[Ayumi bows slightly to the recording before she starts speaking, apparently in her room.]

Greetings everyone, it's nice to meet you all. I'm Ayumi shinozaki, from Kisaragi High. I don't know how many people know about Japan, but that's where I'm from. My hobbies are ghost stories and drawing, and... this is turning out to be a pretty ordinary introduction, isn't it? Well, I know a good way to fix that up.

[And with that, she covers the curtains to her room and pulls out a candle.]

Why don't I tell you all a ghost story, right now! A good idea came to me not too long ago, so I kind of want to try it out as soon as possible.

[And with that, she happily lights the candle, and cuts out the lights.]

So, has anyone around here heard of doppelgangers? It's said that somewhere out there, there's someone that looks exactly like you. According to myths, seeing your doppelganger is an omen of death: That meeting a doppelganger means that it will kill you and take your place.

However, the ones around here work a little differently. If you listen really carefully, you can hear your own voice on the wind. If you follow the source of the voice, you'll come across it: The doppelganger. And then, the doppelganger will steal your voice. No, not merely your voice, but the air itself from your body will be sucked out by it, as though it's eating your soul... And perhaps it is.

So if you hear your own voice singing, calling out to you, don't head towards the voice. If you're foolish enough to investigate it... Well, you can't be saved, can you?

[And with that, she blows out the candle, waits a few minutes, and turns the lights back on, beaming.]

So? What do you think? Not bad, huh?

Weather: Cloudy, Snowfall 28F/-2C
Events: The castle plaza continues to be open. It's snowing off and on pretty heavily today -- especially at night. Tomorrow there'll be quite the pile-up! An event starts tomorrow, so see the mod post for more info!

Well, THIS is unexpected.

[there's a young woman using the video feature; she has dark skin, flyaway hair, and a tattered top which was once ornate and beautiful. she's staring at the screen with odd combination of wariness and amusement, and her unfamiliarity with technology is quickly made apparent when she hesitantly pokes at a couple of controls and the video cuts out, to be replaced by audio only.]

--Oh. Hm.

[a few moments' silence as she possibly tries to undo whatever she did, but doesn't figure out how, so continues regardless.]

I'm told I now belong to House Heimdall. If it pleases the patron, I would like to meet him and pay my respects before settling in.

[a pause, then a snort of laughter]

Of course, it must be some kind of cosmic joke that I'm in an afterlife with gods I've never heard of before. I wonder what Ahriman or Ormazd would say to all this. ...Or the stranger. [with definite amusement this time] I bet he'd be complaining.

My name is Elika. I don't know how to describe where I'm from, or what to tell you... I'm here now, so I suppose what my life was before now doesn't really matter anymore, but I'll work with everyone to bring back the color to this place.

[Gilgamesh was already irritable from being yanked here and being forced to wait until he'd calmed down enough not to quite literally flip tables -- and wardrobes, and other heavy objects -- once he was finally released. Him? The King of All, pulled here by some trifling godling without even properly greeting him and according him the necessary respect? But the piece de resistance was, without a doubt, the fact that he could no longer open the Gate to access his rightful Treasury. The King of Heroes was feeling downright murderous. He doesn't so much as even acknowledge that there's anyone else out there in lieu of threatening the gods who brought them all there.]

Gods... [he smirks slightly and chuckles, but then he's back to simmering anger] Don't make me laugh. Any so-called god who would request an audience with the King, yet fails to so much as appear, is merely another cur to be properly disciplined.

I assure you that your punishment will be sufficiently agonising, mongrel, if my Treasury is not restored to me and I am not returned. Do not waste my time with offers of compensation; there is no treasure you could possibly offer in exchange for the one I was about to claim.

[The last thing the maid and the paper should have ever said was that Agrias had a new duty. After all, she'd not been commanded to move from her station, especially not be anyone she didn't know. A last ditch effort to save the kingdom was about to be put into action and she needed to be there. So when she instead finds herself in a dull room instead of before her old church, she became livid, naturally.

The video feed turns on, showing her standing proudly in her armor, a determined, stern look spread on her face. Better get used to that expression, she'll be using it a lot today.]

Gods? Holy? Your words are a jape at best and it would behoove you to still your tongues.

[A small tch escapes her before she tries to reach out, flicking this odd device on her and focusing it.]

If anyone out there can indeed hear my words, tell these so-called gods that I belong not with this Heimdall, but with the Princess and her country. My duty lies there, as it always has. They mock the very concept of honor and duty by thinking they could replace mine so easily. The sooner I can return to their side as a trusted swordarm, the better we all will be. Thank you, and good day.

[video]

[Click. There's a brief silence and then a bit of flickering on the screen as its owner shifts around a bit -- though he's gotten a little more conscious of the 'video' feature and you have some partial view of him rather than the wall or the floor, all you can really see is a mop of blond hair and... a lot of blankets.]

--seems to be becoming colder every day.

... Ah, I think... [There's a small sigh.] I don't understand this bracelet very well (and I don't even know if it is my bracelet), but I hope someone can hear -- or see me.

[Pause. The blanket nest straightens itself a little as Allen considers his words.]

I woke up this morning in a room not my own. I... There had been some changes -- I am not sure if my eyes deceived me, but my first room was not so gray anymore. [He's speaking steadily, but there's anxiousness in his voice.] The serving spirits tell me this is Freya's House, and the jewel on this bracelet is a deep red color rather than the purple of Heimdall.

[Another pause during which the screen goes dark. But after a moment:]

... I don't understand. Did Heimdall cast me out?

Hachaaaaaa, this thing is even more complicated than—ah! Wait! There it is!

[Someone was more interested in her map than the explanation about her bracelet. Whoops. The girl that appears looks decidedly too cheerful for someone in the situation she’s found herself in- but if there’s anything Mikuru can take in stride, it’s a request to help people, even if the request is a bit unorthodox. But then, taking things in stride is something Mikuru’s got a pretty good handle on period.]

Yo~! [A quick, chipper wave.] Nazume Mikuru speaking- Mikuru Nazume, if there are any Westerners here! I’d like to ask a few questions, if everyone doesn’t mind? Mostly about where people are from, what sort of things they do, you know- to get a better idea of what we’ve got to work with! So if you’re okay with answering stuff like that, or if you have any suggestions about things I should ask, let me know, okay? I’m sure if we all work together we can have this situation resolved in no time!

[She hopes. She also hopes she’s not the only cop here, or the only person who’ll try and enforce laws, if others are keen on breaking them.]

Thanks for your time! [A bow, quick and a little messy.] And hope to hear from a lot of you!

[Another wave, and then she turns the bracelet off.]



[ooc: Mikuru is pretty much using this to get a feel on people, and to see if there's anyone she should be keeping an eye on. She's got a pretty keen eye for bad-guy types, but if you'd rather she not be able to tell, of if it's canon most people can't, let me know, okay?]

[Under the cover of his hood, Archer regarded the device recording him. He wasn't entirely sure of the scope of the camera's view and ability to pan, though--so, he didn't notice that in the immediate background, a number of sapling trees could be seen readily. Sweat ran down his cheeks and to his neck visibly, liking from using his 'Growth' ability to the point of numbing half his body to get those saplings as far as he could. The trees themselves looked fairly generic, but they were the basis for Yew Trees--which were wholly famous for being used to manufacture poison and in a small way, provided edible fruit with some caution. There were roughly a dozen variations of the trees present in Sigyn's courtyard, now.

He found himself unable to stand for the moment, falling onto his ass before he could get a word out. To his own luck, the hood stayed planted low enough to keep his eyes unseen.]

...Shit. I forgot what I was going to say, just now.

[Usually, Amaimon would comment on his predicament of being here and then agreeing to stay so long as it's fun. But for once he's actually really quiet. With a childlike curiosity he brings his hand up and touches one of the snow flakes. He watches in awe as it slowly melts on his finger.

After what seems like forever he finally speaks up.]

Is this what snow looks like?

[[ooc | replies will, sadly come after I get back from work tonight ;n;/]]

[There's the sound of fumbling as someone seems to be trying to get the braclet to work- however, the video function doesn't turn on yet, and all you can hear is the voice of a man.]

Huh, some sort of screen. Er, no no no, wait, I shouldn't get distracted by this. Please, miss maid, there must be some mistake! I can't stay here.

[The man sounds almost manic and rather worried. Looks like someone is not taking this new place very well.]

I'm on the lookout for this murderer, you see, and if I don't get back, he's going to kill my brethern! I can't let that happen. And really, tell Mr. Heimdall that despite what he calls himself, he is not the god I work for. And I know, because, well, God created me.

[The maid responds patiently in a level tone.] You have been brought here to bring life to the world.

Okay, yes. I realize that! Please, you've got the wrong person. Can't I just go home, maybe, and fix what's going on there and then come back here? And why in the world did you take my wings? I feel so normal without them.

You cannot return home. It is impossible. Here is the door to the Welcome Hall, sir.

[The man lets out a frustrated sigh, and suddenly, with a click, the video function turns on, revealing a strange-looking fellow with short red hair and...clocks for eyes??]

Wait a second, what did this button on the screen do? Hello? Anyone out there? It seems to be recording me...well, that's ingenious, actually.

No, stop it, Cheriour, you can't be distracted! Oh dear, I have to get back...I can't stay here. Not at all. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

[After a long morning of wandering the gray city, slipping from district to district, god-house to god-house to get an idea of the kind of place this really is - and nothing to indicate that there will be any sudden return trips to No.6, Nezumi settles onto a shadowed bench and pulls his cloak low enough to obscure his features further.

The technology was too much like that of No. 6's, which means that for all this talk of 'gods' there was a high probability that they contained some method of voice printing or tracing technology. Reason enough to be loathe to use it.

Even so, he wants answers. Needs to see how these jesters and fools, these elite, these soldier and self-deluded saviors would respond. And honestly... better to use that then have to actually put on a smile and act the part face-to-face with nameless strangers.

Which is why he pulls up the video and speaks rather abruptly, his voice flat, slightly clipped, the tone expertly altered to not sound distinctively male or female.]

So am I really the only one wondering when the platitudes of generosity will give way to demands and threat? Or will you all be content to sit there in your respective dens of iniquity and assume that the only thing they really want of us is to bring them the benign gifts of 'color' and 'life' to their precious Holy City?

[A beat.]

How long, do you suppose, before they start purging those voices of malcontent?

[Video comes on, but almost before the image can register, sound howls through the network. On the screen? Squalo’s mouth is open wide enough to swallow his own fist, and the sound that comes out of his mouth? Well, bummer for the network if their volume wasn’t turned almost all the way down, because their ears were about to be blessed with the dulcet tones of the number one loudest member of the mafia.]

VOOOOOOIIIIII!! This is one shitty joke! I have trash to kill, so somebody better tell me how to get back home right the fuck now.

[ on video is a young man who, honestly, looks like he's seen better days. he looks tired and dirty and cold, and definitely looks like he could use a warm bath and a hearty meal. he sighs, finally giving in to using this thing he was instructed to, but not looking directly at it while it records him. ]

Che-- Even after searching for days, I've found no way out--

What a damn tasteless joke, keeping someone trapped in an illusion this long.

[Conan beams. Pure, unadulterated, cheerfulness might not be enough to distract from the drab, gloomy interior of Hel's hall, but he's trying hard.]

Ne -- I was thinking! I've heard a lot of people wondering why we were here -- not the reason in the letter. Why us and not anyone else! So that got me thinking -- maybe we'll find out the answer sooner if we ask questions to a lot of people at once!

I've got one for everyone -- sorry if it's a bit weird, but try and answer the best you can, okay? I bet it'll be useful in the long run. Anyway -- how important are you in your world?

I'll be waiting for your answer -- thank you!

[And clicking the feed off, Conan lets out a sigh, massaging sore cheek muscles. Tch ... this better work ... ]

“Restoring color and life”, hm? Well, it certainly sounds interesting, at the least.

[the oddness of the situation at hand doesn’t seem to be fazing her much if her tone of voice and her calm expression are anything to go by. compared to the things that popped up in the mazes of witches, this isn’t too terrible, though. in fact, it wouldn’t be too hard to call it luxurious in comparison. maybe that’s why it’s so easy for her to swallow.

either way, the girl in the video smiles softly before continuing.]

If we’ve been brought here and given a task, it might be for the best if we try to get to know one another, don’t you think? I’m Mami Tomoe. I haven’t seen any familiar faces yet, but I’m from Mitakihara, if that means anything to anyone.

[a pause.]

... I’m afraid I’m still not fully aware of the situation, though. I read the letter and spoke with the maid when I arrived, of course, but if there’s anything else I should know, I would appreciate the heads up.

[with that, the recording stops.]

Ohoho! Greetings, Asgard! Once again, it’s Santa Mami! Here today, she has a very special show for all of her fans! It’s time for...Meet 765 Pro: Asgard edition! Let’s start with our first idol...

[And she runs up to a table where five girls are just sitting and eating. They are all used to Mami’s shenanigans, so they only look for a second before continuing their conversations.]

First up, is our very own Yayoicchi! House, Sigyn! Character type...“Uuu~uuu! Let’s all work hard and raise money for our breakfast, yaaay!"

[Yayoi looks up in surprise as she hears her name.] Eh? Was that me? I don't have to raise money just for breakfast...

[Still, she smiles and waves at the camera.] Um, hi everyone! I'm Yayoi Takatsuki! I don't know how much I can do, but I'll do my best with everyone to help bring all the color back! It looks too sad to leave it the way it is, right? So let's all continue to get along!

Don't forget, everyone! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And next up, we have MikiMiki! Her angelcakes are lovely like always! House, Freya! Character type...“Hello, honey! Are you going to eat that onigiri? Can MikiMiki have it?”" Ufufu...we all know where that food goes, MikiMiki!

[ And Miki stops chomping on a pastry for a moment when she hears Mami direct her. She's still got a bit of chocolate on her cheek.. ]

Ah, ah.. Mami! Did you say Onigir-- [ OH CAMERA HELLO Miki smiles and waves, hurriedly rising from her seat and waving excitedly. ]

O-Oh, hello, everybody! I'm Miki Hoshii! But you can just call me Miki-chan, hehe. Miki likes to sparkle, eat, and sleep. And her breasts are really big, like va-va-voom! Um, and Miki guesses.. that's it.. Bye!!

W-well said, MikiMiki! Truly inspiring! Uwoah, and next we have Forehe—ah, Iorin! Please don’t look at Mami like that! House, Freyr! Character type, "Bonjour, everyone! I-it’s not like I want to introduce myself, but hello!"

[Iori flusters at her friend's impression of her, glaring at Mami immediately. Though it seems like her sudden aggression is only to cover up her apparent embarrassment.]

I-I don't sound like that! Besides, what was that you almost said-?! Erm...

[Oh wait, we're still filming. Iori, as if flipping a switch, nervously smiles at the camera in a most saccharine manner. Was she really yelling at Mami just a second ago...?]

Ah... Um... Hello! My name is Iori Minase, leader of the super idol unit Ryuuguu Komachi. I'm honored to be chosen by the Gods to help restore their homeland. A smart and pretty idol like me will definitely bring color and happiness to such a gray and dingy place. Trust in the world's most beautiful Super Idol to brighten everyone's hearts, okay? Nihihi~♪

Ah...is she done yet? Quickly, let's move on! We also have a very special Ohimechin with us today! House is top secret! Character type is top secret princess! Ufufu~. Maybe she’s an alien from the moon she loves so much!

[ Takane glances mildly up after dabbing at her mouth with a napkin, the perfect picture of poise. Indeed, she's already sporting a faint smile. ]

Mami, you must take care with presumption, lest it prove your thoughts unfounded.

[ the gaze turns more direct now, though the smile remains. A small nod of the head. No, it really doesn't look like she's going to deny any of Mami's claims. INFORMATION, WHAT IS THAT. ]

To the inhabitants of Asgard, may the day find you well. I am Takane Shijou. I, too, shall strive to invoke a colorful presence, while remaining as constant as the elegant sphere that blesses us with a soothing light from on high.

It's secret-code! Always reliable! And next to last, we have Chihaya-oneesan! She’s in house Freyr, just like Ohimechin! ...Oops! Character type; “My chest may be flat...but my heart and melodies are even bigger!

[ It takes ALL of Chihaya's willpower not to choke on the biscuit she'd been nibbling on, but a short, strangled sound escapes her throat anyway- she's better after one quick drink of water later, but If looks could kill, Mami would be a living popsicle by now. ]

M-Mami-!!

[ Mindful of the fact that they're on the air, Chihaya recovers admirably and give a restrained, polite nod, even though she's flushing bright red and her eyes are just... not meeting the camera. ]

... Chihaya Kisaragi. I... will do what I can to help everyone out, so if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

Well-said! Chihaya-oneesan has a great singing voice! And last, but definitely most important, we have...Mami Futami! House is Loki! Character type is sexy big sister type! Also, the top idol! She's the leader of the party, and her levels are out of this world!

[Well, Mami has completely ruined this peaceful dinner if the background is to be believed. Iori is huffing at Yayoi, Chihaya's red in the face...at least Takane and Miki are the same always!]

Thank you for tuning in, everyone! Once again, this was your Sexy Goddess Host, Mami Futami! Please watch for 765 Pro in the future, ufufu...

[ooc; OKAY! Six way intro. Yellow is geminidol, orange is hitouch, blue is sora_wo_koete, green is sleepyidol, pink is rabbitdere, and carmine is classifidol! Mami will reply to every/almost every tagger in this entry, but you'll get an additional idol or two for your trouble!]

[There is a soft smack as the voice recorder starts. Obviously the person who turned it on, has no idea because they speak quietly although the voice recorder picks up the voice loud and clear.]

Ah! I don't have time for this, I need to find the others! Maybe they're here too.

Brother....Sheryl...Alto...

[There is a sharp intake of breath and the sound of movement, and a cry of surprise.]

Eh? It's ...So grey...

[Silence falls on the other end for a moment before the video comes on and it startles the idol causing her hair to stick out to the sides, eyes to widen and more importantly for her to take a tumble as she stumbles back. Landing on her rear, Ranka rubs at the smarting area for a second with her free hand. Her cheeks flushed as she studied the communication device with a small bashful smile.]

I guess I should have checked to see if it was on first. I'm Ranka Lee, and I guess I'm in the same position as everyone else right now. I was just hoping that I could find some of my friends if they were here.

Any information would be great!

[With that she bows her head politely and shuts off the feed.]

[ The video screen flickers a few times, grey static fading in and out. ] How does this thing-- [ It flickers once more before coming into focus. ] Aah, here we go.

Right. So I'm Greed, and I'm pretty lost here. Anyone want to help me out?

[ If he's lucky maybe someone cute will help him ♪~ ]

[Klaud is quite the succinct woman, but even over text her tone is meant to imply stern authority.]

If anyone would care to explain just what is going on here, I'd be happy to hear it. Though, if you cannot answer that, perhaps you can answer me if anyone has seen a young boy named Timothy, that would suffice.

[The video isn't so much as purposefully turned on, as Roxas' bracelet is forcefully whacked against something-- namely, his bedside table. Aside from the loud clang; the first minute of the video is simply some dumb blond sitting upright in bed, fully clothed and breathing heavily.]

[He almost looks scared; but it's...difficult to say.]

They just won't quit.

[It's a few moments before Roxas actually takes note of his bracelet; then it's time to fiddle, grimacing at the jewelry gone horrifically wrong before finally managing to turn it off.]