So this is interesting. [Clay peers down at his bracelet curiously, though his tone is dry and his expression one of faint, almost exasperated amusement.] This little side trip definitely wasn't on my list of things to do, but it's nice to be pleasantly surprised for once.

Don't suppose anyone's run into a Desmond, have they?

O-ow...

[ The video clicks on, and at first all that can be seen is the side of a slim thigh, dressed in beige shorts. A small noise of surprise can be heard as the camera is brought up to show a young woman. Her pretty face framed by dark, shoulder-length hair, sections of it clipped up into two small pigtails. Her equally-dark eyes blink a few times before she speaks. ]

Is that what the bracelet is for...? Kind of reminds me of Timcampy... [ A light, somewhat sad giggle passes her lips. ]

So... this must mean that I can communicate with this, right? It's a much more... elegant way to do it than the golems, I guess... [ She blinks, realizing that there is probably someone watching this feed, and gives a warm smile. ]

I-I guess I should introduce myself, then...! 

Hello! My name is Lenalee Lee. I'm an Exorcist... though, I don't think I really hold that title here, do I... [ Her expression darkens slightly, but only for a moment. Whatever sad thought that passed through her mind is gone just as quickly. ]

A-Anyway, I was told I was to be staying in Freya House...? Is that like the Norse goddess...?

Well, I hope to meet everyone soon, at least! A-ah, how do I turn this off...?

[ After a little fumbling, the video feed clicks off. ]  

Yo Midgard, haven't you heard?

The bird is the word.

So hey, everybody tell me about the bird.

[When the feed comes on you see a very angry young woman with hair as bright as the sun and fierce blue eyes to match. She's leaning in a little too close to her bracelet, but isn't surprised by the type of technology or how it works.

When she speaks her words are quick and punctuated by wild gesturing.]

Nope. No.

Mo santonoï'aypa man eto seto. ["I demand to be let go."]

Mo mavano cuapo man hila deon kyla! ["I have no loyalty to the gods here."]

Dot on do dedero dat mina. ["There is no purpose for me."]

Not needed.

Korben? Korben Dallas. Where is he?

[A black hedgehog suddenly appears! Perhaps his appearance reminds you of someone you know, perhaps not. Either way, he looks highly unamused by the events that have transpired here. Waking up in a strange place, not a wholly uncommon thing, but it was still annoying when it does happen. At least the last time he was still on the same planet.]

[But no, and questions pertaining to why he’s even here can be answered in the letter he was given. At least they should be, according to that woman. Reading it over again, Shadow highly doubts that.]

“The fate of all existence rests within your capable hands.” Tch. What a joke.

[At a simple tightening of his grip, the letter crumpled immediately, Shadow casually tossing it onto the ground. No point in keeping something so useless, right? Lifting up his wrist, Shadow looked back to the bracelet he had activated just before. A recording device of some kind? At least, that’s what he was told.]

Still, seeing that I’m no longer on the ARK, something must’ve happen. A discharge in energy from the Chaos Emeralds perhaps. Doubt it, but real explanations seem to be few and far between. [Obviously not thinking too much of that ‘Gods’ one from the letter.] I wonder if the Doctor’s plans were a success then. It’s a shame I didn’t get to watch it myself, but so long as it actually happened, that’s good enough.

[Right, Maria?]

[The feed kicks on to show a very close image of a handsome, sunglasses-clad face. Whoever this man is, he's got a merry grin for someone who basically got kidnapped from his Earth.]

Ah! Perfect, perfect! Finally got the nature of this little device downpat. What marvelous technology this place has. I've never seen its like, before. Not even in Blacktech records...

[He refocuses, sweeping his broad hat across his bare chest and giving a slight bow.]

Ciao~! On behalf of the chivalrous Jellyfish Air Pirates, Johnny greets you all with an open heart. It seems we're all in quite an interesting predicament, hm? Rest assured, I intend to pull my weight and help get us all home as soon as possible. Hopefully before Christmas, as I have very important business to attend to. If the women of Earth noticed me missing for too long a time, there might be panic in the very streets!

Well, let's see what kind of crew I'll be working with. Any other Thor patrons on this message system? Come, come, step forward. House-mates should help each other, no? Even if you're not in that house, introduce yourself anyway.

[While he's on a roll, might as well keep talking.]

Personally, I'm an Earth-native, from the year 2182...give or take. We're not entirely certain, due to unfortunate circumstances.

[The video clicks on with a blond hair girl wearing a black school uniform, looking rather perplexed. A bracelet that could record things? She might be a living weapon as it were, but a magical bracelet like that is rather preposterous!

It's a moment before she says anything, as if trying to remember her reason for turning the bracelet on.]

I seem unable to bring up any data on this city on my own. The streets and buildings look nothing like what was in Iwatodai. [The locals, the maids back in the Welcome Center didn't seem all that informative to Aigis. Helpful and strange with their lack of faces, but not in the way she was hoping for.]

If anyone could offer some information, or... [Her thoughts immediately fly over to SEES. Would they be here? But why would they be here?] knows of an organization called SEES, or even about these owls here... please. I'd be grateful to know where I am.

[And her reason for being here.]

[Today, Asgard, have yet another talking hedgehog! This one, however, is probably somewhat more familiar, especially to those in Thor house, given that he... lives there and makes chili dogs practically every day.

But yes, Sonic is broadcasting from somewhere in the Thor District. He probably spent a good chunk of the day cruising around town. Now, though? He's probably headed back home. But fiiirst...]

Y'know, I could say somethin' about those birds, but somebody totally beat me with that surfin' bird reference, so I'll just cut to the chase. First of all, if ya haven't guessed, there's another hedgehog hangin' around. Dunno who he is or what his deal is, but no, it ain't me. I mean, unless I decided to... [And here he'll do his best Shadow impersonation.]

Talk in a dark, serious voice... [Annnd back to his normal tone!] And dye my fur black and red, it just ain't likely. Besides, I don't have a beef with you humans, long as ya don't cause trouble like Robuttnik.

But, just to throw this out again-- no, this ain't a costume, no ya ain't seeing things, so let's all get along and chill.

[He smirks and zips over to a nearby building.]

With all that outta the way, is anyone around here itchin' for some major chow? I've been thinkin' of starting up a chili dog stand, that way I can make a living and give people one mondo sweet dose of past cool snackage. If I start makin' money off of 'em, I could probably afford better supplies, anyway. So, any takers?

[ It seems Kyoko's found the free food, as she's munching on a bag of chips when the video comes on. She speaks with her mouth full. ]

Hey, hey. I haven't been here long, but it seems like everyone's a little soft on these kidnappers. Has anyone figured out where to find 'em? Or how to beat 'em? Don't tell me you're all doin' as they say.

"The fate of all existence"--why should I care about that? Don't go raisin' the dead if you want someone who cares about the world, "gods". There's gotta be more people who agree with me.

[ She's about to turn off the video when she looks up. ] Those birds are getting really annoying. Anyone know how they taste when fried?

[When Sazh starts up the video feed, he's walking around the Freya welcome hall's main floor, trying to get a good look around now that's he's finally fully acknowledged the fact that he's here to stay.

He absentmindedly rubs the back of his head as he searches for something to say.]

This place isn't all that bad. [Which is true, even though his expression is less than cheerful as he says that. So far it looks like trying to be positive about this whole thing really isn't going to work out for him. He's in the middle of a sigh when a small yellow bird emerges from his afro and flies out of view of the feed.

Sazh follows the bird with the camera by turning the bracelet as it flies towards the spiral slide.]

Don't get any ideas now. There's no way I'm going to use that thing. [The bird chirps in response as Sazh shakes his head.] Yeah, yeah. I get that you think it'd be fun, but can you really see an old man like me making it down that thing? [There's another series of chirps from the bird and this time Sazh nods.] Right. Can't be getting sidetracked now, can we?

[Sazh turns his attention back to the screen, looking at it intently as he focuses the camera back on him. Now it’s time for the real reason why he started this broadcast.]

Now, have any of you out there heard of a kid by the name of “Dajh”? Whether you have or not, let me know. Dajh is my son, and if he’s out there I need to find him as soon as possible.

[He rubs the back of his head again.] … Thanks in advance.

[The feed goes black as Sazh shuts it off.]

I tried to tell the doll lady without the face that if the “gods” - air quotes go here - want services they gotta submit a request to the office or at least turn up to look through pamphlets and get forms stamped and the first of those ain't really my job. But eh. Whatever, I have a question.

An important question.

If we're guests do we get free amusement park tickets, or do we have to pay?

[ The video function initiates! A figure is in plain view, but the background seems to be swerving and moving in a pretty fast pace... At least the main focus isn't moving that abruptly, but she is wearing something pretty ridiculous with a short bow strapped onto her back.

It doesn't help that she's a bit bloodied up. ]

If I knew being a prisoner of war--of should I say "honored guest"--would be so luxurious, I would have surrendered sooner! [ 'cept not, she has a battle to win for other people. ]

Everyone's so calm. It's kind of weird. Anywaaaay, this is a pretty cool amusement park! Though I'm not really into Norse myth or anything, this place is still pretty sweet. Especially when the first thing you see is a maid that tells you everything is basically taken care of.

There is something I would like to ask though... The cute maid was just part of the attraction, right?! There is no way it would be impossible to "go home". [ There has to be an exit! That is what she is looking for, zooming all over the area. Go ahead and stop her in her tracks or throw something at her if you want. ]

Someone give me a sign!! [ NOTHING MAKES SENSE--S-so disoriented here. Help a girl out here? ]

My, I hadn't expected to encounter such ardent Shakespeare aficionados here. I'm afraid my own literary enthusiasm has been put to shame.

[he smiles. perhaps he should be informing everyone of his little brother's departure, but he doesn't like to emphasize their relationship publicly, and he doubts amaimon was much of a social butterfly in the first place. if anyone is actually concerned with his presence or lack thereof, they'll figure it out for themselves.]

Well!

[there's the thud of an owl hitting the window off screen; his eyes glance in that direction for a moment, but he simply ignores it.]

I suppose it's only polite to extend a greeting to all of our newcomers, and what more efficient way than to address them all at once!

Welcome, and I'm sure we're all happy to have you join us on this surprise holiday! I can assure you there will be few dull moments during your time here, however long or short it may turn out to be.

(And if any of you happened to see the finale of Magical☆Motoko before coming here and plan on discussing it, please place all of your spoilers behind a cut for those of us whose timing was less fortunate. ♥)