sit yourself down, and meet the best inn keeper in town ( O P E N )

[checkingin]

Who: Everyone!
Where: The initial arrival rooms, the main lobby, all over the place.
When: February 3rd
What: Welcome, newbies.

ARRIVAL.

you wake up when you hit the floor in a dark room, and the air is knocked out of your lungs. the carpet is threadbare, worn with use, kind of dusty. and you're not the first person to endure this crash landing. nor will you be the last.

once your vision rights itself, you can see the well-lit hallway through the doorjam straight ahead of you. not to say there’s monsters in the shadows, but something propels you towards that door and out into the bright hallway beyond.

and once outside your room, you can hear it: the steady thrum of rain outside.

MAIN LOBBY.

there's a staircase at the end of the lengthy hallway you tumble out of. grab your suitcase and follow the dull green exit signs on the ceiling until you reach the disappointingly bland stairs that lead you down to the ornate old fashion hotel lobby.

to your left is a warmly crackling fireplace, to your right is a lobby desk. straight ahead are three large sets of doors, though only one of them is open to the public. and outside the few (curtained, permanently dark) windows is the continually steady hiss of rain.

welcome to the hotel.

FRONT DESK.

though there is a bell and a plaque designating the desk to be the main desk, the customer service desk, there are currently no staff members behind it. none shall answer your calls, either.

terribly sorry for the inconvenience.

SCREENING ROOM.

on a tall pull-down screen, a silent version of nosferatu will be playing on loop. at the back of the room, between the neat rows of fold out chairs, mounted on a wobbly table is the old timey projector, and mounted on the walls are some rather old speakers that warble out "terrifying" old timey music.

along the curtained windows is another long table, with a large bowl that looked like it once would have held popcorn. but is now unfortunately empty. same for the large hot drink dispensers labeled "hot chocolate" and "coffee".

OTHER.

the ballroom and breakfast hall are currently closed, grand doors locked.

there is no main door leading to the outside, good luck trying to find one.

the door to the courtyard is locked.

ROOMS.

you've a room key with your assigned room number on it. all the new guest residences will be located on floors one & two. while there is an open elevator in the main lobby, and the buttons light up inside, the doors will not close. all in all, you'd be better off taking the stairs.

while they're the same stairs you undoubtedly came down to get to the lobby, the door to the endless hall everyone woke up in will not reappear between the main floor and the subsequent residential halls.

there are twenty rooms per floor. feel free to get to know your surroundings; or your neighbors as they trickle in around you.

Comments

Conan Edogawa | OTA

[1_truth]

{ Arrival } [ He's awake the moment he hits the ground-the falling registering in his nightmares and causing a jolt through his system. It takes seconds for his brain to catch up and piece together that he's not where he last fell asleep. He doesn't remember falling asleep as that seemed to be such a rare commodity as of late. He still had no idea who Rum was or what his objective was that had him on the move and until he knew that sleep had to come in shifts. Both because he just couldn't seem to sleep and also because he wanted to hear what was going on in the agency at all times. He'd remember trying to sleep and he doesn't which means something is amiss. He's not laying on anything soft-he's landed on a hard floor. He can't make out much of the room but does hear voices around somewhere-not at all familiar. ] [ He wriggles his arms and legs and comes to the conclusion he's not tied down, allowing him to sit up and press the button on his glasses to switch to night vision. It's not working. He presses the button again but the room remains dark and though Shinichi has never been one to believe in ghosts or monsters in the dark it is giving off a rather unpleasant vibe. Under any other circumstances he'd force himself to sit for a moment longer while he reminded himself that such things couldn't exist because then what would be the point of detective work? However, it's starting to look like he might have been kidnapped again and he needs to get to the bottom of this. ] [ He can still hear those voices just on the other side of the door and carefully gets to his feet, creeping as quietly as he can manage to the edge of the door staying perfectly still so he can listen and determine if the others are friend or foe. ] { Lobby } [ Kidnapping isn't seeming nearly as likely as dream. How else would a suitcase full of his things-things that he could easily use to escape end up here? They're not even things he'd brought with him on his last trip which would have made some since if it had being as the last thing he remembers of home was helping Hattori to solve that Kamaitachi murder case and vaguely getting into the car the next day to go home. This is definitely not the Inn he'd stayed in for that case-it was completely western in design and there were no indications that the Inn Keeper's young son was turning eight as there should have been. But if he wasn't there, where was he? ] [ He looks around the room and notes that if the keeper had been going for an eerie serial killer hotel vibe he'd certainly succeeded. Speaking of the inn Keeper-there doesn't seem to be one around that he can interrogate and/or make puppy eyes at to get answers. Left with no other choice, the small detective approaches the empty desk before jumping up and clambering onto of it to see if he can find a guest book-log book, maybe even an electric bill-just something that might tell him a little bit more about this place-like an address. ] [ He leans over to the other side and tries to pull one of the drawers open only find it locked the next one he tried was just flat out empty. He let's out a curse and closes it back up. What kind of Inn didn't keep track of their guest. Their should have been a Check In and Out book on the desk-or if not a book a computer. ] What Kind of Inn is this? [ He lets out a slightly exasperate sigh, still sitting atop the desk like it's a perfectly socially acceptable thing to do. ]

lobby

[64th]

The kind we're going to die in. [ isn't Cashmere helpful? she joins him at the desk, though she leans against it instead of sitting on it. who cares if he's a kid? or looks like a kid. for the record, she thinks he's a kid who is probably going to die in this weird Capitol constructed hotel. she doesn't know how or when, but her days were already numbered at home. she refuses to get her hopes up about this place. ]

Anything cool over there? [ doubtful. not much cool in her room either. ]

lobby

[1_truth]

[ 'That's kind of dramatic.' He thinks to himself, looking the woman over carefully and reading her appearance as best he could. (blonde, extremely fit, too comfortable with idea of death, wealth? guarded) She certainly didn't seem very nurturing with a comment like that. How best to respond though? Acting like a kid won't get him too far with this one, he can already tell. ]

It's a little soon to give up just yet, isn't it?

[ Even if the lobby seemed to be lacking a hotel entrance. ] I mean, it doesn't look good but giving up only means you'll lose for sure.

[64th]

[ it is dramatic, thank you. Cashmere tends to commit to whatever emotions she's feeling 150%, which has lead to more than a few accusations of dramatics in her life. his read on her is a good one. it's that she hates kids - she's just used to being tough on them. coddling never did anyone any favors. ]

No exits, no entrances, no food. Or weapons, for that matter. [ his little bit of pseudo-optimism gets an eyeroll. ] I don't make a habit of losing, but the odds are not in our favor.

[1_truth]

[ (Paranoid?) He'd have rolled his eyes but at the moment he's a little too focused on what she'd said. It was a little too early to call the 'no food' thing wasn't it? He certainly hadn't managed to yet explore the entirety of the hotel but give it time. ]

It's simple reasoning. If we got in here there's an entrance. And if there's an entrance there's an exit. Besides, we don't know if there's no food-we just know we haven't seen any yet. [ But. Even if they did he wouldn't trust it. Only idiots trust food they just happen to come across. ]

[64th]

Okay, well, one of us doesn't know what they're talking about and it isn't me. [ this place has rules, though she doesn't know what they are yet. rules don't have to be fair and they rarely are. ] Have you seen anyone who could give us food? [ or anyone who looks like they know what's going on at all? ] I'll believe when I see it.

[1_truth]

No. [ He admits casually, though perhaps a smidge of irritation in his voice. 'Doesn't know what he's talking about' he didn't solve over seven hundred cases by not knowing what he was talking about. ]

But I've also only seen One or two rooms in this place. Odds are there's a kitchen somewhere.

[64th]

In theory. [ which is basically her way of saying she knows her no food theory is kind of ridiculous but she's also never going to say she might be wrong. ]

You talk weird for a kid. [ and shouldn't he be looking for his parents or something? ]

[1_truth]

[ Yeah, he's just going to pointedly ignore that comment about talking weird. ]

All the hotels I've ever been to in the past had kitchens. [ But then again he usually stayed in high dollar hotels-life as a rich kid and what not. ]

[64th]

All the hotels I've ever been to in the past had exits. [ she shrugs. but she wasn't usually at her choice, either. ]

You don't like it here, do you?

[1_truth]

[ Okay, so she had a point. But he still stood by his if they can get in they can get out logic. ]

I've been here less than an hour. Although, I can't say I ever like getting kidnapped.

[64th]

Do you get kidnapped often? [ she frowns, thinking this over. ] Has this happened to you before? Is that why you're so calm about it? [ or - maybe he's lying. maybe he didn't just show up. maybe he's part of the hotel. ]

[1_truth]

I live with a famous detective. You'd be surprised what lengths some people will go to get their cases solved. Or keep someone from the truth.

[ Or what his parents will do to convince him his life is too dangerous. But he's not mentioning anything about those two. ]

Lobby/Front Desk

[mygame]

The type of hotel that would greatly appreciate it if children didn't sit on the front desk.

[The Nogitsune is still having far too much fun pretending to be one of the staff and sending everyone in circles. Everything can't be about the large tricks being pulled off. Even little ones can feed it and provide enjoyment at the same time.]

My name is Stiles. Was there something you were looking for, Sir?

[1_truth]

[ Conan freezes and turns sharply to face the person approaching, dragging his eyes slowly over his appearance in order to get a good solid read on this guy. Not exactly how he'd expect the staff to look and he wasn't wearing a name tag of any kind. He supposed that didn't necessarily mean anything but surely the owner of the hotel would want their staff to be approachable and not just blend in with the other guests. ]

I forgot which was my room-I was trying to find it in the log book but it seems to be missing. Can you help me find my dad?

[mygame]

I am sorry, Sir, but our guest register is kept in the concierge's office, and he has left for the evening. It's the rain, you see. Causing all sorts of flooding on the side roads. Perhaps when he returns in the morning, he can check our records for you.

[Black eyes stared back at Conan with all the animation of a stuffed animal. Given its too pale skin and the dark shadows around its eyes, the Nogitsune has the look of the terminally ill. It try to scare a child? Absolutely. Still, it keeps the bland empty look on its face and voice professionally interested but nothing more.]

I am afraid I don't know some of our newest arrivals. Your name, Sir?

[1_truth]

But what do I do until then? Dad's gonna start getting worried.

[ It's not a completely ridiculous reason. Still, it's a little odd the log book would be taken out of the room incase of late night arrivals. Then again this place seemed to have no actual main entrance so what good would that log do? ]

My name is Conan-Edogawa Conan. [ Considering it's not actually his name he has nothing against giving it to a stranger. ] But hey, you don't look very good. Maybe you should sleep-you have really dark circles under your eyes.

[mygame]

[The Nogitsune gives a small nod of its head in acknowledgement.]

I am pleased to meet you, Conan Edogawa Conan. As I said, I am Stiles.

[Given that the Nogitsune is a Japanese spirit, it is well aware of the mistake it is making in the boy's name. It gestures towards the Screening Room, an empty smile coming to its lips as if it were nothing more than a windup toy left on duty. Most adults or even teenagers would be concerned about a child, wouldn't they?]

I can assure you that I am not tired or unwell. As for your father, perhaps he went to watch the film we have playing tonight? There are only a few places open to guests tonight. I am sure he must be around somewhere.

[1_truth]

It's just Conan. [ He corrects automatically, not even really thinking about it as he looks over at the screening room. Considering as far as Shinichi is aware his dad is L.A. he highly doubts if he's in the screening room but really all the wanted was a good excuse to wander about the hotel and explore. ]

He went to the room earlier, but I don't remember the room number. That's why I needed the log book.

[mygame]

Conan, then. As I said, our guest register will be unavailable until the morning when our concierge arrives. If you wish, I can have him contact you when he arrives.

[Its hands fold before it on the top of the desk as it shakes its head slowly in regret.]

Until then, I am sorry but there is very little that can be done. Perhaps one of our other guests will let you use their room or you could use one of the couches down here near the fire.

[A new twist in the game might be called for. A little something to poke around some. The Nogitsune frowns without reason, blinking a few times before refocusing on Conan. That blankness comes back, all human animation or signs of confusion gone.]

I'm sorry, Mr Conan. Glitches like this happen at times. What did you say your father's name was? Derek Hale?

[1_truth]

Why can't you just call him? It's not that late is it? And even then! Dad might be really angry at me forgetting lost. It's an emergency!

[ Glitches? He's not sure that's the right word but he still doesn't have much to go on. Other than this guy looks about ready to keel over. dead. he could use a good murder case. ]

Besides, you can't ask me to stay with a stranger, how is that safe?

[mygame]

I am sorry, Mr Conan, but the telephones are out as well. It's the rain, you see. All the lines are down. Thankfully, our electricity seems to be holding.

[Empty black eyes watch Conan as if trying to process something, receiving orders from elsewhere perhaps. It's the impression the creature has been trying to give as of late. It blinks three times in rapid succession as its polite smile returns.]

Management surely wouldn't allow people in the Hotel California that would be damaging to you, Mr Conan. As I also offered, there are the couches down here that you could bed down on if you feel yourself in danger.

As for your father, Derek Hale, should I locate him, I will reassure him of your safety and point him in your direction. That is about all we of the staff can do for you right now, Mr Conan. The storm has left us short-staffed.

[1_truth]

Eh?

[ Hotel California? That sounds familiar. Where has heard that before? wait a minute. California? were they in LA somewhere? Were his parents behind this? No. It's a little too grand scale-even for them. Which is saying a lot. ]

My dad's name isn't Derek. [ Where in the world had that name come from? ] His name is Jigen. He has a mustache and wears hat down over his eyes.

And no thanks, that still doesn't sound safe.

[mygame]

Jigen. My mistake, Mr Conan. Should anyone by that name check in, I will be sure to notify them of your presence.

[Even as Conan explains his situation, the Nogitsune continues to give him its empty smile. It nods along with his words but gives a small helpless shrug at the end.]

I am sorry, Mr Conan, but there is little I can offer other than what I have. You'll have to wait until the morning when Concierge Chris Argent or the Manager returns for anything else.

[1_truth]

Well, it wasn't like I was going to sleep anyway.

[ Which is probably the single honest thing that has come out of his mouth the whole night. ]