TEST DRIVE MEME #29

[penancemods]

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 take your care package and continue on until you reach the stairs."

On their way out, sinners receive their 'package', a contract detailing all sins committed. If they look at the list closely enough they'll notice it's written with their blood. That explains the palm wound then. It's an old piece of parchment despite the freshly written letters upon it. They will also receive a slightly more modern smart phone. Think early generation Android and a pamphlet made by other sinners during their stay here with useful tips.

After that, sinners will be ushered on to a set of stairs where a guard waits. "Welcome to Penance," the demon says gruffly before motioning them on without an ounce of courtesy. "Don't hold up the line."

They seem to go on and wind forever, but eventually, they come upon what appears to be a lobby of a 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

The chill in the air is still hanging in there, biting into skin as the fog from God's divine punishment begins to fade, and with it, the twisted monsters and hallucinations that it brought in. Hallucinations stop (but may not be forgotten), injuries from tortures are healed (but again, may leave their imprint anyway), and everyone starts to slowly filter back into Penance proper. The animals are brought back to the stables and the spiders return to their nests they made within the hotel (and out, thanks to the kind sinners who helped relocate them!)

So do try not to worry if you see chihuahua sized spiders hanging around everywhere. They are quite docile! And a lot of sinners and demons seem to want to adopt the little guys as pets.

Lilith is still sporting injuries from the previous event, but she's dressed sharp and professional again, reassuring everyone that they did the best they could and it's time for a break while they wait for Lucifer's grand return to Hell. Something remains haunted in her eyes, however...

Ah, well, don't worry about it, new arrivals! It likely means nothing. Times have just been hard as of late.

Lucifer is still nowhere in sight, but Lilith announces it's time for a proper celebration as a reward for everyone's perseverance and aiding others lately. And look... it just happens to be close to that mortal holiday, Halloween!

Despite the husk of a community the fog revealed, Penance is once again decorated and vibrant in no time. Halloween decorations litter the streets and the hotel, as well as neighboring establishments. There are caramel apples being passed out freely throughout the hotel, as well as cider and other candies that inspire good moods.

Everyone seems very eager to just forget the last punishment ever even happened... sinners and demons alike. Whispers around the community show plainly that everyone is worried, hushed murmurs of God and big plans on the horizon making the rounds, but... best to not even pay attention to that. Especially any talk of Barbas possibly returning that are on the tongues of the demons who look worn out and exhausted at the mere thought. It's just simple paranoia, surely.

Now, instead get ready for the festivities!

Everyone will receive an invitation on their devices to go to the pumpkin patch within the community. It's hard to miss with its creepy scarecrows that seem to almost follow those who enter and the mischievous little demons that like to sneak up and try to smash all the pumpkins... there's also a new addition to it! A few concession stands just outside the patch, as well as what looks to be a corn maze.

Not just any corn maze either, but a spooky, haunted one that sinners will be encouraged to participate in, if they so choose! There are tons of props and costumes for all those willing to frighten their fellow sinners as they make the trek through the maze! Jump out and spook a friend or put on a performance that's truly spine-chilling!

Once inside, sinners will find themselves chased (good-naturedly) by demons and others dressed in over the top Halloween costumes ranging from creepy dolls to axe murderers to cartoonish Lucifers. For once, while creepy in parts, it really does feel like a traditional haunted attraction, done in good will for a bit of fun. No actual torture will be happening this time around!

Now, what's in the center of the maze? Well, a party of course. A Halloween bash awaits those who make it to the center of the maze that not only includes costumes, many versions of the song Monster Mash, but party drugs and alcohol galore... all with a Halloween twist. Drugs come wrapped up like little candies, and drinks are all candy flavored for the most part.

But that's not all! The succubi are out in full force, in skimpy mad scientist uniforms and test tube drinks they're handing out to all who would dare! These drinks, they'll warn, will cause some... interesting side-effects. These include:

Red - may cause a surge of possessiveness towards people or items that may be unexpectedly strong. How dare they look at anyone else? Or what nerve, that guy touching what is obviously yours.
Blue - may cause a surge of courage and bravery, giving the sinner the nerve to do something they may not normally do.
Green - may make the drinker feel more truthful and unable to tell a lie. What an uncomfortable predicament to be in when someone asks if their costume flatters them or not...
Black - may cause physical transformations of the monstrous variety. Tentacles or demonic features, even animal features. Oh my!
Pink - may cause other physical transformations, which may include sex or age swapping.
Orange - may cause one to feel inferior or superior to those around them. They may be inclined to let others know just how good they are, or shrink away to hide while they deal with the deep shame of their existence.

All effects may last anywhere from a couple hours to a full day, so it's recommended that all sinners use caution when testing these out! Additionally, multiple drinks may be consumed for a double whammy of effects for the truly adventurous.

It should also be noted that the succubi and incubi have also claimed a patch of the corn maze all their own. Venturing in, sinners will be hit with overwhelming aphrodisiacs that may include heat-like effects. More information can be found in the Follow Me Down prompt!

When it comes time for the party to wind down, guests will have to (perhaps drunkenly) navigate their way back to the pumpkin patch. It will be dark out by this point, an eerie mist in the air that hopefully won't bring back too many bad memories for some...

There won't be time to reminisce when the scarecrows seem to be quite alive and may move eerily closer every time a sinner's eyes stray away or even blink. Some may begin to downright chase sinners and demons alike right back to their homes. It's probably just a fun little Halloween prank, so don't worry about it! Like so many other odd things happening lately...

Those who aren't interested in braving a pumpkin patch or corn maze may instead opt to visit the local movie theatre for a horror movie marathon with what may contain familiar favorites as well as some very traumatizing cinema clearly meant for demonic kind. These may leave certain sinners with nightmares for a few days... or they may find them oddly enjoyable, if they're already beginning to show demonic traits. Whatever the case, at least there's limitless caramel corn on offer!

Additionally, at Helluva Cup, there's also a lot of baked treats being offered up in an expansive display... one that Bean, the hell rat is even dressed up for! Sporting a little bat costume for the festivities, he's placed as a centerpiece in the middle of the table of treats. Be careful of the very real biting that may happen for trying to take food the rat has deemed his! Also be careful, there will be consequences should anyone try to hurt the owner's beloved pet (and possible rewards for anyone who stands up for the little guy in the form of special drinks or a heartfelt thanks). It's probably for the best to just ignore the filthy rodent and steal food when you can... the treats do seem to inspire a good mood, so sinners may be encouraged to overindulge a little bit! Or a lot. They're so good, it's like they're addictive.

Helluva cup isn't responsible if anyone eats until they get sick, of course...


Reach Up High

The local demons have a unique take on trick or treat this round! While they want to give their favorite mortal sinners something of a break, they all know full and well God has to be appeased and the wary get very few breaks!

So they will be selecting sinners at random and insisting they go from room to room knocking on doors. Their task? To offer to give a treat or give a hand. Don't worry! In this case, no actual hands will be given (unless you're into that sort of thing...), but they will have to help a fellow sinner or demon with a task of their choosing. This can range from something as mild as cleaning the toilet to finding a pet lost in the chaos of all that's happened lately, to cooking them a meal, it doesn't particularly matter! Your only limitations would be your imagination!

If the person at the door chooses a treat, sinners may have to get inventive about what they offer. Treats may come in the form of treating someone to unexpected entertainment or a talent you possess, or to just be exceptionally delightful. Of course, if a sinner wants to offer an item on their person or less... innocent treats, they are free to do so as well.

To deny anyone's offer means that the sinner has failed and a sin will not be taken from their list.


Follow Me Down

WARNINGS: humiliation, public sex, a/b/o themes, potential dub-con

As mentioned, the incubi and succubi have carved out a little section of the corn maze all their own. Just off to the side of the main event, those who venture in will be treated to overwhelming aphrodisiacs hanging in the air like a very sweet perfume, more risque performances and costumes, and areas where plush cushions have been laid out for... other activities.

The succubi are still serving their drinks, but there are also decadent chocolates for the taking, as well as a chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruits for dipping.

There's been a makeshift stage made for an impromptu costume contest where sinners and demons can cheer for sexiest costume or encourage the removal of said outfit. There's also a helpful collection of risque costumes available for those who want to slip out of their boring old zombie or mummy look! You never know when that costume may start to influence your behavior at this sort of party, so you may want to adopt the least bitey costume there is...

Additionally, especially those who took the transformation potions, may begin to experience signs of heat or rut. They will begin to want to breed uncontrollably, and may adopt certain characteristics of either alpha or omega.

Alpha traits include enhanced aggression, the urge to claim or dominate those they want to breed with, uncontrollable sexual urges, and the ability to smell when someone close by is in heat. It may also include the ability to knot a partner, but not always. Omega traits include the need to be bred, increased body heat that may be uncomfortably intense, potential slickness as the body prepares for the experience, and the urge to present oneself to a suitable partner.Like alphas, omegas can smell a proper partner close by. The intense urge to be claimed or marked may also be present.

Both parties will experience reduced recovery time and increased stamina.

These urges will last until mating has been completed (it may take several rounds) or until the next morning, whichever comes first.

Those who aren't influenced by those urges will still find plenty of ways to have a fun time if they so choose, however! No need to fret. There's still drinking, dancing, and plenty of adult entertainment to be had.

[While pregnancy of the traditional kind isn't possible in Penance, there may be an upcoming opportunity to participate in a body horror and pregnancy-related twist coming up. As a current or future player, if you're interested in this, please include your name here with which role you participated in this prompt with, as well as your partner's name. Remember, omegas will be the ones experiencing the potential pregnancy, no matter their gender!]


Wildcard/Misc.

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



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

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


Navigation | Premise | Arrival | FAQ
Rules | Taken | Reserves | Applications
Network | Logs | OOC | Memes

Comments

Pegasus J. Crawford | Yu-Gi-Oh

[millenniumeyed]

Stand Your Ground;

[There's a ten year old boy sitting on the maze party's drinks table, swinging legs clad in knee-high socks and nursing a glass of caramel-flavoured wine, which... might be a little concerning to some, but the demons don't seem troubled at all by the severely underage drinking. Some are even topping him up. That's hell for you.]

Hi! [He smiles merrily at anyone who approaches and leans over his knees.] Party's getting a little dull, isn't it. Wanna play?

[He's already playing. A game of pretend, and whoever he's talking to is already part of it.

Later, he can be found wandering through the maze, trying to locate the exit, and he might just walk into your legs, since he's a terribly short ten year old. He didn't have a growth spurt until he was twelve; that's when he shot right up.

He'll also be found in a quiet corner of the party playing poker with various demons, curiously examining the candy-wrapped drugs, and trying and failing to retrieve his device from the head of a scarecrow after it was tied there by a sore loser of a demon.]

Reach Up High; [Closed to Monika]

[Regardless of the promise of losing one of his sins, Pegasus' hackles are up the moment he's selected by the demons. After the fog, he's wary, weary, and really just wants to relax and enjoy Halloween, so he's relieved when they explain that the activity isn't torture this time. Just trick or treating. Or rather, an adult take on it. That, he's happy to do.

He knows exactly what door to go to and exactly what kind of treat or hand he's going to offer. They're one in the same, for what he has it mind; whether it's a treat or a helping hand is all in the delivery.

It's late once he's set everything up. Not so late that Monika will be asleep, but late enough to make drinking an acceptable activity. He raps his knuckles on her door and calls through, loud and melodious:]

Trick or treat~!

[Then amends, chuckling:]

Well, hand or treat, but that doesn't flow as well.

reach up high to the top of a scarecrow

[whichiest]

[Maybe Belladonna should be a bit more concerned why a child is wandering around Hell, but she's already been drinking and it just doesn't seem to cross her mind. At least not for the moment. More concerning: child is in distress!

Well, not really distress. Close enough.]

Oh, no! What's that doing up there? Let me give you a hand, dear.

[She's swaying more than walking, but she still smiles as she approaches, reaching for the device straight away.]

[millenniumeyed]

[He hasn't been having much luck with shaking it loose, thanks to how well-secured it is, so he's relieved when help comes along. Particularly as he thinks scarecrows move, sometimes, and his legs are currently too short to get him away as fast as he'd like if that turns out to be more than a trick of his eyes.]

Thank you, ma'am.

[What a polite little boy he is, huh? He got tutored in manners as a boy, so he ought to be. His father took him to enough social functions that it was important he knew how to behave.]

I won a poker game against some demons. Guess they didn't like being beaten by a ten year old.

[He sighs, with all the melodrama only a child can achieve.]

[whichiest]

Really?

[She doesn't doubt it at all. Perhaps he's some kind of young warlock! Or maybe it's just that she's a little tipsy. Either way, Belladonna unties his device and hands it back to him.]

You must have an incredible poker face! I'm terrible at cards. Or, I suppose I would be, if I ever played.

[Who would she play cards with? It just hasn't happened. She laughs.]

I'd have such obvious tells, I know it. Now, if any of them give you any more trouble, I'll give them a slap on the wrist.

PARTY TIME

[holeinwall]

[ She's in the middle of proofreading a poem when a knock comes at her door, and then she hears the voice. Frowning, she lowers her pen.

Well. This was awkward, for a lot of reasons.

For one, trouble normally followed when Mr. Pegasus J. Crawford came knocking on her door, a conclusion she firmly came to after just one occurrence of that. On top of that, their last time seeing each other was a giant hot mess, to say the least. But most of all, her talk with Kaiba after exiting the fog had muddled up her feelings. This was the man that had apparently hurt his brother. Sort of. In a different timeline or something. Maybe.

As said. Awkward.

Breathing out, she shuts her notebook and gets up, deciding she'll do her best not to think about it. That, and pray this wasn't some convoluted way to annoy her. They trauma bonded! She deserves kindness!

She makes a face at him after opening the door a bit, revealing her loose hair and some of the oversized t-shirt she's wearing. ]

Aren't you a little old to be trick-or-treating?

[millenniumeyed]

[Their parting was a somewhat... traumatic affair, and normally people would talk about that before jumping right to merrymaking, but this isn't a normal situation, and they aren't normal people, so merrymaking it is.

She might not look entirely enthused, but Pegasus looks downright sunny, his smile wide and white. He's pretty pleased with his setup, actually, and he's eager to show it off. Thirty samples of wine is no small feat to arrange. He spent ages sweet-talking bartenders into giving him samples of everything they had.]

Not according to Lucifer! He's sending us from door to door- [Not in a costume, thankfully. He's in a suit and tie.] Or just door, in my case. I selected you. [He smiles wider. That's not ominous at all.] And instead of receiving treats, we're to offer one of our own or a hand.

[Though, in this specific case, he does get something out of it: the satisfaction of tearing down someones heresy against wine.]

So, do you want a hand or a treat? The answer doesn't make much difference, but I'm obligated to ask.

[holeinwall]

[ The door opens more just so she can properly complain. She needs to throw her hands up. ]

You can't offer me a choice and then say there's no choice! That's--that's not a choice!

[ But hey, all that complaining spares him from having her tease about what he could do with a hand. And with the door fully open, she can better see the setup he's got, which shocks her into silence. Her arms droop and fall to her sides. ]

Holy crap.

[ It's a little unrefined for her, saying that, but she's been hanging around unrefined people long enough that it begins to rub off eventually. And, well, it's fitting. That's a lot of...what is it? ]

Is that wine? [ Aaaand she's back to throwing her arms up again. It all makes sense now! This is torture!! ] Gross!

[ A few sips from one glass proved that! ]

I appreciate you thinking of me like this-- [ No, really, she does. It's romantic. But not romantic enough for her to want to participate! She starts pushing the door shut. ] --but no thank you! Go treat yourself!

[millenniumeyed]

[It sure is wine. Thirty glasses of it, but he'd only filled them a quarter of the way to ensure none spilt on the journey over. The trolley the kitchen staff so helpfully provided is on the rickety side.

As she puts her first glass down, he downs the rest and tosses the empty glass into a compartment at the bottom. Tasted perfectly fine to him. Nothing to write home about, but definitely not 'gross'.]

That's one glass down, twenty nine more to go. I'm sure we'll fine one you like if we-

[Oh, no, he did not go through all this effort to get a door shut in his face. He wedges a foot between the frame and door to prevent her from closing it on him and fixes her with grin.]

I'll take that as you selecting the treat option! Believe me, it will be a treat- we just have to find a type you like. You can't possibly hate all of them.

[Or he hopes not. With thirty options, you'd think at least a few would be to her taste.]

And being French, apparently, wine culture is very important to me, so I'd like to share in it.

[Maybe he should have come with a little beret on. She might've let him right in.]

[holeinwall]

[ She groans loudly when she realizes there's an obstacle keeping her from shutting the door--his stupid foot! ]

When are you going to stop treating a closed door as a challenge?!

[ She groans again, but it's a more resigned one. Yelling about closed doors has brought back memories of all the closed doors they had to deal with in the fog...and how that all ended. And he'd chosen her for this. How can she be mad at that?

Gradually, the door reopens, and she catches sight of the wine again. Well. She can still be mad at that. ]

You're not French right now.

[ He's lost his cool status because she says so. But there are no further attempts to keep him from entering. She steps aside, making a vague "come in" gesture. ]

But fine, yes. I accept treat. [ There's a soft huff, then she mutters: ] And maybe I'll hate all of them just to spite you.

[ Don't underestimate her ability to be a bratty brat, okay. ]

[millenniumeyed]

[Pegasus lets out a long, low hum before answering her question.]

Never, probably.

[He's used to shouldering his way through all kinds of doors, physical and otherwise. Fortunately, Monika concedes before any shouldering becomes necessary, and he's quick to grab the trolley by one of its handles and guide it in. The glasses rattle against each other all the way inside.]

I heard that.

[He sounds amused more than anything, though.]

Champagne is a wine, so you technically already like a wine. But you ought to broaden your horizons beyond champagne, bring a little more sophistication to your palate.

[Dropping to his knees before the trolley, he begins to unload some food. Just plates filled with cheese, crackers, bits of bread, fruits, and vegetables. Little things to ensure they aren't drinking on an empty stomach.]

I've even prepared some food.

[If telling the kitchen to make him up some finger food counts as 'preparing'.

He glances at her over his shoulder, looking very pleased with his efforts.]

Downright romantic, isn't it? I think I deserve my French title back.

dw was like FUCK WINE because i got no notif whatsoever

[holeinwall]

[ Hold on. Forget everything else. The look on her face screams horror. Because it's not true. It can't be! ]

Ch-Champagne isn't wine! It's--it's champagne!

[ Never mind all the bottles that had passed through her hands with "sparkling wine" clearly on the label. They were just being fancy or something...

Lower lip wibbling, she sinks onto her bed, clinging to her sweatpants-covered legs like she just found out Santa wasn't real. But she doesn't have too much time for denials or furiously running to the bar downstairs to yell at the bartender for answers, because jeez, that trolley has been hiding all sorts of treasures. She grabs one plate, fighting not to be impressed, but it's hard. ]

It's...sort of romantic. [ She then grumbles quietly. It's pretty darn romantic, but he won't get that out of her! ] You're half-French now, I guess.

[ After munching on a cracker, she fights more urges to pout. He's such a nice jerk! ]

And who says my palate isn't already sophisticated?

it's fine I'm slow as hell atm anyway

[millenniumeyed]

[He has a good laugh at Monika's expense. To be fair, who could resist laughing at that reaction? She looks distraught, over wine.]

Happy Halloween.

[Since she snatches one plate away, there's just enough room for the remaining two on the trolley, and he takes a few pieces of cheese for himself before selecting a glass and pressing it into her hand. It's merlot, a sweeter kind, so it seems a safe place to start.]

I do. I took lessons in presenting myself as 'sophisticated', palate and otherwise, so I ought to know. [While she's sampling that drink, he settles against the trolley and idly nibbles on his cheese.] And this is lot more fun than any of my lessons. A stern old lady used to play the least fun pretend dinner parties and banquets with me.

[His face scrunches up as he recalls those dinner parties. So tedious for a child, and he'd always gotten so flustered that he'd mess up basic etiquette in front of her.]

WHOLESOME THREAD, WHOLESOME TAGS ONLY, NO SHENANIGANS ALLOWED

[neutronblast]

[okay, first of all, what the fuck.

second of all: what the actual fuck. what was a little kid doing here? it doesn't even hit him at first who they were, how it literally couldn't be anyone else but pegasus, because of course it had to be pegasus, because of course he could never escape pegasus. even when he's trying to party and to forget the fact his life sucks, pegasus had to be there.

but no. the thought doesn't even cross his mind, he just makes a beeline for this completely random child and...]

Get away from him!

[...smack!

he slapped him. no, not pegasus, though he definitely deserved it. no sir, he just slapped the demon that had topped off his glass, and while there's no music playing the record scratch could practically be heard anyway. and so pegasus will see him as never before: he's being mama beared by seto kaiba, who growls and warns everyone else to fuck off.

well, maybe that part was familiar. the "fuck off" just wasn't being directed at him. for once. savor this moment, pegasus, reality's a bitch and it'll sink in after a few seconds.]

[millenniumeyed]

[Oh, wow. What an entrance. That's Seto Kaiba for you: he never does anything in half-measures.

Pegasus watches on, amused, as the demon stumbles back with a hand-print blooming on its cheek and leers at Seto with bright, orange eyes, clearly taking stock of him. It must not like its odds, because it end up cursing him out and storming away instead of initiating a fight, and sadly, it takes the bottle of wine Pegasus had so been enjoying with it.

Oh well. He still has half a glass.]

It's okay, Mr. Kaiba! [Despite his voice being that of a squeaky ten year old, it's probably going to be apparent who he is once Seto gets a proper look at him. The eyes, hair, and outfit are unmistakable.] Father said I can have a glass on special occasions, and I think this counts as one!

[He sips his wine, smiling over the rim of the glass.]

Well, a much smaller glass that this, but you won't tell on me, right Mr. Kaiba? It'll be our little secret.

[Have a wink. He can do that now! It's great!]

[neutronblast]

[god fucking damn it.

kaiba keeps his eye on any other would-be enemies, standing his ground and making it clear that the party was over and he wouldn't tolerate anyone else near pegasus. with one final huff, he turns to him. and boy oh boy, he looks ready to deliver the meanest lecture you ever heard. he looks ready to throw him down and smack him around too.

but ultimately he just sort of sighs, seizing that glass and pouring it out.]

We're leaving.

[come on, you little shit. he makes a grab for his wrist and starts to drag him off.]

[millenniumeyed]

Hey!

[He gives Seto an affronted look while his wine is being poured out, and even more of one when he's seized and dragged away from the drinks table. Being barely at the height of Seto's belt, there isn't much he can do but stumble along.]

Leaving? This early? Seto, come on- I'm twenty four, regardless of how I look!

[He doesn't mean to sound like a whiny child, but it's difficult not to when he is, in fact, a whining child. The voice just makes it impossible to make the complaint sound dignified. He considers going limp in objection, which is not something he would normally consider, because that's even less dignified, but being in this body probably means his brain has taken a few developmental steps back too.]

[neutronblast]

[grumbling:]

Twenty-four going on four.

[ouch. someone's feeling sassy.

seto drags him into a corner, one of relative safety, and sizes him up like a father with his errant son. and that's pretty much what this was. he's assigned himself as pegasus' official babysitter and that's the end of that. he doesn't trust him on his own, has no real way to defend himself, so there's no other choice. he knows he has to watch him.

but he also knows pegasus will throw a fit he hauls him straight home, so...]

We'll watch a movie. You'll behave. You won't bug me. And then I'm taking you back to the hotel.

[it's not a negotiation. just nod your head, peggy. grumpy uncle seto will take good care of you.]

[millenniumeyed]

[His only response to that is a harrumph. What a great job he's doing at proving Seto wrong.

He huffs some more when Seto makes his 'offer' and would very much like to argue, but when Seto gets it in his head to do something, he's very difficult to dissuade, and Pegasus is even less likely to sway him than your average person. He folds his arms and looks cross, but, again: he probably just comes across as a whiny kid.]

Not much of a compromise. You really take all the fun out of watching a movie with someone.

[Pegasus makes a show of sighing and pouting and scuffing his shoes before he finally concedes defeat.]

But I was intending to glance in, so I suppose it'll do. I could go for a bucket of caramel popcorn. [Then he lifts his arms and makes grabby-hands at Seto.] But you have to carry me there, because I'm not letting you drag me through a sea of legs.

[Can he really say no to this teeny tiny baby face?

...Well, yes, probably, but he'll see if he can get Seto to carry him anyway.]

[neutronblast]

[he tries to hang in there. he tries to hold on, tries to put on his usual facade with every intention of telling this insufferable brat off... but he just can't. he looks at his face and he can only see mokuba. he can only imagine how terrible it would be to have him get hurt. though their last talk also softened him quite a bit, so unfortunately, he's a goner.

after another moment of hesitation, he bends down to pick him up, drawing him into his arms. he may as well be weightless; he does so with ease.]

Don't do that again, okay? I'm not responsible for you.

[but it's soft as he says it. warm, compassionate, as he so rarely was with anyone.]

[millenniumeyed]

[He used to be carried when he was young. Sometimes by his guards, sometimes by his father, and he instinctively shifts to slope an arm around Seto's back for stability. From up here, he can see the party proper, and he curiously casts his eyes over the festivities. Everyone looks so big when you're a child. He'd forgotten that feeling, about how overwhelming and large the world could be.

When Seto speaks, he turns his attention back to him with eyebrows raised. That might just be the softest voice he's ever heard Seto speak in.]

Do what? Drink?

[He lines his fingers up with one of Seto's hands to see the difference in size. So much bigger, and he'd always thought Seto's hands looked kind of thin and dainty. Not unlike his own, really. They're the hands of people whose work require great dexterity.]

I wasn't aiming to get drunk. Just enjoying a glass while chatting to the demons.

stand your ground

[unpuzzled]

[The demons might not be concerned about some underaged drinking, but Yugi definitely is. Especially when it comes to a kid looking like they have no issue being in hell. Yugi is also kind of concerned that he's seen that tell-tale white hair and (one of) those blue eyes before. He doesn't comment on it though, waiting for a little more information.

And there's a last bit of concern that this suspiciously familiar child basically knew his calling card. Sure, Yugi likes playing just about anything at almost anytime, but not when he's suspiciously eyeing that glass of wine and crossing his arms while looking down (down!!) at a child.]

This party is for grownups, you know. You shouldn't be here. Or drinking here. Or drinking at all.

[millenniumeyed]

[Huh, this is a new perspective. Usually he has to bend to look Yugi in the eyes. He glances up at him, then down, then up again, and it's quite a significant height difference too. What is Pegasus now... four feet? He was below average height for a ten year old boy at this age.]

I'm plenty grown up. I'm this many.

[Pegasus has no issue abandoning his drink, so he sets the glass down in favour of displaying all ten of his fingers to Yugi, grinning playfully all the while. Yugi's going to realise who he is in a moment, but he can tease in the meantime.]

Plus, the demons said I could, and they're definitely more grownup than you. Sorry, Yugi boy. [Definitely going to realise who he is now.

He grabs for Yugi's wrist, looking every part a ten year old eager to drag a friend off to play.]

Do you know how to play 'What's the time Mr. Wolf'?

[unpuzzled]

[Yugi is just about to (gently, kindly, firmly) tell this boy that "this many" is still not old enough to be here, when... he realizes he doesn't have to.

Yugi boy. Oh. Oh. There's the confirmation he needed. Not that he has much of a chance to be surprised at that revelation before Pegasus grabs his wrist. If he does get dragged, Yugi is far too nice to pull away at this point. At least not yet.]

You're not in your forties right now, Pegasus!

[He calls out. Or thirties or twenties or whatever he felt like pretending to be most of the time.

And, ten years old or twenty of fifty, whatever Pegasus was right now, asking Yugi if he knows a game was a silly question. Of course he does. The bigger issue is whether they should be playing one right now in the middle of this party when Pegasus isn't even in his own body.]

I know it works better with more than two players.

[millenniumeyed]

[He's getting dragged, but since it's away from the drinks table, away from the alcohol, away from distinctly child-unfriendly activities, Yugi probably isn't going to complain too much. There are quiet areas of the maze, and he'll find one for them to play a game.]

Technically I'm still an adult.

[Though, admittedly, he's been getting childish impulses since ending up in this body. Well... more than usual.]

And I've made do with two before. [He finally releases Yugi, casting a smile over his shoulder, his teeth grey in the dim light.] But if you can think of a better game, I'd be willing.

[If anyone can think of a game two people can play in a corn maze, it is going to be Yugi Mutou.]

[unpuzzled]

Technically you're shorter and younger than me now, and probably have a matching alcohol tolerance.

[Yeah, sorry, that one's not going to work on him. What does is being spirited away from said alcohol for a game. He... really shouldn't. They really shouldn't (compared to, say, figuring out how he de-aged in the first place). But if this is the lesser of two evils, then... well, he's willing to try it. For now.

Boy, does Yugi ever sigh right now, his newly released hand combing through his bang.]

... I'm game. We'll try yours out.