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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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conradachenleck: (Materialize or let the ashes fly)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-04 08:16 pm (UTC)(link)
The conversation is a decent distraction. Well, sort of... Conrad is still quite jittery, even while he's stationary. And he can't help grimacing as he continues to focus on the drill. It could be boring into his head any second, right? He's not entirely sure how long they've been like this as it's hard to gauge the passage of time when you're being tortured. Has it been a few minutes, yet?

While it may be a bit difficult for him to pay attention, he does his best to understand what this Lucifer is talking about. He doesn't want to be rude or anything even if his backstory doesn't exactly make sense to him.

"Ah... Okay... S-So... You were a demon before you got here? How does that work?" It is a bit confusing, right? If he claims he's a demon lord, would he still endure the changes that other sinners go through when they indulge in sin or seek out salvation?

Conrad may be a vampire, but he has had to deal with becoming more demonic of late and he's not exactly happy about it. A few months ago he grew little horn nubs and a spaded tail. He has been trying to repent, of course, it's just... He hasn't been doing such a great job so far.
sadisticpride: (calm 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-05 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
Conrad, he won't find it rude if you're not listening, considering the situation. However Lucifer would rather keep his head, and brain, intact from this all, so if it keeps you still, he'll keep talking.

"Yes, I am a demon, even before whatever brought me here." Which Lucifer still has no clue how that happened... "Are you asking how I become a demon? Or how this Hell was able to pull me out of my own? Because for the former, let's say my fall from the Celestial Realm left me and my brothers rather different from how we started." It had been quite a shock at the time... but one Lucifer learned to embrace.

"If you did mean the latter, I would also like to know that."
conradachenleck: (You don't see me...)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-09 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
For the most part, he's bracing himself for the inevitable, but he does follow along more or less. And if he mostly just has to listen, there isn't a need for him to talk about himself so much, and that's fine by him. Maybe he should divulge a bit more, though, to keep the conversation going.

"Oh. I guess no one actually knows how we wind up in this hell... But... Uhm. You weren't always a demon, then?" He sounds a little unsure, but that's what he's gathered so far. "What were you before?"

Maybe he shouldn't ask, but he is curious... And Conrad already offered up the fact that he used to be human. Does the Celestial Realm sound like a fancy name for some kind of heaven or something? Maybe? It's an educated guess based on what he's been told so far.
sadisticpride: (smug 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-10 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
"An angel." It's answered simply enough. Lucifer doesn't hide what he was, he's used to most humans thinking they know his story. They don't, but he really doesn't care. What they believe doesn't affect him in the slightest.

Short of witches and other magic users trying to summon him... that was always irritating.

And don't think he's forgotten what you've said before, Conrad, Lucifer seeming to feel he's said more than enough for now. "Though I suppose I could ask you the same question. You did say you once were a human."
conradachenleck: (ERM.)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-11 12:54 am (UTC)(link)
Right, of course, an angel. That's not exactly surprising. But, then, Conrad hadn't wanted to be presumptuous. It's not like he knows much about angels. Or demons, for that matter, even though he's become more demon-like in appearance.

"Oh. Y-Yeah... I was..." He's quiet for a moment as his distressed mind considers how he should relay what happened to him. He supposes he doesn't need to give many details or anything. Most people know what a vampire is, right? And it's not like they have a whole lot of time to chat, anyway.

"About a week before I wound up in this place, I was killed and turned into a vampire. So I still am... A vampire, I mean. Mostly."
sadisticpride: (happy 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-12 10:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"'Mostly'? I didn't realize there was a way to only partly be a vampire. What is the term, dhampir? Though, if you were killed that wouldn't be the case, would it?" Ok, he's teasing you a little with how you worded that, Conrad. Really, have some more confidence in yourself when you speak.
conradachenleck: (I see what you did there)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-18 10:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Conrad isn't exactly the confident sort, unfortunately. He makes a faintly frustrated sound, as he knows he's not great at explaining himself. "Well, I mean... A few months ago I got stuck with some demon bits, despite my best efforts to abstain from sin, so..." What did that make him? A demon-vampire hybrid? A vampire who's just slowly becoming another monster? "It's ridiculous and doesn't exactly make sense... I-I don't know... I'm still a vampire, though."
sadisticpride: (calm 01)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-22 12:23 am (UTC)(link)
Oh? Lucifer is normally careful how he shows expression, to keep his emotions under control, unless pushed too far by his brothers... but right now, facing away from Conrad, his eyebrows go up in surprise with that reveal. The sinners could take on demonic features?

Interesting.

"The more we sin the more demonic we become?" What would that mean for him? He's already a demon lord, already had his true demonic form. If he continues to spite the God of this realm, would he gain more? In a manner... Lucifer isn't against it, if it shows his distaste for God, however... his vanity would only want something that would compliment his appearance.
conradachenleck: (Yanno... Greasy.)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-24 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
Conrad kind of assumes everyone knows the basics of hell, so he has to remind himself that he shouldn't be so presumptuous. Of course, they're all sinners who were thrown into this hellscape without any warning, and usually, people have to find things out the hard way.

"Oh, you didn't know that...?" He is definitely curious about what this guy looks like because if he's already a demon, could he really become even more demon-ish? Is that possible? "Y-Yes, if you sin enough you start to turn into a demon. But if you repent and work to redeem yourself then you can get rid of your demonic features... or even become more angelic, whatever that means." That's how things were explained to him by someone who'd been trapped in hell a lot longer than him, in any case.

"I got stuck with demon parts because I sinned a lot while I was brainwashed, though, which is hardly fair..." He needs to point this out because it's not like he actually indulges in sin so much. He finds the whole turning into a demon thing rather unseemly and embarrassing, really.
sadisticpride: (happy 01)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-24 12:39 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a long pause.

Before something that sounded like a 'hrh!' followed closely but a 'hrm' as would be one trying to cover up a need to laugh. From his side of the chair Lucifer has his eyes closed, body shaking a little as he tried to hold back his laughter. It wouldn't be proper for him to just burst out laughing at that idea. The idea of become more angelic. Oh, he hasn't been this amused for a long time.

Normally only Diavolo can get him to laugh like he was right now. And this was the closest Lucifer really got to laughter.

Outside of 'I'm going to burn you alive...' laughter...

He needs an extra moment to compose himself before speaking, "I see." Though his voice still betrays his enjoyment out of the idea, a moment to clear his throat, before steadying his tone. "I doubt I shall be at the risk of gaining angelic features."

Anyway, "It is almost as if the system is rigged against us all." No doubt many have voiced this thought before though. "And if it helps, becoming demonic isn't as bad as it may sound." Though... their situations may be a little different...
conradachenleck: (idek ok)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-09-25 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
Conrad just stares at the drill positioned directly at his skull as Lucifer goes quiet... or mostly quiet... Wait... Did he say something that struck him as funny?

"Uhm..." Conrad squirms in his seat just a bit, feeling even antsier somehow. "Yeah, that's, uh... Well, I was just saying... I haven't exactly seen anyone turn into an angel, myself." He's only noticed people becoming more demon-like. And he's certainly come across sinners who've basically said they weren't even going to try to redeem themselves...

On the subject of hell pushing them to sin whether they want to or not, Conrad can't help releasing an indignant huff. "Of course, everything is working against us pretty much... So becoming a monster isn't always something you can help. And, I don't know... Being a vampire is bad enough... I'm not so sure if changing into something else would be better or worse." If he had a choice he'd really like to be human again, but short of a miracle, he can't see that happening.
sadisticpride: (smug 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-27 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Those drills were certainly still there, weren't they? And while Lucifer is confident in controlling the situation, he's not stupid to think it could flip at any moment against him, he moving to stabilize his foot against the floor more securely in case Conrad had a moment of panic and tried to push back.

He's also a little tempted to push and subject the other to this, the sadistic side of him curious to know... but without being able to see it himself, really, it was pointless. Plus sudden violence like that wasn't fun. You had to draw it out and make them realize there was no hope.

"I have not heard of vampires changing into demons, so I could not offer any insight into what may happen to you. However, life is about change, even to the oldest of beings. And you humans are rather skilled at adapting to situations, even ones you shouldn't be able to." True, Conrad said vampire, but his mind was still clearly working as a human. "And if you're really concerned, I'm sure you could spend your time between such sessions repenting to God. Not that I think it would do much..."
conradachenleck: (OhGodOhGodOhGodOhGod.)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-10-01 01:24 am (UTC)(link)
It's not like Conrad is an especially strong guy, so it'd probably be fairly easy to overpower him if someone had more muscle. Being undead he essentially has endless stamina, but... That's really his only advantage.

Even though he's well aware he's no longer human, he does like being referred to as such. It perks him up a bit, sorta, and he emits a wistful sort of sigh. "Hm, yeah, well... I don't think I've adapted to being a vampire very well at all." When he first arrived in hell someone suggested that it may in fact be easier for him to get accustomed to a vampiric lifestyle here. And while blood is certainly plentiful, he still hasn't gotten the hang of biting necks or acquiring willing donors.

"I have been trying to do the whole redemption thing, it's just... Difficult." It's definitely easier to succumb to bloodlust and other sins, even with all his hangups and insecurities. "Of course, it's probably the only way to get out of this place. I'm not sure what else I can possibly do."
sadisticpride: (annoyed 01)

tw drill injury/face injury

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-10-02 10:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hope is important." Lucifer won't say why it is, most humans can work out a way to see it as a good thing. It was also bad as it was a tool for torture, but good to keep one going. Even demons needed hope.

Including after those long three minutes of talking, and those drills still not fully stopping, Lucifer closing his eyes as he felt it finally make contact with his skin and... erhhh. Still, "Stay calm." His voice still controlled, even as it start to bite into his head. And there was that hope. That this Lucifer would keep his word, that this was just a taste to prove how much control they had over the sinners here. That even when behaving there was still pain. He would face it head on, not willing to back down no matter how bad it got.

He won't give them the satisfaction. He will play their games by his own rules.
conradachenleck: (Assume the position)

[personal profile] conradachenleck 2022-10-03 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yeah, I-I suppose that's true." Conrad didn't want to think their situation was completely hopeless, even if he was hardly an optimist. And maybe he could elaborate on his thoughts further, but he's gritting his teeth and clenching every muscle in his body as the grinding pressure finally meets his forehead.

Staying calm is certainly easier said than done, but he refrains from jerking his seat back, at least. He's well aware that not following instructions during these torture exercises ultimately makes things worse. As the drill breaks skin he feels a faint trickling of blood dribble down his face and he lets out a keening whine. It hurts, but it's hardly unbearable. He's endured far worse. And then after all that buildup, it stops.

"Oh, thank Christ! Is... Is it over?" He's almost afraid to look and he blurrily peers at the drill once it's done. Now he just wants to be free and he pulls against his restraints even as the demons who strapped them in appear to help them out.
sadisticpride: (calm 01)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-10-06 01:10 am (UTC)(link)
Still and calm as when he had been forced into this room, Lucifer waits quietly to be released, ignoring that drip and trail of blood flowing from the wound, though mindful to catch any drips that may fall and stain his clothing.

"It seems that way." He answers, even if that really wasn't a question that needed answering. Then adding, "You did well." He's not one to often compliment others, however just in case they were forced together again in such a situation, better to reinforce that now. He needs to keep level headed people around him, especially when thrown into torture.