A hot tub? I didn't expect for that to be the prize that we'd get. Not gonna complain about it, though.

Don't forget to thank Hana, everyone. She was the brains behind the cupcakes.

[ lovely evening, isn't it? moon shining, wind howling. bit cold outside, which is probably why your windows are closed right now. you're probably either in bed or getting ready to be in bed. dog-earing that last page of your novel, doing your stretches, putting curlers in your hair or whatever it is you do to prepare you for your land of sleep and dreams and whatnot. and that's just the way it should be, even in the land of Hel, because even Hellions need their sleep, right--

well, wrong.

because guess who just... opened... your window.

a heavy footfall on your on your windowsill, unannounced. a maniacal grin. the masked man leaning into your room doesn't look friendly, and neither does that giant sword on his back. surprais. hope he didn't interrupt your peaceful night or anything, but he's a man on a mission, and you don't mess with men on missions. have a cheshire grin, even as he bows, flourished, mocking. ]

So, sorry to drop in unannounced, but I was afraid you wouldn't be home otherwise. Hope I didn't interrupt anything pressing-- [ a pause. ] Oh, but on second thought, I hope I did! It would make this dull night far more entertaining.

[ leaning into your room, now-- ] Of course, I'm not here for a mere social visit. There are few questions that I'm sure you feel compelled to answer in due time.

[ grinnnnn. he draws himself up, slit-like eyes peering out from behind the mask. ] Well? Shall we get tonight's entertainment underway?



[ ooc: so, berthier is searching for... kaz... and because he doesn't know he's searching for kaz, he's barging into rooms in Hel during the evening and sneering at people until he gets answers. for residents of Hel, feel free to assume that he barged into your character's room and react accordingly-- or conversely, feel free to assume he didn't barge into your character's room, if you don't want to deal with this maniac. he skipped a lot of rooms because he got bored.

for those people whose rooms he's hit up-- he won't hurt anyone unless you pull a knife out on him or something, and even then, he'll most likely just be fooling around. he'll just troll a little, sneer a little, ask a few questions, possibly wave his sword around a little, and then he'll leave (and he'll leave the window open, the bastard).

and if you're kaz? well. c': ]

[ the feed clicks on to a few seconds of silence, before a small sigh can be heard. ]

Hi everyone. Sorry for disappearing like that, I was in some kind of a coma for the past while. I'm not in any mood to question it, but I think I went back to London. I remember a lot of things that've happened - about a year's worth, actually. A lot of things happened, but only one of them is the reason i'm recording this bloody thing in the first place.

A lot of you probably didn't know him, and i'm not sure if you'dve liked to. [ a small chuckle. ] But for those who did, you should know. She-...

[ another pause, and another breath. this one almost sounds like it's being choked back. ]

Sherlock Holmes... is dead.

[Someone's curled up on a big comfy couch in Odin with a book open and a few more piled up next to him. Shock. If you bother to look closely enough to check the titles, though, Hanbei seems to be done with all that reading up on modern technology for now, and he's now wading through stuff on...multiverse theory, alternate realities and timelines. Huh.]

So, there already seems to be a pretty solid network of theories in place about all possible variations of reality existing. Including ones that are very similar with only minor differences.

But there's plenty about that in the books already. I'm not looking for theories, I'm looking for evidence - since I think I've seen a few things here and there to suggest it. People who should know you but don't, people who shouldn't know you but do... [and now the one that really interests him, after ceilingcatting all over Hisahide's intro] - people with names and backgrounds that match someone you know, but who clearly aren't the same people. How many of you have run into something like that?

Oh, and if anyone in Hel has seen Kuroda Kanbei lately, tell him to go outside before he starts to mold, will you? Sunlight is good for you.

[Kanbei was recently dropped, so he probably won't have been seen in a bit! But Hanbei hasn't found out about that yet. :( ]

[The video feed turns on, and suddenly shakes a little as Iori lowers her arms. Without her hands to block the image, the camera reveals Iori sporting two (2) bouncy pigtails, different from her usual style of letting it down to her waist.]

Hmm... Does it really look good? Hey... [She asks someone off-screen, not even aware of her bracelet turning on. Regardless, she has a slightly embarrassed look on her face.]

[If the loud, excitable voice that responds wasn't a good tip off as to who this other person was, the little flash of orange hair bouncing in from the side might help.]

It looks really good!! You should wear it like that more often, Iori-chan. It's really cute and it keeps your hair out of the way! [Yayoi gently pulls a little at the other girl's pigtails, entertaining herself with the way they spring back into place.]

R-Really? My neck feels too cold though... [The camera swerves out to conveniently capture Yayoi's presence too, in case you still couldn't guess! However Iori is more preoccupied with the way the girl bounces her pigtails, tsuning blushing harder.] Hey, that's not a toy. Geez...

[Well despite her efforts, Iori can't help but smile.]

You should let your hair down sometime, Yayoi. You'd be able to style it more.

Eh? My hair? [Yayoi backs off from Iori's hair to inspect her own.] I don't know if it would look pretty the way yours does... Iori-chan's hair looks pretty no matter what!

Nihihi~♪ That's because I take good care of mine all the time. But yours can look good too. Here.

[As Iori reaches up to undo one of Yayoi's pigtails, she realizes her bracelet's been recording this whole time!! And everyone saw her in this embarrassing state that only Yayoi's allowed to exploit!!! Staring incredulously into the camera, Iori flies back as if she was electrocuted, her pigtails bouncing along with her.]

This was on?! Wha- Why didn't anyone tell me?! Stop it- shut it off alreaaaaady!!

[Iori swats at the camera several times like a fly before this video post, in tsundere fashion, finally ends...]

(ooc: font colors are iori and yayoi)

[Guess who's back to whine some more, Asgard!]

So, uh, would any 'a youse guys from the houses that won the contest be up for lettin' the other houses borrow that shit? Cuz I could really use a movie night. Or a video game night. Also hot tubs are sweet as hell. What I'm sayin' is, I'm friggin' bored. Haha, ain't you gods funny holdin' a baking contest when I haven't so much as used an oven in my life. When ya wanna have a fighting tournament or a battle of the bands, then ya can give me a call.

[Babydoll has been here for a few days, so she figured that it was time to address everyone here. But once she has the video on, she freezes up momentarily. She is shy by nature, so the thought of talking to so many people she doesn't know is frightening, to say the least.]

[But, this is important. So she swallows the anxiety, though her voice is still soft and gentle.]

I'm looking for a job. [No, wait, that's too straightforward. She brushes some hair from her face nervously, then nods.] Actually, I think it's better to say that I'm looking for suggestions for a job. I've never really worked before, so I'm hoping that someone can offer some ideas.

[Babydoll pauses again, this time trying to think of what she's good at, but really, only one thing comes to mind.] I'm a good dancer. But otherwise, I'm pretty average, I think. If you know of any openings anywhere here, I'll consider anything.

[And, finally, there's a smile. It's small, but it's there.] My name is Babydoll, by the way. And thank you if you can offer anything. And even if you can't, thank you for listening.

[The Ψiioniic had figured out how to work his bracelet long ago, but had yet to actually make a post to the network himself. He'll admit, he's more of an observer than someone who would take action, but his curiosity isn't going to take the backseat any longer.

…Sheesh, this is going to be awkward. He's not used to speaking to a crowd of people.]

Hello, ah… people of Athgard.

Thince losing my abilitiesth… I'd like thome athithtance in practicing with the new abilities we've been given. Any voulenteersth would be appreciated.

[Varon had two concerns on his mind. One was about Asuka, the other about Nill. The first one didn't get to him as much until his talk with Shinichi woke him up to the fact that something very wrong could have taken place and he would be responsible.

The second was something equally concerning only Nill would be a target for creepers which really worried him. Still, he promised to teach her how to communicate better and he'll do just that.

Looking inside stores, behind buildings, he continues his search.]

Has anyone seen Asuka?

[He's going to hide his worry even if it's a very real threat.]

[Private to Nill]

Nill, I'm sorry I caused you worry but I have to look for someone. I'll be there for your lessons. I promise I'll be back in time.

[End transmission]

[[Log to go up shortly for Nill's lessons.]]

[Audio again! It's what Euri is most comfortable with, and typing still takes her way too long.]

I figured it would be a good idea to warn you all about a really dangerous criminal from my world. The gods have been picking some really bizarre new people to help save the world, so this is just in case he shows up!

[And then she abruptly switches over to video. Unfortunately, she's holding a picture up so it's impossible to actually see her.]

( Not cut ICly. )

This guy is a necromancer. If you don't know what that is go look it up in the library, but in simple terms it means he's dangerous. His name is Adel, but he goes by a bunch of other titles like 'the Harbinger', 'Black Death', 'Plaguebringer' and 'the Dead Walker'. If you see him let me know immediately! I'm a bounty hunter so I can take care of him.

[Then she switches back to audio.]

Oh, and - um - if anyone's interested, I've got a job at an apothecary. It's in the Freya's district, and it's pretty small so a lot of people should stop by and buy stuff! So I can get a raise....

((NOTE: The character in the wanted poster does not actually exist in Euri's world! I just needed someone who looked like him c: So assume they don't look exactly the same to avoid any potential future fourth wall breakage. Thanks~))

So, about the Hel house. Why is it so full of weirdos?

[ Ange isn't looking too pleased today - but then again, when does she. Her frown seems just a tad heavier though as she speaks about all of this. ]

At first I figured it was just something local here spread across all the houses, but I'm starting to have my doubts the more I talk to people from the same house as me. Between questionable items being used during that weird cupcake contest and people breaking in randomly at night - to not even speak about the constant harassing and the general idiocy yet - I have to wonder if there are even some sane people left in this house, sans my roommate and a few exceptions. If I was the kind of person to make lame puns I'd say it's called Hel since everyone wants to get the hell out of that one house they apparently decided to throw all the crazy people in. [ yes Ange because you're clearly so sane.. ]

If only we could switch houses, I'm starting to fear this idiocy is contagious. Perhaps I should just say my goodbyes to the sane world already. Amakusa, if they ever start some sort of house switching system, you better take my place. [ ... ] And that's an order, not a request.

[The young man is standing in a kitchen, holding a small stack of bakery boxes. He's smiling into the screen, the bracelet settled on the counter so that he can show his armload.]

Well, I feel a little silly about this but...

[There's a soft nervous laugh, and he jostles the boxes in his hands a little.]

I had meant to bring home a treat for everyone, but then there were cupcakes just a couple of days ago - and I had to miss the baking because of work - so I'm not sure if everyone is sick of sweets yet but...

[It's a little awkward. What he'd meant to be a nice gesture just feels silly now, but he'd already planned it, so he's brought them anyway.]

If anyone still wants a treat, I've got cookies and fig-and-honey tarts and muffins in the kitchen at Sigyn house... so you're free to come by and have some.

[Yuri is seated at a desk, in his manager's office above the tea room. Close observation will reveal that he looks rather weary. He hasn't been sleeping very well, or taking much time to rest.]

To you newcomers, welcome. My name is Yuri Petrov. As some of you already know, I'm interested in working with others to organize a simple, practical justice system, primarily focused on crime deterrence and public safety. Please contact me if you're interested in being involved in the process. I don't mean to take charge of this effort, merely to assist in organizing it.

[He wants to be involved in public affairs, but he'd prefer not to be the leading figure. Some respect and attention are desirable, but a more background role suits him, and his purposes, better.

He's interrupted in his speech by a small, gray cat jumping up onto his desk and his papers. He smiles at the animal. The cat is still somewhat shadowy, but it is beginning to take on a more definite form in Yuri's presence. His office, too, is beginning to take on color. Perhaps there are some benefits to feeling powerful, if hidden, emotions at all times.]

There's no need for you to be up here, Skazka.

[Yet he doesn't shoo her away, as she rubs the side of her face against his hand. He continues to address the network.]

I'd also like to invite those of you who enjoy tea or baked goods other than cupcakes to visit the Hrafn Tea Room in Odin. [He had declined to take part in the cupcake contest.] It's near the library, and can be easily recognized by the raven on its sign. I'm the manager. If you'd like to speak to me, you need only ask the staff.

We're hiring, if anyone is interested.

[Did you think Legault wasn't going to say anything after winning the cupcake competition for Freya with Miki's help? He decides to pop up and say something.]

That was lively, wasn't it? It was an interesting choice for a battle, but a leftover like me was still useful, it seems. Maybe I should invest in that a bit more...though, it begs the question, what will our next competition be like? Any guesses? That can't have been the only one.

Ah, but about the cupcakes...if you see any of mine and Miki's around, please don't eat them. They were only my first attempt at baking, so I'm sure everyone else's taste much better. There's a reason we didn't win for taste, after all.

[]

Hmm...though, those chairs we won do look rather comfortable, though. Maybe I'll borrow one for a short while.

[And so ends the feed. Legault's just being friendly, but he's making the call from Freya's kitchen, anyways. It's a rare chance to talk to him, since he very rarely eats his lunch where people can see him. Usually, he sulks around town or who knows what, really? Surely, someone wants to thank their new hero in person.]