[He wasn't asking about teleportation, he was asking about violence.
But alright: contrary to what some people might think, he can read between the lines. To wit:]
So the exit is well-hidden, and you don't think we can brute-force our way out.
[Notice that he said "well-hidden" and not "non-existent," though. Because as he points out next,]
But there must be some way out. Otherwise, their promise to send us home once we finish debasing ourselves really would be a baldfaced lie. And you seem to believe that's serious.
[Despite his own lingering skepticism on that front. The lion prince truly seems to believe that if he does what he's told like a good boy, his captors will keep his word and he'll be rewarded. Perhaps that's what he needs to tell himself in order to sleep at night. "It was for good reason, so I had to do it.""Now that I've already started, I might as well keep going." Hiyori knows, or at least he thinks he knows. After all, those were the justifications he used the last time he wore white gloves and a white suit.
But if they expect him to act the part just because he looks the part, they've got another thing coming.
He turns back to the table, reaching for a napkin to wipe the sugar off his fingers.]
In that case, it's settled. I'll just have to play along.
[Though not with that "game." He's just saying he'll make them think he's compliant, rather than launch an all-out rebellion. And, being quite familiar with noble society, he shouldn't have any problem playing the role at all, should he?]
[ the napkin rises before hiyori can take it for himself, leona's finger doing all the heavy lifting. it's not like the beastman has considered that they could all be playing the part of rubes, of sheep that follow the shepherd's crook which will also end up being led off a cliff. but the longer they play, the more information they gather, and then whatever horrible surprise that could await them might be mitigated through whatever combined efforts are around.
of course, leona also sees another side: that some could be here to avoid their homes. that's always a possibility. would there be potential factions working against each other? maybe. maybe not. the most entertaining games are the ones where there's a definitive opposing side, so... ]
Either way, playin' along is the best way to do things for now. Even if ya hate it. Doesn't mean you can't pivot, ya know.
[ floating along until it reaches its destination, the cup places itself back by the pot. ]
Ya think ya got somethin' to bring to the table... ideas or anythin' like that, then try it.
[ he's not going to break a sweat doing something that'll just make him have to shower again. too much hot water is bad for the skin, isn't it? ]
[Alright, well, that's unexpected. He jerks in his seat, hard enough that his chair threatens to tip over backwards, whirling around to send Leona an irritable look.]
Playing along and playing that "game" are two different things, you know. But as for ideas, well, I know exactly who sent me here. So that's one player in the conspiracy, anyway. And I know what sort of tricks he might try and pull in the future, if he does have a hand in running this place.
[Though not as well as Nagisa and Ibara would. For all his talk, Hiyori really doesn't know much of anything about the mysterious figure called "Gatekeeper," or about those other forces Nagisa has alluded to. He didn't care to know, and those two in Adam haven't shared much of anything with him. But now that lack of knowledge is really coming back to bite him...
He watches that teacup sail through the air again, all without the lion man having to lift a finger. A noble and royal, a prince and an idol. No doubt they've both had an easy lot in life, the current predicament aside. But there's never any shortage of commoners who hunger to see the rich and powerful brought to their knees, is there?]
You must have your share of enemies. Any idea who'd want to see you bark like a dog?
[ interesting. that's the only thing so far that hiyori's contributed that has made leona pause. he rolls it around in his mind for a moment or two--- an enemy of the royal family? one that would love to see him suffer? sure, there are always going to be people upset with the decisions that are made to ensure their kingdom prospers, but as far as he knows... ]
Psh, nah. Ya think I'd have any enemies?
[ if anything, he'd be the one who would send someone to suck-and-fuck resort but that's... not really his way of going about things either. no, he'd rather just pound someone into submission and have them grovel on their knees. beg for forgiveness. forget their insolence. ]
Even on campus, everyone knows who not to mess with. And thanks to my brother, the king... our people love us. That's the only good thing he really does nowadays.
[ and while leona may dislike certain mages, it doesn't mean it's reciprocated in kind. ]
So maybe ya know who made ya take this vacation, but that doesn't mean it's the same for me.
[Hiyori wouldn't even send his worst enemy to the fuck-and-suck resort. A, his worst enemies wouldn't deserve the "luxury resort" part! And B, if it's someone like Eichi-kun, he'd find it much more satisfying to win against him onstage than to decimate his career with a sex scandal. Part of being noble-born means taking the high road.
And if the enemy is Gatekeeper, well, apparently his dick doesn't work, so jot that down...
Leona's claim that he has no enemies doesn't earn much of a reaction. Hiyori doesn't know him or his kingdom; that might be true, or it might not be true! Still, he's surprised that a prince, of all people (even one who seems a bit too lazy to help govern or pass legislation), wouldn't have acquired some enemies...
Until he catches that one part. "My brother, the king."
Immediate recognition dawns on Hiyori's face. If Leona mentioned that part earlier, he missed it (possibly because he was still stressed over the kidnapping, or possibly because he was distracted by Leona's funny ears!). But now that he's caught it, that explains a lot in his view: not about their abduction, but about Leona.]
So that's how it is.
[He nods like he understands.]
Yep, you do make fewer enemies when you're not involved at all in your family's affairs. You get to lounge around all day thinking, "he's the heir, so that stuff has nothing to do with me." But you might still be valuable for one thing, anyway.
[ eichi-kun is very fortunate that he's not here. his pale ass would probably show more bruises than he'd like. glass bones and paper skin, you know?
also sucks to be so unlucky, mr. gatekeeper.
anyway. he doesn't like how hiyori suddenly feels enlightened and privileged to leona's life, as if he actually knows what it's like to be someone who could never be in the position that he worked so hard for up until the point where the rug was pulled out from under him. leona frowns, his next huff escaping through flared nostrils. the last thing he wants is to be frustrated by a set of circumstances he can't do anything about while he's here.
the point of escaping is so that he can... go back...
... sniff. ]
'm still very involved. Got a bunch of plans regarding the city to make sure our next hot season doesn't wipe out the fields. Irrigation's a big deal and not just to me, but to everyone who depends on a solid infrastructure.
[ those games of chess he played, the time spent in tutoring... ]
But that's got nothin' to do with ya. And if this ends up bein' some sick joke, I'll make sure whoever did it will suffer. You won't find a trace of 'em left.
[ he's serious. as serious as turning someone into sand and making sure they feel every particle of their being dissolve into something that'd be fitting for a nice hourglass. ]
[Thank goodness Hiyori can't read metatext. That way he doesn't have to picture Gatekeeper's non-functional penis or Eichi-kun's bruised butt.
He can hear spoken dialogue, though, and Leona's words do grab his attention. They get him to drop the unserious attitude, gaze turning thoughtful. Apparently he underestimated the lion prince—or overestimated his laziness. Leona is involved in running his kingdom, far more than Hiyori is involved in running the Tomoe Foundation, and that merits some respect.
As do his words at the end, which earn an approving smile.]
Now that sounds promising.
[What was that he said earlier? Something about preferring not to see carnage?
But he's not naive. Crimes shouldn't go unpunished (especially not crimes against him), and dirty deeds need to get done sometimes. That's just how the world works, as he goes on to explain.]
It'd be wonderful if I could sing a song that would purify this place. All the nastiness and filth would be purged, and then we could relax and enjoy our quiches without worrying the eggs were poisoned. But that sort of outcome doesn't seem possible, so I'll just have to rely on people like you ♪
[He reaches for the teapot, deciding he does want some more tea, after all. Right now he'll "rely on" Leona not to interfere. But if he does interfere, oh well.]
I'll stay out of the underworld and do the above-ground work. That's what suits someone like me. And once the whole plot's been unraveled, you can sink your teeth into whoever's responsible. That sounds like a good use of both our strengths.
[ it rarely pays off to explain what he does, what he can do, and what he will accomplish once he's out of the school--- but he doesn't really want to leave it. not just yet. his own motivations are selfish and meant to assist with some kind of self-reflection, but leona would rather break the mirror and go curl up in bed instead. escape the future by trying to ignore what awaits him in a year or two.
the hell is singing going to do other than annoy him? there's no obvious magical energy on hiyori's person. nothing inherently of that sort, something that leona can generally sniff out a mile away. then again, the way this place suppresses some of his more deadlier magics, he wouldn't be surprised if he was getting fooled...
...
better not risk it. at least, not until he knows more. ]
Nothin' about this place is ever gonna get completely clean.
[ the beastman huffs. he really should go look for a change of clothes or something--- not that he doesn't mind walking around like this but. you know. modesty or something. for people who actually care. or find someone who appreciates his body??? one of those two things. ]
But ya do whatever ya think is gonna work. Not gonna wait 'round for ya in the meantime.
[ standing up, he again exposes his... full self. no point in covering up anything that shows before he heads towards the double doors at the end of the room. ]
Enjoy your breakfast. Just be careful 'bout what might be in it.
[He's done eating, but he wouldn't mind some more tea, which Leona thankfully doesn't stop him from pouring. He sips from the cup without responding to that first bit, nor does he insist that Leona should wait around for him. If the lion prince has other stuff to do, then fine!
Though, truthfully, he probably could've used someone to show him around the new environment. But it's alright. It's not like the place is unreasonably huge, after all, with a million different floors, and it's not like he already has a tendency to get horribly lost every time he wanders somewhere on his own! It's fine! No worries!
... no, scratch that.
He is definitely worried.]
Eh?
[His eyes flare with alarm at Leona's parting words.]
[ leona stops. he turns, one hand on his hip as he raises an eyebrow. he's only going to offer hiyori one side look as he rolls that eye and shakes his head. ]
Ya didn't think for a second that they might just outright kill us? But also, I doubt it would be. At least, not with the kinds of poison you might be thinkin' of.
[ might as well add an air of mystery to everything, right? leona's holding all the cards (figuratively). and though he might not know all, he knows enough. that's all he needs. ]
Again, if it was? I probably can figure out how to cure ya if my magic ain't enough. They got tons of well stocked stores and a pretty huge ass conservatory garden kinda thing. You might like it.
[ like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit (or bread in front of a certain ra*bit), leona tilts his head. ]
Come on. You'll be safer with me, even if ya don't like it.
[What does he mean about kinds of poison? Is he saying the food might poison them slowly over time in small doses? Or is he saying it might be drugged with something non-poisonous but still nefarious, like sleeping drugs? He just doesn't know what to think, because someone's being deliberately mysterious!
But that "someone" is also offering to cure him. With magic, with medicine, or with... herbs from a huge conservatory garden? There's one of those around here? How big is this place?
There's little sense in asking when he could just find out. Not that he wants to go flower-picking—he'd rather storm up to the management desk and demand some answers. But it doesn't sound like that's an option, so if that's the case, well, perhaps he ought to get the lay of the land.
So, despite all his prior insults, after a moment he decides to accept the offer.]
Well, if you want to serve as my guard dog, that's fine, I suppose.
[He pushes back his chair and gets up to join Leona at the door, managing a small smile.]
You can take me to that conservatory thing. And on the way there, you can explain just what you meant about the food. For example, has it been tampered with or not? I'd like a fuller explanation there.
[ of course he's being vague. what's the fun of warning hiyori before something happens to him? he'll find out himself. hopefully leona isn't around if it does; though he'd be happy to scoop up an easy card. he's not above taking advantage of situations like that when it's not his fault that people end up being a little more touchy-feely after having the wrong food or drink. thankfully things are labeled... usually. not always. it's what has allowed leona to survive here.
laziness in golden peacock is punished in the worst ways, as he stated. he's just not willing to give all of his info out. everyone who is new has to learn the same way he did. it's only fair~ ]
Guard dog? [ snorts! ] If ya end up bein' dead weight, I'll just leave ya for the wolves.
[ the imaginary ones because as far as he knows... no puppies here. otherwise he might've tried to assert his dominance on them by now. ]
Some of it's been spiked with stuff. Dunno what else to tell ya. Can't smell it, can't taste it. Will say this though, in most of the cafeterias and cafes and bakeries, they label it appropriately. So they're 'nice' in that way.
[ opening them once hiyori gets close enough, he notes how the hall is empty. pristine. probably one of the nicer ones that he's seen? plenty of gold trim and lace on tables. something he'd believe was only reserved for true newlyweds... or the higher ranked players of the game.
his tail flicks as he finishes scouting the area outside of their room. ]
In a way, I'd think the people who have graciously allowed us to stay aren't bein' complete assholes. But I ain't naive.
[He complains, but he'll take the jab, trusting it isn't literal. Then again, if there are lion men, who's to say there aren't some wolves roaming around? But whatever. One crisis at a time. And his current point of focus is the poisoned food!
Or "spiked" food. There is a difference but Leona's explanation only sews more concern, along with more disdain for how this place handles things. And then that last bit is just confusing.]
Why would anyone consume something they know is spiked? And what are the effects, exactly? That last one's most important.
[He focuses on what he's feeling, but he really doesn't detect anything. No dizziness or lightheadedness, no hot or cold, no itchy feeling, nothing. Physically speaking, he feels fine. Well-rested, although he knows that itself is strange; he went to bed all worried about what was going on with Nagisa, so it wasn't a peaceful sleep.
However Leona answers (or doesn't), he's stepping out into the hall with him. It's almost as dazzling out there as it is in the room; gold everywhere, and only the finest-looking draperies. The person or organization in charge must be loaded. But some pretty sights won't be enough to placate him, nor enough to leave him starstruck. He's nobility; he's seen plenty of pretty things in his time!]
Well, I'm sure that's what they want you to think.
[Is all he says to that. Leona's talk about spiked food has only caused his impression of the place to plummet further. Still, if there was some truth to what he said, and he really is being given the opportunity to play around in some fancy resort for a bit, with no nefarious end goal...
He'd still decline, of course. His fans and his "family" are waiting for him.]
[ the elevator is obvious given the buttons next to it, not to mention the sign above that displays what floor it's stopped on. the most curious thing is that it looks like both are stopped on their floor--- perhaps there are others also in the upper echelon of suites? but he's not going to seek them out. he's not here to make any more 'friends' than he needs to. ]
To help themselves play the game. [ a beat, then: ] So how do ya think it'll make you feel?
[ horrible enabling food and drinks, that's what.
anyway. he spots a rack of clothes nearby and walks over, perusing until he finds something he likes. pulling out a black silk dress shirt, he hums. it's the right kind of fabric, something comfortable and soft. would definitely rip if he isn't careful. and honestly, there's enough here to probably take back to his room... pondering whether it'd be considered stealing for him to take what looks like free clothing. ]
Gotta ask... ya got magic in your world at all?
[ despite hiyori's reaction earlier, it doesn't mean there's any. it could be limited. very rare. ]
[So he's the cowardly lion, the wizard, and the heartless tin man all rolled into one, huh?
Hiyori's eyes glance at the elevator—how many floors are there, and what awaits him on the other ones? But he might as well see what's around before boarding it. He does get temporarily distracted by his own reflection, though, lips pursing at the glimpse he gets of his appearance. He needs something else to wear ASAP!
But not as much as he needs an explanation about the spiked food. That's the priority here. Yet Leona continues to avoid spelling things out, leaving him to draw his own conclusions. How does the spiked food "help them play the game," when the "game" is just going to bed with different strangers? There's only one conclusion he can draw from that.
It's not the correct one.]
I don't see where mind-altering drugs would help. That just seems like it'd make it harder to seduce someone. I know if someone approached me while on drugs, I'd say, "Sorry for your lot in life. But I'll be cheering for you, so don't give up!" or something like that.
[He pauses, still thinking out loud.]
Unless they're memory-altering drugs? To cope with the empty feelings the next morning? Or you mean sleeping drugs, but that seems too dark, even for this place...
[It'd be extra disturbing if people were roofieing themselves and others just to get this whole thing over with. But his dark train of thought promptly derails when he spots the clothes rack Leona is examining, eyes lighting up with interest.]
What's this? More free gifts?
[A change of clothes is just what he needs, and these actually don't look cheap, so without waiting for an answer, he starts combing through an adjacent rack. Some people were born to hunt food, others were born to hunt clothes, and Hiyori Tomoe is very much the latter, so his response to Leona's question is a bit distracted.]
Nope! Nothing like what you did. There are people who pull rabbits out of hats and such, but those are just optical illusions. And I'd much prefer the world stay that way. Things have gotten weird enough lately without magic. Our performances have all the magic anyone needs ♪
[ he could also be the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe.
there are so many floors. too many floors. and then there are the ones where elevators don't necessarily go to and stairs are the best way to get down to them. but leona can't imagine hiyori going down to see what's awaiting all of the low ranks--- which means he will probably be safe from having his door knocked on and having an idol interrupt his precious sleeping time???
except he's found nice spots in the conservatory. where the flowers are pretty and the grass is soft, and the bunnies haven't chewed on his braids or fell asleep on his face like large thumpy loaves.
anyway. he'll let hiyori continue his train of thought, even though the train stops immediately at the clothes. predictable. but hey, if he has a good eye for quality... leona's not against knowing someone with that sort of asset. and he's doing a great job of telling him what he needs to hear about his background.
performances without magic. so that makes him a... ]
You sing or somethin'?
[ unfortunately the concept of idols exists in his world. the most recent competition at night raven college, where he ran sound and lights, proves that. which means he might get even more annoyed at hiyori at the end of all of this.
or... maybe not. the shirt fits pretty darn well. maybe the clothes will distract him from throwing out any more barbs. ]
[He first goes through the dress shirts, pondering over the different sizes and styles and colors before spotting a shade fairly close to his image color—just the thing he needs after being dressed in pure white and powder blue. He inspects the tag on the inside collar, the seams, stitching, etc. The tag has a gold chicken on it for some reason, but the rest looks good! He'll take it. Now all he needs are some pants and a fashionable blazer to match.
For this outfit, anyway. He'll be coming back for more stuff to hang in the suite later, taking several outfits' worth of clothes if he can get away with it. As much as his arms can carry! Or as much as Leona's arms can carry, ideally. But for now, he's on a hunt for pants.
Then Leona asks him if he sings, to which the obvious answer is yes. Why yes, yes he does sing, and quite beautifully at that! But rather than start bragging, he opts to make it a trade.
Fair is fair, after all.]
I'll tell you all about what I do if you tell me exactly what the spiked food does! In detail, please ♪
[ dang. he really wants to hear it from the lion's mouth, so to speak. crazy.
as he ponders what he thinks he can comfortably carry, leona rolls his eyes. how to put it the best way possible without sounding incredibly crass but still maintaining a level of seriousness. ]
Makes ya wanna fuck.
[ upon saying it, leona hums. he's found a nice pair of pants. the material seems like black leather and would probably be fitting for someone who might hold a little flogging whip, but for him? it's more about the aesthetic of something tight. the only thing that it needs is a little tailhole, so. ]
'ey, you got somethin' sharp on ya? Don't wanna tear the seams or anythin'.
[He wants to reprimand Leona for the language, but he can't. What he said is too preoccupying.]
No, nothing like that...
[Hiyori doesn't carry a knife on him. Even if he did, it would've been confiscated with his other possessions. But he's temporarily distracted from thinking about the clothes.]
So it has the same effect as those pills old men take? That's what it does?
[ i'm sure there's probably some viagra-esque pill out in twst world but we do not need to think about it too hard ]
It'll make ya need to take care of those urges. They do a pretty good job of labelin' stuff but... I don't put anythin' past 'em.
[ he'll just have to make his own tailhole then. with an immense amount of focus, he presses his thumbs below the waist of the pants, digging in with his nails. ]
Still. If they didn't actually care in some way 'bout comforts, then they could've done away with the pretenses. For all the things that make sense, there's a lot that don't.
[He still feels baffled. Assuming they're not an old man, why would someone take something like that on purpose? Performance anxiety?
He'll pass, thanks.
Speaking of passing, there's another great reason never to sleep with his so-called husband. He watches Leona tear open the fabric with no small amount of fascination. What claw-like hands! And yet, if that was someone's skin, it'd be a crime scene. But what's he tearing a hole for, anyway?
... ah, yes.
Never mind Leona's Golden Peacock apologism, though. (Or is it Stockholm Syndrome, considering he's been kidnapped?) That thing sticking out of his backside and almost sweeping the floor is far more interesting!]
That was for your tail, huh?
[He cranes his head around to stare openly.]
It's an awfully long one. Do people ever step on it accidentally? Or grab it and pull it as a prank?
[ did he think he needed a second fly just in case he puts his pants on backwards? just because he's a prince doesn't mean he can't dress himself (though assistance is always good). as he slips them on, leona's careful to make sure that new hole works... and it does. just barely. at least it's not chafing the fur outside and once he's satisfied, the rest of it easily snakes on through. ]
Ain't the only thing long on me. [ clears his throat. ] Anyway. No. If they did, they'd be trippin' over themselves to apologize.
[ and then narrows his eyes. ]
If it was on purpose? I'd make an example out of 'em.
[ because most, if not all, know what kind of power leona has. it's not just the fluffy ears and tail or the way he can use those slightly sharper, pointed nails of this. the threat is genuine. not towards hiyori, who... well, could he really stand up to leona's might???
[Look, he isn't used to people with tails, alright. And he's also not used to people dressing out in public, for that matter. He'll be going back to the suite in a minute, thanks.]
Hm?
[He tilts his head, unsure what Leona just muttered. But they're already moving on, so oh well! And what Leona says next is that, nope, no one ever steps on his tail or gives it a good yank. Which seems sort of surprising to him, until Leona says that other thing about "making an example."
That's right. Leona's not a housecat, but a big scary lion. He's got claws, and he talks about eating people! And he can do magic, and he's got height as well as muscle. Plus he's a prince, which means he has a powerful family who could back him up—if they're not too busy focusing on his brother, that is, but even if they are, the mere threat of getting on their bad side is probably enough. He gets it!
Which means Leona does not need to look at him that way!]
Nope ☆ It's an interesting tail, but I'll pass.
[He holds a couple of pairs of pants up to his waist, making sure they're the right length before choosing one and draping it over his arm. Now he just needs a swanky blazer!
And to keep being obnoxious, which he accomplishes by asking another possibly rude question.]
You must not let anyone pet your ears, either, huh?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
But alright: contrary to what some people might think, he can read between the lines. To wit:]
So the exit is well-hidden, and you don't think we can brute-force our way out.
[Notice that he said "well-hidden" and not "non-existent," though. Because as he points out next,]
But there must be some way out. Otherwise, their promise to send us home once we finish debasing ourselves really would be a baldfaced lie. And you seem to believe that's serious.
[Despite his own lingering skepticism on that front. The lion prince truly seems to believe that if he does what he's told like a good boy, his captors will keep his word and he'll be rewarded. Perhaps that's what he needs to tell himself in order to sleep at night. "It was for good reason, so I had to do it." "Now that I've already started, I might as well keep going." Hiyori knows, or at least he thinks he knows. After all, those were the justifications he used the last time he wore white gloves and a white suit.
But if they expect him to act the part just because he looks the part, they've got another thing coming.
He turns back to the table, reaching for a napkin to wipe the sugar off his fingers.]
In that case, it's settled. I'll just have to play along.
[Though not with that "game." He's just saying he'll make them think he's compliant, rather than launch an all-out rebellion. And, being quite familiar with noble society, he shouldn't have any problem playing the role at all, should he?]
no subject
of course, leona also sees another side: that some could be here to avoid their homes. that's always a possibility. would there be potential factions working against each other? maybe. maybe not. the most entertaining games are the ones where there's a definitive opposing side, so... ]
Either way, playin' along is the best way to do things for now. Even if ya hate it. Doesn't mean you can't pivot, ya know.
[ floating along until it reaches its destination, the cup places itself back by the pot. ]
Ya think ya got somethin' to bring to the table... ideas or anythin' like that, then try it.
[ he's not going to break a sweat doing something that'll just make him have to shower again. too much hot water is bad for the skin, isn't it? ]
no subject
Playing along and playing that "game" are two different things, you know. But as for ideas, well, I know exactly who sent me here. So that's one player in the conspiracy, anyway. And I know what sort of tricks he might try and pull in the future, if he does have a hand in running this place.
[Though not as well as Nagisa and Ibara would. For all his talk, Hiyori really doesn't know much of anything about the mysterious figure called "Gatekeeper," or about those other forces Nagisa has alluded to. He didn't care to know, and those two in Adam haven't shared much of anything with him. But now that lack of knowledge is really coming back to bite him...
He watches that teacup sail through the air again, all without the lion man having to lift a finger. A noble and royal, a prince and an idol. No doubt they've both had an easy lot in life, the current predicament aside. But there's never any shortage of commoners who hunger to see the rich and powerful brought to their knees, is there?]
You must have your share of enemies. Any idea who'd want to see you bark like a dog?
no subject
Psh, nah. Ya think I'd have any enemies?
[ if anything, he'd be the one who would send someone to suck-and-fuck resort but that's... not really his way of going about things either. no, he'd rather just pound someone into submission and have them grovel on their knees. beg for forgiveness. forget their insolence. ]
Even on campus, everyone knows who not to mess with. And thanks to my brother, the king... our people love us. That's the only good thing he really does nowadays.
[ and while leona may dislike certain mages, it doesn't mean it's reciprocated in kind. ]
So maybe ya know who made ya take this vacation, but that doesn't mean it's the same for me.
no subject
And if the enemy is Gatekeeper, well, apparently his dick doesn't work, so jot that down...
Leona's claim that he has no enemies doesn't earn much of a reaction. Hiyori doesn't know him or his kingdom; that might be true, or it might not be true! Still, he's surprised that a prince, of all people (even one who seems a bit too lazy to help govern or pass legislation), wouldn't have acquired some enemies...
Until he catches that one part. "My brother, the king."
Immediate recognition dawns on Hiyori's face. If Leona mentioned that part earlier, he missed it (possibly because he was still stressed over the kidnapping, or possibly because he was distracted by Leona's funny ears!). But now that he's caught it, that explains a lot in his view: not about their abduction, but about Leona.]
So that's how it is.
[He nods like he understands.]
Yep, you do make fewer enemies when you're not involved at all in your family's affairs. You get to lounge around all day thinking, "he's the heir, so that stuff has nothing to do with me." But you might still be valuable for one thing, anyway.
[Drumroll, please.]
Ransom, blackmail, or entertainment value!
2/2
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also sucks to be so unlucky, mr. gatekeeper.
anyway. he doesn't like how hiyori suddenly feels enlightened and privileged to leona's life, as if he actually knows what it's like to be someone who could never be in the position that he worked so hard for up until the point where the rug was pulled out from under him. leona frowns, his next huff escaping through flared nostrils. the last thing he wants is to be frustrated by a set of circumstances he can't do anything about while he's here.
the point of escaping is so that he can... go back...
... sniff. ]
'm still very involved. Got a bunch of plans regarding the city to make sure our next hot season doesn't wipe out the fields. Irrigation's a big deal and not just to me, but to everyone who depends on a solid infrastructure.
[ those games of chess he played, the time spent in tutoring... ]
But that's got nothin' to do with ya. And if this ends up bein' some sick joke, I'll make sure whoever did it will suffer. You won't find a trace of 'em left.
[ he's serious. as serious as turning someone into sand and making sure they feel every particle of their being dissolve into something that'd be fitting for a nice hourglass. ]
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He can hear spoken dialogue, though, and Leona's words do grab his attention. They get him to drop the unserious attitude, gaze turning thoughtful. Apparently he underestimated the lion prince—or overestimated his laziness. Leona is involved in running his kingdom, far more than Hiyori is involved in running the Tomoe Foundation, and that merits some respect.
As do his words at the end, which earn an approving smile.]
Now that sounds promising.
[What was that he said earlier? Something about preferring not to see carnage?
But he's not naive. Crimes shouldn't go unpunished (especially not crimes against him), and dirty deeds need to get done sometimes. That's just how the world works, as he goes on to explain.]
It'd be wonderful if I could sing a song that would purify this place. All the nastiness and filth would be purged, and then we could relax and enjoy our quiches without worrying the eggs were poisoned. But that sort of outcome doesn't seem possible, so I'll just have to rely on people like you ♪
[He reaches for the teapot, deciding he does want some more tea, after all. Right now he'll "rely on" Leona not to interfere. But if he does interfere, oh well.]
I'll stay out of the underworld and do the above-ground work. That's what suits someone like me. And once the whole plot's been unraveled, you can sink your teeth into whoever's responsible. That sounds like a good use of both our strengths.
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the hell is singing going to do other than annoy him? there's no obvious magical energy on hiyori's person. nothing inherently of that sort, something that leona can generally sniff out a mile away. then again, the way this place suppresses some of his more deadlier magics, he wouldn't be surprised if he was getting fooled...
...
better not risk it. at least, not until he knows more. ]
Nothin' about this place is ever gonna get completely clean.
[ the beastman huffs. he really should go look for a change of clothes or something--- not that he doesn't mind walking around like this but. you know. modesty or something. for people who actually care. or find someone who appreciates his body??? one of those two things. ]
But ya do whatever ya think is gonna work. Not gonna wait 'round for ya in the meantime.
[ standing up, he again exposes his... full self. no point in covering up anything that shows before he heads towards the double doors at the end of the room. ]
Enjoy your breakfast. Just be careful 'bout what might be in it.
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Though, truthfully, he probably could've used someone to show him around the new environment. But it's alright. It's not like the place is unreasonably huge, after all, with a million different floors, and it's not like he already has a tendency to get horribly lost every time he wanders somewhere on his own! It's fine! No worries!
... no, scratch that.
He is definitely worried.]
Eh?
[His eyes flare with alarm at Leona's parting words.]
You think it was poisoned?
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Ya didn't think for a second that they might just outright kill us? But also, I doubt it would be. At least, not with the kinds of poison you might be thinkin' of.
[ might as well add an air of mystery to everything, right? leona's holding all the cards (figuratively). and though he might not know all, he knows enough. that's all he needs. ]
Again, if it was? I probably can figure out how to cure ya if my magic ain't enough. They got tons of well stocked stores and a pretty huge ass conservatory garden kinda thing. You might like it.
[ like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit (or bread in front of a certain ra*bit), leona tilts his head. ]
Come on. You'll be safer with me, even if ya don't like it.
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Now you're just being vague on purpose!
[What does he mean about kinds of poison? Is he saying the food might poison them slowly over time in small doses? Or is he saying it might be drugged with something non-poisonous but still nefarious, like sleeping drugs? He just doesn't know what to think, because someone's being deliberately mysterious!
But that "someone" is also offering to cure him. With magic, with medicine, or with... herbs from a huge conservatory garden? There's one of those around here? How big is this place?
There's little sense in asking when he could just find out. Not that he wants to go flower-picking—he'd rather storm up to the management desk and demand some answers. But it doesn't sound like that's an option, so if that's the case, well, perhaps he ought to get the lay of the land.
So, despite all his prior insults, after a moment he decides to accept the offer.]
Well, if you want to serve as my guard dog, that's fine, I suppose.
[He pushes back his chair and gets up to join Leona at the door, managing a small smile.]
You can take me to that conservatory thing. And on the way there, you can explain just what you meant about the food. For example, has it been tampered with or not? I'd like a fuller explanation there.
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laziness in golden peacock is punished in the worst ways, as he stated. he's just not willing to give all of his info out. everyone who is new has to learn the same way he did. it's only fair~ ]
Guard dog? [ snorts! ] If ya end up bein' dead weight, I'll just leave ya for the wolves.
[ the imaginary ones because as far as he knows... no puppies here. otherwise he might've tried to assert his dominance on them by now. ]
Some of it's been spiked with stuff. Dunno what else to tell ya. Can't smell it, can't taste it. Will say this though, in most of the cafeterias and cafes and bakeries, they label it appropriately. So they're 'nice' in that way.
[ opening them once hiyori gets close enough, he notes how the hall is empty. pristine. probably one of the nicer ones that he's seen? plenty of gold trim and lace on tables. something he'd believe was only reserved for true newlyweds... or the higher ranked players of the game.
his tail flicks as he finishes scouting the area outside of their room. ]
In a way, I'd think the people who have graciously allowed us to stay aren't bein' complete assholes. But I ain't naive.
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[He complains, but he'll take the jab, trusting it isn't literal. Then again, if there are lion men, who's to say there aren't some wolves roaming around? But whatever. One crisis at a time. And his current point of focus is the poisoned food!
Or "spiked" food. There is a difference but Leona's explanation only sews more concern, along with more disdain for how this place handles things. And then that last bit is just confusing.]
Why would anyone consume something they know is spiked? And what are the effects, exactly? That last one's most important.
[He focuses on what he's feeling, but he really doesn't detect anything. No dizziness or lightheadedness, no hot or cold, no itchy feeling, nothing. Physically speaking, he feels fine. Well-rested, although he knows that itself is strange; he went to bed all worried about what was going on with Nagisa, so it wasn't a peaceful sleep.
However Leona answers (or doesn't), he's stepping out into the hall with him. It's almost as dazzling out there as it is in the room; gold everywhere, and only the finest-looking draperies. The person or organization in charge must be loaded. But some pretty sights won't be enough to placate him, nor enough to leave him starstruck. He's nobility; he's seen plenty of pretty things in his time!]
Well, I'm sure that's what they want you to think.
[Is all he says to that. Leona's talk about spiked food has only caused his impression of the place to plummet further. Still, if there was some truth to what he said, and he really is being given the opportunity to play around in some fancy resort for a bit, with no nefarious end goal...
He'd still decline, of course. His fans and his "family" are waiting for him.]
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[ the elevator is obvious given the buttons next to it, not to mention the sign above that displays what floor it's stopped on. the most curious thing is that it looks like both are stopped on their floor--- perhaps there are others also in the upper echelon of suites? but he's not going to seek them out. he's not here to make any more 'friends' than he needs to. ]
To help themselves play the game. [ a beat, then: ] So how do ya think it'll make you feel?
[ horrible enabling food and drinks, that's what.
anyway. he spots a rack of clothes nearby and walks over, perusing until he finds something he likes. pulling out a black silk dress shirt, he hums. it's the right kind of fabric, something comfortable and soft. would definitely rip if he isn't careful. and honestly, there's enough here to probably take back to his room... pondering whether it'd be considered stealing for him to take what looks like free clothing. ]
Gotta ask... ya got magic in your world at all?
[ despite hiyori's reaction earlier, it doesn't mean there's any. it could be limited. very rare. ]
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Hiyori's eyes glance at the elevator—how many floors are there, and what awaits him on the other ones? But he might as well see what's around before boarding it. He does get temporarily distracted by his own reflection, though, lips pursing at the glimpse he gets of his appearance. He needs something else to wear ASAP!
But not as much as he needs an explanation about the spiked food. That's the priority here. Yet Leona continues to avoid spelling things out, leaving him to draw his own conclusions. How does the spiked food "help them play the game," when the "game" is just going to bed with different strangers? There's only one conclusion he can draw from that.
It's not the correct one.]
I don't see where mind-altering drugs would help. That just seems like it'd make it harder to seduce someone. I know if someone approached me while on drugs, I'd say, "Sorry for your lot in life. But I'll be cheering for you, so don't give up!" or something like that.
[He pauses, still thinking out loud.]
Unless they're memory-altering drugs? To cope with the empty feelings the next morning? Or you mean sleeping drugs, but that seems too dark, even for this place...
[It'd be extra disturbing if people were roofieing themselves and others just to get this whole thing over with. But his dark train of thought promptly derails when he spots the clothes rack Leona is examining, eyes lighting up with interest.]
What's this? More free gifts?
[A change of clothes is just what he needs, and these actually don't look cheap, so without waiting for an answer, he starts combing through an adjacent rack. Some people were born to hunt food, others were born to hunt clothes, and Hiyori Tomoe is very much the latter, so his response to Leona's question is a bit distracted.]
Nope! Nothing like what you did. There are people who pull rabbits out of hats and such, but those are just optical illusions. And I'd much prefer the world stay that way. Things have gotten weird enough lately without magic. Our performances have all the magic anyone needs ♪
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there are so many floors. too many floors. and then there are the ones where elevators don't necessarily go to and stairs are the best way to get down to them. but leona can't imagine hiyori going down to see what's awaiting all of the low ranks--- which means he will probably be safe from having his door knocked on and having an idol interrupt his precious sleeping time???
except he's found nice spots in the conservatory. where the flowers are pretty and the grass is soft, and the bunnies haven't chewed on his braids or fell asleep on his face like large thumpy loaves.
anyway. he'll let hiyori continue his train of thought, even though the train stops immediately at the clothes. predictable. but hey, if he has a good eye for quality... leona's not against knowing someone with that sort of asset. and he's doing a great job of telling him what he needs to hear about his background.
performances without magic. so that makes him a... ]
You sing or somethin'?
[ unfortunately the concept of idols exists in his world. the most recent competition at night raven college, where he ran sound and lights, proves that. which means he might get even more annoyed at hiyori at the end of all of this.
or... maybe not. the shirt fits pretty darn well. maybe the clothes will distract him from throwing out any more barbs. ]
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For this outfit, anyway. He'll be coming back for more stuff to hang in the suite later, taking several outfits' worth of clothes if he can get away with it. As much as his arms can carry! Or as much as Leona's arms can carry, ideally. But for now, he's on a hunt for pants.
Then Leona asks him if he sings, to which the obvious answer is yes. Why yes, yes he does sing, and quite beautifully at that! But rather than start bragging, he opts to make it a trade.
Fair is fair, after all.]
I'll tell you all about what I do if you tell me exactly what the spiked food does! In detail, please ♪
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as he ponders what he thinks he can comfortably carry, leona rolls his eyes. how to put it the best way possible without sounding incredibly crass but still maintaining a level of seriousness. ]
Makes ya wanna fuck.
[ upon saying it, leona hums. he's found a nice pair of pants. the material seems like black leather and would probably be fitting for someone who might hold a little flogging whip, but for him? it's more about the aesthetic of something tight. the only thing that it needs is a little tailhole, so. ]
'ey, you got somethin' sharp on ya? Don't wanna tear the seams or anythin'.
[ beastman problems... ]
1/2
2/2
No, nothing like that...
[Hiyori doesn't carry a knife on him. Even if he did, it would've been confiscated with his other possessions. But he's temporarily distracted from thinking about the clothes.]
So it has the same effect as those pills old men take? That's what it does?
[Viagra. He means viagra.]
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[ i'm sure there's probably some viagra-esque pill out in twst world but we do not need to think about it too hard ]
It'll make ya need to take care of those urges. They do a pretty good job of labelin' stuff but... I don't put anythin' past 'em.
[ he'll just have to make his own tailhole then. with an immense amount of focus, he presses his thumbs below the waist of the pants, digging in with his nails. ]
Still. If they didn't actually care in some way 'bout comforts, then they could've done away with the pretenses. For all the things that make sense, there's a lot that don't.
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He'll pass, thanks.
Speaking of passing, there's another great reason never to sleep with his so-called husband. He watches Leona tear open the fabric with no small amount of fascination. What claw-like hands! And yet, if that was someone's skin, it'd be a crime scene. But what's he tearing a hole for, anyway?
... ah, yes.
Never mind Leona's Golden Peacock apologism, though. (Or is it Stockholm Syndrome, considering he's been kidnapped?) That thing sticking out of his backside and almost sweeping the floor is far more interesting!]
That was for your tail, huh?
[He cranes his head around to stare openly.]
It's an awfully long one. Do people ever step on it accidentally? Or grab it and pull it as a prank?
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[ did he think he needed a second fly just in case he puts his pants on backwards? just because he's a prince doesn't mean he can't dress himself (though assistance is always good). as he slips them on, leona's careful to make sure that new hole works... and it does. just barely. at least it's not chafing the fur outside and once he's satisfied, the rest of it easily snakes on through. ]
Ain't the only thing long on me. [ clears his throat. ] Anyway. No. If they did, they'd be trippin' over themselves to apologize.
[ and then narrows his eyes. ]
If it was on purpose? I'd make an example out of 'em.
[ because most, if not all, know what kind of power leona has. it's not just the fluffy ears and tail or the way he can use those slightly sharper, pointed nails of this. the threat is genuine. not towards hiyori, who... well, could he really stand up to leona's might???
would be cute. ]
You thinkin' 'bout it?
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Hm?
[He tilts his head, unsure what Leona just muttered. But they're already moving on, so oh well! And what Leona says next is that, nope, no one ever steps on his tail or gives it a good yank. Which seems sort of surprising to him, until Leona says that other thing about "making an example."
That's right. Leona's not a housecat, but a big scary lion. He's got claws, and he talks about eating people! And he can do magic, and he's got height as well as muscle. Plus he's a prince, which means he has a powerful family who could back him up—if they're not too busy focusing on his brother, that is, but even if they are, the mere threat of getting on their bad side is probably enough. He gets it!
Which means Leona does not need to look at him that way!]
Nope ☆ It's an interesting tail, but I'll pass.
[He holds a couple of pairs of pants up to his waist, making sure they're the right length before choosing one and draping it over his arm. Now he just needs a swanky blazer!
And to keep being obnoxious, which he accomplishes by asking another possibly rude question.]
You must not let anyone pet your ears, either, huh?
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