[*party poppers. Jfc I'm sorry for always phonetagging and apparently forgetting to proofread. Sob.
... actually, why not work that typo in there? #Yolo.]
That's probably because my watch made a mistake! It was supposed to say "party poppers," NOT poppy partners!
Though I guess a poppy partner could be someone you set off party poppers with. Someone who livens up the festivities and makes things fun! 🥳 And that someone is me, of course. I'll be your partner in mischief and in celebration~🎉🎁🍾💃🕺🪩
Anyway, don't worry about it. I like to buy presents for those close to me. My #1 hobby is shopping!
And I don't need help with anything in particular right now. But I guess there is something I've been meaning to ask. Or maybe two somethings.
I won't ask over text, though. We can talk in-person sometime.
It's kind of like a firecracker, but less dangerous! Basically you pull on both ends, and then it makes a festive sound and shoots glitter everywhere! 🎉
Thanks for the compliment! That makes it sound like I've got big shoes to fill, but I'll do my utmost best.
And I don't really need time to get ready. Is now good? If so, I could find you wherever you are.
I see. And glitter, that is that brightly coloured confetti that gets everywhere, yes? One of humankind’s greatest inventions. The pure chaos is quite lovely to see, even if it is nearly impossible to clean up.
[In fact, that might be precisely why Loki likes it so much.]
I am sure you always do your best.
I am not busy at present. I am currently in my suite.
Yes, yes, that's exactly what glitter is! I had no idea you considered it one of the world's greatest inventions, though. Now I *really* have to bring party poppers!
And great! I'll head right on up to your floor, then.
[And he'll go to do just that. He won't even need to consult his watch on the way, since he's used to navigating up to the Rank 10 suites to check on Leo! Now let's see, which one of these doors looks like it might belong to a legendary god...?]
Oh yes! They are delightfully useful when causing chaos. It is also quite good for annoying people. The fun one could have with such a product is boundless.
I will see you shortly.
[Knowing that Hiyori doesn’t always have the best sense of direction, and that this isn’t his normal suite, Loki gives him a few minutes before poking his head out of the door to see if he can see his friend.]
I guess you're not the god of mischief for nothing!
Let me know if you'd like to prank someone with glitter sometime. That sounds like an excellent way to blow off some steam without hurting anyone's feelings! If anything, we might just cheer them up. I know *I* love to sparkle and shine.
[Though he would not at all be happy if someone dumped a bucket of the stuff on his head... But anyway, he's off now.
He smiles brightly when he spots a familiar face peeking outside one of the doors, walking right up to Loki with a cheerful wave.]
[Hiyori leaves his shoes at the door and looks around. No doubt about it—it's a nice suite, similar in size to Leo's, even if it's not a resort-within-a-resort like the two Queen suites he's been inside. He replies:]
That's too bad. I wish Jun-kun could keep his new suite, too. But at least you're taking advantage of the mix-up to throw a party. Maybe we should do the same! ♪
[Even though it's not either of their birthdays. Or Christmas yet.
He's not here (just) to talk about partying, unfortunately. But he isn't sure how to segue into either of the serious subjects he wanted to bring up without abruptly killing the mood. For now, he just continues to look around the area, keeping an eye out for any Cool Godlike Possessions.]
[Loki has been taking full advantage of the suite, but mostly with the bathtub. He doesn’t mind showers, of course. And he’s always thankful to not have to use the bath house to clean himself regularly, but there is nothing better than a private bath.
Being able to hold a proper party has its only pluses as well. He probably would’ve let his birthday pass without notice if he were still in his 5th floor suite.]
It really is a shame that they would let us see how the other half lives and not let us keep it. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if it is an attempt on the part of the House to convince us to be more active in Game 52. It is one of the few ways we can work our way up to better rooms.
[Loki watches Hiyori as he looks around, waiting to see if he’ll bring up his true reason for being there or if he needs a push. After a moment, Loki can’t help himself.]
I do not believe that you came here to speak of our suites though.
It's possible! Though some people, like me, got booted down. I wonder if that was meant as a threat? Or maybe a "See? Look how good you have it! At least you're not worse off!" kind of deal.
[Orrrr Steve fucked up and they're reading too much into it.
Hiyori's examining some corner of the room or another when Loki calls him out, causing him to turn around. No beating around the bush, huh? He smiles a small, wry smile.]
I was curious to know what your suite looked like.
[But it's not the real reason he's here. So after a moment, he says:]
You remember the Punishment Room, don't you? Not just what we saw inside the room, but what we talked about afterwards. Fighting fate, and collaborating with people who can do magic... remember?
You go moved down? Yes I suppose they would’ve had to move people both ways. I am sorry to hear that. I hope have not ended up too low down.
[He thinks of the suites on the second floor that are much too close to the basement and hopes Hiyori isn’t down there.
Loki merely raises a disbelieving eyebrow at the comment about his suite. Though there is probably some truth there, Hiyori is fooling no one. His expression evens out as Hiyori finally gets down to the chase and it is immediately apparent why he did not start with what he really wants. Loki would understand perfectly if Hiyori never wanted to think about that day ever again.]
Yes, I recall.
[Loki manages to keep his tone neutral, but the truth of it is, he also doesn’t like thinking about what happened that day.]
Fortunately, it was just one rank! But apparently that one rank makes the difference between getting marshmallows and not getting marshmallows! When I was down in the lobby the other day, I asked for some hot cocoa with marshmallows. And you know what they said? They said, "Due to a shortage, marshmallows are reserved for Ranks 8 and above!" Can you even believe it? That was so rude!
[He shakes his head, frowning deeply over this perceived injustice.]
Still, things haven't been too bad. My room got smaller, but I'm not down in the basement. And Jun-kun got moved up, so we've just been using his room.
Of course he doesn't want to think about that day. Unfortunately, he thinks about it constantly. It haunts his every waking moment here. And it got him doing a lot of thinking—about how to fight fate, about what happens if Jun disappears, about what happens if he disappears. About what he'd do if worse came to worst.
It's not easy to talk about, though. For now, he broaches the easier of the two topics—the one about magic.]
First, I should tell you I know someone who almost found a way home. He said he used magic to dig into the House's "roots," but that they stopped him before he could open up any paths home. If he hadn't been forced to stop early, he could've succeeded, or so he implied.
[Hiyori relays this in a matter-of-fact tone, not showing any particular emotion, even as the memories of Esikko's punishment flash through his mind.]
Do you think your magic could work in connection with his magic, and do you know anyone else's who could?
[It's not a lot of detail to go on, admittedly. But he doesn't understand much about how magic works.]
[If Loki didn’t already know Hiyori, he might be a little surprised by the marshmallow comment. As someone who, except for more recently, has been on the fifth level for the entire year he’s been at the hotel (has it really been almost a year already?) he’s never had the marshmallows. Though from the way Hiyori acts, he’s going to start trying to get them now.]
I am sorry you are missing your marshmallows. If this happens again, I am sure I could obtain some for you.
[And yes, by obtain, Loki means steal.]
It must be quite handy, being able to share your suites like that.
[Loki has a few friends that have offered to let him use their suites on occasion, but on the same level Hiyori and Jun have. It sounds like a nice option, but one Loki doesn’t assume he’ll ever have.
Whatever he’s expecting Hiyori to say next, it certainly isn’t this and the surprise is evident on Loki’s face. It only takes him a moment to recover before he clearly starts considering the question. He thinks about Sylvie, and how they had combined their magic to tame Alioth together. It’s true that could’ve been different because they use the same magic, but still…]
Yes, I think it is possible. I would have to meet this person and we would have to experiment, but it is definitely something that can happen. As for involving others, I am sure there are many here who have abilities. Perhaps we could get together some of the people from the Showcase and see what might work together.
[Was that insensitive? Quite possibly! As a Rank 5, Loki's probably been deprived of more than just marshmallows throughout his time here. But Hiyori does at least say,]
Right back at you! If you're ever denied marshmallows after all this is done, just let me know. I might have some tricks up my sleeve! ♪
[He's thinking of his birthday gift, which enables him to wrap the staff around his finger, more or less (though only when he's wearing it). Then he pauses when he realizes something.]
Actually, couldn't you just shapeshift into a staff member again? Then you could claim all the complimentary marshmallows you want!
[Or would they see through it...?
In response to the comment about sharing suites, he smiles.]
Yep, it sure is. Jun-kun's awfully lucky to have me so he isn't stuck in the basement! But this time, I'm lucky to have him...♪ And at other times, too, I guess.
[But enough bragging about his lovey-dovey partnership. Time to get to business.
Loki seems receptive to the idea of meeting with other magic users, just as he was last time. Hiyori smiles a little at that and says:]
I'd be happy to arrange that meeting.
[Though one of them's disappeared, he's pretty sure. And he isn't sure how useful the stage magician and the summoner would be, either (the stage magician being Compress and the summoner being Yu). Baizhu and Hua Cheng, however, he knows are still around, and he's on friendly terms with both of them. And then there's another person he wanted to bring up.]
The one who tried to open those pathways wasn't at the Showcase, though. That person was Esikko-kun. Have you met him yet?
[Thankfully, Loki no longer cares very much for these things. If they happen, he enjoys them, but he’s learned to live with less over the last few years. At least here he has access to his magic.]
Oh, I have no issues getting what I need here.
[Loki sounds a little mysterious here, but he’s sure Hiyori can extrapolate. He could shapeshift, or go undetected, or simply use his telekinesis to take what he wishes. It is, in fact, what he’s been doing most of the time while here.
Loki chuckles good-naturedly.]
I am sure he is just as appreciative of you as you are of him.
That would be appreciated. I know you must have met many people here.
[Loki too has befriended many people here, but surprisingly few of them have been magic users. At least so far as he knows. Besides, Loki is well aware that Hiyori’s charm must help for things like this.]
I have actually, though I do not profess to know him well. Is he a magic user as well?
[He'll look forward to a very extravagant birthday party, then.
In response to the "You've met many people" thing:]
Mhm! ♪ I sure have.
[He's pissed some people off, but he's also made friends here. Some of those friends have powers because that's the luck of the draw, but also because he's been seeking out magic users from day one. He'll do his best to arrange a roundtable. With Loki, with Baizhu and Hua Cheng...
And with Esikko, whom he proceeds to talk a little more about.]
I guess you really don't know him well, if you have to ask that.
[It's said with a good-natured smile, not intended to mock. He knows Esikko puts a lot into his magical studies, and that they've been important to him since childhood. If Loki doesn't know he can do magic at all, they probably haven't spent tons of time together. Maybe that could change. Maybe it needs to change. After all, one person can't do everything themselves.
His smile fades a bit as he explains:]
He said he used his magic to grab the House's "roots," and that he tried to "tear apart reality" so he could open some pathways home. He caused other stuff to change, but he got stopped before he could finish with his magic. It does sound like he got close, and I don't think he's given up. But I'm sure the House will be warier going forward, and he also got punished quite badly.
[Something he still feels badly about, even if none of it was his fault. He looks Loki in the eye and finishes:]
So, you should take that as a warning. All this rebellion we're doing could have consequences. But I'm also worried he'll burn out if he keeps working alone. That's sort of why I thought maybe you two could discuss things.
I have really only come across him in passing. And it has been some time. I guess it would have been more accurate to say I have heard of him.
[He’s sure he knows that name and has spoken with him on the network at least, but he cannot recall speaking about magic with him. Though really with how this place tries to make them interact with everyone, it’s hardly a surprise that he can’t always remember details.
As Loki listens to Hiyori though, he wishes he had paid more attention to this Esikko before. Frowning in thought as he lets the details sink in.]
Yes, I think I would like to talk to him very much. I am ashamed to say I have not made it so far in any of my own research and I would like to hear more details on what happened with him. [Loki doesn’t even acknowledge the punishment part. He’s no stranger to that and he’s pretty sure he’s endured much worse than anything the Hotel can dish out.
Though assuming in this place has gotten him into quite a lot of trouble before.]
I will happily discuss this with him and everyone you think might be helpful. When do you think is the soonest we could organize getting everyone together?
Well, it's never too late to reconnect. Perhaps you could even start your own club or society! The "Magic Research Club"! Or the "Society for Magical Research"! ♪
[This is just the Magic Showcase all over again...
He smiles, trying to stay upbeat despite the dreary subject matter. The truth is that he can't blame Loki if Loki gets turned off from rebelling against the House. Who wants to be punished? It's easier not to rock the boat. To keep your head down and live with the status quo no, matter how unbearable things get. It's a human nature. A matter of self-preservation.
But if anyone's fearless or foolhardy enough to stand against the House no matter what the House might do to them, it's probably Loki. That's what he figured. He's still willing to go against the House, too, of course.
Though he doesn't exactly have a great answer for that last question.]
I guess it depends on how many people are included in "everyone"... I can tell Esikko-kun you want to talk to him, unless you'd rather reach out yourself. His username is easy to remember, since it's "wildflower!" But as for Baizhu and Hua Cheng...
[A pause, and then he says:]
Maybe we can all go to the Red Cardinal? For a Magic Showcase winners' meal! That was supposed to be one of the prizes. It's just that we never found a time that worked for all of us, and then everyone sort of forgot. But I'm sure Jin Mingming would be happy to accommodate all of us.
[Loki hums non-committally. It’s not that he doesn’t want to, or even that he’s worried about the House might do, but he’s starting to be concerned with how many people he’s dragging into this. It does sound as though this Esikko is already in for a pound himself, but every once in a while, Loki starts to revert back to his old ways of trying to do everything alone.
He’s even less sure about starting a team. Reasonably he knows that Hiyori is right, that it’s a good idea, but Loki in any kind of leadership position does not typically go well.]
You may tell him I would like to talk to him. I can speak with Baizhu myself. You are such a natural leader though. I could see it with how you got the Magic Showcase together, and you do seem to have all the contacts. Perhaps it would be easier for you to get everyone together?
[There, that sounds perfectly reasonable. Loki wouldn’t want Hiyori to think he’s afraid or lacking confidences, but as it turns out, this place will grind anyone down eventually. He does look a little relieved when Hiyori mentions the Red Cardinal though.]
Yes, that would be the perfect excuse. The House will not suspect if we simply all get together for that reason. And it would be easier to speak with everyone at the same time.
Then I guess I'll talk to him, you'll talk to Baizhu, and we'll all talk to each other! ♪
[He injects his voice with plenty of cheer.
Even though they're talking about business, not some social gathering. And there isn't a lot to be cheerful about, in all honestly. He's not really sure anything will come of their meeting; not sure they'll ever truly break free. Are they destined to live as caged birds forever? Is it that or turn to stone?
But Esikko did get close to opening up paths home, or so he said. If he combined his magic with a god's, who knows what might happen? And if nothing else, Hiyori figures that having other people to work with might keep him from running himself into the ground. If he can prevent that, none of this will be a waste.
He smiles and concludes:]
Then that's where we'll meet.
[The Red Cardinal.
That's the end of that topic. For now, anyway. But it's not all he came here to say. This next one is more difficult, and he pauses for a moment, smile dulling just a bit.]
There's something else I wanted to ask you for, too. Though it's nothing you'd need to do right now.
Yes, that will work. I will message Baizhu shortly and let you know what happens. [He’s only just begun to get to know Baizhu, but he thinks he will agree to at least speak of these things. Hopefully he’s correct about that.
Loki also thinks more and more that it really would be a better idea for Hiyori to be in charge of organizing all of this. Despite the cheer in his voice, Loki can hear how serious he is about all of this as well. His charm and way with people in general will do them all good. Loki’s attempted leadership enough in his life to know that he is not suited to it and to know when someone else is.
What Hiyori says next has him intrigued.]
Okay, what is it you need from me?
[Loki is pretty sure he’ll say yes to whatever it is. He knows all too well how much Hiyori has helped him out and doesn’t foresee saying no now, but the way he asks has Loki a little worried.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Loki, of all people, would definitely understand that and will only mention it if Hiyori brings it up first.]
Well, if you insist, but I really wasn’t expecting more than a chance to spend some time with my new found friends here.
I am not familiar with those, but I will take your word for it.
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... actually, why not work that typo in there? #Yolo.]
That's probably because my watch made a mistake! It was supposed to say "party poppers," NOT poppy partners!
Though I guess a poppy partner could be someone you set off party poppers with. Someone who livens up the festivities and makes things fun! 🥳 And that someone is me, of course. I'll be your partner in mischief and in celebration~🎉🎁🍾💃🕺🪩
Anyway, don't worry about it. I like to buy presents for those close to me. My #1 hobby is shopping!
And I don't need help with anything in particular right now. But I guess there is something I've been meaning to ask. Or maybe two somethings.
I won't ask over text, though. We can talk in-person sometime.
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If your mistake bothers you too much, might I attempt to make you feel better by saying I do not know what a party popper is either?
If a party popper or partner is as you describe, then you are definitely the man for the job. I suspect you will be the life of the party.
Oh? Well I admit you have peaked my curiosity. Come find me when you are ready to ask.
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Thanks for the compliment! That makes it sound like I've got big shoes to fill, but I'll do my utmost best.
And I don't really need time to get ready. Is now good? If so, I could find you wherever you are.
[Assuming he doesn't get lost along the way...]
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[In fact, that might be precisely why Loki likes it so much.]
I am sure you always do your best.
I am not busy at present. I am currently in my suite.
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And great! I'll head right on up to your floor, then.
[And he'll go to do just that. He won't even need to consult his watch on the way, since he's used to navigating up to the Rank 10 suites to check on Leo! Now let's see, which one of these doors looks like it might belong to a legendary god...?]
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I will see you shortly.
[Knowing that Hiyori doesn’t always have the best sense of direction, and that this isn’t his normal suite, Loki gives him a few minutes before poking his head out of the door to see if he can see his friend.]
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Let me know if you'd like to prank someone with glitter sometime. That sounds like an excellent way to blow off some steam without hurting anyone's feelings! If anything, we might just cheer them up. I know *I* love to sparkle and shine.
[Though he would not at all be happy if someone dumped a bucket of the stuff on his head... But anyway, he's off now.
He smiles brightly when he spots a familiar face peeking outside one of the doors, walking right up to Loki with a cheerful wave.]
So this is where the magic happens~♪
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[Hiyori should be careful about what ideas he gives Loki then. 😉
Loki smiles as he spots Hiyori and stands back to allow him to pass into his suite.]
Yes, for now at least. I doubt very much I will be allowed to stay here.
[Though Loki hasn’t been obtaining from sex, he’s hardly done what he believes is necessary to gain the requirements this place requests.]
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That's too bad. I wish Jun-kun could keep his new suite, too. But at least you're taking advantage of the mix-up to throw a party. Maybe we should do the same! ♪
[Even though it's not either of their birthdays. Or Christmas yet.
He's not here (just) to talk about partying, unfortunately. But he isn't sure how to segue into either of the serious subjects he wanted to bring up without abruptly killing the mood. For now, he just continues to look around the area, keeping an eye out for any Cool Godlike Possessions.]
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Being able to hold a proper party has its only pluses as well. He probably would’ve let his birthday pass without notice if he were still in his 5th floor suite.]
It really is a shame that they would let us see how the other half lives and not let us keep it. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if it is an attempt on the part of the House to convince us to be more active in Game 52. It is one of the few ways we can work our way up to better rooms.
[Loki watches Hiyori as he looks around, waiting to see if he’ll bring up his true reason for being there or if he needs a push. After a moment, Loki can’t help himself.]
I do not believe that you came here to speak of our suites though.
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[Orrrr Steve fucked up and they're reading too much into it.
Hiyori's examining some corner of the room or another when Loki calls him out, causing him to turn around. No beating around the bush, huh? He smiles a small, wry smile.]
I was curious to know what your suite looked like.
[But it's not the real reason he's here. So after a moment, he says:]
You remember the Punishment Room, don't you? Not just what we saw inside the room, but what we talked about afterwards. Fighting fate, and collaborating with people who can do magic... remember?
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[He thinks of the suites on the second floor that are much too close to the basement and hopes Hiyori isn’t down there.
Loki merely raises a disbelieving eyebrow at the comment about his suite. Though there is probably some truth there, Hiyori is fooling no one. His expression evens out as Hiyori finally gets down to the chase and it is immediately apparent why he did not start with what he really wants. Loki would understand perfectly if Hiyori never wanted to think about that day ever again.]
Yes, I recall.
[Loki manages to keep his tone neutral, but the truth of it is, he also doesn’t like thinking about what happened that day.]
1/3
[He shakes his head, frowning deeply over this perceived injustice.]
2/3
Still, things haven't been too bad. My room got smaller, but I'm not down in the basement. And Jun-kun got moved up, so we've just been using his room.
3/3
Of course he doesn't want to think about that day. Unfortunately, he thinks about it constantly. It haunts his every waking moment here. And it got him doing a lot of thinking—about how to fight fate, about what happens if Jun disappears, about what happens if he disappears. About what he'd do if worse came to worst.
It's not easy to talk about, though. For now, he broaches the easier of the two topics—the one about magic.]
First, I should tell you I know someone who almost found a way home. He said he used magic to dig into the House's "roots," but that they stopped him before he could open up any paths home. If he hadn't been forced to stop early, he could've succeeded, or so he implied.
[Hiyori relays this in a matter-of-fact tone, not showing any particular emotion, even as the memories of Esikko's punishment flash through his mind.]
Do you think your magic could work in connection with his magic, and do you know anyone else's who could?
[It's not a lot of detail to go on, admittedly. But he doesn't understand much about how magic works.]
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I am sorry you are missing your marshmallows. If this happens again, I am sure I could obtain some for you.
[And yes, by obtain, Loki means steal.]
It must be quite handy, being able to share your suites like that.
[Loki has a few friends that have offered to let him use their suites on occasion, but on the same level Hiyori and Jun have. It sounds like a nice option, but one Loki doesn’t assume he’ll ever have.
Whatever he’s expecting Hiyori to say next, it certainly isn’t this and the surprise is evident on Loki’s face. It only takes him a moment to recover before he clearly starts considering the question. He thinks about Sylvie, and how they had combined their magic to tame Alioth together. It’s true that could’ve been different because they use the same magic, but still…]
Yes, I think it is possible. I would have to meet this person and we would have to experiment, but it is definitely something that can happen. As for involving others, I am sure there are many here who have abilities. Perhaps we could get together some of the people from the Showcase and see what might work together.
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Right back at you! If you're ever denied marshmallows after all this is done, just let me know. I might have some tricks up my sleeve! ♪
[He's thinking of his birthday gift, which enables him to wrap the staff around his finger, more or less (though only when he's wearing it). Then he pauses when he realizes something.]
Actually, couldn't you just shapeshift into a staff member again? Then you could claim all the complimentary marshmallows you want!
[Or would they see through it...?
In response to the comment about sharing suites, he smiles.]
Yep, it sure is. Jun-kun's awfully lucky to have me so he isn't stuck in the basement! But this time, I'm lucky to have him...♪ And at other times, too, I guess.
[But enough bragging about his lovey-dovey partnership. Time to get to business.
Loki seems receptive to the idea of meeting with other magic users, just as he was last time. Hiyori smiles a little at that and says:]
I'd be happy to arrange that meeting.
[Though one of them's disappeared, he's pretty sure. And he isn't sure how useful the stage magician and the summoner would be, either (the stage magician being Compress and the summoner being Yu). Baizhu and Hua Cheng, however, he knows are still around, and he's on friendly terms with both of them. And then there's another person he wanted to bring up.]
The one who tried to open those pathways wasn't at the Showcase, though. That person was Esikko-kun. Have you met him yet?
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Oh, I have no issues getting what I need here.
[Loki sounds a little mysterious here, but he’s sure Hiyori can extrapolate. He could shapeshift, or go undetected, or simply use his telekinesis to take what he wishes. It is, in fact, what he’s been doing most of the time while here.
Loki chuckles good-naturedly.]
I am sure he is just as appreciative of you as you are of him.
That would be appreciated. I know you must have met many people here.
[Loki too has befriended many people here, but surprisingly few of them have been magic users. At least so far as he knows. Besides, Loki is well aware that Hiyori’s charm must help for things like this.]
I have actually, though I do not profess to know him well. Is he a magic user as well?
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[He'll look forward to a very extravagant birthday party, then.
In response to the "You've met many people" thing:]
Mhm! ♪ I sure have.
[He's pissed some people off, but he's also made friends here. Some of those friends have powers because that's the luck of the draw, but also because he's been seeking out magic users from day one. He'll do his best to arrange a roundtable. With Loki, with Baizhu and Hua Cheng...
And with Esikko, whom he proceeds to talk a little more about.]
I guess you really don't know him well, if you have to ask that.
[It's said with a good-natured smile, not intended to mock. He knows Esikko puts a lot into his magical studies, and that they've been important to him since childhood. If Loki doesn't know he can do magic at all, they probably haven't spent tons of time together. Maybe that could change. Maybe it needs to change. After all, one person can't do everything themselves.
His smile fades a bit as he explains:]
He said he used his magic to grab the House's "roots," and that he tried to "tear apart reality" so he could open some pathways home. He caused other stuff to change, but he got stopped before he could finish with his magic. It does sound like he got close, and I don't think he's given up. But I'm sure the House will be warier going forward, and he also got punished quite badly.
[Something he still feels badly about, even if none of it was his fault. He looks Loki in the eye and finishes:]
So, you should take that as a warning. All this rebellion we're doing could have consequences. But I'm also worried he'll burn out if he keeps working alone. That's sort of why I thought maybe you two could discuss things.
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[He’s sure he knows that name and has spoken with him on the network at least, but he cannot recall speaking about magic with him. Though really with how this place tries to make them interact with everyone, it’s hardly a surprise that he can’t always remember details.
As Loki listens to Hiyori though, he wishes he had paid more attention to this Esikko before. Frowning in thought as he lets the details sink in.]
Yes, I think I would like to talk to him very much. I am ashamed to say I have not made it so far in any of my own research and I would like to hear more details on what happened with him. [Loki doesn’t even acknowledge the punishment part. He’s no stranger to that and he’s pretty sure he’s endured much worse than anything the Hotel can dish out.
Though assuming in this place has gotten him into quite a lot of trouble before.]
I will happily discuss this with him and everyone you think might be helpful. When do you think is the soonest we could organize getting everyone together?
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[This is just the Magic Showcase all over again...
He smiles, trying to stay upbeat despite the dreary subject matter. The truth is that he can't blame Loki if Loki gets turned off from rebelling against the House. Who wants to be punished? It's easier not to rock the boat. To keep your head down and live with the status quo no, matter how unbearable things get. It's a human nature. A matter of self-preservation.
But if anyone's fearless or foolhardy enough to stand against the House no matter what the House might do to them, it's probably Loki. That's what he figured. He's still willing to go against the House, too, of course.
Though he doesn't exactly have a great answer for that last question.]
I guess it depends on how many people are included in "everyone"... I can tell Esikko-kun you want to talk to him, unless you'd rather reach out yourself. His username is easy to remember, since it's "wildflower!" But as for Baizhu and Hua Cheng...
[A pause, and then he says:]
Maybe we can all go to the Red Cardinal? For a Magic Showcase winners' meal! That was supposed to be one of the prizes. It's just that we never found a time that worked for all of us, and then everyone sort of forgot. But I'm sure Jin Mingming would be happy to accommodate all of us.
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He’s even less sure about starting a team. Reasonably he knows that Hiyori is right, that it’s a good idea, but Loki in any kind of leadership position does not typically go well.]
You may tell him I would like to talk to him. I can speak with Baizhu myself. You are such a natural leader though. I could see it with how you got the Magic Showcase together, and you do seem to have all the contacts. Perhaps it would be easier for you to get everyone together?
[There, that sounds perfectly reasonable. Loki wouldn’t want Hiyori to think he’s afraid or lacking confidences, but as it turns out, this place will grind anyone down eventually. He does look a little relieved when Hiyori mentions the Red Cardinal though.]
Yes, that would be the perfect excuse. The House will not suspect if we simply all get together for that reason. And it would be easier to speak with everyone at the same time.
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[He injects his voice with plenty of cheer.
Even though they're talking about business, not some social gathering. And there isn't a lot to be cheerful about, in all honestly. He's not really sure anything will come of their meeting; not sure they'll ever truly break free. Are they destined to live as caged birds forever? Is it that or turn to stone?
But Esikko did get close to opening up paths home, or so he said. If he combined his magic with a god's, who knows what might happen? And if nothing else, Hiyori figures that having other people to work with might keep him from running himself into the ground. If he can prevent that, none of this will be a waste.
He smiles and concludes:]
Then that's where we'll meet.
[The Red Cardinal.
That's the end of that topic. For now, anyway. But it's not all he came here to say. This next one is more difficult, and he pauses for a moment, smile dulling just a bit.]
There's something else I wanted to ask you for, too. Though it's nothing you'd need to do right now.
[Or ever, hopefully.
But he knows hoping gets you nothing here.]
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Loki also thinks more and more that it really would be a better idea for Hiyori to be in charge of organizing all of this. Despite the cheer in his voice, Loki can hear how serious he is about all of this as well. His charm and way with people in general will do them all good. Loki’s attempted leadership enough in his life to know that he is not suited to it and to know when someone else is.
What Hiyori says next has him intrigued.]
Okay, what is it you need from me?
[Loki is pretty sure he’ll say yes to whatever it is. He knows all too well how much Hiyori has helped him out and doesn’t foresee saying no now, but the way he asks has Loki a little worried.]
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