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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2020-10-24 01:22 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #18

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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    invicto: (four.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-10-27 06:42 pm (UTC)(link)
    James could handle a good amount of pain, he even got off on it under the right circumstances, but right now it seemed as though those blades piercing into flesh were designed specifically to be as unpleasant as possible without driving him completely out of his mind.

    He sucked in a breath and held it in, tense and strained, eyebrows knitting together. His instinctive reaction was to curl his hand into a fist, but he resisted the urge, allowing the tools to cut into him, blood dripping down his hand and fingers, and into one of the bottles attached underneath the box.

    Though he wasn't one much for gentle gestures, he reached out with his other hand and gripped at Shion's shoulder, trying to help him stay calm throughout it all.
    savedbyasong: (but no...)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-10-31 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)
    He tried to remember how to breathe, tried to stay still, knowing that trying to move his hand would hurt even more than it already did. Red eyes filled with tears that he blinked away, determined to stay strong.

    The hand on his shoulder was a comfort and he tried to smile at James, bringing his own free hand up to touch the hand on his shoulder. The bottles filled with blood and his eyes drifted to them even as he tried to remember to breathe.

    "Not exactly... the best welcome... back."
    invicto: (three.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-01 01:33 pm (UTC)(link)
    The touch resting over his hand felt almost strange. Not a lot of people touched him like that, and in a lot of cases James might've been inclined to react violently. Again, with Shion, an exception was made. Besides, the touch was actually helping distract him from the blades cutting into his hand and wrist.

    At least the bottles were filling up quicker now, as more of their flesh was cut and more blood poured from the injuries. James didn't look, but he knew it probably wasn't pretty. The pain was getting greater but he'd been through so much worse already.

    "Would expect nothing less from this place," he said, voice strained, yet a rueful smile still on his face.
    savedbyasong: (sadness)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-01 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    Luckily it had not even crossed Shion's mind that James might react violently to being touched. He trusted James and James had reached out to comfort him first.

    More blood poured into the bottles, he was starting to tremble, pain and bloodloss combining.

    "Yeah... Nothing has changed."
    invicto: (four.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-04 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
    Not for the first time, it occurred to James that Shion really didn't belong here. Didn't matter to him how much crap he may have done, places like this existed for people like James. Shion looked as out of place in Hell as he always had. A shame it didn't see fitting to let him go while James was away.

    "We're almost there," he managed to say, voice strained, after a few good seconds of just wincing and suppressing noises of pain as blood poured from the cuts on his hand. His head felt a little light now, but he refused to show weakness. He'd bear through this... punishment, and once that was done he was getting them both the fuck out of here.
    savedbyasong: (we can't make it)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-05 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
    Tears were escaping and he blinks them away, trying to remain strong, not much longer. He just had to keep breathing, to hold in his sobs as the pain overtook him. The bottles were almost full.

    Breathe, breathe, he squeezed James' hand with his own, though he was aware himself that he was probably comforting himself more than James but for a moment there wasn't much in his head except for the pain, and despite the fact that James was doing a lot better than him at hiding it, he knew he was hurting too.

    Not much longer... The blood bottles were almost full now. Just breathe.
    invicto: (Default)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-06 04:25 pm (UTC)(link)
    James knew the hold on his hand was mostly Shion looking for some support, but he didn't mind. He was used to handling pain, he'd had a lot worse than this in the past, so even though it was affecting him, he did have some experience in keeping his reactions in check.

    Blood kept dripping and pouring, little by little filling in the bottles. The last bit seemed to take longer, or maybe it felt that way because James was fighting off the lightheadedness while keeping his eyes glued to the bottles. Even though he'd been through this before, for a moment he felt like it might all be some trick, a trap. The bottles would just never be filled, or they'd be replaced by others, again and again until they were both drained dry.

    Thankfully, after those last long seconds, the blades retracted, so suddenly that James couldn't help a loud, groaned sigh of sheer, intense relief when the pain was suddenly gone. He took his hand off the box, holding his bloodied hand to his own chest, giving into the weakness he felt and falling to his knees on the floor.
    savedbyasong: (I can't go on)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-08 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
    It was hard to concentrate, he felt dizzy and for a moment he thought it would never end, that they would pass out before the bottles were full. But then, as quickly as it started, the blades retracted. The pain didn't exactly stop, they were both still bleeding, but they could move.

    Shion rushed, half crawled over to James, scrubbing tears away with his non bloodied hand. He feels exhausted, but he reached out to take James' hand and raise it higher, trying to use his own sleeve to somehow stem the bleeding from both their hands.

    "We're done." His voice wasn't as loud as he wanted it to be but he called out to the guards who were probably just outside.
    invicto: (seven.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-09 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
    James's breaths were definitely heavier and more labored now, head feeling light despite his best efforts. He didn't struggle as Shion held his hand up, nor did he put up a fight either when the demons came barging in through the door, equipped with whatever necessary to heal their hands.

    He still had enough in him to startle and reach for the first demon to grab Shion's injured hand, but he was swiftly tugged aside, even as he growled and struggled in an attempt to stop them from further injuring Shion, by either cutting his hand off or killing him. But instead, they were both healed, albeit with some resistance, and James didn't spare a shove and kick at the nearest demons by the time they were done. "Fuckers."

    He turned back to Shion. "You alright?" His hand looked healed, at least. James moved to get to his feet, trying to get Shion to stand too. "Let's get out of here."
    savedbyasong: (sad)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-11 07:54 pm (UTC)(link)
    Shion was a lot more passive, if not exactly calm as he was grabbed and healed. He thanked the demon quietly, even if he just got an ugly laugh and a small shove as the demon walked off.

    He was still dizzy but his hand was healed so he scrambled to his feet, glad of James' help. "Yes, are you?"

    He took a shaky step towards the door, not planning on staying in here longer than he had to.
    invicto: (one.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-12 02:09 pm (UTC)(link)
    "I'm fine," he said, brusque and borderline dismissive. Not that he doubted that Shion really cared, but James wasn't used to that, and he was loathe to come across as weak. With his hand healed, there was even less reason for him to show any weakness, and he mustered all the strength he had in getting them out of the room.

    "Don't have my room anymore, though," he said, since last time he'd carried Shion there. Did he even remember that? Hell if James knew. "Let's go to the kitchen. We should grab some water."
    savedbyasong: (if you're sure...)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-14 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
    Shion did remember, it wasn't often he forgot things and even though he had been very hurt, that day was fuzzy, but he remembered James' kindness still.

    "Water is a good idea... I live out in one of the houses now, so it's a bit of a distance. But we can go there if you want."

    Water still had to come first so Shion moved towards the kitchen.
    invicto: (eight.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-15 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
    James considered that offer. Honestly, he'd give anything not to have to sleep in the same room with two random strangers, so if Shion meant that offer, he might actually take him up on it, probably for a night or two. He probably wouldn't even expect James to pay him back in some way, although he would still feel indebted to him.

    "Later," he said finally, as he urged them down the hallway. Some water first, maybe something to eat too, if only to replenish some of their strength. James didn't feel like venturing anywhere without being sure he could handle himself in a fight. "Do you live with anyone?"
    savedbyasong: (small smile)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-15 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
    Shion nodded, completely serious. They had spare bedrooms and plenty of room, far more room than they needed for the two of them honestly.

    "Yes." He nodded, "Nezumi. I'm not sure if you met him... Before I mean, he's been here the same amount of time as I have."
    invicto: (five.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-17 01:20 am (UTC)(link)
    James would've refused, were it anyone else. But strange though it was, Shion was still one of the very few people he would actually trust in this place.

    "I haven't. But so long as he doesn't mind me being there, I won't get in his way." James was fairly good at keeping to himself, so that shouldn't be a problem. Not like he was planning on overstaying his welcome anyway.
    savedbyasong: (small smile)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-18 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
    "I am sure he won't mind."

    He might, but not in a serious way. He would probably just lecture Shion about trusting strangers, as if James was a stranger and not a friend.

    "We can go there once we've we've had a drink..." It's a distance enough away that it would be foolish to try and get there without first getting something to drink. "I can make us something to eat."
    invicto: (eight.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-18 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
    He probably wouldn't be wrong about the dangers of trusting James, for what it's worth. Who knows how quickly James might turn against him if a situation calls for it? Even he can't say for sure. But at least for the time being, Nezumi doesn't have much to worry about.

    He hums lightly and nods, and once they reach the kitchen, he heads over to the cupboards to get them both glasses, filling them up with water. He hands one to Shion, then sips from his own, his head at least feeling a little clearer.
    savedbyasong: (sadness)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-22 11:14 am (UTC)(link)
    "Thank you." He smiled as he took the glass in shaking hands and began to sip. The water made him feel better almost instantly, the vague nausea fading. He closed his eyes and took a breath.
    invicto: (five.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-26 12:09 pm (UTC)(link)
    James nodded wordlessly at the thanks, sipping from his own glass. Aside from eating and sleeping, there wasn't much else they could do to recover from the minor blood loss. At least they weren't bleeding anymore, though his hand still twitched from the memory of that sensation.

    He turned his attention back to Shion, balling his hand into a fist. "How are you? Overall, I mean. How are things here?"
    savedbyasong: (not sure)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-11-28 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
    It was a strange feeling, to have been in so much pain and now that pain to be gone, like it never existed in the first place. More than a sewn up wound, no lingering ache to suggest anything had happened.

    "I'm okay... A lot has happened but it's hell... Things always happen. Things are a little quieter now that I live out of the hotel."

    It didn't shield him from the horrors, but it was a place he and Nezumi could shelter at least, much like Nezumi's home had been a haven in West Town.
    invicto: (five.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-11-28 09:11 pm (UTC)(link)
    He expected that much. Of course things kept happening, shit kept going down. Nevertheless, it was surprising to find that so much was still the same, despite a few changes here or there. Guess it must be a more controlled experiment than James thought it was, just before he vanished.

    "I always wondered if things wouldn't be more dangerous out there," he said. Worried, even. Jim had shown interested in moving into those homes, just before his disappeared. He wouldn't be surprised if that was where Jim was living now. Provided he was still around...

    Anyway, best to not think about that right now. "Guess I was wrong, huh."
    savedbyasong: (small smile)

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-12-02 04:48 am (UTC)(link)
    "It's different I guess... We are in more danger from anything outside, anything the hotel can shield us from. But we are a... little less likely to be randomly grabbed by the demons."

    And there was less danger from the other guests, not that Shion had had a problem with any of them but Nezumi trusted no one.

    "It's good though... to have somewhere like that to be."
    invicto: (two.)

    [personal profile] invicto 2020-12-02 01:58 pm (UTC)(link)
    James nodded, finishing his glass of water and setting it down on the sink. "That makes sense."

    After all, the hotel was full of its own dangers. Torture rooms, forced sex shows, or just the random demon itching to start a fight. Plus, whatever the fuck kept happening with the basement. And yes, James had to agree with Nezumi there; didn't hurt to be suspicious of the other sinners hanging around.

    "Suppose it must be, then," he nodded, looking away. He wasn't sure what to do from here, but he'd have to check who was still around. Part of him was worried he'd find Jim gone, or worse yet, settled down with someone else. Whatever, he'd just work it out on his own. He'd always been on his own before anyway, so what difference did it make?

    "Let's get going, then?"
    savedbyasong: (small smile)

    wrap?

    [personal profile] savedbyasong 2020-12-05 09:26 am (UTC)(link)
    "Okay." Shion nodded, he still felt weak, a little trembly but overall a lot better for drinking the water.

    It was a little bit of a walk to the houses but not so far that he was worried and once they got there they could eat.

    He smiled at James again and led the way.