jigokufever | June 2022 Test Drive

Entry tags:

June 2022 Test Drive

1. CLEAN UP

The curse has broken, finally banishing the oppressive air around the city and the many sightless eyes of the accursed haniwa. Life will have to return to normal now but first there is lingering clean-up that must be attended to:

SHUTEN CLAN

The Shuten Clan is out in force to rebuild damaged storefronts. Eager oni appear in their festival happi, singing oni working tunes. You can pick up the words easily enough, join in and help out. The mood starts bright, but after a number of unlucky accidents there is less singing and more grumbling. The cursed energy left behind has made all of you much more prone to workplace accidents but the storefronts need to be scrubbed, broken glass needs sweeping, new furniture needs construction. There are any number of thumbs smashed by hammers, hands cut on saws, heads hit with falling debris or that board of wood you didn’t see someone carrying towards you. It’s a cursed day to be out on the job.

Rewards will come in the form of free drinks for a week from specific bars and a generous amount of chips for the casinos. If you aren’t of age to drink or gamble? Well… they’ll look the other way this time. Have fun.

It should be noted that the uniform -- a happi, a hachimaki, and fundoshi -- is required. The Shuten Clan is very traditional, after all.

TAMAMO CLAN

The bathhouses in Tamamo clan territory remain full of bloodied water. They need to be drained and scrubbed to make them new again. However, reaching the drains is a tricky business. You can’t simply reach in to pull out the plug, you will have to wade into the water to twist it free. Easy enough, right?

Unfortunately, residual curse energy has made this a very dangerous task. Phantasmal hands will reach out and try to drag you under as you get too close to the drain. The phantasms can be distracted, so you’ll need some teamwork to succeed. Your reward is a significant amount of free bath coupons. Some of the advertised baths even have “special” properties. Take the chance to relax, you probably need it.

Those that are rejuvenated in the newly purified baths will find themselves with seemingly limitless vigor. That vigor may sometimes manifest in the form of desperately needing to fuck the first thing willing to do so. Which might turn out somewhat embarrassing...

SUTOKU CLAN

The residual cursed energy in the Sutoku Alliance territory has congregated in their many arcades. The prizes in the UFO catcher machines seem off and they keep shifting around. If you happen to win a prize, the prize slot snaps shut on your hand with amazing force: the machine out for blood. To clear the curse, the prizes need to be removed from the machines and purified with the help of a local shrine maiden. Unfortunately, the key ring to open the machines has been stolen by some of the unruly prizes. You will need to use your UFO catcher skills to fish it back out.

Try not to lose any fingers.

Other machines are shooting tokens out of their coin slots at astonishingly painful speeds. A strange phenomenon, as even the machines that take swipe cards are doing it. Where are those tokens even coming from? You will have to get the machines open and give them a deep cleaning to get all the residual blood off the coins and mechanisms. You need the same keys that are stuck inside the UFO catcher…. Better hope you can fish out the one you need.

For your troubles, you will be given unlimited free plays for a month. Perfect for winning a totally-not-cursed prize for your sweetie.

ENMA DEPARTMENT

It’s the Department of the Enma’s turn to go begging for good will. They are considered to be mostly responsible for the way the cursed haniwa were handled in the first place. Enma souls should get out on the streets and see what the people need: Food, clean water, housing repairs and maintenance, as well as exorcisms. They’re all high on people’s priority lists and most people want it done pronto. Try not to get snappy with the angry people, the department’s reputation is on the line.

The Enma is slated to give a press conference at some point. It's up to the rest of the Department to assure that there will be reception to his words. They are likely to be of grave importance to the rest of the city.

A hard day’s work is its own reward, but you’ll also get a day pass to a theme park on the edge of the city – in the name of community outreach, of course.

2. GHOST SHARKS

The very streets themselves are treacherous with residual curses. The isonades may have been intimidated out of town for the moment but the anger of their ancestors lingers in the bloody puddles that still glisten in the streets. Come too close to these puddles and spectral sharks will lunge from beneath the surface: Blood for blood! Lives for lives!

While spectral in nature, the teeth on these sharks can still do real harm to anyone they lash out at. They don’t seem to take damage in kind, but will pop and disperse for a moment when struck. The ghostly sharks are being populated by a magic totem that has been partially buried in the dirt of a local park. Destroy it and the sharks will disappear.

Unfortunately, a pack of snotty local children have taken a shine to this magic totem. They are not keen to let you take it from them, nor break it. It’s theirs. It’s special. If you’re feeling brutish or cruel, you can fight the children or deceive them, but your boss would probably suggest you try to bargain with them for appearance’s sake. They’re entirely unreasonable though, as children can be, and it will be quite a chore to get them to agree to your terms.

3. CURSED CORNERS

There are certain corners and alleyways which are simply predisposed to gather cursed energy. These areas are still haunted enough to affect the reality around you. You may experience hallucinations or visions of lost loved ones, past regrets, personal failings. These visions are played out in the area for all to see. You will remain frozen in place until your moment is done, or someone brave comes to pull you out.

Now that the worst of it is over, some of the more morbid and voyeuristic members of the public may be lurking around these haunted areas, waiting to see what horrors will be unveiled. They have out their phones and their cameras to record the show.

The cruelest of the spectators provide commentary to their social media followings as they observe. Anything for that monetization!

The biggest of the streams is a kerakera onna who goes by her channel name: Lipsticki. She leans in over the rooftops to cackle loudly at people’s misfortunes and give petty, scathing commentary about their misdeeds and failings.

4. THE ENMA SPEAKS (PLOT RELEVANT)

Outside the hospital where the Enma was being treated, there is a huge press gathering. The judge arbiter has been deemed fit enough to release. Hungry for word, journalists from every publication swarm the area. Most press-outlets in the city are controlled by the Sutoku Alliance, who have a vested interested in interrogating the Enma.

A number of other onlookers have tacked on as well, including Lost Souls both old and new. Lost Souls may even find themselves ordered to attend the statement by their faction.

It is assumed that the Enma must have something of grave importance to say, after all.

The Enma approaches the podium. He is dressed in his usual suit, his crown, and his stern expression; it puts a hush over the crowd through its tremendous pressure alone. No questions have been asked, yet, but a statement has been prepared. He clears his throat:

"The cause of the curse, the enemy of Jigokucho, is... Haniyasu. The Department's focus will be shifting to determining our next action in regards to this entity. That is all."

Just like, the Enma's secretary and a retinue of armored shinigami move to flank the Enma and guide them to a waiting limo down the steps. The press yells their questions over one another, but are pushed back. The Enma doesn't even seem to perceive them, simply focusing on getting into the car.

Unfortunately, if you're a representative for one of the factions -- especially the Department of the Enma -- that makes you fair game to hound for questioning too. Do you stand your ground or try to run away?

[[banner art by s-tokimura]]

Welcome to the test drive meme!

Threads here can be considered game canon.
Characters can be recruited to do work for any faction until they're given their official assignment.
New characters can link their toplevels here!
If you have any questions about the TDM content, please ask them here! You can find information on the story so far here!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.
Reserves are open until July 5th
NEWBIE TOP LEVELS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Normally, Sannan would be primed and ready to face down an armed opponent coming toward him. However, things being as they are, he's without his swords right now, and the issue of the bloodlust being present is beyond an unpleasant surprise.

Why is this person still approaching? They can't know what he is, surely... Maybe somehow they haven't seen him?

He flattens back into an indented part of the alley and tries to keep quiet and still, but his labored breathing is a dead giveaway if one is close enough.]

[He did keep walking forward for a good amount of time, but by then had gotten close enough to hear there was something breathing. Someone, by the fact that he couldn't hear them.

Cain leapt away from the direction he heard it from, drawing his sword. The breathing sounded labored and in pain but, he was not taking chances.]

Hello?! Is someone there? Identify yourself!

[Is this really how it's going to go? He gets a sword pulled on him when he's obviously having problems? Well, it's probably better that way, considering what the problem is.

But... he's right there. He steps lightly out into the open a bit, a hand clutching at his chest.]

I'm unarmed. Put the sword away before you make things worse, if you please.

[Oh, well at least this person answered. That made Cain feel a lot less defensive now, though he is still wondering what the hell this man is doing here. Standing for a moment, he then sheathed his sword when nothing leapt at him.]

I'm sorry, there have been some people who have tried to take advantage of my affliction. Are you...okay? You don't sound well.

[Now he was extending a hand towards where he heard the labored breathing.]

[Sannan, understandably, backs off from where he's being reached for. He shouldn't be touched right now, and who goes reaching for a stranger? Ah, the perils of not knowing each others' problems...]

Affliction? I'm... [He draws in a sharp breath.] I'm fine.

[Cain unfortunately could understand the hesitance, but it really didn't help solve his problem.]

I know it's odd, but I can't see you until-I have to just touch you to see you. You certainly don't sound fine!

[He keeps following the sound of the voice, reaching out his hand for the man to hopefully at least brush.]

Are you injured, or sick? I can take you to a clinic.

[All he had to do was explain. It sounds bizarre, but Sannan isn't questioning it. He reaches out to touch his fingertips to Cain's palm, then withdraws a bit.

What Cain will see is mostly-white hair with just a little brown left at the roots, and eyes that seem to slip between amber-brown and vibrant red. And Sannan, clutching at his chest in something like agony, or defeat, though the look on his face is rather defiant. Not towards Cain, of course, as Cain's done nothing wrong.

He speaks in a gasp, then through gritted teeth.]

A clinic won't help. This isn't treatable.

[All that can be done is to ease the symptoms, as far as he knows, and that's not something he'll ask for unprompted.]

[It would be easy to notice that Cain can now see him, his eyes focusing immediately on the figure. He was less concerned about the hair and eyes and more the way this man seemed to be hunched over in abject pain.]

It isn't? What do you mean by that? I can't just leave you here like this-at least let me take you somewhere you can rest. What do you normally do when this happens?

[It sounded like a chronic problem, and Cain's apartment was somewhat close by.]

[He'd notice if he wasn't trying desperately to just endure this. Anywhere else, it would have shortened his life or made him more aggressive to simply endure it, but as no one here has demon blood (presumably), and normal blood (again, presumably) would just make him frenzied, everything short of just standing here and enduring it would be unreasonable.

So here he is.]

It's a chronic condition.

[Does he accept help? Or does he just brush this off? Resignation is an ugly beast, but he's so shocked that this is happening and angry about it that he really just wants to hide.]

I need to be away from others. I doubt you can help with the rest.

[Well, the one good thing was that Cain had not normal blood (presumably), and a death wish because he was refusing to leave.]

I mean, I don't really think you should be alone right now. You look like you'll pass out on the pavement any second here.

[He doesn't make any sudden movements in case he startles the man, but reaches out to grab him by the shoulders.]

[Well, the kindness is somewhat appreciated, if only because it'll get him out of sight of any other passers-by.]

I assure you, I will be fine. If you insist on helping, at least show me where I can find a place to recover away from any other people.

[A sigh. You can stay with him, Cain. Just don't screw up.]

Present company may be excepted, if need be.

[Well, he'll take it. He knows that both Yuuji and Megumi are out and not coming back until late, so right now that was the closest place.]

The place I'm staying is nearby, and my roommates won't be back til later. I can take you there to rest for a little bit, at least.

[And with that he was going to gently-but firmly-steer the man by his shoulder towards the alley that led there. Main streets right now would obviously be a problem. And if Sannan needed to lean on him, he was more than happy to oblige.]

My name is Cain Knightley. I work for the Enma department here.

...Thank you.

[He hesitates, but Cain is a force of nature, so he lets himself be steered. He straightens and pulls his hand away from his chest, reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief.

For now, he doesn't lean on him. That feels dangerous.]

Keisuke Sannan. I'm newly arrived and haven't been assigned yet. Understandably I wouldn't want to burden or injure anyone right now, so I do appreciate your assistance.

Yeah, it can definitely be confusing when you just arrived. But that's all the more reason we should help each other out, you know?

[Cain isn't going to force this issue, but he is going to hover at this guy closely as he leads them to his apartment.]

Once you're able to sit down, is there any like...medicine I'd be able to get you?

Medicine...

[Right, there was a medicine, but he doubts anyone here has it. And it barely did a damn thing. Ugh, what's he going to do now? Just bear with it, and ever-increasing bouts of bloodlust? It seems impractical to say the least.]

I'd developed one, but it hasn't arrived with me. I believe it's wisest that I endure things until the urge subsides.

[Urge? That's not what he meant to say.]

[Well, that beats out that idea. And it wasn't like he could leave this guy alone for an extended period of time. But-

Hmm, did he say urge?

Well, they had finally reached the door of the apartment, and Cain was going to hold it open for him.]

Do you mean you're about to get sick?

[Please not on the carpet.]

[He steps inside, at least glad that this is milder than usual. By far, considering he's still functional.]

No.

[It's impolite, but he doesn't bother asking if he can take a seat. He just does, wherever is convenient. Because, just as he thought it was getting better, it's getting worse.]

...Gh.

[Keeping his composure is hard.]

[Well that was good, but nothing else seemed to be going well for the man. Cain didn't want to leave him completely alone, but he went and got a glass of water for him anyway. Hopefully it could help him at least a little...

He came back, kneeling down to offer the glass.]

Seriously, you're really not looking good. I have some water here for you-are you sure you don't want me to call the clinic?

[He's taking off his gloves and leaning forward to check Sannan's temperature in case he now had a fever.

[He should apologize. He doesn't have the medicine on him, so his only options are to wait out the agonizing pain he's sinking into, or satiate the need for blood. And he can't ask a stranger... He can't.]

It's... [His eyes fix on a vein in Cain's wrist as he raises his hand. Cain will find him to be ice cold but sweating, pupils wide and his teeth clenched. How many times has he been through this? He did without much blood for years. He isn't like... like the horrible ones, the ones who would feast on corpses.

He's not like them. He can't be.

But he doesn't take the glass of water, either. It's overwhelming, this, and considering all he went through right before arriving, it shouldn't surprise him that he needs--]

Blood. [A choked sound.] Please...

[The cold was odd but not for the right reasons-it was exactly how Owen felt, and as far as he knew, this man was alive. The next words he spoke however, gave Cain pause.]

..Blood? Is...that what you need?

[Even in his world, the stories of bloodsucking creatures were not unheard of, and the Sage said there were many different versions of stories for them world. So it would seem almost entirely reasonable of a request, if very odd.]

I uh, well I can't say I've ever had this happen to me anymore. But I'm not human, I'm a wizard. That's not gonna be a problem?

[He doesn't know. He doesn't know, and he can't keep pretending he's okay, so he has to find a way to communicate everything he thought he left behind.]

Fine...

[The fact that he's not sure what a "wizard" entails is neither here nor there. He will do anything to stop this ever-increasing spiral of pain.]

Small cut... is fine.

I, um...okay.

[Well, Cain isn't sure what else to do and all he can hope for is that he's not making a terrible decision. Cain probably could fight him off if push came to shove, and he'd been resisting it this whole time, which spoke volumes about the man's feelings on the matter.

He had a knife with him all the time, so it was easy enough to cut a thin line on his wrist, causing some of the red blood to trickle down his skin. He held the wrist back out, close to Sannan's face.]

Is this okay?

[He reaches up with effort and takes a weak hold of Cain's arm, closing his eyes before he seems to lower his head in defeat and run his tongue over the cut.]

I'm so... I'm so sorry.

[He doesn't want this part of it. He always thought he could withstand it, really, until he absolutely couldn't anymore. The weakness of his flesh even mow disturbs him. But Sannan is at least gentle and tentative in what he's doing, as though testing his own limits, lapping at the cut and actively fighting back the urge to do more.

It's enough, after a few moments, that his shaking stops and his body seems to relax somewhat.]

[He's not sure why Sannan is apologizing. The man is gentle holding onto his arm, and even when running his tongue over the cut Cain had made. It stung a little bit, but it wasn't an unpleasant sensation.

He held his wrist there until it seemed like Sannan had gotten better, drawing it back only slightly.]

Are you feeling better now? You sure that's enough?

[He really had seemed in terrible pain, and Cain barely felt anything. He's not sure what Sannan is worried about.]

[It's not right, though. He shouldn't have to ask anyone for this. It claws at him inside as much as the pain clawed at him to have to ask for blood. Surely there's a way to synthesize the medicine he needed before. He'll have to check into that as soon as he can.]

That's... it should make the pain stop.

[His hair regains its color and the red in his eyes fades after a few more seconds.]

That was unsightly of me.

June 2022 Test Drive

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)