The Story of the Seven Deadly Sins (Closed, Started)

[roushutsu]

"Looks like you got your wish."

Acedia practically beamed. Sleep was one of life's simple pleasures for him, and all this talk about devils and trials was exhausting. He did his best to try to keep up with Gula. His body was weak before he died, giving him the appearance of lightly jogging rather than running. The boy looked like he would break apart at any minute, but as God or the devil as his witness, he was gonna get in a bed if it was going to kill him again!

"Do we even have the money for a hotel? Or am I going to have to work my magic?"

"Well, I guess the streets work too," he muttered with a defeated sigh.

 

[Terratina.]

Luxuria had been escorted, rather roughly in fact, to a dark place and was left with only a candle for light. She silently moped about the fact that the gentleman had left her in a dark place all alone, but she would took his offer and supposedly all that offer entailed, which turned to include being left alone in the dark with naught but a little flicker of a candle's flame for light. At least she wasn't out there with the other six, getting nowhere. Good for them; they could all go die for all she cared.

 

[DarkRawen]

Despite a lack of money, or even mentioning of such, the owner of the hotel opens his door, and asks them to enter, quickly. "Just don't bring attention to my door," he says. "I'll let you stay, I don't really have any other rooms, but I have extra sheets somewhere around here. Just get in!" He waits for them all to enter, before closing the door behind them, locking it while breathing heavily, clearly scared of what is out there. The man glances over them.

"Six people, and none of you had the sense to get inside before now? I've never seen something alike, everyone knows what's going on around here, after all. I would believe you were from outside town, only..." he shakes his head. "Not important. Anyways, we don't have much of a meal to offer at this time, but if you do me a favor, I will let you eat the leftovers from the dinner. It's decent stuff, despite what you might believe." He glances over at Gula, before continuing. It's almost as if he knows that Gula is the sinner of gluttony. "So, what do you say? I will also prepare beds if you do me that favor." This time, his eyes is at Acedia. It might bring a question to their mind; who is this man? Is he meant to be someone special? Or is he simply a reminder of that they are all playing a game?

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After Luxuria finds her way to the bedroom, she notices the lack of candles inside. Whatever the man does in that room, lighting is not a part of it. She gets a short while to look around, and afterwards, the man enters. "So you found your way, Miss," he says. It's not easy to see, but from the light of the candle, she can see that he is smiling carefully, like a proper gentleman. He starts undressing, and touches her hand, his hand bare this time, skin touching skin.

The moment he does, a vision of some sorts flash in front of her face, of an unknown darkness grabbing a woman, and dragging her away, screams and crying as the horror spreads. It's dark outside, almost unbelievably dark, and the streets are in chaos. The person who witnesses it keeps running after the woman, calling her name, panicked and worried. However, the person suddenly stops running when he notices something on the ground. It is a hand, wearing a wedding ring, in front of the tall monument of the town. Apparently, it belonged to the woman being taken away, as the man, his voice now recognizable as the gentleman's, feels a great amount of sorrow and pain.

 

[roushutsu]

The inn keeper was frazzled and frightened, enough to overlook any charges for staying. That did seem peculiar to Acedia. No one offered services for free, not even the churches.

"So, what do you say? I will also prepare beds if you do me that favor."

Of course, there's a catch. Why can't anything be simple anymore? The inn keeper probably wanted them to work in lieu of paying or something, and he had the nerve to put beds on the line! Probably part of the game. And annoying too!

He turned to the others, waiting for their reactions. Maybe then he'll decide if these beds were worth the toil or not.

 

[VonKlaw]

"I will also prepare beds if you do me that favor."

Ira glared at the innkeeper, trying to ascertain his motive. He was used to the concept of charity, and this was certainly not that - the man had clearly only allowed them in because he wanted something. Ira began to wish he'd stayed outside; he'd spent most of his life living in tents, and a night on the street could hardly be worse than the month he'd spent bed bound in an infirmary.

"Now just hold on a second. Why are you all so scared of the nighttime?" he demanded. He had already had enough of this stupid game even if it was a test, and he wasn't going to play any more until he got some answers.

 

[IFS]

"So, what do you say? I will also prepare beds if you do me that favor."

Gula considered the offer briefly, he was rather hungry and desperately in need of something to wash away the foul taste in his mouth. A strangers stale leftovers was not the most appealing item, but then who knows it could be something he'd never tried before. This was a strange new place after all perhaps full of unknown delicacies. Besides it might prove simple to assign the task to another member of their strange crew.

"Now just hold on a second. Why are you all so scared of the nighttime?"

This remark snapped him out of his contemplation of what food might await and brought him back to considering the task at hand. It was a good point of course, and they needed to know more about this place if they were going to figure out what they needed to do here.

"Yes, we would very much like to know that," he began in agreement with Ira, his stomach growled and he spoke again, "In addition we need to know what this task you have for us is before we can accept it, although I'm sure we would be willing to carry out whatever it is tomorrow if you can give us the promised rewards now."

 

[cori]

Superbia looked around the inn, it was quaint and homey however none of the other guests could be seen. Are they hiding from what was outside too? This sent a chill up Superbia's spine and the whole room felt cold despite there being a small fire warming the room up in the corner of the room. The lanterns hanged from the ceiling that emitted a mellow glow gave the impression that this inn was a safe haven from whatever monster roams in the dark. Superbia couldn't help but wonder if this was an illusion for them to let their guards down. Superbia continued looking around, caution was her best weapon and she was not about to be lured into a false sense of security.

"If you do me a favor, I will let you eat the leftovers from the dinner."

Superbia glanced at the man, she was easily a head taller than him. How dare he offer LEFTOVERS to her? Sure they had no money but lets be honest, she could hurt this man easily not to mention the other "tough guys" in her group and he should know that too. It's a good thing that he seems like the easily persuaded type, perhaps she could turn this situation around with a bit of sweet talk backed up with the threat of force.

"Now just hold on a second. Why are you all so scared of the nighttime?"

Superbia frowned, that's right. She decided to try play nice until the innkeeper gave up all his information on the dangers they could be facing in this god forsaken place before she demanded better treatment. She couldn't help wondering if this was their challenge? To fight what appears in this town at night time? She'd rather not thank you very much but if a battle was coming, Superbia will make sure she's ready to come out on top. I guess in that case, time is of the essence.

"Come on old man, we haven't got all night, tell us what you know and make it quick."

 

[IFS]

[GM Post]

"Now just hold on a second. Why are you all so scared of the nighttime?"

"Yes, we would very much like to know that. In addition we need to know what this task you have for us is before we can accept it, although I'm sure we would be willing to carry out whatever it is tomorrow if you can give us the promised rewards now."

"Come on old man, we haven't got all night, tell us what you know and make it quick."

The owner of the hotel frowns as they start demanding answers. "This really isn't the time to speak of that, I need your help." However, he sighs. "There are monsters outside at night, horrible creatures of the shadows that drags anyone who forgets to lock their doors and windows and those who doesn't get inside quickly enough down, to the underworld to consume them. Or, so it is said, at least. All I really know is that the streets are unsafe at night, and that people have disappeared. Strong people, stronger than either of you, have tried to stop them, but to no avail. That is all I can say now."

He then turns towards Gula, addressing the second thing he said. "As for the rewards, you will get them after you help me with this. It's very important, and it can only be done tonight. Tomorrow, when the sun rises, I fear the thief will be gone." The keeper of the hotel begins explaining.

"I have a very important box that disappeared not long ago. The value of it is merely personal, but I would very much like to have it back. I'm sure that one of the current guests took it, as I saw it just before the sun started setting. However, I can't demand answers from my guests, nor can I search their things. So, I want you people to go and investigate, and bring me the thief and the box when you know who did it. After that, I will provide you with the promised items."

 

[Terratina.]

"So you found your way, Miss," His words were overshadowed by the onslaught of her vision.

With images like that, it took a while for Luxuria to recover. Since when could she seen the memories of others?! Or perhaps it was one of Lucifer's little jokes, 'touch naked skin and be in for a world of pain', very funny. Hell was fond of ironic punishments like that, or at least that was the impression she had of it. Suddenly, she remembered Rule No. 3 and desperately wanted that to be one of the rules on the list that were true. If none of the worlds were real, there was nothing to worried about right? Right? She breathed in and regained her composure. At least she didn't have to ask why they had to hurry on inside when it got dark. At least that question had been answered. Even though, the price she had to pay was far too steep for her liking.

"Do you know where the others when?" Luxuria asked, indicating a sudden want to get back to the group.

 

[roushutsu]

Acedia swayed back and forth as he listened to the inn keeper's request. He didn't want to chance facing any monsters at night. He'd be eaten alive! Being safely locked in an inn was comforting, and beds certainly would be nice. Running a hand through his messy hair, maybe there was a way he could get his beds after all.

He turned to the others with a weak smile. "Well I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't make a good spy. But if one of you feel like you can, then why not give it a try? Couldn't hurt, right?"

 

[cori]

"There are monsters outside at night, horrible creatures of the shadows that drags anyone who forgets to lock their doors and windows and those who doesn't get inside quickly enough down, to the underworld to consume them. Or, so it is said, at least. All I really know is that the streets are unsafe at night, and that people have disappeared. Strong people, stronger than either of you, have tried to stop them, but to no avail. That is all I can say now."

Monsters? Superbia sneered. Just another folk tale to scare the people into submission. Who governs this place, it's very good work they've done? Despite her cynical attitude, Superbia did not decide to step outside the inn tonight. Better safe than sorry.

"I have a very important box that disappeared not long ago. The value of it is merely personal, but I would very much like to have it back. I'm sure that one of the current guests took it, as I saw it just before the sun started setting. However, I can't demand answers from my guests, nor can I search their things. So, I want you people to go and investigate, and bring me the thief and the box when you know who did it. After that, I will provide you with the promised items."

Superbia was instantly interested. What could possibly be in that box? Merely personal...Please. And what silly reason would make this man trust the embodiment of the 7 deadly sins to find this box and give it back to him? Maybe he isn't as simple of a man as he looks. Is this part of Satan's tricks or was she over thinking...

Anyway, who did he expect to be skilled enough to do this job? Envy? Sloth? Gluttony? Wrath? Superbia couldn't help chuckling. Greed? Yeah he had potential but who's to say he wouldn't run off with the contents and leave them with the mess?

The inn keeper knew the only one he could depend on was her. Superbia could have sworn he was looking directly at her during his speech. Of course, she wasn't stupid enough to give back this "mysterious" box without even peek at the contents (and possibly running off with it) she knew it was time for her to have some fun.

"Well I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't make a good spy. But if one of you feel like you can, then why not give it a try? Couldn't hurt, right?"

Not to mention, this was a great opportunity to access the situation and gather information and Superbia was not passing that up. If anyone was going to find that potentially powerful box, Superbia would rather it was her. It's decided then.

"I'm game but I expect the best rooms you have and a feast when I get back, understood? See you guys soon!"

 

[DarkRawen]

"I'm game but I expect the best rooms you have and a feast when I get back, understood? See you guys soon!"

The owner of the hotel nods, slowly. He isn't extremely pleased, but at least happy someone is willing to do the task. The man gestures towards the stairs. "The rooms are mainly on the second floor. I'll try to do my best with the food and rooms, although what I can provide, at least for this night, is somewhat limited. I would tell the others to join you, but I guess it depends on how fast they want the beds and food." The man glances over at the others, especially Acedia. "It might take a while for a lone woman to do it, after all. It may even take all night." He's clearly baiting them.



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"Do you know where the others went?"

The gentleman looks surprised. "What is the problem?" he asks. He notices that she seems a bit unsettled, but smiles, friendly. "Don't worry about your friends, they probably made it inside in time, I can show you where tomorrow. Besides, I wasn't joking when I said that you had to get inside, people have died because of the darkness." It's not that easy to see in the candle-light, but a slight hint of sadness appears in his expression. "And I can't stand the thought of a beautiful woman like you getting dragged away like that. Not... not again." His voice is pained now.

"So please, just stay, okay?"

 

[IFS]

"It might take a while for a lone woman to do it, after all. It may even take all night."

Gula shrugged, it didn't seem like they had much choice although they could always kill the man he supposed. Then again the fellow looked too scrawny to provide a decent meal and he was already looking forward to sampling whatever cuisine the locals here consumed. Besides the others seemed to have already accepted that they might as well undertake the task.

He turned to them and clapped his hands together eagerly "Very well I shall begin my search upstairs, I'm sure this will take no time at all," he said, then turned and began to walk off in search of guests to question. His enhanced senses would hopefully be of some use here and he made an effort to observe with them as he walked, though he was still having some difficulty adjusting to having them.

 

[Quintley]

"There are monsters outside at night, horrible creatures of the shadows that drag anyone who forgets to lock their doors and windows, and those who don't get inside quickly enough, down to the underworld to consume them."

Invidia wasn't the type to believe in monsters - well, not the unseen-abomination-ghosts-of-the-nether kind, anyway - but, considering that she had recently become the personification of one of humanity's greatest evils as a plaything for an ancient demon-god (or something like that), she was prepared to accept the...peculiarities of this world.
She scratched her shoulder and looked around at the others. Lucifer had said that they couldn't kill each other. Probably. But did that mean that they couldn't be killed at all? She doubted it somehow - it would be a pretty boring game if there was no threat to the players - but wasn't particularly willing to find out firsthand. Being dragged down to the underworld (again) and consumed sounded even less appealing than Gula leading them all to 'ascension and exodus'.

She wondered vaguely whether she could convince one of the others to go and test the monster theory. Perhaps if she told Avaritia that she'd spotted something shiny outside.

"So, I want you people to go and investigate, and bring me the thief and the box when you know who did it."

Invidia smirked. This one must be desperate if he's willing to trust a pack of strangers to find his prized possession for him. She climbed the stairs which the particularly gullible hotel owner had indicated and made for the second floor landing. She was rather looking forward to exploring the guest rooms. Are tonight's patrons regulars of this place? Or, like their cheerful, saintly bunch, were they just opportunists with little money and nowhere else to go?

There are many ways to obtain information (and stolen objects) and Invidia had tried plenty of them herself when she had been alive. She assumed the thief wouldn't simply own up and surrender. Being small and unarmed, Invidia was unlikely to succeed in intimidating anybody - on the other hand, she could certainly search a room while somebody else 'distracted' the tenant.
She gestured to one of the doors. "Anybody feel up for a bit of random violence?"

 

[Ruedyn]

"There are monsters outside at night, horrible creatures of the shadows that drag anyone who forgets to lock their doors and windows, and those who don't get inside quickly enough, down to the underworld to consume them."

'Well, first stop is a madhouse.' Greed couldn't help but roll his eyes at the thought. He wondered if they ever tried to ward off these night monsters by eating all of their vegetables before bed. They probably like eating children the most. Not that he wanted to test it, necessarily, but it was food for thought.... He was hungry.

"-So, I want you people to go and investigate, and bring me the thief and the box when you know who did it. After that, I will provide you with the promised items."

"Ah, organized thievery..." Greed muttered to himself, smirking. Not exactly moral high ground, but close enough to look down on this fellow. Didn't seem to need much provocation to go rifling through his occupants things, perhaps the box could be used to sweeten the deal further. Pride ran off to do the job, with all the subtlety and tact of a board to the face.

The unnerving thing was that everyone followed. Greed personally thought it'd be funnier if they left her hanging for a bit. He sighed, it was time to be a follower. Let them think it was his natural state, it made things easier. He climbed the stairs behind Envy, or Invidia whichever she preferred. Hadn't she seemed upset saying that name? He shook it like sleep as they looked at the rooms.

"Anybody feel up for a bit of random violence?"

"Might as well. Certainly a fun stress relief. Weapons first, though... [sub]Alodia?[/sub]" Greed looked around, though partially to see if Envy noticed the name he had called her. It was the name of a singer he rather liked back when he was a child. A nice woman, though that might have been due to his money.

"You know, wouldn't it just be great if they plopped a great sword down in front of us? Imagine how easy this'd be!" Greed reached back behind his ear, of course not finding his lock pick hidden there... Did he even check if the doors were open yet?

 

[roushutsu]

Acedia didn't like how the inn keeper was looking at him. Here were five other capable people to do his bidding, why was he dead set on wanting him to do it? "It might take a while for a lone woman to do it, after all. It may even take all night."

Sure enough, the others seemed up to the task, even if it was nothing more than breaking and entering. Now he really felt like the odd man out. How was he expected to pull something like this off? But the inn keeper looked like he wouldn't have any of that. "Ugh...OK, OK," he mumbled as he joined the others on the hunt.

"Anybody feel up for a bit of random violence?"

The one called Greed agreed to the woman's question rather quickly. If they're hell bent on causing a ruckus, then it's probably best that I stay back and clean up. Can't say I'm not working if I'm bringing up the rear, right?

 

[cori]

Damn. Superbia hoped that the others would turn their noses down from this job and let her do a bit of snooping *alone* but that innkeeper was strangely insistent on keeping them together... weird. There was definitely something fishy about this and it annoyed Superbia there was nothing she could do but play by the cards she was dealt.

"Anybody feel up for a bit of random violence?"

It's always good to have distractions Superbia supposed, she hoped they were going to go about it smarty or that they stay far far away from her.

Superbia approached the stairs and went up swiftly. Unsurprisingly, everything upstairs reflected the impression she got before. Paintings of mystical creatures and foreign lands were hanging from the walls, strange flowers drooping down from hanging baskets on the ceiling, cute. Superbia could not help admiring the scenery despite knowing this was a made believe scene from Hell. Enjoy everything life throws at you right right? Even though she's technically not alive. Hm, speaking of that, Superbia couldn't quite recall the cause of her death or much of the events beforehand. There was not a lot she could remember except that she knew with absolute certainty that she was someone. Unlike some members of the group, she was never a nobody. It's easy to tell from the actions and words of her companions who is used to being listened to and who is used to taking orders. She couldn't help wonder what got them down here...

There will be plenty of time later for storytelling, Superbia thought mockingly. Dragging her thoughts back to the matter at hand, she truly observed at her surroundings. The second floor was quite a bit bigger than she expected.

Searching all the rooms would be hopeless. Was there a better way to approach this? Probably but then and again, if things were to get done, instincts must be trusted. She saw a crack of light from Room 19 and decided to knock. She smiled, wondering who would be greeting her.

 

[DarkRawen]

There are 20 rooms all together, 10 on this side, and 10 on the other side of the stairs. The rooms seems to be rather small, at least when considering how close the doors are together. Most are closed, and some have a "do not disturb" sign hanging over the door.

It takes a short while for someone to answer, but when they do, it is a tall, beautiful woman with dark hair and a pair of glasses. She has a book in her hands, but smiles shyly as she see them. For some reason, she wears long sleeves.

"Yes? What is it?"

"Who is there?!"

Someone else also walks to the door, as stomping can be heard. The woman stops smiling, and moves away from the door, so the other can take her place. It is a male, fair-haired and rather short, but just as beautiful as the lady. They are both dressed in expensive clothing. However, he doesn't smile at all. "Don't bother us! It's bad enough that we had to rent a room in this run-down place, so just leave!"

He seems as if he has something to hide. From the small opening, Superbia can see that they have a lot of items, some seem to be pure gold.

 

[Terratina.]

"So please, just stay, okay?"

Luxuria sighed, but it wasn't a sigh of relief, it was sigh of disappointment - not in the fact that the others were probably safe, but in herself. She should have realised that the others at least had some sense of self-preservation after all. Not to mention the ramifications of that particular incident. What had been done to her? Was she doomed to receive depressing memories of others when their flesh touched? Such a turn off. She replied to the gentleman with a sly smile, "As you wish."

She sat down and steepled her hands, her composure fully regained, "Tell me: has it always been like this?"

 

[Quintley]

"Weapons first, though...[sub]Alodia[/sub]?"

What did he call me? Invidia frowned, unsure if she'd just been insulted. She turned to Greed, who appeared to be touching his ear for some reason. "Well, this place probably has a kitchen. Should have some knives, maybe a poker for the fire." She shrugged. "Then again...these rooms are small. Can't be more than two, maybe three inside. Probably half-asleep. That shouldn't be much trouble. At least some of us should be able to handle themselves in a fight." She directed this last comment particularly at the blindfolded man - surely 'Wrath' could throw a punch.

It looked like Superbia had a plan of her own, and Invidia was quite happy to leave her to it. The woman seemed convinced that she would be the one to find the box, and Invidia was looking forward to proving her wrong. Although, she supposed, it would be amusing to watch Superbia try and take down the thief on her own.
She crossed around the stairs to the other end of the corridor, and stopped outside room 1. She paused before knocking, trying to plan out what she was going to say...something subtle, and manipulative, that would trick the occupant into revealing everything without even realising what they'd said...
Then, she had a better idea.
"City Watch!!" she yelled, hammering on the door. "Open up!!"