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

"Bring in new hosts, huh?" Well, that was an exciting prospect. And not one he was entirely uninterested in at that. But Gojyo was well aware of the communities they were tangled up with, both on the yakuza and youkai front. No matter what, just by getting involved, this place had already screwed them.

Well, there was no point in getting edgy over things that were beyond their control. And so Gojyo lowered his arms once more, his head slightly tilting as he offered a playful smirk.

"Wonder if we're gonna be the ones hosting or the ones helping find hosts."

'He' not 'we' he wants to correct. That side of the district is something he wants nothing to do with.

"Who knows? You might not even be a host. Chances are all the work coming are things no one wants to do, seeing as how you'll be in the bottom of the totem pole."

At least he assumes this. Its always the new recruits who get the worst jobs until they manage to prove himself.

"Hmm, so cleaning the brothel rooms then? Or maybe we'd be helping out for one of those super seedy places. Damn, that's a scary thought," Not that he wouldn't be willing. In the end, for Gojyo, a job was a job. And hell, he knew he wasn't good at that sort of stuff. If they wanted someone who would fail miserably at their work Gojyo was more than happy to oblige.

He'd take whatever paycheck he received and raise his funds at the gambling houses anyway.

"Man, I'd much rather take on hosting, though. That would at least be some fun."

He would get to flirt with girls. Endless drinks. Fun nights. And get a sweet paycheck with excellent tips afterward. It certainly would have been preferable.

"I'm sure you would, if working in shady places or cleaning toilets is the alternative." Of course, there's most likely other jobs that are of a more questionable nature - but those who work in that line are most often forced to do so. He'll just let that go unsaid.

He stops at a crossing and points to one district filled with bright neon lights and signs of all sizes. "That's the Shuten district, named after Shuten-doji, an infamous oni lord, and that - " He points to a group of yokai, particularly to the big horned red one that stands a foot above the rest. "- is an oni. A red oni because, you know." Red. "They're large bumbling meatheads that like to think with their fist first. I do not recommend picking a fight with one if you can help it."

And why did he stop here? Might as well give him the grand tour, however brief, since it was on its way to the Tamamo district.

"Woooah~" Okay. This guy was kind of amusing to hang around. Somehow, despite initially following Bishop to figure out where he needed to be, Gojyo instead seemed to find himself on an official guided tour. And so he overdramatically clapped along, awe-ing with each explanation, like the wide-eyed tourist he was.

Sure some of the more base information felt rudimentary, if not a little offensive. Gojyo definitely knew what an oni was. And he was smart enough to know not to judge a person's personality just by what type of youkai they were. But Gojyo was more than willing enough of a guy to play into the spirit of things.

It didn't stop his urge to tease Bishop a little through it all though.

"Teacheeer! Wouldn't going around calling them 'bumbling meatheads' be picking a fight with 'em?"

One of the group members of oni lifted his head in a reaction as if on cue. His eyebrows were knitted together, and his frown sank as he tossed a nasty glare at the two lost souls.

"Well, it would be but I know how to deal with them."

And every other yokai here for that matter. He feels the frowns and glare on his back, only sighing in response. "Hold these for me." Handing the bag of meatbuns, yes there's still more in there, and picking up a rock that fits right in his palm.

He gives it a few tosses to check its balance before throwing high into the air, taking a couple of steps back, then as the rock comes down swinging his leg to kick it like a soccer ball. The rock flies through the air, cutting a straight path right into the largest onis head and knocking him out.

"Watch this, from their little group, the weakest ones will run and whoever is most loyal to that one is going to attack."

Just as he says two from the group take a few steps away, egging the others to do the same, while one of them - a blue oni with a single horn takes out a knife looking to rip Bishop and Gojyo a new nostril in their neck.

"You wanna take that one?"

Well! That was most certainly an impressive display, now wasn't it? Gojyo couldn't help but whistle, pleasantly surprised about Bishop's sudden decision to choose violence. Not that he minded, it was just off-putting with how level-headed and helpful the guy had been prior.

Did the Oni do something to fuck with him before he ran into Gojyo? That must have been the case.

Well, whatever, it didn't seem like Gojyo had much say in the matter, what with how Big Blue suddenly came encroaching upon them as he had.

"Looks like I've don't got many choices, yeah?" Despite it, he seemed rather blase. Rolling his neck and shoulders as he prepared himself for what was familiarly inevitable. Grinning as he looked up to the intimidating youkai with active interest. "So you wanna play, big guy?"

What happened next occurred in seconds. The redhead charged forwards, only to duck down. He was swinging one of his legs out to make a swipe at the youkai's ankles, tripping him up just enough to throw him off balance before turning around, gripping the back of his head, and slamming his face down into the concrete floor beneath him.

Of course, Gojyo knew that probably wasn't all there'd be to it—looking up without towards the other Oni that crowded around, without releasing his grip. A wide grin formed as he met their gaze.

"Anyone else wanna join?"

Whether they ran or stood their ground was entirely on them, wasn't it?

"I promise I'll give you a good time. ♥"

Any other time Bishop would have appreciated Gojyo's light heartedness in violent situations, but he was in "Agent" mode to gather information and boy did he stumble on something note worthy.

He caught every moment of Gojyo's attack, and while he wouldn't go for a sweep against an oni of all things, that fact he pulled it off was one of a few indications of the kind of person this red head is. No fear against a yokai, which means he might have seen them - or something similar before, the way he suppressed them showed he's a seasoned fighter, and then there was the taunt inviting the others to fight. Was he used to being outnumbered or was he taking advantage of Bishop's earlier assessment. Either way, this guy was now on Bishop's radar.

"I suggest you run." He says picking up more rocks with one hand. "We're on a schedule, a loose schedule, but I'd rather not play. Especially since your buddy with the gaudy shirt tried to pick a fight with me earlier."

The group looked to the leaner grey skinned oni wearing a bright shirt with a crane and tiger on it.

"So take a hike before I plant these stones in your eye sockets." His voice was serious and deadly, making his threat far from idle.

"Aaaah?" What came from Gojyo more or less sounded like a downright disappointment. His shoulders drooped as he pushed himself to a stand, sulking with a heavy huff of his breath.

As much as it was a detour, he couldn't deny that the prospect of a fight was enough to get his adrenalin running in a way he hadn't expected. It was a familiar sensation, one he enjoyed.

But like a good tourist, he listened to his guide. Not at all startled by the rather scary look Bishop had been giving off as he casually threatened the rest of the oni crew.

"Yer the prim and proper type, eh? The type that follows tight schedules and the like?" Gojyo casually stepped on the blue oni's head as he said that, digging his heel into the side of his temple as a warning to stay down, before casually kicking at the back of his scalp while he turned back towards Bishop. "Didn't know there was somewhere we had to be. Did you have something planned?"

Funny. Gojyo noticed his strength wasn't quite what it usually was with that fight. Was it repressed again?

"Not really, I just didn't want to have to deal with idiot onis again." He says while throwing the rocks over his shoulder before dusting off the sand and dirt off his gloves.

"Onis are nothing if not relentless so, I'm sure I'll see them again later." Probably in the Shuten headquarters, much to his chagrin. "And I'm sure you'd like to get to the Tamamo district as well. Probably right at the start of before the happy hour, yeah?"

He looks for the bag of meatbuns and picks it up, obviously aside from fighting Bishop is very serious about food.

"C'mon. It's not far from here. Just wanted to stop here and to let you know whats up, and if you want cheaper alcohol and food. The ones where you're going are a little...pricey."

There it was again.

'Idiot Onis.' What a strange modifier to attach to a group of guys that supposedly had no specific beef with Bishop, primarily with Bishop being the one who started the fight.

But Gojyo decided it was perhaps best not to push it. He had dealt with people who had similar approaches to talking about people before. More often than not, he knew that type of shit was best left untouched.

Instead, Gojyo shoved his hands in the belt of his hakama. He was pulling out a box of cigarettes only to pop one lazily into his mouth.

"Well, a drink does sound damn good right now," It had been a long while since he enjoyed a cold beer in such a lively atmosphere. Months at least. He was more than itching to get back into the swing of things. "I don't mind pricey generally. But it's also good to know where the bargains are at as well."

It mainly depended on how much money he had on him.

Admittedly he was currently dirt poor. A problem that was going to be resolved as soon as he managed to pick up whatever 'work' was offered to him. or if he found a good gambling house. Whichever came first.

"I take it cheap food places are the next thing you'll mention on our little tour?" He says with a wry smile.

"If you'd like. Either way, any option is fairly close if you don't mind the walk." Its only now that he felt like he was being patronzied. He stopped by the shuten just to point out which of the districts was most dangerous out of courtesy.

"Personally, I just pick the pockets of the guys who piss me off, or just take it after kicking their ass." Just like he saw, the strong survive and weak perish is the law around here.

"So what would you like to do 'dear customer'? Food or the Tamamo district? There's food there-" A beat. "- of all kinds too." If he catches his drift.

"Heh, quite the trouble maker, aren't you?" There was a bit of wry humor in his voice as he said that. His smirk broadened to accentuate his playfulness at the mention of various vices being fulfilled. "I mean, is there that much of a comparison? When ones already got food of 'all kinds, ' why go elsewhere?"

At this point, he kept pace beside Bishop. He was curiously taking in the sight of the bright city lights while simultaneously sticking to the guy he was pretty confident he wanted to stay on the good side of.

"You never answered me before, but you've had to be out exploring most of the day already, yeah? You must have been out a decent chunk now to have picked up so much intel about the place."

And here, he only just found his way out of the main office. Damn.

He shrugs in response, niether confirming nor denying the accusation. He is indeed a trouble maker, sometimes by accident, sometimes by design, but always stuck in some kind of conflict.

"Well the Shuten district has very blue collar foods. Simple, easy to prepare, and a lot of it. Tamamo has a lot more complex sophisticated stuff." A beat. "And better alcohol."

He glances at the red head at the last enquiry. True, he hadn't answered it and he didn't want to. "This place reminds me of somewhere back home, street design, building styles, neon lights, all of it. So figuring things out wasn't all that difficult. Its an urban jungle, so its only natural that it'd have these kinds of places."

Heh, there he goes being ignored again. Damn.

But at least it gave Gojyo enough of a hint to stop asking.

"I see, so the world you're from is pretty similar to this, eh?" That makes sense. For Gojyo, the senary was familiar but far from exact enough to be completely comfortable. The neon lights were a new thing. They just replaced what had once been glowing lanterns and flowing banners. But the crowded streets and seedy districts were familiar enough.

In the end, a city would always be a city, even if the decor was different.

"And picking pockets and fights was how you'd go about things back there too?"

"Not really. Well, not always." Only when necessary, like when someone pick pockets someone in front of him.

"It's relatively peaceful where I lived, just busy since its a food district." Not that he minded. He enjoys the hustle and bustle of city life. "It was only every now and then when someone dined and dashed or tried to brake in to steal stuff, and they never got very far nor were very threatening." Even when they did draw a knife Bishop knew how to take them down.

"Huh, that so?" Why was it that Gojyo couldn't wholly believe that Bishops' way of life was as peaceful as he made it sound? Especially not with how Bishop had handled that fight before. "Sounds like a nice life. A food district, huh?"

He turned to look at Bishop, deciding that, for now, it was probably best to keep the conversation on the light-hearted side.

"Did you take part in any of that foodie lifestyle? You ain't a chef or something, are you?"

"I am."

A damn good one too, though he is aware that stock in that claim is going to be difficult or impossible given his skill and bloodlust. Not to mention he hasn't been able to really cook anything since arriving here.

Well--

Bishop wouldn't be the first A-grade chef he's met with a body count.

"Damn, seriously? What's you're specialty?" He stopped in his tracks as he said that, turning to look towards Bishop with wide-eyes interest. Gojyo is interested in food. Gojyo likes food. Food is just as important as good beer, or cigarettes, or hot women.

Food was just really fucking important.

He hates having to answer that particular question, but its not something be can fault anyone for. He understands that there's a type if cuisine for everyone, but Bishop thought and believed himself a master of more than one.

"Eastern and Western cuisine, along with baking and bartending." But he does have an answer. "I'm also quite good with coffee and teas."

Of course he wants to keep adding but, cooking has always been a show rather than tell skill.

Edited 2022-04-12 05:55 (UTC)

A shame you met such an overly social and friendly guy Bishop. Here he's just going to keep trying to get to know you now that his interest has been piqued.

"Ahh eastern and western, huh? So, like a culinary jack-of-all-trades then?" He was actually fairly impressed. But then again, he was the type of guy whose sole specialty was 'Everything in The Fridge Ramen'.

"Well, all right then Mr. 'Knows His Way Around Town', since you know what makes a good plate, why don't you pick the place that we'll eat?"

He prefers just being called a "chef" without any labels People can assume what he can and can't cook, and he'll surprise them.

That last bit he said gave Bishop some pause.

"Excuse me?" He said stopping in his tracks. "I thought you wanted to get to the Tamamo, not go chowing down?" More than that, he's not gonna lay for your food.

"Eh? But we spoke so much about the food around each district," And now he was hungry. You can't just string him along like that man.

The disappointment was clear on his face but, after a small sigh and drop of his shoulders he accepted that it as probably just going to be a no nonsense, straight-to-work situation. "But really you're the tour guide. So where you lead is where you lead~ I'm just your wide-eyed tourist."

He just stares at him blankly for a moment -

"You're going to the Tamamo district." With expedience. ASAP. Quick like. This instant even.

"I don't have that kind of cash even if I wanted to." He says walking with a bit more purpose. "And neither do you, I'm sure." Though Bishop is perfectly capable of pick-pocketing the money needed for such a lavish feast, he wouldn't want to share nor would be willing to even stir the interest of the flat foots.

February 2022 Test Drive

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