Video

[emperor_penguin]

[The feed flicks on to show an image of a large blue penguin man, lounging on a couch that is a little too small to fully support his generous bulk.  Hinoto-Ri's apartments are apparently not quite one size fits all.  Still, though, he's making due.]

So... anybody else get the feeling that Madame Butterfly's aim mighta been just a tad off when he plucked you up outta your world to fight in his little war?  I'm not exactly what most people think of when they hear the word 'hero,' after all.  That Luigi fella, Samus - hell, even the Captain - any of them woulda been a much better choice.  I've had enough conflict and bloodshed for one lifetime, and I sure as shootin' don't intend to get involved in another pointless turf war with no end in sight.

[Collecting himself for a moment, DeDeDe takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly in a long sigh.  Glancing to his left, he affectionately pats the large hammer propped up next to him.  Just a moment to reflect on a brighter time - days long since passed.]

But there's one thing I do know how to do, so I figure maybe I was brought here for that instead.  I've been around this city once or twice, and all I see's a bunch of uptight prudes worryin' their heads off over every little thing.  And y'know what all that worryin' is gonna get you in the end?  Fat lot of nothin', that's what.  You all need to relax a little - kick back, tie one on, let go a little bit and enjoy life.  Trust me, you've got a good thing goin' here.  This city's a nice place.  Hell of a lot nicer than the shithole I came from, anyway.  Take a minute to think about that and appreciate it.  After all, all work and no play... well, you know the rest.

[He chuckles a bit before flashing a small smile.]

Well, I've said my piece.  Take it or leave it.  Now, where's a man go to have a little fun 'round here?

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[terminalemulation]

...Well, I do take pride in being a presentable host. Anyway.

_{[*Hyun-ae briefly turns away to tap at empty air, causing a map of Hinoto-Ri to appear.]}

We're... I mean, you're currently located here, in the Pisces Ward. I suppose I'll go in order of what's closest. Directly to your south in red we have the Aries Ward and its Great Arena, where Persona Duels are usually held. But that's out of commission due to a recent terrorist attack. I believe a few local musicians are holding fundraising concerts to help repair the damage.

_{Aquarius is just schools, so skip that...} Capricorn, directly to your north, is basically an open park. Not much to say there. Then we have southernmost district, the Taurus Ward. To be short about it, it's Hinoto-Ri's dedicated Red Light district. I've attached a list of notable establishments, since it's a little long - the most iconic of them, by far, would have to be Nyx's bar.

_{[As she names off places, they in turn are marked on the map.]}

Next to Taurus, in yellow, is the Gemini Ward. It's dominated by Mount Utsugi, which is popular sightseeing, but I don't really trust the place considering what it turns into during the 13th hour... but that's just my opinion. In gray is the Cancer Ward, the technological hub of Hinoto-Ri. There's a non-alcoholic lounged named Tappers there, devoted to serving root beer, and in general it's a paradise for the tech-savvy.

In green is the Virgo Ward, which is basically a love letter to the contents of your wallet. I doubt there's a person alive who's taken a walk though there without buying something on the way... finally, there's the Scorpio Ward, which is summarily devoted to being aesthetically strange and pleasing at once! It's also stuffed full of things you'd consider more high-concept entertainment... museums, art galleries, concert halls. That sort of thing.

...my word, that's a lot to keep track of. I didn't zoom through it too quickly, did I?

[emperor_penguin]

[Have an impressed whistle.]

You sure are thorough. So... red light district.

[Of course he'd zero in on that first.]

How much action's that place usually see? Y'see, I'm somethin' of a businessman myself, and I was thinkin' of settin' up shop. What do you know about this Nyx fella? Sounds like a pretty big mover and shaker. Gotta check out the competition, y'know?

[terminalemulation]

_{[She had a feeling he might, from his initial question.]}

During the day it's understandably quiet, but... well, I've yet to record a night where it wasn't bursting with people. As for Nyx, I mostly know that she's a powerful demon - I do have a photo of her on file.

_{[The map of the city slides offscreen, to be replaced by the aforementioned image.]}

When it comes to the demons around here, it's an iffy bet whether the legends you can find correctly apply to them or not... otherwise I'd offer you a few myths to peruse.

[emperor_penguin]

She, huh? Now that changes everything.

[He sits back, laughing and grinning.]

Sounds like I've got my work cut out for me.

[DeDeDe may be a disgusting pig and a bit of a chauvinist, but he's definitely no fool. Powerful women should be taken seriously.]

[terminalemulation]

Indeed. She and her partner Lilith are two of the most prominent demons in Hinoto-Ri.

_{[and this is the part where *Hyun-ae waxes romantic, affecting a dreamy kind of look.]}

I heard that their wedding was quite the event...!

[emperor_penguin]

[Two female demons, huh? He smirks a bit.]

I'll have to stop in sometime, give 'em my regards.