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[Video] Groundhog Day

[Dirk, sitting in his apartment, speaks into the camera. He's got his iconic shades covering most of his face, but even if his eyes aren't visible to express his interiority he speaks with clear, purposeful statements.]

I'd like to check with anyone else out there: I've noticed that the news from yesterday was identical with today's, and all media outlets continue to list today's date as the 22nd, despite the fact that it should be the 24th (if we are going by how much time has chronologically passed). Yesterday I was beginning to get suspicious and so I made an experiment of drawing a shitty face on my arm in permanent pen, and this morning I wake up and it's gone.

There was a movie about this that my best bro was really into for a while called Groundhog Day, about a guy who repeated the same day over and over. I'm starting to think whoever wrote that movie was a fuckin' prophet. I know I'm not imagining it, but I'd like to see if anyone else is experiencing the same phenomenon. Drop me a line, let's sort this shit out.

[He doesn't end with a closing or a sign-off, just looks a bit awkward for a fraction of a second behind those dark shades and then promptly switches the camera off.]

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007 [Video/Public]

W-What happened to all of my saves?! I found a Legendary sword yesterday! A Legendary sword. Do you guys know the chances to proc a Legendary drop?! It's like, 1 in 8192 kajillion! Probably higher! I could go the rest of my life without ever getting another one!

This is totally not acceptable! I demand compensation! Whatever Hinoto-Ri is doing this time, I'm not gonna stand for it! Who's with me?! Do you hear the people sing singing the song of angry m --

[beep bloop beep sounds in the background]

...
...
...

Uh.

Never mind, it dropped again from the same enemy and probably after the same number of RNG rolls or whatever. 'K, false alarm, everyone can go back to their daily business.

I've got a new sword to test; you guys'll have to figure this one out yourselves.

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!network news

January 22 (Take 2)

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!network news

January 22

[The morning of January 22nd dawns unremarkably. A popular radio show plays as it always does, accessible from COMPs and other less fancy devices.]

Good morning, Hinoto-Ri! And thank you for waking up to the 8:00 Daily News.

A bar fight broke out yesterday in the Taurus District, shattering the record four days Hinoto-Ri has gone without such an altercation. In Aquarius, a prophet calling himself Murayama has declared that the end of the world is already here, distancing himself from the faction who claim it is merely nigh. And our favorite aerial friends, the winged dolphins, were spotted early this morning at 3 flying in maneuvers faintly reminiscent of crop circles over the Capricorn forest.

But first, our major news story of the day:

Festivals.

Last week's Coming of Age Festival was a great financial success for the city, with the net profits reported today by City Hall as 'substantial'. The report made note of the popularity of the mahjong tables and offered a brief mention of thanks to the man who spent nearly 10000 yen attempting to catch a fish with a paper net. Following a thwarted attempt at theft, the man was subsequently apprehended. Unfortunately, the fish, whom he named Nemo in the ten seconds it was in his possession, did not survive the chase.

The economy, in fact, has been in an upswing since the mysterious appearance of the Persona-wielding duplicates in December, as it seems doubling the number of bodies in Hinoto-Ri meant double the amount of purchases. Unfortunately, as the duplicates were identical in every way, no purchases made during this time will be refunded. Citizens and Visitors alike are encouraged to enjoy the fruits of these illicit shopping sprees.

The weather in Hinoto-Ri remains quite chilly, with an alarming number of cases of hypothermia and frostbite already reported by the Caduceus Hospital. All citizens are encouraged to stay indoors at night; Visitors who continue to defend against the demon threat are encouraged to find a Persona who can use fire-based attacks and consequently, to stay well away from residential districts. In related news, in a bid to drive up sales, those who preorder the third book of the Prince of Junes series will receive a voucher for a one-size-fits-all thermal undershirt for half off.

And now, over to Iruka in Capricorn to report on the dolphins.

[The Aquarius Event has begun! But all seems normal... As normal as it gets in Hinoto-Ri.]

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[Voice]

[Well, Shelly has had quite enough of interrogating the locals. It would have been splendid if they had managed to answer all of his questions, but that wasn't the case. Not to mention, there are other questions he cannot pose to them. He can't pose them to the network, either - not directly. But it's time to seek more information, regardless. He just has to be careful about it.]

Greetings. I am new here, and I was told that I could use this device to communicate with other... "Visitors", was it? Other people like me, at any rate. I have already asked a fair number of questions to the inhabitants of this city, but I must admit, some of what they've said is difficult for me to understand, and I feel quite lost. Any further help would be much appreciated.

Speaking of this device... The "COMP"? [He pronounces each letter separately - Cee Ohh Emm Pee.] Something worries me. How secure is it? I think I saw some privacy settings while I was attempting to begin recording this message, but are they reliable? I assume the device's functions are powered by the internet, and the problems that may arise from such a thing are well known... or so I hope. In fact, how easy is it to determine the identity of a given person on this network? You never know who you may be speaking to, after all.

[There. Subtle. ~~Boy just wait until he figures out the government has his name on record.~~]

That should be all for now, I believe. Thank you kindly.

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yosuke otoha [au1]

[Video]

[Now here's a rare sight. Otoha doesn't usually show up on the network. Technology isn't really his thing anyway. But here he is, leaning back in a chair. He doesn't look that bothered by the precarious angle.]

For those of you who don't know me - my name's Otoha. I've got som business to discuss.

The Penguin's Nest in the Taurus District has been having some... staffing problems. We don't have enough people handling security or the bar. And I'm not really the sort of person who should be handling finance. Math's never been my strong point.

I could offer jobs to the locals here, but I figure that we Visitors should help each other out, right? So if you're up for it, let me know. A few things to keep in mind though - this is a demon-friendly club so if you have problems with that, don't apply. No one under the age of sixteen is going to get a job unless you've got special circumstances and can show me you're mature enough to handle it. No one under twenty gets to drink or hook up with the... entertainers. At least not on club grounds, I'm not responsible for what you do on your own time.

Other than that, I'm pretty open to suggestions. Tell me what you can do and we'll work something out.

[He shuts off the feed. He's not usually this wordy, so he needs to just... relax silently until he gets some responses.]

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voice

How do you celebrate a birthday?

[ after all, she's been in the hospital for so long she can't remember the last time she's had friends to celebrate them with. on top of that... she doesn't even remember the last time she's experienced january. it's about a week late, but with the festival having gone on, she completely forgot.

perhaps she should be more specific about her question. ]

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01 [Text]

[If there's one thing Bro doesn't like, it's being tossed into an unexpected situation. SBURB had been filled with that sort of thing, but this place clearly isn't much better. Even after gathering some information about Hinoto-Ri, he continues to be filled with restlessness because he didn't get the answer he wanted most of all. No choice but to address the local network, then.]

sup kiddies. listen up. i got separated from my flock.

if you know what sburb is? drop me a line here. if youve been to skaia? drop me a line. if your name is dave strider? youre grounded. and drop me a line too i guess.

btw. i have a mad hankering for doritos. plz tell me they have doritos here. will not accept shitty poser brands. and maybe some orange soda.

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[Video]

When the feed turns on, Kotoha looks a little sheepish.

"Hey, uh...so I just found out it is entirely possible to get so caught up in something you forget about little things. Like birthdays."

Slight pause.

"As it turns out, I turned sixteen four months ago, but I was so busy writing that new Visitor Pamphlet I completely forgot about it until...just now. Is that normal? It probably isn't, is it?"

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[Video] Apply within...

[Agatha has been working on the stuff they pulled out of the MAGI building for over a month now. All kinds of interesting research, odd looking clanks that seem to be used for visitors that need physical bodies, and a delightful array of small arms that do anything from replicate spells to supress personas entirely have been keeping her occupied for a while. People in the Saggittarius district have probably been seeing strange lights and hearing odd sounds from the already foreboding castle Heterodyne.
But now she's reached the point in her research where she needs a little help.

Specifically, she needs minions to test our some of her 'improvements' on Kandori's designs. Her voice has an excited edge to it. Not quite in the madness place, but close to it.]

This is Agatha Heterodyne. I've been working with some of the weapon designs that were salvaged from the MAGI building. The protoypes are all ready, but I'll need some minions to help me test them.

Is anyone interested?

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Twelfth Curse

[It’s that time again! Although it’s already a little different from the usual post. Instead of opting to post anonymously as usual, Hizumi has gone ahead and kept his name attached.

Shock and surprise! Golly who could have ever seen this coming?]

Subject: Astrology & Event Docs
Attached files: amd.doc, emd.doc

It’s been busy, but since I see we have new people here, I would like to remind people that the Astrology Master Document and Event Master Document are still around. Since both of them can be edited by anyone who has the file, feel free to add anything you know to them as long as it’s relevant. I have backups of the files so I can restore them if I have to, but I don’t want to do that all the time, so try not to mess it up too badly, got it?

So you guys know which one is which:

Astrology Master Document or the amd.doc is for collecting any information related to astrological signs and their meanings, as well as details of events surrounding attacks by the astrological demons. If you want to get an idea of how people have been affected in the past by their astrological signs during those times, check here!

Event Master Document or the emd.doc is for collecting any information on other, non-astrological based events. So, stuff like suddenly being unable to tell a lie, or groups of people being abducted to strange places. That kind of thing.

If you have any questions, you can also use this post to discuss as usual!

And since I'm here... I might as well point out that the arcade is having a special discount on two hour game cards. If you're up to date with your studies or already gave up on finals, come pay us a visit!

[Private to Atsuro and Otonashi]

Regarding the things my Shadow said - well, none of it really matters at this point, so I'd rather not talk about it. The main point is, I'm not going to kill anyone, so there's no problem. I don't think I need to say this, but just to make sure, I'd prefer it if you don't talk about it with anyone, myself included.

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The New Year welcomes a new visitor [Video]

[The video feed turns on to reveal a beautiful young woman who actually...doesn't seem all that confused or angered at her current situation. These new surroundings were interesting, to say the least. Something new, something to learn about. Even figuring out this odd device was an amusing experience. Yes, she'd been taken out of her own world, or so it seemed, but that didn't bother her all that much. If she'd been taken out, there was obviously a way to be put back in.

But she has no reason to rush. She smiles as she begins to speak.]

Well now, this is certainly an intriguing turn of events. While I'm not exactly sure how or why I am here, I can't say I'm disappointed.

[Honestly. If anything, this was an opportunity, and she wouldn't let it go to waste.]

Might anyone be able to tell me more about this city? I'm very interested in learning more about it. The buildings, the inhabitants, the history, all of it. If anyone is capable of providing me with such information, please contact me.

I'll be waiting.

[She offers a quaint wave of farewell as she ends the feed.]

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Countdown to Countdown!

[Video]

[At around noon on the 31st, the following announcement goes out over the network.]

Hello, everyone! It's New Year's Eve, and I hope you'll join me tonight in counting down the end of one year and ringing in the new! I'll be in the Virgo Ward at the Statue of Frost all day handing out some things to help everyone celebrate, so I look forward to seeing you all there!

[Action; all day; Statue of Frost]

[Anyone who stops by the statue at any point in the day on New Year's Eve will indeed see Isabelle standing there next to a big digital countdown clock adorned with balloons and other festive decorations. There's also a small stand set up nearby with glasses of sparkling cider, party hats, and poppers for the big night. She greets passersby with a big wave and a happy smile, and will gladly chat a bit with anyone who approaches.]

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01 [Video]

[The feed starts to show a tall guy wearing a neat white suit, which seems to clash a little with his red shirt, blue tie and orange shades. It's hard to tell from his background just where he's standing, presumably it's one of the streets in the city. He smiles widely, revealing a row of perfect white teeth. ]

Greetings, citizens of the fair Hinoto-ri! Detective Bobby Fulbright here. [He raises two fingers to his head in a quick salute.] Looks like I'm the new guy in town today. I can't say I really get what's going on, but... I'll do my best to keep everyone here safe! That's what this is all about, right? Protecting the city in the name of justice?

[There's a bit of an awkward silence, then the wide grin on his face fades and he hangs his head, pouting like a little kid.] I mean... I don't have much experience with Persona or anything like that... It took me an hour just to figure out how to work this COMP thing... [A bit of a sigh, then his face sets in a determined gaze.] But I'll learn! I can't just sit by and do nothing!

Let's all work together, all right? In justice we trust!

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Shadow post: backdated a day or two [video]

[This Shadow's posting from what looks like just outside a coffee shop somewhere. He's holding a hot cup hot chocolate, blowing at it a bit while he waits for it to cool down; he looks more or less like he always does...

...except even more girlish in appearance than usual. There's something subtly different about his features' shapes, he seems to have more black/dark blue eye makeup on, and his hair's out of its short ponytail and falls in ringlets around his face, despite him having attempted to tuck it behind his long ears.

He doesn't look happy, though he isn't looking up from blowing at his drink, eye color hidden by his eyelashes.]

So everyone has a duplicate of themselves running around this place now, it seems. And they've been causing problems for real people, the ones they resemble. Mine... well, my other self here is a liar. It seems he's been outright lying to everyone about almost everything.

And I think everyone here knows me well enough to know I'm no fighter; I've never trained a day in my life. So I'm going to need some help getting rid of him. Would anyone be so kind as to assist me?

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audio; on the shadow train//backdated to the 19th!

[Audio]

[The (strategically chosen) audio feed comes in grainy, but the sound of unrestrained crying rings clear. The boy chokes; incomplete words stumble over themselves, dying just past his lips to make way for another agonized sob.]

H-he took my-- the only person w-who ever really loved-- who ever loved me... H-he killed m-my... my most precious p-person...

The other m-me killed her...

[He sniffles, the sound wet and gross.]

P-please don't let that... t-that thing have another chance to live... He's keeping himself alive by hurting others..! [The feed clicks off quickly, cutting off his last cry.]

[Introspective]

[It's a pain to act like this... But you've been revived from death, what? Twice now? I think it's my turn. You're not even fit to keep yourself alive.]

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Dusk Ball 01

Kotoha looks...a little different when the video feed starts up. Her hair, despite being in its normal bun-and-tail combo, has acquired a...quality. Despite not looking any different, it can now only be described as perfect. Movie-star perfect. As she talks and smiles, her teeth flash and gleam a dazzling, photoshopped white. Her golden eyes catch the gleam of the spotlight shining down on her, turning into twin pools of molten gold.

"Helloooo, Hinoto-Ri! I know that you can't bear to be without the sight of my perfect, beautiful face or the sound of my soothing, melodious voice for too long, so I'm graciously appearing to you unwashed masses! You may now bask in my radiance!"

She strikes a pose and holds it for a few seconds so that her audience can bask. And then her face turns sad and uncertain, with large, glimmering tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"After all, I'm nothing without an audience to prop me up! If you stopped approving of me, I don't know what I'd do! So, please, tell me what about me you don't like! Am I too pretty? Too smart? Too talented? If it'll make you feel better about your sad, pathetic lives, I don't mind pretending you're better than me!"

With that, Kotoha straightens up out of her pleading stance, her expression suddenly back to smiling.

"So, what'd you think? Was my impersonation spot-on, or what? If any of you see that vacuous simp, feel free to tell her she can keep hiding what she really is - I'm perfectly capable of taking her rightful place at the top of the heap myself."

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[Video]

[The video flicks on, though all that's seen is a mouth and nose cast into spooky shadow by a flashlight.]

So hey, Hinoto-Ri. You wanna know a secret?

Of course you do. People always do, huh? Wanted to get all of this out in the open. We're friends, right? Of course we are.

[His tone doesn't seem to leave it up for much debate.]

So let's see, where to start? I mean some of you know I'm a demon already, huh? That's enough for a few of you to hate me. And the fact that I made a poor, innocent family think that they had a loving son.

( Cut for mention of child death. )

Oh, and where I abandoned the family that raised me? That was pretty funny. They're all dead now though. Everyone dies eventually. That's what happens when you get old. I'm sure you all will figure that out eventually.

Except for the ones of you who won't because you'll be dead. But whatever!

[The video clicks off.]

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[video]

[The camera is slightly obscured - it's clearly Minako, but the watch's camera isn't being held at the proper angle to show her entire face. She's smiling, though.]

Hello, Hinoto-ri! I don't want to take up too much of your time, because I know a lot of people are busy right now, but I have a story to tell, if you're willing to listen!

Once upon a time, a girl grew up all alone. One by one, the people she cared about disappeared from her life. The girl kept smiling and trying to make friends, but deep down, she knew the truth. Eventually, those friends would leave her too. Her destiny was to be left behind.

Then one day, the girl was given a choice. Disappear quietly along with the world and the people you care about, or give up everything to save them - including her soul. Her sacrifice meant the world would live, but she would still be alone. Forever.

[She pauses, the cheerful smile still on her lips.]

Which choice do you think the girl made?

[and then she leans forward, finally opening her eyes to reveal bright, yellow irises.]

Which choice should I have made?

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First Vent [Video]

[The video feed shows a young man about nineteen in camo pants, military boots, a green t-shirt and a grey sweatjacket over it. To the most casual observer he would appear nervous maybe apprehensive, but he did appear that he was patient above all else.]

Excuse me. My name is Chris Ramirez. I've heard that you can contact others on this device and I would like to ask a few questions if no one minds. First off I would like to know if the names Maya Young, Kit Taylor or Len come to mind to anyone who is here? The second is who is in charge of this city? And does...

[While Chris was quiet before, he was barely above a whisper when he spoke his next words.]

Does anyone know what a Kamen Rider is by any chance?