1. The Pilot

"Even if this turns to be a curse, I will love this curse like a blessing"

[In a sea of stars sits a lone planet. Small, about twice as big as a house.

And on that planet, there is a bus, still and silent

And by that bus is Dante, seated in the grass, leaning back against against a tree, a pencil in hand as they doodle... sheep?]

2. Spanner and Drill

"That is why we formally request that you solve this case for us. In return, we will exempt you from your Time Tax debt."

[Things are certainly looking a bit... sepia lately. It's as if all the color in the world has been drained away, like a yellowed photograph once black and white, or a flashback in some cartoon or movie.

It's not a flashback, however, this much you know for sure. Despite the almost... anachronistic mix of older architecture mixed with something slightly modern and industrial beneath a smog-obscured sky.]

< All right. Let's go over the details one more time. >

[Even Dante's usual ensemble is nearly as colorless as the world around them, yet a hint of that red remains.]

< In order to clear our debt to T Corp, we're looking into this "Case of Timekilling Time" for them, which may or may not involve a Distortion. Our first stop is the watch factory the third victim owns, since he's the only one currently capable of speaking. Any questions? >

[That's right, it's time to solve a case! And what kind of detective would you be without the proper outfit and fake mustache? Odachi with absurdly sharp scabbard not included

CW: Blood, violence, disturbing imagery (starving vampires, impalement)

All be jolly now, at this kingdom of joy~

((There will be a song linked in here. The lyrics are in the video's summary, but be warned that if you do decide to read them, there's a single line about fingernails depending on how well you deal with that sort of thing))


[You're here on a mission, and you've reached the third "area" you need to go to before the way to your target will open:

The Parade.

Costumed, masked figured sing and dance. A lively (except for when it isn't) song fills the air, sung by the amusement park staff. It's a catchy song, one that bids you to dance and sing along.

There's just one problem... More than one, really.

Bloodied, half-shambling creatures that were once people shuffle along, pushed forward by the endless parade. Some of them are little more than hissing, rattling nightmares, arms transformed into jagged, makeshift weapons made of hardened, crystallized blood. Others are still aware, and sob and plead pitifully as they fight the change overcoming them.

The luckiest of them all are carried in on pikes, held aloft like banners, half their body long decayed. Some of the poles still terminate in blood-drenched flags.

And the staff of this amusement park--La Manchaland--the fancily costumed people dancing and singing and sobbing and smiling in sharp, rictus grins... is composed entirely of Bloodfiends. Or, as you may call them in your world: vampires.

((Got something else you'd like to go with? Go for it! Or contact me at shadetoshade if you'd like to plan something.))