... Hello! [Was that how you were supposed to start these things? Oh well.] Ah, sorry if I'm interrupting anyone. My name is Ringo Noyamano, I just arrived here a few moments ago. I think I understood most of what I was told, and I'm sure I can figure it out otherwise, but I am wondering one thing.

[A slight pause, and it was good she'd picked voice as opposed to video, because she looks pretty embarrassed.] Can anyone tell me the quickest route to a clothing store near the... Hold, I believe it's called? Any clothing store will do-- I shouldn't be too picky in an emergency. Thank you for listening!

[Then, much softer, right before she ends the feed--] It's really cold...

[And in case anyone near the Hold did happen to pass by, she was currently crouched behind a makeshift barrier/chair, her back to a corner-- her outfit had been fine back home, given the situation, but now she just felt ridiculous.]

[ Akito’s eyebrows are wrinkled and his face is definitely way too close to the screen, but once he realizes the video function is actually on and working - he pulls back, an easy smile on his lips and a hand raising to give a small wave to the camera. ]

Hello! I haven’t been able to look around much yet myself, but -- there was someone with me before I got here, and I was wondering if anyone has seen him? He’s about this tall, [ he gestures about foot and a half above his head, which probably isn’t much help, but. ] has brown hair that’s pointed at the ends, yellow eyes, and might be wearing am ugly colored sweater vest. Goes by Akira!!

If you haven’t seen him, then maybe Kazu? He’s about -- [ the hand lowers a half a foot. ] this tall, has blond hair, blue eyes, always wears a white beanie.

[ the hand drops down as he finishes speaking, arm pressing close to his side. ] Or if you could tell me where the nearest cake shop is, that would be almost as good!

My name is Akito, by the way. Akito Wanijima. It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm sure.

Hi, I'm Shu Ouma. You can call me Shu.

Nice to see you all.

[After Shu's self introduction there was an awkward silence lingering in the air.  The silence made him assume he messed up somehow. Shu's  completely nervous about showing his face to the network.  ]

Um.

[At this point he'd pretty much be okay with saying anything as long as it filled in the silence and didn't make him look bad. Here goes nothing.]

Does anyone here want to play a word game? 

The rules are easy.  All you have to do is take the last letter of a word and make a new word with it.  

For example "Happy"  ends in "Y" so you can only pick words that start with "Y". A word like "Yard" would work well I guess.

There's a couple more rules but they're simple. You're only allowed to pick nouns and you can't repeat words that were said already.  That's all.

Is anyone interested?

The last time I was drafted into something at least superficially resembling an army, they had a box set up for suggestions. I've decided to carry on the tradition! These things are our direct link to the Initiative, after all, even if they pretend they aren't listening.

Feel free to add your own suggestions. After all, misery loves company, and that's why my wife says I'll always be miserable.

— Rodents. Why do my feet attract rodents? Is it my socks? Especially when they seem to be dead already, it's very distracting.

— Speaking of things that are already dead, why are there so many vampires here? I know they seem like they'd be useful allies, but in my experience they just make you do all the hard work and abandon you at the earliest opportunity! What a pain in the neck.

I'm sure I'll have more suggestions later. I'm a very concerned citizen.

[ ooc: I am heading out right now, so replies will be delayed a bit. ]

[ The camera turns on to darkness, then redness, then ... focuses on someone who can be best described as very Dracula-like. If Dracula was small and had pointy ears, that is. ]

Oh, is it on? Very well ... Ahem.

[ The tablet is set down on something and Valvatorez takes a step back so his dramatic cape flourish can be seen better. His previous rather calm expression promptly turns into an angry one. ]

Listen up, you foolish humans! I have saved your world once before and now you expect me to do so again and fight in one of your stupid, pointless wars? The absurdity! I suppose it's to be expected of humanity, but do you not know that the only true way to achieve victory is through your own strength? There's no point to it if you don't fight your own battles. Kidnapping others and making them fight for you ... Do you honestly believe I would abide such a thing? Think again!

I refuse to fight your battles for you. HOWEVER! For the sake of my Netherworld, I will do what must be done and it's clear to me you are in dire need of some re-educating and as such I, Prinny Instructor Valvatorez, cannot turn a blind eye. I shall teach you the very meaning of fear and make you reform the Hades way! That is my promise, as a proud and noble demon.

[ He pauses, taking a moment to nod to himself, apparently satisfied with what he's just said. ]

Before I end this, I shall leave everyone with some very important advice. If you truly wish to become better and stronger, then you must start by eating SARRRDIINEES! [ You're spared an explanation why because the dramatic raising of his arms that accompanies his words knocks the device over and turns it off. ]