brother_nature | Golden Peacock

[Left outside Chobe's door is a sturdy black-wrapped box (reusable) with no note, no identifying marks, nothing. But inside, folded neatly and packaged well, is a simple red button down, grey cargo pants, and a black t-shirt. It's obvious they're not from some stupid luxury high-tier brand. They're casual, comfortable, and sturdy. And best of all? This means they're even.

That's all.]

--?

[He probably JUST misses Bakugo; Chobe's no slouch, years of being on the run has made him sensitive to when someone's approaching or snooping around his turf, even if said turf is a shitty little apartment now. His good eye glares at the packet in suspicion before a vine rips it open from a safe distance.

And. Shit. Well, he certainly wasn't expecting that. He is (or was) in fact, probably just going around shirtless a day or so after that, because who could fucking stop him? It's not really his style but, it's something. He squints at the black shirt in particular before snorting lightly.]

Huh. So the brat has a sense of humor. Alright then.

[Well!! Guess he might slip that on and go seek him out. Gotta say thanks, after all. It's only polite!]

[He's got a good ear, considering Bakugo hears the door open just as he rounds the corner. Not like he knocked or anything. Shit, he hoped to drop it off when Chobe wasn't in his room, but as long as the guy doesn't chase him down, they can stay their own courses and let this be a simple repayment.

But if Chobe does want to find him, depending on how long he takes between opening the package and deciding to move, Bakugo's either on the third floor heading to his own room or-- if later --he can be found in the arcade playing games, or at the Beak/Talon working out on weights/climbing at the rock wall.]

[He'll give him some time--no rush to bug the guy, they're both stuck here, after all. Nevermind he'll likely get distracted causing trouble along the way, as he is prone to do. Besides, why say thanks like a normal person, when you can ambush them at the worst times?

At some point when Bakugo's engrossed in a game at the arcade, Chobe's tailed him there from a distance. He's got a basic idea of "video games" and such after just a few days here, though he still doesn't really get the appeal. What he does understand is that some people get reeeeally into them. . .and interrupting folks when they're in the zone makes for some great entertainment.

Which is to say, when it looks like Bakugo's deep into a game, about to get a high score, a few vines begin to grow out of seemingly no where to block the screen as Chobe pops up nearby]

Yo! Are ya winnin', brat?

[Good. Getting confronted immediately after stealth dropping a gift off would only irk him or make him bail. And he's not around to witness Chobe getting into trouble. Likely some of that trouble being shit Bakugo would've intended to stop. Does that mean he expects the guy to try and thank him later? ... Not really. He upheld his end of the deal. Figured it was one and done.

Red eyes focus on the screen before him, plastic rifle lifted to his shoulder in a proper secure aim. Teeth and slobber lance onto the screen and he slams another shot into the monster's face, knocking it back with a flail of limbs. Repeat, repeat, and- what the fuck?! For a second, he thinks the vines are part of the game, crawling onto the screen because some creature's got him from behind. He instantly flips the gun around and fires behind him, but then realizes that's impossible. What first-person game requires a reverse shot? They're not made for that crap.

Those vines are real. And only one person he's seen uses them. Bakugo turns the gun back to the screen, dodging another monster swipe to the side, and lands another shot through the vines.]

Quit making it difficult, Zombie!

Hooo, still managed the shot on that vidya box! Sharp eyes ya got there.

[Be a shame if someone tried to pry one out some day!! But no, he's not here to attack for now. Annoy! But not attack. The vines retract, and if he's paying attention, Bakugo will note they get withdrawn along the ground, retreating into a pants sleeve. Looks like he can pull those vines out from anywhere. He grins cheekily, leaning over the hero's shoulder.]

Hope I ain't interrupin' anything exciting, but it seems like someone was loitering around my quarters like a creep! Wonder who that was.

Che! You think I can't hit a target through some shitty vines?

[Very sharp. His vision's amazing and he has no intention of letting anything screw with it! Even if he almost had that very thing happen in his homeworld. Not something Chobe needs to be made privy to until later on. Those vines pull away and Bakugo takes down a few more monsters. Though he's not above noting where those vines are going, from a quick glance down to their retreat all the way back to Chobe's pants. So they come out his legs too... Not surprised, since he almost shot one from his chest through Bakugo's at the end of their skirmish. A human-shaped bundle of vines, huh.]

Why the hell are you coming to me about it? Police your own room better.

[At least he's nearing the end of the level, so Chobe gets to witness the boss fight. Rampaging dragon-like monster.

And excuse you, but "loitering" implies not having a purpose to staying in the same area! He had purpose and did not stay! Ergo, no loitering. Dumb Zombie.]

[He squints at the screen. This is what kids are into?? Fighting fake monsters? What is that, an iguana?? He frowns lightly before rolling his eyes at the game.]

I ain't no cop, police ain't in my vocabulary! And given the taste of my newfound attire--[He tugs at the black shirt he's wearing.]--it seemed really damn specific! Just spent one damn hour around you, and figured you're the only person that might have a fouler mouth than me.

So what, this supposed to be a bribe, or ya actually felt guilty or some shit?

[If it's a choice between knowing he'll win at the arcade games or gambling his win at the casino games, he'll stick to kicking the shit out of fake monsters than stacked decks. Bakugo can feel that eye roll from here.

So now Chobe's being more specific. He takes aim and fires, ending the monster completely. Then shoves the gun back into the holster as the final cutscene begins. Credits will follow later, and a place to enter his name after.]

What, suddenly squirming about a "fuck" on your chest? [Is he taunting him? Yes. Bakugo glances to the side, taking in the entire ensemble and how it suits Chobe. He looks good in red despite being all blonde and green.]

Haa? Damn your brain's small; I owed you clothes. [He said that to his face in the bathroom. Chobe was the one who ran away behind a vine wall before he could make good on those words!] That's all.

Hah! I'm sayin' ya got patterns, dumbass. If you think my brain's pea sized, then what's that say about the idiot I found so easily?

[Taking shots not just at the monster on the screen, but at Chobe too, wow!! Get him something MORE explicit to wear, he'll fuckin' strut down a runway in it! He snorts, getting a bit more blunt with his words.]

You didn't owe me shit. I thought I knocked it into yer brain that ya oughta hang up the good boy act. You expectin' a thank you, or maybe that'll I'll ~change my ways~ and stop robbin' folks? Cuz no one just does shit outta the--[an exaggerated bleh]--outta the goodness of their heart.

Anyone's gonna fall into a pattern in this shitty place, baka!

[Even if it's an infinite area, the resort still has main attractions and keeps people together. Otherwise everyone'd go their own way and the Peacock wouldn't get to watch its prisoners fuck. Bakugo likes sticking to a controlled schedule. Chaos is a stupid way to live.

And he's not gonna get Chobe something more explicit. In the risque manner at least.

Bakugo arches a brow at the other guy's ranting. Blah blah blah, he's heard this kind of arrogant criminal ranting. Always suspicious of anyone showing them an ounce of goodwill or kindness no matter the reason is.

His expression flattens.]

You're assuming a buncha shit about me, Zombie. [Then pulls the gun, shoots at the screen a few times to enter his name-- DYNMYT --and holsters the gun again.] And you're still wearing it.

[If the payback was really giving Chobe hives, he'd have ripped the clothes apart by now.]

Waste not, want not--[Another squint at the screen.]--"Dina Mint." The hell, is that what you call yourself? Anyway, I'm not gonna just throw away some decent threads.

[His words may be that of a standard villain's, but he's intent on trying to get a proper read on the hero. He figures it's just as simple as Bakugo hoping maybe Chobe realizes it's a waste of energy to keep getting up to criminal activity, and honestly he knows even if he can't truly die, so far this brat's annoying blasts have him outclassed in sheer power.

But the bandit has always done what he wants, when he wants, and for who he wants. And here's a perfectly good potential partner in crime wasting his time playing good cop. How could he not needle at him?]

Listen Sparky, all I'm sayin' is as big as you talk, you got some naive thoughts rollin' around in that hollow head of yours. You gotta learn how to send a message! Like lets say--a shirt with a decapitated head! You get to pay me back, but also threaten me! Two birds one stone kinda deal.

DYNAMIGHT!! [When the fuck does someone use a "y" as a short "i" sound?! Though kudos for Chobe realizing the implied "a" in the middle. Maybe he's not as lost cause as he implies himself to be.] Tch, better not. I'm not replacing your shit mistakes.

[Bakugo realizes Chobe wants to grasp at him. Stupid thing is, he's never seen himself as some mysterious, hard to read person. Blunt, expressive, and direct, he wants people to see him and instantly know what they're getting into. A super strong hero who isn't going to lose to anyone or anything! As much as Bakugo would like to see Chobe (and any villain, really) give up their criminal ways and either live as a decent civilian, or better yet, become a fucking awesome hero kicking ass, he's also not an idyllic idiot.

Villains make their own choices. And he's won't waste his time trying to police their activities here. There's a bigger "villain" keeping them all captive. He'd rather take that asshole out instead.

Alas, Bakugo's already had that "potential partner in crime" desire levied at him by villains in his own world. News flash: it didn't work there either.

Naive thoughts? Send a message? Threaten me. This guy really has no fucking idea why he gave him a set of clothes in the first place, does he... He's never gonna do what someone else tells him, not unless it aligns with what he wants for himself.

Lucky for Chobe-

*WHAP!* in a split second, Bakugo slams his hand right onto the man's face, fingers digging into his forehead and cheeks, and-

*KA-BOOM!!!*

This time, he really does try to take Chobe's fucking head off. A massively charged explosion that sends the entire arcade rattling on its roots. He is a hero, he will always try to save the villain... but... it's also not the first time he's gone for the head.]

[He doesn't have time to make fun of the name. Dynamite? Really? People just self assign cool titles to themselves?? He at least earned the title of Bandit King, leaning into the moniker and the persona as his rep crept across the country. Let your actions speak for themselves, and the people will crown you as they see fit.

But that's a rant for another day, as his current monologue is cut short. Speedy as always, Chobe can't move, can't dodge Bakugo's sudden lunge, only widen his eye when that first spark pops from his palm. Welp.

A point blank blast, the sheer force of that heat...yea, that head's coming off. And if Bakugo's never felt as such before, he's in for a treat. Skin and muscle burning off, his thick skull shattering as if it were glass. It happens so quickly...kind of wild how fragile a body can be, eh? And while most is likely burnt off, Bakugo won't escape the brief feeling of grasping something solid that melts away to mush, blood, and brain matter, and hell, maybe through the light he'll catch a glimpse of an eyeball before it shrivels and dissolves into nothing.

When all's said and done, Chobe's body drops to the ground in a lifeless heap, his neck only partially cauterized, allowing blood and black ichor to ooze from it, pooling at the base of a nearby game station. Though despite the blast, the fluid smells...oddly sweet. Almost like nectar.

Fuck yeah buddy ya killed the bad guy!! Congratulations!!]

[. . .okay not really. Chobe's like a cockroach, you gottaa do way more than that to get rid of him. Still, he does seemingly appear dead for a good bit longer than usual. It's been a long damn time since someone's landed a 'fatal' blow on him, and the flower inside him has to switch gears to get everything back in working order.

It starts with a thin vine sprouting from the stump of his neck. A lone flower bud on the tip of it expands, opening and blooming into a single, perfect working eyeball, one that locks eyes with the hero, wide as ever. Can one tell if someone is laughing just from a single eye? Bitch, maybe.

From there, Chobe begins to de-corpse himself. Already his arms move even without a head, pushing himself up and gripping at the games for balance as he stands. Not really beating the zombie allegations. More vines emerge from his neck, looking more like thrashing worms as they rebuild his fat, muscle, and bone, a human face gradually forming as a gargled voice cackles from the forming jaw.]

Hoooh, feeling SPICY today! Have a change of heart on the whole killin' blow thing?

[Just a few more seconds, and his skin is fully in place, blooming a full head of hair, and still sporting his permanent scars and dead eye. He spits off to the side.]

Or didja just bank on me coming back? Thought I was gonna make fun of yer name? Cuz don't worry, that's still coming.

[He remembers blowing up a watermelon before. Does this really compare to it? A grenade blast isn't the same thing as a flamethrower burst. No steady stream of heat burning away and melting whatever it's leveled at. Instead, instant heat, vaporizing force, intense impact, all of it combining together into a split second of atomic break. Destroying whatever's against it, around it, in his way.

Bakugo's been told by others before his Quirk is dangerous and powerful, suitable for one of the world's greatest villains. And yet, he straight up refused the offer, rejects the notion any time it comes up. Explosions is his Quirk, and he's going to use it to become the greatest hero the world has ever seen!

Blowing someone's head off isn't very heroic, is it. No shit. Unless he knows that head's gonna come back. Did he know? 10% chance Chobe overestimated his powers in this place and he'd die. Bakugo chose to gamble on the man's strength.

Perhaps it's only for a second or two he actually feels Chobe's head getting blown apart in his hand. Fingers sink slightly inward, his palm loses pressure on a face, and the recoil of his Quirk's detonation eases up. Anything else is gone in a flash. Hmph. Kinda thought after all that talk, the guy's body would be more durable. Then again, he put up that bark armor before.

Bakugo's expression looms over the man's dropped body, one eye hidden in the shadow of his bangs, the other practically glowing a threatening red. He'd be lying if he didn't have a second's tension in his chest, wondering if he had gambled wrong, if Chobe was actually weaker than he thought... and things begin to move once more.

He learns a lot from that small period of time. Though the inner workings and ultimate limits of Chobe's regeneration remain out of reach, it takes him longer to regenerate his head than his limbs. Starting out small, a single vine, then a bud, then a flower, sensory first rather than brain. He doesn't need his head to regenerate (or bodily operate) either. Does that mean his torso holds the main core of the man known as Chobe? Or would his severed head regenerate even if the rest of him were disintegrated? Questions he'll think on without practicing for an answer. He pushes through the burned portions easily enough, so cauterizing his stumps will only delay his recovery, not stop it. Building himself up in layers and cords. Blasting him to a limit of pieces, then securing those pieces in strong containers far smaller than his body should also seal him away, since he couldn't reform completely in the limited space... Doesn't seem like regenerating taxes his stamina either, even if the head's slower.]

It's not a killing blow on you, Zombie.

[Ergo, not a problem if he does it. Right, the scars and dead eye remain. He must've already been injured when he was given the regenerative powers. Not an inherent power. And hey, look at that, Bakugo deliberately kept the blast above his collar, leaving his shirt perfectly free even of any singes. Might need a wash on the back of the collar later, if anything...]

Sure you wanna? I can shut you up a lot easier now.

But not permanently! Shit that stung though--better than a coffee to wake up!

[He does vaguely wonder who'd get worn out first--Bakugo's blasts, or his regenerative skills. Everyone has a limit, but sometimes those limits are absurdly high. If Bakugo's dependent on his sweat, a normal bodily function, and was able to cook up such a strong blast near instantly while relatively relaxed, Chobe imagines he technically gets powered up the more he pushes him. The more exertion, the more sweat, after all. Aaah, how annoying. Things for him to ponder over later.

He tugs at his shirt, looking it over. Yep, barely a blood stain or singed fiber. . .from the front, at least. Able to move so quickly and deal so much damage with such precision, that's a fucking problem. He's starting to understand why normal criminals might throw in the towel real damn quick, this brat's a hassle to deal with. Unfortunately for Bakugo, Chobe isn't most criminals, and every blast makes him more and more intrigued. He wonders if the hero is starting to clue in on his weak point as well--no doubt he was watching his body as it recovered. He rolls his neck, laughing.]

Nice shot, you don't owe me another shirt. . .but were ya totally sure I'd come back?

[Chobe was mostly positive himself of course, but he constantly lives on the edge. No one's actually managed to behead him outside of. . .studies long ago, and he never knows when his flower is going to wilt and put him into recovery mode. But guess that's not today!]

Well, guess it doesn't matter. Dynamite though? A little on the nose, ain't it?

No one does in this shithole. It'd bring you back.

[Another brusque point towards why trying to kill Chobe "permanently" was pointless while they were in the Peacock. He steps off the arcade cabinet platform to open it for anyone else looking to play. Ignoring the fact a lot of people are still recovering from the shock of that explosion two minutes or so ago. Chobe's got the right idea about Bakugo's Quirk. The more his sweats, the stronger his explosions become, meaning he powers up the longer he fights. It runs the risk of dehydration and hurting his arms if he goes too hard too long, but both of those are easily surmountable in a pinch.

Sorry not sorry about the back of the collar. It got a little bit of blood and ash on it. Nothing a wash won't clean up nice and fresh once more. As much as Chobe's griping mentally about Bakugo's skill, the blonde's taking his own notes about the other man's power. Even with a fire vs plant advantage, how much plant life can Chobe make? Doesn't matter how strong a flamethrower is if the trunk straight up squashes the fucking thing. Quality over quantity.

As for his weak point... at best Bakugo's only able to guess. Ultimately reducing the man to nothing but ashes would be his ultimate strategy, leaving nothing "alive" to regenerate from. But even that would take a lot of time and detailed work. And he doesn't want it to come to such a head. Again... the resort would just bring him back.]

You wanted a threat. [Totally sure? Nope! But look what paid off. At least now he can blow Chobe's head off without any guilt or concern. Might have some fun with that later on. "Fun" being asploding his skull and dragging his stupid ass away before he can make more trouble while they're together.] It's Dynamight! M-I-G-H-T!

[Same "on the nose" but with a personal flair and homage.]

You keep sayin' that, but nothing's ever set in stone. One day someone might not come back, and that'd just be awful, wouldn't it? It's a casino, after all. Everyone's luck runs out eventually.

[Said very lightly, like, GOSH he wants someone to die for good!! Though he recognizes the irony of those words coming from him, the seemingly immortal plant man. At this point he wouldn't be surprised if Bakugo did try to totally incinerate him to ashes. Would it work? He'd just have to try and see!! But his words are genuine. For as reckless as he is, Chobe don't see anyone as truly unkillable, and that includes whatever's keeping people alive here. Maybe it'll be him, maybe it'll be some faceless unlucky fucker, but it wouldn't surprise him to stumble across an actual dead body some day.

But who cares about waxing poetic about death!! He pauses, thinking over Bakugo's name, and then. . .]

I don't get it. Mighty dynamite? Lame. Shit like that is what makes ya seem childish, ya know.

Good! If someone doesn't come back to this shithole, it means they returned home, where they're fucking supposed to be!

[And now they're possibly going to get into the eternal elephant in the room, that of what each person believes is the truth or workings behind their existence here in the Peacock. Bakugo has a very stubborn and mostly-petrified idea about what happens, unwilling to change his opinion unless some serious evidence is levied at him. "Death" in this place, the kind you don't come back from, is nothing more than the kidnapper deciding its victim isn't wanted anymore, and revokes their stupid kidnapping.

Lucky for Chobe, Bakugo has no intention or reason to try and murder him to that point. Unless the man's putting the hero into a "me or them" situation to the utmost last choice. Which he doubts is every gonna happen. It's kind of pointless for both of them. And at least they can agree the stupid bird keeping them kidnapped isn't immortal either. Bakugo refuses to believe the damn thing's an insurmountable obstacle. Though... he's not gonna be able to take it out alone.

As for actual dead bodies... probably find some in the basement. Who knows. He wouldn't trust one to be real.]

Shut up! I chose it to satisfy the shitty censors and because All Might's the greatest hero who ever lived! My full hero name is Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight!

[ ... and even Bakugo's own mentor thought it was (and is) extremely childish.]

[Whew boy would Chobe call that some overly hopeful optimism. He's sure some people leave eventually, sure. The place doesn't seem to benefit from death, after all. But there's way too much shady shit happening for there not to be some corpses slipping through the cracks. He figures they'll just talk in circles though, so opts to keep it to himself.

And then Bakugo starts yelling his...title. Wow. Chobe leans away slightly as he screams, idly twisting his longer strands of hair back into a braid while sporting the most unimpressed of looks.]

Damn you're loud, y'know that? First of all, why would you make up a dumbass alias like that anyway? No one's gonna take it seriously. Second, why's murder in the name? I thought you were riding that moral high horse against it.

[It would be overly hopeful optimism, except Bakugo's of the category here who've seen people from his homeworld come and go. Different places on his timeline, different locations in his world, people he's interacted with, all of it checked out and investigated until an all-but-proven "theory" of how this place works shaped in his mind. And if Chobe ever wants to hear it, ask and he'll give him a gruff, but thankfully truncated explanation. Evidence and all.

For now, the man can bask in the utter glory that is Bakugo's awesome hero name! Look at Chobe, leaning away cause he can't even handle the sheer scope of it! ... Emphasis aside, the blonde back to his usual quieter scowl quick enough.]

Heroes and villains always use code names in my world. [Maybe he should clarify.] Both are occupations; it's not just a descriptive title. [Does he need to make some analogy to Chobe's world?] Haa?! You don't have any idea what intimidation is do you.

......so you're taking this hero and villain shit literally. Or your home does, anyway.

[They can talk shop on theories later, because now? He's both utterly baffled and a bit intrigued by this cut and dry world building being implied. Does he consider himself a villain? Of course. He's done many an unforgivable act over the years, and if asked, would claim he's only done one decent thing his entire life. But would he put "villain" on his resume? Nah.

He thought Bakugo was just some powerful vigilante with a hero complex, but if there's paperwork involved, this guy seems to think it's his actual job. How people can live like that is beyond him.]

Alright so, assuming this is normal shit for you, that's still stupid. Villains already lie, cheat, kill, and destroy. You advertising that you're down for that too ain't intimidation--it's an invitation to be their worse selves. Go all out! Kill or be killed!

For a softie like you, no wonder ya had to cut it down. Dynamight's just as corny, but it's honest. You ain't no god, sparky.

Uh-huh. [There's more to it than a black and white world cut and dry from block. Bakugo used to think it was such a simple thing, but after his experiences that year, the sheer amount of gray he was exposed to... fuck.] Quirks only manifested in my world over a century ago. My age group's the fifth generation.

[Not sure how quickly Chobe will pick up on things, but if he thinks of a world where "powers" didn't exist, and suddenly people began to gain "powers" out of nowhere, does the guy really think it's going to turn into a world where everyone gets along and the notion of good and bad, hero and villain, wouldn't evolve?

And hey, if you're gonna need a job in life anyways, being a hero is an awesome profession to work as! Bakugo's never once thought of being a pencil pusher or standing around at a fucking power plant. Hell, even teaching other people makes him sulk.]

It's not just about the villains, dumbass! People should know exactly who I am the second they see me! A name builds your reputation as much as your actions do. I'm not gonna be some lame nobody with a shit name that says nothing about him.

And a lot of those criminal bastards are pussies behind their bullshit; if they think they're actually gonna die, they'll buckle like a fucking twig. Then I don't have to waste time dealing with their lame asses.

Terrifying.

[Said lightly, but he means it. A world where even children have supernatural abilities. . .but from the sounds of it, it's possible it's different from manipulating tao, or their core energy. The thought of people wielding fantastical powers and then realizing they could tap into even more latent potential sounds like a big damn hassle. Maybe it already is, and that's why folks are deigning themselves enforcers like heroes. Seems kinda fucked up!!

But. Not his problem. And hey, lay down respect for the folks doing the paperwork he doesn't have to, buddy!! Though Chobe's bias in that regard--after all, his right hand might handle the boring stuff, but he could also murder people if he wanted to. Best of both worlds!]

That goes for any set of weaklings. Villains, so called heroes, if they're weak they all show their true colors at the drop of a hat. [And it's always the funniest shit to him. Nothing like making someone all high and mighty beg for their life. He yawns, leaning against a machine.]

Call me old school, but I think actions speak louder than words. Had ya not already blasted me to kingdom come, I would've deducted like, fifty cool points from you.

backdated to a day after their encounter

Re: backdated to a day after their encounter

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1/2 (cw some gore!)

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