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jigokufever2022-04-23 06:02 pm
jigokumods) wrote in jigokufever2022-04-23 06:02 pm
Entry tags:
April 2022 Test Drive
MAIN NAVIGATION
1. CLEAN UP
The streets of Jigokucho are a mess after the incident at the Night Parade. There is the usual garbage in the streets after any large gathering but the steam explosions from below made everything that much worse: broken glass from blown out windows glitters on the asphalt, splintered wood makes the sidewalks treacherous to walk on, and grime covers buildings that otherwise escaped unscathed. Business owners have called on the faction leaders in their area to help with clean up and that work falls to you. Clean up garbage from the street, repair broken windows, and get the city looking presentable again.
The largest debris was cleared in the immediate aftermath so, thankfully, what remains is manageable on a person-to-person level. As you clean, you will get the impression that communities in every territory are very upset about what happened. The Night Parade was meant to celebrate (relative) peace in Jigokucho, after all.
Civilians will definitely show their gratitude to anyone choosing to help out, regardless of faction, and grant small discounts or favors to everyone lending a hand. Faction leaders have also promised bonuses for those who do the most good for their territory. The Sutoku Alliance is especially grateful, given their current state, and will not only offer a bonus but also free tickets to one of the rooftop amusement parks in their territory.
2. TURF WAR (PLOT RELEVANT)
It's Tamamo vs Shuten and everyone's getting dragged in!
Both clans want the currently unclaimed Underground for their own means and have sent their soldiers beneath the streets to secure the territory in a turf war. Even if you haven't been assigned your faction yet, you can expect either side to recruit you to head into the waterworks to help maintain their hold.
The quarrelsome Shuten Clan is taking the traditional approach to marking their territory, which is to say: direct combat. Shutens are arming everyone they send down into the tunnels with weapons with the expectation that they fight any Tamamo or Tamamo-allied they come across.
The Tamamo are more crafty, setting up traps and illusions to trick the Shuten Clan into getting hopelessly lost or actively injured from traps, such as explosive talismans or barrier seals. Magic and guerilla tactics are their favored methods and no Shuten or Shuten-ally is to be spared.
The Enma are still expected to conduct their patrols Underground but unless you're snooping around in the lowest levels, trying to get into the abandoned offices, or sneak past a keycard locked door they're probably going to leave you alone. That is unless they feel inclined to get in on the action, of course!
The River Kappa Tribe, part of the Sutoku Alliance, who once worked in the Underground, can be spotted sneaking around the sewers. Most of them are just trying to find anything that got left behind during the incident on the Night Parade. Sutoku allies are encouraged to help them out where they can and convince them that neither the Shuten nor Tamamo clan will have their best interest at heart, if they should take the territory.
3. COLLECTION DAY
Despite the on-going turbulence, collections go on.
Accountants for each faction have alerted leadership to the fact that it's that time of the month again. Most people pay their loans on time to avoid trouble but there are always a few stubborn holdouts who think they can get away with not paying up. It's up to you to go shake them down for the cash they owe.
Shuten Clan members are again assigned to the Celestial Phoenix Casino. It seems the owner learned nothing from the shakedown in March and has once again hired unaffiliated muscle in an attempt to weasel out of paying what is owed. The security is as armed and violent as last time but this time they have body armor. Beat them down and get the cash from the manager.
Tamamo Clan members are told to go to the Young Peach to extract payment. It is an older but still popular massage parlor in the area. The manager will do everything in their power not to pay! They may ask for an extension, offer cash bribes, or even offer a generous amount of free ‘services'. If those methods don't work, he suddenly transforms into a quick little animal to escape. Don't let that rat get away!
Sutoku Alliance members get sent to the hottest new nightclub, Enigma. If you go in expecting a fight, that's just what you get... but not in the traditional sense. The manager has hired numerous teenagers and 20-somethings to challenge everyone who comes in looking for payment to a dance battle! There is no dissuading them from their mission. If you get through them all, the manager will demand a final dance battle against themself. Teaming up is probably in your best interest against this veteran.
The Department of the Enma members will be investigating the Waxy Taxi cab company. Those who come searching for the owner of this business will find them waiting in a taxi. If you ask for payment, you'll be given a set of keys before she floors it and screeches off into the streets. The keys go to a nearby cab. You have to race her before she'll give up the goods. Don't know how to drive? Better find a buddy who does.
4. FOLLOW THE WHITE RABBIT
There are an awful lot of rabbits showing up in one of the public parks. They are each small, white, red-eyed and look like they might be escaped pets. They seem friendly enough. They don't run away in fear if you walk near them, however, if you do try to catch one it will hop away from you. It stops and looks back, as if beckoning you to follow it.
Most of the rabbits will not take you anywhere you particularly want to be: seedy little corners of the city where nothing good seems to be going down. You will get a lot of strange looks from the people around you, as you get the distinct impression you are definitely not supposed to be here. If you wanted to secure some black market goods, these seem like the folks that could provide for you. For a price, of course.
But if you stop to shop, you might lose track of the rabbit!
Following the rabbit beyond these seedy little alleyways will eventually take you to the banks of the Sanzu where there are four large and extremely intimidating isonade. They're a little bit different from your usual isonade, they're mutated and have arms and legs – extremely beefy arms and legs.
It seems like the rabbits wanted to show you what they were doing but by the time you get there the rabbit has skittered off and left you under the isonade's gaze. Whatever the sharks were up to, it's too hard to tell now. The isonades are angry and you're the target of their wrath. You've obviously interrupted something!
Be careful not to get dragged under the water, or worse. They sure do have a lot of teeth...
5. THE DAITENGU'S FUNERAL (PLOT RELEVANT)
The time has come for the funeral of the Daitengu.
All factions have gathered at the Tengu Temple grounds, dressed in black. The mood is dark but not unhopeful. Despite the war over territory in the sewers, Lost Souls might be surprised to note that the Shuten and Tamamo representatives are being exceptionally cordial and respectful to one another, even if they're keeping their distance. You will get the impression that a funeral is a particularly sacred form of ceasefire between the factions. Any disrespect shown here could blow into an all out war at any moment. For now, it remains oddly peaceful.
The only person conspicuous in their absence is the Enma and any of his high-ranking officers. This isn't surprising to the locals in attendance. The Enma never attends this kind of thing. It's actually a little taboo for the cops to be here.
When the time comes, all guests are expected to bow as the funeral procession makes its way past the gate towards the main temple. It proceeds to the shrine set up in honor of the Alliance's fallen leader. The Tengu Elders and the White Wolf Guard are the primary members of the procession, flanking a humbly dressed group of unknown individuals. Each of them wears silver hair similar to the Daitengu's. One could easily assume they are the direct family.
But wait! Didn't you see someone that looked like that earlier? A strange, lithe person with a light voice that was pestering you for where the food was? Then again, given everything that's happened, you're not sure you can trust your own memory. Everyone is unusual here, aren't they? Maybe?
That's what you think until you hear that voice again. It's speaking clearly over the crowd. You can't remember what their face looked like, so it's difficult to pinpoint them. It doesn't matter much now: they've decided to put on a certain mask"You know, it's a shame, I was really hoping the big red guy would be here! The least he could do after paying for all of this was show up himself, right?"
That's definitely the voice you heard. It's the Daitengu, laughing as they pop out from the crowd and snatch up the box of their own 'ashes'. They're tossing it around in their hands like a toy. Everyone is too shocked to do anything about it. They just stare, slack-jawed in disbelief."The things you do to get the Enma's attention and he won't even give you the time of day. Am I right? Well, I definitely want you all to pay them your respects for arranging this! As for me, and well..."
They gesture to the box."...the other me, we're going to be leaving early to beat the traffic. Enjoy the rest of the funeral!"
And with that, a wild burst of furious wind shifts beneath the Daitengu's feet, kicking up enough dust to cloud their position. When it settles, it reveals nothing in their wake. They're gone.
Chaos erupts immediately. Whatever peace there was between the Tamamo and the Shuten clans breaks into fist fights and shouting. The Sutoku get involved as well, as each faction demands answers from the others. What is going on and how is the Daitengu still alive?! Who knew they were alive, who was hiding this from whom?!
Hope you don't mind getting blood on your nice, clean funeral clothes.
Welcome to the test drive meme!
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uchiha sasuke | naruto
I. CLEAN UP
[On the path to atonement, sometimes chores are necessary.
Or: a tall, gloomy young man—wreathed all in black, from his collared traveling cloak to his short, feathery hair—is using a broom to sweep up glass from the street. At a glance, it doesn't look like he knows how to use a broom at all. The wooden handle is parallel with his body, tucked in against his throat as he drags the bristled end one-handed across the asphalt, scraping up sharp fragments with pitiful motions. Weak, half-completed swipes of the brush barely collect enough glass to make a difference. Yet he keeps at it diligently, uncomplaining. Are you willing to lend a hand? Please, this is going to take hours.
Much, much later, Sasuke is gifted a pair of amusement park tickets for his work by a representative of the Sutoku Alliance. He approaches the first person who passes on the street, a fellow Lost Soul, and thrusts the tickets out.]
It's not personal. [In case you thought he was being nice.] I don't have any use for them. I have no intention of visiting these 'parks' for entertainment, so it's better if they're taken by someone else. I won't need repayment. [God forbid he have fun after laboring away the better part of the afternoon.]
II. WHITE RABBIT
[Keen enough to recognize the trap before he's led into its jaws, Sasuke's sword is drawn as soon as he rounds that last corner and emerges onto the Sanzu's bank. His chakra feels no more than a thin, malnourished river—nothing compared to the deep ocean he's accustomed—but that doesn't prevent him from engaging the enemy. There's no better way to test the extent of his weakened abilities, after all. And to do it in service of eradicating a dangerous pest like this is just productive.
His attacks are quick, efficient, ruthless. There's no hesitation in severing youkai heads from shoulders, teeth white in those big red mouths, splattering the ground in demon blood. If someone else happens onto the scene, Sasuke will immediately leap between them and the isonade. He's breathless, stamina more easily depleted without chakra, but remains composed.]
—Unless you have combat experience, leave this place now. They'll try to pull you into the water if you allow them the opportunity, and they'll kill you that way. It's their terrain. Do you understand?
III. FUNERAL
[Sasuke hangs back from the procession, observing the exchange between clans (minus the police force, he notes). At a distance, he can gather information without being seen—and react calmly to the unfolding drama of the scene when the Daitengu makes their cackling reappearance.
In the chaos that follows, Sasuke leaps down into the street to find a straggler near its edge. A strong hand lands on the person's shoulder and splits them off from the flow of traffic, manhandling them away from the crowd. He's a little more rough than he should be, sorry. One strange purple eye gleams out from under the fringe of his hair; his voice is brusque, bossy.]
Tell me what happened here.
clean-up
But eventually, the task was over. The streets and sidewalks were glass and rubble-free. And as the stranger thrusts two tickets in his direction, Sholmes stops mid-gait, turning to face him. He seems a completely new man; renewed, talkative, and extroverted -- for better or worse.]
And is the idea of entertainment so offensive to your sensibilities, dear fellow? Surely you're allowed a short reprieve, given the dreadful task we've just had to endure.
[He makes a half-turn, gesturing in the direction of one such rooftop amusement park he's already picked out for himself.]
If nothing else, an investigation is warranted. Come along now, we'll go together.
:eyes:
Ah. His tickets have been refused.]
You shouldn't make assumptions. It isn't that I find it offensive, but I have no interest in entertainment, so it would be pointless to go. This task wasn't so tiring. [Feet carry him forward, intent to follow Sholmes into the stairwell of the building, if only to keep verbally sniping back. Listen to him tell you that you're wrong!!] Even if it was, I have other methods to relax that don't require company.
[Like staring at a wall and meditating in depression.]
You say reprieve first, but if this is an investigation... Be honest with your intentions.
no subject
[The stairwell is an easy ascent, and though Sholmes isn’t the one with the tickets in-hand, he moves up confidently enough — he suspects arguing the point is enough to entice this young man to follow. That, and the sights and sounds eventually creeping into view: electronic lights flashing, strange rides resetting, an array of oddities on display. Certainly an arrangement that’s foreign to him in a multitude of ways, given the era he hails from.]
And you’re quick to label this venture pointless, but don’t you find value in exploration? Learning more about this “hell” we’re expected to reside in. And that includes what passes for entertainment, as well!
[Maybe he just wants to gawk at the technology, too, is that a crime.]
If nothing else, the view may be worth it.
no subject
Still, arguing is a good distraction.]
Exploration can be done without this level of involvement. You'll only get carried away. [At mention of the view, Sasuke's head turns to look out over the edge of the building—the height is dazzling as dusk settles, admittedly a good vantage over Hell's tangled layout.] If you're looking for a reason to indulge yourself, don't include me in your plans.
[Yet he's exchanging their tickets for entry and moving ahead. His voice is a low murmur almost lost to the whirring of park rides.]
This... Is it what we've paid our souls for? [Wow, the afterlife sucks.]
no subject
Besides, for all of his companion’s arguing, he’s trudging along without any real resistance. He suspects the young man might be seeking out distraction despite his words, and he’s decided that this should prove interesting one way or another, even if they do not quite cross the threshold of fun.]
Hm. [He adjusts the brim of his cap, considering the question.] One would think our souls are worth a bit more than a wayward ride or two. But since we’re here, why not take advantage of it?
[A half-turn, pointing at a certain ride.]
I would like to investigate that more thoroughly.
[“That” being a very colorful Ferris wheel, which is both novel and simultaneously misleading. That is not a new concept to him, after all. But surely that’s not the point!]
no subject
Sasuke turns at the gesture. Mismatched eyes land on the Ferris wheel, narrowing. He has never seen such a bizarre thing in his life. People are entertained going in endless circles?]
... Ah. [Never mind, he gets it.] The height is advantageous. From that view, we could see more of the city. It's a decent plan. Let's go.
[Decided, Sasuke leads the charge over to the gated entrance of the ride, cutting the line at the front without regard for the outcries from waiting visitors. Given the sword strapped to his waist, it doesn't seem that anyone is keen on stopping him—not even the machine operators.]
no subject
Quite so. [It being a decent plan, that is. How kind of him to notice.
Sholmes gives the disgruntled queue a not-exactly-sincere apologetic grin and a shrug of his shoulders, following the young man to the head of the line. The sword hanging at the other's waist is undoubtedly the reason why they receive only the odd shouted complaint and nothing more, and the detective isn't keen on questioning it for now, though it's noted quietly for later.
A round, bright red Ferris wheel car awaits them, its side door open and ready for both to enter. The first thing that Sholmes notices is that it's small and egg-shaped; the second thing he notices is that it's a tight fit for two people once he piles in after Sasuke, sitting down across from him, his long limbs ensuring that his knees knock into his. He hunches forward to not bonk his head against the curved roof of the compartment.]
So, my good fellow... [He tries to cross his legs, or tries to rest an ankle on his knee. It just leaves him at increasingly awkward angles.] I never caught your name.
no subject
Then his companion is there, too, crowding into the small ride—Sasuke stiffens at the proximity. He has a wild and irrational desire to push the other young man out. The impulse is managed; there's no threat here. Still, a pair of discolored eyes watch Sholmes with caution, assessing, concentrated on whether there might be some weapon hidden from view. He should not be so at ease in this world, whether bereft of his life or not.
He draws knees to the side in a slightly contorted position so they aren't in contact. Yeah, he's that weird about it.]
... [And that is an unusual question, because when was the last time someone didn't recognize him on sight?] Uchiha Sasuke. [You didn't catch it because I never gave it, he doesn't snap.] Who are you?
[Then the ride moves—pitching forward as the next car behind them is boarded—and Sasuke's hand grasps onto the railing, white-knuckled.]
no subject
He tries to lean back, his demeanor casual enough. The young man can inspect as much as he likes; Sholmes has no weapon on his person. He doesn’t even have his usual investigative gadgets, making him feel oddly naked without them — though in this case, probably all the better for it.]
My name is Herlock Sholmes. [Said with the kind of flair that is used to recognition, as well, even if logic dictates that won’t be the case this time.] Back home, I’m known as a consulting detective.
[A flippant gesture at Sasuke’s white-knuckled grip.]
And you are far too anxious, Mr. Uchiha. Relax, we won’t go careening off the building if that’s your concern.
ii.
( Not wild about that bossy tone, there, but he says nothing about it.
He produces a trident from the depths of his body, pulling it free from his chest. It's an odd sight.
He sidesteps Sasuke, arm extending in the same malleable manner as the rest of his body; the rident takes out one of the legs of the isonade closest. He whirls then, slashing at another. )
no subject
Capable, then. In his currently weakened state, the additional aid is appreciated. The isonade fall easily after that as Sasuke works to drive them back from the banks of the river, either onto his blade or onto the speared head of that trident. They've made a mess of blood and guts by the end of it; Sasuke edges around the bodies, sword still in his right hand.]
... It seems they were luring civilians. Are you a resident of this place, one of the 'Lost Souls'? Your method of fighting isn't like anything I've seen of the warriors belonging to the Shuten Clan. [Not to mention the lack of oni horns.] Why did you follow the rabbit?
no subject
( He flicks the blood off the trident. )
No real reason. I just wanted to see what sort of trouble they'd lead me to in a place like this.
funeral
alas, he figured he had a good laugh, watched enough of the brawl and it was time to call it a night— after readjusting his tie, itadori was about to leave the scene to grab something to eat until he found himself being dragged away by ... someone? a bit dumbfounded, he allowed it to happen. he then regards the other boy with a tilt of his head, his own expression is far too innocent for this level of intrusion. ]
... Are you new?
[ — this might be the stranger's odd way of asking for help? ]
no subject
That much should be obvious. [Okay, kind of a rude start.] I don't have any context for the Daitengu's death, although it's clear to me that it has become a spectacle on purpose now. Possibly a resurrection, but I don't know enough about the nature of youkai in this plane yet.
[Anyway, Sasuke does drop his hand from the other boy's shoulder as if to acquiescence some of his initial pushiness, gaze studying that nice suit.]
I don't currently belong to a faction. You should tell me what you know.
no subject
Pretty neat, huh? Can you believe it's a rental?
[ yuuji smiles, finally relaxing his shoulders. ]
His death was a prank, apparently. We kinda freaked out when it happened because you'd think no one would mess with those scary leaders. I work for the Enma, so I can't say what orders have been given to us in retaliation to the assassination, nor do I know what the other factions have done. But-
[ he nods at the crowd behind them. it wasn't some gang fight; two specific groups are actively, viciously, and maliciously killing each other. ]
There is tension between the Tamamo and the Shuten, and my guess is they probably wanted to take over the fallen leader's territory. Speaking of that ... we should get out of here!
ii
[That someone turns out to be a young (?) swordsman, who watches with clear interest and amusement in his eyes. He draw his ornate looking sword with ease, as he take in the situation.
One of the youkai charges at him, trying to bite with their impressively large snout. However, Norimune sees it coming and dodge in time and slash at their back. Either he didn't cut deep enough or it's particularly thick skinned; all he manage is a shallow cut.]
clean up
That's why he'll actually try his best to sweep up where the other boy might miss bits or pieces here and there without really realizing he's picking up the slack... Good boys will be good.
But as soon as those tickets are offered to him he'll look up confused.]
Eh? But you worked just as hard to get this reward you should at least keep the tickets for yourself if you change your mind? [Did Sasuke really work just as hard...??? Debatable.] If anything you could take a friend?