penancememes | TEST DRIVE MEME #8

ARRIVAL

You remember a dream.

Or maybe nightmare is more accurate.

It was full of hellfire nipping at your skin and a sensation of being pulled down no matter how much you struggle or cry for help. There's a voice that feels like it's coming from all around you at once. Contrasting with the nightmare unfolding around you, it's smooth as silk. It makes you want to listen with every bit of attention you can muster in the moment.

"Judgement has come upon you, but not to worry. It can still be undone."

The voice promises you redemption for your sins. It promises you a better life and everything you could ever want, if only you just stop struggling so much.

And so you do.

Everyone wakes up in the same room initially. The room is done up in red with a cushy bed, a window, an old TV in the corner on a desk, and a few Hieronymus Bosch paintings lining the wall. There's a bathroom to clean up in and any belongings will be sat around the room to be gathered later. There's a duffel bag provided for your convenience.

After feeling a sensation of falling or dropping onto the bed, characters wake up feeling like they've just slept for a week. Their body will feel heavy and stiff, they'll have a massive headache at first.

They'll quickly notice the list of their sins written with their blood on a bedside table on an old piece of parchment. This will mean the list is tied to them and can't be changed or tampered with. They'll also receive their device to connect with others and the network. It won't be anything terribly fancy. As a matter of fact, it looks like a very old Blackberry type phone.

Once characters are ready to leave the room, they'll head down long, winding halls. They're dimly lit and ominous feeling. They may encounter fellow sinners or demonic staff that will direct the newcomer down to the lobby to get their actual room key to settle in. They may be pushy, they may border on courteous. It really just depends on the mood of the staff at the time and how they're treated in return. Eventually, everyone comes to stairs that lead downward.

Once down to the lobby, you'll notice the front desk manned by a demon who looks bored out of its mind. To the side of him is the door to the kitchen where guests may help themselves. To the right is a small duty free shop that seems to have a surprisingly normal, expected stock of items. Look around a bit further, there will be a tiny bar tucked in through a corner door. It seems pretty well-stocked and best of all, self-serve if you want to get away from your demonic hosts for a bit. Of course there's some seating, bar games, and a jukebox tucked in the corner if you'd rather stay and socialize a bit.

Please note that all the songs on the jukebox are appropriately hell-themed. Hopefully Sympathy for the Devil is universally loved.

STAND YOUR GROUND

Prompt I

The cold is still biting, but the heat is (mostly) working within the hotel and other establishments again. It's enough to take the chill off for the most part. Coats and extra blankets are being passed out to those who need them as well.

Unfortunately, the food shortage that begun a few days ago will continue on for a few more yet! All food will be rotting or covered in maggots and mold, so new and old arrivals alike should probably steer clear of it if they can. If asked, the staff will insist it was entirely unplanned. Totally. Honest.

It will let up before the month is over and then fresh food will more than return! In the meantime, guests are able to bargain for a morsel of food someone else might have hidden back that hasn't rotted or try some of the bizarre fruit sprouting up that ranges in looks from a Durian to Jackfruit.

Just be aware that eating them before they're ripe enough may result in severe nausea and other decidedly not fun issues. Get them when they're perfect though? Unlike their earth counterparts, the insides seem to range from the sweetest, most delicious fruit you've ever had to something that may appear to be human blood and guts to something oddly... pork tasting, and everything in between. Food's food though, right? Don't complain, just eat.

There's increased security around the stables where animals are kept around the hotel, just in case anyone decides to eat Lucifer's prized animals. That will be a firm no. For any guests with pets of their own, there will be small rations of non-spoiled food to feed them, but it has very little nutritional value to humans.

The theatre has also changed the movie lineup to now include: Christmas with the Kranks, The Ref, Jack Frost, Holiday in Handcuffs.

Go forth and enjoy the way the holidays even seem to invade Hell.

The hotel bar's jukebox also seems entirely overrun with horrible festive songs now, pushing holiday shenanigans off the playlist. Try to enjoy it while you get drunk! Or hope someone actually gets up to indulge in karaoke to drown it out. The music has seemed to put the demons in a rather sour mood if anyone bothers to listen to the complaints.

Prompt II

[One day, on the network, sinners will be greeted with Lucifer's face. He'll smile brightly from every phone or computer in Hell, before he speaks:]

I thought it may be fun to include an icebreaker of sorts... Get you lot mingling and bonding with each other before the loneliness eats you absolutely alive. I want there to be something to redeem after all... a shriveled husk of a person is hardly that.

[Lucifer seems to find his own joke amusing at least.]

So, here we go:

What pleasant memories help you through the tough times?

Or alternatively, what are some of your favorite hobbies to distract yourself with?

[Lucifer may not respond, but rest assured that he will eagerly be watching others share their answers and talk amongst themselves]

REACH UP HIGH

Prompt I
Warnings: cutting, blood, torture.

Whether you've been here for months or you're freshly arrived, your demonic overlord expects some participation. You can try and shirk the responsibility, of course. You can bargain your way out of it for a while. But eventually, you may find yourself trapped in a room just off the gym that's been fondly dubbed the torture room. It has all manner of equipment in there, along with an iron maiden even.

But don't worry about any of that right now. It probably won't be used.

You can try the door, but even with super human strength or every lock picking skill in the book, you won't be able to open it.

It soon becomes apparent what you're supposed to do soon enough when someone else is eventually shoved in with you. Both of your lists of sins will appear on a table that's been placed in the center of the room with two handy knives. You can choose to guard these or not care at all that they're on display.

"Know that honesty is a good place to start on your road to redemption. Sure, it can be terrifying at first, but that's why you've been given a partner in this journey. Pick up your knives and carve at least one sin into each other's flesh. Help in the journey to be candid with everyone you should meet here!"

The voice echoes all around you again, just like in the nightmare, and once again there's the pull to give in. This voice really does seem like it has your best interests at heart.

"If you need a bit of encouragement, we'll be giving it shortly."

It isn't a lie or idle threat either. The longer you wait to do what's been requested of you, the more shallow cuts that will appear on both of your bodies. Are you really prepared to endure this pain when giving in would be so much easier?

And more than that, are you willing to let another suffer along with you?

Eventually, the cuts will stop if you suffer them long enough, but you'll have failed this challenge and sustained more damage than if you'd just gone along with it. Satan will also be very disappointed in you.

Prompt II

"I know after such a food shortage, all of you may be eager to overindulge and sate your hunger... or even hold food back, just in case. But this isn't the act of a good person. It isn't how someone who is truly selfless, as my Father desires all of us to be, would act. So I ask all of you to turn to whoever is nearest and simply share what you have. It doesn't necessarily have to be food, but it must be an item or act that will make their lives easier," Lucifer's voice rings out, sudden albeit encouraging and warm as always.

Sharing is caring, apparently. The request seems simple enough, doesn't it? Just share a bit of food or anything else that might seem useful to someone else and you'll have done your good deed for the day! Of course, should the guest ignore this request, they'll find their insides burning. It will grow steadily worse until it becomes unbearable. Nothing a guest drinks or eats to soothe it will help either. These feelings will persist a full night or until they cave and do as requested.

FOLLOW ME DOWN

Prompt I
Warnings: Alcohol and drug abuse, potential non-con/dub-con.

The club, as it turns out, isn't quite ready to give up its party from the previous month, but they have put a new twist on it. As before, once a sinner enters the establishment, they'll be greeted with almost entirely nude (to fully) incubi and succubi servers. Their trays are full of aphrodisiac-laced treats that show no rot, as well as drinks and drugs of all sorts. There are dancers and other performers enticing their audience to stay, and plenty of free stages for sinners to put on their own show. Sex machines, bondage equipment, or toys are freely available for these performances.

Poles, cages, and everything else one could want are also on offer.

But this particular party? It's a bit different. No one is allowed in unless they are appropriately dressed in lingerie. Don't worry if you came overdressed! The demons will helpfully provide it at the door and even offer a room for sinners to change in! If refused, entrance will be denied (forcefully, if necessary). If guests aren't sure what to put on, the staff will be more than happy to choose for them (again, with force if necessary)!

Tonight is about being daring! Never done drugs off someone else before? Now's your chance!

Never even been drunk? Well, just let the demons help take care of that.

It's also about experimentation with something new. This can be someone who is generally outside your usual preferences, an act you'd never considered in a thousand years, to anything else under the sun.

Guests may also know screens set up around the establishment, but oddly enough, they appear turned off for the moment. If asked, the staff assures they will be back as soon as a few kinks are worked out.

Prompt II

A fall festival seems to roll into town one day overnight, and it seems to be centered around the hell fruit that's springing up on lifeless, dead trees. It's bustling with demons of all sorts and will last one week.

There's a tempting wine that's been made out of the fruit that can vary in taste, but seems to be stronger than most other liquor available anywhere else. It tastes so good though... like the forbidden fruit it most certainly is.

While most will feel just drunk off it, others may find it harder and harder to resist. They may selfishly crave more and even develop a desire to hoard it back.

Much like the apple the serpent tempted Eve with, one may find it offers a certain... clarity into one's situation after they've had enough. Knowledge one may not have wanted, but cannot deny any longer.

Or perhaps it simply just makes others entirely too happy, or too horny, or any number of possible ways. Take a sip and find out where the wine leads you!

Other than that, a few vendors are peddling jams and pies made out of the fruits. There are also a few selling items from earth ranging from electronics to clothes to weapons, and anything in between. Some may be selling actual earth animals as well, mostly small ones kept as pets, but they'll insist they make the perfect meal. They even have areas ready to butcher and cook them right then and there for those who are interested in buying.

If sinners decide to save Fido or Mr. Floppy from their ill fates, they should make absolutely certain that they can care for them though. Pets aren't easy and the demons find them more delicious than endearing

There are a few games to play, as well, reminiscent of the earlier carnival. Darts, tests of strength, and even a dunk tank with a demon who yells embarrassing stuff at the guests that seems oddly knowledgeable. How did they know you wet the bed until five? Probably best to not question it.

Besides that, there's a ferris wheel that provides a nice view of your hellish surroundings (that may occasionally breakdown and trap unsuspecting sinners on it for a while). It could be the perfect place to go to get some alone time with that honey of yours though.

It may all seem like a relaxing thing after starving for so long, but those who linger may begin to feel a need to hoard items. Food, weapons, and anything else they can get their greedy little hands on. Perhaps it's still the starvation talking, but sinners may find themselves feeling almost too irritable if anyone tries to take what's theirs. Potentially, this could even extend to possessiveness over other people as well. Oh, well, hopefully sinners will manage to control all those pesky urges!

When the skies darken to what is probably night in Hell, there will be a special fireworks display taking place. They seem almost magic, taking shapes most people wouldn't think possible. One might see Lucifer's face up in the sky once or twice, drawn in brilliant flames. There are blankets to sit out and watch, plenty of wine or warm drinks to go around, and no end in sight.

MISC.
Thanks for joining us for our eighth test drive meme, sinners! Reserves are now open for the upcoming app round on December 1st

If you have questions, comments, suggestions, etc., go here.

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[ARRIVAL]
[She might stand out, although likely no more than any of the numerous number of individuals who have found themselves here. Unruly pale hair that's mostly chin length, crystal blue eyes with slitted pupils and dark skin, with thigh high boots and a long sleeved dress that isn't all that good for the weather. Of course, it's those wings that probably stand out the most. They are nothing like those of an angel with feathers and fluffiness. Rather, they are multi-coloured and more akin to a reptile than a bird, just what one might find on a demon.

By now she's already left the room she woke up in, not understanding some of the items that she had found there. After all, human technology is beyond Kurai for the most part. While her attitude towards their kind might have changed since meeting Setsuna, she has her own problems to deal with, like rebuilding her kingdom and being a good princess for them. That is one of the variety of reasons why she does look more than a little annoyed as she stomps around the halls, seeking some answer. The first person that Kurai runs across she point her finger at.]

Hey! You! What the hell is going on!

[She may indeed be more like a yappy dog, as demons, while older, also take longer to reach maturity.]

[STAND YOUR GROUND : prompt I]
[It's not exactly too comfortable temperature wise, although Kurai doesn't try to let that bother her as she explores around the hotel, before exiting to see what the heck this is all about. It... looks a little like where she is from, at least appearance wise. Most of the buildings seem to be in some state of disrepair. She can't exactly tell though if it is from war or from something else. There seems to be only a few buildings that appear to have some semblance of being lived in.

Her feet take her to the exit of the residence that she had woken up in. Her wings give a little flap, snapping in frustration. She doesn't want or need a detour. And there is her dragon, or lack thereof. She had been flying on one of hers, returning back to her home to try to start gettings things back in order. There had been no sign of the dragon in the room that she had woken up in, although the room had been too small to fit one of such a size anyway. Is her dragon somewhere here though?

Arms crossed, the demon stops, more or less, right in the entry for the hotel, taking in all that she can. She can't see her dragon anywhere, but that doesn't exactly mean anything does it? Feeling something, or someone, bump against her, her head snaps to the side, huffing.]

You moron! Watch where you're going!

[Later she is exploring. This place... seems far more run down than what she had first thought. She's not hungry, at least at the moment, but it doesn't stop her from wrinkling her nose as she watches the little white infestations wiggle and squirm over the food that she does find.]

Gross.

[Even by a demons standards...]

You gotta be kidding me.

[WILD CARD]
[If you want another prompt, please feel free!]

[Everything that's happened there? Is bad enough. If there was anything that could make the place feel more like Hell? It's finding someone that should not, should never be, there. Someone who deserves this the least of anyone he knows.]

[He wants to grab Kurai and run to his room before anything can happen to her. ~~But that's out of the question because his suite isn't safe.~~ But first.... It's Kurai. He has to tease her a little, if only to soften the rage and fear for her boiling inside.]

No. This place doesn't joke about that shit. [He hands her some cheese he managed to find - he's cut all of the mold off of it, and it's rather small, but not much else has survived.] Try that.

Now, what the Hell are you doing here, Kurai?

[It's a voice that she knows as well as her own, one that she hasn't expected to hear for some time now. She'd dropped him off, literally, pushing him from her dragon to descend below back to where he had come from while she returned to rebuild her own kingdom. It's why there is an utter look of confusion that springs on to her face, mouth opening to hang there for a moment.

For a moment only, as she quickly recovers, huffing as she crosses her arms.]

Like you're one to ask! You ain't supposed to be here! I didn't push you that hard!

[Focusing on that latter part first, before eyeing the chunk that he's trying to pawn off on her. That expression? That says that she's not interested in his stinky cheese...]

Push me? What the fuck did you push me for? [Setsuna doesn't remember being pushed by her, at least, not in any sufficient way to cause that kind of reaction.]

[He palms the cheese and reaches over to embrace Kurai, tightly.] You'll regret that later, when you're really hungry. I can find some fruit for you. [He's gotten better at telling when it's ripe.]

Then, we can find a way to get you out of here. You definitely don't belong here.

What? Did you land on your head?

[It wasn't that high- well, maybe, but he should have been fine. It's not like Kurai had wanted to hurt him. She'd taken him by surprise, or at least that was her guess, before she had sent him back, off of the back of her dragon.

She does freeze, the hug catching her off guard, although a lot of this place has done that so far.]

Uh- Setsuna...

[Of course, for Setsuna, the push hasn't happened yet. He looks a little confused.]

Land? Don't know. But I've had a few blows to the head since getting here. [Not that he wanted to talk about that too much.]

Yeah? [He talks to her, but still holds on, tightly. For him, it's been months since last seeing her, and this place....]

[That blush is slowly but surely creeping up her cheeks, before she gives a little push, seeking to wiggle free. It's not like she fully understands the situation of what Setsuna has been through so far. She'd last seen him just before waking up here after all.]

What? In like a half hour, you already got banged up!

[Setsuna resists, at first, trying to keep hold of her, but lets go in the end. Expression a little solemn Setsuna sheepishly admits to his situation. A little.]

Uh...half an hour? It's been four months since I last saw you, Kurai.

Nuh uh!

[Stubbornly crossing her arms as she takes a step back.

Although...

Shaking her head a little, as if seeking to clear it, she lets her eyes move up and down his body. He does look... Rattier than she had just left him.]

... I just saw you.

Um, maybe you just did. [Yep, that's a tone he's displaying there.] But I've been in this place for four months, Kurai. I got witnesses.

[He's used to stubborn girls, hence ready to supply proof. Was this part of Hell? Torturing people with time displacement?]

[ Who is this strange, bossy little child and why is she pointing at Faye. ]

Excuse me?

[ It's obvious she's a new one but-- wait. Are those actual wings or just a part of her outfit? ]

We're in Hell, kid. You know. Land of eternal punishment and punitive suffering.

[ A good once-over and she determines she must be around Ed's age. Another youngster having to deal with the vile laws of this infernal land. It's disheartening, to say the least. ]

I know hell, and this ain't hell.

[And yes, she does have quite a bit of attitude in that retort, but that is Kurai. Full of spunk and sass. And her statement isn't an exaggeration. Rather, in Kurai's case, it is the absolute truth. Of the seven levels of Hell, she had grown up in the first, in the kingdom of Gehenna]

[ Faye seems to lean forward a little as if she were attempting to get a better look at the kid. And perhaps she is. Maybe she's trying to figure out whether or not those wings are actually real. ]

What do you mean you "know Hell"?

TEST DRIVE MEME #8

Kurai | Angel Sanctuary

[STAND YOUR GROUND : prompt I]

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ARRIVAL

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