idharlotry | (no subject)

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[ You wake up in an alleyway.

There's an ambient buzz in the background— noticeable after the quiet of Faukyo, where the only noise is what you and the other idols make. This place is populated. It sounds like voices, raised and laughing, like the clatter of coins and chips against counters, lever-pull machinery, and gunshots.

By the dim ambient glow of city lights, you can see you are not the only body in this alleyway; corpses litter the alleyway as if a mass murder had just occurred.

Well, maybe not "just"—the bodies are all in chalk outlines, where they lay still and injured in various ways, some with bullet wounds and some with lacerations and some with nothing, but strangely their chalk outlines circle vague shapes around their mouth. It's poison, maybe.

You're injured too! the line of seeping blood at your neck is still unhealed. You also have a chalk outline, with your limbs out like your body is a ragdoll, or like you were in the middle of doing a really funny dance, maybe. It's definitely too uncomfortable to stay in the same position for much longer than that. . .

More than that, though—well, you've been outside of Faukyo before. Do you really want to stay here for much longer? ]

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. . .

[He's sitting up with a weak groan eventually--slipping and struggling a few times as his arms give out at first, but he gets there. He's just, sitting, taking a moment to register his surroundings, and remember what he was doing, before this moment]

[. . .before. . .this. . .

oh right.

coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool!!

He'd make a witty remark but, turns out having a bleeding neck, still hurts! He grimaces, getting to feet, and pressing his scarf to his neck in a weak attempt to stop or soak up the blood. He then begins picking his way through the bodies, not really stepping carefully though. He steps on someone's back, their hands, nearly trips over someone's face--every instinct is telling him to get the fuck out of the corpse pile, trying to get out to a street (?) or possible alley, anything familiar and not a pile of scattered bodies. Lets goooo.]

[ When C moves from his outline, one of the nearby bodies clicks their tongue - something like idiot! hisses out of their mouth, but it's hard to tell where that came from. That's a pretty telltale sign of fucking up, though.

Other telltale signs are these: an obnoxiously loud alarm bell sounds, the plaza suddenly lit up in neon lights. Well, it certainly is a flashy show of a welcome, but maybe you don't want to be here for whoever's about to welcome you! ]

[ Nothing is quite familiar, but your eyes also hurt to stare at anything for too long. Nearest is an alleyway with a couple of buildings cobbled together, a clear dichotomy of old buildings that look like they're ready to be torn down and new buildings that look like they just opened business yesterday. Otherwise, this actually looks to be a fairly sizable plaza, the space wide, wide open - and full of chalk outlines. ]

Edited 2018-10-23 18:18 (UTC)

[hahahah well shit

YOU KNOW NORMALLY, MAYBE HE'D BE DELIGHTED BY THIS. An escaping criminal, caught in the spotlight!!

But right now! That ain't the feeling he has! He's filing away the fact that all these bodies are conscious somehow and darting toward the older buildings, looking for a broken door or open window to just toss himself in for cover.]

[ the door isn't broken, but there is a window on the other side - however, someone's right there where the open window is.

The woman stands to block C's way to look him over with a critical eye. She's dressed in what seems to be a leather black dress with a flared skirt and high collar, only the high collar is made completely of bird feathers. One bird skull is completely obscured, with the other hidden sometimes and sometimes not, by a long boa - no, not that sort of boa. A constrictor snake wraps itself around her, tail wrapped around at her elbow and the head moving about occasionally - oh yes, it's alive. When she brings a perfectly manicured hand up to her face, flared wrist cuff crooking just so, it's to emphasize the faux delicate shock that she takes, barely offering much more than raised eyebrows besides that, and betraying that are her eyes of delight and - recognition, perhaps. ]

Well, now. I was wondering where you ran off to.

[ The woman smiles, with a playful tone to her voice. ]

Are you a lost little lamb?

[Neato

What a fashion statement! Envious! Almost out of reflex, even with the blaring alarm and blinding lights, C automatically pulls the corners of his lips into a smirk in return, forcing out a weak quip even with the blood still seeping from his throat.]

Y-yep, got lost on my way to the slaughter. I'm mutton on the l-lam so. . .bye!

[well what if he just, tries to back off and run?? don't know who this is but she doesn't look as friendly as Exael!!]

[ he could, but then he'd just run into the Actual army of bugs starting to march toward him, surrounding him from all sides in waves. ]

Going so soon?

[OH I HATE THIS]

A-ahaha, oh I get it, this is hell! Duh! [r-reverse that back up]

Could I, maybe b-bribe a lovely lady like you for a helping hand?

[ with some mild surprise and amusement ]

What do you have? Oh, we can certainly make a trade here - but this isn't the place for that sort of business.

[hoarse and just a little desperate--]

I agree, d-definitely! Plenty to offer, but if there's a place we could talk, w-with the heat off. . .!

[ stepping to the side for him, to open a path up into the alley - with more "corpses" on the ground and also a brightly lit building beyond them. ]

My thoughts exactly, dear. Right this way.

. . .

[a moment's of hesitation, but staying is one thousand percent off the table.

Steps forward, walking over the stilled not-so-dead bodies. It can't get worse, probably. Maybe. Here he go.]

[ they step past the dead bodies, to a casino. ]

[ The building's bright lights are, in a word, obnoxious. Lights scatter higher than the building in party-popping confetti shapes, lighting in a row as if animated and gold coin-shaped lights splashing down in much the same way, rivers of gold tapering down the sides of the casino to spread out into the streets. That's as much as you can make out, anyway - this seems to be the back of the casino, where most of the lighting isn't concentrated. Even the door you go through seems to be more plain and unassuming than the rest of the building is implied to be - and that's with the bright yellow lights imitating gold ravines running around it. There's something wrong with the whole setup, though - even with all the lights, the building isn't entirely too bright. Not because of the quality of light, but rather - when you look, tilt your head just a half degree too far, go cross-eyed, and keep your eyes closed for a little too long, the building seems to shift to a dimmer one, darker, completely undone with a hole caved in to the side and the lights broken with glass littered everywhere . . . no, even if you're looking at it straight on, even if you look properly, that seems to be the case, like a filter plastered over - like one of those holographic cards with double images, concentrate on one state of the building and it seems to look more like that, but as soon as your focus goes the building crosses back over to the other state, and then a mix between. Both destroyed and whole, leaving it difficult to tell which might be reality and which might not; the longer you concentrate, the more it seems like both might actually be the answer, here. ]

[Well that's trippy as fuck. He does indeed try to focus, rubbing at his head as a headache follows when he tries to pick out which is which. He frowns, but quickly puts his face back on, forcing a grin. Whatever's going is infinitely better than what's outside.]

Woooah, what a. . .weird place. Thanks for the assist Miss. . .uh. . .?

[ There is a bouncer at the door - it seems this is used for customers, even if it's the back - but the woman waves her hand and the employee lets you on through. Concentrate on their form too long - tall, bulky, build like they would be good at sports - and the same phenomenon occurs, their white button up uniform drenched in blood and riddled with bullet holes, their face half caved in. Tilt your head just right, and the injuries disappear like a trick of the light - tilt your head just wrong, and both lay over each other like what is definitely sensory headache material; linger too long and you'll hear the sound of bullets freshly piercing flesh, the bouncer's body animated even when it's not - like you can see their death on repeat through that filter. ]

That's right - you don't read many books, do you?

[ Inside, the casino looks more like an experience than a cohesive interior; too much is happening on the gambling floor, tables full of Blackjack and Poker and Pai Gow and everything else, dealers at every table with their hands full of customers - sometimes literally. Bets here aren't just placed with money, and the stink of blood is much too present for anyone to trick themselves into thinking the price to pay isn't more macabre.

For no particular reason, it seems, there is a golden dragon that climbs in a spiral up to the ceiling; around it are the slot machines, and both gambling pits are a constant source of noise - coins and lever pulls and gears turning and people chatting, laughing, crying, cursing, betting, cheering, raising. It's more sensory overload to what's already there - some tables are completely beat up, broken and split in two; bullet holes in the walls and employees and customers shift on and off and on as well as off when you pass them by, and the world shifts like a bloody kaleidoscope, shifting with your movement like someone's pinched the space to create an event horizon here, right in your vision. ]

[aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaah, yep lets just snap our head away from that, even if doing so makes him wince, his own wound still going strong. The faint gunshots linger in his ear and he's more than happy to seize a distraction.]

M-more like I don't remember many. . .oh, but I haven't been to the library as much as I should. Ya got me!

[this is so much. he tries to keep in stride with her but so much is moving and there are so many sounds. He can't help but be morbidly curious and even, just a bit, thrilled at the scenery. . .even if he reels back whenever the image shifts, revealing the damned souls having their lives literally put on the table. he might stop to linger a bit, but quickly tries to catch back up with her]

But--wow! This is a literal den of sin! The perfect place to make an offer, huh. . .

Well, we are in Hell, dear. Indulgence is the name of the game.

It's too loud here, though.

[ She speaks, and the whole room suddenly falls to a hush - the machines clack one more time and go silent, as if everyone in the casino heard. Even so, she walks past every stiff body, gesturing for you to join her. ]

. . .

[inhales

and follows, not speaking a peep.]

[ The bar is much more peaceful than the gambling pits, but no less vivid in color. Slashes and scars dent the bar where there are no dents in different angles, and for no reason at all, there are bright beaded lights the bar. While there are just as mangled people here as in the other room, they're all in their own alcoves, dedicating themselves to nursing their drink and keeping their conversations quiet.

She takes a seat at the bar counter, conversational. ]

I'll have blue this time.

[ With a gesture of her hand, elbow on the counter, as she waves her fingers just so, to let the glitter of blue fish-scale like manicure shine in the light. To you, she crosses one leg over and gives a friendly wave. ]

Come now, take a seat.

[ well, it's probably a really bad idea to say no to her. ]

[he's come this far. . .

As bright a smile as he can manage right now, and he hops up to a stool, deliberately with enough force that it spins playfully, stopping so he's facing her proper.]

Thanks~! Nothing for me, I'm a cute little minor. That, a-and I wouldn't want to become any redder than I am.

[he is STILL BLEEDING]

Sooo. . .you were introducing yourself?

[ the bartender sets the drink down and she brings it to her lips, letting the question sit. ]

I should think a gentleman would introduce himself first.

N-neeheehee, would a gentleman be in hell?

[but he straightens, as best he can, puffing out his chest with bravado]

I thought maybe. . .you recognized me! I'm the Capricious Boaster, CB! But I guess you don't have many televisions down here. . .

Charmed to meet you!

Oh, I do.

[ with a wave, and the bartender pulls back a sliding window to show the television screen - it's replaying the game, particularly when C killed himself ]

Actually, I'm a fan. But seeing you off your game is fun in and of itself . . . an exclusive interview, even.

[ the snake pokes out its tongue, slithering up against one side of her to get closer to C ]

Charmed. The name's Lilith.

[he turns automatically to the screen when he hears his own voice--theatrical, playful. . .strained and fake. He averts his eyes just as he does the deed, still with a smile, but surprised as the snake inspects him. His hand is a bit shaky, but he attempts to boop its nose before pulling back.]

Ooh, am I blowing ratings through the roof already. . .I'm honored. But there's no way you're looking for an autograph, right? I'd have to ask my manager about that.

[ boop ]

On the contrary, my dear, I'm here to give you an offer you can't refuse.

Oooh?

Do you mean that literally? Cuz you should know how contrary I can be. . .

[A half laugh, half cough, adjusting his scarf]

But if whatever you're selling keeps me from going back outside, I'm all ears!

[ the snake moves forward, reaching around C's neck to hover ]

A return back to your unit. I'll even fix that nasty injury of yours.

[watches it. . .]

H-how generous! I was wondering about that. . . everyone usually just wakes up, right? Neeheehee, I wonder if B is worried about little ol' me!

But out of curiosity. . .what happens if I don't go back?

They'll find another one, I assume. They've got you idols all lined up and waiting in the wings.

[ tracing the rim of her glass, thoughtful ]

But you mean yourself, I'm sure. Well -

[ in the gambling pit, there's the sudden sound of rapid gunfire. Lilith does not react to it. ]

- I suppose you'd be welcomed as a new denizen of Hell, and Heaven loses you in the gambit.

[hahaha oh wow]

Wooow, then I'd get to play the games here forever and ever? You're making it sooo hard to choose!

But jeeze, an auto point for hell, huh? Not to sound bias, but that's a boring way to win. Is it cuz of my stunt? That wasn't cheating, just good TV, right?

Suicide is a grave sin, my dear.

[ the snake is just gonna start chilling on C's shoulder nbd ]

But that's why it's an offer you can't refuse, you see. Well, that and - I don't take no for an answer.

[this is fine and not nerve wracking in the least, gosh.

Makes a show of pouting, but then sighs, relenting]

Okaaay, fine, ya got me. I do still need to hardcore prank Gold and Silver before I die, anyway.

So. . .what's the catch to this very kind offer?

[ how could you ever imply that lilith would do anything unnerving, thanks ]

Mm, just one thing. I haven't decided on what that is yet, but - an eye for an eye, as they say.

[ looking him over with a predatory smile, all teeth - the television screen features C being eaten by Loki. ]

[well this makes it difficult to look anywhere else!! Grits his teeth, ignoring the sounds of a monster feasting on his corpse]

A-ah? You mean payment, right? Cuz it's not like I have another soul to swap. . .!

Would you settle for a selfie? We'd be super cute.

[He says, without his phone, I assume]

Your soul isn't mine to take, but if you end up deciding to stay here, we could work that out.

[ With a wave of her hand. his cell phone is in his pocket though, if he cares to look ]

A selfie sounds fun. Not an adequate payment, but why not?

--!

[well, he certainly feels the weight. He pulls it out, staring for a moment, considering. . .

Hmm, lets not try anything that will get us more, condemned. Maybe.

So he leans forward, shrugging his shoulder lightly so that the snake will stay on, and holds out the phone, grinning wide]

Neeheehee! Well, it'll certainly help me remember the experience, right? Help teach this sinner a lesson!

Now, everyone saaaaay--Eternal Damnation!!

Eternal damnation.

[ every side is her good side ]

[damn girl u right

also making sure the angle gets at least some of the casino background, and then he's throwing up a V sign, snapping the pic.

nts ominously send to b at some point]

Aha, as I thought! Suuuuper cute.

Welp, that was fun. Alrighty, I thiiiink, I'm ready? I was kinda hoping I'd get to nap a bit longer, but I don't even know how long it's been. Wish I was a heavier sleeper like those boring snoozers back in the alley.

Oh, I don't know about that.

[ the last thing C sees is the woman reaching her hand out, the details of her perfectly manicured nails, each individual scale on her index finger, touching C's forehead - ]

[ You pick yourself back up from the white chalk outline again. This time, you're the one riddled with holes - bullets, of course, that's what this game is. The metal shells push out of your body - is a dream supposed to be painful? - as your skin mends itself, completely healed without a single trace of scar. Thirteen times you've completed this list, and now is the fourteenth - out of infinity. This is Hell, after all; for getting kicked out, this is your lot in the afterlife. If only you could have graduated - then you wouldn't have to do this.

But you do, and this is the last item on the list. Like a puppet on strings, you move without your own will, climbing up the ladder that stands at the top of a large aquarium. Instead of being filled with water, it is filled with bugs.

Here we go. Number fourteen.

You stand atop the ladder - your body is shaking. Well, the worst for last.

Your body tips over and you fall, headfirst. ]

[ When C next wakes, his injury will be mostly healed, a heavy scar leftover and just a bit of a scab on his skin.

He is in his room, in AlcheME!. It is Day 52, afternoon.

The price to pay was this: huge staples stitch along his scar, completely around his neck. Removing them doesn't just tear open the scar - it seems like removing them completely will pop his head right off, and the wound won't heal without the staples keeping his neck together. ]

Edited 2018-10-25 01:15 (UTC)

[SITTING RIGHT THE FUCK UP, aaah AAAH aaaaaaa

aaaaah??]

[Then just, blinks, eyes still heavy, oh. O-oh. He looks around his room, deep breaths, hand coming to rub at his bleeding--

--not bleeding neck. Sti...stitched neck. Hm.

Well, she certainly isn't a liar, in any case.

Just gonna, lay his head back on his pillow for a while. Then, he'll finally text B.

Who could have known dying fucking sucks]

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