[video]

This is pretty embarrassing, but... So. I've been reading a lot of the books at the library here. Amazing idea, actually. Great praise to whoever invented libraries. Oh but, I bring it up because I found the "science" section. Back home, I think we call that "alchemia." And you so... A lot of your-- or well, the library's--- science is well beyond my understanding.

My point being... I'd be interested to learn more about it. Where can I learn science here? Are there any experts? I feel like learning more about the science in Genessia could significantly improve my own experimenting. We call those who practice alchemia "alchemists" back home, so I'm assuming that I am looking for a ... Scientist? Is that right?

Hey everyone!

[ Konoka's on screen once more. If someone knows her, she might look like she hasn't gotten a lot of sleep... but that's only if you squint real close. ]

At long last, I have managed to get the Heals on Wheels successor off the ground. I am here to announce the name "Helping Everyone At Life", or HEAL, for the short and sweet. To put things simply, HEAL is a cross city organization that can be called upon by City Guardians and medical organizations during times of crisis, especially when funneling people to Genessia or Nova City's hospital isn't a fast enough option. We can also be called upon by private citizens should single-person emergencies occur, especially when wounded appear in the Bay.

This is a volunteer organization, so anyone capable of healing is welcome! Please talk to me about openings for whichever city you live in!

[ Besides, she seems so excited about her organization finally getting off the ground. That's all it is... right? ]

[[Note: moved monster adventure to the log]]

[video one . aka "librarian" eliot]

[The face on screen is, in this video, not a smiley and happy pink vampire. He's scowling hard and radiates blatant unhappiness.]

I'll make this quick: I've been here over a year. I'm sick of it.

Is anyone working on an effort to get out of here, or has that enthusiasm dried up?

[video two . aka "idiot" eliot]

[And now, for the goofy and excited expressions of a much more carefree Eliot.]

I've been here for over a year~! And I'm not fainting!

I don't really remember my life back home anymore, which is a tiny bit troubling... But I'm happy here for the time being. It does make me wonder, though... How do other people deal with being away for so long? Are the efforts to get home still in progress?

Video:

[ Ayame wasn't spared by the sudden culling of people this morning. She woke up with a hollow feeling, immediately noticing the lack of Yuyuko's presence in the city and her name no longer in the system. She saw both Gale's and Konoka's anguish for their own losses, and saw the many added names in Memoria Park.

Ayame never spoke a word when even as she went to work in Nova, starting her day with an announcement from the Skyrise's office: ]

Greetings. This is Ayame Sasaki of Nova City. I have been informed of a sudden loss of many names this morning. One of which is our own Deputy Faye Valentine. My sympathies for those who have been affected, but the matter of their disappearances would have effects in the economy and security of all cities. Should your businesses and Guardian offices be shorthanded by this incident, I will send some aid in the form of androids to fill in temporarily.

One other thing - This is not to cause alarm, but this culling could mean something might be coming our way. I don't know for certain what this could entail or when it will strike, if any, but it's still good to be vigilant nonetheless. Stay together, watch each other's well-being, and report anything that you deem unusual... That is all.

[ She closes the video with a gesture. Her tone was serious and her expression almost cold, but her last request to stick together hid a touch of tenderness in it. With people gone, it's best to enjoy every moment with those who are left have before the world decides to send them away. She's trying to keep it together, especially if her partner Gale is emotionally compromised at the moment. Even if he's not telling her to do anything, Ayame will take it to herself to do all the Guardian work anyway. ]

Part A. Video/Action [Open to All]

[It's Valentine's Day today and Mavis can be found in the guild hall's kitchen trying to make heart shaped chocolates. She heard that the shape of the chocolates doesn't really matter as long as they're in a heart shaped box but Mavis is a perfectionist.

Even since she made those cookies for Christmas, she's found out that baking isn't that difficult as long as you have a good recipe and know how to follow it.

Her brows furrow and she bites her lip in concentration as she pushes the little chocolate heart out of the mold. A small victory cry as she raises her fist towards the ceiling. "And another perfect one!"

Then she looks around her and realizes just how many chocolate hearts she just made... The table is covered in them! She scratches the back of her head and, as she notices the camera turned on once more.]

Hi, everyone! Happy Valentine's Day!

If anyone hasn't bought their Valentine's candy yet... Here's your chance. I'm handing out my extra ones for free. So just call me or drop by at Fairy Haven and I'll wrap them nicely for you.

[Feed ends.]

Part B. Action [Closed thread, open to Zeref, Erza & Mira] - Fayren's lake

Mavis arrived at the lake, dressed like this. She's looking curiously around her. Zeref left Fairy Haven early this morning, right after they had their breakfast together, like usual, but today he didn't tell her where he was going. Truth be told, he had been mysterious for the past week or so and, as days went by, Mavis had started to wonder if he wasn't planning something...

She set the little bag she's been carrying on the grass and looks around, searching for a certain Black Wizard.]

...Zeref? I'm here and ready for our date!

...Has he not arrived yet?

[That seemed hard to believe. Zeref was never late.]

[Video]

[When this turns off, the girl in hanging upside down. She looks bored and is quiet for a moment, trying to figure out what to say.]

I...I guess getting bored of my normal stuff was a long time coming. Can only watch people and draw for so long..

[Flandre rolls over carefully, due to her wings and flips through a sketch book, random drawings scattered in it. Chewing on her lip for a moment, Flandre then looks at the camera and offers a smile.]

I guess it probably make why I'm doing this obvious. Back on the ship, we used to have jobs everytime we stopped at a new world. I kinda want to try doing a job again. Even if someone only wants me temporarily. Anyone hiring or have any ideas where I could go?

[Action to those in Castlevania]

[It's not long after her post, Flandre is wandering the halls, sketch book in her hands. She stops to watch anything and anyone who is around, sketching a little in her sketch book. She puts it down for a second to get closer to things, trying to see a detail she couldn't see before.

That or she's following you around quietly, sketching details quietly. She obviously doesn't want to be in the way or stop whatever it is you are doing. Ask what she is up to?]

[Since Enis disappeared, Eliot has been at a loss. For one, he has more time on his hands. Surprising perhaps, when he runs a large business. He had become so accustomed to balancing housework for her with his job that there is now a sizable gap in his daily schedule, filled with nothing but missing his friend. 

Also, with being horrendously hungry. He did her housework in exchange for her blood, but now Eliot is without it. In the middle of winter, when he needs blood the most.

TL;DR later: Eliot is a sad and hungry vampire.]

[VIDEO]

This... This is incredibly difficult for me to phrase. Please consider it c-carefully.

I need human blood... uh. How much would I have to exchange for that...?

Without being hunted down or something.

Asking for a friend. [A pause. Eliot is such a terrible liar. He also doesn't like telling lies this serious, so amends his statement:] That friend is me.

[ACTION]

[Eliot can later be found holed up in one of Genessia City's many cafes. He thought it would be a good idea to do some furniture shopping for the new mansion, but the cold has caught up to him. He's sitting at a table with five steaming hot lattes, lids off, bunched together. And he's warming his hands over them like they're a fireplace.

He's also wearing about three layers of clothing and looks absolutely pathetic.]

[The video opens up to show a blue-haired woman with blue and white feathers on the sides of her head, looking particularly annoyed. She was decked out in some "interesting" garb, very much not suitable for the winter weather. It wasn't in the shot, but she was also holding a red long haired wig in one hand.]

Don't these spirits know it's rude to interrupt a lady while she's working?

They couldn't even have waited until after I changed? It's doubly rude to make a girl walk through ice cold water in this.

[Not that she should expect politeness from random abducting beings. She pouts while trying to hide her shivers.]

Oh- Caelestis and Kamille, if you're out there and hiding, you're both in big trouble.

[Her boys are gonna get a good scolding if they came here without her! She puts on a smile then.]

Now, since I have to get reacquainted with this world... where's a good clothing store to start with? I can't go around dressed like this the whole time, after all.

Oh, and... Troy and Allen, you two aren't still here, are you?

[She had some hopes up for some kind of familiarity, but she's not holding her breath.]

 You know, I hate sounding like a broken record but...

[Nikola sighs as he pulls his phone further away to show off an apartment decorated for a holiday he knows nothing about. All around his kitchen table are books that range from children's Christmas books to books discussing Christmas to even the King Jame's bible which he found somewhere.  He's been trying to do a little research and really, he's just gotten himself more confused.]

What I don't understand is why is there a holiday celebrating some baby's birth in the desert that somehow translates to the fact that for one night some jolly fat man in a red suit is allowed to break into people's homes through their fireplace and leave questionable presents for those that live in the home. 

Or why people try to appease this man with milk and cookies and what makes it okay for him to determine what child is nice or naughty.  Isn't something like that supposed to be the parent's job? Or why this holiday requires lights and a dead tree covered in trinkets. 

[...There is a LOT Nikola doesn't understand about this. ]

Perhaps I'm missing something here, but, I really could use a civilized explanation..

[He pauses for a moment.]

And Rose, unless you're being serious, please don't try and tell me one of your ridiculous holiday tales about candy and monsters and one of my coworkers. 

Action; Fayren
[Winry had never done a bounty before, mostly because they involved fighting and criminals, but this seemed easy enough to do that even someone who didn't want to fight could do and do while getting the bits and pieces that she needed to make her automail she was working on.

When she had been told of the flower and gem he was looking for, she found herself not knowing were preciously she was going to find the gem. But it seemed obvious that the flowers would most likely be found somewhere in Fayren forest and Winry was pretty sure it wouldn't be an easy task to do. So with a sigh, she looked around, still unsure of if she should go up and ask anyone or maybe just use the fee instead.

But after a moment or two of thinking it over, she had made her choice. Making her way over.]

Excuse me... This might seem a little odd, but how well do you know the forest here?

Video + Action for Lan Fan
[She had returned home with various bits and pieces from her little trip, which she was quick to place on her desk as Audino came on over to greet her having been given the task of looking after a certain someone along with her other Pokemon. She smiled and greeted them back before going and getting her device out. She had something on her mind and she was planning on saying something.]

So...come the 10th I will have been here for a year. it's...strange to say that and think about what has happened in that time, but I still think I have a lot more I want to do and things I want to achieve to help. I... just am not sure where to start. Like... I got my business up and running finally and I am happy about that, but I guess I am always about wanting to do more to improve myself. Like maybe see if potions that heal can be made by someone who has no magic?

[She smiled slightly. She just wasn't sure of the how to improve, even in that area.]

Though I brought up my business for a reason. I have a friend who... Is making a rather dumb choice of trying to half or well...more than half of a recovery rate for a prosthetic, but I worry about what it will do to them and also...I understand wanting to speed it up and I know healers here can do amazing things, so I was hoping that maybe a healer could come and help when I finish the prosthetic for them and are ready to put it on? I will obviously pay you for it. So just let me know if you are interested and thank you for listening to my rambling.

[The transmission might crackle and rustle, and all one can see is a deep reddish shadow, as if someone has their thumb over the camera. A husky tenor voice with a cultured sound to it speaks.]

What is the manner of this device or engine? To what purpose was it built for? It appears to pertain to communication, but how does it function?

[A light clearing of the throat.]

Excuse me, I am Mister Howard P. Lovecraft, formerly of Providence, Rhode Island, and now... by some mysterious means, transported to this fair city. Might anyone explain as to why we are brought to this place, myself in particular, as I have... a writing deadline to meet. [He sounds rather concerned by this fact.]

[At length, the reddish shadow moves away and the speaker, a lantern-jawed man in his early forties, dark blond hair and grey eyes, comes into view, studying the device.

[Lan fan comes on the screen looking determined--although possibly a bit perturbed as well (is this thing really working?)]

First and foremost, I am in search of an automail engineer. Does this... "Genessia" even have automail?

[From the technology she's seen it would certainly suggest it--or at least something equivalent.]

[She opens her mouth to say something else--but before she is able to a very loud and long sound is heard--unmistakably her stomach growling. Her eyes go wide for a moment before she ducks her head and averts her eyes to the side, face turning beat red.]

And where is a cheap place to get food...?



[Action//Genessia]

From what she gathered in the information available she felt lucky that she had at least arrived in this place clothed. If the gods or whatever it was that controlled this place had plucked her up a day sooner she would have been wandering around in nothing but her pants and bandages. The clothing she was wearing was not comfortable for her, at least not out in the open outside of the Yao palace. She was dressed in a simple black changpao and a trench coat, the left sleeve flapping at her side. Really the issue was her face being completely exposed. She was so used to being masked that being laid open like this was unnerving. The one benefit with her current garb was the fact that she didn't draw attention to herself.

With some effort she had talked herself out of any acrobatics to keep to the shadows or the roofs and out of sight--of course the buildings she came upon were either too spread out or too tall for that to really work anyway--and she really wasn't recovered yet. Doctor Knox had said a minimum of four to eight weeks for the amputation to fully heal. It hadn't even been a complete week yet. She probably shouldn't have been walking around as she was, but her paranoia as a retainer despite not having her charge wouldn't let her rest until she'd explored at least the immediate area around the communal space she was being provided with.

Still, she was weak and several times she felt herself swooning a bit from light-headedness and pain, stumbling only to catch herself on the nearest upright surface.

[this is much harder to write than it has any reason to be and there is no part of Imelda that actually wants to write it. But needs must and she must because there is too much on the table and, at any rate, at least she can distance herself somewhat from the question.

So she has to word it very carefully]



I know of someone who has a temper and a sort fuse when it comes to certain things. She is a shrew who will not be tamed, and yet her nature is making everyone in her familia suffer. So som advice on how to help her not care any more is appreciated.

Unless you are Ted.



[she glances over it. Si. This seems fairly ambiguous. Satisfied, she sends it]

Something has happened to the CPU! Security measures seem to have gone absolutely wonky, making everyone’s conversations:

◘ Private messages may become public messages
◘ Unanonymous when they’re trying to post anonymously
◘ Undeletable
◘ Misfired

Will it cause technological and privacy chaos? Yes, absolutely. Have fun with that.

Keep in mind that there is only one requirement for participation in this event: You must tag at least one person you do not currently have CR with a misfire.

Otherwise, whatever drama or crack you want to cause with this one, go for it. The CPU will feel better on Saturday, so this is a quick two-day event and will be done in this single log post (here!) so it’s easy to post misfires all in one place but as always, you are welcome to make your own posts as well.

To opt out: There was a power surge when this technology fluke happened, so your device is now refusing to turn on. It may need repairs or replacement.

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you




Welcome
Though the evening outside is chilly, there’s nothing but warmth and lively atmosphere inside. The room itself (the ballroom atop the self proclaimed ‘most romantic and luxurious’ Genessian getaway) is almost blinding, glittering with gold from floor to ceiling, save for the towering framed windows that provide a beautiful sight of the city below. Tables are scattered here and there around the perimeter should attendees wish to rest their feet, but the centerpiece of the evening seems to be the massive, sparkling chandelier casting its warm, golden glow over a rather extensive dance floor. One end of the room is reserved for the band, poised just near the hearth featuring a roaring fire, while the other showcases a grand staircase on which one may make their entrance, should they choose to explore the upper lofts that surround the room beforehand.

Early in the evening, once the room has begun to fill, a couple steps up to welcome everyone on behalf of Genessia’s Performing Arts Center and the cast of their most recent musical. While the event is free, and they are delighted to be able to share a magnificent evening of splendor with everyone, they do wish to make everyone aware that should they choose to donate tonight, be it through benevolent gift or through the auction or gambling tables, all proceeds will be donated to the Red House Foundation- more specifically, Genessia’s branch, located in the heart of the city herself.
The call to enjoy the masquerade is punctuated with a deep bow and the swell of the band picking up once more to lead everyone into a night of majestic merriment.


Photos
With numerous celebrities about and the event in full swing, it’s to no one’s surprise that there are photographers practically crawling the place. Fortunately for all, quite a few have been hired by the event planning team and will be snapping moments (both candid and posed) of everyone in attendance. There’s even a designated area with various props to play with and a lovely backdrop doused in gold. These photos can be downloaded from the network later, so take advantage of these professionals, should your heart desire! After all, did one really look their best if there’s no photo to prove it?


Dancing
While there’s certainly no pop star performing and the music is much more classically suited, one will hear a familiar tune more often than not, spun by the tuxedo clad musicians to suit a more modern crowd. It’s upbeat and energetic for the most part, but every so often, they're likely to switch the mood to something much smoother (dare they say, romantic?) to sway to. Instructors are scattered throughout the crowd, should those unfamiliar with the ballroom style wish to learn something new!


Food
A party without food is absurd, regardless of the occasion. Drink flows readily from the bar, and an impressive variation of hors d’oeuvre has been laid out in a brilliant spread on the long tables along the edges of the room. Partake as you will, and leave a donation to show your appreciation if you’re so inspired!


Costume Parade
What’s the point of a masquerade without an outfit promenade? Show off your inspired attire to all who will gaze upon you. The more flamboyant, the more attention your costume will draw, and the more in-character one seems, the more believable the evening will be- Embrace the masks and let loose! Tonight is the night to be whoever (or whatever) your heart desires.


Gambling/Auction
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there are multiple donated items on which to bid, ranging from weekend getaways to baskets of sweets to… rather peculiar fashion and odd home decor.
To the right of the auction display, there are multiple gaming tables with waiting croupier, ready to assist those with heavy wallets attempt to woo Lady Luck. The winnings (should there be any) can be kept or donated- the choice is yours.


Gardens
If one finds a need to escape the swirling of dance and swell of the music, the gardens below may serve you well. There’s a lovely courtyard, and just beyond the fountain, a garden maze, well lit for the season with the gentle glow of dazzling lights. Take a stroll alone, or hide away with a lover or confidant, or snag a seat for the fireworks- the choice is yours.


Fireworks
No grand gala ever ended without a burst of excitement to round out the evening. Toward the end of the evening, the sky will be lit with a brilliant display of silvers and golds, all timed perfectly with the band’s final performance. One can watch from the gardens or the rooftop, or, if in need of something more ~private~, the balconies throughout the hotel.



Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

((ooc: Questions? PM this journal or poke dovefire on Plurk! Have Fun!))

[There's snickering before the feed even starts. Lots of it. Is Augustine watching something? The poor man seems to be in stitches right now.]

I look utterly ridiculous. [He murmurs to himself once the video finally cuts on.] What sort of curse is this? Am I some kind of werewolf now?

[The proud dhampir is taking this change all in stride it seems. Augustine wears a rather placid smile despite sporting what seems to be two large fluffy fox ears upon his head. He doesn't seem to mind too much but Augustine certainly has questions.

A lot of questions.]

I suppose Halloween came earlier than expected this year and to think, I was considering costuming as an "angel".

[He shakes his head at the idea.]

Well, I'm certainly going to be turning heads today.

[A long-haired man in a long white coat appears on screen, looking confused and somewhat in shock. He's carrying the usual new arrival gear from the docks, but he seems a little dazed and disoriented. His collar hangs open, exposed a long gash mark along his neck, but he doesn't seem to be paying it any mind. Instead, he's glancing around Genessia City with an overwhelmed and stunned expression.

Everything seems so very different than from 1896...]

...I don't quite know if I'm using this correctly. If I'm to be honest, I don't think I've ever seen a device quite like this before. But if someone could explain to me where I am a little bit, I think that would be helpful.

[He shuts his eyes for a second, as if trying to shake a fog from his thoughts. Eventually he shakes his head and looks back at the screen, continuing.]

The last thing I remember is -- dying. The last thing I recall is dying. And now I'm in this place and it's all very...well, it's not quite what I think I imagined the afterlife to be.

As much as not being able to fit through doors that are six to seven feet tall is annoying. I am still rather glad that when I suddenly had my growth spurt my clothes didn't just rip. They actually grew with me.

[She felt lucky about something like that, but she was also a little curious.]

Is there anyone else in my situation. Of having had a sudden growth spurt and not are having a hard time?