Penance Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
penancemods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
penancememes2022-04-26 01:52 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-04-26 01:52 am
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #34
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, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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 "Rise and shine, darling!" Lucifer's voice booms within everyone's minds one fine morning, and sinners will almost feel how infectious his good mood is. And what does he not have to feel good about? They've rescued sinners from Mammon's latest antics and now they can hopefully move on with their lives, without any further interference. "Those who have been here for a while will know that the annual Carnival is well on its way. This time, I would like to assure all of you that I have taken every utmost precaution to ensure it's a good event for everyone from beginning to end!"
"Regardless of what my father would like to see, I would like to reward all of you for standing at my side. All of you havedisplayed astounding bravery and care for your fellow sinners and demons alike. This deserves a reward in my book. So no torture, no pain, no zoos to be forced into... just a bit of fun and games. This time, the clowns have been told to mind their manners!"!
Some of the sinners who have been here since the beginning may feel their stomachs clench in fear at the mere thought of a carnival, but the atmosphere is... happy. Demons are being far kinder than they have been in the past, approaching with kinder requests to help. Some may get a little rough around the edges, may shove or criticize or look like they want to hit, but be patient! Hell is all they really know and those old habits die hard at times! They got the spirit at least...
To show their thanks, they're bringing out cans of Speed Energy again (can you guess the secret ingredient?) that will have sinners absolutely buzzing to help. Decorations need to be placed, rides need to be set, tables for vendors and games. It seems like the beginning of some sort of tunnel of love is being put together by Lilith and the sex demons...
Lucifer is even walking around personally supervising and checking in on sinners with enthusiam and warmth. There may be an air of nervousness about him -- he is technically disobeying God and they still haven't found Emmanuel, but he's putting on a brave face at least!
For those who'd rather opt out of manual labor, some of the succubi have set up lemonade stands. They're offering cups for kisses - and don't worry! They're inviting sinners to join in the fun and take over some of the stands!
There's also some late Spring Cleaning going on around the hotel and guests will find boxes of items left outside to rummage through that may include newer clothes, games, and other sources of entertainment. There may even be the odd weapon or two! Staff will not say no if anyone wants to give them a bit of a and with the cleaning and dusting either... it seems the large spiders have come back in to try to spin their webs and stay. Don't worry! Even though they may rival a chihuahua, these guys tend to be docile and friendly. Be careful you don't accidentally adopt a pet!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: blood, torture
"My dear guests!" Lucifer greets as sinners are led to a room with two seats and a table in between. They then will be made to sit by two burly demon escorts.
"What I am asking of you is rather simple... pick a sin from your contract, any sin, and explain how you got to that point. Simple enough, yes? Perhaps gaining a better understanding of what made you sin in the first place will clear a path into avoiding situations like this in the future, as well as form that all too important human connection that I'm told some of you are desperately needing. Please don't try to get out of it... I really would rather not punish you.".
And true to his word, so long as sinners comply and share what made them perform a sin on their list, they'll be let go. If, after five minutes, nothing has been shared, a headache will begin. The pain will gradually increase until it floods the body. Nosebleeds may begin to happen, so will bleeding out the ears or eyes. Eventually, a sinner may even lose a sense for a 24 hour period.
Is it really worth potentially going blind just to get out of a little bit of talking? Come now...
(Effects should begin 5 comments in and gradually worsen until sinners either give in or start to lose one of their senses. After this, they'll be released from the room regardless whether they complied or not)
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: Potentials for sex, aphrodisiacs, non/dub-con, etc.
Club Penance has decided to don a new theme for the night! The theme is lingerie. The staff now wear more modest lingerie reminiscent of the '50s. Elegant, pretty, tantalizing. Or maybe it's just the aphrodisiacs in the air and food that make one feel that way.
They are also insisting everyone else put on lingerie as well. Don't worry! It's not old fashioned and anything that suites your fancy will be available. Try to skip out? Guests will find it magically appear on them... and possibly not in the theme they'd choose for themselves. If magic fails, the staff or local demons may take it upon themselves to slip it on the poor sinner themselves.
Swinging is an event happening tonight. Put your key from Hotel Penance or Hellburbia into a hat, another sinner draws it out... whoever gets your key will be your lucky partner for the night for any kind of fun! Sinners may find their keys disappearing and appearing in the hat entirely without their knowledge... but staff will be very persistent about follow-through! There will be rooms available for fun in the Club, for those who'd rather not go back to their personal rooms.
Other than that, oddly enough tables have been set up for romantic dinners, private rooms are available for sexual activities (not all of these are vanilla. There are toys and machines and anything else one could want, including costumes or things to suit any fetish). There's also live entertainment in the form of dancing or sexual performances on stages around the club. Volunteers are more than welcome!
For those not partnered up, there's speed dating where demons will lead a prospective partner to your table for a little bit of a chat and a drink. They may not always get your tastes spot on, but hopefully it's entertaining for all involved! if sinners find their drinks seem to have a little extra aphrodisiac added to them, oh well. It was probably an honest mistake.
Those who are attached, either via Casino Styx or through other means may find themselves growing oddly loving or possessive of one another. Jealousy and the urge to claim their partner (even in public) will grow substantially throughout the night. While it may not always result in violence and instead be enthusiastically embraced by both parties, it may also result in the urge to leave marks or claim in darker ways. Collaring their partners, leaving their names, etc. They're yours and don't you want everyone to know that?
Alcohol does flow freely around the club and usual demonic drugs or party drugs are available on demand.
Prompt II 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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on our May TDM! 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, And it seems to linger for a long time. There is nothing at all. It must be lonely. But it won’t be forever.
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 "Rise and shine, darling!" Lucifer's voice booms within everyone's minds one fine morning, and sinners will almost feel how infectious his good mood is. And what does he not have to feel good about? They've rescued sinners from Mammon's latest antics and now they can hopefully move on with their lives, without any further interference. "Those who have been here for a while will know that the annual Carnival is well on its way. This time, I would like to assure all of you that I have taken every utmost precaution to ensure it's a good event for everyone from beginning to end!"
"Regardless of what my father would like to see, I would like to reward all of you for standing at my side. All of you havedisplayed astounding bravery and care for your fellow sinners and demons alike. This deserves a reward in my book. So no torture, no pain, no zoos to be forced into... just a bit of fun and games. This time, the clowns have been told to mind their manners!"!
Some of the sinners who have been here since the beginning may feel their stomachs clench in fear at the mere thought of a carnival, but the atmosphere is... happy. Demons are being far kinder than they have been in the past, approaching with kinder requests to help. Some may get a little rough around the edges, may shove or criticize or look like they want to hit, but be patient! Hell is all they really know and those old habits die hard at times! They got the spirit at least...
To show their thanks, they're bringing out cans of Speed Energy again (can you guess the secret ingredient?) that will have sinners absolutely buzzing to help. Decorations need to be placed, rides need to be set, tables for vendors and games. It seems like the beginning of some sort of tunnel of love is being put together by Lilith and the sex demons...
Lucifer is even walking around personally supervising and checking in on sinners with enthusiam and warmth. There may be an air of nervousness about him -- he is technically disobeying God and they still haven't found Emmanuel, but he's putting on a brave face at least!
For those who'd rather opt out of manual labor, some of the succubi have set up lemonade stands. They're offering cups for kisses - and don't worry! They're inviting sinners to join in the fun and take over some of the stands!
There's also some late Spring Cleaning going on around the hotel and guests will find boxes of items left outside to rummage through that may include newer clothes, games, and other sources of entertainment. There may even be the odd weapon or two! Staff will not say no if anyone wants to give them a bit of a and with the cleaning and dusting either... it seems the large spiders have come back in to try to spin their webs and stay. Don't worry! Even though they may rival a chihuahua, these guys tend to be docile and friendly. Be careful you don't accidentally adopt a pet!
Reach Up High WARNINGS: blood, torture
"My dear guests!" Lucifer greets as sinners are led to a room with two seats and a table in between. They then will be made to sit by two burly demon escorts.
"What I am asking of you is rather simple... pick a sin from your contract, any sin, and explain how you got to that point. Simple enough, yes? Perhaps gaining a better understanding of what made you sin in the first place will clear a path into avoiding situations like this in the future, as well as form that all too important human connection that I'm told some of you are desperately needing. Please don't try to get out of it... I really would rather not punish you.".
And true to his word, so long as sinners comply and share what made them perform a sin on their list, they'll be let go. If, after five minutes, nothing has been shared, a headache will begin. The pain will gradually increase until it floods the body. Nosebleeds may begin to happen, so will bleeding out the ears or eyes. Eventually, a sinner may even lose a sense for a 24 hour period.
Is it really worth potentially going blind just to get out of a little bit of talking? Come now...
(Effects should begin 5 comments in and gradually worsen until sinners either give in or start to lose one of their senses. After this, they'll be released from the room regardless whether they complied or not)
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: Potentials for sex, aphrodisiacs, non/dub-con, etc.
Club Penance has decided to don a new theme for the night! The theme is lingerie. The staff now wear more modest lingerie reminiscent of the '50s. Elegant, pretty, tantalizing. Or maybe it's just the aphrodisiacs in the air and food that make one feel that way.
They are also insisting everyone else put on lingerie as well. Don't worry! It's not old fashioned and anything that suites your fancy will be available. Try to skip out? Guests will find it magically appear on them... and possibly not in the theme they'd choose for themselves. If magic fails, the staff or local demons may take it upon themselves to slip it on the poor sinner themselves.
Swinging is an event happening tonight. Put your key from Hotel Penance or Hellburbia into a hat, another sinner draws it out... whoever gets your key will be your lucky partner for the night for any kind of fun! Sinners may find their keys disappearing and appearing in the hat entirely without their knowledge... but staff will be very persistent about follow-through! There will be rooms available for fun in the Club, for those who'd rather not go back to their personal rooms.
Other than that, oddly enough tables have been set up for romantic dinners, private rooms are available for sexual activities (not all of these are vanilla. There are toys and machines and anything else one could want, including costumes or things to suit any fetish). There's also live entertainment in the form of dancing or sexual performances on stages around the club. Volunteers are more than welcome!
For those not partnered up, there's speed dating where demons will lead a prospective partner to your table for a little bit of a chat and a drink. They may not always get your tastes spot on, but hopefully it's entertaining for all involved! if sinners find their drinks seem to have a little extra aphrodisiac added to them, oh well. It was probably an honest mistake.
Those who are attached, either via Casino Styx or through other means may find themselves growing oddly loving or possessive of one another. Jealousy and the urge to claim their partner (even in public) will grow substantially throughout the night. While it may not always result in violence and instead be enthusiastically embraced by both parties, it may also result in the urge to leave marks or claim in darker ways. Collaring their partners, leaving their names, etc. They're yours and don't you want everyone to know that?
Alcohol does flow freely around the club and usual demonic drugs or party drugs are available on demand.
Prompt II 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 or sample threads.
Thanks for clicking on our May TDM! 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
follow me down
truth be told, he's nothing special to look at in that dingy ensemble. and kaiba certainly doesn't recognize him, as he saunters on over to his table like the greatest king of kings. there are some hushed whispers among the demons at his arrival, some dipped heads -- it would seem that seto kaiba in this world, as in any world, commands respect.
or at least he likes to think so. that may or may not be true, depending on the situation.]
Degenerates, huh...
[kaiba clucks his tongue in apparent distaste, before ushering one of the demons aside and claiming their seat at the table.]
Deal me in. We'll see just how flawless you really are.
no subject
It's a good thing he knew Kaiba was in this place beforehand, otherwise he might have actually bolted from the table upon him actually showing up. Instead, he ends up staring for a moment before speaking.]
You're Seto Kaiba.
[And then, wincing, resisting the urge to slap himself in the face because that was such a stupid thing to say in acknowledgement. At least the dealer doesn't seem to care about Jun's reactions to the obvious as they already begin to deal out the cards here upon Kaiba taking a seat, eager to get the game started.]
no subject
Yes. Thanks for noticing.
[sorry, jun. he doesn't know you are, and doesn't particularly care, as he accepts his cards with a flat look.
a look that he will, in fact, be wearing the whole game, because seto kaiba's poker face was truly a thing of legend. sorry-not-sorry about that too, twinky boy.]
no subject
It does however give him one piece of potential information: Kaiba didn't watch the televised duel at Duel Academia that involved the Manjoume Group attempting to stake a claim on Kaibacorp's territory in the dueling world. Or he didn't care to remember what was probably an insignificant duel in comparison to his own duels. Or his brothers actually had the gall to lie and say that they met Kaiba or that he was paying any attention to those events.
Given that it was also one of, if not the most humiliating experiences in Jun's life, he honestly hopes that someone he had once considered as one of his greatest idols suddenly doesn't remember having seen that broadcast any time soon.
As such, he forces himself to pay attention to his own cards instead. Not as awful as his last hand, but nothing to gloat about either. Probably nowhere near as impressive as Kaiba's hand, he thinks, when he glances back at his opponent, but maybe the fact that he's been momentarily thinking about things that have nothing to do with the game will be enough to make it seem like he's given away something other than what he actually has in hand.
So when the dealer asks if anyone's folding, Jun makes the (maybe foolish) decision to decline and keep his hand. (Two of a kind in the form of fives, and then a random three, seven and king)]
no subject
the dealer asks who wants to fold and jun does indeed make a foolish decision. a decision foolish enough to draw kaiba's eyes away, in a sort of languid, unimpressed stare leveled right at what he perceives to be a complete idiot. perhaps rightfully so.]
New around here, aren't you? You've got the twitchy disposition of some dumb virgin.
[why yes, jun, seto kaiba did just call you a virgin. and he's only just getting started.]
Did you forget what this game is? Or do you actually think you can outplay me?
no subject
[Well congratulations, Kaiba, you actually got Manjoume to snap out of the depressing train of thought he had been indulging in beforehand with that.]
Of course I haven't forgotten what we're playing. [He scoffs, his usual bluster that he typically reserves for duels momentarily back up for the time being.] Instead of wasting my time with childish insults, you should just show your cards if you're really that confident that you've got a better hand than mine.
[Something he might regret saying later down the road, but now he's pissed off enough to actually dare to talk back to Seto fucking Kaiba to not care just yet about the potential consequences.]
no subject
[but he'd much rather troll this poor sap into oblivion first, so he just gestures dismissively to his hand and proclaims to the whole table...]
But it's shit, right? You're holding shit?
[...which might be his first clue, the first of many, that this wasn't the seto kaiba he knows. or thought he knew.]
no subject
He had always thought from watching Kaiba's duels that even with the man's less than kind attitude toward weak opponents was cool (something that might have accidentally led him to act the same in school, in hindsight) when he was younger, but now, being on the receiving end of it? Not so much. It takes a remarkable amount of willpower to still respond as calmly as he can rather than telling Seto Kaiba to go to hell or something otherwise rude.]
I'm not dignifying that with an answer unless you plan on actually meeting our challenge, rather than continuing to stall the game like this.
no subject
I'll raise, then. Your move.
[he'll flip a few chips into the pool with a claw. a very sharp, very dangerous, very don't fuck with me claw.]
no subject
Still, he isn't backing down because doing so is, quite honestly, something that would just make him look worse than taking the potential loss, he thinks.
The dealer now commands for hands to be shown once the chips are in, and so Manjoume reveals his two pair, somehow managing not to make his hand shake when he does so. The demon gives him a look and, much to Manjoume's annoyance, mutters under his breath something about how it is admittedly a better hand than whatever one he had apparently before Kaiba joined the game.
A comment that he wishes had gone unsaid, because frankly, nobody needs to know that he actually had gone through a round with a worse hand than this one before.]
no subject
as in literally pointed. apparently the seto kaiba in this world was rocking the triple threat of claws, fangs, and a tail that is flickering back and forth in obvious amusement.]
So sad, but rules are rules. So I get to decide what you strip.
[what's that, you say? that wasn't a rule before? well, it is now. and that's all that really matters.]
I recognize that you've probably never heard "take your top off" in any kind of flattering context before, but we'll go with that.
no subject
Since when was that a rule now?
[And to think that he had ever had any respect or admiration for Seto Kaiba before today. On the bright side, he hasn't decided that this is worth renouncing the man and switching to Yugi Muto as the duelist he should have been taking pointers from instead, thankfully he hasn't hit that level of despair in regards to meeting this particular celebrity of his world yet.
He hesitates momentarily nonetheless, but then the insult gets him to reach his hands up toward his coat and slide it off to lie back against the chair he's sitting in. He's wearing one of his usual purple turtlenecks underneath, which he doesn't make a move to remove yet since Kaiba didn't clarify if he meant that or the coat with that smug remark of his.]
no subject
but eventually he does address the unspoken question of what to remove, and he simply shrugs, seemingly indifferent.]
You're going to lose everything. May as well resign yourself to it now.
[apparently manjoume has painted a target on his back. so sad.
a fresh round of cards get dealt. maybe manjoume will have better luck this time -- or maybe not, with kaiba zeroing in on him.]
no subject
[He grits out, folding one leg over the other to hide the nervous bounce in his feet as he considers his options here. He's only down one shoe and his coat, which is still not as bad as it could be. He's had to bathe with a bunch of Slifer slackers in a shared dorm, it's not like there is a zero percent chance that someone hadn't ended up seeing probably more of Manjoume Jun than anyone wanted or needed to. But the prospect that he could very well end up naked in front of a bunch of demons and Kaiba of all people is definitely a more humiliating idea to imagine.
The dealer takes his words to mean that Jun is still playing, and so another hand gets dealt out. Jun examines it, but even though it is a better hand he could use or bluff with unlike the last one, he's not quite as enthusiastic about his chances. Still, he ends up speaking up regardless, because there's a question that he's become too curious to ignore now, and he doesn't know when he'll actually have an opportunity to talk to Kaiba, especially after this particular turn of events.]
Does the name "Duel Academia" mean anything to you?
no subject
[not that he immediately discounts what he's saying. kaiba was kaiba, and thus still very much an asshole, but he's long since learned to cool his jets -- at least long enough to listen. he does sense something a little different about manjoume, even if he was otherwise unremarkable, so he decides to entertain the shift in subject as bets are made.]
Just so you're aware, everyone gets drawn in from different times and different places here. So if you think you're about to shock me with some stunning revelation of who I was or wasn't, think again. I don't care about who I am to you. You, to put it bluntly, are irrelevant.
[he's not even being rude. not this time, anyway. just painfully direct.]
I am nothing more and nothing less than myself. And that's all I'll ever be, in this world or any other.
no subject
Yeah... someone named Ann told me something like that, not that long ago. And given the lack of reaction you had to my name earlier, I figured that might have been the case.
[However, he actually manages the smallest smile, very briefly.]
That said, your words are pretty much exactly what I would have expected from the Seto Kaiba I was aware of in my world, even if you had known who I was or what I was talking about.
[The man's personality is pretty much a well-known fact alongside his dueling career, and he would have expected being talked down to anyway even if Kaiba had recognized the name of the Manjoume Group. Jun has no illusions about the fact that, no matter how rich his family was, they didn't hold a candle to Kaibacorp's popularity.]
no subject
Yeah? And what else did she tell you?
[his words are still curt, still sharp, but now more annoyed than anything else. and perhaps the slightest bit fond, not that he made it easy to spot -- not that he'd ever admit it.]
no subject
Not that he had accused her of lying about such things; she had earned Jun's own respect by being as helpful as she was when he had first shown up.]
That you're one of the smartest people that she's ever met. [Which, he pauses momentarily, before he decides, fuck it, Kaiba embarrassed him a minute ago, he can afford to potentially end up embarrassing the other by adding--] And that you're a good person that she considers to be one of her best friends here.
no subject
[and it sounds like jun believed every word of it. you're seto kaiba seemed to convey a sense of awe, after all, pitched more as acknowledgment than accusation. at least he doesn't have to worry about any more enemies down here. and if ann trusted him enough to tell him that, then it probably meant that he wouldn't be a huge pain in the ass.
maybe just a little one, then. much like ann herself. adding a modest bet to the pool, he shrugs at that last bit.]
"Good" is a matter of opinion. And her opinions on some things can be [
extremely] slightly skewed.no subject
[Jun corrects, since most of his classmates are those he would suspect of having even less of a chance of getting condemned to Hell, in comparison to himself.
Then again, Ann didn't seem like someone he would have pegged for getting their soul damned to Hell either, so who knows.]
no subject
as annoying as ann could be, she had a good eye for good people. or ostensibly "good" people, in his case, even if he'd forever argue to the contrary. it distracts him from the game and from his initial goal of humiliating jun into submission. it feels like he has ann hanging over his shoulder now, shaking her head and saying c'mon, seto, be nice.
he refuses to be nice, but he does do something else. he adjusts his body language in such a way that makes his own hand obvious; as a result, he winds up losing the first bit of clothing, that being his own coat. he tempers his behavior in a similar way, sometimes folding when he shouldn't. purposely making bad plays, while staying in the game.
and while he makes it hard to tell, after those few rounds are over, jun may just notice that he is being protected by what is easily the best player at the table.]
no subject
There's an odd feeling that sits in his chest upon the realization, one of gratitude... and one of anger, as the idea that he's being pitied here in some regard comes to mind. And if there's anything he hates more than losing, it's being pitied and someone just letting him win.
Still, he definitely doesn't want to say anything about this just yet while other demons are still present, so he forces himself to try to ignore that previous thought. But eventually, it seems like some of the demons are getting bored of either losing, or the clear lack of interest being given to their participation by comparison, and they begin to thin out until...]
Looks like we're the only players left.
[Sure enough, it's just them and the dealer at this point.]
no subject
not that it made any real difference. if he knew who seto kaiba was, then he also knew that seto kaiba could run circles around him in pretty much any game ever devised; his ability to thrash manjoume at will was never in question. if he wants to call it pity, he can, but that was missing the point. something he suspects this twerp does an awful lot.
he's thrown a few hands, though he doesn't look too pressed about it, sitting bare from the waist up. he does, however, sound less than pleased.]
You lost three rounds ago, actually.
[yes, he's been counting. because of course he has.]
She was trying to protect you. And then you threw it all away by making the colossally short-sighted decision of coming down here.
no subject
Should I have just sat in a hotel room somewhere doing nothing instead? Because that isn't my style: if I'm expected to be here for who knows how long, investigating my surroundings and seeing what to expect for myself seems like the better alternative.
[A pause, as he does look down and take that moment remember his current state of dress. Or undress, rather.]
... Even if getting roped into strip poker, instead of regular poker or duel monsters, was admittedly not part of the plan.
no subject
[ah, yes, that legendary seto kaiba wit in action. as well as his legendary lack of tact.]
Because that's exactly what happens when you lose down here. And when you don't have someone covering your ass to circumvent it.
[the dealer does not seem moved by what they presume to be some sort of lover's spat. because stranger things can and do happen down here. down here, exactly where a twit like jun was never meant to go. but kaiba only ever operates on kaiba time, so he'll just make them wait while he launches into a lecture the likes of which only he can deliver.]
I sure hope "Duel Academia" isn't a school. I sure hope it isn't my school, and I sure hope you don't attend, because if you do, you'd be retroactively expelled. Of course, that's only hypothetical, because clearly someone as idiotic as you wouldn't be allowed past the front gates.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)