[A blank stare is picked up by the communicator, seeming to almost stare past it as he gazes around the park where he arrived. The basket beside him is mostly untouched though he holds the brochure in his hand.]

Ah, a prison.

[Mori picks up the device; his expression doesn’t seem to change but slightly a slight softening around the eyes that those who know him might pick up on. Also in the slight shifting there is the sound of a chain for a moment and a glimpse of one of the restraints attached around his leg.]

Mitsukuni? [Are you there?]

[What might be a familiar face to some appears on the network. Hikaru sits quietly for a moment with an extremely confused look upon his face.]

Hey, has anyone seen Coco or Chanel? I could have sworn they were here...

[Coco and Chanel being the ferrets he and Kaoru had when they were here a few weeks back.

Speaking of Kaoru...]

Kaoru, you know I don't like it when you go sneaking off! You should come back right now!

[Because I don't feel good.

Because something feels off.

Because I need you to know that everything is okay.]

Ugh... the hell did I eat yesterday?

[And now he looks STRAIGHT AT YOU ALL giving a peace sign, giving his best NOTHING IS WRONG AND EVERYTHING IS SUPER FINE look!]

What's up?

"Ha. Ha. Ha." This is where I'm supposed to laugh, right? [The video shows Kaoru, looking most unimpressed, clearly more annoyed by his surroundings than anything -- though anyone that knows him will be able to recognize the faint, uncertain waver in his tone.] My lord, this really is your worst idea yet. This is a "The Host Club members are wrongly accused! Survival in the commoner prison!" scene or whatever, right? For one, no one is going to accept that Honey-senpai could be falsely accused of anything, and no one will believe that Mori-senpai would just let it happen. For another, this list of crimes is so crass -- isn't this bad for our reputation? [Both the waver and the annoyance suddenly become more pronounced.] And separating Hikaru and I isn't funny.

[Silence reigns for a moment before Kaoru sighs and rises, not bothering to turn off the video feed as he turns and walks away from the camera and heads for the door.] I bet that thing doesn't even work. Cheap props aren't a good--

[Then Kaoru pulls open the door and stops dead, staring out the door and up at a bot that's slowly passing by. He's silent aside from a faint shocked sound before he suddenly growls and spins around, stalking back towards the camera. He looks angry and worried, now, and when he reaches the table he snatches up the communicator, hands shaking, and accidentally cuts the feed off.]

[There comes a pained, familiar laugh over the device.]

Ahahahaha! Hahaha, ahaha...

[Then the sound of vomiting.]

W-would anyone know where the bathroom is? I seem to have, ahahaha, forgot!

[ hey there Marina; have a quick shot of the artificial sky, some trees, and then an amused-looking face floating into view. some of you may -- uh -- recognize Kanda's costume from the ball! ]

Guess I owe someone a thank-you for the cookies. They really helped soften the whole "in prison for the rest of your life" blow.

[ why doesn't he really look or sound like it's a huge blow? well... ] Can anybody tell me more about this other version of me, the one that's supposedly back home even as we speak? That'd be great.

Okay! So I have two days to learn how to make awesome chocolates!

Yes, I know it's not really the custom, but I don't caaaare.~

Who wants to teach me? I promise I'll be a really good student!

The things I have learned in Marina: They should include this in those brochures.

One, costume parties. Don't go to them. If you must drag yourself over there, try wearing your own clothes. 'Wearing your own clothes to a costume party, Damon?' I know, I know. Genius.

Two, the quickest way to draw attention to yourself is to talk about vampires. Try it out! Cry wolf if you want to. Just remember, it's a sensitive topic. There's a guy somewhere around here that takes them very seriously. A little too seriously.

Three, you can't walk from one end of the dome to another without meeting a defense patrol member. They're everywhere. Thank you - defense force - for protecting the lives of the crimi- sorry, citizens of Marina. I, for one, commend you. Try not to screw up anytime soon.

[Private to Caroline]

And you can get the extended version of my wonderful advice if you call now. At this number. And when I mean now, I mean now.

[here is an Orihime! she is in a hospital bed and has a bandage wrapped around her head; her arm is in a sling and she's kind of pale, her hair hanging loose. lost]

Where... Where am I? Does anyone know who I am...?


[--ehe, awkward smile]

Just kidding... I always wanted to get amnesia after a head wound like they do on TV... But I guess I didn't this time either.

Um-- I'm sorry if I worried anyone yesterday when I didn't get home! Toushirou-kun, Kuchiki-san, I hope you were able to find the house okay... If not, I'll definitely make sure you get there tonight.

I just woke up and heard that I missed the whole day. So I didn't really prepare anything for the sewing club meeting. Can anyone from the sewing club take care of that so everyone can still go?

Let's see... Oh! And I was in the shelter, I think, so -- thank you, whoever brought me here! [ducks her head in a little bowww]


[clicks the video off! but she will clearly be in this hospital room for any visitors~]

Is everyone having fun at the party? [ guess who didn't goooo. she assumes that everyone is though <3 ]

[Naoya's actually wearing his glasses! Or, well, a pair of reading glasses he found. He's sitting on his couch at home, looking a little bored.]

I have a question, Marina. Does the concept of a 'soul' exist in your world? If so, what counts as one, and what happens to them when they die? Do they go to a holding place until some judgement day, or are they stripped of memories and recycled into new bodies?

Just out of curiosity.

[He sits back on the couch, waiting for answers.]

[ hear the rustle of paper, and an amused voice ]

So, no sex and no booze. Gotta entertain ourselves somehow...

Anybody got a favorite historical period?

[ yes, he just asked that. ]

[There is a view of a room that looks nearly void of signs of life contained within it. There is a trench coat hanging on one of the walls. If your eyes are extremely sharp you might notice a small pile of adult magazines collecting dust in the corner. Mint condition. Never been opened. Thanks Kaien.

The fact that he feels this is necessary is something that irritates him, but with the arrival these past couple of weeks of new vampires and their obvious disregard for the other inhabitants of the facility, it needs to be done. It doesn't seem like anyone else is going to take the initiative, so it's up to Zero to be the one to do it.

Zero comes into view, sitting on the edge of the bed, expression calm. Yes, he takes this all very seriously. Prepare yourselves, all. This is probably the most any of you have heard come out of his mouth at once.]

Since there is apparently going to be a costume party being held tonight in celebration of the hundredth day, I thought I would take some time to go over some issues happening within the facility lately. This is a matter of safety, so I would prefer if everyone just take a few moments to stop whatever they are doing to listen before going on with your daily lives.

There are nearly a dozen different vampires here in Marina and just about as many worlds that they come from. They are literally beasts in human form and it's likely that each of you know at least one or more and interact with them daily, often not even realizing they are a vampire.

Events such as these, especially costume parties, add another level of anonymity to their lives.

If you find yourself bitten by a vampire, please contact myself or another member of the defense force that is in attendance immediately. This is something that should be done even if you have agreed to be a donor for them and anywhere or anytime within the facility. Each vampire comes from a world a little different and the very act of being bitten can have life changing consequences for anyone who is a victim to their fangs. Some worlds all it takes to change you into a vampire is for them to get their fangs into you. Other worlds it requires you to ingest their blood. Some vampires don't have that power at all.

Before offering yourself to any of them, please research what this commitment will mean for you. If you have questions, comments or just want to discuss options, there are people knowledgeable in the subject within the defense force. Utilize them before doing anything rash. This is never something that should done without research prior.

Any questions?

I've never seen a place so fond of parties before. [ Lenalee is thumbing curiously through the costumes hung through the clothing store, and her topic is vaguely serious but her face still light ]

It does seem to like its little. "Surprises", doesn't it? [ she rolls a plastic crown between her fingers ] I suppose, considering its strange idea of criminals, it might as well be a strange prison.

[As the video feed rolled, it found Kairi laying on her bed in some marginally warmer clothing consisting of a green sweater and some sweats from what could be seen of her legs shifting behind her. As if she were swimming idly. She held a pencil to her mouth, nipping the eraser lightly, while her other hand cradled her head. And a book could be seen stretched out before her. She stared at the feed thoughtfully a moment before removing the eraser from her mouth.]

So, I was wondering. What's the best thing that you've had happen to you here? I'm sure we all have homes and people we miss from back home. But is there anyone or anything you would miss if you went back?

[A pause later and her eyes widened just a bit in realization.]

Oh, and Hikaru, Kaoru. I was wondering. Would you guys like to go hunt for seashells tomorrow? Don't feel bad if you don't want to. I know it's cold. I just had an idea...

[And afterward, Kairi would be idling the evening away in her room... By idling, she might be a little caught up trying to study and get back on task with everything she missed at school. Fortunately for her, the teachers have been lenient but then considering how disappearances worked, well. Either way, her door was propped in case anyone wanted to distract her.]

It's getting warm now. Around this time I'd be getting ready for spring vacation in school. [ smile ] I suppose I should start making different plans now. Does anyone have anything planned for the warm weather?

[ a little pause. hesitating a little- ] Also, what can you do if...an old wound is irritating you? [ because when you have scars all over your back, they sometimes throb ;-;. ]

[Kaoru is being all dramatic and loud and wibbly!]

Uwwaaah! Hikaru! It's terrible! My poor, poor innocence! It's been shattered all because of those little robots!

Wh-what am I going to do? W-will you ever forgive me, brother!?

[Then he just stops. Deadpan and faces the screen.]

At least that's what I would be saying, if I hadn't been through this whole ordeal already! But this isn't about me!

[DRAMATIC POINT!]

ZERO KIRYU. YOU AND I NEED TO HAVE A SERIOUS TALK ABOUT YOUR BEDSIDE MANNER, MISTER!~

How could you even say such things to me after... after -

[CLICK!]

Night was falling, the smell of spices were in the air and Jennifer was busy putting the last finishing touches on all the hard work everyone had done to get the athletic complex decked out and festive.

Walking through the front door, you'll see a table where you can put all your presents on for now with a tree sitting behind it. Don't worry, the bots will make sure no one but Jennifer takes any gifts off the table! There's also a series of volunteers ready and willing to help you out of your coats if you need it, but otherwise, please don't hesitate to shed off a few layers.

It might be a little warm if you don't.

Inside the main entrance, Jennifer's taken care to section off the room into the main dancing area and a stage salvaged from the Valentine's Day auction off to the side for the performances later on. Surrounding the outer edges, are tables and settees salvaged from the Shelter so that those who wish to watch can do so in comfort. Do be careful though. Scented candles are lit on each table to provide a soft light to balance out the harshness of the lights over the dance floor.

And of course there's food. Punch and egg-nog and shrimp and cheese and a myriad of other finger foods. There are cookies decorated with frosting and lemon bars and cranberries and a giant bowl of sugared dates. Marzipan is scattered across the table and a small gingerbread house sits as a centerpiece, but the cake is the main attraction.

But the cake comes with a price. Anyone who wants a piece, must do what it says on the toothpick first. Have fun! And no cheating. Someone might be watching to make sure no one does.

Music is already playing and Jennifer's leaving things up to the host club to make sure people start dancing, because what's sadder then a ball with no dancing? Do make sure to enjoy yourselves. It's why we're all here!

((ooc: The first thread is for the cake game and will list various things you must do. The second is for performers to do their act so we can group reactions together in one spot. And last, mingle, threadjack, and have merry with whatever your characters want to do in the rest of the post!

As an ooc gift meme was suggested instead of actually threading out every gift exchange, we will be doing that instead, but we highly encourage you to still seek out your gift recipients and build CR in the post as you will.

Also, mistletoe can be found neatly tucked inside wreaths at the main entrance to the Athletic complex and also from the cloak room leading into the dance hall. Be nice! Ask permission first.))

ETA: Directory (Edited 12/28 10:30pm/22:30 EST/-05:00 GMT, new marked with ***)

Cake Game: Reply to Cake: Midori - Mistletoe Cake: Road - Dancing Cake: Ryu - Dancing Cake: Otoha - Singing Cake: Wisely - Compliment Cake: Alucard - Dancing Cake: Orihime - Ornament Cake: Hikaru - Mistletoe Cake: Yuuki - Song Cake: Kaworu - Mistletoe Cake: Milly - Dancing Cake: Tyki - Mistletoe Cake: Hiling - Mistletoe/Dancing Performances: Reply to Performance: Naoya Performance: Lacus Performance: Choir Individual: Saki Individual: Ryoji Individual: Peregrine Mendicant Individual: Wolfram Individual: Zelda Group: Kaworu, Hiling or both Individual: Himawari Individual: Feferi Individual: Cain Individual: Jeanne Individual: Ashton Individual: Midori Individual: Cosmo Individual: Fou Individual: Greed Individual: Minako Individual: Eridan Individual: Orihime

Individual: Fran Individual: Allen Individual: Tyki Individual: Chibiusa Individual: Hikaru Individual: Dean Individual: Harry Potter Individual: Wisely Individual: Axel Individual: Kamrui Fuuma Individual: Ushiro Individual: Maleficent Individual: Kaoru Individual: Zelman Individual: Yuuki Individual: Kyouya Individual: Joshua Individual: Yuuri Individual: Sam Individual: Zero Individual: Kitty (aoa) Individual: Juri Individual: Alma Individual: Lavi Individual: Milly Individual: Rinoa Rain of Flowers: Sakura Individual: C.C. Individual: Takashi Jun Individual: Suzaku Individual: Kanda Individual: Jade Individual: Duo Individual: MOMO Individual: Kitty (evo) ***Individual: Ciel

[Anyone who takes a trip into Sector 5 and wanders a few blocks from the main shopping district might just turn a corner and find yourself overshadowed by a large red tent that takes up half of the street. It's tall structure billows only gently from the wind, not affected by the heavy snowfall.

Should you enter the tent, you'll find a large black rug has been placed just beyond the entrance--wipe your feet please?--and beyond that tables have been set up for refreshments and small talk during the show. The light is bright, the music low, but pulsing, and it's not as cold as one would think it would be--the joy of electric space heaters, what a marvelous invention. Jutting out from between the tables in the front of the tent is a catwalk, where models walk up and down, displaying the fashions as the announcers talk over the loudspeaker. The stage is not so large as to span from one side of the tent to the other, but it's big enough. There's a black curtains in the back and the design of it all is both elegant and showy.

Three sides of the tent are tied down, blocking out the cold, but the fourth wall has been tied up connecting to the blue awning of the white-stone building beside it. Painted on the glass windows in blue green is the name of the boutique: Trés Magnifique. Are you interested in a tour?]

{OOC: To make this easier for everyone, respond in your header with one of the following: Pre-Show, Mingle, Fashion Show, Boutique Tour, Backstage, and After Party. Threadjack to your hearts' delights! I won't be able to micro-manage everything, but if your character is modeling and needs an announcer, do make note of that, because Josak will be there!}

[The voice that's about to come through is extremely excited. Ridiculously so. She's speaking quickly and as if something extraordinary has just happened.]

An underwater prison! I can't stop going glub glub over it, it's all very exciting! Of course there are less exciting parts to it [She pauses to play with the chain around her ankle, an action that can't be seen, but you can probably guess what she's doing if listening hard enough.] They reely know how to hook you in!

But! There is something a little...fishy about all of this. [Her voice doesn't give away if that was meant as a joke or not.]

Wow, everyone's so fussy this morning. When I stop to look outside or something, it's pretty funny to watch you know.

Not being able to see what's going on is sort of, well... It's kind of looking at people who are just hallucinating. Chasing butterflies in the outfield, so to speak. But I guess if it's enough to make you all yell and stuff then it's got to be creepy.  Scary,  since there's nothing I can do about it, but very funny too. Kind

Otherwise? It's sort of loud. I think I'll take my headset off today.

[He doesn't actually mean that last part.]

Wonder who else doesn't see what's going on...