[Today, Loki is addressing the populace again, from the comfort of his little office presumably in the castle.

But he is not doing so alone. This time, everyone might have to check their blood alcohol levels, as his complete mirror image is with him.]

So, about those animals. Not our fault. This guy thought it was a good idea to fuck around in war time.

But now we’ve got it sorted out and he’s going to help us not die. Conveniently for everyone, this means you can still go shopping for fancy clothes and computers in Utgard. It also means we have one less gate to worry about having breached. Hopefully.

[“This guy”, lurking somewhere behind Asgard’s Loki, gives a cheerful shrug.]

What can I say? Some of you got very nice, useful gifts out of it. Think of it as your friendly neighbor giving you a hand with your wartime shopping.

That’s like kicking someone in their broken leg and giving them a copper. Not even I think that’s funny.

You had a shit sense of humor to begin with. That isn’t my fault.

I had wittier influences. Satire above belching, brother.

If that’s what you want to believe. Your influences haven’t been doing their job if they let you post this monstrosity. I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but I was obviously wrong. Your art’s even shittier than your humor. [He’s embarrassed for you.]

It’s called mocking. I didn’t leave cow pies everywhere. And this is an irrelevant subject for a public address.

A public address to show me off. How flattering. [He gives his twin a look.] Are we done here?

Done enough. Your face is nice enough to look at but I’m sure they tire of your personality.

So anyway, things are going to blow up at any time, we’d like a little help keeping an eye out. Pick a god, but if any of you have time, we’d like a Watch organized in every district. No fighting, just keeping an eye out for trouble. And if you want to help the war medics or the engineers and builders, talk to the elves. That’s about it for now.

[Asgard’s Loki sighs -- but then he pauses, as if he remembered something, and grins.]

But before we go, I believe there’s a pretty girl out there that I owe something to. This is for you, sweetheart.

[And with that he turns and decks his twin.]


[ooc: Asgard!Loki & Utgard!Loki. The OOC post with the leader positions for groups will be up later today!]

[Today on your bracelet, there is a very cheerful redhead in the courtyard of Sigyn house, having her face licked by a rather affectionate cow]

Eh heh, did anyone else have one of the animals stay behind with them? I found this one in the courtyard this morning! She's got my and Kurosaki-kun's name on her tag!

So I guess I should ask if anyone knows how to milk a cow!

[ hello, asgard. have one ever-sour werewolf. it looks like someone has been training if the completely ruined punching bag scattered in various pieces on the floor is anything to go by.

derek isn't big on socializing which is probably clear by now, but there's nothing quite like fighting someone alive, which is why he's here today with a request much to his dislike. ]

I think it's time to test out with gift the gods gave me. [ a beat…and he tries for non-threatening with the next part, but most likely fails anyway; ] Anyone feeling up to the challenge?

[ come on, someone take the punching bag's place, please.

with that the feed is turned to private for two entirely different matters. ]

( [ private to scott mccall ] )

( [ private to erica reyes ] )

Hello, everyone.

[ Sophie turns up on the video feed with a smile on her face. Always using the video function, of course. ]

Seeing all the animals and all those plants was great. There was one I've never seen before until now. It had a hump on its back and it was called... a camel! They look really funny when they're chewing...

[ Obviously most people know that, but Sophie sounds thrilled learning about the animal's name for the very first time. ]

Oh, and... I heard about people receiving gifts from home. I received something too, I don't know why, but... they're sopheria seeds! I didn't think I'd ever find them here... but I finally found them! I went ahead and planted some of the seeds outside of Thor's Welcome Hall and some inside a pot.

[ Just in case there's ever a flood again. The video then shifts towards the window sill where there's a few potted plants and flowers sitting. One contains purple clematis flowers given from Asbel, another contains a miracle berry plant given to her by Damien before he left, and a few others that appear empty still have yet to sprout. Most likely that's where Sophie planted the sopherias. ]

They haven't sprouted yet, but when they do... it'll be wonderful. Everyone should see them when they become a blossomgale.

[The feed opens up with a thud, the thud of someone's fist hitting the wall. And that would be what causes the bracelet activating at the same time.]

...you gotta be -- there's no way... [Some more, louder thuds as said someone goes into an unattractive temper tantrum.] I'll never-- I--

[Another thud and the bracelet deactivates without her having ever known it was on. But just a short while later, Yukari does intentionally make a video post. Because for some reason she feels it's chickening out on a text post. Her expression is cautious, neutral.]

...H-Hey. I know there's always a few of these messages, but... [y'all can suck it up] Minato-kun's gone... again, I guess. [She takes a breath, carefully concealing a catch in her throat.]

I... don't need to hear anyone feel sorry for me, okay? [Wait, why did she even say that? She regrets it immediately; nothing good can come of it. She either looks like a defensive idiot or alienates her friends, and either way looks totally self-obsessed, because obviously not everyone knows that they're -- Whatever. She's just rambling now... better get off this quickly.] I mean... Sorry, it's not that I wouldn't--ya know--appreciate that, but... [She waves a hand.] Just--Just don't want to hear that again. That's it. 

[Ooookay. Still kind of a disaster. But that's as good as she can probably do right now, right?

She cuts the feed and then leaves Freya House to go wander the district and make her way gradually around, through Sigyn and back, just walking to cool off.]

*Greetings, Asgard. Today your bracelet mounted video feed is focused on the area out front of the Loki house! Where there is a rather alarming pile of weapons stacked up. Most of which look to be highly impractical looking drill-based-weaponry. ... and a few well made two handed swords.*

This is just depressing. I've been working on all this since day once almost, yet I still can't get a properly functioning drill based weapon going. Closest I can get is drill fists, but it's not like those can spin... I really should have tried to sneak off with some of the stuff from those pointy eared visitors.

*Aoto gives a small kick to the pile, hefting up one of said drill fists. It is exactly what it sounds like. A drill you put over your hand and punch someone with. ... Or as the case would be even if it doesn't spin, pierce them with.*

Ahhhh... This would all be so damn cool if I could get them to work. All this free time here just makes me think up awesome stuff like this, yet it's all a bust! *SIGH.* Haaa... Don't suppose any of you properly manly men out there have an interest in drill-based weaponry?

... ... or the extra swords, I guess. If you're feeling boring.

Good morning, Asgard. To the new entries of this period, my name is Hanako Ikezawa and I'm from Sigyn.

[ Hanako doesn't sound too cheerful, but she feels way better than the wreck she used to be a few days ago. Even so, it's still gratingly different than her previous post in which she even used the video feature, a rare occurence, courtesy of her great mood.

There's the light patting noise of rain hitting the window of her room. ]

After the happenings of over a week ago, I was thinking of replanting some trees and flowers in Gefion park. I could do it by myself with my powers, but if you'd like to contribute, please don't hesitate coming over. I'll be there tomorrow for the whole afternoon.

[ Pausing for a moment. ] To Euri-san, and everyone else who was interested... As for the Nightlight club's first meeting... I was thinking to set it the day after tomorrow, in the Tea Room at the Library, 3 PM at the earliest. I'm sorry for the stunning delay, but the recent happenings heavily influenced it. I hope the meeting will be culturally fruitful.

Thank you for your time.

[ After that... last piece of booksmart wording, she shuts the feed off. ]

[...It hasn't been that long since he last said something over the network but.

But this is important!

Senji is sitting there, arms crossed, looking absolutely.... annoyed. Why? There was a crow on his shoulder.]

.....Oi.

[The crow flew to his head. Pecking at his spiky hair.]

Oi.... how the fuck.... do you get rid of a damn bird that won't go away? This is seriously.... [CAW CAW goes the crow.]

This is seriously fucked up. Way too ironic if you ask me.... I'm... supposed to be Crow!

[CAW :V]

[ as the video turns on, you're treated to the sight of a confused looking young man. something that must surely be a familiar sight to anyone who's been here for a protracted period of time... though this one seems perhaps a bit more dazed than most. ]

Ah... hello, everyone.

[ despite his confusion, he manages a weak smile. his voice sounds rather calm, all things considered. ]

Let's see... I'm supposed to introduce myself, right? My name is Satoshi Houjou. It's nice to meet you at all.

Um... what else was there? Sorry, this has never happened to me before so I'm not really sure what to say. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Or am I one who's supposed to be asking questions right now? Hm... Can anyone give me some advice? Introductions sure are difficult. I'll do my best to pay you back when I can.

Oh! But we're saving the world, aren't we? Ha... that sounds pretty hard. I've never saved a world before, either. Well, I'll do my best.

[Okay this is it, Rin has to say something and he has to say it now. Literally right now, and he's bored, so why the hell not right? Its not like he's got anything better to do. ] Oi, you guys know Ranka Lee?

I wanna make somethin' clear, if anybody messes with her, they'll regret it. So no funny business, got it?

I shouldn't hafta spell it out to anybody again.

If you can't deal with that, you'll have to answer to me.

[And a slight pause]

Oh, and I need a job. This place is so boring without one. If anybody needs help with anythin', let me know.

[it's Chie's first time really checking out the network since the darkness happened. the past week or so has been... a little tough on her, and it shows; she's smiling, yes, but there's a sort of tiredness in her expression as she addresses the feed.]

Hey there, everyone! I hope everyone's been doing okay—especially the new arrivals! Usually I'd say something like "Welcome to Asgard!" but I'm sure you're all a little tired of hearing the welcome wagon by now, so I'll spare you that much.

Anyway... I've been thinking about something for a while, and I can't really stop thinking, so I kinda wanna hear other people's answers. What exactly is it that makes someone strong? Physical strength, emotional strength, any other kind of power or fortitude like that... what does it mean to you? It's okay if you don't have any solid answers—I don't, either. It's a kinda tough thing to pin down.

So... yeah! Thanks in advance to anyone who answers! Maybe if I hear what other people have to say, I'll be able to get my mind on other things.

[Someone's not happy, and he hasn't been happy since the end of that darkness event. He's been holding it all in to himself mostly, just brooding and stalking around Asgard on his own. Barely talking is something he seems to do when he's over the top angry, and this is one of those circumstances. Someone very.... precious to him died during that event, and upon finding her body he went berserk- killing any Taken he could find.

He still doesn't feel better, he still wants more blood. He'll never forgive those fuckers for what happened with Chie.

so might as well ask Asgard what else he can do to let off some steam.]

....What's a good way to....

[dammit, it's so hard to even talk over this network.] ...I've pretty much ruined all the fuckin' punching bags in the arena... I need somethin' else here to take my frustration out on.

This place is such a goddamn joke, you know that? Help the gods? Get close to people? Fuck that- after what happened with those Taken fuckers.... as far as I'm concerned, I don't need anyone else.

[the strain and bitterness in his tone is clearly evident though.]

[Later on in the day if anyone wishes to find Senji, he's located at the park- and he's putting his super strength powers to good use here. One might hear the sound of something....well, being hit rather hard. Punching bags are no good anymore, but it seems like trees are.... not holding up either. You might even find a few with holes in them, yanked out of the ground, or just ripped in half.]

Dammit.... dammit...! I can't hit the dead center....!

[after fiddling for hours with the damn bracelet he finally manages to get it to work. of course the Kanji Tatsumi wouldn't be taken down so easily by a bunch of lame ass--whatever the hell these people are. nope, he gave them the good ole one two and then ran like hell to a safe place. he blinks and looks down at the bracelet when it finally cooperates.]

--thing finally workin'? tch, 'bout damn time!

So, uh, ANYONE MIND FILLIN' ME IN ON WHAT THE HELL IS GOIN' ON AROUND HERE? [he knows for sure that these people can't be shadows. first and foremost this place doesn't have the same feeling as the TV world does, and secondly these people don't have yellow eyes.

he looks away for a moment, as if trying to find the appropriate word to use. he lets out a frustrated sigh and frowns.]

These people aren't... actin' weird. [a pause.] Well, weird as in like... tryin' to say shit that they aren't. And their eyes aren't... all freaky. [way to be discreet. ANYWAYS--] So, uh, yeah. Anyone mind fillin' me in on this?!

What a way to welcome a guy to this friggin place...

It's called the Dark Presence.

[BLAM.

For those who were wondering if anyone knew what the hell was going on, here's your cue. Alan is in the dark, holding a hunting rifle and sporting a heavy-duty lantern flashlight in the other. It's pointed in the direction of something nearby, a hand being seen covering what looks to be possibly a face. In front of him is a Taken, a girl who is a native and sells bouquets at a local stand. It's clear that she has no intention other than to hurt Alan, planting tools being hurled in his direction as she sing-songingly skips around him.]

Fresh FLOWERS FOR SALE!! Only THREE COPPER RUNES-

[BLAM BLAM. Without even hesitating, Alan points the light, raises the rifle, and fires. The girl shrieks and then suddenly turns into ash that fades as she disappears. He looks back at the camera, eyeing it but still wary for other attackers.]

Those are what we call "Taken" back home. They're consumed by the Dark Presence and have no mind of their own. They can be anyone you know. And once they're possessed, their mind is gone.

[Alan grits his teeth suddenly, reloads the gun, whirls as another Taken appears, light from the lantern pinpointing the creature and making it hiss. The shroud covering it evaporates, fizzing out a few seconds later, leaving the thing to be more irked now that it has no protection. Alan still continues to speak, even as he's fighting.]

You can only hurt them in light. [BLAM. It becomes ash and fades like the last one.] Get rid of the darkness surrounding them, and then attack. You're just wasting ammo otherwise. The ravens and the objects that fling themselves at you? Use light on them and they'll disappear once their darkness is gone.

[Now he turns back to the camera, because this is something he has to emphasize.] And no matter how much they look like someone you know, no matter how much they sound like your friend, no matter how much you think it's your crush or wife or husband or whatever playing a joke, they're not. They've been possessed by the Dark Presence, and they're nothing but an empty puppet for it now.

[His voice is dark, but it's blunt and hits the point right on the head.] You can't save them. If they become a Taken, the only way to help them is to kill them. [He ducks as another Taken comes by, the blade of a sickle narrowly missing his spine, and he pulls out a flare to give himself space. The red light creates a small circle around him, and one the creature backs away from instantly. He uses this to his advantage, grabbing his lantern again, knocking out the shroud, and then shooting it before the thing can recover.]

If you're inside, stay there. Keep all the lights on in your house. If one goes out, light up candles and keep as much possible lit at all times until morning. If you're outside, find a light source and stay by it. If you can get in a building with light, do it.

[At this point, he pauses before continuing, almost like a hesitance.] If you can't get inside, tell me where you are. I'll come look for you and bring you someplace safe.

Just please, all of you- this is dangerous. It's not the time to play "hero." Stay inside if you can, and don't come out until you notice the sun is up. I don't want this to get any worse than it already has. [But the tone of his voice says that this isn't the end. Not by a long shot.]

[[For those who want to run around with Alan and help him with finding others and fighting, you can find him in the logs for Day 129, Day 130, and Day 131]]

[Mary is, as many people today, reviving in the Palace. Some of you may remember seeing her wandering the city last night, Taken and violent and mindless. Now she's inside but sitting next to window, looking stressed and more than a little confused.]

Uh, can someone tell me what happened? What am I doing here, did- did I die?

[She swallows hard, looking nervous, and peeks out of the window.]

The city's still going crazy, isn't it? Can anyone tell me what's going on?

[Uncomfortable pause.]

Um. Can someone near the Palace come cover me? I need to get back to my apartment in Thor, but I don't have my gun. I woke up without it. All I have is a knife.

If anyone could help me- thanks.

[ the day is fading. somewhere within the thor district that a video framing a new young face appears. leaning against a desaturated brick wall, the girl's hair is messier than it deserves, thick, dark locks falling into her face in jacked chunks, as if she'd been running and didn't care to brush it flat. her eyes, a dazzling violet, show obvious signs of distress and restlessness, and her thin brows are furrowed with frustration and… sorrow.

though lenalee lee had been pulled into asgard at a critical moment, she compromised with herself before leaving the palace, determining to take up this mission to repaint the land of asgard because it's better to have a goal than be stuck refusing it. however, in walking towards her welcome hall, she strayed off the path to follow a colourless cat and was eventually led to an area of depressing greyness.

overwhelmed by a sensation only she could liken to the atmosphere of a post-battle infirmary, she finds the need to stop and collect herself. somehow, seeing this emptiness strikes her soul even though she's not unused to these feelings, these smells, and overall sight of disease.

there is but one question heavily bearing upon her mind, and that is why she looks at the camera now, desperate. ]

…The letter did not say. Can anyone tell me how this place became this way? Losing all its colour, its emotion. The people's faces, even the birds and cats on the street. They all… it's like—

[ a yelled profanity. lenalee's eyes shoot wide open and she flicks her head to her left, meeting with an entity enshrouded by a dark mass and running at her with a long, bludgeoning weapon.

the connection terminates after a drop in perspective, the sound of a smash, and tumbling image of debris, pavement, and black. ]


( OOC: Late!!! But here's to a dramatic intro. Lenalee is being attacked by a Taken, and during this encounter she'll realize she can't activate her Innocence. YIKES. But she's not so helpless and uses her super! speed! to run away because… she thinks that person is still a human? SO NO CAN KILL?? please feel free to action this up, but any network responses will be answered after she's gotten to a safe, light place… also! tags may come late, as I'm getting on a plane in 12 hours! )