brother_nature | Golden Peacock

[He picks at his ear as Bakugo yells--he'll always have him beat when it comes to volume. But "holograms," huh? Illusions but made with science, is what he'll slot them as. But a technology that exceeds that of those from further in the future he is. . .in a way, this place is another hellish paradise. Full of mysteries and wonders and horrors all wrapped in one. It almost makes him laugh.

Well, he just has to accept it. He pats at the lamp post lightly once more, nodding in understanding.]

I guess it'll do. So what's the game? See who can kill as many civilians as possible? Doesn't sound heroic, but it sounds real damn fun. Gimme the rules, twerp.

[Bakugo cracks his knuckles into his opposite fist and rolls his head, limbering up for the challenge. Eh, illusions with science is an apt way to describe them. (He'd prefer that over "magic" despite the shit he's seen in this place.)

Tch, dammit. Of course Chobe's gonna veer in a stupid direction. Has to keep his damn criminal traits up, doesn't he? Time to yank the rug out from under this hellion.]

Those aren't civilians, idiot. Take a look. [There's a reason they're armed. Knives, guns, fists, these "people" are intending to attack. Meaning they're bad guys, dammit! ... well, heroes and villains are still civilians. Technically. But civilians aren't gonna put up as good a fight as bad guys! Hmph! He wants a challenge, not some fucking pushover store owner!]

Highest kill count wins. One point for each punk. If you get hit, you lose a point. [And gestures to Chobe's watch.] That'll keep track.

[It's not just about knocking off the targets; it's about doing it safely as well. A hero (or villain) can be strong as fuck, but still die if they're not aware of their surroundings. Training this way works on both.]

[A quick glance at his wrist as he rolls his opposing shoulder. The watch acts as some kind of tracker and score keeper? Every little piece of technology keeps surprising him. Must be able to sense their tao or muscle tension or some bullshit, he figures.

He looks to the holographic figures, all sneering, cracking their own knuckles and readying their weapons. Oooh, guns, he's just gotten used to those. He wonders if they're even more deadly now. But "not civlians?" Hah! The brat still wants to take the high road. A lazy, lopsided smile, and he begins counting the targets.]

Ah, I get ya. But just taking out punks ain't no fun--I'm not super creative, y'see, so I gotta give them a little more life. So that guy there--[He points at someone with a shiv.] He was driven to crime to scrape up money for his sick ma. And that one there? [A big guy with massive fists and an eyepatch.] Dragged into the underworld while tryin' to protect his little sister. Oh, oh, and THAT ONE! [A guy with a lead pipe. . .]

He's just in the wrong place at the wrong time, probably a plumber or somethin'. But he's gotta fight his way out of this too, or die.

[He looks to Bakugo and just BEAMS annoyingly.]

There we go! I'm all hype to kill them and crush their dreams now. Ready to go when you are!

[The watch does "everything" in this shitty place. From the key to your room to the wallet for your funds to way you call people and more. Won't come off either, fucking shackle. Bakugo hasn't even gone through all the apps and shit it can do. Mostly focuses on the ones he finds helpful and ignores the rest.

He tilts his head to the side, cracks his neck, and lowers his hands to his side. A few pops and snaps burst around his fingers and palms. Guns, knives, fists, all these thugs have something to fight with. HE'S NOT TAKING THE HIGH ROAD, DAMMIT!! What kind of civilians does Chobe hand around?! Eternally aggressive bruisers who fight all the time? Ugh. Put "civilians" in the program and they just wander around shopping or walking their dogs, etc. Mattaku...]

You need to give them backstories?! [This from the zombie who says he's not creative. Bakugo's THIS CLOSE to punching Chobe in his stupid scarred head again. He's facepalming in his mind, expression a clean scowl towards their opponents. Seriously...] What, you don't think anyone's a criminal just cause they're a shit person?

[Each of Chobe's stories gave a sympathetic light to the people intending to gun them down, cut them up, or beat them to death. It actually says a lot about the man Bakugo's standing beside. That annoying beam earns a mix of cool smirk and frustrated sneer. Go figure, but the blonde manages it.]

Sounds like you got a sappy heart under all that crap. [He wonders what Chobe's story is. Why he's a criminal. What drove him to become the way he is and do the things he does. All villains have an origin story, just like heroes.] Don't slack off or they'll crush yours instead.

[And blasts himself forward, blitzing two on the street and putting them down with an explosion to the chest and a shin to the head.]

Nah, there are definitely shitty criminals for shit's sake. Like me!

[Not entirely true, but he doesn't have to tell Bakugo that. He's made his choice and he commits to it, and would never excuse the sins he's accumulated over the years now. No need to get into that though, just focusing on this little game the hero's set up. Child's play, he thinks.]

And careful with the assumptions there, Sparky. It's just way more fun to crush folks who have a reason to live rather than some shitty nobodies!

[Can't have him thinking he's soft, gosh. With that, one of his arms splits open, two vines immediately zipping out to stab a couple thugs straight to through the chest. And, just to test how lifelike the scenery around them is, he ensnares a third lunging at them, tossing him into a storefront's window, marveling at how real the glass feels. He might actually have some fun with this!]

Looks like I'm keepin' pace, brat! Don't tell me you're gonna need me to rescue you, eh?

Uh-huh. [Chobe's trying really hard to keep up his image. Bastard's a depraved kill-happy bastard, but something happened to drive him into it. Bakugo doesn't think he's as cutthroat villainous as wants to appear. Hell if he's gonna say that to Chobe; the man would double down on all his criminal activities and be a huge pain in the ass to prove his point. Not Bakugo's deal to reform or save the man either. In his own world, yeah, he might try, but in this one? It's fucking pointless.]

Most shitty nobodies have reasons to live! [Oh now he's being petulant. And if Chobe wasn't immortal, he might have more respect for crushing people's lives and dreams. He wasn't immortal at first, given those scars, so what... did he desensitize himself to life? Tch, whatever. Bakugo has no intention of underestimating or over-assuming the villain.

BUT HE IS GONNA KICK HIS ASS AND WIN THIS!!

Con? Those thugs stabbed through stagger backwards, spilling glowing cubes of hard light from their puncture wounds instead of blood. Injuries show up as if a geode was cracked open, bodies breaking away into tiny jagged cubes forming their being. Once Chobe tugs the vines free, they'll break apart completely. Kinda like beating around a living mannequin. Pro? Very lifelike as far as scenery goes. Chobes thrown man crashes through the glass, sending shards and ubiquitous noise all over the place. He even gets up with piece of glass stuck in his arm and starts firing at the villain from the shopfront.]

You couldn't even rescue me from boredom, Zombie! [Bakugo zigzags between an alleyway, flaring up to the rooftop above, and slamming two explosions down on the opponents trying to shoot him from the top.] DIE!! [Cube shower!]

[For as much as he throws around "brat" and "kid" at Bakugo, Chobe's just as immature and petty at times. If he was told he's a softie at heart, he'd absolutely go on a murder spree just to be contrary. He honestly doesn't even have a reason to keep up this persona at the casino, but when you've been locked into a role for decades, old habits die hard.

But not as hard as these digital punching bags!!

He's gonna gleefully keep it up--it's not that he's desensitized, he just takes pride in being reeeally good at what he does. Honestly he'd say most thugs aren't worth using his power on but damn if it doesn't feel good to cut loose. He grins watching Bakugo zip up into the air--bastard can basically fly. Fucking annoying!! He kicks off the ground, leaving a slight crater as he does so, alternating between jumping and climbing between the buildings to propel his way up through the falling cubes. Once's he's to a rooftop, a bullet just barely grazes his shoulder--a sniper shot, but it still counts as a hit according to his watch.]

--sneaky bastards!

[A quick judge of position, tracking where the bullet came from and he makes quick work of the target hiding in a window, breaking him down with a vine. Some others rush him while he's distracted, and he simply grabs one by the neck, squeezing and squeezing, watching the illusion gasp for life before they shatter completely when their throat is crushed. It gives the other AIs just a BIT of hesitance.]

Heeeh. Hey, Hero! Can ya do anything with your hands without your fireworks?

[Old habits die hard. Some don't ever kick the bucket. Bakugo doesn't go out patrolling around the peacock looking for bad guys to beat up. He's aware this place kidnapped heroes and villains and everything in between. Damage repairs itself, death never sticks, jail's a fucking joke, who knows if stolen items simply reappear since the resort staff and vendors always seem to be stocked no matter what happens. Heroes often try to protect and improve the world, while villains often try to harm or change it. So what happens when people of either alignment are stuck in a place that refuses to change and needs no protection? Stagnant...

Shit thoughts like that randomly come to mind, fueling another flurry of blows and explosions. Something snaps past his ear and he jerks to the side, plastering his back against a nearby wall. He checks his watch; no indication he was hit, but he felt it right through his hair. Tch, some fucking sniper somewhere. Red eyes scan about the area, muscles tense and ready to move. Given the direction, the person shouldn't be able to reach him without banking or rebounding the shot.

Another shot, this one almost taking Chobe in the shoulder.]

To your left! [Even as the words leave his mouth, Bakugo sees the man already tracking the shot. A quick twist, both hands charging up, and each militant hesitating in front of Chobe's neck-crushing display is abruptly caught in a fiery hailstorm of explosive rounds. Smaller explosions build up, erupting smoke from the roof until there's nothing left. One arm swats to the side, throwing billowing clouds away in a slice as Bakugo walks from the gray vapor.]

You wanna see me punch someone in the face?

[Should've seen the answer to that question already when he had Chobe pinned to the floor in a martial artist grapple.]

[Stagnation--Chobe's got a complicated relationship with it. He and his brother are immortal now, until someone stronger comes around to take them out, and they could potentially live for thousands and thousands of years, wreaking havoc and having fun together forever. But it's only fun because the world changes around them, grows, reshapes itself, and they're forced to adapt over and over again. How long can he adapt here? And if he does, will he change too much. . .?

The barrage of explosions obliterates that trail of thoughts though, and he smirks, watching the digital cubes crumble in his hands as Bakugo clears the smoke. Damn, he just gave the brat a whole slew of points because he wanted to get a bit more personal with his kills. Aw well.]

You don't gotta look out for me.

[Probably just instinctive for the hero, he thinks. He lazily moseys over to pick up an axe one of the dispatched thugs dropped. Been a long time since he used something this basic, but could be fun. He shoots a smug smile at Bakugo as he props it on his shoulder.]

And nah. I wanna see you kill someone with your bare hands. They ain't real, so why not?

[The sound of some of other npcs stupidly charging up the fire escape. Chobe darts forward as the first emerges, burying the axe in their head. Poof, insta-kill.

Sooo much more satisfying than using his vines all the time.]

[Bakugo doesn't think this place will change. Sure each month something happens, new people are brought in, but everything continues like clockwork. Make money, fuck, keep money, fuck, jockey ranks, fuck, try to escape, and you guessed it, fuck. His life bounced back and forth between repetitive and dynamic, daily school and studies clashing with villainous interference and pushing himself in training. Guess, after a while, he's gonna know how animals in the fucking zoo feel...

Damn right he won himself a bunch of points. Even makes a show of checking his watch with a smirk as a flurry of numbers add to his score. What, did Chobe think he could sit here and pick off a group one by one while Mr. Competitive is bouncing around?]

I wasn't. You just lined them up.

[No, it was instinctive. The guy was getting shot at and a whole group intended to pounce him! Bakugo's always been someone to go for the direct route. Taking out idiots who weren't smart enough to watch their surroundings means they don't have to deal with them later. He clicks his tongue in annoyance. Chobe's really gunning to see him get violent, huh.]

Sicko. [Another BOOM! vaults Bakugo over the man's head, swinging one leg down at the drop of his arc and slamming his knee straight into the second thug's skull. Back of it. Cubes fly out around his joint and he instantly drops from the ladder, bouncing his way down to splatter/shatter/scatter all over the alley floor below. If Chobe ever sees Bakugo's hero costume, those metal knee pads were designed-- BY HIM --for the express purpose to "kill with his knees". Which, no, he hasn't done yet.

Unless Chobe counts this one.]

Better a sicko than a coward!

[Nope, that absolutely doesn't count. The gravity did half of the work!! Though in general, knocking someone near unconscious with your knee is a pretty sweet move. If he saw his proper hero outfit he'd honestly be baffled at first--is he sure he isn't a villain?? But it'd make sense for his powers. Chobe doesn't bother with that kind of branding--he's just as likely to pick a fight in a fully tailored suit as he is in his standard bandit get up, with the only thing even barely passing as armor being the spiked cuffs on his wrists.

It does give him an idea though, watching the poor bastard shatter below. He takes that axe and slams it into the bolts holding the fire escape stairs in place, using his other hand to rip them off the wall. A domino effect happens as the whole structure begins to destabilize and crumble, leaving the thugs that were climbing up jumping off for dear 'life' or succumbing to gravity themselves, disappearing as they hit the ground or as the stairs collapse on them. A nice few points for Chobe!

There are still a good number of survivors though, and Chobe's not big on letting a small problem fester. Even with most of them armed, he leaps over the ledge of the roof with zero hesitation, his landing shaking the immediate area as he bursts out laughing.]

Kinda fucked up they created illusions that can feel pain and experience fear! Almost as good as the real thing!

[At this point he's kinda forgotten the point of the game, and when when the thugs start shooting at him, he tanks them, his watch counting every hit, barrelling through to completely maul an npc, hacking away with the axe and them stomping straight on their face to completely make them disperse. Good times!!]

[He'd rather a coward. THE HELL DO YOU MEAN THAT DIDN'T COUNT?! Gravity's always at work! The axe blow didn't count either because GRAVITY! Dumbass. Chobe would be far from the first person to question whether Bakugo was a villain or a hero with his costume. Combined with his language and attitude, there was a point where even the media and general populace was asking if he was truly a hero. Hell, villains kidnapped him thinking he'd be easy to sway to their side because of his villainous persona. Has that made him change his attitude, costume, language, or anything else? ... NOPE! Results and actions are what matter.

Chobe with spiked wrist cuffs... not a bad mental image. Bakugo rebounds away from a clattering metal rung, catching onto the rooftop rim and dropping to his feet behind it. Clang! Clong! Back and forth, bounding between the narrow alley walls, down goes the zigzagged fire escape with its band of yelling thugs, folding as an accordion on its descent. If those had been real people, ew... But dammit, that means Chobe gets a whole fleet of points!

Bakugo abruptly blasts right past Chobe, one hand hauling back, the other one slinging forward. Sparks flare and KABWOOOM!! the entire alley way's engulfed in fire, heat, smoke, and enough concussive force to blow everything out of it. HE WANTS THOSE POINTS, DAMMIT!! But Chobe was inside the blast too. Yeah? It's because he trusts his partner's power and takes team up advantage of it.]

They made a bunch of fucking paint clones that pretended to be the real thing a few months ago. [Bakugo walks out of the smoke before facing off against a bunch of other thugs now surrounding him and Chobe. He could get rid of them, but the guy wants to see some non-explosive combat? Both hands raise and he prepares to take them on body only.] We don't even know if we're our real selves or some glorified copy.

[Chobe's still gleefully stomping out another npc when Bakugo sets off his massive attack. Great! Cool! Love being caught in the heat of the blast!! Thinking quick, he grabs two thugs by the back of their collars, whirling around to use them as shields. He's still blown out of the alley by the sheer force of the blast, but the npcs take the brunt of the damage, disintegrating as they fly through the air, and Chobe goes skidding back.

He brushes himself off as he stands, scoffing as more enemies surround them. At least his clothes are still in tact. Bakugo's going on about something as he marches out of the fumes, and Chobe rolls his eyes. What's this existential bullshit?]

I'm me and no one else! If I wasn't, I'd just kick my own ass! Start letting bullshit like that in your head and yer gonna find yourself tied up in solitary.

[If they have nothing else in this place, they have their confidence and pride. Chobe won't tolerate any ridiculous theories like that. If he's meant to die, he'll die. If he's meant to exist, he's existing to the fullest. He flexes an arm, a vine slinking out.]

Now stop your yappin' and let me see what ya can do, or else I think I'll take these last guys out myself!

[Don't get pissy at him. A benefit of having an immortal ally is not having to worry about hurting him with his attacks! He can let loose and Chobe'll be just fine. Does he see the man use other bodies as shields? Nope! If there had been real people around, Bakugo wouldn't have come in with as strong a blast. Then again, real people probably would've survived... if they were from Bakugo's world. He's used to people being more durable when he fights. Criminals and all.

Right, he's still wearing those new clothes. Can't go nuking the guy too much. What the hell, he's gonna end up buying Chobe a new set of clothes each time they meet up? Fucking hell, that'll get out of hand. And excuse you, this isn't existential bullshit! It's a topic a number of people ask about in this shitty place!]

Heh. We're already tied up. [Not in solitary at least. Unless you piss the House off enough and it opts to punish you. Bakugo cracks his knuckles, silently agreeing with Chobe's defiant retort. He likes that kind of answer, and that kind of person. Even if their moral views clash, guess they can agree somewhere.] Last guys? Che, we got more coming.

[No explosions this time. Only a sudden blitz forward. A straight right hook slams powerful into one thug's head, jaw pulling to the side from the impact, and sends him flying. He's already moving from the momentum, letting it twist him around into a harsh roundhouse from behind. Shin hits, using it to force himself up and over as a few bullets snap past, and brings both legs down on another opponent, crashing into the floor a second later.]

[Bakugo Chobe is starting to think mayhaps he needs to talk through this 'trapped in a cage' syndrome. Of course, he's been stuck at the casino far longer than Chobe--it's almost funny to think that the hardened killer is currently the more hopeful between the two. In reality Chobe's just a stubborn asshole, who's mantra is to tear down and break apart, rebuild yourself in whatever image you need to be. Adapt. This place? Just another he needs to mold himself into until an opportunity to escape arises.

He hangs back a bit, almost unconvinced the kid will go for it, but color him surprised. He knew the guy was fast and reflexive, but it's another thing to see it applied to actual "people." Even if they're fake, they still move and behave like flesh and blood, so it's satisfying enough to see. The hero could do some real damage if he truly ever wanted to. . .what holds him back? Chobe snorts to himself. Maybe it's simply the blessing of living in a more peaceful time, even if everyone in this so called "quirky" world might be a freak.

Hearing the shots fired, Chobe's vine whips out, disarming a thug and zipping back with the weapon for the bandit to use. Yoink! He's seen guns before--mostly old timey pistols and revolvers, but never used one himself. And this one's far fancier! Welp, time to learn on the fly. One shot, two shots, he shoots one man in the gut, and another bastard meets an accidental headshot...just as it whizzes by Bakugo's spiky hair. Oops! At least it missed? Chobe lets out a cackle, shaking out his shoulder]

Hooooh, always wanted to try one of these! Neat, but kinda impersonal, yeah? Hands on is definitely the best approach. You'd say so too, yeah? Looks like ya ain't as much of a softie as I thought, so long as ya don't think they're human~!

[Hopeful? Oh he's hopeful. Hopes they can rally together and somehow find the weakness this goddamn chicken possesses and exploit it into taking the fucking thing down or working out a compromise. Secondary intent is using his wish to force the peacock into a more consensual agreement. He used to want nothing less than its complete obliteration and everyone having their way back home flung wide. Until he slowly came to realize people preferred it here. For good reason. Still... Bakugo hates kidnappers.

Don't look down on him, dammit! Being unwilling to kill doesn't mean he's unable to fight! Knockouts, crippling, beat downs, he'll put these stupid dumbasses to the ground and grab his flawless victory! Bakugo's felt people crumple under his fist, a body slam against his leg, blasted someone through a wall, and more. He's mercilessly effective without being a killer. That's one of the main dangers of heroes. What would happen if one of them decided to say "fuck it" and really cut loose? No longer held back out of fear or morals. Asides from being no better than the villains they fight, how many villains would want to risk it, knowing death or maiming was actually on the line?

Bakugo twists around, skidding on his feet, just in time to see Chobe's vine crack against a thug's arm and steal his gun. HEY! Don't bitch at him for not going barehanded and then suddenly use your own powers, dammit! Shit, he's seen that look before. Eyes gleaming and grin spreading as new power settles in his hand. He had the same look when he got his Grenadier Bracers for the first time. A mental "Oh hell Yeah" drifts behind Chobe's expression. He turns back to his own battle, only to tense when a bullet zips past his head.] WATCH IT, ZOMBIE! I'M ON YOUR SIDE!!

[It wouldn't kill him if it hit, but he'd get a nice welt! Brat.] Che, no shit. They're useful, but not as exciting. And I'm not a fucking softie, dammit!

My side? We ain't allies, hero. Remember that.

[Game or not, he wants to make that clear. He's only here to satisfy is own petty sense of pride, after all. He's been forced to play nice and team up with enemies before, in an eerily similar situation even, but it wasn't until circumstances were dire, and he calculated it benefited himself and his own first and foremost. Some say the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" but for Chobe, it's more like "the enemy of my enemy is my next target."

He examines the gun once more before shrugging idly, tossing it aside and watching Bakugo take out a few more thugs without mercy. "What if" a hero cut loose? Sounds ideal to him! If any hero is so weak that they'd "snap" one day, they're doing everyone a favor revealing their true colors. Sounds a bit hypocritical given how much he's been egging Bakugo on to cut loose, but he doesn't think murder makes anyone more or less of a good guy. Some fuckers just need to die!

Like this next npc! He whirls, delivering a kick straight through their skull, shattering them. Feels a bit weird doing so with normal shoes on, but he'll get used to it.]

Surprise surprise, the guy that can create explosions isn't impressed with the metal canon that makes explosions. Ya don't know how good ya have it.

Generic "side", dumbass!

[They're taking out these bastards together and each is gunning for the high score! He expects that to include an unspoken lack of backstabbing or sabotage. In that event, the "side" comment is completely valid! Targeting each other once the event is over is up to Chobe and Bakugo will respond accordingly. Not his fault the guy has an allergic reaction to being on a team up. Not that Bakugo's good with it either, usually preferring to deal with his shit himself. This is, as Chobe said, nothing more than satisfying pride and throwing down without getting other people involved or breaking the arcade.

Chobe may not have an issue with it, but so often villains are quick to protect their own lives despite having zero concern for taking the lives of others. He's seen murderers break and beg when a hero threatens, in pure rage, to kill them for their atrocities. And each time, the escape with their lives. The day a hero does "snap" and no longer abides by those morals so many villains ironically expect heroes to live under, there's going to be... problems.

Bakugo wonders what Chobe's response would be if his immortality were gone and his life was on the line. Probably fine. The guy "died" before before he was immortal, right?

He punts the gun off the ground once the man throws it away, sending it spinning through the air and bounces right off another gunman's head. A quick flurry of martial arts and acrobatics send three more opponents into the nearby windows and one into an old-fashioned phone booth.]

Careful. You're gonna sound jealous, Weed Grower.

Blah blah blah!

[Chobe would absolutely attack Bakugo if he felt it'd make the game more fun, or if he thought he could get away with a decent hit. As it is now 1) he doesn't want to set the living grenade off on a explosive rage fit and 2) ........he still doesn't know exactly how this room and his watch works. The door's still there, but the city's so realistic, it's easy to get turned around in. So, he's content just playing by the rules for now.

He gives a snort at that last remark. Weed? Well, yeah, apt. Jealous? No way. He's perfectly happy with his body and powers. And yeah, he's died before--twice even, going down fighting each time. He doesn't want to die, no, and that ferocity to live is part of what sparked his body to change in the first place. But when outmatched and on the verge of death, he'd never beg. Just do what he can, and take as many down with him as possible.

He covers an arm with a multitude of vines, creating something of a lashing cat o' ninetailes. He gives a smirk.]

Jealous? Nah. Wouldn't wanna risk blowin' my dick off every time I went to the bathroom.

[He assumes that's not actually an issue, but consider: he figures it'll piss off the hero. He's lived for a century now, but sometimes, his humor's as low and crude as any teenager's.

The vines surge forward, taking out a slew of thugs all at once in various vicious fashions. One lashes across a throat, creating a holographic spray of blood before the figure crumbles, another cuts them in half, one grabbed, lifted high and slammed hard into the concrete, etc etc. He's multitasking!]

[Bakugo's not so stupid as to think Chobe's a true ally right now. Occasionally glancing his way to check his status, certainly not to to see if he needs help, and simply because the guy's interesting to watch. There's a girl the class opposite his who can manipulate the vines on her head, which serve as her hair, into offense and defense tactics. Chobe's got more range and versatility than her, but as far as thorny vines go, they're similar. Well, she can't pull herself back together.

Okay, fuck the powerless part! He's shown his skill. KA-BOOM! Two more explosions erupt, sending a car flying through the air and crashing it right atop two opponents. There's definitely a touch of glee in his eyes at getting to be more destructive than normal. No one owns that car, there aren't real people dying, he can blast these bastards through the fucking windows and grab another one by the head before twisting himself around in an explosion-powered vortex and chucking him right into a wall! Shower of cubes!

Bakugo lands atop a lamppost, crouched in a balance as he catches Chobe's new armament.]

And I don't wanna risk carving mine up any time I jerk off with thorny hands!

[You wanna be petty? He can be petty too, dammit! Why do people always assume he's gonna blow his own dick up?! That's the fourth time someone in this shitty place made a mention of such a risk! And yes, he shouts about it every damn moment it comes up.

Red eyes narrow, muscles bunching in his shoulders and neck as caution seeps through his frame. Chobe's lashing up a group of enemies in one go, deliberately seeking fatal attacks and crippling tactics. Yeah, he knows how to fight. Really skilled with his powers too. Three different assaults in one arm swipe.] Why vines? Didn't kick the bucket next to a lake?

Eh, the ladies don't seem to mind it.

[A one-eyed eyebrow waggle. He can make more than lethal vines, and the brothels back home love him for it. It is fun exchanging jabs like this, mostly because Bakugo bristles and reacts like an angry cat. A cat strapped with explosives, but a cat nonetheless. Watching him perch up on the lamppost only further sells the mental image.

He doesn't mind that the hero's back to using the sparky hands. He's right, he's proven he can kill with his hands, knees, and feet like any good psychopath. And--oh there goes those guys getting crushed by a car. Hecking brutal. It does making him wonder. . .what would be Bakugo's snapping point? For that matter, what's the thread holding him back? It's certainly not one that will ever easily be severed, but with every attack, Chobe's more motivated to try.

His vines retract, this time merging into each other and creating something like a wooden scythe. Despite being made of plant material, it's just as sharp as any blade, and with a swift swing he cuts down two cowards who had enough sense in their programming to try and run off down the street. Nope, no mercy. He shrugs lightly at the question.]

Why the fuck do you sweat bombs? Just ended up that way, but I ain't complaining.

[Though Bakugo's not far off. He was thrown into a pit of magical, human sucking flowers meant to drain him dry to create immortality for others. No one could have predicted the plants merging with his resilient, slightly cannibalistic life force. Chobe still isn't exactly sure of all the details, but as he said, it doesn't matter. So long as he knows how his body works, and guards just how he can be killed? He accepts it as is.]

What the hell?! I don't wanna hear about that!! [He'll burn that fucking eyebrow off!! Come in here and start telling him about your pear-shaped pleasure plungers! Next guy goes sailing a lot harder than previous ones, crashing ass first through a car window and ending up wedged in half. Taking his angry flustration out on some poor faux punk with nothing to do with Chobe's crass.

Bakugo doesn't even know what his snapping point would be. Forcing him to decide life or death between two people he cares about would likely result in a close result, if he didn't take the third option: kicking your fucking ass and removing both people from danger. All Might never killed anyone, though he came close with All for One. Almost punched the top of the villain's head clean off. S'why it looks like a nutsack now. In case Chobe ever hears Bakugo refer to "Old Nutsack Face" in the future.

Dropping from another vantage point, he pops an explosion under him, bouncing up a bit before landing easily. In time to watch Chobe meld a scythe of wood. An ashen blonde brow quirks upward in interest. No, he's pretty damn aware of how strong wood can be. That shit can shove its way through stone if you give it enough time. Tch, the program created some cowards. Where's the fun in seeing someone run away from a fight? Waste of time.]

My parents' Quirks combined. [There's his answer. Clipped and curt. Chobe's likely not gonna return the favor. Bakugo takes a new stance, legs braced and one arm in front of him, palm splayed open. He cups his other hand in front of it, fingers curved in an "o" tunnel, and concentrates his explosions within his palm. Glowing orange, yellow, white, before KABWHOOMN!! A beam-like explosion lances from his hand, sniping off enemies in long-range shots. It's no sniper rifle, but does a fair job at taking down enemies several feet away.]

[Entirely possible if he mutters 'nutsack face' he's just going to assume someone's head is made of testicles. Why not! Anything's possible!!

The fact that Bakugo has a legitimate answer as to why he can make explosions gives Chobe pause, completely caught off guard that there's actual reasoning beyond simply "god and magic bullshit." Truly a rarity. He watches as he makes a curious hand gesture and--now this fucker can make lasers?! It's not a true laser, of course, but it sure makes for more pinpoint enemy strikes without getting others caught in the blast. He grimaces slightly. . .what an annoyingly versatile power.

As he makes the most incredulous face, a thug taking shelter in a broken storefront rears his head, taking advantage of the distracted bandit. He raises this assault rifle, and then the sound of shots fill the area, unloading his magazine on Chobe. While they aren't real bullets, and even if they were Chobe could tank most of them, it's still fucking annoying to get hit by a spray of ammo, not to mention it looks amateurish. Chobe let's out a string of swears as he finally puts up a vine wall to block the assault. But his watch doesn't lie--those were a lot of hits. He's losing this round lol.]

--fucking hell! It's like being swarmed by insects!

[You're welcome for the potential future mental image, Chobe. Bakugo could sketch the man if Chobe was intensely interested, but somehow that doesn't sound like it'll happen.

Someday he'll have to sit down and explain in curt summary what Quirks are, even if the truth and happening behind him is completely unknown asides from they suddenly manifested. Gods and magic bullshit could be as good an excuse as any until his world's able to figure out the actual cause for superhuman powers abruptly appearing in the world.

Anyways, enjoy the light show! Not technically a laser, but yeah. Takes more concentration than the rest of his arsenal given the focused point and straight shot compared to massive explosions and firing out rounds of smaller explosive bursts. Pretty good for punching through multiple layers of solid concrete. Would it help against Chobe? Hell no! Not unless he caught him by surprise from behind or above. And he'd just come back.

Rifle shot?! Bakugo whips round and drops, instantly evading as he searches for the source and Chobe's position. Even if he knows the simulation isn't capable of actual real damage (bruises and cuts, yes, but serious injury? nope!) he treats the practice as real as possible. And his mostly-immortal companion is getting paffed all over by cube bullets. Hey, they're still annoying as fuck! A wall of vines and Bakugo snorts at Chobe's own versatility.]

There's twenty-five more. [Bakugo launches himself over with a quick burst, then holds his hand out.] Make a hollow gourd.

[If Bakugo were to turn that trick on him, it wouldn't be the first time. Being "lasered," that is. Turns out, it fucking sucks! And sometimes plant-like gods attack with them. One would think they'd attack with vines or flower petals or some shit, but nope. Fucking lasers!

Back to the matter at hand, Chobe curses under his breath as he takes cover, leaning against the barrier of vines. He could just go all out, full vine assault, but the thought makes him sick. Using even a fraction of his full power on trash that isn't even real? Laughable, that's beneath him. Still, there's a reason he's fascinated by guns. Even if they can't kill him, they still fucking hurt. Good to know they just get deadlier and deadlier as years pass.

When Bakugo lands next to him, he scoffs, expecting some smart ass remark on how he left himself wide open (and to be fair, he did. Really, a rookie mistake). But instead, the hero's barking orders. Scowling, Chobe raises an eyebrow in suspicion. He'll do it, but his level of pride doesn't really make him a great team player.]

Don't tell me what to do, brat. You wanna see a trick that badly?

[He figures there's a reason for it, but the intent is lost on him for now. But he relents, holding out his palm. The skin splits as smaller, thick vines grow from it, twisting around each other until they form a palm-sized gourd, hollow as requested. He holds it over to Bakugo.]

What ya gonna do, make a fucking lantern?

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