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Penance Mods ([personal profile] penancemods) wrote in [community profile] penancememes2022-08-24 10:35 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME #38

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
Curiously, every television within Hell seems to be covered with a sheet and wrapped in chains. If one listens closely at night, they'll hear murmuring coming from them. If any curious newcomer should try to remove the coverings, they will find them magically enchanted in some way that makes this impossible, however. If asked, the staff will explain that they're undergoing a cleansing to remove a curse placed upon them by evildoers. If pressed further, they'll hear talks of The Veiled Order.

But not to worry! There's plenty to do. Helluvacup needs to be rebuilt so the coffee demon and his prized hell rat on a harness and leash quit wandering the halls... the staff is rather tired of being bitten! Additionally, it feels like reality is shifting more often to showing what the pristine hotel may actually look like. It hasn't been that long since the buildings were flooded by lava and utterly destroyed. The beautiful interiors were too good to be true, and the veneer is cracking more severely now. At times, the illusion drops to the burnt out husk of a building, to rotting wood and torn, old furniture. Sometimes it's jarring enough to leave one dizzy before it simply flashes back to normal. Unfortunately, whenever these glitches occur, it is entirely possible to find one's self in an entirely different room than they meant. Wanted to grab a midnight snack? Have fun in that blood room. Wanted to take an innocent pee, minding your own business? You may accidentally walk into someone's room.

In which case, it is probably very advisable to not relieve yourself and find a more suitable area. What could possibly go wrong?

At least there does seem to be a break in the heat? Hell is an almost comfortable temperature, but there are already talks of the dreaded Fall coming soon. In Hell, Fall tends to feel more like the dead of winter, bt hopefully, there will be a skip to the usual snow and frigid temperatures.

.


Reach Up High

Prompt I:
WARNINGS: drills, torture, blood, lobotomy

Part of redemption is suffering, Darlings. That’s why sinners are drawn here. They will hurt, but they will also learn to become better people. One way or another.

The demons who bring sinners here have tied them quite firmly into a contraption that forces them to recline back with their heads trapped in a vice. If they look up, they’ll be able to see the whirring flash of metal from an active drill poised just overhead. They can squirm if they’d like, but it might be unsettling for the person bound behind them. Before they can vocalize any questions, they’ll hear the sound of Lucifer’s warm, soothing voice.

"My dear guests, I’ve done a lot of thinking about what I can do to bring you closer together. Father often says that humans should love their fellow man. Maybe you just need some help building trust. I assure you that you’re both perfectly safe. If you stay still and chat, the drills will cause a little scratch, but nothing you can’t live through. Talk about your sins. Talk about your day. It’ll just take a few minutes before you can leave. Be nice, and whatever you do, don’t move a muscle."
It’s at this point that sinners might notice that although they are rendered immobile from the waist up, their legs are free. They can push back their chairs and avoid the drills which are suddenly moving forward. But since they’re bound to someone else, pushing back will send their partner forward into their drill and surely condemn them to a messy death. If neither sinner moves, they can both survive. The drills will move close enough to tear the skin at their foreheads and perhaps scratch the skull underneath, creating a mild concussion at worst. But if the sinners were unable to make peace and stop themselves from moving, the drill is quite capable of pushing past bone and into the soft flesh of the frontal lobe. You can technically live with the kind of brain damage caused by an injury there, but do you really want to do that to your new close friend?

You have three minutes to figure it out.


Prompt II
For those fortunate enough to escape the unplanned lobotomy, well, there's an easy task for you! As previously mentioned, Helluvacup and the hotel's own pool both need to be tidied up, or rebuilt in some cases. Any sinners who volunteer will be treated to free drinks and snacks, and receive appreciation from demonic staff. Plus, chipping in and helping your fellow sinners (and demons) is something God often encourages! It will be good for one sin removal overall. There will be building supplies, cleaning supplies, and anything else sinners need to push forward!

The staff also won't be put out if sinners would rather do a little bit of cleaning instead...

Besides, it's a rare opportunity to help import supplies to Hell. There are large crates of unnamed items, new furniture items, torture items, clothes, and more. There's also several boxes of nothing but pumpkin spice that veteran sinners, who know what every fall entails, may cringe at the sight of.


Follow Me Down

Prompt I
WARNINGS: fire, disobedience

Speaking of pumpkin spice and torture devices... Well, sinners may find the prime opportunity for a bit of a bonfire if they're so inclined. It seems some demons are not looking forward to the months of pumpkin spice flavored foods or, well, working, really. These are young, reckless demons, but they've decided to help some of these new shipments get 'lost' by starting a large bonfire in a secluded place in Penance proper. They'll be asking sinners to help out. They'll supply the booze as they watch everything burn later!

If questioned about it, the demons will insist that it's just another part of the importing project. Everyone's trying to tell you to grab the crates and haul them somewhere, right? Into the fire is somewhere. Of course it's fine! You get points for being good little boys and girls every time you shut up and do what you're told. Why would anyone lie about that?

Perhaps it will come as a surprise, then, that anyone who participates will receive one sin added to their contract in the form of arson.


Prompt II
WARNINGS: sex, aphrodisiacs, non-con, etc.

Club Penance has new shots for all to try! Eager incubi and succubi stand around with trays of them, eager to pass them off under the strobe lights and pounding music. The air is sweeter than even usual, the demons amping up the aphrodisiacs to ensure everybody has a good time, and there's plenty encouragement to get lost in the atmosphere. These shots all have a unique influence, although that part may have been left out... Oops.

Apple: Causes one to fall lust with the first person they see. They will absolutely be overwhelmed with the desire to have them and do whatever they must to receive their affections.
Cinnamon: Causes one to fall into love with the first person they see. Their heart will skip beats, they'll feel the urge to recite poetry, anything! Your love must be known.
Pumpkin: Causes one to fall out of balance. Just the perfect meet-cute, isn't it? Hopefully you won't fall into anyone in a bad mood.
Sour Apple: Causes one to fall into a rage. Ah, oops. Maybe they didn't think that one out. This one causes aggression and the need to make certain others know you're the top dog around here.



Wildcard/Misc.
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compelledtoprotect: (scruffy scruffness)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-30 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[Steve was amused. And the kid wasn't wrong. They seemed determined to irritate each other, even when Steve was trying to be decent. Still, L.L. was important to Suzaku, so he kept trying.

The long fingers curling around his own had him lifting a brow, as did the very clear effort to try and raise the glass to his lips. Interesting, but not going to happen. Steve easily resisted L.L's efforts to move the glass and just smiled at him.]



Oh I think I know a bunch about you, but we do irritate each other, that's for sure. And thanks but no thanks. I'm not really thirsty.
compelledtoprotect: (do what?)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-30 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Something like it, yeah. But maybe just choose one weapon. And we can do better than a hunk of glass and nails. I'll help you find something safer to carry around.


[Steve tried to be positive with new people, but he wasn't as gullible as he seemed. It wasn't hard to pretend and he had a great poker face. He lifted a brow, concerned.]


Dark Games? Did something bad happen back home?
compelledtoprotect: (happy)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 12:01 am (UTC)(link)
[He came farther into the room and took the toothbrush out of his mouth to smile. He gestured behind the lady.]


Actually, you're in the kitchen. My kitchen. I'm Steve. You hungry?


[Steve was already heading towards the fridge, dropping the toothbrush in the sink as he passed.]
compelledtoprotect: (such a damn cutie!)

boooooooooooooooooooones! follow me down II

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
[Shit, that smile! When Steve looked up, it was just there, beaming at him, and he felt his cheeks go pink. He ducked his head for a moment before looking up with a grin of his own. People didn't smile at him like that so often he didn't still get flustered. In a good way!

After a few moments he got up and moved closer, leaning on the bar within touching distance. It was still just smiling at the moment. That was safe, right? He offered a hand and an introduction.]



Hi. I'm Steve.
deaddrop: (pic#13347549)

[personal profile] deaddrop 2022-08-31 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Call out everything, all the time?

[It sounds exhausting. Natasha's tail flicks a little at the idea, uncomfortable with the feeling she's not doing enough.]

I might have some coffee that's not infected with pumpkin spice upstairs, if you get desperate.
lvb: (friendly tease)

[personal profile] lvb 2022-08-31 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ There’s a flash of frustration in his eyes at that refusal and his own inability to budge Steve’s meaty arm. He could just Geass him… but Geass is what his transformations are punishing him for.

A movement behind Steve’s head makes him grin again
]

Shots aren’t for quenching thirst, soldier, they’re for the enjoyment of the taste

[ As a succubus walks into reach with a tray he picks up a shotglass with a smooth motion, gulps the drink and drops the glass back before she leaves. His eyes are shining in triumphant anticipation now as he leans in, going for a kiss that’ll share the liquid in his mouth and finally force Steve to feel the same burning meed he’s subjected to. That need is all too clear; in plastering himself against Steve’s body he’s pressed his aching erection, long and slender and trapped in his tight trousers, against the broader man’s hips ]
amazonfresh: (pic#14165579)

[personal profile] amazonfresh 2022-08-31 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
"No scars," she assures him again, sighing herself. He always seems to underestimate her, at least in Diana's opinion. He expects her to be more mortal than she is. "The wounds healed clean and easy. It is fine, truly."
compelledtoprotect: (wtf?)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
"Good. I'm glad."

And he was. Steve was also perpetually confused by the woman. But he didn't want to fight. He just wanted to be friends. Steve held out his hand, just close enough that they wouldn't have to stretch to reach each other. He didn't look at her, eyes on the ground, but he cared. It was just awkward as all hell.

"I'm happy you're good Diana."
amazonfresh: (pic#14165588)

[personal profile] amazonfresh 2022-08-31 12:37 am (UTC)(link)
Diana.

[She's quick to correct him, or to introduce herself. She's not sure she likes ma'am. It sounds odd to her. Too impersonal. Too much a sign of respect that she has not earned.

She offers him a smile, attempting to be supportive.

It's difficult at first—and it ought to be. Nothing that happens here should become routine.]


I am sorry to hear that, Leonard. Under other circumstances, I'd have been glad to meet you.

[As frustrating as this situation can be, she tries to save her irritation with things for later. For someone who actually deserves it.]

I assume you were not trying to come here, then. I can show you where ever it is... wherever you meant to go.
compelledtoprotect: (kiss5)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
Are they now? And just which taste am I supposed to be savoring? Is it one you already tried?


[Steve wasn't worried. The likelihood of whatever was in the glass affecting him was slim and even if it did, it didn't seem terribly dangerous. And then L.L. was practically climbing his body as he took another drink, pressing tight enough for Steve to feel just how excited the kid was. Oh but the guy would hate himself in the morning . . .

He steadied L.L. with hands on his hips as the kid leaned in for a kiss, and he didn't turn away. Steve also didn't open his mouth. He smirked against L.L.'s lips as they moved over his mouth, trying to coax him to take a sip. Which in any other situation would be so damned sexy! At the moment he was still holding back laughter though. He'd make the kid work for it.]
deaddrop: (nephilengys malabarensis)

[personal profile] deaddrop 2022-08-31 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
Natasha turns her head toward Steve at the touch, and the room around her seems to spin somewhat, making her wobble on her stool. She blinks, trying to steady, but only Steve's touch keeps her grounded.

"It's fine. It's just... A little woozy, suddenly. Not drunk."
lenivyous: ([022])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-08-31 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh, I don't know shit about magic. But I just thought like, if you have magic making the hotel look not all burned down and destroyed and that magic is starting to come apart, it'd make sense wouldn't it? If doors lead to weird places. Because maybe where you and I are standing is nothing more than ashy framework underneath all the illusion and it's getting harder for whoever's doing the spell to keep the layout straight..." Dylan pats the door frame, giving it a light push. It doesn't come toppling down, so maybe the hotel really is in tact. He doesn't know. It's just a working theory.

He shrugs. "Then again, maybe not. But to answer your question, yeah. You're the first one to show up like this. Not gonna complain if you set the pattern of hot men barging into my bathroom unannounced. Maybe the next one will join me in the shower. Talk about taking the prize behind door number one."

A playful smile warms the edge of his lips and he leans against the counter. "I'm Dylan, by the way."
feelsgoodinyou: (such nice words (but you can't help it c)

[personal profile] feelsgoodinyou 2022-08-31 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
Senet? Now that's something I haven't heard for quite a while.

[He pauses and inclines his head, as if musing to himself.]

I don't even remember if I ever played that. So the little bastard remembered his name, huh? That's bad.
feelsgoodinyou: (Baku: hehehe)

[personal profile] feelsgoodinyou 2022-08-31 12:59 am (UTC)(link)
Hmmmmmmmn. Can I really trust you? I mean, you DO look and sound nice and trustworthy, but if this is really hell, then maybe you are actually one of the really dangerous ones, compared to the scary-looking but rather harmless people here?

[It's all just an act. If there's something like a weapon's storage or chamber, then Bakura wants to get in there and have his pick.

He eventually shrugs his shoulders and offers another smile that's only half-fake this time. If Steve is actually more dangerous than he seems, then Bakura will just have to roll with it.]


Oh well~ It's not like there's much of a choice besides trusting you for now. And it's better if you simply don't ask. Do you believe in ghosts and ancient curses?
compelledtoprotect: (really concerned)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
He pressed that hand firmly against her back and his other hand covered her arm on the bar. Steve leaned in even closer, staring into her eyes, "Dizzy? You swayed for a second there. I don't think we should try any more new stuff. And I'm not moving an inch till you feel better."

Even if he was angry with her he wouldn't leave someone compromised. Since Steve was perfectly happy with her, it was a given that nothing was going to move him.
compelledtoprotect: (really concerned)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
You're not wrong about being wary. I'm fine, but there are people in the city who'll take advantage. And even me saying I'm not a threat doesn't actually prove it to you.


[His expression was a little sheepish. Steve knew that words meant very little, but he also didn't know what to do to prove his harmlessness. Well, supposed harmlessness anyway. Steve tilted his head, looking thoughtful.]


Do you mean in a literal sense, or in a more general one?
deaddrop: (psyllo nitida)

[personal profile] deaddrop 2022-08-31 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
"Dizzy," she confirms. She closes her eyes, trying to shut out the wave of disorientation.

"It's fine. It'll pass. I'm not sure what the point is though."
feelsgoodinyou: (Baku: That small smile of knowing)

[personal profile] feelsgoodinyou 2022-08-31 01:59 am (UTC)(link)
Both.

[His host is soft, but not stupid. Bakura isn't sure how well he is able to copycat him in a longer interaction, but it should be okay as long as the other didn't know Ryou Bakura too well?]

It's okay if you don't believe in them, it'd just make explaining a lot easier. What kind of people do you mean?
compelledtoprotect: (yeah right)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, the obvious is that you'd fall into a certain someone's arms and they could sweep you off your feet. At the moment, maybe you should lean on my shoulder. Unless you want a trip to a couch?"

Steve wouldn't mind moving her at all, it wasn't like Natasha weighed much. But he didn't want to make the dizziness worse.
amazonfresh: (pic#14165654)

[personal profile] amazonfresh 2022-08-31 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
"And you?" Diana asks, softening her expression and leaning closer. They don't need to dwell on the past, unpleasant as it is.

"You have been all right? It seems as though there is always some new torture here. You haven't been hurt?"
compelledtoprotect: (dirty sheepish)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 02:37 am (UTC)(link)
He didn't really think she'd take his hand, but he had to try. Steve let his hand rest on his thigh with a wry smile, "Physically I'm fine. New scars, but they rarely last long. Old aches." He was teasing her. No fighting, no picking, no apologizing. Just being a friend.

"Mentally and emotionally I'm still healing though. Not that I wanna talk about it. How are you doing? Personally?" Not just the physical.
inbello: model is jacob hankin (crossed)

reach up high ii

[personal profile] inbello 2022-08-31 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
Ronan isn't the helpful type at the best of times, but he got roped into some of this cleanup bullshit by some demon or other. Ronan mostly doesn't respond to threats, but he's feeling some kind of way after Kavinsky's been missing. He's not really looking for extra torture on top of his other bullshit.

So he's here moving boxes and whatever else needs to be done. But he doesn't have Steve's ridiculous strength. He's got dream powers, but his regular self is just a regular boy. He's strong enough, but just for a normal teenager.

"Yo, strong man, a little help maybe?" He asks, gesturing to a particularly heavy box. He has no idea what's in it; maybe it's pool cleaning shit, who knows? He could say please, but he's Ronan, so he doesn't.
compelledtoprotect: (such a damn cutie!)

[personal profile] compelledtoprotect 2022-08-31 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
Steve looked up and straightened, dragging a wrist across his forehead and leaving a smear of dirt. He smiled a little and came over, rubbing at his chin with the same wrist and leaving more filth. One day he'd get clean, but it wouldn't be soon.

"Hey. Whatcha need?" Helping out was his whole mission in life at the moment and Steve was glad to have an extra distraction.
inbello: (Default)

[personal profile] inbello 2022-08-31 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
Ronan's got a fair bit of dirt on him, too. This isn't exactly clean work. Whatever, he can shower back at the house when they're finally free to leave. He's not really sure what the criteria for that are, but whatever. Maybe he'll just bounce when he feels like it.

For now, though.

"Can't pick up this box. It has to go over there with those other ones," he says, pointing to a neatly stacked row a few feet away.
homeostatic: (102)

[personal profile] homeostatic 2022-08-31 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
Diana.

( Her understanding helps, balm against the raw wound of grief. )

Truth be told, I wasn't expecting to go anywhere. ( His scowl is severe, directed around them, as the softly vulnerable core of his goes wrapped in a brittle shell of anger, ) Wasn't expecting to shuffle off the mortal coil so soon, either.

( What she said sticks with him though, so he pursues it: )

Where else can we go?

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