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penancememes2021-08-25 12:50 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2021-08-25 12:50 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #27
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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, but only 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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please continue on until you reach Death's office. He'll have your contracts ready for you."
There's a slightly wicked twist to her lips. "Please do feel free to ask him about any of those sins listed..."
And so on, sinners travel until they finally arrived at another office where Death sits waiting. Here is where you'll receive a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. Death will also provide slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android.
Seems as though Hell has moved on up from the very old Blackberry type phone.
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall. It seems to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon the lobby of Penance hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground While the Mares have gone, as per Death's bargain with God, and reconstructing Penance is coming along fairly well, the air is carrying with it a cold crispness that sends a chill down one's spine. Lucifer is still nowhere to be found, and if pressured, staff will say he's having talks with the other Lords of Hell, as well as God himself. Things need to be worked out, no matter how difficult it is for Lucifer to accept and swallow his pride. He won't be around to offer warmth to the Penance community and it may, in fact, be mirroring his current mood.
Or it may be the creeping sense of doom that's following so many around now that The Veiled Order has been able to nearly complete their next spell. Local demons will plainly say that God won't help them against this threat, that he doesn't care if Hell is destroyed, and others will be very hush about the situation entirely. No need to scare the local sinners, new or old!
Instead just enjoy the reopening businesses around the local area! Nothing is off-limits. Hellburbia seems to have suffered some extensive damage recently, but not to worry! There's talk of building back better than ever.
Other than that, Helluva Cup has a new spiced drink... and spiced everything. That's right! Pumpkin spice has apparently come early this year... and it may be a bit overpowering and in everything in the coffee shop, regardless of what you order. Even Bean, the 'friendly' hell rat the owner keeps in the shop seems to be feasting on pumpkin flavored meat. That's probably okay. Right?
Penance Library is offering a special reading of Leviathan-specific reads. The local goblins will be doing readings every afternoon for all who care to listen or to stick around and discuss it. These will all be fictional in nature, not historic texts.
Strangely enough, there seems to be a sort of curfew happening. While everyone will not be expected to be in the hotel necessarily, they must take shelter in the newly opened Club Penance, Casino Styx, Hella Shorty's, or other establishments. They must either stay the night in these establishments or be escorted to the hotel by demonic guards. These guards will be doing rounds around the Penance community to ensure no one is out alone. Do not fight them or they may surprise you with how strong they can be.
Additionally, anyone caught defying curfew knowingly or fighting back will be locked in their rooms for up to three days as a potential danger to the community as a whole. There are all sorts of dangers lurking out there and the demons are absolutely trying to keep everyone as safe as they can!
Otherwise, it's business as usual around Penance, so go on an exploration! Bundle up against the cold! Have fun!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: cutting, blood, torture
Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord unfortunately expects some participation despite the current state of things. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed The Torture Room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.
But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.
You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.
It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.
"Unfortunately, due to Father coming back into the picture, I know that He will demand punishment be delivered despite our circumstances. I have chosen a rather easy one, focused on honesty and acceptance of your sins. Please pick up a knife and choose a sin from each of your lists to carve upon your skin. Aid each other in your journey, carve the words to help your fellow penitent be candid with everyone around them!"
The voice rings out within the sinners' heads as it always does, although Lucifer seems agitated at the moment, hesitant in some way that he usually isn't.
"I do apologize for this. If it was up to me, you would have been free of additional torment this month. However, there will be additional incentive for anyone who should try to resist the task I've appointed them."
It isn't a lie nor an idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?
And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?
Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Reopening WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, aphrodisiacs, body changes, potential kinks, violence, potential non-con or dub-con.
Club Penance is finally back! And with themed nights to start off all the fun. This night's theme is: Anything But Clothes. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are entirely without clothes (and any ounce of shame!). They're eager to get right back to business. They're very encouraging of others to do the same whether it be immediately or in sexy strip shows.
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 in the club, 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 undress may also find their clothes randomly disappearing, or being torn off by some eager patron or demon who is 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:
For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright nakedness, 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?
Prompt II: Your Average Hotel Night WARNINGS: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con
With all the sinners, new and old, the hotel bar will be lit up with activity. Drinks will be readily available, there's food in the kitchens if anyone wants to bother serving it, music will be blaring whenever there's electricity, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events there may be be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.
You might not get much of a chance to have that in Hell, after all. One drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that, and after that. Ah, sweet gluttony. Why not have a pastry next? There's some delectable sweets available just a few steps away. More of a meat person? Like things salty? Fear not, it looks like someone graciously brought all sorts of snacks and foodstuffs from the kitchens to the bar as the night progresses. Indulge! You deserve it.
Similar to Club Penance, the bar also has every sort of drug available that might tickle your fancy and some you've never heard of. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in Hell. The staff will offer to show anyone how to use the drugs or give advice for what to try if you tell them what you want to experience. Shockingly, they won't lie! Their advice is good word its just you might not have been exactly prepared for it.
There's a stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave or just wanting to torture people with some sweet, sweet renditions of The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
There are tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul or offers to do chores around the hotel. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.
Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun.
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 September 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 and nothingness consumes you for a second, but only 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.
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. They are urged forward to take a numbered ticket and wait their turn in the long line. As they're ushered forward through the corridor, their first stop will be to see Lilith, standing outside her office.
The woman in a smart suit and a friendly smile steps forward to greet sinners one by one. "I'm sorry for your rough landing. We've never gotten it quite as smooth as it was in the past. Please, let me see your hand--"
Once she has the sinner's hand, there's the warm, almost electric touch of magic that soothes away the aches and pains, heals the wound left behind on each sinner's palm. Lilith looks satisfied with her work and gives a nod. "There, all better. Please continue on until you reach Death's office. He'll have your contracts ready for you."
There's a slightly wicked twist to her lips. "Please do feel free to ask him about any of those sins listed..."
And so on, sinners travel until they finally arrived at another office where Death sits waiting. Here is where you'll receive a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written on with their blood. That explains the wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. Death will also provide slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android.
Seems as though Hell has moved on up from the very old Blackberry type phone.
Once characters have their device and their contracts, they're ushered further down the hall. It seems to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon the lobby of Penance hotel. Once there, they will notice several shops and other areas around the front desk.
The demon at the front desk looks rather bored, but when sinners approach? He seems to snap to attention to offer whatever help they might need of him. He will at least direct to food or rooms to rest their wary bodies, or recommend sights to see around the hotel.
Stand Your Ground While the Mares have gone, as per Death's bargain with God, and reconstructing Penance is coming along fairly well, the air is carrying with it a cold crispness that sends a chill down one's spine. Lucifer is still nowhere to be found, and if pressured, staff will say he's having talks with the other Lords of Hell, as well as God himself. Things need to be worked out, no matter how difficult it is for Lucifer to accept and swallow his pride. He won't be around to offer warmth to the Penance community and it may, in fact, be mirroring his current mood.
Or it may be the creeping sense of doom that's following so many around now that The Veiled Order has been able to nearly complete their next spell. Local demons will plainly say that God won't help them against this threat, that he doesn't care if Hell is destroyed, and others will be very hush about the situation entirely. No need to scare the local sinners, new or old!
Instead just enjoy the reopening businesses around the local area! Nothing is off-limits. Hellburbia seems to have suffered some extensive damage recently, but not to worry! There's talk of building back better than ever.
Other than that, Helluva Cup has a new spiced drink... and spiced everything. That's right! Pumpkin spice has apparently come early this year... and it may be a bit overpowering and in everything in the coffee shop, regardless of what you order. Even Bean, the 'friendly' hell rat the owner keeps in the shop seems to be feasting on pumpkin flavored meat. That's probably okay. Right?
Penance Library is offering a special reading of Leviathan-specific reads. The local goblins will be doing readings every afternoon for all who care to listen or to stick around and discuss it. These will all be fictional in nature, not historic texts.
Strangely enough, there seems to be a sort of curfew happening. While everyone will not be expected to be in the hotel necessarily, they must take shelter in the newly opened Club Penance, Casino Styx, Hella Shorty's, or other establishments. They must either stay the night in these establishments or be escorted to the hotel by demonic guards. These guards will be doing rounds around the Penance community to ensure no one is out alone. Do not fight them or they may surprise you with how strong they can be.
Additionally, anyone caught defying curfew knowingly or fighting back will be locked in their rooms for up to three days as a potential danger to the community as a whole. There are all sorts of dangers lurking out there and the demons are absolutely trying to keep everyone as safe as they can!
Otherwise, it's business as usual around Penance, so go on an exploration! Bundle up against the cold! Have fun!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: cutting, blood, torture
Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord unfortunately expects some participation despite the current state of things. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed The Torture Room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.
But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.
You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.
It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.
"Unfortunately, due to Father coming back into the picture, I know that He will demand punishment be delivered despite our circumstances. I have chosen a rather easy one, focused on honesty and acceptance of your sins. Please pick up a knife and choose a sin from each of your lists to carve upon your skin. Aid each other in your journey, carve the words to help your fellow penitent be candid with everyone around them!"
The voice rings out within the sinners' heads as it always does, although Lucifer seems agitated at the moment, hesitant in some way that he usually isn't.
"I do apologize for this. If it was up to me, you would have been free of additional torment this month. However, there will be additional incentive for anyone who should try to resist the task I've appointed them."
It isn't a lie nor an idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?
And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?
Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I: Reopening WARNINGS: sex, drugs, alcohol, aphrodisiacs, body changes, potential kinks, violence, potential non-con or dub-con.
Club Penance is finally back! And with themed nights to start off all the fun. This night's theme is: Anything But Clothes. Guests who enter the adult oriented side of the club will notice the incubi and succubi who serve in it are entirely without clothes (and any ounce of shame!). They're eager to get right back to business. They're very encouraging of others to do the same whether it be immediately or in sexy strip shows.
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 in the club, 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 undress may also find their clothes randomly disappearing, or being torn off by some eager patron or demon who is 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.
For the dance oriented portion of the club, the theme is a little more lax. Instead of outright nakedness, 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?
Prompt II: Your Average Hotel Night WARNINGS: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con
With all the sinners, new and old, the hotel bar will be lit up with activity. Drinks will be readily available, there's food in the kitchens if anyone wants to bother serving it, music will be blaring whenever there's electricity, and overall, there will be an energy to the atmosphere that's absolutely contagious. Even if you aren't typically inclined to linger at these sorts of events there may be be a certain pull to stay and have a bit of fun.
You might not get much of a chance to have that in Hell, after all. One drink won't hurt, right? Nor will one more after that, and after that. Ah, sweet gluttony. Why not have a pastry next? There's some delectable sweets available just a few steps away. More of a meat person? Like things salty? Fear not, it looks like someone graciously brought all sorts of snacks and foodstuffs from the kitchens to the bar as the night progresses. Indulge! You deserve it.
Similar to Club Penance, the bar also has every sort of drug available that might tickle your fancy and some you've never heard of. There's no harm in experimenting, is there? You're already in Hell. The staff will offer to show anyone how to use the drugs or give advice for what to try if you tell them what you want to experience. Shockingly, they won't lie! Their advice is good word its just you might not have been exactly prepared for it.
There's a stage and a karaoke machine for those feeling brave or just wanting to torture people with some sweet, sweet renditions of The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
There are tables set up for all sorts of gambling and various bar games to entertain yourself with. Since currency as most are familiar with it doesn't quite exist down here, most of the demons seem to be accepting bits of your soul or offers to do chores around the hotel. You may also get pulled into a fun game of strip poker against one of your fellow guests for a few succubi that are having a night out.
Relax and enjoy your night. Coming here and facing your sins is the hard part, so surely you deserve to have a little fun.
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 September 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
I'M GLAD
Hi, Yugi~
[ Just gonna ignore all that awkwardness on his end, so she can keep thinking even less about hers. ]
Awwww. Are you worried about me? [ Her voice drops to a playful whisper. ] Or do you think I don't have a sense of adventure? You might be surprised~
Come on, you can be honest with me. [ She leans in now, too. ] You're trying to sneak a peek at some succubi, aren't you?
no subject
Why would I even need do that?! It isn't like I'm not allowed to just walk in there.
[Wait, does... she think he's younger than he is? No, no, they're in hell, he'd probably be allowed in there even if he were still in school. She's just teasing. Of course she is. Right?
He frowns and crosses his arms, debating how much to say to her.]
Look, you might get in trouble, and I don't think that's what you're looking for. I'm not going to the club. [A beat.] Unless there's something... useful in there.
no subject
[ Like she can talk. The club's hardly ever been her thing. Just thinking about it has her on the verge of blushing. But she doesn't! Because she's a cool kid!
Monika leans back, making no more attempt to pop unnecessarily into his personal space. It's probably the first sign that something in her has changed since they last spoke. Instead, all she does is raise an eyebrow at him, fighting a smile. He really is concerned! How sweet! ]
On the contrary, I think a bit of trouble is exactly what I need right now. And I'm sure we can find plenty! Not just at the club!
[ She takes a few steps in the direction of the main exit. You'd think this was her idea all along or something. ] Well? You coming?
no subject
[Not exactly surprising that he's admitted to that. He certainly doesn't look the type, and he's historically given it a wide berth when he can. That being said...]
But I could go in there if I wanted to. I just... don't.
[No offence to those that were the type. Sitting around a table with friends is more his speed - not the club scene. If he's being honest, he wouldn't peg Monika as the type either, but... there's a few things he would have said he didn't expect of her a few weeks ago; things that make him hesitate about following her (and when did that switch happen. This was his idea in the first place!!).
But the more they stand there at the entrance, the more time he loses to get away from the hotel before curfew. There's still enough daylight out now, they still had some time, but might as well get far away while they could. If there was anything suspicious enough to explore after dark, it was more likely to be further away from the areas they were allowed to be in at night.
Which is the only reason why, after a long moment, he sighs and jogs to catch up with her, uneasy as he is about it.] Alright, coming!
[This was going to be such an awkward trip.]
You sound like you have a place in mind. After all that, I really hope this isn't a ploy to take a look at the club.
no subject
Besides, she has to busy herself with the giddy satisfaction of getting him to follow along. This was such a great idea she had! Er, he had. ]
Honestly, Yugi, I'm a little hurt. What kind of girl do you take me for? The club is lame!
[ Some good things had happened there a long time ago, yes. But that was a long time ago. Lots of good things were a long time ago...
Monika pushes those thoughts aside, putting on an even bigger smile. No more worries! All fun to be had now! No awkwardness at all! She bouncily hops down the steps. ]
You're right, though! We're gonna hit the casino! I know you love games! Ahaha!
no subject
But... the casino! It's... not the worst idea. It gets them further from the hotel, at least, and he hasn't really had a chance to check that place out yet. It could give them (him) a chance to check out how the demons are watching for curfew breakers so he can go out another night if they didn't get anywhere today.]
What kind of girl would you like me to take you for?
[Friendly and curious, now that he's caught up to her side, clearly with her now that she's mentioned their destination. And given everything that he's been told by Tech, it's a valid question.]
Right now I think you're an adventurous one. I think there's more than that too, but you're... kind of hard to read.
no subject
I'm definitely adventurous...
[ It's a start. It gives her some more time to think, which she definitely needs. This was honestly kind of a perfect segue into what she'd been working up the nerve to say for a long time, but now that she was in the moment, it was way more difficult. Yugi was incredibly nice. She struggled when it came to nice people, because there was always that immediate pull to have her way with them.
Monika breathes out, gaze drifting elsewhere as they walk. ]
But I'd like for you to think I'm thoughtful and creative. And maybe friendly, but not too friendly. [ She winces at herself. ] And one that's really sorry for how she's treated you.
no subject
It actually makes things a little easier, knowing that, whatever the end result would be, she was putting thought into this and not just brushing him off. He's more than familiar with the "trying to put everything to bed quickly" tactic - it never works out; at least one person is always left feeling resentful with how things end.
And, well, he likes Monika, despite everything. It's odd to not know how much he's allowed to like her. Tech is a very dear friend, after all.]
I already thought most of that - you did say you liked to read and write poetry, right? [He looks to the side as they walk, but the words come out mild.] And I... do believe you. I think you're sorry, but if I'm being honest I'm still pretty confused about what there is to be sorry for when it comes to me.
[He lets the silence settle between them for a long moment before continuing.]
Then again, I'm not so sure this is about me.
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[ Wait, no. Back up. Too true and real! Way too true and real! Going into that could maybe come later. Or never. ]
Um, anyway. The point is, well. You probably didn't know this--at least, I hope you didn't realize--but you got caught up in some terrible things, sort of on my part. [ Her brow tightens. ] Okay, all on my part. I thought I could love a lot of people, even if they didn't love me back. Even if I had to force them...
[ Her eyes flicker in his direction before focusing forward again. ] It never got that far with you, thankfully. But it could've, had some...things not happened. But if I ever made you feel uncomfortable, or if I ever upset you or anything, I'm sorry.
[ She breathes out. That seemed good, even if she feels like there's tons more she wanted to say. Maybe she'd eventually think of more. ]
So, yeah. [ The weak smile returns. ] I guess it's about me.
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[He knows they broke up. He knows Tech told him about her cheating. He knows that Monika told Tech that Yugi was one of the people Monika was cheating with while she was with Tech. He knows Tech was basically out of his mind with upset after it happened.
He doesn't know anything else.]
Actually, before you said it just now I didn't realize this was something that you wanted from... me. And I was never upset or uncomfortable with you before that. [Nothing outside of familiar teenage awkwardness anyway.] When we went shopping, I thought it was pretty fun, actually. You were pretty fun. It was nice getting to meet a new friend, and I was really happy for you when you found the pen you were looking for. You seemed happy about it, too.
[This isn't about him, so as much as he might be curious about what was going on in Monika's mind, he doesn't question it right now. He doesn't delve into anything further except the one thing he thinks he should:]
I hate to ask this, but did I do anything to...
[He makes a vague hand gesture as they walk, not even really sure what to call it - leading her on? It sounds wild even thinking something like that would apply to him. But if he did, the kind thing to do would be to avoid it in the future.]
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[ As in, she's assuming the absolute worst. Probably had fun detailing all the ways her heart sprayed blood everywhere, she thinks bitterly. But that thought makes her feel guiltier. Ugh, what a messed up situation this keeps on being.
Monika goes quiet for quite a while, and it almost seems like she might not say much more--maybe even call this a bust and make her way back to the hotel. But no. She promised she'd face this problem to Mega. It takes everything she has not to think it was the dumbest promise she ever made.
By the time they're nearing the entrance of the casino, she seems to have returned to reality. ]
You didn't do anything. [ She laughs weakly, humorlessly. ] I can make up all sorts of relationships in my head at the drop of a hat. It's a real gift.
[ Right before they walk through the doors, she stops and faces Yugi, her hands almost reaching out to turn him her way before settling awkwardly at her sides. ] Thank you. For spending that day with me, for helping me get my favorite pen I never thought I'd see again, for being cool about all this...just--
[ She presses her eyes closed, fighting tears. ] I'm trying not to be a horrible person anymore. I really am.
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(He's wrong, of course. He doesn't know nearly enough.)
It's not a nice thing to know your story has been told to others either, but she deserved to know that before they continued. Yugi's not interested in tricking anyone, even if she did hurt Tech. Even if he still doesn't understand what could go through a person's head to make them do that to someone - especially since, even on her own telling, it doesn't sound malicious at all. Not some revenge plot on someone she doesn't like. It sounds misguided. It sounds desperate. It sounds--]
You don't sound like a horrible person. [A beat.] You're not a horrible person. Just a lonely one.
[Maybe that's a step too far, but he lets that out between them too. She sounds a lot like someone he used to know that would do anything to make a connection.]
Hey, do you ever make wishes?
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Oh, no. I'm plenty horrible! Not that I should even call myself a person. Probably a little too generous, ahaha.
[ She puffs out a sigh. Tech hadn't shown restraint with hiding that information before, so she assumes Yugi knows that bit, too. ]
But, yeah, plenty lonely and...
[ The question gives her pause. She blinks. Her immediate instinct is to say something like "wishes are for people who lack determination," but she's already been cynical enough. Frowning, she mulls it over. ]
Um. I guess I have. But usually I try to be realistic about it. Wishes can get a little close to prayer sometimes, and that's hardly useful. [ Her head tilts. ] Why?
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Especially the wishing. Knowing that, he gives a short little nod, as if coming to a decision.]
Even if it's unrealistic, it shows that you care about something. And if you care about something so much that you wish for it, then it becomes part of who you are. You're still able to move forward and change as you do.
[Sorry, Monika, guess you're next in line for a sappy protag speech.]
It's sort of a way to, ah, cheat the system. Magic without there really being magic.
[Grabbing Monika's hand would be dangerous, so he doesn't, just pinches her sleeve to pull her to the casino. All thoughts of staying outside past curfew are gone. Maybe another night.]
We're stuck here tonight now anyway, let's try to make some in here. [Magic, he means, and offers her a smile.] I've got a good feeling about some of the games.
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[ She can recognize the sappy protag speech, at least, even if she's more used to the vapid, no-name, self-insert kind. It puts a little smile on her face. Kind of cute, really. Part of the reason she fell in love with him in the first place.
...N-Not that she's still in love with him! She's been getting better about that! You know, realizing it was a lot of misplaced feelings and desperation and...ahh, it's probably best not to think about it.
Yugi's not giving her a chance to, anyway. She yelps quietly as she's tugged along. Wow, unfair! That's supposed to be her thing! ]
Jeez, Yugi. Does nothing ever get you down? Ahaha!
[ That optimism was pretty infectious, honestly. She smiles back wider. ]
But all right. Magic time! Oh, but first... [ Since they're near the statue of Charon, she shuffles over to the pile of gold and grabs a coin, tossing it into the pool that surrounds it. ] Come on, you have to do it, too! For good luck!
[ She's, uh. Speaking from experience here. ]
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For good luck...?
[Why not? He isn't too familiar with casinos, but games did require some luck
and belief in the heart of the cardsfor that particular brand of magic to work. Yugi picks up a coin as well, but it says in his hand.]Seems like a good place to make a wish, too. We can use mine for the both of us.
[Monika already tossed in her coin anyway. And, after a moment of thinking, he tosses his in as well, without saying his wish.]
Just like that, right?
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She watches him quietly as he thinks, then her eyes follow the coin until it disappears. There's an immediate urge to ask what he wished for, even if it's taboo. And probably a little silly, since she just ragged on wishes a bit. They're not bad when they're so sweet and innocent like this, though! ]
Ahaha, y-yeah! Just like that!
[ Seriously, Yugi, share your wish. Was it the end of world hunger? Love and peace for everyone? The start of a beautiful fresh new friendship for the two of them, where he forgives her for all her wrongs and wants to maybe talk to her about that puzzle she helped him get at some point?!
Or...or not. Since she's not into wishes or anything. ]
Well, ready to have some fun? Just make sure you limit any bets that require some of your soul or you'll go a bit crazy!
[ ...Also speaking from experience there. ]
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Instead, he grins and winks. They're supposed to be having fun, after all.]
You won't need to worry about that, I don't plan on losing any of my soul tonight - that's too important to give up over a game like this.
[Which leaves open the possibility of another game being worth it. But they don't need to discuss that now either, as Yugi takes the initiative to grab her sleeve once more, tugging her towards the casino proper.]
Yeah, let's get going, Monika. You're going to be a good luck charm tonight.
[After all, he made a wish, and hopefully it would become part of who he is - and, more importantly, who she is, at least for now: I wish you didn't have to feel so lonely.
Hopefully, she really wouldn't feel like that, as Yugi doesn't leave her the entire night.]