[Have a very annoyed looking Lloyd on the screen. If you can make out the background, you might realize this is the same apartment with the very messy room that Mithos showed everyone a few days ago. Lloyd, however, is sitting at a table, which is only easily guessable from the current angle.]

Do any of you know anything about this "etiquette" stuff? There is no way this can be right!

[He holds up a fistful of forks, each of them a slightly different size and make.]

Why would anyone need to eat with this many forks for one meal? You just have to poke it in the food and eat it! Doesn't this just make it a lot harder than it needs to be?

[He then proceeds to lift a napkin from his lap.]

And why do I need one of these on my legs? What if I drop food on it?

[He glances off to the side for a moment.]

Kratos is just making this up, right? He tried to teach me stuff I wanted to know before and he made it all way too hard then, too. I think he just does it to be a jerk!

[From somewhere out of the picture, another voice is heard.]

You realize I can hear you.

[Lloyd suddenly glances in the same direction again, now looking incredibly nervous.]

Cra-

[And the feed cuts out.]

[ When Mithos comes onto the screen he looks a bit annoyed about something. ]

Uhm.. Hello everyone, I'd like to ask a question. What would you say is a clean room? More specifically:

[ He flips his tablet so it shows the room he's in. There were books and papers scattered all over the room. Sticky Note were in various places with some sort of fancy chicken scratch on them. Among the books and papers were also clothing and while the bed was clean it wasn't made.

He moves the tablet around and among the mess is also Kratos standing there with his arm crossed. It doesn't look like he has a clue on what his apprentice was doing right now.

Once Mithos was done he turns the tablet back around so it faces him again. ]

Are there any of you out there who would call that a clean room? And is there any way to convince someone to clean their room.

[ Because he's pretty close to just cleaning it himself. ]

Thank you.

[A young boy appears on the camera, sitting on his bed cross-legged and smiling. He's managed to work out how to use the tablet before as he had talked to a couple of people on the network.

And yes, that is a monkey-tail. Yes, it is attached to his body.]

So, I've been here for over a month now. I have to say, it's still pretty hard to believe that I've been pulled into another world just like that. [And he shrugs] Still, there are a lot of other guys in this city who are pretty much the same boat as me. I'm sure that no matter how all of us ended up here, we'll find our way back, somehow.

Speaking of which, I'm kinda curious to know what worlds you're from and what they're like. Only if you wanna tell me, of course. I've just never knew there were so many worlds out there and it would be kinda interesting to know what they're like. 

[And he beats his chest dramatically] So, to those of you guys who don't know me, the name's Zidane Tribal. I'm from Tantalus, the greatest acting troupe on the whole of Gaia! [Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration but they're pretty bloody good. They're also thieves but Zidane's not going to leak that out in public.] You guys might have met another girl here who's from the same world. Her name's Dagger. Long dark hair, reeeeeaaaaaally damn beautiful and smart. [As you might be able to tell, he has a huuuuuge crush on her. A bigger one than he's letting on.] 

[Emil still has a lot of doubts about putting himself out there to people he has little business getting involved with and just slightly fewer doubts about the device he's supposed to use, but after a startling run-in with some familiar faces he'd rather not think about again he's a little desperate for people who don't dredge up memories of the worst times of his life. Not to mention, he's still in need of information. So despite how technology tends to bewilder him, Emil sits down and plays with the device and reads instructions until he manages to set up a proper feed. The camera is a little off center and the angle is awkward, but hey - it works.]

Hi, everyone. My name is Emil Castagnier, and I need answers to some questions. First, does anybody recognize the names of Sylvarant or Tethe'alla? Because if so, we come from the same world.

[He's not sure if he should add the next part, but figures it's worth a look.]

Derris-Kharlan, too. I know there are some people from Sylvarant and Tethe'alla here, but I don't know how many.

And second...does anybody know more about the time travel that's done here, and the influences it has on this world? If anyone has more information about the weapons we're given here, I'd like that as well.

Hey, how many of you have considered celebrating your birthday if it comes around while you're stuck here?

[A brief pause before she begins speaking again.]

See, I was thinking about how when we leave here, we return to the point in time we were taken from in our world. [And also her own birthday, considering certain things involving her situation back home are directly tied to her age.] I guess I was just wondering what other people think about it. Do you think it's worth it, to keep stuff like that in mind, if when all of this is said and done you're just going to be sent back to how you were?

[Another pause, followed by a very soft "heh."]

I guess that sounds pessimistic of me, huh? Don't worry, it's just something I'm curious about!

[Video]
[Well, looks like a red-haired teen is cooking, judging from the amount of steam puffing out of a stew pot as he meticulously diced some onions into little cubes when the feed came on.]

It's been a while since I really used this, sorry in advance, I don't really have both of my hands free right now.

[The teen dumped the cubes into the stew pot as he turned to the feed, while stirring the pot.]

Uh, someone asked me to teach someone else how to cook earlier on last month, and I've heard about a baking lesson some time ago in the network, so it got me thinking.

Would anyone be interested in a meet-up? It's not going to be that big, but it'd be enough for us to share recipes, tips and all.

Anyways, feel free to ask any questions here as well, I'll answer them to the best of my capabilities.

I've noticed the trend towards asking our fellow transports philosophical questions on this network. While I can't say I particularly see the appeal, there is something about which I am curious of others' opinions.

Namely - how would you define a home?

If it's not something you'd wish to talk about, there's no point in answering; similarly, I don't mind answering, myself, for the curious - it's only polite when asking, after all.

( before anyone bothers with either of those points. homes aren't something he's thought about in years, really, fairly certain of the fact that he doesn't have one anymore; but after eight months or more in exsilium...he's starting to, a little bit. )

These are funny little things, aren't they? Almost like a mirror, except you see other people in them, and they're not even a hologram. But you see yourself too! I think it'd be easier just to talk to people in person, but I'm sure everyone has their reasons for using this. I guess not everybody can fly.

Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Colette Brunel, and I'm looking for anyone who's from Sylvarant or Tethe'alla, or even Derris-Kharlan. It's very nice to meet you all, and I look forward to fighting by your side. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything.

[ Sokka has adjusted the camera on his communicator so he can look into it as he walks--jogs rather. Seems he's going for a run. Got to keep fit! ]

So, guys. I've been wondering about something since I got here. What does a guy have to do to get some decent seafood?

[ Huff puff. He moves around other pedestrians, splashing through puddles as rain drops spatter on the lens of his communicator. ]

I mean, meat you've got. It's weird meat, but at least it's meat! But I haven't been able to find any decent fish. Or whale? How do you guys not have whale? What about blubber? Someone tell me there's at least someplace to get blubber around here!

[ OOC: Feel free to bump into him for action, too, if you so desire. ]

[The first time the feed turns on, it focuses on a blank wall, and then blurs as it is turned around. Thorin emerges, leaning into the camera until the tip of his nose almost touches it. He stares for a few moments--a subtle wetting of his throat--and then he growls to himself:] Ridiculous. Nonsensical-- [He starts to say something else before it is cut off completely.]

[Almost an hour later he tries again, in a different room, with a grumpy, yet subjected scowl. This wasn't something he had been expecting to have to do again--was none too thrilled about the prospect of it--but it needed to be done.]

I have counted twenty-six days since I arrived in this place. Far more sunsets I have seen than the presence of my own kind. I had not wanted to believe it, but there are no dwarves here. Or they hide themselves well, even from me. [He hasn't seen a single mountain either, for that matter.] As far as I've gathered, we are but legend in this realm.

Then it is not a far stretch to assume you are in need of a smith or a stone worker--as your city lacks a pair of hands true in their mastership. I extend to you my services, and the guarantee you will not find one more skilled with a hammer or forge than a dwarf.

I go by Thorin Oakenshield. You may address me on this talking book.

[Filtered away from one Rika Furude.]

I have a question for everyone. Say someone you know's seemed really down in the dumps lately. What would you do to try and cheer them up?

That's all I wanted to ask. Thanks!

[Sesshoumaru is an intelligent being, and despite the lack of advanced technology in his time, he has been able to figure out how the strange tablet he had been given worked--merely by observing others using theirs.

With a reluctant respect for the humans who created this item, the Demon Lord activates the video feed, giving everyone a good look at his scowling visage. He's not one to make long speeches, but he's about to make one thing perfectly clear.]

I am not your ally. I will not fight for you, or with you.

[His eyes narrow dangerously.]

I do not care about this war. It was started by humans; it can be finished by humans. You created this problem, do not expect me to help you resolve it.

[He is silent for a moment, before making a dismissive-sounding "Hmph" and shutting off the feed.]

[ It's a very, very short message. But the person appearing in the video looks panicked, and his voice is basically a stuttering mess. He's... ]

U-Um... if... if anyone sees a girl with pink hair in twin-tails... [ Swallows. ] Tell me right away, okay? Please.

[ For their sakes. Because the only person who's going to take waking up in the very, very distant future worse than him is her. ]

I'm, uh... I'm Yukiteru.

[ He opens his mouth like he's going to talk again, but instead, just awkwardly fumbles with the controls of the device, ending the feed. ]

[ it's been a month and mithos has gotten pretty situated here. however, other than getting used to the new place when he could (aka when they're not being transported somewhere else) he hasn't really ... done much else.

and that has included meeting others and getting to know them. and now that the person he really knew from back home seemed to have been avoiding him a week or so ago he feels... lonely.

perhaps a bit more than he should. and within that a pile of other emotions that come with it. he's doing a good job trying to suppress them but it's only a matter of time.

but as an attempt to rid of them, a question. ]

How easy is it for some of you to make friends? Or even become acquainted with someone. I know some people find it easier than others, so if you find it easy what is it that makes it easy for you?

[ he already somewhat knows the answer to the other side of the question. and there is always the 'i don't care' answer but that is one he doesn't want to hear right now.

there is a small pause ]

And what do you do when you're alone with no one to talk to.

[ because he certainly feels like he has no one to talk to right now. maybe it's partially why he's making this? ]

[The video opens on a three-year-old Lloyd Irving, peering curiously at the tablet with a "What's that thing?" before Kotetsu turns the camera back around to himself.]

Anyone recognize this kid? He says his name's Lloyd, and he knows someone named uh...Noishe?

[Yeah, that's all he's got and he's probably butchering the pronunciation, but there's only so much info you can get out of a toddler, okay.]

I found him wandering around the Hold by himself, so if there's anybody here from his world it'd be a big help to hear from them.

[Lloyd seems a bit perturbed as the feed starts. Seriously, it's been over a week and he's only finding out what happened now? He really needs to pay more attention to this tablet thing, but he's still used to the communicator he had before. N-Not that he's been looking at that instead out of habit and wondering why it's so quiet before he remembers...]

Is it seriously already a New Year here? I just saw it's that January month again. The years on this world are really short! Did you even have that Halloween thing again, or does that not happen every year?

[After dealing with the uncertainty of being parent (or future parent, rather) and being taken care of by his son more than should be allowed, Kratos has finally decided to ask for help. Anonymously.]

What does being a father entail? Or rather, what sort of things do fathers do with their children and what responsibilities are expected of a father? Conversely, what activities do children enjoy doing with their fathers?

[Rinoa's voice is quiet, even pensive as she starts to talk over the communicator. It's just talking this time too, which is a rage change because she's more of a video format type of girl. Only she's got a lot on her mind and she doesn't want to bother people, so voice only it is.]

I know new people seem to arrive here all the time, but... do people leave often?

[She continues to talk, but her voice is even softer now, her mind obviously on things aside from her broadcast.]

With everything that's happened, there's no way he's here. I would have heard from him by now if he was here, this just isn't like him.

[Then after a few moments of silence the transmission ends.]

[Have a concerned-looking teenager wearing bright red. If you don't recognize him, it's safe to assume he's one of the many new people who just arrived last week. He's been understandably distracted til now.]

Hey. I just got here a couple days ago, so don't really know a lot about this world yet. What kind of stuff do you have around here for colds? Like if somebody is sick with one and needs to get better?

[And just then a lower, stuffed up voice off-screen can be heard saying:] I told you I am not [sneeze] sick.

[He glares in the direction of the voice.] You've been coughing and sneezing since I first started talking to you today!

[The other party was probably about to reply, but he gets a bit too busy with a coughing fit.]

See?! [With that, he turns back to his tablet.] Oh right, can somebody let me know what stuff there is and where I can get it?

[With that the feed cuts off...

...only to turn on again roughly 15 seconds later.]

Uhh, I'm Lloyd, by the way. [He glares in the direction of the still unseen other person.] There, I did it! Are you happy?!

[And now the feed ends.]


[ooc: Just a head's up, Kratos is sick so Lloyd doesn't run out during the zombie-fest and inevitably get turned into one since that doesn't really suit me after less than a week here. So if your character is becoming one, offering to come over and help may not be the best idea.]

[As the feed comes on, an somewhat intimidating redheaded man standing somewhere outside can be seen eyeing the device. His expression, though relatively indifferent, is slightly annoyed. Getting thrown into a second warring world after having ended a war back home? Yeah, it isn't particularly enjoyable.

Upon seeing the communicator function as it should, the irritation shifts into a look of mild approval. If nothing else, their technology was simple enough to use.]

I am Kratos Aurion, one of those among the new arrivals in Exsilium. [Introduction aside, it's time to get down to more pressing business.] The technology within this world must be substantially advanced to permit for time travel. What do their devices use as a fuel source?

[Bad experience with overuse of an energy source to the point of the world nearly being destroyed make one cautious about such things. Hmm on the note of their technology....]

I've another inquiry, one pertaining to the Initiative's transportation capabilities: is it commonplace for them to be able to bring in those who have already been thrown into a world which is not their own? On that matter, is there anyone present who is aware of any of the following: Sylvarant, Tethe'alla or Death Ci--

[Kratos gets abruptly --and painfully-- cut off with a brick falling from the building behind him and hitting him square in the head. The communicator gets dropped, landing face first on the ground. Though nothing but darkness is visible for a good couple seconds, a few rather colorful choice words can be heard coming from off screen.

It takes a moment before the device gets picked up and a very displeased looking Kratos can be seen rubbing the back of his head. If one were to pay close enough attention, they would notice the hand is covered with a fair bit of blood.]

...If someone might provide directions to an infirmary, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Thrust into yet another warring world and dealing with a potential concussion. Great. Just Great. The feed gets flicked off.]

[The video clicks on to show one of the streets scattered around Exsilium, the camera panned slightly upward, and it is half-covered by an oily black hand. After a few seconds it tilts down to reveal the owner of the hand, a woman with very blue skin, her eyes slightly narrowed in thought but her expression amused, her black hair half falling over her face and half held away by a series of small red clips. Behind her head appears to be four oily black tentacles that writhe faintly as she moves. The top of her clothing, visible around her neck, appears to be shifting against her skin as well.]

[She’s gliding along, but she slows to a stop as she studies the camera, and after a few seconds seems to realize that it’s transmitting.]

Hmm. They did say people could hear me…[Her voice is absent-minded, but when she speaks again it is stronger, more direct.] Hello out there, people of the future? Or the past. Whatever.

[She shrugs and her gaze shifts away again, looking at the buildings she’s passing, and she speaks as she begins moving again.] Eddie told me about his time, but I was expecting something…grander, I guess. I know there’s a war going on but this place looks like it was designed by someone who never even heard of music. I mean, really, narrow buildings, straight streets, everything is so…utilitarian.

[She says the word like she doesn’t even like the way it sounds.]

Where’s the soul? Where’s the music? This place is supposed to be awesome, it’s not even managing boring. I’ve barely arrived and I already think most of it is tedious.

[The background changes as she enters the apartment buildings, hunting for the one that was apparently 'hers.' She's never had an apartment before, this could be interesting.]

Anyway. I'm Ophelia. The pleasures all yours, trust me. I'd tell you about myself but apparently nothing from back home matters here. A clean slate. It's sort of appealing. And a little depressing. And kind of boring.

But hey, free reign to do what I want, right? [She glances down at the camera again and smirks an almost malicious smirk.] This should be fun.

[Click.]

( Action for two dorky teenage boy roommates. )