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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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lenivyous: ([ 032 ])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-05 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
Not being terribly religious, he's only heard of Christianity through osmosis. God created people, also angels. Lucifer fell from heaven and became God's arch nemesis -- like a mustache twirling villain, always there to try and foil God's good plans. And then at some point, some dude named Jesus entered the picture. Apart from some key points here and there about an ark, a colorful coat, and some tree of good and evil -- he knows nothing and didn't care to know. But as Lucifer says now, God might have better PR...and well, it's entirely fair that there's more than what's written in that book.

Can't be a mustache twirling villain when Lucifer doesn't even have a mustache, after all.

But a guy like the ruler of hell isn't really gonna wanna pal around with a guy like Dylan, even if he's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. So Dylan doubts he'll ever get to know the man behind the curtain terribly well. He opts not to pry much further beyond giving him an almost sympathetic look if he can consider this place to be a vacation. Damn. Lucifer could use a good vacation for real. One that doesn't involve torture at all.

Dylan heads to his door and starts undoing the chains and bolts he'd installed. Less for his own personal protection and more for the protection of others -- just in case a transformation in hell happens more sporadically than once a month. But he pauses at Lucifer's question, furrowing his brows. He doesn't mind sharing what he saw, but it's so directly tied to having to admit what he is that he's not so sure he wants to talk about that part -- about why he was off in the woods in the first place.

"Only if you wanna talk about it in the shower..." he does his best to diffuse with humor. This is clearly anxiety flirting than anything with real substance. Dylan undoes the final lock and his eyes drop to his feet. "Kidding."

And it takes a moment longer for him to work up the courage to speak, beginning with a shrug. "I don't know. There's not much I can tell you because that night was pretty fuzzy. It's just something is gathering out in the woods. A group of demons. They couldn't have been involved with the demons here because as far as I've seen, the demons working under Lucifer don't try to eat the other sinners. They had weird markings on some of them and smelled like...like burnt flesh."

He rubs at his opposite shoulder, something of a self-soothing gesture. "Someone floated the suggestion out to me they might be part of the Veiled Order? Which I didn't know much about until I heard they were involved with the weird shit with the TVs. But I just....I got a bad feeling. Something big is about to happen. And it probably ain't gonna be sunshine and rainbows for the rest of us, yanno?"
sadisticpride: (calm 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-05 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
Oh Dylan, he won't go prodding for too much details. Yet. There's plenty of time for that later. He can take a guess though, but won't bring it up that he already knew what Dylan is just by looking at him. He's more interested in the topic of his questions.

Dylan's anxiety flirting however does get a slight narrowing of Lucifer's eyes, a ghost of a smile at the 'joke', almost as to offer that it was ok and he understood it as a joke. But onto more important things. "So not all demons answer to Lucifer here." Interesting. And questionable what this Lucifer was doing to have that happen.

"And this Veiled Order is a cult who had caused trouble in the past, from what I have heard." Which is a little bit here and there, but still not enough for Lucifer. He wants more information. The better informed he is, the better prepared he can be. Before adding, "Considering where we are, I would assume said sunshine and rainbows should be very rare." And yet, here they were, in a level of luxury that really shouldn't be for sinners. In a way it's a wonderful move, to give a moment of joy before tearing it back away. However it also meant sinners had a sense of hope for each torture to end and go back to a degree of normality here. It didn't quite add up, did it?
lenivyous: ([017])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-05 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh yeah. A cult that's been at odds with Lucifer for a while now. There's a real power struggle in this place. I don't know why they wanna be in charge. Seems like a shitty gig to me, if I'm honest. Don't even get paid. But it's not just them gunning for the top spot. Rumor has it, that little weasel looking guy they had on the ship with us who goes by Barbas? He's successfully taken over twice." Dylan shakes his head, gesturing toward Lucifer.

"So maybe you wanna give some pointers to the guy in charge about how to deal with the bullshit. Maybe that's why you're here in the first place because his control over things is slipping fast and god's looking for a replacement. I don't know...just seems like there would be a reason for you specifically to be here. But that's just me. Always trying to come up with theories." He offers a quiet, understated smile -- wandering over to sit on the edge of the bed as he starts to take off his little bit of accessories. A couple necklaces, bracelet and watch. Those get placed onto the nightstand.

"I can keep an ear out. See if I can find out more. Pass on anything new if you want. I'm pretty good at chatting people up." Dylan rubs his hands on his knees, looking up. "Because it feels like if anyone's gonna know what to do here, it's gonna be you."
Edited 2022-09-05 20:48 (UTC)
sadisticpride: (smug 01)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-07 08:23 am (UTC)(link)
"Where there is a chance of power, there will be a being attempting to take it." It doesn't matter on the realm. Lucifer does take a moment to consider that name Dylan mentions, considering where he may recognize it and, ah, Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis, an interesting read. Inaccurate in many ways, but it's always interesting to see what humans came up with.

There's a slight tilt to his head as Lucifer brought his hand up to rest against his chest, a smile which... held a certain edge to it. "I have no intentions of taking over, especially if it is by his Father's will. I am just like the rest of you, a sinner they are trying to rehabilitate. However, I have no intentions of doing that." Lucifer has also considered that maybe this all was punishment for the Lucifer of this realm. He did seem to still be under his Father's control, so the need to look over other sinners may be his own punishment for what he has done.

"I would appreciate it." No cost, Dylan? Really, don't sell yourself short. However, if you're not going to ask for such, then Lucifer won't offer it. "If there is a way to make things go more smoothly here, then I can certainly offer advise, at the very least." He hadn't planned for this all to turn into work, but, well, Lucifer was a workaholic, he would end up doing it somehow, it was just a matter of time.
lenivyous: ([013])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-07 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"That's generous of you, dude," he says to Lucifer being willing to offer advice. It's surprising to him really, that there's not more animosity there...what with being another Lucifer and all.

But otherwise and although he doesn't say it, there's always a cost. Dylan is genuinely a good guy who will help people out because it's right, but there's probably nothing right about helping the devil so Dylan's cost is more subtle. Get on Lucifer's good side. Get an in with someone of his power. And find out the extent of that power -- if that power is strong enough to say, break a curse. Build up enough favors that breaking a curse won't seem like that big of a deal if he asks. It's really the only thing he truly wants in hell, and he's willing to go through hoops to get it. It's just also a bonus that this Lucifer is quite attractive and Dylan certainly wouldn't mind finding himself around him more.

A long con, and not without its risks. After all, Lucifer could disappear before Dylan even works up the courage to ask. But it's a risk he'll take. Especially because it's relatively low stakes. Chat people up. He was going to do that anyway. And then get to share what he learns with Lucifer? Dylan loves to gossip. It might almost be...fun.

"So if you don't plan on playing their game with their rules -- redemption to get out -- do you plan on finding another way out of this place? I mean, I don't know how long a hell without a Lucifer can sustain itself. You kinda gotta get back, don't you?"
sadisticpride: (smug 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-09 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
Dylan. Dylan, Dylan, Dylan. Wanting to make a deal with the devil?

No wonder you're down here.

Lucifer takes a moment to consider this, then, "If this was my own realm, it wouldn't be an issue to leave. But by the sounds of it, the God of this world has an influence on this Hell. Any exit from it will prove difficult if He is strong enough to bring me here." Even his own Father wouldn't try that. Then again, neither the Celestial Realm or the Devildom wanted another war between each other.

"And while I am sure I shall be missed to help keep things running smoothly, I do not control the Devildom or Hell. I serve the future King of the Devildom, not run it myself." The idea of Lucifer serving another in Hell may seem strange, but he is completely loyal to Diavolo, he would do anything for him. Well, almost one thing. There's been one thing he's gone against him about... "My main concern is the mess my brothers are making without me there to keep them in line."
lenivyous: ([ 033 ])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-10 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Hey. He never claimed to be a saint!

"The future....king?" That's honestly news to Dylan. He stares at Lucifer, confused and wondering. All this time he figured Lucifer was the man behind the curtain. The one who kept things running. And it certainly seemed to be the case in this version of hell. But then again, would any of them really know what was going on behind the scenes?

Even so, it sounds like things are different for the Lucifer standing before him. And this Lucifer seems very different from what he would have thought Lucifer would be. With his penchant for rules and order and apparently keeping his 'brothers' in line. Hell in this case sounds more like a system and everyone had their place to keep things running on track.

"If there's a future king, then who's the current king? And what's gonna happen for the other one to take over?"
sadisticpride: (happy 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-12 03:01 am (UTC)(link)
In a way he still was, but it was under the orders of Diavolo, not his own. He certainly is wondering how Diavolo was doing without him there to take some of the work load off him. "Yes, Lord Diavolo is the future king of the Devildom. His father is current in a self-induced slumber and has left his son to act in his place."

As for that other question, "Demons are not immortal, our lives are just far longer than that of humans. If something does not kill us, we will eventually die of old age." Which... is something that actually concerns Lucifer. Not for death itself, but where he will end up. The idea of being dragged back to the Celestial Realm... was hell for him.

Then that slight smile again, "Is this all helpful to you?"
lenivyous: ([043])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-13 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
Is it helpful? Dylan shakes his head with a sheepish laugh. "No. Not really. I think it made the afterlife a whole lot more confusing than it already was. Because like....if you guys live longer but still die, where do your souls wind up? Or do you even have them? No. You must, right? Because that's how this hell works..."

His hands come up and he shakes his head. "Yanno what? You don't have to answer that. I'm sure you got things to do. But I mean, if you ever did feel like getting into the explanations about how all that works someday, I'd love to hear it. Some people might find that shit boring, but I think it's kinda cool."

Knowing that even hell had a system. A working order. Knowing that in maybe a billion years, the shape this Lucifer's hell took might be entirely different. Dylan's less of a history guy and more a science nerd, but he can't help but think this is the exact sort of thing Ryan would have loved.
sadisticpride: (smug 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-13 03:13 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe so, however, "Don't assume this Hell works to the same rules the one I come from does. Or even the order of the realms. What makes sense for me may prove to be nonsense here and no help at all." Then a smile that boarded on the edge of mocking, "Assuming I even want to offer help. After all, who am I to go against the wishes of the Lucifer here?"

Though, "However, if it's his Father who has forced us all here for his own reasons... then I may be more convinced to do so." It's hard to tell how serious or joking Lucifer is about this all.

Then offering a slight nod of his head, "I'll take my leave then so you can rest. And I shall endeavor not to suddenly pop in again." Though that was up to the hotel now, wasn't it?
lenivyous: ([042])

[personal profile] lenivyous 2022-09-13 10:57 am (UTC)(link)
"Oh. No. I know that. I'm not stupid or anything. I mean, I guess I am in some things. But not this. Different hell means different rules. It's like what's true for you might not be true for any other Lucifer's lingering around. Any interest is just interest in you, dude..." He smiles slightly. Maybe that's not something he should be so candid about, but like Dylan said. He's definitely stupid in some things and wearing his heart on his sleeve is for sure one of them.

He gets up, though, when Lucifer says he'll take his leave both to see him out and also to chain bolt the door once he's gone. "Good luck getting back to your room, man. But you know, if you change your mind and ever wanna come hang out in mine...I'm just a text away."

He pulls out his phone and waves it with a playful smile. He definitely does not expect Lucifer to ever take him up on that, but you know. Still gotta try...
sadisticpride: (happy 02)

[personal profile] sadisticpride 2022-09-16 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
The fact he is hearing once again that he is not the first Lucifer to be dragged here... is both interesting and concerning. Just how powerful was the God of this world?

There's a slight narrowing of Lucifer's eyes at Dylan's claim, but again it'd done in humor, it seeping into his tone as he answer, though edging more towards sarcastic. "I'm flattered." Don't worry Dylan, you're not the first to want his attention. Though Lucifer tends to ignore those who attempt to contact or make deals and pacts with him. And to carry it on from what Dylan offered, "Maybe if I was Asmodeus. But I am not." Be glad it wasn't the Avatar of Lust who showed up in your bathroom, Dylan, as he most certainly would take those jokes far too seriously.

"I will consider it, as I look forward to hearing more about how this realm works." The more information, the better, as Lucifer heads to what he presumes is the main door, and opens it. Should he check to see if it lead him to another strange location? Maybe, but if anything he's confident, no matter the situation, barely a pause before leaving through it.