do teach regular music classes, then? Not just classes on how to look cute while you pretend to play music?

I haven't seen teachers around, but it looks like they'll let us teach classes if we wanna.

The music classrooms have instruments in them, but I dunno if they're like, actually good, or just for show. But we can find out.

[ She snags one of those skirts that wouldn't pass dress code and pulls it on over her workout shorts, which peek out from under the skirt hem. While it isn't modest enough for a real school, it gives off a vibe of an athletic student from a school anime rather than porn.

She waffles over what to do with the top: a button down or blazer would be proper, but there's also track jackets that go with phys ed uniforms... ]

I'm sure the uniforms and teacher costumes are a fetish thing, but we can't get in unless we pick something to wear so...

[ she holds up options for what to wear on top. ]

Pick one.

We have to teach them ourselves, huh.

[He thinks about that for a moment and says,]

I guess that shouldn't be any issue for me. I'm the one who raised Jun-kun into a proper idol, after all. And I even mentored our rivals during the Summer Live ♪

[He arches an eyebrow slightly when she grabs the skirt—a bold choice!—and there's a split second where he thinks she's started changing right next to him. But nope, she's putting it on over her shorts. Stylish!

He goes back to the uniforms, not lingering too long on the skirts. Would he look good in them? Undoubtedly, but there are more practical choices! He wants something that'll look cute and feel like a real uniform, and it isn't long before he finds something that fits the bill. At the same time as he grabs it off the rack, she asks for his opinion on tops, and he eyes her choices for a minute before pointing a thumb at the blazer.]

Why not go with that one? Then we'll match! ♪

[He holds his own selection. What did he choose, you ask?

A classic blazer-and-button-down combo with tartan pants, is what. Sort of like he wore at Reimei, but the pink lapels drew his eye. He's sure he'll look ~*pretty*~ in it!]

[ She quirks an eyebrow at teaching themselves. There's nothing wrong with it, in her opinion. She's even given lectures back home. ]

I mean, do we really want people HERE teaching us stuff? If it's not about what makes this place tick, I'm not interested.

[ Normally she doesn't care about uniforms. The lack of individuality and the fact they're expected of her doesn't sit well with her. But matching with a friend sounds fun. And the pink lapels ARE pretty.

The proposal's compelling enough to convince her to change her skirt so they can match properly. ]

I wasn't really a fan of uniforms when I had to wear them for work, but these are cute, and matching with you feels way more fun.

An excellent point! I'd be a better dance instructor than any of them, since I have two things they don't!

[He pauses dramatically, then makes a heart shape with his fingers.]

Heart! And! Soul! ~♪

[Get it? Since the staff are a bunch of soulless automatons??

He didn't mean to make her change skirts. But she's a grown woman who can make her own choices, and she'll still look cute in this one, so he supposes it's no problem. He smiles warmly and says:]

Yep, I feel the same way. We'll look just like classmates~♪

[And then he glances around nearby. Of course there are no separate men and women's changing areas, but the rows of lockers offer at least some privacy. No biggie!]

I'll get changed over there.

[And then he heads behind the nearest row.

Getting changed only takes a minute. He folds his clothes before putting them in the locker, though there's a pause once he opens the door and sees what's already inside. Supplies for locker room sex? You guessed it! But the locker looks clean, at least, so he'll leave his clothes and just ignore those.

He steps out from behind the row and leans against one of the lockers, fully dressed for his university debut.]

All set! ♪

[ there's an un-pretty but clearly amused snort at explaining what he has that the staff here lacks. ]

A heart and soul... they kinda feel like things this place doesn't care much about.

[ He was told what mattered were connections that would have otherwise been impossible, which means the possible ones tied to their hearts and souls mean nothing to this place. It doesn't sit well with her, somehow a relief that her connection to Aventurine is hers alone, but also unsettling that The House will threaten that bond in favor of ones that have value to itself.

But not all connections across universes is bad. And the second shot at school with Hiyori is actually fun. ]

Classmates, huh? When I was in school, I was so focused on studies, I didn't get to know anyone, so this is a first for me.

[ She takes her time stowing her own clothes in another locker and claps when Hiyori emerges from the other side. ]

You look great!

[He quips back:]

Like a no-good man who's only after one thing~♪

[Their bodies. Not their hearts. Their hearts are just another tool to exploit them with. Like they did when they triggered those suit effects Topaz mentioned—the ones that made her feel all cuddly and lovey-dovey. It's all just an attempt to get them to bed more people.

But then what about those other effects? Like the Clubs ones that make a person feel as though they're losing their mind? Or the Spades ones, which make a person feel violent? Wouldn't those just get in the way of sex?

It's all a headache. He's been here for months, and he still hasn't figured the place out.

But now isn't the time to lament that fact. For the afternoon, they're not hostages; they're just "classmates." And of course, friends!

Which is apparently a type of relationship Topaz has never had. He blinks when he hears that, before smiling trying for an encouraging smile.]

Then I'm happy to be your first school friend! It's possible to learn things and still have friends. It's all about balance~♪

[In reality, his school life wasn't terribly normal either, so he's not the best person to lecture on that. But oh well.

He gets changed, he shows off his outfit, and then he cheerfully returns the compliment.]

Yep, so do you! And now it's time to rush off to our next class!

[Then he pauses.]

Though I guess we don't really have any class scheduled. So maybe I can be a transfer student, and you can be the serious class rep who's giving me a tour of the school. How does that sound? ♪

Men like that should be thrown out~

Balance, huh? I can't say I had much of that, either.

[ All those vacations she never took, the fact she uses her sleep time to continue working... she's never had a balanced life. But at least now she can pretend to have one? Except for one problem. ]

Like... roleplaying? I gotta warn you, I'm not the best actress...

Never too late to start! ♪

[He chirps. Of course she doesn't have balance. She's like Anzu-chan and Ibara!

But this place is like an endless vacation. One that neither of them wanted or asked for, and where the tour bus is helmed by a drunk driver who might just careen over a cliff at any point, but there's not much work to do! So off they go on their little school tour.]

Then just play yourself! ♪ That scenario I described isn't too far off from how things really are. I'm the one who's new to this school, and you're definitely the class rep type~

[He starts making his way out of the locker room, peering down the adjacent hall.]

I don't know what you mean by that, but let's go this way.

[ The hall he's looking down leads to one of the school buildings. She indicates to another building across a campus quad right out of an American film.

On the way to the music building, they pass they neatly trimmed patches of lush grass for picnics or outdoor study sessions and lush trees for shade, and even a coffee stand for students and staff that need their caffeine boost.

For a place to study music, it's quiet: not a single muffled note comes from any of the practice rooms down the hall. ]

I think the classrooms are this way...

[After the Cloud Dwelling Garden and the Vale and the beach, it's no surprise this place can simulate the experience of being outdoors. Still, being on a grassy quad for the first time in about two years sure is something. There's no sun shining and no birds chirping, but if he doesn't look for either he can believe they're really at a school. They even have vending machines!

He tries to peer into the practice rooms as they pass, keeping an eye out for things like speakers and floor-length mirrors. He can't get much of a glimpse from out in the hall, though.]

That's some pretty good soundproofing ♪

[A joke. He has a feeling they can't hear any music because no one's playing any, not because the soundproofing is good.]

Me and Jun-kun had our very own practice room at our old school. Hopefully this new one will treat us just as well~♪

[He follows her towards the classrooms, chatting goofily. He gets distracted by the sight of a bulletin board on the way, however. This must be where after-school clubs, special classes, and school events are advertised! He steps right up to it, giving one of the flyers a read.

And then squints at the text, his forehead creasing.]

Now that's an odd name for a seminar.

[Is that a description for Edging 101: How to Postpone and Prolong Your Pleasure for a More Explosive Finish? You bet it is!]

We could seriously test the soundproofing while we're here. I assume it mostly works; I used them for one on one time with Aventurine before— not like that.

[ just in case he assumes she's confessing to something lewd. ]

If it does work, then the music practice rooms would be a safer space for "getting ice cream."

[ A phrase she'll use as a replacement for "exchanging information." ]

Edge— why would they have classes like this in a performance arts building?

[ Flustered and annoyed, she walks faster through the hall until a flash of light through a classroom door catches her eye. Peering inside, the light source is the reflection from a large mirror lining the wall facing the door. The classroom itself is a large space with wooden floors. Poles for pole dancing are erected in intervals throughout the classroom. ]

I think we're getting warmer? Have a look.

[He blinks once, before breaking into a beaming smile.]

Not to worry, I understand completely! Just typical boss-employee stuff~♪

[He's teasing her. Though he doesn't think she's lying. Whatever she may feel for her boss, she's the type to have business on the brain more often than not. And her next words make it clear what she really considers those practice rooms to be useful for.]

I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully they smell better than the last ice cream place did.

[It'd be nice if he didn't have to tell her about any murders ever again. But as long as they're still being held captive, the need for clandestine convos won't go away. Also, in a few months' time he will have another murder to tell her about. Fun!

Now, would he rather be discussing murder in one of the practice rooms, or attending the class on Edging 101? Tough call, especially considering he still doesn't completely understand what edging is! But this is obviously a description of that sort of class, which is so not what they're here for.]

Beats me! I'm just a new student~♪

[He'll pretend he knows nothing about this school and why they might be advertising sex classes. He's the free-spirited transfer student, she's the helpful class rep! That's the game here! And so he'll follow after her without trying to read the other flyers or lingering any longer on the thought of Edging 101 (nor will he consider questions like "Is there an Edging 201"?).

She stops outside one of the rooms, and he peers inside, his eyes immediately drawn to the floor-length mirrors. Now there's the sort of thing he's been looking for. He turns to her with a smile and says,]

Yep, you're right! I'll have a look inside if you don't mind.

[And then he steps into the room, his uniform-clad figure reflected in the giant mirror on the wall. Yep, as he thought, he's looking good!]

I guess it IS typical.

[ This resort isn't the first life or death situation they were in. She was just about to start her part in one back in her universe. This could have been a break from that. And then it wasn't. ]

And the practice rooms just smell like wood and paper. They're not smelly at all.

[ She's more than happy to ignore the edging class and any continuing edging classes to check out the practice room. ]

Go for it. Hopefully if there's rooms like this, there'll be some without poles.

That's good news. I'll leave the air freshener at home, then ♪

[Yes, he has a spray bottle of air freshener just in case he gets called to the gym. Gotta protect his sensitive nose!

He takes a moment to admire himself in the mirror. The uniform really does look a lot like Reimei's (except cuter, thanks to all the pink!), which gives him a nostalgic feeling. So does walking into an empty rehearsal room.

Though of course Eve's personal practice room at Reimei didn't have poles in it. Idols don't typically dance on poles(save for Wataru in that fantasy performance of Eccentric Party Night), but he can guess what sort of dancing the resort wants them to do. Rather than acknowledge that, though, he'll continue to play the role of naive student!]

It's an interesting feature! My only concern is whether one of us might knock into it. But not me, of course, since I'm always perfectly coordinated~♪ I'm more worried about Jun-kun, since he's still a rookie!

[He walks around the pole, gazing up at the ceiling to examine the sound tech.]

Hello! 😘 It's ✨🎶✨🎶 ~me~ again! ✨🎶✨🎶 🥰

I was thinking we could get ice cream! But not at the Birdbucks place, since that place smells funny! I'd prefer to go elsewhere and enjoy a nice after-school treat.

[ There's a brief moment of looking at her phone, thinking to herself "Who died now?????" Before she replies: ]

I can grab the ice cream and meet you in the quad.

Maybe we can burn it off with some dancing.

[Kirma-kun.]

Excellent! 😊 I'll be right over!

[And off he goes to the university.

It takes him some time to arrive (having poor sense of direction is tough!) but he manages to get there thanks to his digital map. After entering the locker room, he selects the same uniform as last time. There are other good-looking choices, but at this point, it's his uniform. He heads straight for the quad, waiting until she appears (if she's not already there) and smiling when he catches sight of her.]

Why, if it isn't Topaz-senpai...♪

[ She's not much of a fashionista, so whatever she wore last time also suits her fine. ]

Always nice to see you, Hiyori-kun!

[ or it would be, if it wasn't for the bad news. ]

Yep, right back at you! ♪

[His voice carries plenty of cheer, despite, well... everything.]

Thanks a lot for bringing ice cream. I guess it'd make the most sense to eat it out here, unless you want to try sneaking it into one of the practice rooms. Sneaking forbidden things into school seems so nostalgic. That's what Jun-kun and I did with Mary!

Not all rules should be followed.

I brought all my critters to work, 'cause they made me more productive. I don't mind sneaking in, but let's do it in a practice room we won't actually use.

[He smiles warmly.]

I should try that with Mary with more often!

[(This will not make him more productive.)]

But that sounds good to me. I'll walk in front of you, and you can hide the ice cream behind my back. Now let's go...♪

[And then he turns towards the hallway full of practice rooms. He'll choose an empty one at random.]

You should. Happy people are more productive.

And I'm on it.

[ immediately falls in line behind him, ice cream below she level. Given their height difference, it'd be hard to notice while they're on the move. ]

I did bring her to work a couple of times. I even brought her on TV once! Our fans absolutely loved seeing her~♪ Then I tried bringing her on another show, but Ibara wouldn't let me. He is such a spoilsport.

[Actually, it was because the owner of the farm on the TV show was allergic to dogs. Yet Hiyori tried to bring her along despite knowing this?? He only relented once Ibara pointed out Mary might get bored of farm life, since he and Jun would be too busy filming to pay much attention to her.

But anyway. Stealthily, he finds them a soundproofed practice room, and stealthily, he sneaks inside! Once she's not sticking to him as closely, he'll shut the door.]

Looks like we're home free...♪

[And then reach out to accept his ice cream.]

So. Did you want to do good news first, or bad news first?

Great teamwork!

[ this is the kind of forbidden act she's always happy to do. It fills her with pride, and she hands over Hiyori's ice cream like a hard-earned trophy.

Her mirth is dampened by the question: good news or bad news? She shouldn't be surprised by bad news in this place, but she can't hide her disappointment. ]

Let's hear the bad news first. Better to end on a good note, right?

Right!

[Now for a pause.]

Though the good news isn't all that good, either, to be honest. So I guess it's more like "bad news" and "worse news." But the worse news is someone got murdered again. I don't know who did it, but the victim was Kirma-kun, and the method was apparently poisoning!

[And then he just... takes a fucking bite of his ice cream. Funny how talking about death by poisoning ruins the taste, though!!]

[ The name drop makes her take a seat with a thump, knees giving out. Mean as it is to think, she kind of understands going after Aventhrine— he taunts people, courts Death— but who would target Kirma?

It's baffling. She can only think to say one word: ]

Why?

[His eyes widen and flash with alarm. Oops. Didn't expect that reaction!]

Er... are you okay?

[He's, uh, going to check on her first. And her ice cream. Which she hopefully didn't drop...?!]

I'm fine.

[ and so is her ice cream, though her appetite has left her, too. ]

Sorry to make you worry. Go on.

[He continues to regard her uneasily. Is she good friends with Kirma-kun? He didn't expect that reaction. But then, he sort of gets it; Kirma was nice to him on the rare occasions they spoke.]

That's all I have to say there, really. I don't know what the motive was. I thought his boyfriend might have been the culprit, since whoever he's dating seems to have a nasty violent streak. I was told they're happily in love, though.

[And then he plows ahead and says:]

The "good" news is your hunch was right. You thought the cost of revival must not be free, and apparently it's not. The House lowers your rank, and you get cursed if you die here. I don't know if that's what's happening to Kirma-kun, though, since I heard that from someone I don't think is involved with him at all.

Is the person who told you a secret?

Like with the last murder you told me about?

You mean the one who told me about Kirma-kun, right? Or do you mean both?

I know the first witness feared retribution.

Is the second person who told you the same?

[The first witness and the person who told him about Kirma's death are absolutely the same person. But that's not what she's asking, so he doesn't say it.]

No, I suppose not, since he was talking about it in public. That was Esikko-kun—he's from the same world as Kirma-kun.

Huh... it's kinda wild that info about two murders just falls into your lap.

Murders of two people who share a connection.

[ now the gears are turning. ]

...was Esikko the one who witnessed the first murder?

Er, which two people...?

[He doesn't know Kirma's boyfriend was the first murder victim!

But that might be about to change. His eyebrows jump when she asks that last question, and for all his media training, it's painfully clear from looking at his face that she hit the jackpot.]

Huh? How'd you figure that out...?

[*This thread is now forward-dated past all his other threads btw. Just for, uh, continuity reasons...]

I know the first victim.

[ the way his idol perfect expression breaks is very telling. She stays calm— there's no point in freaking out over something in the past. ]

Just stay calm. If he's telling you, it's because he trusts you. That's a good thing.

[ and she'll make a personal point to stay away from that guy. ]

That's... [Ugh. He breaks eye contact and says, with a grimace:] I'm sorry to hear it.

[Yet he still hasn't made the connection to Kirma's boyfriend. Nor does he realize Kirma's boyfriend is Aventurine. He thinks of Aventurine as Topaz's non-stabby boyfriend! Not Kirma's stabby one. But then how are the two victims connected, exactly...?

There's one point of connection. The person who told him about both incidents is the same, and Topaz draws the obvious conclusion from that. But he just can't believe it—at least not all of it.]

You really think he did it?

[A pause. And then, more quietly:]

Both of them?

[ she studies his absolute lack of a poker face, that's worse than his own. He's a normie, after all. The deaths he's faced are mostly metaphorical ~~except for the the ones that happened during Eichi's rise to power~~.

Even if her hypothesis is that Esikko is the culprit, so far she doesn't have evidence, and she's sure Aventurine won't give her any. Furthermore... is he a threat to Hiyori? Probably not. ]

I don't know, it's just an unproven theory. Let's not jump to conclusions and go with business as usual.

[He can't have done it. It wasn't Esikko.

At least not both crimes. But Kirma's death... well. Even he thought Esikko's explanation didn't make much sense. And if this was a mystery, then Esikko would have an obvious motive. He didn't want to think Esikko was capable of something like that. But if he poisoned Kirma-kun to get "revenge" for the things Kirma did earlier, like kidnapping him and breaking his arm, all while knowing death isn't permanent in this place...

His stomach twists. That would still leave the first murder, and that one can't have been him. The details were repulsive. Absolutely disgusting. Only someone truly depraved could have committed that crime. It couldn't be someone he drinks tea with regularly and set up on a date with Leo-kun. Even if he had killed Kirma, he couldn't have done that.

... he couldn't have. Right?

Still he thinks about the surprisingly unsympathetic way Esikko described the victim in that case, and his stomach knots with uncertainty.]

..... mm.

[That's his response. Just a subdued-sounding "mm."]

[ as Topaz watches Hiyori's expression while he thinks, she gets the sinking suspicion that she's on the right track.

If she's right though, the offense is probably personal. She didn't know Esikko and Kirma were from the same place, and that crucial piece made her understand that the murders were likely personal. If that's true, then he really isn't a threat to Hiyori. ]

Tell me what you're thinking. We'll keep it between us.

Edited 2025-02-25 18:20 (UTC)

[He can't tell her, of course. The gross details accompanying the first murder aren't something she needs to know, especially if she knew the victim. And his swirling thoughts about Esikko aren't something she can help him with, either.

He thinks, oddly enough, about Nagisa: how there was clearly something going on with him back home, how he hadn't been the same since visiting that temple. But Hiyori didn't press him for any answers. No, on the contrary, he pretended not to see that there was something wrong. But what good did that do?

He stares down at his ice cream for a moment, before he shakes that thought—all those thoughts—and turns his attention back to Topaz.]

You said you know the first victim. ["Know," not "knew."] Does that mean they're still here?

I do.

But I only know that they died, and that there were consequences for revival. Even they wouldn't tell me who did it.

Are they doing alright these days? I can't imagine how horrible that must have been.

[And he heard the victim was someone with a death wish.]

Well....

[ it's such a hard question to answer: He wanted to know if people could die For Science and definitely entered got a "Find Out" era for it. And he suffered. She saw the consequences of his revival; how flowers obstructed his lungs and his awful, dingy rank 2 suite reeked of blood.

And he's not there now. And they've gotten closer, but is he "alright?" The way her face looks says she isn't sure but, she'll still say: ]

They're pretty resilient. I'm not sure how the recent murder makes them feel, though. They have little regard for their own well-being, but will do anything to avoid others getting roped into their troubles.

Edited 2025-02-26 17:31 (UTC)

That does sound like how they were described...

[Well, the resilient part. The "little regard for their own well-being part.]

Honestly, I worry about Leo-kun for similar reasons. He doesn't care enough about his well-being, either. So if he met someone like that—

[... wait. Something doesn't add up again and he blinks.]

By "recent murder," you mean Kirma-kun's?

[He still... doesn't get... that it was Kirma's stabby boyfriend who died the first time around.]

I think the key feature is interfering with a relationship with Kirma. As long as Leo doesn't threaten that, he's prolly fine.

And yeah, that's what I meant: The person I know what the first, Kirma is the second. They're connected by some kind of tight relationship. It's tight enough that Kirma feels willing to do a favor that benefits me for them, even though I barely know Kirma.

Edited 2025-02-26 18:56 (UTC)

[He just. Stares for a second.]

They're not dating.

[Another pause.]

... are they?

[That poor first murder victim can't be the stabby boyfriend.

... it can't be, right??!]

I don't know, I didn't ask.

They live together, so prolly?

[ she has no frame of reference for dating. ]

What do... people who date... do? Aside from the going on dates part?

[Maybe in another timeline, he could give her cute and innocent questions the wholesome answers they deserve. Maybe they could happily talk about dating over ice cream. Just two students in school uniforms, gossiping about love.

In this cursed timeline, her questions don't even register. The second she confirms Kirma and the first murder victim are "prolly" together, his brain short-circuits.]

You're kidding...!

[Time to break out the Bukubu icon!]

[ the icon is beautiful. Majestic. ]

[ why does he look so horrified?]

Is... is that bad???

[His head swims. He feels... dizzy? He doesn't know what he feels. All he can do is try and piece together the sequence of events in his mind. Kirma's boyfriend slashed Esikko in the chest, a wound Hiyori could feel because their senses were linked during the Hearts game. He was the first murder victim. Esikko saw him get killed, and then he saw another horrible thing happen, and then he brought him to the clinic where they revived him. That's what he said.

... no. That isn't right. The Hearts game and the chest wound came later. Kirma's boyfriend had already died and come back to life before then. Kirma kidnapped Esikko, the boyfriend slashed his chest...

... the boyfriend slashed someone who brought him to the hospital?

It doesn't make sense. He thought the boyfriend slashed Esikko out of jealousy over Kirma, or because he was simply insane. But now another, even more inelegant motivation occurs to him. He doesn't want to believe it. But if it was revenge—

No.

He doesn't want to think about this anymore.]

..... sorry.

[He sounds extremely beaten down.]

I shouldn't have asked for ice cream. I'll treat you next time to make up for it.

[He's only had a bite of his, but he's going to toss the rest. He starts heading for the classroom door.]

[ the last thing she wants is for him to over think this and do something reckless. If he goes somewhere, she won't know for sure what he's going to do.

She gets up and follows him out the door. ]

Don't apologize.

Hey, um... why don't you teach me some dance moves, since we're here?

[ she's terrified of what he'd do if she left him alone the way he is now. ]

[There was no plan. After this, he's probably going to hug his knees on the couch in his room for hours while Jun frets in the background. Kind of like he did during Conquest. He dearly misses the days when unpleasant work assignments were the biggest thing he had to worry about.

He does stop when she calls out to him, looking back over his shoulder. His eyes blink.]

Now?

[He normally wouldn't be opposed. But he's holding ice cream and he isn't feeling dancey. At least her question surprises him enough that it chases away some of the gloom, though...]

Yeah, now.

[ she sees the cone still in his hand and notes his hesitation. Leading by example, she throws her own ice cream in the nearest trash can. ]

Let's go find a practice room for that, okay?

[There's another moment's pause. Not because of the ice cream, but because he's really not in the mood. She knows that, though, doesn't she? She knows, and that's why she suggested it. He's often the one changing the subject or suggesting something fun to distract people from their gloom, so he can recognize when others are doing the same.

He nods and plasters a smile on. The ability to smile no matter the circumstance is an idol's great weapon!]

If that's what you want, then sure ♪

[He'll throw his own cone away and leave. With her, not alone to go brood.]

[ While she knows the smile on his face isn't out of true happiness, the fact he's able to put it on at all is promising. The distraction is worth making a fool of herself, really. ]

Yeah. I did a little partner dancing a while back... I wasn't good at it at all.

[ While the intent is to further push him into the position of authority on the subject, her anecdote is not a lie. She was awful and clumsy, and her partner was just as unschooled, but that didn't matter... ]

[Speaking of distractions—]

Oh~? ♪ Then we'll start with some simple steps! But who was that with? Your boss-slash-partner?

[Teasing about her love life sounds like an excellent distraction. After all, it's not like her boss-slash-partner is also Kirma's boyfriend and the first murder victim. He remains blissfully ignorant about that, at least.]

Simple steps're best, please.

[ Please. She remembers the clumsy spins in the dark, out of sync and far from graceful. But the double she was dancing with was the embodiment of chaos.

Hiyori is someone she can trust enough to tell the truth to. She makes an awkward noise of consideration before deciding on: ]

Kind of. [ So helpful ]

You remember those weird paintings that were around, right? His double was the one who danced with me.

[He's not in the mood to try to teach someone a whole dance routine. So, that works.]

"Kind of"? ... ah, you mean those doppel things?

[His smile becomes strained. Yep, his mood just dropped again!]

Those were a pain. [...] But I guess some of them weren't so bad. Your partner's wanted to dance with you, huh?

[ she can almost feel the clouds covering the sun and it's hard not to feel worried. She scrambles. ]

His seemed more interested in the real one's happiness and left on his own.

But I think if he tried to take over Aventurine's life, he wouldn't like doing things the IPC way.

Well, that's good.

[If only his own had done the same...]

Hope he didn't get any paint on you!

Uh... [ Topaz isn't one who really cares about formality or politeness, but kissing and telling also isn't her style.

Her steps falter, as a faint blush dusts her cheeks. ]

No, it... it was fine. Everyone was safe, anyway. And I got to kind of see my place back home again, even if it wasn't the same.

[Her audible hesitancy causes him to glance over. The look on her face only adds to the awkward picture. He blinks.

"Safe"? What was safe? What does that mean?

...]

So you got to see home again!

[He brushes past it with another plastered-on smile. He knows people were sleeping with the dopppelgangers (take a wild guess how he knows), but he's choosing not to think about it in her case. It's jumping to conclusions! And he doesn't want picture her washing paint out of her—

Well, anyway!!!]

That was interesting, wasn't it? I got to see a few different worlds. I didn't expect the landscapes to have weather, though. One of them was so cold—

[He stops.

He remembers stepping into that frigid landscape alongside Esikko's doppelganger, trying to shield his child self from the cold. Remembers talking about it afterwards, teasing Esikko and calling his child self "cute." His stomach twists again, throat feeling tight.]

... anyway, here's the practice room.

[ this is all her fault. For someone who's usually so buoyant, she should've been more careful. ]

I mean, it was kind of like home but not really. It was dark, I could see Qlipoth's Amber Wall and Pier Point, but none of my cuties were there, so it felt lonely.

Otherwise, it was a perfect replica of my place, right down to my mattress on the living room floor.

[ in her love for animals, she has sacrificed her master suite to sleep on the floor of her own home. ]

[He manages to get it together enough to inject his voice with some more cheer. But while he'd normally be happy to talk about Topaz's world, her home, and her cuties, right now he isn't feeling normal. His response still sounds a little subdued, owing to his distraction.]

Well, that's still something, anyway.

[A piece of home, like how he got his phone back.

He opens the door to the practice room and holds it for her. Then he pauses, his brain catching up to him.]

... you slept on just a mattress? [His brows raise.] Surely your company pays a bit better than that, no?

[ She enters the practice room with a casual shrug, unaware of the problem, but Hiyori doesn't have the context. ]

Oh, I've got money— and savings, stock options and usually quarterly bonuses— [ except for one little setback, but she's working on that. ] I just didn't see a point. It's got sheets and a blanket, which is all I really need. I'd rather use the room I had keeping my cuties comfy.

[ surely that's fine, right? ]

[He visibly relaxes when he hears that, anyway. It's not that she's paid so little she can't afford a bed, it's that she chooses to sleep on a mattress in her living room! Thank goodness!

Though that still sounds a bit weird.]

As long as it's your choice. It's better than sleeping in your office, anyway.

[Unlike Anzu sometimes!!]

Your suite as an Ace must be absolutely huge, no? That must have been an adjustment if you're used to living the simple life.

[ It's weird and she should be called out. No one would fault her for carving out her own space in her own home, she just chooses to give her pets all of it. ]

Oh, I'd never. The cuties I can't take to work would miss me too much. Or when I'm out in the field, I'm already away from them for too long.

The Ace Suite is smaller than my ship, but it's way better than the suite I had as a 4. I haven't done much to decorate it except for having plants there.

I know just what you mean. Having to leave Mary alone in a pet hotel always makes me so sad. She spent her early days alone, so she deserves to be surrounded by loving company every day from now on. Which is why I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to bring her to work! All our fans just love seeing her on TV~♪

[Then he hears that last thing and he gasps. Imagine living in an undecorated suite! Couldn't be him! But he's quick to propose a predictable solution.]

In that case, we ought to go shopping! No, not "ought to"—we must! And we'll find you all sorts of nicknacks to bring back.

[He makes a fist and claps his other hand over it.]

Sound good?

[It'll be a way to blow off steam, too. He could use the distraction.

... from thinking about one of his friends being a killer, that is.]

[ Shopping is Enrichment for Hiyori, and the slightest hint of enthusiasm he shows tips the needle in a more positive direction. ]

For real, I'm no good at that stuff when it comes to me, so every little bit helps.

Then it's a date!

[He beams, showing plenty of enthusiasm!]

We'll have to go to the place where I got Leona-kun's birthday gift. That is, the place with cute animal pillows! That seems just like the sort of thing you need~♪

[On the day of the 25th, Topaz will receive a delivery. A small one, but good things can still come in small packages!

Inside the neatly-wrapped gift box, she'll find a kitty necklace. One that's made from real topaz, not fake stuff—he checked! It's not as fancy as the kind of jewelry he could've afforded back home, but still not bad quality. Then he throws in some cute animal-themed sticky notes, too.

Merry Christmas!

I'm sorry you've been away from your pets for so long. But if you'd ever like to spend time with my birds, or look at pictures of Mary, I'd be happy to show you.

The note is signed with Hiyori's signature.]

Hiyori-kun, thank you so much for the present!

The kitty design reminds me of my critters back home. And the animal sticky notes are really useful! I appreciate all the thought you put into these gifts.

Most of all, though: I would love to take you up on spending time together. It's the one thing I didn't have time to do back home. I'd love to see pics of your Mary and visit your birds!

I did have something to ask though— what's Christmas?

[...]

So you fall under that category!

[Aka the category of "doesn't know what Christmas is." In his experience, that category can be broken down into two camps: "has an equivalent holiday that's called something different" (like Olivine) or "doesn't have an equivalent holiday" (like Weiss). Time to find out which camp she belongs in!]

You're not the only one who hasn't heard of it. Though some people here celebrate something similar, and it's just called something different in their world. For example, one person said he celebrates something called "Kleinmas!"

But basically, Christmas is a holiday! Christmas Day is on December 25th, and Christmas Eve is on December 24th. Christmas Eve is mainly for couples, but Christmas Day is for everyone. And one thing you do is give gifts! Children get the most excited for it, but adults can receive gifts, too. Then there are other activities, like decorating Christmas trees and eating Christmas cake!

[He's leaving out the religious aspect, but that's fine. Tatsumi's the only one of the ES idols who'd celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday anyway.]

You can see Christmas being celebrated around the resort. They just don't like to use the word for some reason. But if you've seen any decorations featuring a bearded man in a red suit, that's supposed to be Santa! Legend has it that Santa Claus delivers gifts to children from his magic sleigh~ 🎅🎁🛷✨

[And then he sends a picture, paintstakingly uploaded from his phone to his watch.]

Here's Mary dressed like Santa!

Good day.

I think perhaps we have spoken before and I do hope I am not disturbing you, but your name was mentioned to me by one Hiyori Tomoe. He mentioned to me something rather interesting about your world and I was hoping you might be okay with me asking you some questions about it?

Hope to hear from you soon.

-Loki

Always happy to chat.

Is anytime good for you?

Yes, I am available anytime. I would be fine to talk here or in person. Whichever you prefer.

Ever been to the university? Seems like a good place for this.

I am sad to say I have not been. It looks like it is time to correct that. Shall I meet you there?

[ sending a pin drop ]

I'll see you there. Don't forget to dress up.

[ Teacher or student attire are required, after all. ]

[Loki doesn’t really know what she means about dressing up. He’s always dressed well, thank you very much. But he supposes she doesn’t know him so she can hardly be expected to know that. Still, he makes sure he’s looking his best before he heads out to the location she’s dropped for him

When he arrives, he looks around trying to spot her. It’s not overly busy so when he spots who he thinks might be her, he approaches.]

Pardon me, are you Miss Topaz?

[ sitting on the desk at the front of the lecture hall is a young woman, surely too young to be a teacher. She's wearing a school uniform skirt over some a athletic shorts and a track jacket over her sports bra at least loosely fitting the university's teacher or student themed "dress code" ]

That's me.

Hiyori referred you to me about some questions?

[When she acknowledges that he is, in fact, speaking with the correct person, he’s more than a little curious about her attire after the instructions she gave him. It’s not like he’s wearing a tux or something, but he is wearing a suit, complete with jacket and tie. He actually likes wearing a suit, so it’s not bother, but if asked, he’d say he’s dressed well and she looks rather casual.

Deciding it really doesn’t matter, he shrugs and sits down across from her.]

He did yes. He mentioned something to me about how in your world you have vehicles that allow you to travel to different worlds and possible different dimensions? He did not have much in the way of details, but suggested I ask you directly.

Just to be upfront, I don't think it's possible to use anything related to what I know to escape this place.

[ No use getting someone's hopes up— she's a realist first and foremost. ]

Space travel to different planets is possible through warp technology.

While there are discussions of the existence of other universes, it's primarily conceptual.

The closest thing to traveling to one'd be entering pocket dimensions that simulate whole universes. Those are like suuuuper advanced VR, which does remove you from where you were, but there's always a time limit.

No, I didn’t expect so.

[If he hasn’t been able to time slip his way out of here and his Tempad was gone the moment he arrived, he hardly expects her methods to have much better a chance. But he is still curious and one never knows where inspiration may come from.]

I see, so your form of travel is exclusively technology based? Is that also true of your pocket dimensions?

[He considers briefly pulling something from his own personal pocket dimension simply to show off, but tamps down that urge, at least for the moment. He’s more interested in hearing more about how it works in her world.]

And if I were to tell you that the existence of other universes wasn’t primarily conceptual?

Technology harnessing the power of some natural materials is common. Some of those materials have been formed by powerful entities people in other worlds would call "gods."

The pocket dimensions I've seen are at least partially funded by research by my employer, but the universe is vast, and I wouldn't rule out naturally occurring ones, or... unnatural ones created by gods.

[Loki arches an eyebrow at her.] And what makes you think they are not gods?

Never mind. [He shakes his head, brushing off his initial question almost immediately. He is not here to debate his own status as a god. Instead, he changes tack and instead conjures up the illusion of a Tempad, allowing it to seemingly float in the air between them.] Did you ever use anything like this for the purposes of dimension travel?

[Loki can’t help but smirk.] I do not speak only of pocket dimensions. Mine is but an easier way to carry my belongings with me. Rather I mean full alternate universes. The multiverse, as it were. You believe this is merely a concept? Or has your technology informed you otherwise?

[It might seem an odd question, but the variants of He Who Remains discovering other branches is still what caused the first multiversal war, and something Loki is still hoping to prevent while maintaining all timelines.]

'Cause there's records of beings called "Gods," but it's more or less a semantics thing.

[ She shrugs. ]

I'd think of Gods as something that's a little more permanent than an Aeon. Aeons can ascend and fall in quickly.

[ She studies the tempad from various angles, then shakes her head. ]

Something this size would be similar to the Phase Flame, which would allow one person to travel across the galaxy. For anything larger, warp technology is used.

The IPC has funded the Genius Society's research into simulated universes, but the portals for those are much larger than this.

As for real alternative universes...

[ She moves over to the chalkboard and picks up a piece of chalk, drawing a tree with many branches ]

The commonly accepted theory is that every universe is a branch on the Imaginary Tree. Each branch grows infinitely, without intersecting.

Except in places like this, they do.

I see your meaning. I know many people I have met have the incorrect belief that we are immortal. That would be nice, but is far from true. Simply because we do not die as easily as others does not mean we cannot die.

[He nods at her explanation.] I see. These devices, where I am from, allow the operator to punch in co-ordinates to any time on an world. It then opens a door to that specific place and as many people as you need can enter through that doorway. It does seem to be also based in technology, but doesn’t seem to involve travel the way I believe you mean when you refer to warp travel. That is more for space ships and things of that sort. Is that correct?

[As she begins to draw the tree, Loki sits up straight, his face turning serious.] I see you know of Yggdrasil then. You must be from a very advanced world. Most humans where I am from do not believe it.

[An idea strikes him then that Yggdrasil might just be the answer to all of the problems with the loom back at the TVA. It is the exact right design to keep the branches from crashing into each other and dying. But how to implement it? And more importantly, can he get this information to O.B.? It’s still going to take him too long to get his wish and get the hell out of here on his own, but he if could get that message out now, all the better.]

Tell me all you know about Yggdrasil and how it works from your experience, please.

The Imaginary Tree is more of a scientifically accepted concept of the nature of the universe. Or like. How multiple universes and alternate timelines can exist. Each branch is a universe, forever growing, with each leaf a milestone in that universe's time. The tree continues to grow infinitely, absorbing the Imaginary energy in primordial space—

That's one of the elements in our world, along with Fire, Ice, Lightning, Wind, Quantum and Physical.

Yes, that is exactly how my people believe it to work as well. In Asgardian culture, we are taught that the World Tree supports the Nine Realms. Asgard sits at the top and is the most powerful, or was at least. Midgard, or Earth, is in the middle. They are all connected through the branches of Yggdrasil, but are not easy to traverse. Even the device I used couldn’t necessarily take you from realm to realm. Though it did allow for interplanetary travel.

I am curious though, is it called Imaginary because your people do not believe it is real? Because I assure you it very much is.

[He simply can’t help himself. The word is irking him.]

Imaginary is just one of the elements within our universe. It's the opposite of the Physical element.

Everyone agrees that the Imaginary Tree is real. But instead of being made of wood and leaves, it's made completely of energy.

I see, yes that makes more sense. Sometimes I worry that Allspeak isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and sometimes I think that there are worlds out there with too many people who simply do not know or do not believe. Likely it is both.

So, other than this warp you speak of, no one in your world has found another way to travel the branches of the tree?

Just to clarify: Warping doesn't let us travel from branch to branch. It just lets us travel between places on our branch faster. Universes being big and all.

Virtual "branches" or Simulated Universes, have successfully been created, but they still have a few bugs.

I see, yes that is good to know.

[If she is observant, Topaz might notice that Loki looks a little relieved. After all, when Kang’s variants figured out how to travel between branches, that is what started the first multiversal war.]

So then your people have been trying to create new universes in order to learn how to travel to them safely? Or is there another purpose?

Research mostly. Members of the Genius Society often have questions about how things came to be, like the rise and fall of our god equivalents, or the events that led to catastrophic events in our history.

We have data banks with a lot of info, but some events predate recording, or records were lost to time or destroyed. The simulated universes are created to fill in those blanks.

Edited 2025-04-20 12:39 (UTC)

And have they found any answers to that? In my experience it seems that the most common reason is entropy. Everything has a cycle, everything has an end, whether that be your average person, or worlds or entire pantheons of gods. It is only longevity that truly changes.

That does sound like an interesting way to investigate though. It never hurts to try and learn more. Knowledge is, as they say, power.

[It’s one of the things that really concerns him about this place. The Resort does not seem to want them to know anything.]

The clashes between our god equivalents have been violent. Sometimes they do die out, but it's more common that they're ousted by a more powerful entity. Or absorbed. Paths with similar ideologies can sometimes merge and one god will take both.

I'm with you on the knowledge thing. It's frustrating how we're kept in the dark, here.

I am not sure most gods know how to act any other way. Violence seems to be in our very essence. I have been trying more recently to not be that way as much anymore, but those results remain to be seen.

I would argue, however, that merging is just another form of ousting or absorbing. I suppose all you can ask for is that all areas are still represented.

Yes, they really seem adamant about keeping us in the dark, which only leads me to believe that they need us and do not think anyone would come willingly, which is hardly a good thing. Though I do wonder if they have made a mistake in this last year by taking in some very powerful people. People who are not satisfied with sitting back and just doing what the resort wants. I do not know how the more long term guests were prior to coming here, but it seems the more recent arrivals are much more willing to put up a fight.

Not all of our gods are humanoid. One is a giant supercomputer, so it's not too far of a stretch to think of The House as a similar entity.

The diary entries seemed to be written by normie humans. Like, they didn't mention having any abilities. There're some here right now, obviously, but then there's gods like you, people blessed by gods, and those with supernatural abilities, too.

You'd think with our knowledge base, it'd be easier to understand what makes this place tick, but there's still dead ends everywhere.

Edited 2025-05-06 16:41 (UTC)

A supercomputer? Really. That is fascinating.

[Loki has the distinct feeling that OB would love to meet a god like that. Even Loki is rather interested in such a being, even if he had been maybe, kinda, sort of lying to Sylvie when he said he was good with technology.]

You are correct, of course. The idea that the House is alive has come to me before, but I have yet to find any concrete proof.

There really is quite the variety of people, that is for sure. Though even normies as you put it can be invaluable. Not all power comes from special abilities or magic, though I assume you know that already.

I’m afraid they are quite adept at throwing us off the scent. I suspect this place has been in existence for an incredibly long time and all of that has simply made them even better at hiding their secrets. Though I still have to believe there is a weak spot somewhere.

( aaaaand since he isn't officially checked in, the message simply comes from "Guest User." hopefully context clues are sufficient enough for his identity to be obvious... topaz is a smart girl, after all. )

I appreciate that you've made yourself easy to find. Aventurine has informed me the IPC has a not-insignificant presence here. The ironies of an endless vacation choosing to ensnare multiple corporative employees are not lost on me.

One point of contention I have is that he has stated, and quite confidently, that you as a whole have tried "everything" in a bid to escape. Even were that to be the objective truth, my arrival would dictate that the variables have changed enough to mandate a reexamination of your efforts. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

( ... )

I have also heard that you've made friends in this place. Good. Pursuit of a healthy work-life balance is an admirable thing contrary to what many corporate seminars may try to imply, and a quality that I've seen lacking amongst the Stonehearts. ( +5 points. )

[ It's easy-peasy to determine the identity of this "Guest User:" Few people would seek Aventurine out first, fewer would get info from Aventurine for free, and even fewer still would have the balls to critique the Stonehearts work ethic to a Stoneheart. ]

Heehee.

Nice hearing from you, Doctor. Where're you at? I'll take you to a good place to talk.

I had heard there were educational facilities within this resort. Given the qualities that this place chooses to remote, I’m sure you can imagine the disappointments I ultimately faced.

Still, I find the environment here remains less objectionable than most of the others available. I’ll remain here until you arrive.

[ The less she can say on a network where it can be tracked, the better. While she won't deny her unfiltered speech, especially regarding her trust of The House, saying it amidst eyes and eyes isn't nearly as damning as a text record.

She shows up at the Doctor's location and approaches with a wave. ]

I'm glad you brought up the university. That's exactly where we're gonna go.

Although...

[ she looks him over, seeing whatever he's wearing. ]

One of the entrance requirements is dressing as a teacher or student.

( do a bathrobe and hastily procured pajama pants not compel you, topaz. aside from that, all his additions to the classroom are fully in character: a stack of books with titles that all imply a certain level of academia (most of which are deceptive given their actual contents) and a stack of papers detailing his currently disjointed notes thus far. )

Given that I actually am a professor, anything I wear could be considered as dressing as one by default.

( such was the argument he presented and, perhaps not wanting to expend so much energy on a guest that could very well end up royalty in a handful of days, was allowed in as a one-time exception. it only took approximately 41 minutes and 3 seconds of debate. )

This is an ideal space to discuss things, is it? ( hum. ) It does seem... underutilized.

[ They compel her to want to get this man proper clothes, does that count? Poor him. And his ample chest. And luscious thighs. The man is sculpted, and she can appreciate that on an artistic level. ]

It's more a question of if you like, wanna just be wearing that.

No judgement, if you do.

[ she'll just throw a schoolgirl skirt and a jogging jacket over her sports bra and shorts. Quick and easy. ]

Since it's like any other university, they even have music practice rooms that are insulated... but it's also still on brand in a lot of ways.

Anyway, what've you got for me?

[Sleeping is an impossible task at times back in her room, but she still preferred it on a bed when she can. It's so tiring, listening to the thump thump thump that was so loud that it echoed in her head, and while Astra normally can handle herself well and power through that-- she couldn't, not this time. She's so tired, she needed some place to nap.

She was glad that the proprietress of Red Cardinal was so considerate to let people nap here, but since it's getting to be common knowledge, finding a spot was getting harder and harder. It's not like being an idol means she gets perks here, and even then, she doesn't mind not getting them either. Everyone was tired.

So when she sees a free spot next to a lovely lady, she puts on her best smile and comes over, gesturing it.]

Hi there! Do you mind if I join you?

[ Topaz doesn't get much sleep— 4.5 hours is her maximum, so she's feeling fresher than most. But the incessant pounding of the resort's heart is distracting. Thankfully, Red Cardinal is a great place to be: the fact the restaurant silences the noise is icing.

She regards the taller young woman with a friendly smile. ]

No prob. Seems like you could use a break from those crazy noises.

Oh, is it that obvious? I made sure to freshen up too.

[She sighs quietly, but doesn't lose the chipperness for now. Of course she's cranky, but she's also gotten used to late nights before, and she knows better than anyone not to let her emotions show when she is around others. It's not lying, exactly, so much as she didn't want to take out her frustration on anyone.

So as soon as she is given a chance, she takes the seat next to her, propping her elbow on the table so she can turn to look at her properly.]

You don't look half as tired as we do. I'm envious! What's your secret?

[ she lets out a little laugh. ]

It's not really a secret, I'm just not used to sleeping for very long. I was pretty busy back home.

I'm Topaz. Nice to meet you. I don't think I've seen you around before.

[ She holds out a hand for the young woman to shake. ]

Edited 2025-04-30 06:46 (UTC)

Astra, and would you please? I'll forever be grateful.

[She even clasps her hands together and gives her a charming smile, or as charming as one can be when sleep-deprived.]

I wanted to start earning some chips for my own food, but I didn't expect this twist. What kind of work did you use to do, Topaz?

Yeah, it's.... a lot to get used to.

[ even as distrustful and vocal about her resistance to the system as she is, she's a little too tired to get too deep into it. ]

Lemme get some food and drinks for us. It makes chatting easier.

[ Ordering some soup and some small dishes to start, as well as a round of drinks. ]

Edited 2025-04-30 06:52 (UTC)

[Ah, good choices. She wasn't feeling too well, so having such light meals was better especially now. She starts with the soup, letting out a pleased hum at the flavor, before she chuckles.]

Mm! That hits the spot. The food here is really so good!

[Though she didn't get an answer yet, she looks at Topaz expectantly.]

I'll make sure to pay you back.

If you're new, don't worry about it. A colleague of mine helped me out when I first got here, so it's only right to pay it forward.

To answer your question, I worked in finance— debt collection, specifically. It's a lot of traveling and research. There aren't enough hours in a day to get things done, so I'm used to four and a half hours of sleep.

Debt collection? I didn't expect that!

[Probably not the shady kind, right? She doesn't look like the shady type, and while there are legitimate institutions for lending, she's heard stories.]

So you're the one collecting them in person? Just what goes into that?

[ The young woman's shock isn't surprising. Debt Collection doesn't really have a good connotation in most places. ]

Negotiating, mostly? A lot of the contracts I'm dealing with are hundreds of years old, before my department even existed. So I try to work things out in ways that benefit both sides.

What do you do?

Edited 2025-04-30 13:53 (UTC)

Oh hmm... That sounds much more familiar to me. I'm glad it's not the dangerous kind-- oh, not to say you look dangerous or anything. I just haven't met one before.

[There are people who do that for her, after all, checking her accounts and making sure she is not going over budget. She's very careful, but she can spend quite heftily for the things she wants.]

As for what I do... Hmm! Want to guess?

[ Topaz looks Astra over with a critical eye. She's beautiful and tall, and concerned about her appearance... ]

A model, maybe?

Ooh! You're so close. Good guess.

[A model is at least one of those things.]

I do model, but it's not the only thing I do.

An actress or a singer, maybe?

[ she's not sure. ]

This place has got quite a few idols...

That's right!

[She beams at that, giggling.]

You could say I do all of those too, but my main line of work is singing. It's a shame that no one recognizes my work here, it almost feels lonely, you know?

Oh, but who are they? I want to meet all of them.

I kinda feel that. Like, you worked so hard to get somewhere and it has zero pull, here.

[ she's past the point of being bummed about it, though she's also the type who doesn't care about attention. ]

There's Hiyori, Vil, Leo, and Robin, who's an idol from my universe.

That's right! It's a shame, but it is what it is. I'll just have to work for it all over again.

[Fame and fortune were secondary to what she truly wants after all, and staying bummed about it doesn't help. Though, she does look a little sad despite that, probably because lacking sleep can make one emotional.

At least the mention of those names has her perking up.]

I know Hiyori! He's the one with the lovely green hair, right? It's all wavy and soft.

Yup, that's him! He's super easy to get along with. He's prolly also the best to ask about getting re-established as an idol, if that's what you wanna do.

I also think you'd get along with Robin.

He has been giving me ideas! I think he might feel bad because we're both idols, and the situation isn't ideal for our job.

[No one really likes hearing about sex scandals about the people who are meant to be their bright star, but the situation is what it is, and she doesn't want to dwell on what-ifs when Evelyn isn't here to help her really consider it.

It's lonely without her.]

I think so too. If she loves music, then I'm sure we'll be good friends.

Are you close with Robin? Maybe we can have a girls' night out together.

Right, that makes sense.

[ she frowns a little at the thought. ]

It's gotta be extra hard for you guys, since there's that whole "idols don't date or have sex" thing, right? Even if I don't like the House's "you gotta have sex" thing, people putting value on whether you haven't done it is also unfair.

So I hope you figure out what'll work for you.

[ But she perks up at the thought of a girls' night ]

We're friends, but we haven't done something like that before... I've never done that, actually. What'd you have in mind?

Hmmm... I don't really mind! It's not like I'd talk about my bedroom activities in public.

[She's also older than Hiyori and had a different idea of what a person should or shouldn't uphold, and while she might have wanted a better first time, she wasn't too bothered by the outcome.]

Speaking of bedroom activities, we can always hang out and maybe have a sleepover! Isn't that a good way to get to know each other better?

[ Both Astra and Hiyori have strong senses of self, but Astra's views feel a little closer to hers. ]

I get that. I wanna do what I want, but I don't need to broadcast it, either.

[ The thought of a sleepover makes her light up. ]

Why not both? We can go eat out and stuff, and then have a sleepover after?

That sounds amazing. Do you know if they have hotpot here? Oh, but can you handle spicy food?

[She can settle for noodles if they can't share hotpot, but she really wants it all of a sudden. It's a good distraction from thinking about being stuck here, after all. She's not in a bad place, but it's easy to get worried if she doesn't distract herself.]

I can handle spicy. This place has hotpot for suresies.

Let's get some.

I could use some hotpot right now.

[Tempting, really. Especially since they were already at the Red Cardinal, and maybe the spice can help with the tiredness. Something about burning away all the fatigue.]

I should really start trying to earn some chips.

Don't worry about chips right now. I got you.

[ She's always happy to help someone in need. She calls over a server so Astra can order hotpot the way she likes it. ]

Inbox!

Details

my indecisiveness decided i needed more topaz; set after tdm before event

And I have Absolutely No Reason to complain

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@eve

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@User3149275, text

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@eve, same date as community meal plan post

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