[Ted, whose position on the naughty or nice list was always in flux, was blessed by a half-dozen snowgies giving him a copy of his father's revolver. He picked it up, examined it, and found no flaws. His face still bore disgust, for by now he figures Genessia to be entirely intentional, self-serving, and synthetic. They gave him, not a past memento, but an exact lookalike purely to...well, the only thing it could've gotten for them is an emotional rise. It came unloaded; an emptiness Ted set to fill.]

It's one thing for a gift to have sentimental value. It's quite another for it to, in mercenary manner, create sentiment purely for the value of another. That's perverse.

[He flicked the chamber in, then took aim at the snowgies.]

I will punish perversion's agents.

[Disgust became amusement as he started picking them off, bullet by bullet. He laughed as their snowy heads and charcoal eyes burst apart. The survivors fled.]

Oh, that won't save you! My father could strike a clay pigeon from fifty yards. Let's see if I've inherited his skill...

[Last one in the chamber, he aligned his sights as the final snowgie ran as fast as its snow-stump legs could carry. Just a little further, and...bang!

He missed.]

Hang it; practice hasn't yet made perfect.

[He has more guns than even an American really should, but one more won't hurt, fake or not. If only he could've heard the avalanche of snowgies gathering and preparing to get their revenge on this grinch. But he couldn't, he didn't...]

[After the disaster involving false ghosts and true prisoners, Ted had much anxiety and little direction. An aimless, nagging inclination to do something pulled at his heart. Despite the loss of one dearly beloved, he found his head clearer. Or at least, more focused, more willful about his role in the world and how to fulfill it. Despite the Genessia's slack, he felt now, more than ever, he must redouble his efforts and unravel every mystery, and save every soul. And he had an idea of who might help.

Coincidentally, it was this day on the dot that he'd spoke to her last. Goodness, were they really so antisocial that talk was a yearly occurrence? Well, better late than never. What a mercenary talk it would be, too. What a scoundrel he is to strike up meeting largely because he wanted something. Well, he's young. If she's old, she'll understand the disparity. He rang her up.]

Good afternoon, Satori. Long time no see, eh? I've a question, and if I get my preferred answer, an action, to pose to you, if you're willing.

WHO: Allen Walker, Belle French, Flandre Scarlet, Gale Reinhardt, Koishi Komeiji, Mayu Nozaki, Papyrus, Remilia Scarlet, Sakuya Izayoi, Silicon, Sousuke Kuze, Ted, Uai
WHAT: Characters receive a mysterious boarding pass for a ghostly train in Everglade. Where will it lead? And how will they get home when the fare is only one-way? All aboard the Doom Train!
WHEN: August 18th - 23rd
WHERE: Everglade - Doom Train

( I Think I Can I Think I Can I Think I Can I Think I Can! )

[OOC: Please refer to the sign-up post if you need a refresher on what the event is about! Sign-ups are now closed!]

( Another exciting night out on the town brings Mollymauk back into the house at about, say, 8 am? Too early for a man who has yet to sleep, if his current disheveled and half dressed state are any indication. Still, he kicks the door open and trots inside like he owns the place (little does he know, right?), announcing his arrival with a loud: )

I’m home! Hope you didn’t miss me too-- ( He pauses, surprised at first by the stillness of the house, and then by the figure resting on the couch. )

[Said figure is staring at her device, rapidly scrolling up and down the contacts list. Muttering under her breath in a trembling voice,] Gone… Gone, gone… Where are you…

[The movement of Molly’s entrance snaps her out of the strange trance. Satou turns her head, eyes wide and filled with tears. Her mutters stop, giving way to complete silence. And then, a terrible screech.]

THERE’S ONLY YOU! [is this good or bad? It’s hard to tell as a breakdown takes hold.]

( Of all the things he expected in that brief moment, it sure as hell wasn’t a harpy-esque screech. Molly’s phone drops out of his hand in surprise, clattering to the floor to show an upside down shot of the tiefling now holding his head in his hands. Why was he filming this to begin with? Who knows, he’s drunk or high or just too tired to remember. Either way, everyone can hear him shouting back, his own tone confused and slightly alarmed: )

What the hell are you talking about?! ( Then a pause as he looks up again, one eye closed in a wince of pain. ) ...Are you crying?

[Satou barely gives him a chance to speak. Her sobbing has not stopped and only grows louder when questioned.] They’re all gone! Hizashi-san, Toshinori-saanngh, [She covers her face again and screams. That scream translates into “Aizawa” in harpy.]

( Hizashi would be proud of her screeching, were he still here. Molly continues to stare, stepping forward only when Satou’s yelling is more sobs than ear-shattering screams. Another confused “huh” coming out of him as he absently kicks his phone across the room, turning it off when it bounces into the wall. The last thing heard over the network is him simply asking: ) What do you mean they’re all gone--Ugh. ( Then, darkness. )


( ooc: replies can come from either??? maybe??? probably molly mostly. )

ANON MEME
We haven't had one of these. Here's where folk can say things they wouldn't be open about. Some are honest. Some troll and argue with themselves.

1. Reply with anonymous text
2. Put thread topics in the subject line
3. Some comments may not be suitable for children

Have fun! ^°^

(OOC: All replies are assumed to be anonymous unless otherwise stated in the subject line.)

Video
[Certain persons in the cities will recognize, if not the individual, then at least the race of the person who's just popped onto the network. To the one or two likely to remember her, she looks... rather a lot more world-weary and worn down. Kind of sickly, to be honest. Still, she offers a wry smile to the camera.]

Have to say, I didn't expect to be summoned back here again. Thought I might be done with that for a while, after the Exarch did his thing. [No, she's not going to say his name here. He asked that she call him the Exarch, and so she shall.] That aside, if memory serves, I'm going to need a job. And directions - this key doesn't look like the one I got last time, which suggests that the Commons aren't the default rooming arrangement anymore.

Action
[It's easy to get lost in a city that's built for people at least double your height. Especially when you're having a little trouble with your vision, and your hearing, and... really all your senses. And what feels like the world's biggest migraine.

Is it any wonder, then, that she's ducked into a cafe to wait out the brighter part of the day? Odd that the sky outside is unaffected, but then, Genessia has always been resilient against the afflictions of its residents.

Sipping a cold drink - looks like iced tea, from here - and applying a bag of that same ice to the side of her head, she might be easily mistaken for a lost and confused child...]

Why do people hate clowns so much?

[Seemed like a rather odd question, to say the least, nothing seemingly prompting it either. But it had been something that the young man had been noticing for a while and it bothered him.]

I've seen horror movies that have clowns and just there seemed to be a lot of dislike towards them and I honestly don't get why. They aren't bad, they just want to make people happy. So I guess I'm just trying to understand why.

Know what? 'S time t' change some shit up 'round here. If anyone's intrested, I'm sellin' Jolly Eddy's. Jus' got all the paperwork done t' make it a subsidiary a Newgate Enterprises, so y' can keep that if y' want- means if y' flounder, I'm stuck with the bill. But I'm gettin' bored a fightin' goblins an' ghosts an' shit every night. A good fight's always gonna make my day, but these dead shits is such snoozers it ain't worth my time no more. Shoulda known it'd come t' this. Mean, if they's actually good at fightin', they wouldn't be dead in the first place, catch me? SHEHEHEHEH!!!!

If no one wants t' pick it up, I'm gonna shut it down. The scared folk a Everglade lived their long lives without us before, an' they'll bitch an' moan for a bit but they'll figure out other ways a protectin' theirselves in the end. Anybody already workin' there's welcome t' follow me on t' the next adventure, an' I'd be glad t' have y'all 'long, what few a y's left. Gonna switch it up an' follow this here map [The camera swings out to show a holographic girl, an axe hefted over her shoulder, wearing a plaid shirt, dirty jeans, heavy boots, and a fur cap. She cocks a digital eyebrow, then rolls her eyes, and the camera swings back to Namur's determinedly grinning mug.] t' get me some buried treasure, hell yeah! Want a piece a the pot, get me a message. Don't text me though, I ain't got the patience for that kinda shit right now.

Also I ain't gonna be the one weepin' an' moanin' 'bout how much it flippin' sucks 'round here when folks goes on t' the Great Wherever, but I'll be damned if I ain't been thinkin' it hard lately. Some folks don't deserve the shit they gotta live through wherever they's from, an' that's a fact. So let's do somethin' fun instead, get t' know each other a li'l better, aye?

TELL ME YER VOTES FOR TOP THREE HOTTEST ASSES HERE IN GENESSIA! Vote anon or not, 's all good. Pics encouraged but ain't necessary. Hell, I'll even give the winners a prize! Sheheheheh!

video;

[The feed clicks on, showing a girl looking somewhat sheepish.]

So, it turns out when you're driving your interdimensional chariot, the proper answer to 'bet you can't do a wheelie' is not 'oh yeah, watch this'. Whoops. Live and learn, right? Still, never been to a world that was this used to people showing up... This isn't one of those situations, is it? You know, 'oh summoned hero, go defeat the Demon Lord' thing? Because let me tell you, those get old fast.

I'm rambling, aren't I.

Hi, I'm Rose. I guess these things are so we can find our friends? So, my friends can find me now. And Anya, Vera, if you're here, I'm fine, so please don't burn anything down. If you aren't here, can someone keep me posted if either of them show up? They're easy to spot- Anya's tall, blonde, glasses, beautiful, and also if you call her Anya she'll try to break you in half. Call her Angharad. Vera's the pretty girl with horns, cute, and probably going to give a speech about darkness and flame and stuff.

If you see either of them, probably lead with 'Rose is here' before anything, um, explodes.

[This voice is far too fond, considering what she's describing. But no, she seems totally smitten.

The feed cuts off there.]

video 2;

[Except not long after, it starts up again. All of the following clips are about ten seconds at a time, as Rose seems to just be kind of... vlogging her experiences.

This time, you can see Rose in the corner, but she's in Nova City, the camera focusing on one of the janitorial robots.]

Is it a faux pas to hug a cleaning robot? Asking for a friend.

[pause.]

The friend is me. I'm the one asking. Look, they're so cute, like super-Roombas!

[The feed cuts off. And then starts up again, very shortly after. This time, Rose is standing out by the Hover Tracks, again peeking up in the corner of the feed while the camera focuses on the sign.]

They have hover truck Battlebot demolition derbies. This is officially the coolest world I have ever seen.

[The feed cuts out, and again, starts up after a few more minutes. This time, the camera is pointed at the sky, at one of the Sky Garden ships.]

There are flying gardens! This is so cool! Do they shoot lasers? I hope not but I kinda hope they do, too.

[Yet again, the feed cuts, and starts again.]

So apparently I need a job to get money to get in on this... What's a good job for someone with absolutely no skills in anything? Asking for another friend. Who is also me.

[... someone should probably tell her to stop spamming the network.]

action;

[Or you might just find her at the archways between Genessia and Nova City. Where she just... seems to be... walking into the archway.

And then back out.

And then back in.

And then back out.

Occasionally, she stops to giggle to herself like a child, but mostly, she's just running back and forth through the portal like an idiot.]

This is so cool! How does this work? Is it connecting space, like a wormhole, or... Is that place even the same world as this, really?

 .video

Wow..! This month has been so amazingly busy, hasn't it? Especially with all of these Pokemon! I've never been able to explore so far for alchemy ingredients, but my new friends do so well keeping me safe. I hope that they stay a while.

Oh! But but. With it being summer, I've got to start rrrreally gathering ingredients and storing them for winter. Otherwise, I can't make as much with my alchemia when the plants die. I don't know if anyone is looking for work, but I'm hiring another adventurer for the AlcheMagia Workshop! Is anyone interested? I'd be really grateful if I could hire someone before summer ends.

The same for apprenticeships! If anyone wants to learn an extra skill, please consider alchemia! I even put together a whole lesson plan! I think it'd take like... four... six months, to teach the basics? And then you can open your own workshop, and make your own stuff, and teach more people, and then they can teach people, and then...! (giggle) Wouldn't it be great?

I'm gonna give samples at the shop this week, so please! Stop by and see what sort of amazing stuff you could learn to make!

.action @ fayren / alchemagia workshop

[Hoping to attract new apprentices and customers alike, Silicon is handing out free samples at the workshop. She has a tray of small glass vials, each containing a different coloured liquid. Whenever someone slows down to take a peek, she launches into an excited explanation.]

He~llo! Are you interested in alchemia? [She holds up the tray.] I'm handing out samples today. The blue ones are a seasickness medicine, and the green ones are for brushing your teeth! Oh, and those yellow ones are a natural shampoo. And the red ones are for putting on burns. They're super basic recipes, but also crazy effective! Want one?

((ooc note. adventurer is a 3* position, apprenticeships are 1*.))

[As the video starts, you can see the possessed Pokedex is frowning in front of the screen, who seems to be fidgeting for some reason.]

Has anyone seen Ash Ketchum lately? I haven't seen him a while and worst of all, his Greninja is nowhere to be seen as well!

I'm Roto-worried about him. Do you know where he is right now?

[Somehow their motley crew had made it off that insipid island and back to shore. An inane adventure, yet far more comfortable than the date with destiny he had planned. And just in time for the crime spree event, too. Happily, it seemed to have few takers, and the ones who really made a mess had an early start the voyage made him miss.

Lord, how he's changed. Years ago he would've been champing at the bit to play hero. And now it all seems to hollow that petty antagonism moves him more. At least the timing lines up. If he has to commit the biggest crime of his life today, at least it'll be worth something. He rang up the cyborg whose sole decision would determine if he'd enjoy peace or turmoil.]

"Hello, Grievous? It's Ted. I'm back from that cruise I mentioned. Might we have that meeting today, at a quarter past eleven pm? I'll understand if it's a bad time, what with the criminal encouragement. I repeat it must be absolutely private. Very sensitive subjects."

[That'll give him the rest of the day to goof off with his own misdemeanors. It would make for some light comedy before tragedy. To the library, and then his downward spiral.]

[OOC note: These crimes aren't actually in-game for SERIOUS BUSINESS, I'm just making them up using IRL crimes for inspiration. Feel free to stop him anyway! Except that last one that'll ruin his life forever. That one's all Grievous.]

( Crime #1 )( Crime #2 )

( Crime #3 )( Crime #4 )

( Crime #5 )

( Crime #6 )

( Crime...? )

Genessia - Bay
[Raine looked around curiously. She already knew that this was not home. It was obvious, to say the least. So she looked at the device, slowly figuring it out and flipping through posts that have been posted just before she arrived to help her get the basic idea as to what is going on.

There wasn't much, but one did catch her eye. The one who she figured probably didn't know the device was even on. Interesting. Seems like chaos here was also something that existed. Sounds like someone like her could really benefit from this world.

Maybe not in the same way, but still having people who can do things for her will be a major benefit for her survival. Putting the device away she looked around, going to find anyone.]

Hey you! Can I have a moment of your time to help a confused woman?

All Cities
[After getting some information she had some plans in mind. Get her what she needed and maybe cause problems for other people as well. So one of the first things she wanted to do was check out the various prisons that were around. Why? Because all of those people that lie within all had a dream or wish they wanted.

Escape. That was something even Raine knew she could use and manipulate into getting pawns to use. She lingered around, checking out how the security was and if there might have been weak points, always making sure to make a mental note of points she thought might be useful.

After she was sure she had some basic idea she decided to set up shop for what she does best, fortunes and such. Sitting at a table she was keeping an eye on people, seeing if anyone might be interested. But she knew she should say something to help.]

People always want to know if the things they long for will eventually happen. What the future might bring. I am someone who can help one finally know. It costs nothing for a reading, so if you are curious come sit down.

[he's just biking along, in Genessia at the moment, though he plans to hit everywhere eventually. Hooked to his bike is an ice cream cooler and a cheery little tune follows him]

It looks like school is out for the Summer. Time for rest and relaxation. [a sigh] The problem with too much free time is not having enough things to fill it. It makes me miss paperwork.

[he stops as he's swamped by a bunch of kids and doles out ice cream accordingly]

Does anyone have plans? Challenges? Something interesting to do? [he's a bit restless these days and he doesn't know why] Should I buy a houseboat? [he misses the sea. Though it's not like he can afford one] Mah... maybe the bike is fine.

[She was urged to try out her comm device, so here she is, trying it out. Her wrist communicator doesn't seem to be working at all, so she's still unnerved by this place and the sudden wave of new things she's forced to deal with. But there she is on the viewscreen, and the display says it's recording, so she gives her head a little shake and tells herself to quit staring.]

Oh, hey, uh... I'm Kimberly. Heeeyyyy.

[Her hand waves as she offers a nervous smile.]

So...is this place for real, or are like...people going to start jumping out and telling me I'm on Candid Camera? Because I'm doing my best not to totally freak out right now. I haven't so...so far so good, right?

[Her shoulders shrug. Talking to a screen kind of helps.]

I'm gonna take a look around and check out this apartment I guess I totally have all to myself. Do they come with furniture, or do I have to buy my own? Guess I'd better get some more clothes too. Anyone up for a shopping trip...?

[She tilts her head, raising her eyebrows hopefully.]

----------

[Action - Riverplace Square]

[After going to the store to get the essentials...clothes, a hairbrush, make-up, some super cute roller blades that came in pink and absolutely no groceries yet...she sets her bags down and digs into her shorts pocket to draw out the key with her room number on it. Room 303.]

Okay...let's see what kind of apartment the ghosty kidnappers decided to give me...

[She inserts the key and turns it, hearing a click, then she takes hold of the knob to turn it and give the door a push. The door swings open, and there's a smell of fresh paint and newly cleaned carpet. Apparently this unit didn't come pre-furnished, so if she doesn't spend everything on clothes, she can probably pick out some cute stuff to customize it later. She picks up her bags and steps inside, the door still open. She takes off her sneakers at the door, checking out the breakfast bar. The kitchen comes with a fridge and microwave, so that's good. The bedroom has lots of closet space, so that's a plus. Bathroom is all right...kinda cramped, but it's well lit.]

[She leaves her bags on the floor near the kitchen wall, and opens up the sliding door that leads out to the patio. From the third floor, she's got a pretty good view of the city. It's weird, though. Angel Grove seems so far away. So are her friends, and her mom.]

Okay, just take a deep breath. Hold it together. It's not so bad, right?

[She takes a deep breath, holding the balcony. Then she exhales, and mutters to herself.]

...Well I'm talking to myself out loud, so it's not super great either.

[ Everyone's TVs will flicker on and to the Genessia News Channel for a Live Special Report. The Show Host pops out from beneath the podium, a cool tenor voice coming straight from him as he addresses the camera. ]

Hello hello hello hello there, everyone! It's that time of year again, and I don't mean strutting your stuff on the beach in bikinis and banana hammocks! It's the City Guardian Election Debate, coming at you LIVE from the Genessia Center Arts Theatre in Genessia City. This election debate is brought to you by: Effing Big Fat Bubbles! Dip the lasso on a stick into the bucket of glittery soap solution, and voila! Bubbles so big your eyes will pop out! Even your favorite show host got one of these babies, check it out!

[ Here's a photo of Show Host flourishing the bubble wand that's bigger than he is, next to his unimpressed pet llama wearing a blanket with 'Effing Big Fat Bubbles!' printed in the corner. And back to reality. ]

Let's get started! First, congratulations to our continuing Genessia City Guardian, Satou Kuroneko, who ran uncontested this season. This hard-working pink-loving sleep-deprived little lady has all our hearts and everyone knows it! Second of all, a big warm welcome to the new and uncontested Guardians! Taking the reins in Attleton is the lovely and talented Miss Rapunzel! And who do we have taking Nova City by storm? Why it's none other than the unfortunately named General Grievous, stepping up from deputy to sheriff! There are still two cities ready to catch fire if we don't find them with a guardian soon! Let's begin the live debate-slash-Q&A you've all been waiting for. Here's how it works: You all come up with questions to ask each of the Guardians, and each Guardian will have the opportunity to answer it to help you decide which of your candidates is the right one for your city. You can submit your questions via text to the CPU and it will beam them to our stage, or if you're here in the audience, head on up to the podium and ask in person! Now to introduce our candidates.

[ Taking advantage of the theater as the location, the lights dim. Fog machines fill the stage and lightning flashes through it as the roar of thunder introduces Everglade's guardian candidates! ]

Everglade's incumbent guardian Remilia Scarlet takes the stage to duke it out with rock-hating pyromanic wild child Phibrizzo both ready to take on previous Guardian with the infamous contentious laws of the past, Ted Satchel!

[ Some quick fans run across the stage to get rid of the fog as the lightning effects explode into sparkles. Someone in the lighting room is clearly having some fun here with this. Then a real lion walks across the stage to lead in the Fayren candidates!? He roars at center stage before being lead off. ]

Beautiful and mysterious Fayren's first candidate is returning candidate Azura! But she'll have to stand her ground against severely malnourished Papyrus who's kissed more babies than any candidate in the history of the electoral debates!

[ Here comes that glitter balloon, just like last year, even though there aren't any debating candidates for Genessia City. A couple of stage members raise plastic ponchos over their heads, they knew this was coming. And it does. GLITTER! GLITTER EVERYWHERE! IT'LL NEVER WASH OFF NEVER EVER! ]

Now that all of our candidates are sparkling with eagerness [ or glitter ] to debate, take a seat, and let's get started folks! Get into the town hall for this live debate, starting in 30 minutes! You've still got time to pop in, let's go, and don't forget to cast your votes this June 16th at the polls!

[ Just as the candidates start to get comfortable, an assistant walks out with several aprons and a box of hairnets (Papyrus doesn't get one of those), passing one out to each person as a large horseshoe-shaped cooking area rises up out of the stage floor. What's this? ]

What's this???

[ Show host gestures grandly, pretending to be surprised. ]

Well bless my fuzzy soul, it looks like the candidates have a special treat for everyone. Not only will they be answering your questions, they'll be doing so while baking! A! CAKE! Candidates! Step up to your cooking stations, and choose a cake recipe! Let's bake up some questions, folks!

{ OOC NOTE: Anyone can reply to this post with a question they want to ask the potential City Guardians. Each City Guardian candidate is tasked with answering any question on this post. No candidate is required to, but lack of participation may affect public opinion of the candidate! Lack of any activity during the election season will disqualify your candidate, however.

On June 16th, the polls will officially go up and each player will receive one vote per city. More instructions will go up at that time. For now though, the debate is here! }