[The feed starts off a little shaky, almost telling of a technologically incompetent user on the other side, but he seems to have it. After a moment, a long haired man shows up on the screen, inspecting his device to make sure it's really on, and yes, it is.]

So, I got a question. Someone mind explaining to me what these 'missions' are? 'Fraid I'm really not that studying type so going through this backlog is something that's not happening. Figured it'd be easier to ask all of you, since it seems I'm here for the long run. May as well get settled in best I can, and that seemed like something that's necessary to know.

And while I'm asking, anything else I should know? Secret handshakes, passwords, people to avoid, places with good desserts, how do make a dollar or two to survive, you know the basics.

[He smirks for a bit, about ready to turn off the device, then wait... right... manners.]

Please and thank you.

[So that may have been sarcastic but he figured he didn't want those moral types to be on his case for not saying 'please' or something.]

[ Hello there everyone! Hakuryuu's face pans into the feed with a small, yet delicate smile. ] Ah, I have a question...

[ He seems to hesitate at first, almost as if mildly distracted by something, but finally opens his mouth to speak: ]

I decided to experiment with some of the different types of fruits and food items I have found here since my arrival, but... [ He allows his voice to drift off, idly moving the camera from himself to the nearby table where he stood.

There, scattered neatly across to the very brim of the table was a large array of various types of food. The prince seems almost bashful by the display, yet finally turns his attention back to address the public. ] ... it seems I have made far too much.

So as for my question: would anyone like some of this? I believe it is a good idea to share what we have, when our circumstances give us so little. However, I understand that I cannot feed everyone, so if you were to give me some ingredients, I might be able to make a separate meal of your choosing.

[ There, with a small bow of his head, the boy continues. ] This is left for you to decide, but I would like to give anyone who is in need a home cooked meal their fill. Thank you.

[ One last glance over to the food before... click! ]

March 1st, 10.32pm.

( homora in their natural habitat. feel free to skip, you aren’t missing much. . . )

HOMRA was a bar I ran back where we came from. Noticed you guys were lackin’, so I figured I might as well start it up here. [ Izumo slips into a business-like smile here, as if trying to dispel any impressions that had been conjured as a result of his prior banters.] If ya respond to this, that’s one drink on the house that ya can redeem. So think about stoppin’ by in the near future, yeah? It’ll be worth your time, promise.

[ Clearly speaking to the camera now. ] There we have it, an offer made directly by the one and only HOMRA bartender himself! Don't let this valuable once-in-a-lifetime offer slip away! And so, the bar HOMRA and its coolest bartender, Izumo Kusanagi-san, both look forward to your patronage!

... Oi. [ The beast continues to be ignored. If you haven’t been neglecting all the red, then you’ve been reading this post very wrong. ]

Oh! King's food-- [ He’s interrupted by a sudden soft thud. It may not be too audible, but the operator clearly hears it. The camera feed swings with its operator, looking towards the apartment’s door. ] Ah, a visitor? Hold up, I’m coming!

[ And the feed follows its operator towards the door, which opens to the sight of a mess of a soft cherry pink hair spread out on the ground and a large metal black cross. Upon closer inspection the person can see that its actually a person. A person that is making a soft moaning noise. ]

This... Is this - [ It's a female voice and it trails off into a soft whisper, but her discomfort can be clearly heard. Though, before she says anything else, her movements stop. ]

Huh? [ A hand reaches out to the girl, seeking her pulse, and then there’s an urgent cry. ] Kusanagi-san!

[ Saying that he was in a bad mood would be an understatement, but he knows that tone of urgency in Totsuka’s voice well enough not to take it lightly. Getting up from his chair for the first time since the havoc that was their morning — he makes his way over to the scene, taking only a brief second to properly assess the situation. Not hesitating for even a moment, he ushers Totsuka to the side. ]

Oi, get outta th’ way.

[ The feed is then quickly cut off, the Red King’s food to be eternally forgotten about. ]

( ooc: this post is backdated! action available @ 604, replies will come separately from Izumo and Totsuka, but may be threadjacked by anyone. red is mikoto, orange is totsuka, yellow is izumo, pink is kururu. )

[Elliot seems annoyed. This really isn't surprising for anyone that knows him.

Those people are probably also not shocked that he seems to have forgotten the thing he read about filtering this to specific people.

Or the fact that a kitten has walked along the edge of the furniture behind him and is curiously staring over his shoulder.

Nope, he's got too much on his mind for any of that!]

OZ VESSALIUS? WHERE ARE YOU?!

I read about Valentine's Day. [ Because who cares about Separation anyway Valentine's Day is more important. She has her priorities. ]

It is a day... for lovers. Am I correct? Or can it be celebrated with friends? What about those in between? Oh, I don't know what I'm saying. Keep yourself together, Kougyoku! A-anyway. Who is this Saint Valentine? What sort of gifts does one give on this day? Has anyone had any... pleasant experiences with it? That is, I mean - I'm just wondering how proper celebration of Valentine's Day is done! Th-that's all.

And, if, anyone is interested in watching the fireworks with me... Ahah, nevermind. [ She's too shy to offer. ]

Judal is not allowed to reply to this.

... 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.

[hey so Arthur's been practicing with this infernal device. so this post has more of an air of a Public Service Announcement than his shaky uncertain previous attempt. it will be slightly ruined by all the complaining he's about to do, but for the first few seconds he is a prince, composed and regal and everything.]

No matter what stupidity this city is visiting upon us, there are still matters that I have to take care of. I need to know, first, if there is any who comes from a place where sorcery and age are such a problem. How long can we expect people to be children? It's ridiculous. And with that, if there is anyone that sought training from Haruno Sakura, she is-- [this is so stupid and a pained look crosses his face momentarily.] --Well. Her defense program continues. I will be helping with the instruction of this training.

Though not everyone enchanted is a child, some have only-- forgotten being in this city. [or other, more serious things, and his expression sudden sobers and darkens for a moment. Morgana, she is a perfect example of this latter condition, but he doesn't say that.] How long can we expect for them to remain? Is this change to be permanent?

[if some part of him wishes it to be so, he ignores it. a tiny glimmer of hope, maybe, and then--he squashes it, and moves on.]

And I also need-- [and he's practically counting off these demands on his fingers now, one after another--] --anyone that has any experience in hunting outside of this city, and anyone that knows of any horses that are here--I will need two of them, for several hours. And I need anyone that could teach swordsmanship to a young woman. Fairly, and properly. [no louts or lecherous weirdos need apply; that's evident in his suddenly stern expression.] There will be several rounds of interviews for this latter position.

That's everything for now. [and somewhat irritably, he adds:] There. And all of it accomplished on my own.

[so now certain people can stop implying that princes can't do anything for themselves, thanks.]

—It's okay! We don't have to keep this stuff a secret.

[ THAT SURE IS A GLOVED HAND COVERING THE CAMERA but never fear, she figures it out after a moment and waves sheepishly. Exsilium, say hello to one half of your new magical girl duo. ]

Looks like there's been a bit of a problem, huh? Lucky for you guys, magical girl Sayaka is here to take care of everything! [ She holds her sword up with a grin, cape fluttering behind her. ] Just leave it to me! If anyone needs any help, I'll definitely be there straight away.

[A second later, another little magical girl face pops up. There's some fumbling around when she and Sayaka nudge shoulders and push together for room, and then she clears her throat and begins, nervously:]

If you say so...are all other magical girls this flashy?

[Mami-senpai had not mentioned it. She had also stressed the importance of keeping their magical girl personas a secret, but surely in this strange place, it wouldn't matter much, right? ...She hoped so.

Kyouko bows her head toward the camera politely, and speaks up a little louder.] Excuse me, everyone! I don't mean to be too forward, but...

[She straightens up a little, gets her game face on. She's holding a spear about twice her size, but it doesn't look like she's struggling to hold it.] We noticed there are a lot of kids around, and we want to help! So - please count on us! We'll help gather all of them up.

[A pause. She turns to Sayaka, and in a stage-whisper:] Did that sound cool enough?

You sounded fine! Geez, Kyouko, you worry too much.

[ ooc; tags will come from both in separate threads! edit: threadjacks are happening. feel free to action it up if you run into them anywhere in the hold, they will be all over. ]

[ So maybe an hour or so after everyone's return to Exsilium, some might have noticed it started snowing. Probably even more noticed when said snow quickly turned into a full on blizzard, covering everything in a thick layer snow in a matter of minutes. After an hour of letting the blizzard rage on, the culprit finally reveals himself.

Jack turns on the feed, squinting into the camera before quickly pulling back a little when he realizes it's on. He's leaning back against a wall, staff resting on his shoulder and he opens his mouth to speak when suddenly the screen grows blurry with a soft crackling sound. The screen goes dark for a moment then as Jack hurriedly wipes the frost away while muttering darkly under his breath. When the camera focuses again, the communicator is placed somewhere low and Jack's crouched down instead.

He raises one hand and waves sheepishly. ]

Hey. Since it seems a lot of people can hear and see me which wow, still unbelievable, I figured I should give this thing a try. For those who can't ... this will probably be a really weird video. Oh well!

[ He shrugs and the previous uncertain expression disappears in favor of a grin. ]

For those that can hear and see me, hi. I'm Jack Frost and I come bearing gifts. The heat back there was bad enough, but I can't say I was feeling up for all that dreary rain again, so ... [ He flips the device, showing the big snowflakes that are now gently drifting down from the sky. ]

Have some snow. [ A pause and he moves back into view. ]

I also wanted to thank everyone who helped me back in the desert, you all kind of saved my life. You too, guy who kept leaving glasses of water. So yeah, thanks. [ Wow, awkward much? But he obviously means it sincerely and the awkward is replaced with excitement again soon enough when he gestures to the snow-covered courtyard behind him. ]

Now, everyone should come out and have a little fun!

[While unaccustomed to addressing the public without a mask, Lelouch appears entirely at ease when the transmission begins, if a little bored. Certain aspects of the week had been altogether too eventful for his tastes (hi, Kallen!), but he's ignoring those in the hopes that they might go away. Besides, this place could be downright dull sometimes, futuristic dystopia or no. That aside--]

I had been wondering, has anyone been keeping tabs on the Transport population? Our numbers, worlds of origin, dates of appearance and disappearance, things of that nature? I have a feeling that the Initiative has records if no one else, but given their frequently difficult nature, there seems to be little point in asking.

Beyond that, there seem to be a fair number of Transports who have combat or leadership experience in some form or another. Would those of you who fall into either category be willing to share what that experience has been? Naturally, if you fall into both categories, the question is doubly relevant.

[There's a slight pause, then--]

On an unrelated note, would anyone be interested in a game of chess?

[Okay, Exsilium. Hilda's kept quiet on the network so far, although she's commented to other people. She's chiefly been out to familiarize herself over the past month with the city, among other-- things.

(Like settling Victini in, and finding somewhere to put him if she should leave.)

She's ready today, though, to ask a few questions of her own. Those get pretty nice responses, right? The more philosophical the better. Which would be good if she was the philosophical type, but she isn't. She smiles, because even if she can't ask a meaning of life question she can at least look friendly.]

People get dragged out and go back in time to fight, right? [It's rhetorical. She's already been to the past, during the masquerade. She knows it's possible.] Is there a way to volunteer for that kind of thing?

[The smile slips into a small frown, as she realizes that fighting blindly in a foreign world probably isn't the easiest thing. Time for a little advice getting.]

And if you've been out like that, can you tell me what it's like? Unova hasn't had a huge war since the twin brothers, so I'm pretty much a Basculin out of water.

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 technology of this day and age definitely makes gathering an audience easier. She's not as charismatic as Sinbad or Hakuei, but this is something she wants to talk about. ]

My name is Kougyoku Ren... [ She gulps. Does she want to out herself as a princess? No. Does she want to bring up the last time she appeared on the network? No. ] and I have something to ask those who were brought into this world in the same manner as I. Somehow, I'm not getting any sense of urgency after being conscripted into an army fighting a battle that isn't even my own. Did this Initiative simply pluck me out of my own world to waste my time? How impudent it was of them to bring me here. I'm not even of this world! There are more pressing matters I have to attend to than aiding this rebellion! I'm certain there are people here who feel the same.

[ pause ]

But there is an eerie similarity of this world's situation to mine... There are countries in my world, too, that need to defend themselves from a strong nation much like United Earth. If I return to my homeland, I can prevent the empire from attacking these countries and a place like Exsilium from ever existing! [ "The empire?" She, and she alone? Wow, overshare. Let's backtrack a bit. ]

That is, well-- [ if she can actually TALK TO HER BROTHER THE PRINCE jeez Kougyoku ] Anyway, I have to go back, yet I just feel that - I just can't leave this place alone. [ Sinbad. Sinbad would have felt the same way. ] Even in our downtime, I want to do something! I can't stay still. So... I invite anyone watching this to have a light spar with me, if they are able. Let us polish our skills before the next battle, no matter who we have to face!

[ She looks pretty excited!! Wow, Kougyoku, you just want to fight. Wait, wait, now she's putting on a sad smile. I-it's not like she was hoping for anyone to accept or anything! ]

But... if you aren't interested... I want to know more about this United Earth, or what you think of the idea of one country ruling all - this concept of "one world." A discussion - that's what I would like.

[ This message comes in 5 minutes later: ]

Oh, yes! What does one usually give their friends for this holiday?

[A curious young woman appears on the video as she stares at the tablet in her hands, somewhat interested in the new and different and technology and all--when she remembers that oh right, she'd planned on talking to people. Way to make an impression of being focused and prepared...

She clears her throat.] Er, hi there. My name's Shirley, and... These people--y'know, the Initiative and all--they're really not picky when it comes to people who end up here and all, huh? So I just wanted to clarify something: not everything has to be about fighting, right? I can't say I'm good with anything like diplomacy either, but it's a better start than something like shooting someone...

Sorry if it's a simple question. I just wanted to be absolutely sure; thank you for your time in advance.

... actually, there's just one more thing. [A pause, because this is a lot more awkward of a topic to bring up. Still, she can't help but be curious given her own circumstances.] This is probably gong to seem silly, but this isn't actually some kind of weirdly militaristic afterlife, is it?

GUYS!

GUYS GUYS GUYS!

[Hello Exsilium, have a very excited, and possibly familiar to some, Panda! He's been away for a while, but now, it seems, he's back with his usual fanboyish glee.

At least this time we're not seeing the inside of his nose?]

Oh. Right. Sorry, sorry. Volume control. Gotta remember that. But...so cool.

Okay. Okay. I disappeared from here for a while, right? That's what happened? That's what happened. Okay.

We can time travel.

[His expression says "IS THAT NOT THE COOLEST THING EVER?"]

Not the missions, I know about the missions. But we time travel when we go back home! Get this. We come back...exactly...the time we left.

So I didn't even get in trouble with Master Shifu for missing lessons or anything!

[His excitement dulls just a little however, and he looks thoughtful.]

But...okay. It does get kind of weird. I couldn't remember you guys. That was...that was kind of a bummer, actually. But...but now I'm back and it's all back! Here!

[He points to his head.]

Isn't that just the coolest?

((OOC: Folks in (or around) Room 105 can action-tag as well, if they like! Hi new roomies! :D))

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. ]

[Cue video feed... now.

Korra's shown standing outside the Hold in the rain, appearing rather intent on something. In her free hand sits a snowball. Where it came from is anyone's guess, since there's not any snow to be found in the city, at least nothing natural. She looks at the screen now. When she speaks, her tone is al business.]

Recently, as basically all of us know, things have been-- for lack of a better term-- depressing. Masquerade aside, I mean. No offense.

Back home, I'm from the South Pole. There's snow there all the time, which makes it really easy to find stuff to do. You can build with it, throw it, eat it, sleep in it, and more. The possibilities are pretty numerous, and I for one, miss it.

Now, for those deprived people who don't know what snow is, let me show you.

[She holds her hand towards the camera, showing off the aforementioned snowball.]

This is snow in a snowball. It's basically frozen water, not quite ice yet. Snowballs are very, very fun. You may be asking why that is, and that's a perfectly valid question. Again, let me show you.

[The camera turns to show Korra hurling the snowball at a random passerby, hitting them square in the back of the head with a startled yell. Now, back to Korra.]

Starting a snowball fight is a good way to make friends or annoy people who have no sense of fun. There'd be more potential if we actually had snow. This is where we can come in. I want to know if anyone here can control or manipulate water. Get enough of us, and we could set up pretty neat place.

So, anyone in?

((ooc; come across her, or be the poor soul who was beaned in the back of the head. 8D))

tl;dr: A bunch of kids are stuck in an apartment room, the hallway outside surrounded by zombies. They tried to pull off a "Left 4 Dead" but end up getting stuck inside. Anyone care to evacuate them? (May it also be noted they're technologically blind, so they don't know how to use kitchen equipment to cook for themselves, etc. WHAT IS A TOASTER??) God bless these kids.

Note: All four will be tagging you! (On separate threads for speed.)

[ Why hello there strangers! What a beautiful day to be locked inside of a room with a bunch of people, right?

Wrong.

The image flickers to a face unknown from this world, and from the looks of it this boy does not seem happy. His lips are pressed together; eyes knitted into a glare while still trying to retain his normal and proper composure. ]

I need to know how I was brought here— there has to be a way out! [ His voice was rushed, and concern was clear upon blemished features. ] What... is this place?

[ The question was addressed not only the device in his hands, but also the various array of people that accompanied him. This prince was Not Pleased.

Also he may or may not be trying to leave the room. ] If anyone were to provide answers to this situation, it will be greatly appreciated.

[ Thankfully, the other people— a bunch of kids really, one of those kids immediately secure the uneasy prince before he decides to rush out to the hallway full of zombies. The shortest kid, Aladdin, gives him a huff very close to a pout. ]

Hakuryuu, we already told you! There's no way out yet. I'm sure everyone is working on it, so... A-anyway, this isn't the time for that!

( BUT WAIT there's more )

Video:

[When the screen flickers on the sight of a red-headed girl with equally striking red eyes will be seen on the screen. She seems dumbfounded by the tablet before her as she stares at it with something akin to curiosity. When she realizes what shes supposed to do she snaps her attention back to the camera.] Oh..

Hello..? Uhm..I just arrived to this place a day ago..It's..[She struggles to come up with a word, face scrunched up in what looks like annoyance.] It's a little bothersome.

Is anyone having problems getting used to this environment?

Text:

I was wondering..If anyone is able to recognize these three names;
Aladdin
Alibaba
Hakuryuu
They are very important friends to me and I just want to know if they are okay. Thank you.

( the video feed clicks on to display a very clear shot of the gigantic kogarasumaru team emblem carefully drawn across one of the walls in his room. you know because fuck the opinions of his roommates, he's a god and gods do what they want.

it's accompanied by one hand smacking hard against the emblem on the wall before ikki comes stepping into view. as soon as he's fully on camera, his hand closes into a fist, pointer finger jutted outward and it's aimed right at whatever audience he's got watching this. )

Listen up, listen up all you wretched fools! This is a public service announcement! If you'll check out the wall behind me, you'll see a majestic looking emblem! That's mine! It belongs to me and me alone! It's the great mark of Kogarasumaru! If you encounter anyone wearing this, they belong to me! Same damn rule for places and objects too!

Everything bearing this grand mark belongs to the great and awesome Sky King! THE ONE AND ONLY MINAMI IKKI!

( there's a pause then, followed by a quiet sigh. )

But if you catch one of my worthless underlings running around lost, report 'em back to me and I'll reward you handsomely—

( he taps a finger against his chin, almost pondering. )

—Depending on which one it is. I won't pay you for the beanpole in a hat or the little fatass.