» the city network

( There is exposition here. )

[ Kaveh is definitely taking the phone at this point, but later on, Midnight will retrieve it and add a postscript. He is sitting in some sort of underground greenhouse this time, surrounded by mist, glass, flowers, and the glow of sun-tinted halogen lights. Regardless of the promo quality, the greenhouse itself is certainly an impressive feat of engineering. ]

Yes, this is one of several themed rooms here at Seventh Hell. You — yes, you — are personally invited to see it. When? Well, whenever you like, so long as the doors are open, but on the 31st of this month... Ahem.

[ He clears his throat, grins. ]

For the turn of the year, you are cordially invited to Seventh Hell's Grand Opening and New Year's Eve joint celebration. Or something like that, I'll come up with a grander name if necessary. There will be drinks, music, a tour of the premises, games, untold bliss, fantasies, beautiful women, beautiful men, myself among them, possibly fireworks if Kaveh can be convinced that I won't set the place ablaze... You won't want to miss out, I promise.

The doors will open at 6 pm, but come by anytime before then, from now until the New Year, if you'd like to enjoy the premises in relative solitude. Send a message to this account if you'd like to be assured of a bartender, or a friendly face to speak to. If I can't come personally, a host or hostess will be there, ready to welcome you to a night of merriment and pleasant conversation.

So, until then... Seventh Hell awaits you.

[ A wink, and the feed shuts off. ]

[ ooc: Along with normal network replies, current host club employees and staff are welcome and encouraged to reply to this post as though Midnight's included them in an impromptu promotion for the club! You can also use this post for post-promo, off camera conversations with him or anyone else in the host club. Go stupid, go wild, go crazy, threadjack, steal his phone and flush it down a toilet. Honestly, the sky is the limit. ]

( ugh the fact that girl made her host this.... dorothea burn in hell or wherever it is you've gone. well, she's got a reputation to uphold, so she'll just use a different username for today... )

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It's the twelfth month of the year, which only means one thing: Christmas. For those who don't know (poor things!), Christmas is a wonderful time of year where you come together with your family or other loved ones and exchange gifts, eat warm home-cooked food, and have a grand old merry time.

Since we're lacking in a couple of those things, we can do another fun little tradition that's pretty popular back home. People sign up, say what they like or dislike or whatever, and then someone else will get them a gift! Everyone's randomly assigned, so maybe you'll even end up making a new friend or two. Isn't that nice?

And maybe if you're all good little boys and girls and anything in-between, Santa himself will be the one to gift you your present this year. Hohoho.

Christmas is traditionally on the 25th day of the twelfth month, so that's when we'll be starting our gifting! There'll be a nice little place set up around and in City Hall for you to swing by and hand them or drop them off if you end up getting someone you don't know, or if you really don't want them to know you were their secret Santa... Let's make this a merry little month, shall we? It's been a whole half year since the first of those unlucky louts showed up, after all! Poor guys.

If there's any fun little winter activities any of you do during this time too, why not share them? Could be fun to have a few extra things to stave off the boredom between the day-changing occurrences that happen every few weeks in this city.

( and attached to this post is a form. go ahead and look at the info post, sign up if you want, and have fun. )

[ you know her. you don't know her. you will know her, soon enough.

miss don quixote, brightly beaming, is not alone today. she has with her... three young men sat with various levels of comfort on a couch, all dressed in somewhat matching holiday sweaters.

only somewhat. herself? a normal cozy cream-colored one with cat paws trailing from one shoulder down. normal. she loves her friends, promise. ]

Salutations!!! Prithee, turn thy gaze, open thine ears, and pay mind to what this Don Quixote has to say! For two more of my coworkers hath arrived, and thus the Limbus Company is four strong!!! In addition to our stern boss, of course!!! I shall presently introduce the three here with some questions I have thus prepared.

[ let her... here is here notebook, dolled up with stickers. aHem. ]

From left to right, as well as answering order [ , hello? one of them has an issue with that-- ] is Emil Sinclair, Yi Sang, and Hong Lu. Young Sinclair is one who shall be more familiar to others by face or mention, as we arrived together so long ago... but they are all precious companions of mine.

Let us begin! What is thy favorite color?

[ okay. okay! this is easier than the first company introduction he did, for various reasons. not that he still isn't obviously a mild kind of timid about the whole thing, even as he attempts to. you know, not let that show. look, He's Trying. ]

Favorite... I don't think about it much, but. Blue. Green, maybe? Or... No, blue and green.

[ should he add more? reasoning? or pick ONE? ]

They're both calming. Like thinking about a sunny day. [ nodding, before he- looks around. help. ] Um. Do I need to say more than that?

[ he's nailing this? why didn't he go last so he could get an "average response length" reference? ]

[ because you have to go first and get over yourself, sinclair, lead the way as the senior to these two newbies-- ]

Nay, that is quite alright! I think thy reasoning is sound enough, Young Sinclair.

[ That's... not really something he's thought about. He'd all but forgotten what colors existed outside of sepia. There'd been no such thing as a "favorite color" in T Corp.'s domain, not when T. Corp. ensured everything was the same color within its borders.

But T Corp. is behind him, and his now properly-functioning photoreceptors allow him to contemplate answers other than that muted sepia. It doesn't quite solve the fact that he's not used to having things like favorites or preferences, but he'd like to offer a proper response.

He wracks his brain, sorting through every single color he can recall until --

Ah. Of course. That would have to be his answer. ]

Yellow.

[ ...no, that's not quite right. The word doesn't fully capture the exact shade he's visualizing.

He thinks of the spicebush flowers, efflorescing from ideal soil. He thinks of the way their soft petals catch the spring sunlight, glowing radiant underneath the rays. He thinks of the way they burst into season, blanketing the hills in gold.

Yi Sang prepares to repeat those thoughts, but instead of voicing them, he stops. ...perhaps it is best to leave it there. The color of those flowers -- it's something for him to remember, for him to hold close.

So he nods, deciding that one word is sufficient after all. ]

...yellow. That would be my ideal color.

Hello~ My name's Hong Lu. I hope we can get along well together.

[ the carefree flicker of a little wave of hong lu's hand, ]

I really like the colour of Don's sweater~ If I had to describe it, it's the colour of putting your face into the fur of a cat, but only if the cat doesn't run away.

Charming, are they not?! Now, thy favorite foods!

[ this is the part where he could lie and say he's not picky, but he is, even if it's less so now. there's a moment of thought, and then a rather sure: ]

Sauerbraten.

[ ... ]

It's not really about the taste... Not that it isn't good. But it's more about the memories, which is probably for the best... I remember it taking a while, so I don't think I could make it now, even if I wanted to.

[ He's never been particularly picky with food. Residents of the Backstreets were accustomed to eating whatever they could get their hands on. Yi Sang is no different. He's perfectly content to snack on anything that's edible.

Perhaps the question should be approached from a different angle. There's no need to limit himself to foods that aren't downright offensive to his taste buds.

It would take far too long to sort through that list.

Instead, a memory rises and breaks the surface tension within his head:

Three children sit in a field, one of them clutching a woven basket. It holds a few round items wrapped in cloth. She takes one in each hand, offering them to both boys at her sides. "Here," she says. "I got these for us. Don't tell anyone though. I'm only giving them to both of you because you're my favorites out of everyone."

Her companions take their respective offerings. Whatever it is, it's warm to the touch. The boy with glasses picks at the cloth, unwrapping it with care in his lap. The other, quieter boy does the same until the hidden item is revealed.

"Baked potatoes? You got this excited over baked potatoes?" the boy with glasses laughs.

The girl sitting between them scowls and goes a bit red in the face. "Just shut up and eat it, okay? Do you know how expensive these were?"

The third child simply observes, clutching his cooling potato. The other boy and the girl will stop bickering soon enough. Despite the argument unfolding before him, he smiles because he knows they'll laugh it all off eventually and enjoy their snack together.

Yes, that's how things had always resolved. It had been so easy then.

Yi Sang blinks. ]

...could you repeat your question?

[ oh, he seems a tad distracted. don tilts her head, but smiles brightly and nods. ]

Most certainly!!! Thy favorite food, Yi Sang!

[ Oh. Yes, that's right.

He glances down at his palm. It's empty, but there's a warmth lingering within it. ]

My favorite food?

[ Would they taste the same as the ones back then? ]

A potato cooked over an open flame; such is my answer. ...I shall have to procure some, enough to share with everyone else.

Mm, if I had to pick a favourite food... A cup of tea is a must after a greasy meal, right?

[ hong lu beams. ]

I was thinking that I didn't recognise any of the teas here. I wonder how long they're aged for, or if they're hand-picked. I prefer tea that's at least three hundred years old myself. That reminds me, is water supposed to burn? It really hurt this morning when the water in my pot exploded. Who knew that water could fight back? Eheh.

Have thee any dreams for the future? Be it in the near future or farther off, do tell!

Mm...

[ he hasn't- thought about any short term ones, honestly. at least not any he- wants to voice aloud. long term is- nda. just, nda. ]

Is a goal okay...?

[ wait. considering what he wants to answer with, that's- not a great lead up. he straightens up. ]

I-I'll answer with it anyway. I want to be a more confident, more certain person. I don't think I could've answered questions like this before, so maybe I'm doing a little better already.

[ he continues to really nail this. ]

[ There was a time when he could confidently respond with, "None." Things like "hopes" and "dreams" were for those capable of visualizing a future. But to say that he continued to lack any aspirations doesn't feel quite right anymore.

Yi Sang finds himself grasping for an answer. The options materialize in reflective shards, different choices displayed upon each one's surfaces. Perhaps those dreams had existed all along, and he simply hadn't possessed the desire to look closely enough at any of them.

He sifts through all the possible responses. He doesn't think any of them are particularly grand, and many of them are blurry, as though despite clearly existing they had yet to take proper shape.

Eventually, he finds there is an answer he can latch onto. ]

I think... I should like to build a stable one day.

[ He's never done it before, and it's been awhile since he'd designed anything that resembled a building. On the other hand, that doesn't mean it can't be done. ]

It would not need to be particularly elaborate. So long as it is a comfortable home for one calf, that would be ideal. I would ensure its access to plenty of hay and clover for it to graze at its leisure.

[ Yi Sang pauses, visualizing the stable and allowing the fragment to sharpen into better focus. What else should it contain to ensure its future resident's happiness? None of his current expertise touched on veterinary care. Surely, there would be someone who could assist him?

After all, it takes a village of at least three to care for a calf properly. ]

To have a fun time, right? I don't think that far into the future, though~

[ hong lu's head tilts must in the way of a thoughtful cat, ]

Yi Sang, by the way, what does it mean if you dream about a shark in a coffin? Do you think that's a lucky symbol?

[ Yi Sang makes a thoughtful sound and crosses his arms over his chest. Others might have dismissed Hong Lu's question as absurd musings, but Yi Sang's always taken Hong Lu's inquiries seriously.

Yi Sang always takes everyone's questions seriously. ]

A coffin is closely associated with death. But that "death" does not necessarily mean a demise. It may symbolize a change, a new path revealing itself to the dreamer. For instance, Hong Lu, you may recall how it is said that the ashes of a fallen phoenix will form a nest for its reborn self's egg.

[ The coffin is the easy part. A pensive frown settles on his face. ]

Within this dream, does the shark yet live? Has it ceased in its struggles to breathe, transplanted from the sea to the land? Perhaps the dreamer has imagined a shark with lungs, molding the creature within their thoughts to avoid inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon it. And thus, it is left to the dreamer to determine the shark's purpose. An ill omen of challenges ahead, perhaps, due to a shark's reputation as a formidable foe. Yet others would perceive the creature as a protector of the sea, prepared to defend the dreamer with all its might.

[ Hong Lu, however, has asked what a combination of those two items might mean. Another thoughtful sound escapes from Yi Sang. ]

Indeed, such a dream may be a lucky symbol. It is within the realm of possibilities. Yet, it is equally as likely that one may interpret the shark within the coffin as a harbinger of misfortune.

[ ...did that answer the question? ]

Now, a slightly more difficult one: If thee had the choice to live blissfully unaware of a fact that had the chance to detract from thy current happiness as much as it could increase it, would thee remain purposefully unaware or confront it?

... Why is this so different from the other ones?

[ can he ask that? he's asking. forget nailing anything, the look he gives here makes it absolutely clear he's wondering why these questions are escalating so quickly.

but he presses his lips together, swallows back his urge to sigh, and answers anyway. certain and true: ]

Confront. I would confront it. I don't want to live in ignorance, and look away from what scares me. I think... even if I was a little less happy in the end, knowing that I walked without running away would make me feel more... [ how could he describe it... ] More.

[ he's not sure how to explain it without thinking on it, ruminating, but no one's going to sit here and wait for emil sinclair to go through ten anxious paragraphs. he'll leave it at that. ]

[ This is quite a different question compared to the earlier ones.

Because it's quite different, it's much easier to answer. ]

Whether that fact would bring me additional happiness, or whether it would saddle me with new sorrows -- I... do not believe those outcomes affect my answer to that hypothetical. Favorable or not, I would confront it.

[ It's not a matter of being blissfully oblivious or bold enough to wager more out of one's life. No, it's much more straightforward than that. Hadn't he promised himself he wouldn't close his eyes anymore or turn from the world around him? ]

...I simply wish to live with my eyes open now. That is all.

[ Even if that information introduces harm, it is best to confront it in earnest. And if that information proves to be distressing, well, that's what one's companions are for, isn't it? If the weight of that information is too much to bear, and if holding it with his own hands risks shattering them into pieces, surely someone will reach out to support that weight? And if not, surely there will be someone to assist in plucking the broken pieces off the floor, to help with reassembling the fragments of himself?

Perhaps in the past, those musings would remain as questions. Nowadays, the question marks are replaced with periods. ]

Hmm...

[ hong lu hums; the cyan of his one blue eye glimmers. he says: ]

Does it matter, though? Life will always go on, even if what you're doing right now doesn't work out, so as long as you remember that, you'll be free of worries. So it doesn't matter if I know about it or not, I'll always be okay~

[ hong lu's neck cranes over, ]

Ah, Don, is this what they call 'food for thought'? Is this what commoners do to fill their stomachs when there isn't enough to eat?

And it works wonders, truly! One cannot feel hunger if they are debating the very fundamentals of life, and putting to thought their companion's answers. It has staved off the pangs quite well in my experience.

[ what good answers she certainly expected from her companions, two of whom have faced themselves and one who has not. of course, don... wouldn't turn from something either, depending on what it is, but we haven't the time to unpack that right now. ]

Don't look so nervous, Young Sinclair! Lastly, thy favorite hobbies!

[ was he TENSING slightly before the question came out thinking it would be something increasingly unhinged like WORST REGRET or THE TROLLEY PROBLEM or- yes. but the question comes out, and he visibly relaxes. ]

Thank goodness.

[ oh. did he say that out loud? ]

I mean... R-reading and drawing. I've gotten to writing, here, and that helps me sort out my thoughts... I think I just like doing quieter activities that help me think, or relax. But I wouldn't mind trying other things I haven't done too.

[ There are a few activities he enjoys in his spare time. Namely -- ]

Observing Sinclair and Don Quixote's chess games. They are... rather spirited when competing against one another. It is good to see them engaged in an activity.

[ Some might disagree that spectating his colleagues' chess games counts as a hobby, but it counts to him. Yi Sang enjoys watching both of them mapping out their moves, and he also finds himself feeling like a secret third participant. They do not know that he is not merely observing, but in fact, predicting what each of his colleagues' next moves might be.

Sinclair's strategies are easier to discern not because they are simple, but because they are proper. There's a certain elegance to his decision-making, even if he is slower to move compared to Don Quixote. Each choice is deliberate, seeking to corner Don's king before ruthlessly pursuing checkmate.

Don Quixote's moves are more challenging for Yi Sang to anticipate. In each of Sinclair's moves, there is always a sensible means for her to respond. But instead of selecting one of those options, she continuously surprises Yi Sang by choosing something completely different.

...there are, however, times when observing those games inflicts agony to the point where it stops being a fun hobby.

It's during those moments he finds himself hovering over Don Quixote's shoulder, gently offering her pointers after she's lost more than half of her pieces to Sinclair. And despite trying to be discreet about it, Sinclair catches him whispering to her every single time. It's a game within a game.

He probably shouldn't be helping Don in those moments. But the longer the game goes on, the more time he gets to spend witnessing his colleagues' moment of camaraderie. Allowing Sinclair to claim victory too swiftly means less time spent observing them having fun.

Maybe he'll ask to join in next time, requesting a match against the winner of their future game.

...which will probably be Sinclair. Yes. Definitely Sinclair. ]

I like seeing new sights, and doing new things. Can you have a hobby that's always changing?

[ hong lu folds his hands behind him, prim, much as if a child on a field trip; ]

Regardless, I hope to meet everyone here, and have lots of fun~

[ don turns the video back to herself and beams. ]

And that shall do for proper introductions! I ask that thee treat them as well as one may myself, and get to know each on thine own time as well as now as I have them held agai... kehm, that is, with their permissions for the evening.

[ and that'll do for that lengthy segment! off it goes, boys are freed, she is freed, now she just has to wait for all the friendship applications to roll in.

... did she not mention that's what this was for? oh well. ]

[ ooc: responses will come from everyone!!! this is all just for a bit of fun, go wild with it; click the questions for responses! ]

[ 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. ]

[ when the video begins, dorothea is seated at what appears to be a dining room table. behind her is the familiar backdrop of one of the many empty apartments within the city, the stove in view and holding a pot of something simmering... but, hey, should smoke be purple??

nevermind that, though. dorothea's smiling into the camera, chin propped up on the lace of her fingers. ]

No work, no schools. [ no war. ] No other such obligations to keep a society functioning. How have you all not gone crazy yet? [ haha, about that— ] I don't know about the rest of you, but staying idle will just leave me grumpy at best.

[ she pouts for emphasis, letting the camera linger on her doe eyes and full lips for a second longer than necessary, before her expression shifts to one of enthusiasm. she even claps her hands. ]

And so! I propose this: a choir. Yes, of course, you're all free to organize a hobby club of your own choosing, but I'm not nearly as skilled with anything else, and frankly I miss the music.

[ back home, there hadn't been very many reasons to sing, as of late. ]

Well? [ there are those doe eyes again, complete with a flutter of heavy lashes. ] You'll participate, won't you?

[ who, "you"? anyone, really. everyone. ]

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. ]

[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.

[ Hello, you all. While no one's blessed with a pretty face today, his soft, soothing voice should be good enough. ]

Forgive me if this is something that's remarkably normal in this unremarkable city we're in...

[ A small beat, as if he's preoccupied with something else; there's the gentle strum of some string instrument in the moment. A harp, maybe, at the university. ]

... But is there a reason we were asked about our satisfaction in regards to the party they threw last month? Along with that odd question in the second half -- how many of you voted to turn towards the voice, I wonder.

[ You know. This satisfaction survey, that popped up on everyone's devices the first of the month. More soothing harp music, it sounds like he's trying to pick out a tune from memory. ]

I admit, I'm a little curious about everyone's answers! I gave it a pretty neutral score myself; it was novel, but I wouldn't go again. The string of letters and numbers they had in reference to it was rather interesting too, though I'm not certain how it was "for the good of the many". Have there been any others? I recall a similar phrase the day their party was to begin too, actually.

[The video opens on Junpei in an office chair - in his Secret Club Meeting Room (read: generic office building conference room) although this is not a secret meeting. This is Junpei spinning slowly in an office chair while he holds the camera up, tilting as far back as he can without tipping the chair over. So it's going great.]

So, city-zens, [.....ahem,] I've got some miscellaneous questions for you.

First, time travel: real? Let me know. [......,] I mean, you know— Before you got here, that is. Like how experienced are you in the realm of quantum... quantum-y goodness? I just thought that maybe it would be real for somebody else by now, but I dunno... Let me know that one instead.

[Cough. Anyway.]

Second, are we all just, uh... hanging out now, I guess? Um, like— who's trying to clip through the weird fog and get out still? Anybody? I'm looking for group, or whatever you call it. We can do code names.

[Junpei is not a gamer.... don't believe this... he's just cringe and thinking about half-press-A-ing through the universe, to wit as he spins faster in his chair:]

Third, whoooo's all in for simulation theory? [as dryly as possible, womp...] Eh? Woooo yeah... simulation theory...!

[The video tilts as he lets go with one hand to hold up... a pinched-fingers hand puppet 🤌... it's still fine, he's doing great. He pitches his voice up higher for the puppet, because of course he does:]

But Junpei, how is this a simulation? Well duh, why else would this place be like a city that doesn't know what a city is supposed to be like? And all the weird loading fog? C'mon! Buuuut Juuuunpei, are we all full of tubes and stuck in goo pods like in that movie?— [Ah, ahem, cough. He puts his hand down.] Maybe.

Or uh, whatever else is in the theory pile. Half the people I was messing around with about theories went and disappeared, soooo... Well, I'm gonna get serious cabin fever if I can't figure something oUT—

[Local Man Tips The Chair Over and Totally Wipes Out, stay tuned for updates. The video ends when the phone drops face down onto the floor, bye.......]

[ 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?

[ 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. ]

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?

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.

When people disappear from here, has there been any indication of how? Or where they go?

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]

[ are you fucking tired of her yet

don't worry, she isn't sitting in the middle of a parking lot waiting for death today. or intending to put forth the question of what justice means to someone, if it exists and the like. no. truly, today don quixote is being somewhat normal as far as someone who speaks the way she does goes. promise. ]

A-hem! Whilst I know there is never a good time for a party, particularly in a city that one may find disquietingly peaceful, [ not that she does nope, ] what I wish to propose to thee is something that may prove more useful in the long run:

A festival-like gathering where we may show off, speak of, and eat the diversity we have brought with us from wherever we hail! For example, in my City [ note the implied capitalization ] there are very many Districts, and each one has its own tradiciones, cuisine, and even values which differ from even their close neighbors! It is a most fascinating thing, and I am one of several whom have the pleasure to be travelling through them all -- or I was, before now.

[ it was fun. not for like, a handful of them so far, but very fun. so cool to see the different sights. the different smells. the tastes. ]

I will not enforce thy participation in any way, but those who attend shall be granted food and a chance to speak on their own adventures, values, and world -- those who do not attend will be sorrowful saps whose spines resemble that of a curling worm, rather than the straight edge of a blade! If I have made myself clear, or thee find thyself angered by my word, then do come! There will also be a special surprise at the end, which I think many will be enamored by!

[ ... if junpei's gotten his firework source on board anyway. ]

Uhm, I do not wish it to be too soon, so in three days hence, when the sun has some hours to set, prithee do join myself upon yonder rooftop... ehm, here.

[ hold on she has. a brochure with a map. she's X-marking the spot it and putting it to the camera. it's an office building not terribly far from a cluster of apartments, located in the second district now open to them. ]

Of course, this shall not be thine only guiding hand to the excitement which awaits thee -- I shall provide an easy path as well, one that cannot be missed! I ask thee use this time, and this space, to talk and plan if thou would like, to inquire that which thee may wish to inquire, and also to issue any complaint thee may have ahead of time, particularly by those who see no point in such activities so I may thus convince you to join us regardless!

[ ooc: as a note to everyone else, the log'll be posted by the 14th to allow for newcomers to join in as well, and that's when it will be dated if forward dated ]

[ Four lines of text. ]

This is written in Victorian.
Kore wa Laterano-ji Higashi-go de kakareteimasu.
This is written in Higashinese.
This written by in Yanese. (Might be bad. Sorry.)

Please do let me know how many of these sentences you understand.

[ The first is in what would be considered Earth English, the second is what would be known as Japanese written in Romaji, but he's called it "Laterano-ji Higashinese". The third was written in Japanese, the fourth was written in some rather poor Chinese. He's called the languages themselves clearly incorrect names. What's more important, though, is that only the second one should parse as phonetic, and should only be understandable to fellow Japanese speakers. The rest are in whatever language is most understandable to whoever reads it. Funny, huh? This city sure is strange! ]

( It's everyone's favorite person, Kromer!!! She whistles to announce herself, then more properly introduces herself— )

Been a while, hasn't it? For those who don't know me, the name's Kromer. Pleasure's mine. I posed some questions last time I posted here, but I won't bother repeating them for you—I got the picture the first time. ( She pauses, then laughs shortly. ) Actually, speaking of questions—

I'm sure you've seen them! The kiosks over at the tourist center in city hall. You can ask them questions and you can get mostly useless answers. They've got some interesting ones every so often, though, like how this isn't the first time this has happened.

( She's been thinking on that answer for a while, and now she's just casually dropping it into conversation. Whatever. )

I'm collecting questions and their resulting answers, so if you've posed any, let me know... or you can pass them along to Junpei instead, if you're familiar with him. We're partners. ( in a way. ) It's nice to be able to make sure we're not needlessly going in circles, right? And putting all the information in one place makes it easier to put the pieces together.

( ... )

That's all. Let's do our best to work together and find a way home, alright? Chin up, everyone.