» the city network

Hey, everyone. I hope you're all doing alright, despite.. you know, the circumstances. [ The Circumstances™. You all know. Daniel hopes he doesn't have to explain.

Daniel himself looks a little more tired too as he says it. Not concerningly so, and he's definitely trying to cover it up with a smile, but the guy definitely doesn't look unaffected by all the recent revelations. ] Just know I'm always here to lend a listening ear to whoever needs it, so.. just let me know if anyone needs someone to talk to.

Ah, though that isn't the main reason I'm speaking on here. I actually had two things I wanted to make sure everyone knew about. First of all, we have a document at the Welcome Diner with information on everything that's happened in this place so far while we've been here. The problem is that neither of us got involved in what was going on last month. [ Sorry, guys, Daniel isn't about to run into any new suspicious place!! This is for people who did go to the convention center.. ] So I'd be really grateful if anyone could tell what was going on back there. And for anyone who is relatively new or curious, please feel free to come over to the diner to check it all out. It's near the train station everyone shows up at, if you haven't been there before.

Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly.. I'm sure most of you have heard about the tests a group of people are doing on some of the buildings around here. [ There's something in Daniel's face, almost a wince, and then he Gestures. Intensely. ] I want you to know I don't necessarily condone this, but.. [ Another vague gesture. You know. Can't stop these crazy kids, even when you're worried about the plan.. ] So please be careful if you get involved in it. Realise what the possible consequences for yourself could be, especially in a dangerous place like this.

Anyway, since I figured we have to make sure to look out a little bit more for safety, I'd like to ask people who use certain empty buildings or have an important spot somewhere in an empty building to please speak up about it, so that group of people can know to make sure to avoid those spots during their testing.

[ .. He exhales. It's a deep breath, maybe looking even a touch more tired now. ]

I think that's all of it. Everyone, just.. take care, alright?

( ooc: for anyone who would have gone to the diner to check out the document at the diner, you can find it here! )

Has anyone seen Brook?

I haven't seen him all day and he's not in his room.

[A gentle clearing of the throat, and a man speaks in a clipped, poshly accented voice. Every word perfectly enunciated.]

To all fellow unwitting tourists,

What is the singular fact about this city and/or our presumed hosts you wish someone had told you upon your arrival?

Much obliged.

I'd meant to do this before, but honestly last month was a bit of mess. So, here we are, the stakes lower and less obnoxious felines involved.

Clinic update: I am, ideally, looking to work with Kaveh in arranging an actual building instead of the shoddy apartment I have myself set up in. I doubt that'll be complete anytime soon, but suffice it to say the clinic is still in operation as-is until further notice.

It's been brought to my attention a few times, but in light of our many incidents here, I will be arranging classes for proper first aid. I will be doing this on each weekend unless a medical emergency arrives. Hopefully that'll ensure the lot of you know how to better set a bone or a papercut, hm? Let me know if you intend on participating.

Lastly, and less important but... we'll say it's a bit of curiosity: I'd like for you to share your favorite poem. I don't really care about genre, just share it here. Thanks.

[ the video begins with badou wearing one of his usual tees, carefully setting his phone down so the camera angle can spot him sitting on his living room floor surrounded by an array of dresses. affixed to his wrist is a little cloth pumpkin, stuck full of needles and pins. he's without his usual cigarette, instead sucking on a lollipop that stains his lips bright red. last time he made a post on the network his neck was bruised and bandaged — this time it's the same thing, but the bruise is angrier, spreading across his neck and shoulder, disappearing under a bandage and gauze that looks about ready to get changed in an hour or two. ]

Evenin'.

[ he picks up the skirt of one of the dresses, flipping it inside-out to access the pocket he'd been working on attaching. ]

So I'm sittin' here, mendin' dresses — as you do — and I nicked myself pretty good and I'm thinkin', well, shit, that's another one I gotta wait on, y'know?

[ he lifts a forefinger, displaying a bandage that looks an awful like like dora the explorer, and wiggles it in the direction of the camera. ]

It got me thinkin'—

How many of us here are just regular ol' humans? Or whatever. I'm talkin' no magic, no special augmentations, no fancy shamcy abilities that got you doin' better than the average guy.

[ he pauses to finish off a stitch, making a knot with his thread and cutting the excess with his teeth. ]

See, where I'm from, that ain't the norm. But that doesn't seem to be the case around here.

[ oh, one more thing— ]

And if you are one of the special ones, go ahead and tell us what you can do. Why not, right? What else do any of us got to hide at this point?

good day! or, well, good evening, i suppose. it is rather laTE, ISN'T IT? OH, BOTHER, I DO BEG PARDON, I'VE DONE SOMETHING AGAIN. HOW DO I MAKE IT

there, did that do it?

goodness, i'll have to be more careful, i don't know how i keep getting so turned around with it. yes, well! good evening. it seems as though people often use this little magic device as a way of asking questions and so i rather thought i would i would ask a few of my own if it's all right.

the first is, is there by any chance someone here from the other world? the one where shakespeare comes from. i've been sitting up trying to remember how one of hamlet's speeches goes and i'm afraid i keep getting rather stuck. it's "to sleep perchance to dream; ay, there's the rub" but then i don't quite recall what comes after that. i don't suppose anyone happens to know?

the second is, would anyone happen to have a good remedy for nightmares? the dream sort, that is, not the, er. creature.

thank you! now let's see if i can maKE THIS OH DRAT IT ALL IT DID IT AGAIN

there! awful thing

This might be a silly question. But how do you suppose we should be counting our birthdays here?

I technically should be 19 now, I think.
But if it's Halloween, I'm still a bit away from my birthday, too.

Should I be 18 or 19?

Hello! Tsuruno Yui here, along with Robby!

[ It’s exactly as what’s written on the tin–Tsuruno is smiling at the camera and Robby’s also here with a smile, giving a nod to the camera. ]

We’re checking out the university since that newsletter seemed pretty obviously mysterious, but we also wanted to put the invitation out to anyone who might be interested that if they want to check it out, you can come show up now while there’s safety in numbers! You know, in case of… uh… cursed pencils or whiteboard monsters or… anything else.

[ Dutifully: ] We’re being responsible, Mister LaRusso.

Real responsible, [ Chimes in the boy next to Tsuruno, amused. ] We'll let everyone know what we find, unless someone else wants to do that. But, yeah; heading to the social science department in a city that likes messing with our heads? Feels on the nose.

[ But maybe that's just Robby. ]

( Post-Investigation )

Oh, hello there.

[Standing in the video is what appears to be a man, even if his proportions are distinctly too tall, arms and legs far too long. The mask he's wearing doesn't help to offset the appearance, and the mouth does not move.

Despite the network username distinctly being Daan's, the voice sounds nothing like him.]

Ladies, gentleman, and all there in between, it's a real pleasure to take advantage of this nifty invention to speak to you all at long last. It's been a real kicker waiting this long, but I'm nothing if not patient! So here we are, and introductions are in order, aren't they? Or maybe we've already met? Well, a refresher couldn't hurt.

I'm called a lot of things, but Pocketcat has been the most consistent. Funny little moniker! I absolutely adore it. And so suitable, too, for my pockets are very deep indeed.

Usually I'm something of a merchant, but I'll admit, my usual goods are just not material right now. My apologies on that front, but perhaps we could all barter for something else instead. I do so love a conversation almost as much as I love to trade, and frankly what is a chat but a trade of words anyway?

Ah, but here I am, rambling on! I should get to the point. Do forgive me.

You may ask me questions, of course, but I'll want something in return. That's just how the barter system goes, baby. For now... let's say I'll want your best story or secret. I'll just have to give a story in return. If such things interest you, of course.

Ta, my loves. I'll be thinking of you all.

[ Though the video feed may be started with Daniel’s username, it seems like the man isn’t the only person visible when the message starts. Robby is right there next to him, the man with a friendly smile on his face and the boy smiling, though not as brightly. ]

Hello, everyone! As I’m sure many of you have experienced yourself, suddenly arriving in this place on the train can be more than a little disorienting. And though many people here are incredibly kind and willing to help, Robby and I thought that it would also be nice to have a place where new people can be directed to in order to get some information, a warm welcome, and some equally warm food. So we’re planning on clearing out a space somewhere near the main train station to turn it into a welcome diner of sorts.

We know people are arranging clubs and have regular meet-ups, [ speaks up Robby this time, ] so we thought they'd be a good place to advertise them. Let them know who's running clinics, who to ask about the kiosk or the city. Share what's happened here, too.

[ There's the faintest shift in Robby's tone at the mention of that, but he quickly adds: ] Oh, yeah, and we know there's been talk about how supplies are doing. The food's gonna be packaged and good to take out if people want it–if you wanna help with recipes, or help out with the idea in general, let us know.

[ Daniel is definitely smiling like a proud dad sensei the entire time he’s listening to the boy speak. Please don’t mind a man being very embarrassing, even ruffling his hair once Robby is done speaking. The highest form of humiliation a teenager can suffer. ]

Really, Robby deserves all the credit. He really does always have the best ideas. Everyone, make sure to befriend him, alright?

[ There's a very teenage huff from behind Robby, and the video feed is moving as: ] Okay, I think we're done.

[ Yes, that's Robby reaching for the phone to end the post. Freedom!!!! ]

[The video shows Hob, sitting at home on a balcony of his apartment. He smiles, but there's a little uncertainty to his attempt at pleasantness. Something is bothering him.]

Hello, all. Uh, I don't mean to alarm everyone, but...

[That's usually how people cause alarm. Good work, Hob.]

I noticed something strange during my recent walks. I have a path I routinely take as I explore the city, walking different areas each day in case there's something out of the ordinary. Well, I typically stop in the same shops for some water or food, or to carry something home. When I went into one of the stores I frequent, I noticed the things I helped myself to previously haven't been replaced. It always was, before.

[It's hard to mask his concern.]

As more people typically arrive about once a month, if resources get scarcer... shouldn't we think of something?

[A quick smile.]

Or maybe it's all a fluke! A temporary disruption in services. That's all.

[That could be it, right? Hob doesn't have to eat to live, but starving is not a lot of fun.]

I've an odd question to ask, if you'll indulge me.

Let us say a world exists where all work toward the betterment of their world, where none go without, and no one need be separated from their loved ones before they could bid farewell. Each day is peaceful and productive, and you know your place within it. You need not leave until you are ready, and only when you feel fulfilled.

Would you choose to live in this world or the one you came from? Why?

And to those who know why I ask this question, I pray you answer as well, and do so honestly. I promise 'tis in the spirit of keeping an open mind.

[Crowley flips on the camera before sitting back in an office chair in his usual slouch. Behind him is the backdrop of one of the labyrinthine office buildings, the shades of beige and grey a sharp contrast to his black clothes and red hair. There is a peculiar tension about him, something about the way he's square his shoulders, and the considerable supply of unopened bottles next to him suggests there is some need for the liquid courage.]

Right then. The mall here, yeah? Only marginally worse than the normal kind. And hey, at least we'll never have to deal with the Boxing Day rush, eh?

...That'd be analogous to Black Friday for all you Americans. I don't know if there's a Canadian equivalent. Never stuck around long enough to find out. Saw a moose once and decided that place could just be someone else's problem.

[He shuffles uncomfortably.]

Okay. Yeah. Enough small talk. Time to rip the bandaid off.

[Deep breaths, Crowley.]

So the thing I was worried about happening? ...Happened. For the exact reason and in the exact way I thought it would happen. I'm sure I'll look back and laugh about it one day, but right now I'd like to get ahead of it happening again. No more fun little surprise exorcisms. At least none that I won't see coming.

So, here we go. Let's get this over with.

I'm a literal demon from literal Hell - yes that one - and their former operative of Earth, presently retired.

Ask me anything.

[He's already popping the top off the tequila. He's going to need it.]

On a professional level:
unless it's an emergency, I'm not currently handling patients at this time
so if you have a general check up or you're worried about a rash or something seek out one of the other doctors
great we've got that squared away

Non-professional question:
what's waiting for you back in your home?
Family, friends, saving the world, a hot date?
just a bit of curiosity on my side
Cheers

(ooc: silly open mingle at a spencer's ft kamui and wrench, come through! 👽)

[Towards the end of the first day the mall is open for business, citygoers stuck there receive a grainy, low-light video of Kamui. He's barely visible in the feeble cast of an emergency light; occasionally, his left eye catches and reflects the glow. His silver eye shines eerily like a cat's in the dark.]

H-- [the video freezes for a split-second before beginning again.] Hello? The connection's pretty bad here. Sorry.

[He blinks owlishly into the camera, then turns the feed around and flicks on the phone's flashlight.]

I'm not sure h-- [the video skips again, but ultimately, it lands upon the false brick exterior of a clothing store on the second floor.] --Ugh. This sucks.

[As he enters the store again, viewers might catch a glimpse of Wrench hustling to the back of the store past... a few display rows of lava lamps?]

Maybe this'll be-- [Kamui swaps to text.]

Is this working? Okay, yes. This is working better.

So, I think we've all discovered we're having trouble getting out of this mall by now. I'm not sure how much there's left to eat in the food court, but there's snacks and drinks up here as well, along with blankets, pillows, clothes, and [...] other supplies.

Please stay calm, be on your guard, and try to stay with at least one other person. More, if possible. I'm getting a really bad feeling about this place.

hey. bumped into people around here looking for others to do stuff with, like sports, hanging out, etc. was thinking we could share what hobbies we have and maybe find people to do stuff with. or even just chat about whatever.

i visit the gym for muscle training with a friend, go running with another (who should talk about that). used to skateboard and even played soccer years ago. i know karate if anyone else does it. and a sensei who won't mind teaching if anyone's interested.

so, yeah. you into fashion, music, or just want to talk about something with people, could be fun. find out if anyone else is really into big fluffy birds called chocobos

( ooc: please mingle, share character hobbies or whatever your character wants to chatter about. no need to ask robby anything. ♡

topics!!:

dnd "TECHNICALLY" • art • reading, running • gym, learning first aid • fashion, shopping, coding, engineering, martial arts
roller derby • he knows chocobos!!! • magic • family restaurants, swimming, running, sports •
HOT CHOCOBO PICS HERE, videogames, photography, running, guns • architect, bow-making, how do walkman work •
teaching karate, being old, dad, mechanic, japanese and italian cuisine • videogames and anime
HEROES, hero movie, comics, heroboo • literature, history • blacksmith, performances )

Tell me, has anyone discovered anything that matters, or are we trapped in a cycle of questions that lead to more questions?

Death is temporary here, and all the graves lie empty. Our needs are all provided for by unseen hands, and yet the motives of our captors remain a mystery. What does any of it mean? It's beyond my ability to understand. All I know is that I'm weary of this endless confusion. I refuse to accept that this is permanent, but I am at a loss for ways to help. I don't know the right questions to ask.

If I were in my own world, I would read to pass the time. Here, that is impossible. I can't help but think that the powers that be must have some grudge against the introverted. Unfortunately, I lack the constitution for party planning. Surely there must be a greater purpose to this?

Hello.
My name is Ken Kaneki, I'm 18 years old and I come from Tokyo in Japan. I have just arrived.

There are still many things I don't understand about this place. But I'm curious, is there a library in this place? Or a bookshop? Or any place for me to find books?

And where do people live? Do you just take a room for yourselves, like everything else? [ it just sounds wrong... ]

What are we meant to do here? [ what is the point of being here, he wonders ]

Thank you to everyone who helped me when I first arrived on the train. And everyone who answers this post. [ he is very polite indeed ]

[Given the fantastic angle staring up the stem of a half-full glass of wine accompanied by a fat green bottle with a pair of gangly, denim-clad legs only partially in view, it's very clear this was probably meant to be an audio post. Crowley is outside somewhere - likely the park or graveyard given what little scenery is in focus, and the reason for his mistake becomes more apparent when he speaks with an evident, wine-drunk slur.]

Right. Summer is infinitely better when there aren't dozens of insects trying to eat you alive at any given time. Point in favour to the city. Well done. No idea how you're going to get any of these plants pollinated but I'm assuming it's the same way you get all the food here. Magic, probably, or something like it.

Still, nothing like going out and it's just you, the sun, and nice bottle of Tempranillo and an afternoon basking. There's a nice flat boulder in the park; catches the morning sun brilliantly, lovely and warm, 10/10, if that's anyone's particular vice.

[A hand comes into view and lifts the glass out of frame. There's a pause, and when it's returned, it's nearly empty.]

Of course there are still a boatload of points not in favour of the city; no art. No music. No shows. No actual nightlife to speak of. Not even books or programs on the telly! All those tubs of icecream for the taking and no re-runs of the Golden Girls to eat them to. Terrible.

[There's a rapid series of clicks that sounds like he's fiddling with a ballpoint pen.]

Anyway, those of you familiar with old Billiam the Bard; got a question. Taming of the Shrew -- is it 'methinks the lady doth protest too much' orrrrr 'the lady doth protest too much, methinks'? Sss'been a while and I'm a bit too squiffy to remember properly right now.