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penancememes2022-09-24 12:23 am
penancemods) wrote in penancememes2022-09-24 12:23 am
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TEST DRIVE MEME #39
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 As memories return to those who lost them, the frigid temperatures only seem to grow worse. The cold bites into the skin of those who dare step outside, right down to the bone for those who dare to stay exposed long enough. The staff attempt to combat some of this by setting up a fire pit or two outside for sinners to gather around… there’s even stuff for s’mores! A bit out of season, true, but the local demons don’t seem to understand the difference. They just know humans love their fires and their melted marshmallows and their scary stories – which the library goblins have gathered outside to read to gathering crowds. Anyone who can tolerate the cold may settle around and listen to the animated little demons recount all the classic horror tales and some bedtime demonic tales (that may actually leave you unable to sleep for a bit, but ah well… what is a bit of Eldritch horror before bed?)
The TVs are once again safe for viewing and play a selection of local Hell TV and old shows from earth. Try not to be scammed by the local infomercials! Contrary to what they claim, they don’t really know how to keep blood from dripping down the walls from a pesky poltergeist or actually have that all-in-one torture device that will bring everyone to their knees!
After the unfortunate burning of all the pumpkin spice, the inventive cooks in the kitchen have opted to use real pumpkins and other gourds to spice up the local food and drinks. Have fun with that! Who doesn’t like a few raw pumpkin seeds in their coffee or sprinkled over their morning bagel? Additionally, the owner of Helluvacup has jumped into the season with brand new foam art that may… actually not be that great. But don’t let Bean the Hell rat hear! He will bite anyone who makes his master feel bad. It’s not all terrible art anyway… There are also little marshmallow rats and bats added liberally to menu items!
Be sure and appreciate the fact Bean will be in a new costume every day! Ranging from tiny vampire, to ghost, to witch, to perhaps local sinners who have caught his eye!
Not all is fun and games and cold though. The hotel seems disturbingly… not quite right. It flashes longer to a burnt out husk of a building, the incubi and succubi show as the hags they are, and Lucifer’s scars seem even more prominently displayed than usual. Not only that, but things move of their own accord, reflections in the mirror seem to do… strange things. There are also strange noises, whispers in ears that range from threats to pleading for help. It seems the hotel may be suffering from some poltergeist activity… ah, well. At least it’s not more rats or insects, right?
Additionally, even as the temperatures drop, there seem to be, slowly, a collection of skeleton birds growing. It starts with a couple that stick together, then a few outside in a group. They start to huddle their bony bodies together, collecting in the main hotel doorways, in front of windows, blocking these areas. When they see sinners, they follow after them (even into the hotel) giving light “caw” sounds on a most pitiful note.
The demons warn the sinners not to feed them, but bread is easily found in the kitchen, or made from the ingredients found there. It couldn’t hurt to give them a little? Where is the bread even going to go? They’re just bones.
Those that do feed the birds might hear a whispered, vague, “Thank you,” or “I appreciate you,” but certainly it was imagined.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: torture, amputations, blood, mutilation, acid.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least," Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.
"No, I'm only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice for your fellow penitents. You'll find yourself in an unfavorable situation with only so many ways to escape or help each other."
'Unfavorable' or downright horrific. Those are one and the same, aren't they?
Sinners will notice that they have awakened to find themselves in a room, in any of the following positions:
Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests and offer whatever reassurance that he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately exposed.
If guests turn on each other, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.
Prompt II It isn’t all torment and torture! The hotel needs to be decorated for the upcoming season after all, and the demons are eagerly approaching guests to help! There will be pumpkin carving, decorating, etc. The staff will be eager to spread some holiday cheer that isn’t all gloom and doom for the old and new guests alike.
What do you do with all the waste? Well, the demons are additionally encouraging sinners to use them to make pies or roast the seeds.
Of course, those pesky poltergeists seem to be causing some of the more… unique Jack O’Lanterns to come alive and do some nipping at unsuspecting fingers and ankles. Staff will encourage sinners to destroy these nuisances or figure out a way to expel the spirit within it.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: dub/non-con, aphrodisiacs, anonymous sex
Club Penance is getting into the upcoming spooky season with their take on a masquerade. In the general portion of the club, everyone is required to don a mask upon entering for their night of debauchery and drinking. Dances are to be done to various kinds of eerie music (and maybe a little Monster Mash if you wait around long enough). Staff will also be handing out various kinds of candy, It won’t even be drugged! (In the dance portion of the club, that is)
In the sex demon side? Not only are guests required to wear a typical mask, but also lingerie. There are hefty doses of aphrodisiacs waiting to greet those who enter the club that inspire adventurous activities and lower inhibitions. People will easily ignore that little voice in their heads that warns against the staff leading them to private rooms or the stages to put on shows with anonymous partners.
The catch? Sinners are not allowed to remove their masks until after both partners have reached climax. You may try, but the mask is enchanted to not be removed. That could prove to be quite a predicament for those just wanting to go back home.
Candy will also be offered, but will be heavily drugged. Some may contain the club special, Frenzy, and others may just contain potent aphrodisiacs. Others may contain other drugs ranging from mild to intense. Be careful what you eat!
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 the TDM for the upcoming October app period! 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.
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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 As memories return to those who lost them, the frigid temperatures only seem to grow worse. The cold bites into the skin of those who dare step outside, right down to the bone for those who dare to stay exposed long enough. The staff attempt to combat some of this by setting up a fire pit or two outside for sinners to gather around… there’s even stuff for s’mores! A bit out of season, true, but the local demons don’t seem to understand the difference. They just know humans love their fires and their melted marshmallows and their scary stories – which the library goblins have gathered outside to read to gathering crowds. Anyone who can tolerate the cold may settle around and listen to the animated little demons recount all the classic horror tales and some bedtime demonic tales (that may actually leave you unable to sleep for a bit, but ah well… what is a bit of Eldritch horror before bed?)
The TVs are once again safe for viewing and play a selection of local Hell TV and old shows from earth. Try not to be scammed by the local infomercials! Contrary to what they claim, they don’t really know how to keep blood from dripping down the walls from a pesky poltergeist or actually have that all-in-one torture device that will bring everyone to their knees!
After the unfortunate burning of all the pumpkin spice, the inventive cooks in the kitchen have opted to use real pumpkins and other gourds to spice up the local food and drinks. Have fun with that! Who doesn’t like a few raw pumpkin seeds in their coffee or sprinkled over their morning bagel? Additionally, the owner of Helluvacup has jumped into the season with brand new foam art that may… actually not be that great. But don’t let Bean the Hell rat hear! He will bite anyone who makes his master feel bad. It’s not all terrible art anyway… There are also little marshmallow rats and bats added liberally to menu items!
Be sure and appreciate the fact Bean will be in a new costume every day! Ranging from tiny vampire, to ghost, to witch, to perhaps local sinners who have caught his eye!
Not all is fun and games and cold though. The hotel seems disturbingly… not quite right. It flashes longer to a burnt out husk of a building, the incubi and succubi show as the hags they are, and Lucifer’s scars seem even more prominently displayed than usual. Not only that, but things move of their own accord, reflections in the mirror seem to do… strange things. There are also strange noises, whispers in ears that range from threats to pleading for help. It seems the hotel may be suffering from some poltergeist activity… ah, well. At least it’s not more rats or insects, right?
Additionally, even as the temperatures drop, there seem to be, slowly, a collection of skeleton birds growing. It starts with a couple that stick together, then a few outside in a group. They start to huddle their bony bodies together, collecting in the main hotel doorways, in front of windows, blocking these areas. When they see sinners, they follow after them (even into the hotel) giving light “caw” sounds on a most pitiful note.
The demons warn the sinners not to feed them, but bread is easily found in the kitchen, or made from the ingredients found there. It couldn’t hurt to give them a little? Where is the bread even going to go? They’re just bones.
Those that do feed the birds might hear a whispered, vague, “Thank you,” or “I appreciate you,” but certainly it was imagined.
Reach Up High
Prompt I: WARNINGS: torture, amputations, blood, mutilation, acid.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. These are words from my Father's own book, preaching the ever so present importance of putting one's own worth below that of his fellow man. So very poetic, yes? And heroic. Only the truly good would be so selfless. Fortunately, I'm not asking you to kill yourselves here. Not exactly, at least," Lucifer's voice rings out within the sinner's heads, warm and coaxing as it ever is.
"No, I'm only asking that you practice the art of self-sacrifice for your fellow penitents. You'll find yourself in an unfavorable situation with only so many ways to escape or help each other."
'Unfavorable' or downright horrific. Those are one and the same, aren't they?
Sinners will notice that they have awakened to find themselves in a room, in any of the following positions:
Spare a Pint - Awakening in a room with a box in the center of it, sinners find themselves wearing collars with a clock ticking down. They have fifteen minutes to place their hands inside the box that they'll learn is full of sharp objects ready to cut. They must spill a few pints of blood each, as it turns out. Once the time is up, if they haven't succeeded, spikes will pop out of the collar and embed in their necks. This will result in both participants nearly bleeding out. Any scarring will be permanent.
Spare a Limb - Sinners awaken to find themselves chained in a room, with an axe placed on a table just within reach. They have fifteen minutes to decide who loses a limb before their collars strangle them. The only way this won't happen is through genuine want to not see the other suffer. If one sinner removes the other's limb out of malice or need to save only themselves, they will find their collar tightening regardless. Any limbs will be returned after punishment.
Like An Angel - Suspended in the air, one sinner will find themselves outfitted with the most devilish device. Brackets have been connected to their ribcage and there are only fifteen minutes before the trap trips and rips open their chest. To save them, the other sinner must remove the key from a bowl of acid before the timer reaches zero. If they fail to do so, not only will the poor person bound experience excruciating pain, but the other will suddenly feel like their insides are twisting in on themselves. Sinners will be patched up afterwards, but the bound one will have a scar that remains on their chest as a reminder to both parties.
Lucifer will explain the rules of each game to the guests and offer whatever reassurance that he can. As promised, all sinners will be healed after completing their tasks, whether they succeed or not. Even those who find their insides unfortunately exposed.
If guests turn on each other, they will additionally be punished with a sin from their list branded upon their skin and fail any sort of redemption offered this round.
Prompt II It isn’t all torment and torture! The hotel needs to be decorated for the upcoming season after all, and the demons are eagerly approaching guests to help! There will be pumpkin carving, decorating, etc. The staff will be eager to spread some holiday cheer that isn’t all gloom and doom for the old and new guests alike.
What do you do with all the waste? Well, the demons are additionally encouraging sinners to use them to make pies or roast the seeds.
Of course, those pesky poltergeists seem to be causing some of the more… unique Jack O’Lanterns to come alive and do some nipping at unsuspecting fingers and ankles. Staff will encourage sinners to destroy these nuisances or figure out a way to expel the spirit within it.
Follow Me Down
Prompt I WARNINGS: dub/non-con, aphrodisiacs, anonymous sex
Club Penance is getting into the upcoming spooky season with their take on a masquerade. In the general portion of the club, everyone is required to don a mask upon entering for their night of debauchery and drinking. Dances are to be done to various kinds of eerie music (and maybe a little Monster Mash if you wait around long enough). Staff will also be handing out various kinds of candy, It won’t even be drugged! (In the dance portion of the club, that is)
In the sex demon side? Not only are guests required to wear a typical mask, but also lingerie. There are hefty doses of aphrodisiacs waiting to greet those who enter the club that inspire adventurous activities and lower inhibitions. People will easily ignore that little voice in their heads that warns against the staff leading them to private rooms or the stages to put on shows with anonymous partners.
The catch? Sinners are not allowed to remove their masks until after both partners have reached climax. You may try, but the mask is enchanted to not be removed. That could prove to be quite a predicament for those just wanting to go back home.
Candy will also be offered, but will be heavily drugged. Some may contain the club special, Frenzy, and others may just contain potent aphrodisiacs. Others may contain other drugs ranging from mild to intense. Be careful what you eat!
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 the TDM for the upcoming October app period! 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
no subject
[ Yes, there was that whole recent incident where L.L threatened to put Manjoume down like a dog if he ever started preaching his cultist spiel ever again, but since L.L's sure Manjoume's snapped out of that phase he sees no reason to dwell on the threat. ]
I'm playing 501: We both need to reduce our scores from 501 to exactly zero. The outer ring is worth double points, the inner ring is worth treble, and the centre circle is worth 50 points.
[ He's explaining just in case 501 never made it to Manjoume's world - perhaps they throw darts at Duel Monsters instead? It sounds like an all-encompassing game ]
no subject
Got it, I think.
[So he goes and retrieves the darts, before taking the indicated spot to stand where L.L. was before. He seems to study the darts in his hands for a moment, before proceeding to toss one of the darts at the board--the first one manages to find a home within the outer ring, while the next two meet in the inner ring. No center circle though for him on this round, it seems, but still, not that bad for a first attempt?]
no subject
[ Better than 'not bad' by a long shot. L.L saunters over to tot down their scores on the chalkboard on the side of the dartboard: L.L. above one column, 万丈目 above the other. He collects the darts and saunters back again, practically swishing in anticipation of some showmanship ]
But the race, Manjoume, has only just begun.
[ He makes an entire production of checking the darts, of positioning himself, of brushing his air from his eyes in a swish - and then throws
Two in the main areas, single points for those darts, and one in a triple. Not bad at all - though not as good as Manjoume. He snorts delicately ]
Write my score down. will you?
no subject
Two land in the outer circle this time, while one lands dangerously close to dead center but is off by an inch or two. Actually, as L.L. might note, his three darts forms a shaky line horizontally across the board based on their placement at the moment.]
no subject
L.L throws in some extra flail with his swagger and flaunting, writing Manjoume’s score with a flourish before collecting the darts ]
You’ve got a good aim. [ He drops that lightly - he will not get competitive with a teenager in a smelly coat, even winning that competition would shame him ] Do Duel Monsters require this this sort of coordination.
no subject
[Or even grabbed the Ojamas themselves and tossing their spirit forms through the nearest wall until they got the hint to stop haunting him for a little while.]
I guess my aim just got slightly better after years of living with them.
no subject
Somehow I always ended up being the person other people throw objects at… or hit on the head with paper tubes, or bodily dragged around
[ Though he’s throwing in all his flair he’s lining up his shots carefully… and there, one in the bullseye, though the others only landed in the singles
no subject
Should I ask why you were the one getting bullied in that matter? At least in my case it had to do with guys in my room that wouldn't shut up when I was trying to sleep and the like, so they had it coming.
no subject
Sleeping in class, sleeping when I should have been helping with the paperwork, ditching events - when one leads a double life one has to find opportunities to sleep whenever one can and not everyone appreciates that seeming lack of enthusiasm. That and I was the unwilling dress-up doll of my friend group; more than once I was tied to a chair and forcibly painted. Misaka’s maid attack was delightfully nostalgic.
[ There were also the times he got slapped and punched and shoved for saying entirely the wrong thing, but trying to explain the provocative comments or poses he made to earn those would involve entirely too much context. ]
no subject
Guess I could see how that might annoy your classmates, at least in regards to the first part of what you said. I know a guy who used to sleep during classes, and it would annoy all of us because he'd somehow still win at duels despite having not paid any attention in the classes talking about them.
[... Or well, it would annoy Manjoume anyway, since Manjoume hated losing to Juudai so often.]
no subject
Perhaps he slept because he was secretly sleeping practising at night? He chose a good tactic for throwing you off-guard: make it appear as if he was a well of natural talent while you had to make so much more of an effort to keep up at his level.
[ Though when Manjoume’s darts lands he can’t help but raise his brows ]
Still, you seem to have a natural talent here. I might need to start bumping your elbow to level the playing field.
[ He strolls to the board to collect the darts for his turn ]
no subject
[He wasn't one of the ones who would keep Manjoume awake at night that he was talking about before, but anytime they shared a room together, Juudai came across just as lazy as he did during class.
But, Manjoume's attention is drawn back to the present with the game of darts here as he smirks.]
Hey now, surely you're not the type of person who would resort to cheating to win a game rather than gracefully accept a potential loss, right?
no subject
Are there real stakes attached to the game? Then it's not cheating, it's simply making a lateral move my enemies never anticipated. To do anything less when the opening is there to act is to accept defeat.
[ It's been a while since he's had the chance to espouse his philosophy on the similarities between chess matches and the battlefield - there aren't any opponents in Hell, not actual enemies to stand against. The other sinners are victims like he and the demons are simply too powerful for him to even begin to fight against. Right now he's riding on his own fumes - and when his darts hit the board with a score to match Manoume's best so far his entire face twitches in a hastily suppressed grin - it's not enough to close the gap between him, but his pride is salved.
Yes, he's getting competitive now ]
If the enemy is taking the board, tip the board over.
no subject
[Not that he's one to talk--he definitely resorted to cheating once back when he was in his first year of Duel Academia, but it's not a moment he looks back on proudly.]
If I lose, it's going to be due to my own power or lack there of, rather than the whims of other people who didn't believe enough in their own abilities.
no subject
But Manjoume, a word of advice from your elder - if you ever have to apply those skills to a life or death situation, forget everything they taught you about honourable defeat. I know you Japanese prefer death before dishonour, but a corpse can't stop his enemies from destroying what he once loved.
[ He's been wandering casually closer as he chats, waiting for a the right moment - and as Manjoume's lining up his next throw he makes a sharp, aborted gesture towards his elbow - he's not actually going to strike, he's not going to be the one to land a blow, but he's genuinely curious to see how Manjoume would actually react to an unfair play ]
no subject
Pretty words for a guy who just did something petty in an attempt to win just now.
[There's a pause, however, before he adds.]
It's also useless advice to give as well, given where we are. If we are in fact dead already, and not just trapped in yet another dimension calling itself a Hell of some kind, that is.
no subject
Look at those averages, you’ve already won the game. Short of me knocking the darts from your hands we’re now playing to see how few rounds it’ll take for you to defeat me utterly.
[ And quieter ]
You know in your heart this isn’t death; the dead don’t have beating hearts. One day I will lead you to escape, Manjoume, and one that day I expect you to fight with all your might for your own survival.
no subject
[But Manjoume is more amused than bothered by it for a moment before he frowns again, turning his attention back to the board where their scores had been written out. After a moment, he speaks up again.]
But you're right, I don't really think that this is death. Or maybe I'm too stubborn to believe otherwise--between you and me, this isn't the first time I've been supposedly killed and dropped into some place that could be considered a hell, and I somehow managed to make it out of that one eventually. This will surely be no different, it's just a matter of time and finding the best solution for making it happen.
no subject
[ He breaks off to wander to the board and collect the darts, scribbling Manjoume’s score down. Perhaps if he keeps cheating he’ll lessen the gap between them… but frankly that sounds boring. He saunters back, asking when he’s near ]
So how did you escape your last Hell?
no subject
Someone I know had to go through some traumatic shit to help most of us with escaping that dimension and returning back to our own.
[He knows it's a vague answer but... Juudai might prefer if he didn't just casually tell people what kind of sacrifices he had to make (and all the mistakes he made) trying to save everyone.]
Oops at that half-finished sentence
I commend him for his sacrifice. Did you leave many behind?
[ He lines up his shots carefully- and gets a decent score, his average total ]
no subject
[The one that immediately comes to mind is, surprisingly, Misawa--despite the amount of times they would forget about the guy when including him in their group shenanigans during second and third year, it's still a bitter pill to swallow to think about how he ended up staying behind in that awful dimension. At least he had his tiger girlfriend, which is better than the other handful of students that are still missing or probably dead.]