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penancememes2021-05-25 01:59 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2021-05-25 01:59 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #24
Arrival
"Judgement has come upon you. God has deemed you worthy of Hell. But don't worry, it can still be undone," comes a soothing voice that echoes all around you. The voice promises comfort, hope even.
It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.
It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.
And so you do.
Darkness consumes you for a second.
Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody with a contract clutched in their uninjured hand that they don't remember signing.
Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples.
If they look at the list in their hand, they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment that details every sin they've committed.
As they move along the queue, they'll find a demon waiting to pass them a communication device that looks almost like a very old Blackberry type phone.
"Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line. This trip is gonna take longer, but at least you get a vacation..."
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall until they come to a set of stairs. They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a door that's alight with white energy. Stepping through, they find themselves on an island.
There's a demon with striking animal features waiting at the start of a long path where an old castle can be seen looming over a quaint, old village. There's music on the air, celebrations clearly taking place. It's explained that while Lucifer rests and recovers, Mammon will be taking his place. Hell is, for the moment, a pleasurable experience they will heartily insist.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a trek ahead still. The demon urges them on.
Stand Your Ground The weather is crisp and pleasant in Mammon's domain. It seems to always be a beautiful day and a beautiful night, no matter what. Sinners should rejoice since this isn't very often the case when it comes to the actual Penance community.
While the energy in the air is as pleasant as ever, it's becoming quite obvious that there are unusual creatures roaming the area. Large dragons circle the woods surrounding the village and lately and often attempt to add to their hoard, other oddities have been slithering out. Chimeras of multiple animals wander free in any horrifying combination one can think of. Deer mixed with creatures far more predatory, bears mixed with wolves, other animals are sewn together in grotesque ways. It seems that with Mammon's attention directed towards the battle, he lost a bit of control over his... projects.
Some are aggressive, others are not. They are all, however, a very alarming show of Mammon's greed and lust for more.
Not to worry! Mammon and his servants will assure everyone that the situation is perfectly under control and that the animals are suffering very little to not at all. He just needs a piece to the puzzle to make certain that these new beasts have a productive, happy life. He will also be offering rewards to those who catch these critters unharmed and return them to the castle for safe keeping.
Rewards may take the form of extra food at the taverns, special rooms at the brothels, or a makeover at the salon and fine clothing to match.
Aside from the projects running around, guests may be delighted to see miniature dragons gallivanting around, no larger than the standard chihuahua but most the size of a palm. Some puff little bits of flame, others carry a slightly poisonous bite, but they're all absolutely adorable... and absolutely escaped the pet shop. To prevent larger animals from eating these little guys up, the shop is encouraging everyone to catch one or two or three. They may either choose to keep the little guys or hand them back to the store for safekeeping and a reward of golden Lucifer tokens for the upcoming Dark Carnival.
That's right! It's almost that time of the year again, folks! It seems like the annual affair will be held at Mammon's domain rather than Penance proper. There are promises of no clowns or human zoos this time around, so... that's a positive, right? A section of the village has been roped off and citizens are busy at work setting up decorations, booths, and a few other attractions such as rides and what appears to be a haunted house in a decrepit old building in the village. Careful! Whatever objects are being moved into the establishment do seem to carry actual spirits attached to them.
Should guests be inclined, they may offer a helping hand, but they will not be forced to do so this time.
Everybody Needs a Holiday While it may be a little disorienting to not only go to Hell, but to be on a sudden vacation, Mammon’s domain is actually very inviting!
Upon entry, there is lively music in the streets and, worth noting, the demons in this area of Hell seem far more hedonistic than those found in Penance proper. They wear fine clothing, silks and furs, and expensive jewelry. A lot of them have adopted animal characteristics or sport various types of body modifications. They're strangely beautiful creatures overall. Although with all of Mammon's 'projects' on the loose, it does make one wonder if they've adopted these characteristics naturally or if there's something more sinister going on...
Best to not wonder about that so much.
The village itself is quaint and old-fashioned, but everyone seems to be rather pleasant. There may be darker aspects to explore for those inclined, but they are nowhere near apparent on the surface. It's sure to be uncovered later, however...
The incubi and succubi in this area seem to be particularly breathtaking and enticing, but sinners will be urged back on track, should anyone seem to be drifting. There will be time to explore later!
For now, everyone will be encouraged to go to the castle and be shown to their rooms. While they will follow the usual housing assignments to avoid further upset to the sinners' routine, the floor plans will be a bit different. Bathing will be done in communal areas with walls separating the showers and large baths that always seem to run the perfect temperature. None of the rooms will have private bathrooms or kitchens attached. All rooms will have a common area attached to lounge in, however. It will have plenty of available seating for entertaining.
No one will have private kitchens, but room service is available at all hours with anything the sinners could desire available. Maybe even things they never thought they would...
TVs, computers, and other familiar electronics will be unavailable and non-existent in Mammon's realm, but there is a library contained within the castle with fiction and non-fiction from Earth (and beyond) all available for perusing. Devices will continue to function as normal.
Mammon's garden will be available for viewing. In every establishment and all around the castle, there's a cider available freely that seems to encourage a good mood and lower inhibitions. The effects aren't overwhelming, but the more one drinks, the stronger they may become as it builds up. Each night, there will also be an option to attend dinner in a rather grand hall, which Mammon frequently attends. There's always a large spread of food and spiced wines and ales available, as well as decadent desserts and other tempting treats. There's frequently live music or succubi dancing for entertainment.
Overall, the atmosphere in Mammon's realm seems to be focused on luxury, indulgence, greed, and sloth.
[It's recommended that everyone read thoroughly through the new location information as it contains helpful hints on what there is to do while on this vacation! It has a list of shops, animals, vendors, etc. Plus a little bit of information regarding Mammon's land itself.]
Reach Up High For those who still desire to work on their contracts and remove sins from their list despite the fact this is a vacation, there will be opportunities available! They won't even require suffering... much. Rounding up creatures, saving dragons, or helping the carnival set up are all considered good enough deeds to remove one sin from a contract. This is one sin over all, not per deed.
At least it doesn't require any painful torture... though there may be opportunity abound for that as well, if someone wants to go that route...
Under the Surface Of course this is still Hell. There has to be something going on once in a while, right? Walk down just the right street and sinners may see delectable tortures being carried out in seedy back alley establishments. Loving cuts with knives, harsh blows with whips while your sins are repeated for all to hear. Even the torture seems to have a hedonistic approach and debauchery about it.
Are the victims truly suffering or are they being redeemed in the best of ways? Those who decide to participate may soon realize that the cider everyone has been consuming seems to add a layer of euphoria to pain and punishments. While this isn't necessarily sexual in nature, it encourages a sense of good well-being after and sinners may become addicted to pain.
The crash may not be too fun though, watch out for that.
There are also other vendors in this area that are offering drugs of all varieties, as well as questionable photos of other sinners engaging in true acts of misdeed, unlike the comic shop that seems to be more embarrassing than not. Perfect chance to get that blackmail of your enemy killing that guy...
There seems to be a new vendor in town too. The figure's table seems to be set up like a fortune teller's booth, complete with a crystal ball and the pungent smell of cheap incense. He beckons those who dare look near, urges them to take a seat in front of the booth. The figure remains in dark robes, hood drawn to obscure their face. The only visible part of them seem to be their hands. Unlike the animal-like demons of Mammon's domain, this one seems to have human hands with sharp, yellowed nails. They offer knowledge in exchange for something you will not miss in return, they assure. What is it? Well, they refuse to say. Nothing important, nothing important.
Ask anything! It can be about a specific occurrence back home, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, or something as simple as what does Lucifer truly want. Keep in mind that a price will be taken down the line and it may not be something the sinner actually wanted to lose. Ah, well...
[For knowledge based transactions, please respond here. If a character asks a question of their homeworld or something in their future, players may assume they are told a bit of information on the topic without waiting for mod approval. If a character asks something related to Hell, please wait for a response. Regardless of answer type, please respond to the thread linked here so that you can later receive a decision on what your character has given up for this knowledge. It may be a memory, a temporary loss of a sense, a year or so off their lives (when they return home), lack of resilience to sin, etc. Please be aware that signing up does mean consequences at a later date... and these may not come from Mammon or Lucifer.]
Follow Me Down WARNINGS: sexual themes, animal-like behavior, dub/non-con potentials, implied bathroom play, mating.
It seems there's a trickster somewhere, somehow who spiked the cider. Naughty little devil! Those who are unfortunate enough to drink the tainted cider may find themselves developing animal-like traits, such as enhanced senses, animalistic urges, and a general need to be territorial or possessive. They may find the urge to keep to their pack or to branch out and find a new one. This may also result in features, such as fangs or claw-like nails that may or may not retract. Sinners will find themselves reverting back to a primal nature that they may not be able to resist.
How utterly embarrassing!
Don't worry, these effects only last a couple days at most before they will fade completely! Unfortunately, 'animal-like traits' may also extend to mating rituals. Sinners may find themselves going into heat. While knotting or other traits will not be apparent, sinners will find themselves desperate for intimate contact. This may mean a poor sinner in heat will be mated by several lovers in a row as their scent inevitably draws them in, there may also be possessive behavior displayed that results in biting and marking, and others wanting to mark their territory in ways that would make even the most seasoned succubus blush.
It may also mean those inflicted with the heat-like state, will present themselves to those they find attractive as mates or find other ways to entice them to get what they want.
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 June 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.
Navigation
| Premise
| Arrival
| FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
It may seem like a nightmare at first, despite all of that. Full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. Wretched, unseen hands pull at you, grip tight at your body, tighten on your throat, skeletal fingers grab at your face, slide in your mouth and jab at your eyes as they struggle for purchase. It feels like for a moment, they may snap your neck as they tug and pull. The more you resist, the more phantom hands are added to your struggling body.
It feels like they could tear you apart if you let them. The only thing to do is to let go and stop fighting.
And so you do.
Darkness consumes you for a second.
Initially, everyone opens their eyes to a long, dark corridor made of stone. They find themselves in what appears to be a long queue with other sinners, palm bloody with a contract clutched in their uninjured hand that they don't remember signing.
Characters find their bodies feel heavy and stiff, bruised with odd hand prints here and there that they received during their journey down below. A massive headache throbs behind their temples.
If they look at the list in their hand, they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment that details every sin they've committed.
As they move along the queue, they'll find a demon waiting to pass them a communication device that looks almost like a very old Blackberry type phone.
"Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line. This trip is gonna take longer, but at least you get a vacation..."
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall until they come to a set of stairs. They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a door that's alight with white energy. Stepping through, they find themselves on an island.
There's a demon with striking animal features waiting at the start of a long path where an old castle can be seen looming over a quaint, old village. There's music on the air, celebrations clearly taking place. It's explained that while Lucifer rests and recovers, Mammon will be taking his place. Hell is, for the moment, a pleasurable experience they will heartily insist.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of a trek ahead still. The demon urges them on.
Stand Your Ground The weather is crisp and pleasant in Mammon's domain. It seems to always be a beautiful day and a beautiful night, no matter what. Sinners should rejoice since this isn't very often the case when it comes to the actual Penance community.
While the energy in the air is as pleasant as ever, it's becoming quite obvious that there are unusual creatures roaming the area. Large dragons circle the woods surrounding the village and lately and often attempt to add to their hoard, other oddities have been slithering out. Chimeras of multiple animals wander free in any horrifying combination one can think of. Deer mixed with creatures far more predatory, bears mixed with wolves, other animals are sewn together in grotesque ways. It seems that with Mammon's attention directed towards the battle, he lost a bit of control over his... projects.
Some are aggressive, others are not. They are all, however, a very alarming show of Mammon's greed and lust for more.
Not to worry! Mammon and his servants will assure everyone that the situation is perfectly under control and that the animals are suffering very little to not at all. He just needs a piece to the puzzle to make certain that these new beasts have a productive, happy life. He will also be offering rewards to those who catch these critters unharmed and return them to the castle for safe keeping.
Rewards may take the form of extra food at the taverns, special rooms at the brothels, or a makeover at the salon and fine clothing to match.
Aside from the projects running around, guests may be delighted to see miniature dragons gallivanting around, no larger than the standard chihuahua but most the size of a palm. Some puff little bits of flame, others carry a slightly poisonous bite, but they're all absolutely adorable... and absolutely escaped the pet shop. To prevent larger animals from eating these little guys up, the shop is encouraging everyone to catch one or two or three. They may either choose to keep the little guys or hand them back to the store for safekeeping and a reward of golden Lucifer tokens for the upcoming Dark Carnival.
That's right! It's almost that time of the year again, folks! It seems like the annual affair will be held at Mammon's domain rather than Penance proper. There are promises of no clowns or human zoos this time around, so... that's a positive, right? A section of the village has been roped off and citizens are busy at work setting up decorations, booths, and a few other attractions such as rides and what appears to be a haunted house in a decrepit old building in the village. Careful! Whatever objects are being moved into the establishment do seem to carry actual spirits attached to them.
Should guests be inclined, they may offer a helping hand, but they will not be forced to do so this time.
Everybody Needs a Holiday While it may be a little disorienting to not only go to Hell, but to be on a sudden vacation, Mammon’s domain is actually very inviting!
Upon entry, there is lively music in the streets and, worth noting, the demons in this area of Hell seem far more hedonistic than those found in Penance proper. They wear fine clothing, silks and furs, and expensive jewelry. A lot of them have adopted animal characteristics or sport various types of body modifications. They're strangely beautiful creatures overall. Although with all of Mammon's 'projects' on the loose, it does make one wonder if they've adopted these characteristics naturally or if there's something more sinister going on...
Best to not wonder about that so much.
The village itself is quaint and old-fashioned, but everyone seems to be rather pleasant. There may be darker aspects to explore for those inclined, but they are nowhere near apparent on the surface. It's sure to be uncovered later, however...
The incubi and succubi in this area seem to be particularly breathtaking and enticing, but sinners will be urged back on track, should anyone seem to be drifting. There will be time to explore later!
For now, everyone will be encouraged to go to the castle and be shown to their rooms. While they will follow the usual housing assignments to avoid further upset to the sinners' routine, the floor plans will be a bit different. Bathing will be done in communal areas with walls separating the showers and large baths that always seem to run the perfect temperature. None of the rooms will have private bathrooms or kitchens attached. All rooms will have a common area attached to lounge in, however. It will have plenty of available seating for entertaining.
No one will have private kitchens, but room service is available at all hours with anything the sinners could desire available. Maybe even things they never thought they would...
TVs, computers, and other familiar electronics will be unavailable and non-existent in Mammon's realm, but there is a library contained within the castle with fiction and non-fiction from Earth (and beyond) all available for perusing. Devices will continue to function as normal.
Mammon's garden will be available for viewing. In every establishment and all around the castle, there's a cider available freely that seems to encourage a good mood and lower inhibitions. The effects aren't overwhelming, but the more one drinks, the stronger they may become as it builds up. Each night, there will also be an option to attend dinner in a rather grand hall, which Mammon frequently attends. There's always a large spread of food and spiced wines and ales available, as well as decadent desserts and other tempting treats. There's frequently live music or succubi dancing for entertainment.
Overall, the atmosphere in Mammon's realm seems to be focused on luxury, indulgence, greed, and sloth.
[It's recommended that everyone read thoroughly through the new location information as it contains helpful hints on what there is to do while on this vacation! It has a list of shops, animals, vendors, etc. Plus a little bit of information regarding Mammon's land itself.]
Reach Up High For those who still desire to work on their contracts and remove sins from their list despite the fact this is a vacation, there will be opportunities available! They won't even require suffering... much. Rounding up creatures, saving dragons, or helping the carnival set up are all considered good enough deeds to remove one sin from a contract. This is one sin over all, not per deed.
At least it doesn't require any painful torture... though there may be opportunity abound for that as well, if someone wants to go that route...
Under the Surface Of course this is still Hell. There has to be something going on once in a while, right? Walk down just the right street and sinners may see delectable tortures being carried out in seedy back alley establishments. Loving cuts with knives, harsh blows with whips while your sins are repeated for all to hear. Even the torture seems to have a hedonistic approach and debauchery about it.
Are the victims truly suffering or are they being redeemed in the best of ways? Those who decide to participate may soon realize that the cider everyone has been consuming seems to add a layer of euphoria to pain and punishments. While this isn't necessarily sexual in nature, it encourages a sense of good well-being after and sinners may become addicted to pain.
The crash may not be too fun though, watch out for that.
There are also other vendors in this area that are offering drugs of all varieties, as well as questionable photos of other sinners engaging in true acts of misdeed, unlike the comic shop that seems to be more embarrassing than not. Perfect chance to get that blackmail of your enemy killing that guy...
There seems to be a new vendor in town too. The figure's table seems to be set up like a fortune teller's booth, complete with a crystal ball and the pungent smell of cheap incense. He beckons those who dare look near, urges them to take a seat in front of the booth. The figure remains in dark robes, hood drawn to obscure their face. The only visible part of them seem to be their hands. Unlike the animal-like demons of Mammon's domain, this one seems to have human hands with sharp, yellowed nails. They offer knowledge in exchange for something you will not miss in return, they assure. What is it? Well, they refuse to say. Nothing important, nothing important.
Ask anything! It can be about a specific occurrence back home, the answer to life, the universe, and everything, or something as simple as what does Lucifer truly want. Keep in mind that a price will be taken down the line and it may not be something the sinner actually wanted to lose. Ah, well...
[For knowledge based transactions, please respond here. If a character asks a question of their homeworld or something in their future, players may assume they are told a bit of information on the topic without waiting for mod approval. If a character asks something related to Hell, please wait for a response. Regardless of answer type, please respond to the thread linked here so that you can later receive a decision on what your character has given up for this knowledge. It may be a memory, a temporary loss of a sense, a year or so off their lives (when they return home), lack of resilience to sin, etc. Please be aware that signing up does mean consequences at a later date... and these may not come from Mammon or Lucifer.]
Follow Me Down WARNINGS: sexual themes, animal-like behavior, dub/non-con potentials, implied bathroom play, mating.
It seems there's a trickster somewhere, somehow who spiked the cider. Naughty little devil! Those who are unfortunate enough to drink the tainted cider may find themselves developing animal-like traits, such as enhanced senses, animalistic urges, and a general need to be territorial or possessive. They may find the urge to keep to their pack or to branch out and find a new one. This may also result in features, such as fangs or claw-like nails that may or may not retract. Sinners will find themselves reverting back to a primal nature that they may not be able to resist.
How utterly embarrassing!
Don't worry, these effects only last a couple days at most before they will fade completely! Unfortunately, 'animal-like traits' may also extend to mating rituals. Sinners may find themselves going into heat. While knotting or other traits will not be apparent, sinners will find themselves desperate for intimate contact. This may mean a poor sinner in heat will be mated by several lovers in a row as their scent inevitably draws them in, there may also be possessive behavior displayed that results in biting and marking, and others wanting to mark their territory in ways that would make even the most seasoned succubus blush.
It may also mean those inflicted with the heat-like state, will present themselves to those they find attractive as mates or find other ways to entice them to get what they want.
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 June 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.
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes
no subject
The nap had really and truly helped to revitalize the little one, as she started having a grand time of flitting about the shop in the hat. Kisara puzzled briefly over how to encourage the dear thing that it was time to depart when the hat was placed on her head instead. Instinctively she reached up to touch the brim and readjust it slightly.]
You will see it again.
[If he did have ulterior motives, she was oblivious to them. Yes, he had pointed out the dresses to her and help steer her clear of the inappropriate or wildly uncomfortable articles that were available but then he hadn't said much else about them.
She had intended to help carry some of the bags but when she was distracted by little Kisara, Seto beat her to them. Stubborn man. She smiled though, he was determined but he was looking out for her. What a rare treat.
The thought of hand holding had admittedly crossed her mind when he had offered his to shake having nearly misinterpreted the gesture. Ah, but Seto was a businessman, it would seem, and handshakes were like contracts before implement was set to papyrus to seal the deal. She hurried along to catch up and walk beside him.]
no subject
[and he was quite adamant about it. no arguments, no exceptions. that was that.
kaiba falls silent until they reach the castle. once they hit a split in the hall, he turns to kisara and regards her with concern. that exchange in the shop had been a bit rough, but now he was reserved. composed. addressing her as if she really were just another human being. except she's not and could never be.]
I want to show you something. Back in my room.
[or the sorry space that he shared with some crazy people. the one thing he hated most in this world.]
But I know back in the day, it would have been inappropriate. So it's up to you.
no subject
Please, do not be too set in your aims to not take an opportunity if it is presented to you. I couldn't bear the guilt of your remaining here just for me.
[She spoke solemnly and to deaf ears, knowing that he was not prepared to accept this possibility. The chivalrous claim warmed her heart but it also filled her with fear for his soul.
Likewise, she also fell silent trying desperately not to think of everything that could go horribly awry. The journey back to the castle went swiftly but the point where they were meant to split came too soon.
Asking her to accompany him to her room was bold, and it did give her some pause but he had done nothing to stir her suspicion. She already knew that he saw her as a dragon first, not as a woman so it was unlikely that he would overstep his bounds. Plus, she wanted to believe that anyone with that soul would not be inclined to take advantage of her]
I will go with you. [Truthfully, she trusted him more than her roommates which were strangers in every sense to her] We are not in my time and there is little that seemed inappropriate here.
no subject
kaiba nods and takes her up to his quarters. no one was around at the moment; little kisara flops onto his bed and he gestures for big kisara to join her.]
Most people will leave you alone. And the demons won't be a problem either.
[only a fool attacks a dragon, even unwittingly. bending down to his nightstand, he removes his deck.]
So you don't have to run anymore. If anyone gives you trouble, White Lightning their ass.
[...or maybe don't take that advice. he still had no idea how tenuous her control actually was over that form.]
no subject
Kisara followed along making note of how many doors they passed on the way down the hall. She took the seat that was offered on the bed watching little Kisara get settled.]
Do they leave you alone?
[Would everyone be able to perceive the beast her form was concealing? He removed something from the nightstand she didn't quite see but it was small and fit in the palm of his hand]
I'm not sure where I would run to.. [Not here. At the thoughts of violence her lips curved into a frown, though she didn't mention her usual lack of control over said power. The problem with that energy is that it could be wild and unstoppable the targets were usually smaller than the blast meaning the buildings in this city would be in danger and thus their occupants.]
no subject
[and kisara can interpret that however she likes. he offers no further explanation.
kaiba slides next to her on the bed but puts a polite amount of space between them. she may have consented to this but he has no wish to make her nervous, to unintentionally play the part of a man pressuring a woman. sifting through his deck, he pulls out none other than the blue-eyes white dragon, handing her the card so she can take a look.]
This is it. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon. A man by the name of Pegasus painted it and made it real.
[the card almost seems to hum, as if recognizing its namesake. and maybe it could.]
You are real. You never died, Kisara. You live on, in my deck and in that card.
no subject
It isn't until he sits near her that she really takes stock of just how alone they are and how this would normally be a decidedly short-sighted thing to agree to. Somehow she just has a sense that she will be safe here with the man who bore a resemblance to someone she held so dear. Maybe this Seto too would become such an important figure in her life. It was no coincidence that they had met.
When she first got a glance at the artwork, her lips parted but no words emerged, she stared at it both in fascination and apprehension. Seto might hold this part of her in high regard, but the magnificent creature had caused her so much trouble during the course of her association with it. Knowing it was tied to her soul, that she was the dragon in question didn't alleviate how it also felt like something separate like having a split personality. This was the first she was able to gaze upon a semi-realistic representation of that part of herself and it was a powerful experience. She could sense the energy of the card, the magic it was infused with. Her hand reached out to grasp it but she hesitated her fingertips skimming the surface. Then she accepted it to take a close look.]
I lived on in this form to protect the priest. [A beat passed as her eyes flitted from the card to focus on Seto's features.] .. and later you. [Having spent some time with him already, it was like she was really seeing him for the first time. If her soul, what was left of it, had accepted this man and allowed him to wield her strength then he must be a very significant person indeed. What had made him capable of those flashes of stern authoritative coldness, who had driven him into needing to employ those tactics. There was so much she wanted to know about this man, and if she could help heal his emotional wounds. The fact that she even wanted to, after such a brief introduction told her that she had made the right decision in following him. Her free hand sought his as a reflex.]
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You did. You protected me. You saved me. Myself, my brother, my life. You did all of that.
[it wasn't often that he lost composure, at least outside his own anger. but his voice cracks. and he can't help but think about that blue-eyes, drawn all in crayon, that motivated him thus far. that drove him to escape the terrible place that was gozaburo's grasp. he made something of himself, because of her. and he became something much greater.
he lifts their joined hands and presses his forehead against them. he looks like he might cry, if he even could anymore.]
You never died. And you never failed, not once. It's why we have to go together.
[kisara was the last person who belonged in hell. and maybe on the back of a blue eyes, they could...]
I can't leave you behind ever again, Kisara. So don't say that to me.
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As he attributed all these accomplishments to her, Kisara couldn't help but feel as if he might be exaggerating but she also didn't feel as if she could fully refute him, not when he was opening up to her about this. Seto didn't strike her as the sort of person that liked to admit when he needed to depend on someone else, he just seemed too confident, too controlled earlier in the day. It was just so hard to envision herself as some great savior, even if she had tried to protect someone in the past.]
Surely you must have had a hand in these things as well?
[Replying humbly, gaze not slipping from his. Her breathing hitched when he drew her hand upward unsure at first where this was leading. The pained expression that followed was difficult to bear.
Never failed. How nice it would be if that were true. This time she held her tongue. Her demise had been painful, having used her body to shield the priest so she knew her death had also been real. Her physical form had perished, but her spirit had lived on. There was no need to make this clarification. If they did manage it, if they left together what would await her on the other side?]
I'm sorry. I did not realize how insensitive I must have sounded earlier. [For whatever reason Seto did care about her on some level and he had raised her to such a pedestal, someone he had never met before. At least not in this way, so that she could converse with him.
Or so she thought, since she didn't know about their "first" meeting. Those that survived and were left behind did suffer in the knowledge that someone else died in their place... she hadn't considered that.Had her priest felt this crushing level of remorse? Was that partially fueling this conversation by their mutual connections?]
I can't say what will happen later.. but I won't do anything that will knowingly lead to my further confinement.
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so he had to be seto here, not kaiba. not the ruthless businessman. and while her priest may have been far from soft, he was also far from cruel. he loved her and she loved him and he had to live up to that. he had to be better. someone worthy of kisara's esteem. he worshiped no god or gods but he loved his dragon as much as any mortal man could.
so he had to love her. he had to try. even if he couldn't really love anyone anymore.]
I did. But you were there with me, every step of the way.
[shaking his head, he implores her:]
Don't apologize. Hold your head high, Kisara. If I have to order you to do it, then I will.
[he lowers their hands, but still keeps them together. he can't leave. she can't leave. they just can't.]
The favor that I wanted to ask... I want to see you turn into a Blue-Eyes. I want to prove to you how beautiful you really are.
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So how was it that this man could go so swiftly from inspiring fond feelings and warm sensations to transitioning into something irksome? At least his earlier speech softened her response now.
Need we revisit the moment where I thought you were ordering me to fetch your stick?. Cooperation he would surely have, but she didn't want him to get the impression that she would follow his every instruction to the letter.]
Orders are not as effective as this. [Nodding to their hands and smiling shyly. Not that she was suggesting that he should do more along those lines, just merely stating fact. There, that wasn't so bad.
Then Seto told her what the favor was and she nearly jerked her hand away. She had only managed to summon her ka spirit one time knowingly and that was near to the end. The painful memories weren't helping, instead inspiring resistance as if the act would force her to relive the time in question.]
...
[She shot a look towards the bag that held her old garment in it as she debated throwing it out then and there.. still that had been a sticking point with her too. Being told to discard it and not asked or advised.]
You ask for much, surely you must know why? [He seemed to know a lot about her already perhaps it would spare having her explain it. Kisara looked back towards Seto imploringly.]
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You don't have to.
[he makes that clear. if he forced her, he'd be no better than the men who harassed her, than the people that shunned her.]
But you can control it, Kisara. There's no reason it has to control you. It's just a matter of discipline. And I'll do whatever I have to do to make that happen. So you don't have to be scared anymore. You don't have to worry that the dragon will consume you.
[he squeezes their hands again. this time more insistently, more desperately.]
That's what this is really about, isn't it? I can't be your priest, but I can be...
[don't say master. she's not a slave. don't say tamer, don't say ally, don't say friend. just say...]
...your protector.
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[It was difficult not to feel placed on the spot as he continued to assure her that she could control this great force within her, having never really discussed it with anyone before.]
I did... once. [She bit her lip and looked to her lap, letting her long hair conceal her features like a veil. When she considered all the times the dragon had taken over of it's own volition they far outweighed the single time she had been in control. What if she was unable to reign it in? What he was offering sounded like a dream. What did he know about summoning his ka? Was he concealing a monster of his own?
Still, she wanted to believe him and that it was possible. One gets tired of running from everything. The mention of the priest yet again triggers some remorse but she tries not to express it. Yes, he is not here, just this reincarnation the current caretaker of his soul.]
I will give it some thought. [If only because a single woman can't do much of anything against a horde of demons- but a dragon could. If she could only gain some control of it, she could better guard over them both]
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which sadly couldn't happen in a day or even several. he nods, not necessarily in surrender but deniably in retreat. they'll have to revisit this another time. for right now...]
I can walk you back to your room. I wish I had someplace safer, but I'm not in charge here.
[not yet anyway. and it definitely wasn't safe in his own room either. what a difficult situation.]
Why don't you take "Kisara" for a few hours? I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about.
[the little whelp perks up and chirps happily! of course she'd love to spend time with her big sister.]
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[Yes- her room. A sigh escaped her lips. Even if Seto could be a little intense in his devotions to his dragons, his company was preferable to her roommates.. but she supposed that she must go. He would have roommates of his own and they might not nearly be as gentlemanly]
You needn't trouble yourself, I know the way.
[Standing up, she finally took her hand back pausing a moment before aiming for the door]
["Kisara". She still couldn't believe that he named his little dragon after her. She looked to his features briefly then to the whelp]
She would likely have more to talk about then I, I am suddenly looking forward to that rest we discussed earlier. [Or in other words, she was going to take a nap if she could manage it unfamiliar surroundings and she wouldn't be able to look our for the little one as she was unconscious, though the company would have been appreciated]
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the whelp whines a bit but gives a cute little wave of her paw. clearly intelligent, she chips goodbye, goodbye! at her kin, scales gleaming in the light. maybe being around her own kind, if much smaller, would do her good. maybe she would remember herself, her true self, the eternal servant of a proud man.]
Take care, Kisara. And don't hesitate to come find me.
[he tries to mirror how a blue-eyes should be: head held high, shoulders back, chest out.]
I'll never turn away my Blue-Eyes. You're too precious.
[...but maybe he would also have to be taught not to treat her like just another trophy.]
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We will get together at another time.
[She found herself talking to it as if it were a person it did seem to understand such things. Reaching out she gave little Kisara an affectionate pat on the head.]
You as well, Seto.
[He was looking every bit the part of a proud nobleman with his posture. It would be interesting to see how he interacted with those he did not hold in such high regard if only so she could get a better sense of his overall character.]
[My. Yet again with the possessive speech and the emphasis on her other self. This was not a habit he was going to be coaxed out of easily. Bowing politely she said her goodbyes.]
I will see you later. [With that she departed from his domicile]