(open.) valerian

[medicative]

Who ⬤ Emily and open!
What ⬤ Monthly catchall - clinic work, music club, etc.
When ⬤ Over May.
Where ⬤ Across the city.
Content Warnings ⬤ TBA if needed.

Comments

clinic.

[medicative]

[the place Emily had scouted is in her clan's areas, true, but it's right on the border of another place that belongs to the Enma, so in her mind, that strange area without commitment is her ideal to carry out her plan. it's not terribly large, and it will require cleaning, upkeep - in essence, a constantly moving project, and one she can put herself into. with how distracted the elders had been in the wake of the Daitengu's "death", she had managed to get approval without anyone looking too hard and took command before a loan company would be able to.

but it's not something she can do alone, and nor will she try to. instead, Emily puts word into the whispers of the city, and listens. people manifest - those willing to contribute how they can, those who will give time and effort and work into this space, and it starts to take form. the building is cleaned, and the furniture she's sourced comes in. the materials are accounted for. she's able to sit down with those who'd like to contribute their healing talents and ask the many questions she does to ensure that this can remain the space it's going to be. and she welcomes those who come in either to lend some form of assistance, or just because they're curious as to what it could be, with an open door.

it's not there yet. but it's coming together, and every day, she gets more enthusiastic for the results. to anyone that contributes, they have her utmost gratitude, and she hopes that they are building something that can weather even the turbulent landscape of the factions.

and if not...well. she has a contingency plan.]

clinic.

[deathrespect]

What kinda help you need?

( Samatoki helped out Kanae in Hakagemachi with such work as much as she helped him; its the memory of her driving him to do this.

Mostly. )

I can do anything, really.

[medicative]

[a stranger's words reach Emily while she's in the middle of hanging some shelves, and she jumps, almost dropping the hammer she was using in the process. she should have expected this by now, but somehow, it was always surprising at least half of the time. taking a quick breath, she turns to eye up the man who spoke.]

And who might you be, sir? "Anything" is a rather broad category to volunteer for without your name and skillset.

[he doesn't look like a healer, but she's been surprised before.]

[worldbent]

[Matoba glances around the space- a little bare, now, but every business began from scratch at some point. His arms are both concealed, folded into one another, in his kimono sleeves- but he's certainly in a lot less pain now than the last time they met.]

[His gaze falls to Emily, and he bows his head in greeting with a polite and dry smile.]

Word spreads quickly. I came to see it for myself.

[It doesn't seem as if they've had any trouble yet... He takes a step forward, and inclines his head towards his left shoulder.] And for that follow-up.

[medicative]

[bowing her head back, she greets him with a smile, having just set up what she'll consider to be the desk area for notes and paperwork and the like. it'll remain sparse for a while, as she prioritizes things, but the brightness in her chest can't fade over managing to get some actual healers involved in the project.]

As to the former, that was entirely my intention, and I'm glad to see that people are hearing about things. And as to the latter, I do happen to have an examination room set up, if you'll follow me.

[there's a bed to sit on, and she had managed to stock supplies, and light comes in through the window. washing her hands first, she indicates that Matoba can sit if he likes.]

How have you been feeling lately? No unusual pain or anything seeming amiss?

clinic.

[utsuge]

[ >guy who heard there was a new clinic by Enma territory.

>guy who needs to drink blood to live.

>guy who thought. oh man. blood donations. blood in a fridge? I should check this out.

Emily will find Mika trying to open the door to the clinic one day. He's not breaking in (yet), but the way he looks uncomfortable and suspicious should tell her right off that he's desperate enough to start considering crimes. ]

[medicative]

[that is...definitely someone trying to break into her not even finished clinic. he isn't at the doors and prying at them, but he has the look that means he's casing the place, thinking about it in his mind at the bare minimum, and so she walks quietly closer, before opening her mouth.]

May I help you?

[if he startles, good.]

[taintedpeony]

[Jin Guangyao had already been well aware of Emily's efforts in Hakagemachi to offer aid to the people in whatever way she could, often noting that she stretched herself a bit too thin in her efforts. So when he heard about this project he jumped to put himself at her disposal, both as someone to help with bookkeeping and organization and to learn more modern medical practices. Such a venture would take many hands to make successful, especially a practice that is under the radar such as this one.

Today he was sweeping the office and reorganizing their supplies when he turned to her with a warm smile.]

Oh, before I forget, My roommate Nie Huaisang, has sent some funds for the cause, and the regrets that he cannot come himself. Though he is happy to let others know of it through his hosting work. I have taken the liberty to add the funds to the deposit box and the books.

You did a lot of good work looking after us in Hakagemachi and I want to make sure you have the support here as well, so let me know in any way I can keep assisting you.

[He admired that about her. And the clinic went with his own views of having a socially neutral place where people can be helped if needed.]

[medicative]

[her gratitude goes beyond mere words for his help - the more people that pitched in, the less this solely rests on her shoulders, though she has no doubts that she'll still end up working herself thin over this. but she's happy to instruct and happier still to have someone else's steady hands with the numbers, even as they know they'll be running at a deficit to start. if they're careful, there might be something at some point to pay people with in return for all their work.

but the real promise was in how she could claim it was neutral for the course of medical care, and thereby allow people to talk a little more freely than they would otherwise. in everything else, she'd bow her head to the Daitengu, but this is special, so long as people remain smart about how they talk about it. so long as she can plausibly deny that she knows what affiliations walk through the door.]

Please let him know of my heartfelt thanks. I truly don't feel like I can do enough for people and their generosity in this project, but if this can be of use to the community, then that's all I could ever want. And all you're doing already is immense, don't think it isn't!

clinic

[protectorofkouka]

[Emily's aid in Hakagemachi had been invaluable so when Soo Won heard of whispers of a neutral clinic he was quick to offer his assistance. He didn't know it was being run by the same person until he visited the clinic. The telepathic chime of surprise from Miyako mirrored the surprise in Soo Won's eyes, which quickly softened into a friendly smile.]

I should have known you were behind this.

[Emily had always been rather generous with her medical services, something he greatly appreciated. He wasn't sure why someone like her was in hell. He had run into Gojyo soon after he arrived so perhaps it had to do with their yokai? Either way he was selfishly happy to see another familiar face.]

It is good to see you again Doctor.

[medicative]

[he'll catch her in the midst of fixing the blinds by one of the windows, on her tiptoes to reach what's to be retightened, but smiling as she turns to see him. he looks well, and that's a true relief for her. another familiar face means one more person who understands the unique circumstances they're in.]

It's me who should be saying that, certainly. Hello again to the both of you - I'm glad to see you under brighter circumstances.

[the world being stable is a vast improvement, after all.]

clinic!

[wingclip]

[There is always gossip in The Department of the Enma.

They are only slightly more embellished than the standard rumor and five more times likely to be caught by an unknowing ear. Rumors are invaluable in a clan that determines one's innocence based on the pretext of their actions (and where they were during said actions). As an officer of the Enma it was expected of her to keep a close watch on occupants around her area, those filtering in and out. In a way it reminded her of the times she would watch her goldfish glide in and out of their bamboo hide, one speckled gold in, another orange out.

These days the aftermath of the supposed "funeral" has her plenty busy, but she still manages to catch wind of a clinic with high hopes of establishing itself soon.

It's then that she almost forgets. Ah, that's right. These hands healed once too.

... A calm clinical setting might do her some good.

It's soon after that does she find herself at the threshold of the clinic- a petite woman in a butterfly-patterned haori and button-up uniform. She steps in quietly and takes in what has been arranged so far. The natural light filtering in invites her further in.]

Good afternoon. [She says loud enough that hopefully someone will answer and she won't intrude too much...?]

[medicative]

One moment!

[the call comes from one of the rooms further back, and sure enough, a woman emerges from the doorway soon with a polite smile on. she's dressed simply, modestly - a long skirt and a blouse, no white coat for her at least for now. the only odd thing about her would be the black feathered wings folded snug against her back, taking up as little space as they can.

the clinic itself is looking rather more put together, there's a semblance now of a front area with a desk and chairs, and the blinds have been fixed. it's still a work in progress, and some art might look nice on the walls, but it's coming along. there's light, and everything is clean, and boxes near the desk indicate that there's more being done and pieced out.]

Good afternoon, miss. What can I do for you today?

finally shows up late to the clinic with starbucks hhh

[kaientai]

[ emily's presence around the music scene has not escaped ryouma's notice — considering they occasionally run in similar circles in that area — but he always finds it easier to approach people in matters of business before anything else.

that's why he's come to check on things at the clinic instead. ryouma's a bit late compared to when she first got the word out but makes it there eventually, having squared away a lot of meetings and aiding the Kappa refugee efforts not to mention trying to dodge trouble with the turf war itself.

it's a lot, but here he is anyway, ready to help! between his work and the recent (increasing) problem of the hauntings, rest is even more scarce than usual, but it's also the hauntings that make a guy want to get out and stay out of his apartment for a while. but enough about that!! ]

Well, you look like you're doing pretty well for yourself around here so far, but if there's anything I can do, I'm here to help.

[ he's earned those two stars, might as well use them, right? ]

[medicative]

[by now, they have most of the clinic put together. the walls could use a few nice pictures, but it's not essential for opening as a functioning business. with the help of many, and the rota filled with different healers who aren't solely lost souls, then Emily's confident that by month's end they can be truly open.

at the club, she dresses accordingly, in more fancy pieces that whoever manages the wardrobe hands over, borrowed confidence from the stage lights. but here, she's just Emily, quiet and calmer, greeting him with a wave once she's finished putting away the newly sterilized equipment.]

Anything is such a broad category that I would feel ill at ease potentially asking you for something out of your wheelhouse. Besides, you have quite a few projects of your own going on, don't you?

[she listens, after all, as a Sutoku should.]

club.

[medicative]

[Club Rosolio, in Sutoku territory, is known for their live music, for the acts handpicked by the managers and how they can be new or old on the scene, but nevertheless harmonious. it's better than being known for the temperaments of some of the staff, with the dramatics that take place their own form of entertainment. as it is, Emily just tries to keep her head down and move on, here for her job as a singer and little more, though she does end up playing mediator three days out of six.

in any case, Emily does enjoy her work there, whether she's singing solo through her setlist or performing as one half of La Force, her duet act with Ritsu. really, she takes cues from him on how to behave and how to negotiate with a crowd. compared to some of the others, she's more subdued, slower, but she has some fans of her own and her performances offer a bit of a reprieve from the more intense ones. it means she has a solid place there, and it's reliable to ensure she keeps a decent roof overhead.

when not singing on stage, though, she's occasionally on the floor, mingling with customers as might be required or at the bar getting water before planning her next move. and of course, she might be walking away from a pair of people looking somewhat exhausted, having just defused a situation before it could start. who hired all these people to work under the same roof? who cares about a rug's color so deeply as to fight over it?

still, it offers its own charm, and she won't give up on it yet.]

[21towin]

Not bad darlin'!

[He was working the bar today and slid her the desired water in turn. One of the few perks of the part time job being the free shows. Even more when the show ends with him not having to throw hands. In short, an easy going night where he gets paid is the best kind of night.]

Wouldn't have takin' ya to be an entertainer though. Bit of a polymath aren't ya?

[medicative]

[she hardly expected to see him here, but even the hardest working souls in this club took time off and brought in others. lifting the glass a little to him in thanks, she sips from it before she can answer the question.]

It's not what I saw myself doing, but it pays. Besides, it offers a bit of a reprieve from tending to the assorted ills and woes of the populace, and lets me have time for my own plans.

[if she joined with an existing medical clinic, her hands would be tied in ways she hated. it had to be independent, even if she had to work so hard towards it.]

And yourself?

[sweetsong]

[ club rosolio: one of the nicer clubs in non-tamamo territory. robin's mission? to infiltrate, explore, and research what they do. it's not that he's looking to sabotage their daily operations, but figure out if there are ways to make the bar that he works in much more appealing to those who are looking for a drink and some entertainment.

but he doesn't expect to catch emily toward the end of her set, watching and listening in awe, waiting to catch her as soon as she is off the stage. ]

That was amazing! [ her solo performance... she's certainly earned herself a new fan. ] I didn't know you could do that, what's your secret?

[ not that there has to be one. robin's just playing around. ]

custom.

[medicative]

[for pre-planned starters.]

aerith.

[medicative]

[the clinic's not done, but it doesn't mean she won't see patients. in fact, it means she's there late on nights when she doesn't sing, putting in time to try and finish the dozen small projects that setting up something like this contains. she's immeasurably grateful to Aerith for assisting her, but it's clear tonight that something's on her mind as she puts away supplies, before she takes a breath and decides to speak.]

...Something's not right, Aerith. You've seen those little clay dolls, haven't you?

[the ones that are showing up everywhere.]

norimune.

[medicative]

[the clay doll they bring to the Department is wrapped in a towel, their skin bristling at the idea of touching this for long. something's not right - something's deeply amiss, and Hibiki has no issue foisting off the creations to become someone else's problem. politics, all of that, it doesn't quite matter at the moment, when they aren't even highly ranked enough to matter, to be in anyone's eyes.

but it's who they see while in line that make the youkai's eyes open a little wider, deciding to delay their inevitable wait in the endless bureaucratic line in favor of calling out.]

Ichimonji.

[that's not Emily's voice. that's older, more weathered, less overtly feminine, and the look in their eyes isn't hers either. her eyes don't have that strange green sheen.]

herlock.

[medicative]

[it's her habit now to check the arcade machines outside the game center, ever since she'd found Kamui sleeping inside one, just to make sure the incident hasn't repeated itself. so far, it hasn't, but she'll call nothing confirmed until she sees a solid while pass without any absurdity. so far, nothing, and even the tiny residents of Hell who visit them haven't seen a thing. all the better, in Emily's opinion.

which is why it's so unusual to hear some kind of fuss going on in the vicinity, something that has nothing to do with rigged games. curiously, she steps closer, hoping to eavesdrop enough to clarify it's none of her business - or if one of the little ones is involved, to make sure they extract themselves properly. but to trained eyes, perhaps, interest in the content of the disagreement looks like actively wanting to get involved.

that's not the case, but who cares what she wants?]

wildcard.

[medicative]

[for new ideas that don't fit into any category, or attacking any of the substories. ooc plotting if you'd like to map out something specific, or you can hit me up via PM!]

horror date night

[ryototsukai]

[ Musashi really loved taking Emily out. The chances to see her smile, to see her natural pensiveness melt away to reveal the joyful, earnest desires beneath, it was all sweet as candy to her. Dancing, drinking, just hanging out, getting to know her, hearing her laugh, sing...

Tonight was... different. It was almost immediately different. When Musashi came to pick her up, she could tell things had been wearing on her. She'd heard the Haniwa curses had been causing problems, but she hadn't seen a lot of it first hand, herself. She hoped she could help, but...

By the time they got to the bar, and the bartender accidentally sprayed blood from the sink, causing a panic in everyone, is when it really started to settle in.

Emily's reaction wasn't just the usual panic. There was... something else there.

Musashi pulled her in close, reaching for her kerchief to hand to her. ]

Come on, let's get out of here, okay?