jigokufever | February 2022 Test Drive

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February 2022 Test Drive

1. ENTRY

It feels like a dream as you wake up in what appears to be a government office. It is remarkably mundane: white walls, small screens with the number that is being served and at what desk, chairs along the perimeter of the room, and pleasant music playing from unseen speakers. There's nothing out of the ordinary, right?

Then you take a look at the inhabitants in the office: Lost Souls and youkai alike make up the ranks of a never-ending line in front of a desk manned by an akaname in a suit. However, another youkai, a hyakume, is your first contact in this world. You're instructed to take a number and stand in the queue. Take a seat if you want– but you're reminded to be quick when your number is called or you'll be passed by.

Congratulations: you're in Hell.

If you're lucky, you're in line behind a fellow Lost Soul. If you're less lucky, you're stuck behind any number of youkai that may be disturbing to look at or ones that may actively try to harm you. The ones with long arms may even try to steal your ticket from further back in the line.

Make small talk, try not to freak out, and keep your ticket safe (or maybe try to steal a better one) as you make your way up in the line.

2. THE CITY

Once you've been processed through the line, you're given your assignment to one of the four possible clans with directions to their respective clan offices. The city itself looks remarkably similar to a modern Japanese city, complete with narrow alleyways connecting wider streets. Glaring neon signs advertising various businesses compete for your attention, even the most mundane businesses.

Once you tear your attention away from the myriad distractions, your task is to find your way to the office. The akaname didn't exactly give you clear directions, just a piece of paper with an address printed on it. You’re on your own to find your way there.

Those assigned to the Shuten Clan are directed to the gambling district.
The Tamamo Clan members are directed to the red light district.
New members of the Sutoku Alliance are pointed to the entertainment district.
Those assigned to The Department of the Enma are sent to the administrative district.
Ask your fellow Lost Souls for directions or stubbornly find your way to the office all on your own. No matter how you get there, once you've made your way to the office you're given your lodgings (for rookies, it’s always the cheapest inn or apartment block in the area) and told to go out and get a feel for the city.

3. STREET FIGHT - SHUTEN TERRITORY

Scuffles break out all the time in Jigokucho, especially in the district dominated by the Shuten Clan. Whether it's a rival clan posturing over someone being on the wrong turf, shakedowns of all sorts, or just someone with a chip on their shoulder picking a fight: it always draws a crowd of onlookers.

No matter what street you're going down or what you're on your way to do, there always seems to be a fight to block the way. Take a look, take bets, or maybe you're the one caught in the brawl. Maybe someone decided they didn't like the way you looked at them or maybe they're trying to catch you in a petty scam. You may also feel the need to step in when fights are looking particularly one-sided.

Get used to this happening.

4. STICKY PAWS - SUTOKU TERRITORY

One of the more adorable features in the city is a cat cafe. Located within Sutoku territory, it always draws a steady crowd. If you're lured in by the adorable cats in the window, you're welcomed into a pleasant, cat-friendly environment with cats of every shape, color, and size lounging on various surfaces while being doted on by patrons. Of course not everything is as it seems: these are no ordinary cats. They're bakeneko in disguise and this cafe is a clever way to spirit away a few more coins for the Sutoku Alliance's coffers.

You may notice your wallet is a few (thousand) bills lighter at some point during your visit or your wallet may be missing entirely. Maybe it was one of your fellow patrons helping themselves while you were playing with a cat or maybe it was one of the cats. Who's to say? You quickly realize this place is not on the up and up; you have to do something about it.

Chase down one of the cats, confront your fellow patrons, or maybe try to shake down the owner for information. The latter won't get you very far, but maybe it'll make you feel better about losing your cash to a cute scam.

5. HELP WANTED - TAMAMO TERRITORY

CW: potentially NSFW, optional aphro

If you find yourself in the red light district, you might find yourself pulled into something else entirely. A scout in front of one of the numerous clubs drags you in off the street, assuming you're from the Tamamo Clan. It doesn't matter if you are or not, the scout is not listening to your protests. They say something about staffing shortages as you're shoved into the employee area of the club. The club manager then pushes some clothes at you and tells you to get out onto the floor once you're dressed. It might be a host club, it might be a bikini or banana bar, or maybe something even more salacious – whatever it is, you're working there for the night.

There are also barkers aggressively recruiting clients for these clubs, promising a good time for anyone who wants it. Whether it be the company of a pretty host or hostess, the lurid appeal of a strip show, or perhaps even other pleasures of the flesh: there's plenty to tempt even the most resistant.

Work at a club for the night or partake in the pleasures. Drinks flow like water, some with a little something extra to help things along. Everything is transactional here. As you have the money, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

They'd run around telling everyone injured in their peripheral that I'm a doctor, and thus compromise my attempts to lay low. [and he doesn't trust them, period.]

People like us who have much to lose with loose information? More trustworthy.

I see. [ Yes, that would be quite difficult. He can't help but laugh; the man pegged him right. Soma had no intention of telling anyone that Nehan was a doctor unless there was benefit in it for the two of them. ]

You're not wrong. It's easier to keep a secret when few people know it. [ Which also means if either one is betrayed, the list of who betrayed him is also small and thus, easier to get revenge. ]

Spilling secrets is the same as being a traitor and rat.

[the fact that this human uses terms nehan has only heard from those in organized crime (so far)? the erune knows he's made the right choice. this man is in the same business.]

I'm not at the top of the food chain, but I can still find ways to punish you if you do squeal.

Oh, I've no doubt.

[ With a small wave of his hand, he makes a gesture to the individual that he has been looking from. ]

But I doubt it would be a simple beating that awaits me if I betray you. [ It seems as though they are sizing each other up; seeing how useful the other will be in the future. A doctor is always good to have on hand, so he already accepts whatever deal is given -- spoken or otherwise.

As for his own worth -- ] Your suspicions of me will always be unfulfilled. We both have a lot of power to gain whilst here... and can't bother looking over our shoulders just yet.

[ When they both gained enough standing, they can meet again and discuss if they're enemies or allies. ]

Hmm. Very well.

[it's clear he doesn't believe the human just yet, but he'll give the man a chance.]

But if I invest heavily in you, I expect something in return, as well.

That is only fair.

[ He gives a small nod, crossing his arms in thought.

Soma runs another calculation. If he is too agreeable, it may not work out in his favor. Being on the good side of a doctor is, well, good, but being too willing could end up with him in an imbalanced relationship.

Decisions, decisions. ]

I don't have much to offer as of now, but you'll be compensated for whatever I might need.

Then I'll take my payment when you come to me, all bloodied. [and he can wait that long-- chances are, it wont be too long, if what he assumes of this place is right, chaos in every corner.

this situation is evidence enough.]

Just make sure you don't come completely broken. I'm no miracle worker.

Not to worry.

[ He offers a quick smile. ]

I don't take unnecessary risks. [ And for the most part, he doesn't believe that he does. Soma thinks he has analyzed and gone through everything that he needs to, and rarely thinks the action he does is all that risky. Even when it is.

He holds his hand out. ] Soma.

[nehan barely hesitates with the the greeting, taking the human's hand and shaking it with a firm grip.]

Nehan.

Now that you have a name to go with the face, keep it in mind.

I have no intention of losing your name.

[ It is something like a promise.

Ah? ]

Well, I know what to come to you for, so you probably know what to come to me with, Nehan. [ A smile, cordial. ] A doctor shouldn't dirty his hands too much, hm?

[perhaps another doctor wouldn't, but nehan knows how to kill for himself. but... he has a ruse to keep, and he nods along with the human, just to continue that.]

If only because I don't want to be taken before the authorities for this and that if I slip.

[then he tilts his head, one ear flicking.]

Don't worry, I wont force you to take the fall for me.

I'm not so altruistic.

[ Even though, he does look mildly surprised at someone saying they don't want him to take the fall for them. But it is probably lip service; his role has always been a knife in the dark. And knives are easily replaced. ]

And I did say I don't take risks. So, don't worry so much... I'm here to lend a hand, but only a hand from the shadows. [ But to lose a doctor would be worse than to lose a knife; so he also gives some lip service. ]

[nehan gives a nod in understanding.]

That will be enough. [and he has no interest in forcing soma out into the light, because if he's right about this man, then he'll be a good asset to keep and not simply sacrifice like a pawn.

he's smarter than a lot of them-- sly, too. whatever their factions are, even if they end up on opposite sides... nehan will keep him. but it does bring something else in mind, doesn't it?]

We wont give each other up for anything-- do you agree?

I can't.

[ He still gives a cordial polite smile. Will Soma not give up Nehan up for anything? Sure; he has no desire to lose a doctor's goodwill, but he can't expect Nehan to do the same for him. Even if he is a knife in the dark. ]

I haven't done enough nor have enough to warrant such a promise.

[ His shoulders give a small shrug. ] I can promise I won't, but can't expect you to do the same. You have no reason not to sell me out, but don't worry. [ He sniffles, again, into his handkerchief. ] Eventually, you will have your reassurance I am worth keeping.

Then I'll wait, because I have no interest in such things being one-sided.

You don't deserve it until you verbally agree.

[but, of course, nehan has to consider another route, a third one, where he's left just waiting. some people like to do that, string others along and such. nehan just has no desire to have that happen to him, when he's about to take risks, especially in his own faction.

anything, to survive. if that means he makes himself invaluable, yet in a dangerous position, then yes.]

If you never do, then it's no skin off my back. [and eventually, nehan would have found a replacement, anyway. there's no shortage of lost souls around here.]

Because you can't trust in it, either?

[ He only smiles at the idea of deserving it if he agrees. But his head tilts; he has been looking at Nehan but not looking at him.

His expression cools as he fixes his stare at him. He purses his lips before the handkerchief comes back to rest over the tip of his nose and mouth. Soma pauses again to get out a few sniffles, before finally responding. ]

All right. I agree with you. Neither one of us will sell the other out. [ Nehan isn't lying to him, which is something. ]

No. [one ear twitches, fixing soma with a similarly aloof gaze.] Because, for instance, if only I make that sort of promise, it would only benefit you, and not myself.

A lopsided relationship is not what I'm looking for.

[which is why he's hesitant to accept soma's words right now... and will push him to confirming what he means soon enough. he just wants his point to sink in.]

Funny, I was thinking the same.

[ He chuckles to himself; that if he agreed to Nehan's purposal that he would be the one that was on the out. ]

Anyway, you purposed it... and said I am worth it if I am able to verbally agree.

[ A beat passes. ]

I have agreed. So, are we agreed?

[the erune is silent for just a little longer, examining the human's face as if he can pick out falsehoods, before he decides this is the best he'll get. he holds out his hand, but this time not in greeting-- to seal the deal.]

Agreed. I scratch your back, you scratch mine, and betrayal isn't an option.

Agreed.

[ As Nehan did with him, he takes his hand in a firm handshake.

Cups and traditions, friendship and loyalty; it really never meant anything. So long as both side profit enough, betrayal isn't an option.

He smiles at nothing in particular. ]

We best be off least some authority decides we have done a great wrong. [ He uses his other hand to rest it lightly on Nehan's shoulder, a small pat follows.

But he makes a gesture to indicate that he doesn't mind if they walk -- or casually flee -- the scene together. ]

[nehan shrugs, and starts to go along with the human, even if he makes a quick face at the hand on his shoulder. then he pauses, ears twitching-- he hears running footsteps, people yelling over here, over here! someone looks like he's dead!

he steals a look at the man on the ground, and he still breathes, but the movement is so minute that nehan knows he can be mistaken as dead.

then he grabs soma by the wrist, and pulls him further into the alleyway.]

Stairs.

[ Whilst Nehan is looking down, Soma is looking to the doctor. The expression that he is giving him is quiet bemusement -- the same one might give on some sitcom when a hilarious tragedy has just occurred.

Is he paying a debt already? His shoe raises as he intends to slam the heel into the back of the unmoving youkai's head -- but his wrist is grabbed before he carries out the maneuver. ]

Mm. [ His leg is already up so he shifts so that he can run into the alleyway and take the aforementioned stairs. ] A pity, you almost witnessed something that would be deemed stupid heroics.

I've seen too many stupid heroics in my lifetime. [nehan's voice ends up being a soft growl, just so it doesn't carry. everything about him is subdued now, quiet, even his footsteps barely make a sound on the steel steps, even as they hurry. because he's only walking with the balls of his feet, and not the whole foot.]

And too many of the damned authorities, as well.

As have I, but I somehow wanted to try it out.

[ the sound of their steps mingle together; it seems they have the same idea of how to walk as they hurry up the steps. he huffs a laugh out his nose, but soon has to cover his face with his handkerchief. sniffling, he breathes in sharp and his breathing settles. ]

They certainly have an interesting idea of order here.

We'll learn the culture eventually. [even if nehan already has some sort of idea of it.

when they get up to the rooftop, nehan looks for a way to get to the next building, and heads towards the steel plating that acts as a rudimentary bridge that someone conveniently put there. then he turns to the human, raising an eyebrow.

an unspoken question-- will he take it or will nehan have to go at it alone?]

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