February 2022 Test Drive

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

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.

Welcome to the test drive meme!

• Threads here can be considered game canon.
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• Reserves are open until March 5th.

Comments

yuri leclerc | fire emblem: three houses | sutoku

[playfoul]

i. ARRIVAL

[ Who knew damnation wasn't burning in the eternal flames as per the Goddess' scripture but enduring the mundane tedium that is standing in a line. Baffling as the circumstances may be, Yuri is, as ever, quick to adapt. He takes his ticket and joins the wait, using the time to observe the strange creatures populating the room, and their numerous eyes, snaking arms...

Ah, what a sly one. Yuri can spot a pickpocket when he sees one, having been a wallet snatcher himself. Normally, he'd cut his own some slack, but he doesn't quite see himself in a thief like this. He taps the culprit's arm, shaking his head at the creature who snaps its appendage back and relinquishes the ticket. ]

This yours?

[ He passes the ticket back to its owner. ]

Best stay alert, friend. I'd double check your pockets for anything else missing.

ii. STREET FIGHTING (OR BETTING)

[ Yuri has little interest involving himself in street brawls when it's not his business and there's nothing to be gained. That doesn't mean he's opposed to watching. Today, it's crow bar versus brass knuckles as two men square off against each other in an agreed-upon match. Some of the observers jeer, others are sizing the two up, and Yuri happens to overhear a remark from the latter crowd. ]

Really? My bet would be on the other man. [ The partner he usually gambles with isn't here, but he's just as willing to play with a stranger. ] What do you say to a little wager?

iii. HELP WANTED

[ In the staff room of the club, Yuri can be found with a brush and a cosmetic kit, applying makeup in practiced strokes to the would-be host and hostesses dragged in by the scout. When he's done prettying up his current subject, Yuri's own mascara-lidded eyes travel to the next person getting ready for their debut, and he offers a sympathetic smile. ]

This establishment might be a disorderly mess, but that doesn't mean we have to look the part. Would you like me to add a few touches?

[ Need help with makeup? Hair? Let him make you stunning. ]

iv. WILDCARD
( Got an idea? Go for it! Or feel free to drop me a PM to discuss. )

ii

[watatsumi]

[ she isn't much of a betting person, truth be told, or someone who revels street brawls. she may be interested in battles and military strategies, but pointless fights like this isn't something she's too fond of. but she is curious, and curiosity is almost always her biggest enemy, drawn by the crowd surrounding the men.

it's a little uncomfortable for someone like her, who prefers to be in the company of no one, but she'll have to deal if she wants to watch. ]

I have nothing on me to wager, I'm afraid, [ she says this as her eyes follow the movements of each person involved, studying their stances and the way they hold their weapons. it tells her enough of their abilities and the various possibilities of how this fight will end.

in any case, they've taken many of her possessions, after all, only leaving her with the necessary items on her person, so. ]

Besides, we might be betting on the same person.

[playfoul]

[ Yuri chuckles in understanding when the woman remarks that she has nothing to wager. Since being spirited here, he's also found his pockets lighter than he would like them to be. Which is why he isn't thinking in terms of physical possessions. ]

Oh, but you do. A secret, a weakness, or an embarrassing story. Surely you have one to wager?

[ He finds information more interesting than money changing hands, and should it come to it, he's got his list of harmless secrets to share. His incriminating secrets, he'll guard more closely. Yuri turns his eyes back to the men and observes their movements, the tells in their posture. ]

Who do you think will win?

[watatsumi]

[ kokomi lifts a mild eyebrow at that, the corners of her lips rising to an amused smile, but she says nothing about the wager he offers other than a: ]

Perhaps.

[ secrets, weaknesses, stories—such valuable commodities, especially in a city such as this, maybe even more so than the gems on her clothes. so he's either offering something just as valuable in return—or he's bluffing.

she tilts her head, resting her chin against her fingers. ]

The others think the one with the steel bar will win. I suppose their opinion holds water, in a way, as the man has longer reach, but ... [ her gaze flickers from the man to the ground. ] His steps are shaky, uneven. Perhaps he's had something to drink? Or he's not too confident about this fight.

[playfoul]

[ She's sharp to have noticed, Yuri observes. A far cry from Balthus who liked to bet with his gut, and then wonder why he's the one spilling coins at the end of the day. Never a dull moment with that one. ]

Inebriated, unconfident... or an old injury, maybe.

[ He offers another possibility as he contemplates the scene. ]

Brass knuckles over there hasn't tried to take advantage of his opponent's weaker gait. He could be biding his time, but I think... [ Judging by the man's mannerisms, he's cut from a different cloth than the street thugs. ] He's the honorable type, who won't try. That could very well cost him.

iii

[camerastraps]

( this is... so not anything he's used to. or aware of outside of fictional things. not only that, he's not exactly the "host" type. he's sort of regretting agreeing to work here as one. couldn't he have just been, like, a coat check guy or something? no one's going to pick him, he's not going to make any money, and then what?

he doesn't want to think about that part.

anyway.

prompto sits uneasily in the chair, looking from the mirror, to the door, to the floor, flitting around the room and never staying too long on anyone. so, very obviously he's nervous about the whole thing. idly his fingers tug at the collar of his shirt as he gives himself an internal peptalk about how to handle this and his pending disappointment when he's startled out of his monologue by someone speaking. )

Oh, man, I look that bad?

[playfoul]

Not at all. On the contrary, it won't take much to bring out the features in a handsome face like yours.

[ Yuri comes over to where the young man is seated, motioning at him to turn his way. He spends a moment staring into the other's face, studying his complexion until he's formed an idea of how to proceed. He can tell Prompto is nervous. It's written all over his expression and body language. Yuri himself stands relaxed as he sorts through the brushes and picks out a clean one. If any part of this bothers him, he doesn't let it show. ]

First time playing host?

[camerastraps]

( how can some people not feel fazed by this at all? prompto doesn't get it. it's like making a presentation in front of people, except instead of a grade, it's judgment on a way more personal level. for as fun and happy and generally peppy as prompto can be, he's still rife with insecurities, and being in a place like this... turns out, it's not so good for dealing with those.

so, yeah. he's definitely, totally, unequivocally nervous.

made even more so by the compliment (what? he doesn't believe that at all coming from someone so pretty, but the effort is appreciated) and then the way he's stared at. logically he knows what's going on, but at the same time it just makes him think about all his glaring imperfections. including the flush that spreads like a pink wildfire over his skin. )

Yeah, definitely first time. I'm not really "host material."

[playfoul]

It's a skill that can be learned if you didn't come blessed with it.

[ Yuri works as he speaks, beginning with the application of foundation as his brush moves in light strokes across the other's cheek. ]

Smile. Give them your rapt attention, keep the conversation lively, and listen as if they have something interesting to say. If you can't enjoy their company, at least pretend you do.

[ It's advice that's gotten Yuri through the days when he used to entertain nobles for pay. While he's never worked in an establishment quite like this - there's a host of differences, cultural and otherwise - from what he's observed, the human desire for companionship is the same. ]

[camerastraps]

( it's advice that's gotten him through difficult times, at best, but somehow he feels like it doesn't apply here. as if these people would be able to see right through any of his little white lies. or, at the very least, decide they want someone better looking. because there are definitely a bunch of better looking hosts here! even prompto would pick them over himself.

he would've been better off being a customer in a place like this. except for the fact he'd be so embarrassed coming in and then feel guilty for taking up someone's time.

basically this place is just bad for his little insecure heart. )

So, just fake it til you make it, huh? ( he offers a hesitant sort of smile. ) I can do that.

( probably. )

i

[stubboarn]

... yes. Thank you.

[ the thing that had stolen it is a many-appendaged creature who seems annoyed - if such a thing about it can be said - about the interruption. dimitri's ticket feels a bit slimy. he tries to wipe it down with one of the kleenexes they have while waiting, momentarily chiding himself to having been in such a state that he didn't even notice. it won't do for him to let his guard down now, and the violence inherent in his mind agrees to it like a second voice, making him feel ill.

he's not in a good mood. it darkens his face like thunderclouds in the horizon, and it's always a struggle to contain his temper. now more than ever. he looks at everything in distaste and feels a telltale headache making his movements stiff and guarded. he should not be here. if he is here -

dimitri looks at him with a frown, uncertain if his mind is playing tricks with him again. ]

I feel that we know each other, but you look ... much older than the boy I'm familiar with. [ a pause. ] Yuri?

[ and then i leave everything to chance because man what is cindered shadows vs white clouds timeline. ]

!! pre ts dimitri oh boy

[playfoul]

And you're younger than you ought to be, lion prince.

[ Not just younger, but alive and well. Not a specter and the subject of dark rumors that reached the ears of Yuri's informant network once every other moon.

Was this possible? Given where they've been told they are, he supposes meeting a dead man isn't the strangest occurrence. But hell, if this brightly lit town even is hell, isn't the place Yuri would have expected to find the prince. A place reserved for sinners and scum, which Yuri considers himself included, didn't match his impression of the mild-mannered princeling who had stumbled into the Abyss all those years ago.

He opens his mouth, plenty of questions on the tip of his tongue, but he opts to be more casual. ]

Look at how they're treating you, making a royal wait. Perhaps we should have a word with the administration, get you moved up in line, hm? I'll be tagging along, of course.

[ Yuri jests. There will be time to sort out the discrepancies between them. The line isn't moving anywhere. ]

[stubboarn]

I'm ashamed to say I've thought of it, [ dimitri admits freely, and had the sense to look abashed at his words. yuri might've said it in jest, but he's taking it as a serious inquiry. because of course he is. ] but one must be reminded I have no authority here. More than that - it will not do for only the prince of Faerghus to be spared.

[ no, if those were the terms, dimitri would fight. but he doesn't have authority here and he ... also doesn't understand what's going on. the only thing to do is to wait and see, and he hates waiting at all. it reminds him of other things, such as how he was always in the province of the dead; had, in fact, kept company with them since duscur, and now he is in this sham city pretending to be a version of hell. he doesn't understand it. can't comprehend it at all.

waiting, at least, allows them to talk. ]

But you said I'm younger than I ought to be. Did you mean it? [ could it be? ]

[playfoul]

[ So earnest. So righteous. Of course Dimitri would take the suggestion seriously. Are they sure they didn't snatch the wrong man to cast into this cesspit? Yuri holds back the urge to sigh, the sheer integrity of Dimitri's response making him acutely self-aware of just how different they are. Way to make him feel ever the deplorable scoundrel next to a shining, noble prince. He'd make a jest about that, but seeing as the first one didn't land, he's not going to try. ]

Right, right. Well, there goes my hopes.

[ At the question, Yuri gives pause. He does one go about breaking the news to a prince unaware of his fate? ]

Let me check something with you. It's now the year 1185 in Fódlan. What year is it in your memory?

[stubboarn]

.... 1180.

[ by five years? he'd come from five years into the future? is that even possible ...? dimitri looks uncomfortable at the thought. well he's already in another world, what more for the opportunity to meet someone five years ahead of him? it is so ridiculous, and yet he has no choice to believe him. why would someone make a farce out of the future? it just doesn't make sense otherwise.

dimitri frowns intensely, lost in thought. ]

1185 means ... five years into my reign as King.

[ after all, he was slated to be crowned soon. he looks at yuri's face, waiting for him to answer. ]

iii

[architexture]

[Ostensibly, Andrey is here to be a host. That is, after all, what the staff dragged him in to do — something about the dangerous niche, and filling it — but he's thus far managed to avoid it by never loitering too long in any one corner. Wandering into the back to pick through the wardrobe and cobble together an outfit has been for fun, but alas: his usual fashion sense is already "escaped carnival barker with bruised knuckles," and what he's done with the club's available clothing isn't better. A blue jacket with gold trim paired with offensively red pants, and his continued refusal to wear a shirt—

Well, makeup can't make anything worse, can it? Maybe it'll make this look more chic and less garish. He's been idly paying attention to the makeup station over there, raising an eyebrow when addressed. Ah? Hmm.]

This is disorderly? I could fall asleep a hundred times over out there.

[But mmph, okay, he pushes off his Lurking Wall and ambles over, eyeing the kit.]

You're the artist, I suppose.

[playfoul]

[ When Yuri takes in the man who had sat down - Saints. No wonder the bar doesn't strike him as disorderly. His outfit is certainly... eye-catching, but if it were Yuri, he'd prefer an arrangement of more harmonious colors. This palette will be a challenge.

What strikes him, more than the contrasting colors and the aversion to a shirt, is the intense, irreverent look the man has about him. Not what Yuri would expect from a typical host, but he supposes to some guests in this sort of establishment, danger had its appeal. And that, he thinks, is an angle he can work. ]

What kind of host are you aiming to be? I can soften up your look, but I'm thinking it may suit you better to double down on the fierce image.

[architexture]

[Ooh, fierce, that's got different connotations from the vaguely concerned looks he got from the employee who harangued him in here. He grins about it, crooked, and his gaze wanders briefly around the room at all the other bits and pieces of costuming and shiny decorations for the hosts and hostesses scattered in the space. How much of this is fierce...]

Soft is no good. Surprise me, though. I'll leave it on, I swear.

[So, like, do whatever to his general face? He's got no problem with the concept of being a host or anything else (besides a shirt), and it's not been not fun to saunter around this club a while, so far. His gaze flicks back to the other man, openly considering, while he equally openly thumbs at the corner of the cosmetic kit, sliding it back and forth a little, definitely not in an annoying way. Hmm.]

You have a clever face. Clever enough to not need to be told! Do whatever you please, but no green.

[green. he does not explain.]

[playfoul]

No green.

[ Yuri cannot possibly agree more. The thought of adding another clashing color appalls him. In fact, when his eyes scan the palette available to him, the color he pauses over is the more neutral, safe bet - black. ]

Hold still. I'll make it a nice surprise.

[ The kit provided to him is fancier than what he's used to, with more sizes and colors to choose from. Living down in the Abyss, Yuri's far more accustomed to applying makeup by candlelight using what limited pigments were at his disposal. Here, he has perfect lighting as he begins to brush on a layer of foundation. The man is all rough edges, with a look more suited to a mercenary than a host. It compels him to ask. ]

Since I take it this isn't your usual job, what do you normally do? [ Before being brought here, that is. ]

[architexture]

[To Andrey's credit, he does hold still once the brushes come out. Mostly he'd rather not get poked or powdered in the eye, but some small part of him is reminded of sitting around with his few precious people back home and being not quite fussed over like this. Worked on? Whichever. He's still, is the point, gaze flicking towards the hands near his face for a moment.

It's powder. It's fine. He hums.]

I own a bar. [Hah. So, like, close enough.] Not as spotless as this place. More personality, though — grit. My brother and I are architects, but he's...

[Up to his eyeballs in the local liquor Andrey's own bar peddles? Mm.]

Having a creativity dry spell. We've not built anything in five years. [A beat, and another glance; quick hands, a pretty face — all things considered, that doesn't narrow down the career options, Andrey thinks.] D'you do this for a living?

ii

[littleshield]

[ A fight! Oh boy, those are fun.

Much more fun to participate in, actually. ]

And why would I be interested in that?

[playfoul]

Not even a little? Surely a skilled fighter like you would have some confidence in your opinion.

[ Is Yuri purposefully goading him on? Maybe. From what he's gleaned of the Fraldarius, Felix doesn't lack for confidence nor opinions. ]

[littleshield]

[ He scowls. He is absolutely not going to rise to the bait. ]

I have more than enough confidence in my opinion which is that I've hardly any need to waste it on these two ruffians. [ ... ] Judging by the way the idiot on the right is standing, however, he'll be going down sooner than later.

[ This really doesn't count as wasting his time because the flaw is so obvious clearly. ]

[playfoul]

[ There we go. For someone acting fed up with the whole thing, Felix's assessment isn't careless or off base, Yuri is amused to see. ]

Such a sour attitude. Don't they make you do this sort of thing in school?

[ You know, as part of combat training. ]

[littleshield]

This is my normal attitude.

[ He says, in a tone that is definitely 100% sour. But then he scowls at the question, deciding to ask one of his own. ]

Do you have a problem with it?

[ Felix has been here hardly much time and here he is, trying to start a fight. ]