TEST DRIVE MEME #18

[penancemods]

Arrival

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.

Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, and they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and have an ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. The staff may be pushy, or they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.

Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen, where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, there's a demonic bartender who seems to know how to mix any drink you can imagine (and a few you can't). Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit. There's also a new addition of a karaoke machine.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.


Stand Your Ground

Rise and shine, dear guests! The weather outside is as frightful as it's ever been, oddly cold. Colder than it was even at this time last year, but it seems to match the mood of the staff. Another sinner uprising, another looming threat of outsiders wanting to wreck Hell, and the staff is understandably exhausted and down in the dumps. Still, they seem to be at least trying to spread the Halloween cheer with more decorations! Gaudy decorations are in every square inch of the hotel, along with some unique looking jack-o-lanterns that seem to watch you wherever you go!

There are even some absolutely cute little turnip ones from the old timer demons who insist it's the only way for it to be done!

Lucifer and Lilith are both curiously missing in action at this time. If asked, the staff will helpfully explain that there were poltergeists and then one of the sinners lost it and tried to take over Hell, again. They'll also complain at length about how absolutely ridiculous it is that anyone thinks they're capable of ruling this place over Lucifer himself. Feel free to try to escape the incoming rant! But either way, the big guy in Hell is apparently putting up more barriers to prevent things like this from happening in the future!

And to handle an outside threat called The Veiled Order apparently, but don't you worry about them! They're simply not important at the moment and absolutely not not planning a bit attack soon. Nope.

New arrivals (and old!) should enjoy the rather expansive breakfast the demons have made in the dining hall. There will be plenty of breakfast foods ranging from bacon to pancakes to donuts and anything in between to encourage indulgence. There's no need to hold back now, right? You're already dead! So eat up all that unhealthy food and maybe add something a little bit stronger to your coffee than just plain cream! No one is judging around here, especially when there's a few bottles of top shelf alcohol available next to the coffee station.

And if one thing isn't frowned upon in Hell, it's gluttony. No one will judge if you want a taste of human flesh or cute kitten out of curiosity or anything.

Staff will encourage guests to take it easy. Things have been rough lately, and they're only bound to get rougher!


Reach Up High

Prompt I: Jesus Wept

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture, extreme gore.

Somewhere from within the hotel is an ominous rumble behind a closed door. This time, it isn't from any wayward mages or ill-timed bombing attempts, but the unlocking of a previously forbidden room. There are eerie screams from within, followed by menacing laughter as the door swings open of its own accord. The room within is painted in nothing but darkness and a thick fog.

For those who would dare approach, they will be able to make out the outlines of chains hanging in wait from the ceiling, but most other details are obscured. There may be a brief flash of figures in the shadows, the stench of blood. This feels like a bad idea, but sinners are drawn forward anyway. There's something of a promise inside this room... something new and exciting, greater than anyone is capable of imagining!

You know what they say about curiosity and the cat, don't you?

Before common sense can win out, guests will find themselves pulled into the room and hear the gut-wrenching slam of the heavy door behind them. Once inside, guests will be able to make out the torn apart bodies on the ground, halved or nothing but splatters of guts and bone. Despite all logic, some will still be writhing and moaning still. Whether in pleasure or pain, it's difficult to tell

Look closer still and sinners may notice one has managed to scrawl with their bloody handprint:

There are no limits.

It may feel as if reading those words puts things into motion. Suddenly, one of the poor sinners will find the chains lashing out, hooks sinking in deep as they find their purchase on their bodies and pull. They will find themselves pulled into an almost gruesome mockery of a crucifixion pose. Arms drawn up, legs held in place. Clothes may be torn or shredded as their unmarked bodies are marred with the hooks. Flesh and muscle stretch under the strain. Fortunately, it doesn't go further.

Not yet.

"My dear guests, we haven't explored the depths to which pain can show our true selves in a while, have we? And with all the energy flowing around our little community, I had more than enough time to prepare this surprise for all of you. This is a room that had been locked off for a while now, and my children trapped within have found themselves rather bored lately," Lucifer's voice rings out within both ears of the sinners, eerily reassuring despite the hellscape in front of them.

"I want to show you the lengths Hell used to go to, the pain and pleasure mix of true torment. It's in suffering that we find our true selves. I do firmly believe that. We find out who we're meant to be, what we're meant to be, giving and receiving pain. Help one another and you will be set free!"

The fog dissipates enough to reveal a table nearby full of all sorts of horrifying instruments. Paddles, whips, some of them barbed in nauseating ways. There's wax to melt, knives. Needles to pierce flesh with. There are instruments that deliver enough electric current into the recipient to hurt and leave them writhing, gags for when their cries become too much.

"Next to your instruments, you will find a list of sins and wrongdoings your lovely captive has done in their lives, both here and back home. Read it and punish accordingly. Remember, there is freedom in humiliation as well as pain. Force them to see who they truly are inside. There's also redemption to be found in the punishment. You are delivering God's divine justice! You are God's hand! He will be so pleased..."

In the shadows, there are those same figures standing in wait, ready to manipulate the hooks.

"You will have no more than four attempts to carry out your punishment. Failure or refusal to do so will result in another hook driving into our poor bound soul here. After your four attempts, I am sorry to say they will be torn apart by my friends in the shadows with you, and you will have murder added to the list of sins tainting you. It would be such a needless shame to fail at this, wouldn't it? And who knows, perhaps you'll find you adore this path..."

There's a short laugh from Lucifer, as if he just made a brilliant joke. "Succeed in your punishment and you will both be released with one more sin removed from your list. Don't worry about any injuries... there are bandages and other aids available just outside. Now, my darlings, go have fun."

[As this is a Hellraiser based prompt, feel free to assume anything with a sadomasochistic bent to it can be found within the room. Attacking the demons controlling the chains will not stop them. They seem to be invulnerable to attacks and are only there to observe and add additional hooks when they deem fit. When a punishment is deemed worthy enough to release the hooked partner is left up to player discretion, but a character is only allowed to fail a punishment four times before they have to witness a horribly gory scene.]


Prompt II: Let's Play a Game

WARNINGS: mutilation, blood, torture.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least." Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.

"No, I am only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice with your fellow penitents. We're going to play a little bit of a game. You're all familiar with escape rooms, yes? Well, it's like that... don't worry, you'll figure it out soon enough."

Spare a Pint Awakening in a room with a single box in the center of it, sinners find themselves wearing a tight collar with a clock ticking down. They have fifteen minutes to place their hands inside the box. They'll soon learn that it's full of sharp objects ready to cut. Upon further inspection, they'll find two glass bottles attached below.

They must spare a few pints of blood each, it turns out.

Once time is up, if they haven't suceeded, spikes will pop out from the collar and embed in their necks. This will result in both participants nearly bleeding out before demons tend to them. Any scarring will be permanent.

Free the Angel Suspended in the air, one sinner will find themselves outfitted with the most devilish device. Brackets have been connected to their ribcage, dug in deep as their bare skin stands out to expose the horrors. There are only fifteen minutes before the trap trips and rips open their chest. To save them, the other sinner must remove a key from a bowl of acid before the timer reaches zero and unlock a mechanism on the device. If they fail to do so, not only will the poor soul bound experience excruciating pain, kept alive through some unnatural means, but the other will suddenly feel as if their insides are twisting in on themselves.

Sinners will be patched up afterwards, but the bound will have a scar that remains on their chest as a reminder to both parties.

Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests very thoroughly and offer whatever reassurances he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed properly after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately on the outside.

If guests turn on one another, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin somewhere and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I: Monster Mash

WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, dub-con.

Hell is having a party and absolutely nothing can stop it. It seems like it may possibly be a days long event too, if the way things are going is anything to judge. There are tacky Halloween decorations spilling from the hotel out into the streets, trailing towards the club and other locations. Demons are partying everywhere, there's lively music. It's like a rather twisted Hell take on a block party. Beer and other refreshments flow freely, there's food and candy, and fires lit around the area for warmth (or s'mores, or whatever demons may want to cook over a fire!).

In the hotel lobby, there have been racks upon racks of costumes set up for people to choose from. These include all the usual things ranging from fictional characters, sexy versions of everything, lingerie, masquerade masks, and outfits for entirely anonymous adventures. If character won't don a costume willingly or are unfamiliar with Halloween, the demons have zero qualms forcing it in whatever ways work. Multiple costume changes throughout the partying, however, is allowed.

For party activities, there are live demonic bands playing at various points in Penance (and they welcome those who want to join in!), various party games such as bobbing for apples (although 'apple' here is used loosely. At times, they may be substituted with feet or human hearts or whatever is around), pin the wings on the angel, rounds of 7 Minutes in Heaven and spin the bottle, as well as pumpkin carving contests. There's also a stage set up if guests desire to show off their costumes (or take them off).

As usual, there's plenty of food and drink, including all the questionable ones like human flesh or blood. There may be a roasted Squonk or two available. There's also every drug available that someone could want, including Frenzy that's free of charge.

There's a round of trick or treating going on throughout Penance as well. Go to the club or bar, or any other establishment and you'll find demons ready to hand out their treats or tricks. It may be drugged candy, regular candy, small trinkets, or other useful objects. Tricks may be decidedly less fun, ranging from a swat with a cane, a cut with a knife (non-life threatening this time around!), or just cruel comments that seem to hit too far close to home while the demons around enjoy a hearty chuckle. Don't worry, it's all for fun!

In the bar, there's the jukebox playing some spooky new music, as well as karaoke. Bar games such as darts, pool, poker, etc. are also all available. It may include succubi trying to start a rousing round of strip poker, but that's just the risk you run in Hell!


Prompt II: Dig Your Fingers Into Flesh

WARNINGS: sex, bdsm, pet play, human furniture, dubcon, noncon, drug use.

Club Penance seems to continuing the new gimmick! Themed nights. This night's theme is: Leather and Lace, Bring on the Mace. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are clad in skimpy lace numbers or seductive leather. They may be seen sporting clamps or other toys, leather masks, etc. They will eagerly encourage all who enter to join in the fun and games.

On their trays, they offer drinks and drugs of all sorts. Shows are being put on on the stage as usual, the offer of sex demos with guest participation are still on the table.

As usual, these demons play under respectable rules, safe words and all. They will also gladly exit the stage and let guests entirely run the show. They're on their best behavior tonight, even if the natural aphrodisiacs they give off seem to be amped up

Guests who refused to dress up may also find their clothes randomly changing into something more appropriate or being forcibly changed by a demon who may be a bit too into the theme! Ah, well, no need to worry too much. There will be costumes and lingerie to slip on to go home in. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a walk of shame back to the hotel in nothing but a thong, they'll assure. It's just another night in Hell.

For those who are really adventurous, there are also special concoctions that the club offers. These include:

Frenzy ○ The drug will be given to anyone anyone who asks for it. It can be snorted, injected, taken in pill form, or smoked given user preference.

Despite the questionable name, guests who partake really will feel the best they've possibly ever felt. They won't need sleep or to rest, but they won't necessarily feel the strain on their bodies either. They'll be full of energy and their mood will be amazing with no hint of nightmares or dreams anywhere.

The demons won't let anyone come down either, not once they've started and not until they're told a guest doesn't want any more.

Even then, they may still try to convince them otherwise. It's a party for as long as you can go, or until you completely burn out, it seems.

But with all good things come bad. It seems a side-effect of the drug is an actual frenzy as well. A frenzy for sex or violence or anything a character might want that they deny themselves on the regular. They'll feel this growing hunger, this ravenous need to have and to claim everything they think is theirs.

Some may even fade away into an almost animalistic sort of state.

The more the guest takes, the more they'll experience this sensation. Fighting it won't help either. Though they did sort of bring that one on themselves, didn't they?

Other symptoms of coming down won't be too different to those of other drugs. Fatigue, depression. Guests will begin to feel the effects of staying up for so long without rest or stopping to take care of themselves. They may also feel a certain longing for more, but it can be fought off with enough strength of will.

The drug isn't free either. The succubi expect to be paid in energy or through actual work in the club.

Bond ○ A potion that will bond guests together the minute one speaks to the other. The encouragement is that this should be done consensually, but the demons won't necessarily be checking. Once bonded, guests will feel what the one who took the potion feels. This includes pain and pleasure both with effects lasting a full night. Give someone the most intense pleasure of their lives or torture them until they beg for mercy!

For a really intense experience, both participants can consume the potion with mutual effects.

A special section of the club has been set back up to follow the theme! Within the area, there are pillory stocks and other restraints set up with demons and random club goers alike restrained and naked. Some of these will be stand-alone, some of these will be attached to beds, etc. A list of sins will be written on a blackboard sat near the sinner and a plethora of toys will be available. The selection will range from knives, candles, ice, impact toys, clamps, gags, etc. There will also be plugs, beads, dildos, and anything else one could want if they desire to add a little pleasure to the pain.

On the blackboards will contain a list of sins for characters and will typically be over the top and sex-based in nature, ranging from claims of promiscuity to selfishness in bed to specific taboo sex acts they enjoy. It can also include a few non-sexual ones, depending on the mood of the demon who wrote it. It may include other misdeeds done while in Penance. Expect it all to be humiliating or uncomfortable in some way or another.

For those who aren't into that, there's also a lovely display of human (or demon!) furniture to enjoy. Some of it may be familiar faces who are forced to maintain this position for however long others deem fit. Come sit on a face or two, or see if you can make someone fail at being a human statue. There may be a little pet play go on, a little denial play.

We won't talk about what it takes to be let into the rest room tonight...

For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright fetish wear, patrons may be offered revealing clubwear instead. Things that will look mesmerizing in the lights of the club ranging from neon colors to clothes that seem to flash on the dance floor. The music will be thrumming in the air, pumping down to your very bones as you dance the night away, and all patrons will feel good. It will feel as if they could actually dance all night if they so wanted, even without the aid of any drugs.

It will be an all night rave with all the party drugs and drinks one could want! Live music plays all night. The band also loves to receive requests, so knock yourself out! They seem to strangely know any song they're asked to play.

Knock yourself out, give up any care in the world and have fun. You're already in Hell, so don't you deserve to feel good for a while?


Wildcard/Misc.

Don't see something you love but still want to get a feel for the game? Check out our extensive list of LOCATIONS and write up your very own prompt however you'd like to! You can also add a "NETWORK" post option to your TL for quick, easy, and fun interactions.



And without further ado: Welcome to our new TDM for the November 1st app round! As always, potential appers and characters already in game are welcomed to jump right in! This TDM counts as an additional game event as well as game canon for those coming into the game. If you app and are accepted, TDM tags become game canon and can be used for AC! Please have fun and don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have down below.

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.


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Comments

Billy Butcher | The Boys

[alotmorehorrible]

Jesus Wept

Oh, this was a bloody bad idea. Total shite. Would not recommend.

He knows it the minute he feels the piercing through his clothes, digging into his skin, and feels his arms get yanked up and part of him almost wants to pull loose, even if he knows it'll tear flesh. He can feel the warmth of blood trickling down, soaking through his clothes, and he shifts, bites back a growl.

"Let's get this over with, yeah?"

His list is riddled with some real nasty things. Murder (One count of being an accomplice to blowing a prick up by the arsehole, even. One whale slaughter), lies, betraying loved ones, blasphemy, wrath, violence, and a whole world of other dirty things he won't let himself hang his head in shame over if that's what old Luci wants. If that's what God wants. He grunts as the chains shift, tug a little harder on his flesh.

"Fuck, this guy loves the sound of his own voice, doesn't he? Be tempting to take a couple hooks through the ears if it stopped that."

Follow Me Down 1

There's some band playing loud enough, it drowns out everything else around him. It's a violent rhythm, loud and quick and the vocalist is screaming some shite he can't make out, but it doesn't matter. He brings up the bottle of whiskey he got from somewhere around their little party and takes a swig.

"This shite always happen around here? Didn't peg Hell for one big party."

Follow Me Down 2

"Piss off. I'm only here for a drink." Not that he looks like he needs anymore, especially when he couldn't even keep which side was the normal side of the club straight. He's got some scantily clad woman trying to whisper in his ear and he pulls away, ignores the guys crawling on their hands and knees, or the demon acting like a table as he makes a beeline for the bar.

He settles on a stool heavily, leans on the bar and waits for the bartender to finish serving whoever's down at the end. If he feels anyone too close, anyone brush up against him, he turns to give a glare. "Said I wasn't in the mood--"

Wildcard
[If there's something else you'd like to do, hit me up!]

Jesus Wept

[superdick]

Homelander isn't quite dressed for this very special occasion. Dark jeans, grey t-shirt, arm in a fucking sling. He's rocking unkempt bed hair, his jaw peppered with stubble accumulated over several days of not giving a fuck.

He rubs at his eyes, blinking with faint confusion at the restrained man, unsure if this is real or weird wet dream.

"Butcher. You're looking... stretched."

[alotmorehorrible]

"Homelander?" What the actual fuck, mate? He hadn't realized it was him, not as dark and dreary as everything is... and definitely not in those clothes. While he can't say he's surprised to see him rotting in Hell, he's surprised to see him in the shape he's in.

He's probably fucked now, too.

"Oh, I'm good. Don't you worry your head about me. But what the fuck happened to your arm? Finally too big of a cunt to a big, bad demon?"

[superdick]

Well, he's been a cunt to his fair share of big, bad demons, but Homelander has no fucking idea who or what broke his arm, and why they left the rest of him intact.

He gives a tired shrug.

"Happened during the latest rebellion against--" he points at his ear, "--that asshole."

At least Lucifer is done droning on about pain and freedom and redemption and all that crap. Those little speeches are beyond tiresome -- they're near nauseating at this point.

"So... any preferences?" He glances back at the table spread of torture implements. "Or would you rather I just stand back and... you know."

[alotmorehorrible]

"Rebellion..." He snorts, rolls his eyes. What, did he miss the fucking revolt against Lucifer himself? He's almost disappointed. "Not sucking any cock yet to get to get some power in this place? Color me surprised."

He squints at the table, looking over the instruments, look at Homelander and the chains and the fucking cunts watching them from the shadows. "Oh, you'd love either one, wouldn't you?"

[superdick]

Well, that's frankly offensive, accusing him of sucking cock for power. That's never been something he was any good at. It requires too much false humility.

"What, you think I'm into this?"

He shoots the table a disdainful look. If he's gonna torture somebody, he prefers doing it hands on, and on his own terms -- this overly elaborate, medieval setup doesn't really do it for him.

"You really overestimate how much I give a damn." Get that ego in check, pal. It's not Homelander who's got the hard-on for revenge. "Do you want my help, or do you wanna tough guy it out?"

[alotmorehorrible]

Hey, maybe it is a little unfair, but how's he to know what levels Homelander would sink to without all the proper adoration of cameras and arseholes creaming their knickers for him.

The real Hell is this situation. The hooks pull at his flesh and he knows what's coming, but fucking hell... the thought of asking Homelander for anything almost makes the thought of that death worth it.

"This is fucking diabolical of the horned fucker running this place. Here I thought God might've been the biggest cunt of them all." He's rethinking that at the moment, but then if that list of his is to be believed? God's still in the lead for all that.

"Fucking get it over with already, then." That's as close to please as he's getting, and as close as he can get to how messed up this situation is that he's giving fucking Homelander free shots at him.

"Don't keep us waiting."

[superdick]

"Well, since you asked so nicely..."

He's pretty sure that's Butcher-speak for pretty pleasure with a sprinkle of sugar on top.

Homelander turns to face the implement table, resting his hand on his hip as he gives the list of Butcher's greatest hits a quick skim.

"You've got a pretty impressive rap sheet, Billy, I'll give you that."

It's varied, colorful, and pretty damn murderous.

"Got anything in particular you feel like atoning for?"

[alotmorehorrible]

"Just pick one and get on with it." This is all a load of shite anyway and he's not interested in playing along with any redemption games. He's only doing this because otherwise, he's going to be a nasty little smear on the ground.

"We both know none of this makes up for anything anyway, right?" If Homelander ever even feels guilty at all, and Billy fucking doubts it.

follow me down 2

[compelledtoprotect]

"Sorry. It's crowded."

The apology was automatic and he didn't even look up, simply leaned on the bar himself. Steve was big, really big compared to most people in the hotel, and the last thing he usually expected was for someone to actually challenge him, not that he couldn't live up to his looks. A fight would be sort of welcome at the moment actually. His own costume was black, and not much</> else, and not strictly his usual choice in clothing. Then again, when in Rome . . .

[alotmorehorrible]

"What the bloody hell are you in?" Weird fetishists aren't strictly a surprise, but it's more than he wanted to deal with.

"Just stay off me ass and we'll be fine."

fighting would be totally ok by the way, or walking away XD whatever works!

[compelledtoprotect]

Steve turned his head slightly to glance sideways at the man, taking in a lot more than it would appear. He decided that the man needed a shave and went back to his drink.

"In case you didn't notice, we're all stuck in something we didn't choose. I was being polite not mentioning your own outfit. Actually, I was being polite not noticing you at all. Now, unless you wanna hurt, I suggest you shut up and leave me alone."

[alotmorehorrible]

In case he didn't notice, Butcher came here in it and refused to fucking change out of it. He wasn't going to prance around like some cheap tart for fun. There's nothing fucking wrong with his outfit... and while he could say as much or ignore the bastard--

Maybe he's looking for a bit of a fight.

He takes a moment to slam back his drink before he's spinning around to throw a punch at this bloke's irritating fucking mug before he can react. Hopefully anyway.

can edit if needed!

[compelledtoprotect]

A child could have blocked the man. He telegraphed everything long before he made a move. Steve, by comparison, barely shifted. And yet his hand was there to catch that fist with no apparent effort at all. He didn't even rock at the force of the blow. Steve did, however, turn to slowly meet the man's eyes as he tightened his fingers, increasing the pressure and cementing his hold. It would hurt soon, and there was no chance that hand was being yanked back until he was good and ready to let go.

"You know, I didn't think you were that dumb. I mean, you look that stupid, but I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. Seems like I made a mistake." Steve was deadpan and calm, but he wouldn't stay that way long. Not if the idiot opened his mouth with anything but an apology.

This works!

[alotmorehorrible]

"Oi!" He growls, eyes narrowing when the asshole manages to catch his fist. He tugs at it, jaw tightening against the pain.

"Shut the fuck up and fight me like a man... if you've got the bollocks for it, that is."

[compelledtoprotect]

He should let the man go, but Steve wanted a fight too. He stood up slowly, still holding that fist, and looked down at the man, lifting a brow.

"One last chance asshole. You can still walk away."

[alotmorehorrible]

"Stop being a fucking cunt and do something about it." He is, at least. He brings up a knee. He's not above trying to knee a bastard right in the bollocks if it gets him some distance at least.

Follow me Down I

[lovelylaica]

Laica isn't sure what Hell is supposed to be. She'd never even heard of it before ending up here. She's also never heard music like this before. As much as she likes the dress they've put her in, it's certainly unlike anything she wore back home.

But chatting up handsome, if surly, men is something she has a bit of experience with. So there's that, at least. She shrugs and swallows the last of what's in her glass, then holds it out for him to refill.

What? He's got a bottle. And it's not like it costs anything. "I think we're supposed to sin more at these things so they can keep us longer."

[alotmorehorrible]

His eyebrows go up when he takes a look at the woman who's invited herself into his company. He wonders if she got shoved into that or if that's just her usual look, but that seems like a line of questioning he ought to avoid right now.

Not that he's known for his impeccable manners or anything.

Still, he goes to refill her glass when she holds it out. "Not fucking surprised. Anybody ever leave?"

[lovelylaica]

Manners are lovely, but sometimes a girl just wants to let her hair down. "Cheers, darling." She toasts him with the drink he so generously poured before sipping it.

"Some have, yes. Supposedly they're 'redeemed' and get to go home. But sometimes they come back again later." She shrugs. "Guess old habits die hard."

[alotmorehorrible]

"It's a crock of shite anyway. God's the biggest cunt there is... you think he's up there offering redemption for any of us?"

He could go on and on about this, all night if she'd let him. "We're just a game."

[lovelylaica]

Well. That's a new one. She blinks. "Your god is a gigantic cunt?" The mind boggles.

But it doesn't matter. "No, I believe this is some sort of trick of the Fade. The Maker isn't interested in this sort of redemption."

[alotmorehorrible]

"Tell me, in your world, do little kiddies die all over the place? Are people sold into fucking human trafficking and shit like that?"

He shrugs. "Because if so, your god's a gigantic cunt too and there's the proof."

But either way, yeah, it doesn't matter. "Trick of the Fade?"

[lovelylaica]

"Of course. The Maker turned from His creation because man, in his arrogance, trespassed upon the Golden City. Polluting it and turning it black." Her lips screw to the side. "And I don't think He manifests as a giant cunt, otherwise people would be more likely to refer to Him as 'She'."

It only stands to reason.

"The Fade is the realm of dreams and magic and demons. Demons often create constructs to trick the dreamers into staying there." It is the most logical explanation, after all.

[alotmorehorrible]

His lips curl into a slight smile at that and he shakes his head. "Big nasty cock then. Gotta be the biggest prick there is."

And not in the fun way.

Still, he pauses, listens to her explanation... and wonders just what the fucking kind of crazy story that is. "The fuck kinda afterlife do you have in your world, eh? That sounds like a trip."