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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
no subject
...Okay, maybe there's some "ew" things, but moving on.
She looks slightly offended at that first question before he mollifies her with the follow-up. While she's been struggling to figure out what love is for her, there's nothing she knows more than real love! As much as she's read and written about it, and even felt tiny bits of it--possibly--maybe--well! The hard part is just making her experiences line up with real-world ones!
Monika makes a face again as she watches him slow the bleeding. This kind of sucks now. Like, go figure, she came out to have a good time and she's feeling very attacked right now! ]
Some people have been here a long time. My odds are good.
[ Did she mention she's really good at being in denial? ]
A-And, you know! [ Her eyes flicker to the carved sin under his sleeve. ] That's only there on my list because of some totally outdated notions of what counts as attraction! It's not like I could have sex when that sin really applied!
[ And she hadn't continued committing that sin, either! ]
Anyway! [ Huff! She's tired of everything being about her!! ] What am I putting on you? "Being a jerk"?
no subject
What was stopping you? [It can't be because she was underage. That never stops teenagers.
As for his turn- he retrieves his list, taking care not to smear it with blood as he glances over the contents.]
Mmm, nothing about me being a jerk on here! Guess that means I'm a delight. [As long as he isn't murdering, stealing souls, kidnapping, lying, cheating... so many options to choose from, and the ones he wouldn't mind having on display are much longer than he'd like. Whoever wrote this really should have been more concise.]
Lets go with... [Thinking, thinking, thinking.] Blasphemy. I really should have gotten around to finishing the bible. [He gives a little, dramatic sigh.] But over a thousand pages is an awful lot with that small, small text. I've read shorter trilogies.
[He sets the knife down to work open the front of his shirt. There's no way he's injuring his dominant arm, so chest it is. Hopefully that won't hurt too badly.]
no subject
Some circumstances in terms of interaction were out of my control.
[ A fancy way of saying she was stuck in a video game without saying she was stuck in a video game. While she was coming to terms with her past, she still wasn't eager to throw it out to just anyone. That was earned!
Her expression shifts to being unimpressed, a skeptical eyebrow lifting as he speaks. "Delight" is really pushing it, but she knows she could've had worse partners for this. It'll slide for now. ]
The Bible's overrated. [ And she'd meant to say more, but as she's dabbing at her admittedly very nice wound, he throws her off even more by opening his shirt. ] You're not missing--er.
[ L-Look, she's a girl with needs! She hasn't seen someone else's bare skin in weeks! So, with wide eyes, she blindly grabs at her provided knife, her gaze not daring to move away from that shining beacon of skin. ]
I need to sit in your lap.
[ For, uh. Balance. ]
no subject
...And apparently opening his shirt was an advanced start on that. He just barely bites back a laugh. Good grief.]
It'd be difficult to write with so little space between us. [He has long legs, so she could perch on the end of them, but then balance would be a concern.
After folding down one side of his shirt, he peels those long legs apart and gestures between them, and yeah, the suggestiveness isn't lost on him, but there aren't a lot of positions they can take here. He manages to colour only a little.]
Stand here.
[She's short, he's tall. It works out that she won't have to lean down too much.]
What languages can you offer?
no subject
...To a point, anyway. She's generally respectful of people's boundaries--even more so now. So, while she does look pretty disappointed that she's not going to be enjoying a very intimate moment, what he's offering isn't all that bad. Another thing she's learned since that endless thirst got her killed? Not being picky. ]
Okay, then.
[ Still, after standing, she doesn't immediately settle in to cut. She has to admire the view that looks like it could possibly come from the cover of a romance novel. A slightly older guy, shirt carelessly open with legs sprawled open as well--a lazy, seductive invitation. Another fun thing about her--she could create a fantasy in record time. It was a real gift.
Monika finally steps in close, and suddenly, she seems much more at ease. Things hadn't been going exactly as she planned, but this is was a step in the right direction. She's back in her element. And surely he'd let her stay there! ]
I'm afraid I've only got English to offer. [ Her voice is a playful coo. Her free hand is poking her "canvas" a bit as well. ] Translation isn't cheap~
[ He'd earned a subtle joke about her origins. Good for him!
And hopefully he's ready, because she's about to start carving without much warning. ]
no subject
The touching doesn't bother him. He curls a hand around her wrist and moves her fingers just below his clavicle.]
Here. Now, that's an-
[Oh, oof. That hurts. Obviously, but it hurts more than the arm did, and he spends a moment grimacing before he's able to press on. At least he's not tensing as badly this time.]
A warning would have been nice. [He'd huff, but that would move his chest and he really doesn't want to do that.] That's an odd answer, I was saying. Why don't you elaborate.
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She grins at his reaction. Whoops~ ]
Oh, sorry! I thought you saw me about to start! Ahaha!
[ Yeah, she may have done it on purpose. Just a little. It's not like she wanted to spend this whole shebang actually doing self-reflection or something! That wasn't the point of this at all!
Monika lets out a hum, carefree as ever as she works her way through cutting. It won't be nearly as fancy as his, but she intends to make it look nice. She's a perfectionist and all. ]
Who says my answer was odd? [ Now it's her turn to lean in unnecessarily. ] And what do I get for elaborating?
[ She's being difficult. Just a little. ]
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The cutting strains his expression and makes his hands twitch on his thighs, but at least she's making quick work of it.]
I did, just then. [So, so wry, then he continues:] So there is something more to it. Well, I wouldn't want to be stingy- how about a kiss?
[Perfect ending to such a romantic encounter, right?]
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ALSO WAIT. She jerks back, her cutting coming to a stop. U-Unfair! He can't just offer one of her favorite things like that!! ]
I--I'd need more than a kiss.
[ Clearing her throat, she gets back to work, looking a tad flustered. Maybe they can negotiate, because...that's a tempting offer, despite what she's about to say. ]
I'd need to get to know you more first. I get into trouble whenever I try kissing people I barely know.
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You're right! We should at least exchange names first.
[Really should have done that much earlier, actually. Where are his manners?
Well, better late than never.]
Pegasus J. Crawford. Preferably Pegasus; Mr. Crawford is too formal.
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[ He's right, though. She's a bit ashamed of her own manners. Normally, her name was the first thing she threw out. No one can say they don't know her if she does that immediately!
Of course, she sounds petulant as she finally graces him with her name. ]
But I'm Monika-- [ Because apparently she wasn't cool enough to get a last name that she didn't have to take from someone else... ] --Mudou or Smith, depending on the husband I'm with. But usually just Monika.
[ Normal stuff, right? ]
You have an interesting name, I'll give you that. [ Sort of stuffy-sounding, though. ] But what else do I get?
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[Attempt to be difficult failed.
Monika. Okay, normal. The follow up, less normal. So many questions, starting with this one:]
I'm sorry, you have two husbands? And I thought you said your romantic life wasn't going well.
[Obviously there's more story to that, but he'll take the time to answer her question instead of waiting on it.]
You already know I'm an artist, that I know French, and that my romantic life has been turbulent, and now you have a name, so I'd say you know me pretty well already! But how about... [He holds up a finger.] I owned an island, with its own castle.
[Everyone likes hearing about that! Well, provided they aren't one of those 'eat the rich' people, or someone who finds him living in a castle built atop dead soldiers offensive (they're dead! They're beyond caring!).]
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They were forced marriages, Mr. J. [ How's that for difficulty!!! ] One of them is probably old enough to be my dad. Not exactly doing great there.
[ She actually liked Setsuna, though. A lot. Not that he needed to know! ]
So, what? You're rich? That's kind of turning into a theme here. [ A pause. ] Though having a castle does make you stand out a little more.
[ She's not interested! Really...!
Her mouth puckers up in thought as she stops halfway through the P, considering more. ]
And you definitely have a good and proper romantic vibe. So I guess you've earned a little more. But not everything!
[ Back to cutting she goes. ] I was a high school student working in the video game industry.
[ Tee-hee. ]
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Rich people populate hell. Who would have thought. [He says, completely unsurprised. Hard not to recognise a lot of rich people are morally bankrupt when you number among them.
He takes a sharp breath as she resumes cutting. And wow, talk about an anti-climatic answer.]
Really? That's it? [That's definitely not it.] How boring. You could have at least spiced it up with a little more detail, Miss Just Monika.
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You're the nicest of the bunch so far. Not that that's saying much.
[ ...Aaand she spoke too soon. Consider her feathers quite ruffled. The start of the H is much more forceful than necessary. ]
I'm not boring! I have a lot going for me! I'm basically the future! [ Tech's words that she likes to steal, even if he probably doesn't think as highly of her anymore. ] It's like I told you, you have to earn more! Do you really think I'm the type of girl to spill everything on a first date?
[ Yeah. She is.
She mutters to herself, finishing the H with an exaggerated flick. ]
And I take it back. You're starting to sound like the meanest rich jerk I know. Bet you two would get along great.
[ Kaiba, she means. If she only knew. ]
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G-gently now, dear.
[He's of a delicate constitution!!]
I'm the least jerkiest rich jerk around. This is as good as it gets. [He's actually a huge, huge jerk and well aware of it. You don't get much jerkier than 'literally tears souls out of people'.] But the future, hm? That's a big claim for someone working in the gaming industry.
[He raises his hands in a preemptive placating gesture.]
You know, if you're boring, there's nothing wrong with that. Though even boring people can make themselves sound interesting.
[Come on, Monika! Tell him your story! You wanna prove him wrong, right?]
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You know, I have to admire your determination. It's pretty flattering that you want to know so much about me~
[ After finishing up with some very gentle dabbing, she gently takes hold of his chin, some of the blood that soaked through his shirt and onto her fingers gently staining his skin. And with a gentle smile, she leans in close to make this a gently intimate moment with a quiet, gentle voice. ]
But I'll give you a choice. You can let me finish up and properly earn what you want to know...
[ Her eyes go hard, her fingers squeezing in. It's probably not that painful, since she's about as strong as she looks, but hopefully it gets the point across. If not, the tip of the knife pressing against his throat should. ]
Or I can see how many tries it'd take to find an artery in your neck. So what'll it be, Mr. Pegasus J. Crawford?
[ See? Gentle! ]
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He licks his lips and tilts his head back, putting a little distance between him and the sharp point of that knife. Not hard with her grip being what it is. There's a good chance he could throw her off without getting stabbed in the process, but he won't escalate things unless he needs to. Gotta finish his sin if he wants to get out of this room, after all.]
You're no fun. But you've certainly proven me wrong on the boring front.
[He lets his hands drop, sitting them back on this thighs.]
That was too much, I gather. These ordeals are just terribly boring, and you are a curious girl. [He is glad to see what she's really like, despite the threat.] Though I would keep in mind that you'd probably be subjected to the consequences of this place were you to go through with that. I doubt Lucifer would appreciate you killing a participant.
[He gestures to his chest.]
How many letters do I have left? I can't tell.
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[ She's fun! And normal! And not one to get violent for no reason! But no matter, her point (haha) is made, so she gets back into position to finish up. ]
I've been through worse than a few cuts. [ Her dress was covering up a majority of her scars for once, but the one on her neck was always prominent as ever, nearly impossible to cover up without a gaudy choker of some kind. Like many things in Hell, she'd shrugged, gotten used to them, and moved on as best she could. ] And what's a little death down here? You'll come back eventually.
[ ...Maybe she's gotten a little too used to things in Hell. ]
Anyway, I'm almost done. I'm starting on the Y. [ He gets a quick look. ] And I'm definitely holding you to that kiss now.
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What's the process of coming back like? [A pause.] That's not an invitation to show me.
[She sure is starting that Y. Back to their regularly scheduled grimacing.]
Fair warning: I'm not the best kisser.
[He's not even being modest. He's kissed once in seven years and his partner ended up with a split lip.]
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[ And with that, the Y is finished. She blots away more blood then takes a step back, dropping the knife without much care where it lands. ]
It's fine. [ About the kissing, she means. She's hesitating again. ] Nobody's perfect. And, I mean, you don't have to do it right away. Honestly, I'd rather slap you than kiss you right now.
[ Her gaze shifts over to the door which has clicked open. Seems they're done. With a sigh, she looks back, absentmindedly poking at her fresh and fancy wounds, her expression caught somewhere between displeasure and disquiet. ]
And actually, make it two kisses. And a poem. In French.
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[Just how many times has this girl been killed?
His own wound goes untouched, because ouch. He just closes his shirt and hisses quietly as the fabric settles over the cuts, gluing itself to them. Hopefully that won't have dried by the time he gets around to applying antiseptic and a medical patch.]
I'm currently standing, so I think you'd have trouble with either of those. [Height advantage. Good luck reaching him.
He wipes his hands off on his shirt and plucks up his own knife, slipping it into a pocket. Seems easier to conceal than his hunting knife. Could come in handy.]
That's not actually my strong suit. How about a portrait?
[Poetry is fine; he's passable at it, but he'd prefer to paint.]
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[ That's it. That's all he gets. Well, aside from a glare at that height jab. Does he really want to keep underestimating her creativity? She had plenty of things to stand on!! ]
You realize we're in a torture room, right? [ She steps in, puffing up in annoyance. ] I could find lots of ways to--
[ She freezes right as she's inches away from looking quite threatening as she barely comes up to his chin. He's speaking a language of romance she's never gotten to hear. ]
Portrait? As in art?
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[Okay, there's a chair, and a table, and some other things, but those would take precious seconds to climb onto. Height advantage.
He cocks his eyebrows as she comes to an abrupt freeze. It's not immediately apparent whether it's the good or bad kind of freeze, but she's not frowning, so it's probably the former.]
Painting, specifically. I'm always looking for new subjects, and you'd make a fine one.
[Are they drifting away from the urge to slap yet?]
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I'd love that! I'll be the best model ever! And--oh my gosh.
[ Hopefully he's ready for her to dip back into risque territory... ]
Do you want me to be naked? For authenticity?
[ Will he paint her like one of his possible French girls?! ]
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