» the city network

I suppose there's no reason to put this off any longer.

Recall a month ago I said that someone stole a book from me. To be more forthcoming, it's known as a skin bible from my world. About as charming as you can expect. I was concerned that the person in question would use a ritual instructed in the book.

If you experienced a series of wretched rooms, the replaying of your memories, that sort of thing -- that was the result of the ritual, at least in its limited form.

[He says with a sneer:] And you can thank Fearne for the lovely time you had. I'd exercise some caution with your belongings around her, suffice it to say.

...Though I will also bear the responsibility of being the owner of that book. I had no intention of ever using it myself, but it seems some people can't fucking help themselves.

That'll be all. Please try not to get yourselves sick or injured, I'm tired.

[ let those wounds heal and come clean--to everyone, angela had told her.

well. the wounds won't heal for some time, as many as there are, but she fears they never will 'til she does the latter. but it's hard, it's difficult, and there are many more who have not even thought about it... such a possibility is ever in the back of one's mind, of disappearing as althea had done, as gregor and roland and gebura, as the young ken amada and so many more--

but no one really stops to think about it until it happens. their population has dwindled, month by month, without a word.



the background is colorful and a myriad of various crafts, not her own room at home (home, what a funny concept it is to call such here, and yet--) but at the host club of which she works. don quixote is not here to advertise her space nor is she here to show off some new craft, and everything from the oversized sweater she wears to the attempt at a bright smile despite the darkness under her eyes speaks to those even who may have met her once that something isn't quite right today. she's always a cheerful, upbeat girl to any she meets, any she passes or knows,

just not today. ]

Ahem! Kehm. Good day to thee all, new faces and old. I am Don Quixote, holder of several positions and jobs both here and in the world I hail from; it is alright if we have yet to meet, but prithee do not retire just yet! I have something I wish to speak to thee about... something that is quite important, and shall perhaps change the way thy time here is spent.

[ ... huuuuf. okay. ]

Some months ago, perhaps four hence, I found myself upon the train as if I had died -- and I can assure thee, as one who has died purposefully before, it was the same but different. With my return, I found I had gained many new memories and experiences... as if I had gone back to my world and lived it, from the very moment I had left. Those who were here still appeared and acted as they ought there, without a word about this city, this world, and... in truth--

I did not recall this city whatsoever when I was gone from it and remembered my time only once I had returned.

[ shot out, without a pause save the stumble before, and don holds the gaze of her device a moment before exhaling. ]

To those whom I lied to, I am sorry. It was not my intention to hurt thee, nor to give false hope unduly, but I did not want any to think their time here meaningless simply because one does not remember it. I am certain there must be a way that we may-- we may keep them, or to leave our mark upon the world in hopes of jogging our memories should we find ourselves in the same circumstance, just as others have left theirs with pictures, with scratches in tables and walls, and-- and so on! But... I do not know, so I only wished to be honest and frank. For it is only once we are armed with knowledge that may we be able to solve a problem, or so I am told.

[ ... and she wanted to come clean, too. for herself. it's a lot easier like this than doing it one on one, she finds, not having to worry about the other's reaction so soon, though she shrinks a little all the same. ]

I am not the only one who has experienced this coming and going, that I know for certain, but I understand if it may sound unbelievable, or that one may wish to deny it. Do what comforts thee best, but know that what I say is true -- and allow this space to be one in which we may exchange ideas to ensure that these memories of ours last beyond our time spent here.

[ and,

as tempting as it is just to close off completely and throw herself back into her work without further replies, she'll still very much be around. for better or worse. ]

( kromer, famously, almost never uses the video function—it's a taboo in n corp to take pictures, record film, things like that, and she's spent enough time there that it feels almost criminal to do so. she does it only for very specific reasons: to make sure people know she's not paying attention to them, or...

well, today it's because she's making cookies! welcome to Cooking with Kromer. the kitchen is well-lit, her ingredients are out, everything in its place... )

Good afternoon, City folk. For those who know me, how're we doing? For those who don't, I'm Kromer. Pleasure.

( ...haha. )

Anyway, first you're gonna wanna make sure your butter's nice and soft... Room temperature's best, but you just don't want it cold. It won't cream as well that way! Now... ( she doesn't want her voice drowned out by a fucking MIXER so she's creaming it the old fashioned way, thanks— ) I didn't start this up just to show off my baking skills. Actually, I had some pretty important stuff to say!

( add vanilla and the powdered sugar... work that in... )

So recently... You could say I've been causing a little bit of trouble. Sort of testing the waters, seeing how much you could actually pull here before whoever's in charge of our iteration got tired of it.

( once that's come together, flour... )

I found it, and let me tell you... You don't really wanna cross that threshold. They'll kidnap you to some crummy facility—by the way, totally empty. Looked kind of like a hospital, but all the rooms were locked... You know how it goes with locked doors around here, right? I wasn't gonna try 'em—anyway, they had some of those rooms I woke up in, they had some sleep monitoring ones, things like that.

( dump out the dough onto a floured surface. shape it into a rectangle, and wrap it in plastic. kromer smacks it a few times with her hand, looking pleased. )

I'm not really keen on talking about what went on, but I can say... Did anyone else read those papers about Pavlov or whatever? They're using that guy's thing with the dogs.

( ................

she retrieves some already made dough from her fridge. she is deadset on her fucking cookie-making right now. )

Just wanted to let everyone know not to cause too much trouble, alright? Let's really get along, make friends, and do our best to make a community we can alllll be proud of.

( she doesn't sound all that enthused, though. )

Oh, and if anyone has any shortbread shape ideas... I'll take 'em. Nothing childish, okay? I'm not making a bunch of dicks.

[ For a good while, all anyone's going to see is the cityscape of the second district. There's clear movement as the scene seems to move and shake with what seems to be the sounds of footsteps in the background. ]

Hello? Hi, my name is—oh no, the video is on backward, uh—

[ There is a small pause, and after much tinkering, the feed switches over to the front camera. Crisis adverted? On the screen is a teenage girl, looking barely legal with a strange hairstyle. She has on a pretty friendly smile, with all things considered, and doesn't seem entirely too distraught. ]

—there we go! Hello again, sorry for the trouble! My name is Usagi Tsukino and I'm new to the city. So far, I've found a place to live, I think, and I'm just trying to familiarize myself with the place so it's easier to navigate.

[ She looks pensive for a moment. ]

Or perhaps more information on the place? How do things work around here? Anything is fine. [ She pauses for a moment. ] Oh, maybe a place to get food? I haven't seen anywhere that resembles a restaurant where I am, but I'm not entirely sure.

Sorry for all the questions, and thank you for your time!

[ The video feed switches off, but it seems like she somehow didn't close the voice transmission along with the video. ]

Okay...where am I, ooooh, I could really go for a large banana split sundae right about now...where does a girl get some ice cream around here?

...wait, didn't I walk past that place earlier? Huh? Why is this still on? Oh no.....!

[ And the voice transmission cuts off here. ]

[ The video starts focused on an empty seat in some random non-descript fast food restaurant. It's abruptly swept in blue as the sender crosses the front of the camera to sit down in an obvious harrumph of displeasure. One leg over the other, a young, beautiful man with a wide brimmed hat looks at the camera with irritation written all over his face as he waves a box of crackers in front of him. ]

Disgusting. You call the stuff this city offers food?

[ He tosses the box aside, and shifts forward to pick up his phone. The view blurs a bit, before it steadies onto a table full of a variety of food. There are nine dishes in total: tahchin, fatteh, murtabak, ratatouille, chazuke, roujiamo, stirfried vegetables, choumeiji sakura mochi, and even opera cake. It's a wide variety of dishes from various regions—a veritable banquet, and each of them have been plated carefully to be presented in the most appealing way possible. Whoever cooked them clearly cared for every aspect of the dish.

With a voice full of disdain, the Wanderer speaks up again, leaving the video trained on the food. ]

The quality of the ingredients is subpar, but this is way better than anything this place could give you.

[ He takes the phone again, and directs it to himself once more. Then he sits back, this time crossing his arms. ]

Let's make a deal. I make whatever dish you want me to, provided I know it. A recipe would suffice too. You give me information about the city.

[ And then he sits back to wait for responses. ]

Hi.

My name is Akihiko Sanada, I've just arrived to the city.

For those inclined — can anyone tell me where the gym is or what gym most residents tend to use if there's multiple? I'd like to keep my form while I'm here and this would be the best option.

Also, if anyone needs a consistent gym partner and/or spotter, I'd like to offer myself up.

And finally, if there isn't a gym, just curious how others stay in fighting form while they're here? Is there a training group? I think it's really important to be vigilant about these type of things.

Thanks.

[ And then that seems to be it before a quick edit pops up on the post — ]

In addition, does anyone know if there are shops with better protein powder available? I've only seen one kind here so far and it's not my usual brand, so looking for variety. Thank you.

[ Akihiko, you depressing nerd. ]

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 screen opens up to a black imitation Chesterfield couch in pride of place at the centre of the screen. On it sits a young man of seemingly around twenty years old, dressed in a half unbuttoned black shirt and silver waistcoat, tight black slacks and shining black boots with golden toe caps; his long legs crossed elegantly before him, he lifts his wrist in a light wave of greeting toward the viewfinder. ]

Good evening, everyone. Lestat here.

( Read more... )

[ hello and welcome to Boredom Hours, sponsored by one too many midafternoon beers and a perpetual inability to not immediately make his ennui everyone else's problem. today's host is... Reno!

when the video starts, it's to a shockingly decently framed shot of Reno doing the hooligan squat on the front stoop of his apartment building. he's got a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth, and once he's sure that the video is rolling he takes a long drag of it before he speaks. ]

Sup. I'm Reno. Some of ya may know me from my colorful past as "guy who got yanked into pool by tentacle monster."

[ probably nobody knows him that way but it's fine. we are not concerned with strict veracity here. Reno blows a neat smoke ring and grins the kind of grin that means he knows he's being a pain in the ass. ]

I was thinkin', y'know, there's only so many of us. Probably ain't a bad idea to get to know each other, right? [ he gestures with his cigarette as he speaks as if to underscore his words. ] We need some conversation starters. Some icebreakers, y'know? Everybody's favorite highlight from their corporate bonding retreats.

So! [ he holds up a hand to count on.

one finger. ] Two truths and a lie. Post 'em, let other people guess. I'll leave mine too. Shoutout to the blond girlie who had that party a couple months back for this one.

[ two fingers. ] Hot or not. Or smash or pass, whatever you wanna call it. Post yourself and let people vote, if you're brave. Or post your friends if you want to fuck around. You can all see my face right now so count that as my submission.

[ three fingers. ] Creativity exercise, open prompt. You can go anywhere, be anybody, do anything you want. The world ain't ending and there's no war or whatever the hell going on. Who are you and what are you doing? [ brief smoke break, and then Reno stubs the butt out on the cement, exhaling as he says, ] Me, I wanna make mediocre coffee for minimum wage and not worry about shit except makin' rent.

[ and lastly, four fingers. ] "Reno, this is fuckin' stupid and I don't want to do it." Okay, nobody's got a gun to your head. We ain't even got guns here. Do what you want.

[ his four fingers curl in so he can offer a cheerful, if a bit manic, thumbs-up before he reaches out to turn off the video.

just before he touches the button, though, he pauses as if something just occurred to him— ] Oh, shit—also, drop map pins for your favorite restaurant in this place. I'm in the market for new eats, bonus points if it's spicy.

[ okay, now he's gone. ]

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!!!! ]

Hello, this is Kaneki. [ he is always going to introduce himself and say who he is because he never did social media before. kaneki is awkward like that ] I hope everyone is alright after what happened.

I have been realizing that despite me coming from a version of Earth, my version is different. All Earths are very different from each other. Did your Earth have another sentient species besides humans? I wonder if that's an exception or the norm.


On an unrelated note, I had the idea of sharing stories. Since there are no written books in this place, we could sit down and tell each other stories we know, or even stories we make up. Like... a book club, but instead it's a story club.


There would be snacks, of course. I can bring and make coffee.

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

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 )

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 ]

I thought I would share this for the benefit of new arrivals and our more veteran individuals. So a bit of repetitive information for some of you, but I'm sure you'll forgive me.

Call me Daan. I am a doctor. There are a couple of others here as well if I'm not to your preferences, but I do currently a temporary location arranged if you need medical assistance. I will include it after my message is finished. We're working on something a bit more permanent, but due to the nature of the city and how it resets, our choices are scarce. So we'll make do for now.

Ideally, I'd like to perform a series of physicals for anyone who is willing. Just basic things to keep track of in case something happens. Blood pressure, height, weight, the same old same old. Obviously I wouldn't dream of forcing anyone to come if they don't want to, but consider it encouraged.

Now then. Let me know if any of you have any questions for me, and I'll do my best to answer.

[the message ends in the location of daan's mojodojocasahouse apartment/office combo]

Does anyone have spare quarters or dimes? Or something akin to American currency? I'd like to play with the ice cream shop's jukebox a little more and see if I can shuffle to some late 90s music.

(The ice cream looks good, but there's no durian flavor, so pass for now).

And just to see who knows this little track...

"You are my fire
The one desire..."

5 points to whoever finishes the verse! It'd be wonderful to know it exists in other worlds and timelines 😊

[ When the video begins, the room being recorded is dark except for two lamps on either side tilted to create a spotlight in the center. A woman has her back to the camera, wearing a black leather jacket, a tank top, and red pants. ]

Things sure have been getting interesting really quickly. Murder, mystery, organized fights to the death! I thought this place would be dull, but it's been really lively.

However, it's also been grim. I think it's time to brighten the mood.

So, tell me-

[ Now she turns half-way, whipping her hair out and twisting her front side to be noticeable. It's all about the T&A. ]

When it comes to women, what's your type? [ Then, she smirks. ] And if you think a boring answer like "I don't like women" will suffice, I'll just say-

[ Then she twists and whips in the opposite direction, back side still front and showing off her flexibility. ]

When it comes to men, what's your type!? Don't even think about evading the question because I will get an answer, one way or another.

[At first it's just an eyebrow with some muttering about stupid contraptions.] How does this thing work?

[He pulls it closer, but there's an eye now. You wanted to see an eye, right?] And just how are you supposed to tell if it is working?

[He sighs before holding it a little farther away.] Well, I do not know if it is working. This thing is unusual at best. I suppose I might as well make an introduction. Hello. [He goes to tip the hat that is not there before making an annoyed expression and moving on.] My name is John Henry, but you may call me Doc. If anyone is better with these things, I believe I may be in need of some instruction.

Unless I am talking to myself. [This is said softer and meant to be mostly to himself.] Perhaps I ought to stop this before I make even more of a fool of myself.