jigokufever | February 2022 Test Drive

Entry tags:

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.

Welcome to the test drive meme!

Threads here can be considered game canon.
If you have any questions about the TDM content, please ask them here!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.
Reserves are open until March 5th.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... Eh?

[Oh shit. His logic actually worked.

Well, that was certainly going to make things very interesting very fast. Gojyo's shocked expression returned to an all out grin far too quickly as he chuckled out. Quickly picking up pace as he followed after the beautiful blonde in lead.

Man, this felt weirdly familiar.]

I mean, the people at the office specifically sent us off to this district, yeah? Which I guess means they need more help than most at the moment.

Or maybe they just sent us this way because we're both so damn good looking~

[Speaking of--]

I take it by your reaction you've never done anything like this before, right?

But you at least have to be experienced enough to know what it is we're probably doing. I mean, you didn't seem to be that upset when I started dragging you in.

[Sheliak quietly exhaled sharply as he stalked ahead of Gojyo. Yes his logic worked, no need to add insult to injury by continuing to prove his point. Sheliak was desperately trying to calm the angry ripples in his mind when Gojyo made them spill over and he jerked to a sudden stop.]

Of course not!

[Sheliak panicked at his outburst and he quickly regained his composure with a sharp sigh. He was glad Gojyo was behind him so he couldn't see how flustered he was right now.]

Dragged is the key word. You didn't give me much choice in the matter but I'm not an idiot. I know what this place is.

[As for what they were going to be doing, he had a sneaking suspicion but he didn't want to say it, or admit he didn't know, so he turned the conversation back on Gojyo instead.]

I take it by the way you practically leaped in that woman's arms that you have?

Eh, enough things similar to it to understand the gist.

[Of course, this sort of thing was tame compared to what he did back in the day. But he wasn't going to take his time to detail them; that would only continue to fluster the poor guy.

Making his way down the hall of the employee's only area as both Gojyo and Sheliak were directed, he approached what appeared to be the dressing room with nary a misstep.]

Look, when push comes to shove, a job is a job. And we need money to make ends meet and make a decent living for ourselves in this city, yeah? Just cause we may be slightly flaunting ourselves doesn't mean we'd be doing anything past that.

Hell, I'm practically flattered that they thought both of us were hot enough to pick us up off the street and hire us on the spot like they did~ ♥

[Not that he wasn't already aware of how good-looking he was.

Gojyo walked past the many vanities that littered the room and made his way to the back closet, where various boxes of clothing and outfits hung.]

Hmm, maybe something to show off my legs and shoulders?

[Sheliak grew quiet as he absentmindedly browsed the outfits as he listened. He still didn't want to do this. He knew that he couldn't stall forever but he was going to as long as he could anyway. And Gojyo's talk of money conveniently got his attention.]

I suppose you're right.

[Even if it pained him to admit it. Sheliak wasn't used to needing money. He was born into a life of privilege and while it certainly wasn't easy, he knew he was luckier than most. A certain nagging companion back home never let him forget that. Perhaps he should have paid more attention. If he still had the prestige he earned then he wouldn't mind flaunting his status by admitting he never had to have a job before. But without it, it just sounded pathetic, yet another thing to add to the list of things he was clueless about here. That list was too long already and he pushed the frustrating thought aside and promptly froze when he properly focused on the dancing outfits.]

Ah, these are...different than what I was expecting.

[This certainly wasn't anything like the formal wear for dancing that he was used to! And what was that about showing off their legs and shoulders? Just what did he sign up for here?]

Eh? Are they really?

[Truthfully, Gojyo was able to see that sense of privilege from Sheliaks reaction to such things right from the get-go. But he was also not that judgmental about it either. He understood the different paths of life that people lead. And although there were certain feelings that he had reserved for people who lived a life so blind to what those 'beneath them' had to endure, he also had enough people he knew that came from similar backgrounds that he knew how to silently tolerate it.

That type of shit was never worth the argument.

Instead he stood there sorting through the assorted clothes, finally smiling when he managed to catch sight of a cowboy hat.

Ah. good. This was his type of aesthetic.

Placing the hat on his head, he began to pull out a mutually fitting vest and slack for the situation.]

Wonder if these ones will fit.

[That was probably for the best. Shelaik probably deserved those feelings but he still stubbornly defended his ivory tower life. It was a constant source of conflict between him and one of the other mages, Altair, who was the first commoner to be chosen as a mage.

Sheliak raised a judging eyebrow at Gojyo's cowboy hat as he fished out a flamboyant pirate hat for himself. Pirate was a more elegant choice and he pulled out a matching captain's coat and respective pants. That's odd. There was a lot of matching jewelry but he couldn't find a shirt that matched with the rest of the outfit anywhere. He roughly threw aside another terrible fit with an angry mutter.]

Assuming I can find a decent shirt in this mess.

[He hadn't even considered fitting problems. With his height, that could be a possible hurdle. If he ever found a shirt that is.]

[Wow. No way. Cowboys were waaaay sexier than pirates were.

Nonetheless, a small chuckle of amusement forms with Sheliak's begrudging compliance to the situation as Gojyo quickly turns his attention to a studded six-star sheriffs belt that he managed to pull out. He was happy to know that it would appeal to the general look, although not entirely accurate to the outfit.]

Ahahah, good luck with that one. Something about this whole situation tells me that there are very few shirts in general in this wardrobe.

[He stands up with that, flipping the clothes casually over his shoulder before tilting his head back and playfully winking at Skeliak.]

Well, I think I got my shit together. I'm running behind the shoji screen real quick, yeah? Don't peak~ ♥

[Don't be ridiculous. Pirates were far more attractive than ruffians on horses.

Sheliak bit back his response to Gojyo's not subtle chuckle. He didn't have a choice. He had already agreed to this awful situation, courtesy of someone's persistence he might add. Sheliak suddenly stopped his angry search and shot Gojyo a questioning glare. What did he mean by no shirts? The thought was dashed from his mind at Gojyo's cheeky comment and there was a flash of panic in Sheliak's eyes before he quickly looked away with an indignant shout.]

Don't be absurd! Of course I won't!

[Ah. Wow. Sheliak responded just how Gojyo expected him to. How damn cute.

So he was that type of guy, huh?

Gojyo let out a soft chuckle, giving a quick wave of his hand as he walked behind the screen to change.]

Yeah yeah, just making sure. Not sure if you're the type who's curious to see what you're competing against~

[There was a moment of pause as Gojyo rustled around behind the screen, casually hanging his jacket off the top of it. And then his shirt-- And then his pants.]

Hn, a little snug but-- Guess I can fit? Are you doing all right on your end? Have you found everything you need yet?

[The guy who dragged them in was probably getting impatient.]

[Excuse you sir. There was only one person who he put up with calling him cute and it was not the persistent ruffian that dragged him into this mess!

Sheliak's cheeks grew warm with what Gojyo was suggesting and he dashed the thought aside as he stomped over to his own screen, throwing his clothes off the top. This was a terrible idea but Gojyo stumbled on the perfect thing to sweeten the ordeal and he responded with an amused chuckle.]

How amusing that you think you could compete with me.

[Their choice of attire was severely lacking but Sheliak was confident he could pull it off better than Gojyo could. Wearing a coat without a shirt felt uncomfortable but thank the goddess the pants weren't too short. For a bit of added flair Sheliak wove a small braid through his hair on one side. His expression softened into a small smile as he thought of the times he helped Arrakis with his braid. Gojyo's question snapped him back to reality and he pushed the painful nostalgia aside.]

Well enough I suppose.

Eh? You saying you think you're hot-shit?

[With that Gojyo stepped out from behind the screen, his hair pulled back in a loose ponytail with a tuft of it falling forwards over the left side of his face. Cowboy hat on and leather jacket left open to reveal the tanned tone form of his otherwise lanky body.

Truthfully, he pulled of the aesthetic like a pro. A true vagabond who would have been caught comfortably traveling along the famed wild west of the Americas. It would almost be a shame to say he had never once experienced it first-hand.]

Start spouting confidence like that when we get you up on stage, yeah? Then we'll see how good you actually are.

[With that he tossed a playful, competitive wink, in Sheliak's direction. Walking past the other man with a swagger in his step as he made his way to the door.]

Doubt you're going to be sporting all that confidence of yours when you're taking it all off~ ♥

[Sheliak's eyes widened slightly when he saw Gojyo in his outfit. He looked...handsome. He inwardly cursed at his reaction. This was Gojyo's fault for his cheeky comment earlier and he quickly dashed the thought from his mind with a fancy flourish of his captain's hat as he caught up to Gojyo. His elegant stride was accented by the soft clinking of the ornate gold chains around his neck, many of them hung low over his chest, allowing him some sense of modesty. Sheliak's slender chest was less toned than Gojyo, but his paler skin against the golden jewelry gave the illusion that his skin was sculpted from marble.

He turned to him with a confident smirk that quickly fizzled with uncertainty.]

What do you mean taking it off?

Eh? Wait. Are you really that unaware?

[There's no way Sheliak could be that dense to what situation they've gotten dragged into, right?

After all, Gojyo thought it seemed pretty obvious from the get-go, what with the stage setup and the sleazy-looking dressing room with the cheap selection of outfits.

Stopping in his tracks, he turned to look back at Sheliak with a confused look.]

Did you forget what kind of place we walked into?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

February 2022 Test Drive

Shhh it's all good <3

the snail has returned!

why hello! Welcome back! <3

Sheliak is back for more suffering lol

Yesss, come and play with him Sheliak~

no subject

I hate that I can make a very specific icon for this...

lol it's perfect! (also sorry for being so late)

no subject

no subject

no subject

found a lost tag!

The Absolute Best Found Tag