[Patchouli is not amused. A moment after exiting the disgusting pod, she has dried off her long dress with magic and parked herself briefly in front of the Hologram. It looks like the sort of scientific magic that she would find on the other side of the barrier. Her suspicions that Yukari is the culprit are promptly shut down by Weiss' image, and the little device in her hand explain.

She holds it up, reminded of something that Sanae girl has, then shrugs.Her gaze then drifts to the city streets in front of her. With a sigh, she resigns herself to the inescapable situation.]

[Video]

My name is Patchouli Knowledge, and I am a wizard from Gensokyo. I will not waste your time with idle chatter, so do not waste mine. I am looking for an establishment that sells books, particularly on your realm's magicks and spirits, as well as the nearest business that may serve me coffee. I would also like a place to set up residence. Preferably one with low moisture and little sunlight, so as to not damage my books. 

If you have nothing meaningful to say, do not waste my time with your 'welcomes' and by repeating anything in that Hologram. I do not care to make friends, so do not bother.

[But actually: Do bother this stick in the mud.]

I think this is on...

[It soon flickers on to Chiaki staring at the screen for a moment, that was until another face appears in front of hers. It is a moment before Chiaki speaks up.] Mimikyu, you don't need to stand right in front of it, you can move back and everyone will see your beautiful self.

[Said with the happiest tone she could muster as her Pokemon friend went and sat down on her lap. They seemed content with sticking close to her anyway. But as he moved and the device had been set back it's clear Chiaki's apartment was littered with games all over the place.

Sorry, Sync.

Once Chiaki was sure that things were okay right now, she spoke up again.]

I feel like people are expecting me to say something about the holiday coming up, but I'm not. I have no reason to. Instead, I am here to talk about video games and Pokemon. [Of course it was, Chiaki was brightening up a little bit.]

I am planning on doing a gaming marathon soon, I don't know when exactly but I'll be doing it in order to raise money for charity, which I haven't decided yet, but I am close to picking one. Any suggestions will also be taken into consideration. [She wrapped her arms around her Pokemon friend as soon Eevee and Bulbasaur came into the picture too.]

Suggestions will also for games people would like to see me play during the 24-hour marathon...Which I forgot to mention and also for people who would be interested in joining me even if it's for an hour or so. [She laughed slightly.] After all video games are a great way for friendships to form and bonds to become strong.

[Her other Pokemon had started to want a fuss as she let go of the other to do exactly that.]

As I mentioned there was another subject of Pokemon and a while ago I had a thought of do people still continue to train there Pokemon after they leave? [A pause.] I mean the ones that stay around after. I am curious if people do or if they want to but can't for whatever reason. [She had her reasons for it at least, she had ideas that she didn't know if she could even do.] I am also wondering if anyone would want to be friends with Mimikyu here? He just wants to make friends and I want to continue helping him making them.

WHO: OPEN TO ALL!
WHAT: Holiday party! Date auction! Shenanigans.
WHEN: December 15th, 2017 - Evening
WHERE: Fairy Tale HQ - Fayren
NOTES: The auction and the kissing contest are time sensitive! Bids close and the last kiss will be accepted on Friday, December 22nd, at midnight PST!

Fayren didn't have electricity, but it had something even better.

MAGIC!

There were twinkling colored lights that burned, flickered, and floated in an ethereal way, enchanting the building in a way that fluorescent lights never could. Branches of evergreen were hung here and there to give the air a fresh pine scent. There were also pinecones doused with cinnamon and nutmeg near the doorways.

Except near the kitchens, because the food smells were more than enough to entice the senses. There were mini-sausages swimming in a thick and spicy sauce, sweet and tangy meatballs on toothpicks, vegetables and dip, bite-sized cream puffs, iced sugar cookies, cheese and crackers, mulled cider, and eggnog in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties.

The main room, expansive as it was, had plenty of room for music, dancing, and mingling. There were some tables and several chairs set up, and a small stage where musicians were welcome to perform to their heart's content. To the side was an even smaller stage where a sprig of mistletoe was suspended on a loop of scarlet ribbon, with a sign that reads: "Test Your Passion! Win This Arcade Game!" And next to that was a full-sized arcade game version of Alley Brawlers. Might be worth checking out!

But there were more games than that, and more than a few maps set up on easels of the headquarters and where to go to play certain games. A single lane bowling alley (with manual set-up of the pins), a "fishing" booth where people toss a clothespin on a fishing line over a curtain to have a little prize attached by someone hidden on the other side, a ring toss for cans of soda, a cake walk (with full-sized cakes for the winners and cupcakes for the losers), ornament decorating, pin-the-tail-on-the-unicorn, face painting, a pool of rubber ducks with numbers corresponding to prizes on the bottom, goldfish scooping... Almost anything one would find at a carnival was sure to be found here.

As for the auction? Step right up, right past the gauzy white curtains into a big room lit with twinkling golden lights. Anyone was welcome to come in, but if someone wanted to participate as a bidder, they'd have to make a donation at the door. In return, each donor would receive a packet of 100 red tickets with the same number assigned to the bidder name: one roll of tickets with 101 for the first donor, a roll of tickets with 102 for the second donor, and so on.

Cookies and punch were available in this room, with several tables and chairs set up before a large stage with a microphone. Along the wall was a line of clear plastic boxes, with slots on top, set in front of each auction date's face. A card that indicated the name of each person, their age, and a brief description of what they were all about was pasted onto the front of the boxes. People were welcome to look at the line-up if they wanted, or even use some of their tickets prematurely if they wanted, as they were clearly for a drawing. Until the auction starts, soft piano music plays from a stereo running on batteries.

[ The feed opens to reveal a face that may be familiar to some... but there are differences. This was clearly a young woman, and instead of blue-lavender hair and red, cat-like eyes, she has light brown hair and bright blue but normal human eyes. The outfit, too, is different and clearly that of a 16th century French noblewoman - and red because of course it is.

She blinks down at the device with both trepidation and a small bit of curiosity. ]

{What manner of device... Ah! It's doing something!}

[ And she is also speaking entirely in French. ]

{...There's tiny people in this. Are you trapped? Hello?}

Video leaving the Bay
[Maes Hughes has accepted the fact that this is the end. Some shapeshifting freak is pointing a gun to his chest disguised as his wife and he just can’t bring himself to harm them even though he knows it’s not her. So this is how it’s going to end, huh...

The next thing he knows, he’s in some weird… thing in some weird place and he really has no idea what’s going on. He figures this must be the afterlife (not at all what he pictured, really) until he watches the video - and boy wasn’t that a trip - and reads over the info that was provided in the Bay. It was all very troubling, really, but since never in his wildest dreams would he be able to come up with this kind of tech he has to assume this is actually real and he’s not dead.

Well, there’s some good news at least.

He fumbles around with the device for a few minutes and has an uncharacteristically serious face on when he finally figures out how to work it and get the video feed up on his way to Genessia City.]

My name is Lieutenant Colonel Hughes and I have just one question:

[He stares hard before he’s suddenly the picture of absolute adoration as he whips photographs seemingly out of thin air and holds them in front of his face.]

Have you seen my baby girl? Her name is Elicia, she’s three years old, and she’s just the cutest little girl on the planet! Look at her, isn’t she stunning? And she’s smart, too! Why just the other day…

[Either mute your devices or interrupt him, people. There’s no limit as to how long he can talk on this subject (or how many pictures he has).]

Action in Genessia City
[Hughes is very certain that the intro video did not mention a single thing about monsters. He’s going to be having words with these Schnees about this. But that’s for later. For now, he lodges a knife square in the face of a… whatever that thing is before he ducks for cover behind a car.]

What the hell is going on? First that… thing and now this? Just where the hell am I?

[He pokes his head out and sees that the coast is clear before he runs another burst down the street towards the Guardian Office. He figures he can get some answers there and maybe help out, but it looks like he’ll have to fight his way there. He’s decent enough in a war, but for this? He could probably use some help.]

[...this was not something Yuyuko had anticipated at all. A new world, with technology that was quite foreign to her, people she'd never met before, and to make matters worse? The last thing she recalled before she woke up was being in the middle of a delicious meal that her adorable little gardener had made.

Needless to say, the ghost woman was not impressed when she woke up in a strange place, but Yuyuko figured that would be the case for anyone, really. As she mulled the situation over in her mind, she wandered the streets of this strange new city, hovering just an inch off the ground or so.

Her expression remained frustrated as she floated about, scoping out her new surroundings. The idea that perhaps this was Yukari's doing briefly crossed her mind, but despite her friend's...somewhat playful streak, Yuyuko knew that this was above and beyond that.]

Ah, this is simply...wonderful.

[She says sarcastically to herself, before huffing, followed by her stomach growling. That's right. She'd been eating before she arrived...here. Wherever here was, exactly. Perhaps she should find someplace to buy something to eat. She could think about things after she was full.]

Video

[Those turning on their communicators are greeted by the sight of a red eye before the screen pulls back and reveals the face of a pretty but angry redheaded woman who has no chill walking briskly down a street.]

I had hoped that the last time was nothing but a dream, but it seems as though there's some sort of cosmic joke at play. Finding myself here once again certainly feels like it. But I suppose I should introduce myself once more. I am Mitsuru Kirijo.

Is Akihiko Sanada here again?

[Part of her hopes he's not. Despite knowing that the others won't notice her gone, it doesn't help that she wishes that Akihiko is back there to take care of their comrades in her stead. But, a familiar and trusted face at her side is something she also wants, selfish though that thought is.]

If he is, can you tell me where he is?

Action

[Anyone in Genessia will find Mitsuru walking down the street. She's trying to look cool as she takes in the sights, sunglasses covering her red eyes as she notes where things are in this first of four cities, but she has the habit of stopping when she sees something of particular interest. And she's pretty distinctive in that coat.]

*The feed opens on a beautifully manicured lawn and a row of carefully placed rocks and garden ornaments, then it moves upwards to show a pair of cute trainers, some bare legs and shorts, then upwards to reveal the rest of a crouching Sonico, a rather startled and terrified Sonico*

Uhm... I was wondering... Does anyone have any tips for moving bodies?

*She bites her lip then turns the camera from herself to instead show the back of a figure lying on his side. Looks like Sonico has moved his arms and legs so that he is lying straight*

Oh! He is still breathing! Please don't worry! But... he is unconscious I think, and rather heavy...

*Is that a broken garden gnome beside him?*

Who: Castlevania crew (Dracula, Lisa, Alucard, Remilia, Flandre, Patchy, Sakuya, Soma)
What: Plot conclusion for the Rain of Blood event
When: Backdated very slightly to August 9 (5 days after the initial rain)
Where: Castlevania subarch, possibly spilling into Everglade
Why: Because Dracula is a dick.
Warnings: Language, violence, possible gore, cuddles. ...okay that last one might be a lie.

[There is an area in Castlevania where only its master may go. It's sealed off by a door of black smoke through which not even the most powerful of magics may penetrate, and it leads into the realm of Chaos. A place where monsters orders of magnitude stronger than anything else in the castle roam, and where the spirit of chaos itself resides, whispering its secrets and lies to those it deems worthy of attention.]

[It's been several weeks since Lisa Tepes' arrival set it to whispering in Vlad's ear. During that time, Vlad called down a rain of blood on Everglade, and with it the beginnings of a repeat of Targoviste. Thanks to the guardian of Everglade and her allies, there haven't been any deaths - not yet, at least - but this is just the calm before the storm. The time for talk has passed.]

[The plan, such as it is, is simple: Remilia and Alucard will distract Dracula and defend Lisa while Soma, with the assistance of one of Alucard's familiars, enters the realm of chaos and silences the spirit. Which task is the more dangerous? Who can truly say?]

Who:Lisa and Sakuya, later on adding in others at the Castle.
What:Lisa arrives, faints, and is taken to the castle where all hell breaks loose.
Where: Just outside of the bay and then Castlevania.
Warning: Lots of feels, confusion, and then all hell breaking loose at the Castle.

( She was the only human holding the gates of hell closed... )

[video]
*For the first time in a long time, Sonico finally appears on screen. The bruising on her cheeks has mostly gone, and the cut on the lip is now only a small red line. She bows deeply on the screen and appears very serious in her approach*

I would like to say thank you, very much, deeply, from the bottom of my heart, towards those of you who cared for me and supported me while I was unwell. I am on the mend, and I appreciate all of your good thoughts.

I may still not be able to return to my usual work for some time...thanks to my injuries...but I would like to extend an open invitation for those who would like singing lessons. Please be in touch.

[action - grass areas of Genessia and Nova City]
Finally, Sonico feels able to leave her apartment. She is dressed differently from usual, however, in a long sleeved cardigan and a skirt that reaches down to her ankles - the best way to hide all her scars.  She appears to be slinking through the parks and wooded areas of town, apparently on a Pokemon hunt, her own in tow.

[audio for nightmares - late at night/early morning]

*The voice broadcasting is a shaky and timid whisper, clearly a girl in distress*

Is anyone...awake? I could use someone to talk to...

I have to say, I was not expecting that egg to hatch, but I do so love pleasant surprises!

[Someone seems to have taken quite a liking to this little curveball that this world has thrown at her. She pans the video over to show off her darling Pokémon collection; currently a Chingling, Fomantis...and a Bulbasaur.]

Aren't they precious? Especially Hibiki. The bell one. Mei, the mantis one, also came from my egg.

[A pause.]

I found the other one earlier today. Now, from what I understand, you're supposed to battle with these creatures, yes? Caring for them seems to be easy enough.

[She's going to need a bigger place if this keeps up, honestly. Between the rabbit Koishi gave her, a rabbit she picked up herself, and now three Pokémon, her apartment is beginning to get crowded.]

I'd like to see all of your Pokémon as well.

[Video]

I took a trip to the Dream Docks a while back and got some memories of things from my world. It made me think deeply about if I was happy where I am. I mean like, in life. Here on Genessia, I’ve done things I never expected to do, like start businesses. I still fight monsters and stuff, which is what I have been in training to do, but business owner was never something I thought would be in the cards for me.

It’s so weird, because I know if I ever leave this place for good and go home, I won’t build anything for myself there like I have done here. I don’t find myself being upset by that fact, but instead happy and proud of what I have done here. I’ve never really taken the time to think about it and realize how drastically different these last few years would be different there than here.

So how do you all feel about your place in the world?


On a less heavy note, looks like we have Pokemon again. Hopefully I don’t come away with another rude Pokemon like last time. I went around and checked the Bounty Boards in the cities. There is stuff posted that’s relevant to what’s going on. So check them out if you get the chance.



[Action; Every City]

[There are Pokemon out and about, and some of them Sun hasn’t seen before. So of course he’s going to head around and check things out. He has some of his old team with him, in case he needs them for some backup. But only Helioptile and Dewpider are out of their Pokeballs and following him around. No sense in letting the entire cast out to roam. They might cause more trouble than anything.

So Sun will be hitting up various places, the Pokemon Center, Cafes, Parks, ect. Feel free to bump into him anywhere.]

 ( Sonico Healing (CW: wounds, scars, hospitals) )[Text]

Hello everyone,

I am afraid that I will be unable to return to work, both at the diner and with any model positions, for a short period of time. I am home and I am safe, so please do not be alarmed.

However, I am unable to take full proper care of my kitten and I am hopeful that someone will be able to look after her. She is a large cat and requires outdoor exercise, but she is loving and very friendly.

Many thanks for your help and understanding,
Sonico xo

[Video]

*On your screens now is a very bashful-looking Sonico. And why shouldn't she be blushing when she's wearing this rather NSFW outfit? Only, for Sonico, she's wearing it because it is her work. She is standing in the lobby of a mall, and it looks like she's gathered quite a crowd. The camera zooms into Sonico*

Don't forget - Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Make sure you treat your loved one to something special! You will find all sorts of gifts at Nova Mall. From declaring your love and getting hearts racing, be sure to come and check out Nova City Mall for presents they'll fall in love with! Come by today and receive 10% participating stores.

*She's managed to smile most of the way through that, but she looks a little more awkward at the end. Then someone whispers a reminder to her, and Sonico winks on cue. Then the feed cuts*

[Action]

If you've been doing any weekend shopping, you might find Sonico dressed up and standing outside different stores on rotation, beckoning customers and handing out fliers.

[It takes a moment for the video to focus properly on Patchouli's face.

Yes, very purple, if you haven't noticed.]

Good evening, everyone. [It's not evening. Maybe.]

I haven't had much of a chance to explore the city yet. Is there a library about somewhere?

Who: Sakuya and you!
What: Remilia went home. Maids are sad.
Where: Castlevania/Genessia City (various)
When: Backdated to Remilia Scarlet going home
Warnings: A very sad Sakuya :c

( Locked to Castlevania )

b) Genessia City

Sakuya eventually decided she needed a change of pace. After calling in sick to work she dressed in black pinstripe top and black skirt before heading into the city. Her wandering was aimless, moving from place to place with no real goal in mind. She was taking Remilia's disappearance hard. Very hard.

She was not the most approachable person but perhaps someone would run into her walking around. She would linger here and there, outside of certain stores and restaurants and sat for about an hour on a bench just outside the bay area. Later, she wandered into Memorium park, leaving an epitaph before vanishing just as quickly.

She eventually ended up in Cat's Eye Cafe near the day's end. Sitting in a corner, her tea long since cold, she was leaning forward onto the table, resting on her forearms, both hands clutched together as if in prayer.

[It had been a rough couple weeks since Rose had arrived in Genessia, but she had taken time to let her worries of home simmer, collecting information as best she could without really intruding on anyone's lives here. However, what she saw was... rather fascinating. Never before had she seen a group of such disparate people, aliens, and other beings living in such harmony before. For once, she didn't feel like such an outsider, and she wanted to have some greater measure of interaction than she had taken in her own world. As such, she had found a nice untouched grassy area near The Bay and had worked her magic to grow some rather large watermelons. It was still summer and summer just didn't seem like summer without watermelons.]

Hello, some of you already know me, but my name is Rose Quartz. I just wanted to say thank you to those that helped put my worries to rest when I found myself here, and while they haven't vanished, they are much more manageable. As a way of saying thank you, I've grown some watermelons.

In my world, it's something of a tradition to share watermelons among friends and family during the summer, and I wanted to extend an invitation to anyone who wished to do so here.

[She turned the camera around to show the slightly above average size watermelons, growing amid a patch of what seem to be roses with small crystalline shapes at their centers.]

I'm near the area where I woke up, and anyone that wants a watermelon is more than welcome to come get one.