1st Bite ☀ [Video]

[bloodcoveredcherries]

From a Garden of Eden to a City of Hell, is it? Prettiest piece of hell I’ve ever seen, I’ll give you that. [He’s smiling at the camera, cigarette held a few inches from his mouth as he stands outside. The sun has just set, the sky already dark.] But do forgive me, where are my manners—call me Rayflo. Now if someone wouldn't mind pointing me in the direction of the door out of this place, I’m sure I can show a little appreciation before being on my way.

That is, unless there are some more interesting attractions to see here first. [Playful and easy, he needs to keep up appearances, even if he is standing around where nothing more than a robe and looking perfect comfortable in it.] I’m easy to please. A little wine, a little fun, and a nice bed at the end of the night. Considering how busy this city seems, it shouldn't be too hard to find...if someone would be so kind.

[And that easy going demeanor changes for a moment, but it comes back just as quickly.] Not that I’m intending to make this an overnight trip, but I like to keep my options open. Places to go, people to see—you know how that is.

Comments

[valentineluke]

[Tourists only comment. That this one is able to post means he's a recent arrival with the unfortunate luck to land in the middle of this accursed weekend.

His face is familiar, too.]

You again?

[bloodcoveredcherries]

[Again? Is it his face? Does this man know one of the clones?]

I think I would remember if I'd been here before, you must have mistaken me for someone else.

[valentineluke]

No, I remember you and your companion - especially him.

It's not usual for those who return, i.e. you, to have lost their City memories. If you want proof of your previous stay here, it can be easily arranged.

[bloodcoveredcherries]

Believe me, it could just as well have not been me. [As if one of his clones couldn't have faked pretending to be him.]

...Now about my companion.

[valentineluke]

Rather odd young man; short blond hair, glasses, and robes.

(Private)

Did a public request for a coffin, hence why my including 'odd' in the above description.

[bloodcoveredcherries]

How interesting. [Well, that proves a few things even if Rayflo isn't going to let this man know. If anything it makes him more interesting is keeping his distance when someone knows too much about him that he shouldn't.]

[Private]

Well, Cherry did always have a strange sense of humor.

audio:

[charring]

[Ignore the faint sounds of constriction. That's what Charlie's doing.]

There might be an apartment available in the apartment buildings that surround the carousel.

[Here. Have some directions.]

There are also a few bars.

[More directions.] Welcome to the City.

[valentineluke]

[downloads map] Hall of the Missing - houses portraits of all those who lived in then later exited this world. I've been here quite a number of years now, seen many comings and goings. Some are repeats, like yourself.

(Private)

Said he needed it for his companion. The question alone got my attention along with several others. Fortunately, this occured about three years ago(?). I'm probably the only one left from then who can recall it.

audio:

[bloodcoveredcherries]

Why thank you, my lady. It's always nice to hear such a helpful voice. [Even if he doesn't get a face to go with it.]

Do people really just call it "The City"? No name on the Welcome signs?

Re: audio:

[charring]

Yep. Just 'The City.' Kinda boring, right?

[bloodcoveredcherries]

[And finding out this guy may be the only person left around who knows? Doesn't make Rayflo feel any safer. The opposite to be honest, with how much he's insisting about Rayflo having been here before despite him having no memories of it. But he'll keep it easy-going. He wants information and then he'll drop the guy like a bad habit.]

Really. Maybe I'll take a look around the place one of these days. If I stick around.

[Not that he plans on it. Any amusement or irony he felt when he got here is starting to dissipate.]

[Private]

Probably isn't a certainty, but I'd be obliged if you kept things to yourself instead of bringing them up over the phone. I'm a very private man.

audio:

[bloodcoveredcherries]

No imagination. If you could name it, what would it be?

Re: audio:

[charring]

I have no idea. I named my cat after the way he smelled, so I'm the last person to ask about names.

video;

[virginwings]

Yeah, it's really not so bad once you see all the prettier places. But you don't have to worry since, I think, you won't be here long...

um, you can just sleep in any empty house you want until you leave, though.

audio:

[bloodcoveredcherries]

Or maybe you'll give it a name that fits exactly what it is. You've kept things short and to the point so far.

video;

[bloodcoveredcherries]

[Cute adorable girl? Definitely catches Rayflo's attention.]

Any empty old house? Hm. [Well doesn't that sound dirty and dusty. As if he would without giving the place a good cleaning.] Why would you think I won't be here long?

(Private)

[valentineluke]

You needn't worry. Unlike your companion, I purposely filtered that bit of information from public view - majority of whom, topside anyway, are human.

(Private)

[bloodcoveredcherries]

[As if telling him not to worry about some strange knowing rather intimate details about himself is going to work. But good try.]

If you can talk to me, someone else can overhear. [Hasn't he ever heard of wire-tapping?] What do you mean by "topside"?

Re: (Private)

[valentineluke]

The device's filters can be quite effective, I will honor your request though.

Topside as in 'above ground'. There's another world, so to speak, below - the Underground, where I currently am.

video;

[virginwings]

It's because this is the third time a bunch of you guys came to the City like this. Everybody always leaves afterwards.

[indecent_butterfly]

One does assure you, as much as some might protest otherwise, this City is nothing like Hell.

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Monotone voice, fairly void of emotion.] As far as anyone can tell, there is no direct door out of this place. It might be there, but it has yet to be found.

Welcome to the City. There is the library, a zoo, a circus and many night club attractions for entertainment. If you need more information, the Welcome Center is located near the fountain.

Video

[through_glass]

[Oh. It's a person.]

I do not believe this is Hell.

[byherscore]

[ The resemblance is faint, but unmistakable. Is this what Haji could have been if he smiled more? If he was less devoted? The thought was almost appealing. ]

The fun here is sadly lacking.

[ i.e. not consistent in the least. It's enough to wear on a girl. ]

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Oh... What a pretty man...]

A pleasure to meet you, Rayflo... I'm Raikov. Unfortunately, you can't leave this place... unless you're just here because of the curse.