So.

[ He's eating popcorn. If there's an angry way to eat popcorn, Loki's managing it right now. Munch munch munch. ]

You guys know I'm a fan of riddles. Here's one: what's the difference between a lobster with big boobs and a Greyhound station? [ The most careful deadpan. Munch munch. ] Too easy? All right, I've got a harder one for you: how does a Giant with elemental magic perform spiritual magic?

[ A beat. A handful of popcorn. Prolonged eye-contact. ]

Nothing? Man, rough crowd. Don't worry, I'll give you this one: she doesn't. She gets a god to do it for her.

[ Okay, fuck the popcorn. He throws the whole bucket over his shoulder and sits forward. ]

See, turns out when everyone else was having that fun family reunion down in Ginnungagap, Thiazi wasn't actually just sitting naked on her throne and cackling to herself as she is wont to do. Naw, she was studying the magic dear old Dad used to shove my mom's soul into the doll that started the whole party. The gods were too busy fighting over some snot-nosed brats to realise that Tyr's soul never returned to the land like it was supposed to.

[ Hence the recent excursions and general confusion. He shouldn't've ditched his popcorn, now he has nothing to angrily chew but the inside of his cheek. ]

Thiazi's been attacking us in ways that shouldn't be possible, aren't, because her magic isn't written that way. Took us awhile to figure it out, but seems like you guys do pretty well as the Bossman's eyes. There's no magic down there 'cos someone took it, and it ain't in Muspellheim 'cos it's hanging out down south, and Thiazi's more powerful than she should be 'cos she's using my dad's soul, same way she was planning to use Freyr's and the rest of us once she'd taken us down.

[ He wiggles his fingers theatrically and confetti falls in front of the camera with the word 'Surprise!' written on it. So dramatic ! ]

Luckily for us, most of you guys are the heroic sort that love rescuing damsels in distress, and the rest of you just like dicking people over. So - how's a trip back to Mimisbrunnr sound? If there's a way to draw Tyr's soul back out of Thiazi, she'll be weakened and we'll have one more edge over her crazy ass. Train's heading out tomorrow if you're interested!

[ A pause, and he summons his popcorn back to him to resume eating it from ... off ... the floor Loki you could've just summoned new popcorn why ... ]

I like to think I've been pretty good to you guys, so I'm gonna ask you for a personal favour. [ He sobers, as much as Loki is able to do so when he's this mad. ] Help me kill this bitch. Doing this will get us one step closer, and I cannot fucking wait to see her head roll.

[ That's all he's got. Loki, out! ]

[ OOC NOTES: This is the metaplot information for Dude, Where's My Soul? You didn't think the title was just a shitty reference, did you? The log is already up here! Enjoy! ]

[Alastair is sitting on a roof, looking out at the city. He has a couple of blades next to him. It looks like he might have been in the process of sharpening them when he took a break.]

The change of seasons here is pretty dramatic, isn't it? One moment we still have green, the next...

[He nods out to the suddenly awe-inspiring fall colors of the trees.]

Did it happen like this before? I'm ashamed to say I didn't notice if it did, I was... [He wets his lips and ducks his head a moment,] ...preoccupied. [Preoccupied with being corrupted. Oops.

He lifts his head and smiles.]

Regardless, it's lovely, even if it's a bit sudden. Back home... [A distant sort of look comes over his face as he remembers.] Back home it was always very slow. There was never any one day you could say "now is the end of summer," because when things were Balanced, or at least close to it, it was a slow transition from one season to the next. Maybe our seasons were longer, it's hard to tell.

[He sighs deeply and is quiet for a long moment, then smiles again.]

There's beauty in the world, everywhere. Sometimes it's hard to find it, but every now and then you have to stop and look around and remind yourself why you're fighting.

[His grin turns sheepish and he shakes his head.]

It may seem silly, and believe me, I sound a little ridiculous to myself sometimes, but do me a favor and take a moment out of your day to just appreciate the beauty around you, and remember the beauty of home.

[Bruce comes on the network rarely, but makes an exception on this particularly dark night. He considers, comes very close to asking is everyone out there holding up all right? They're living in interesting times. There's no shame in asking for help. They should all be taking care of themselves and each other.

He's a little maudlin tonight, to be perfectly honest. But he recognizes the tendency, and asks instead;]

Does your world have limericks? I've got a prize here for the best, another for the silliest, and another for the rudest. Let's have 'em, Asgard.

[ The morning of day 505, a message from the gods is broadcast over the network: ]

Greetings, Travelers.

Some of you may know already that there was a breach of the castle barrier. We apprehended an individual using Thiazi's magic to attempt assassination of the Queen, and have confirmed that he is Thiazi's informant inside Asgard. This man has been actively assisting her in making attacks on the city as well as misleading our own intelligence efforts.

[ Heimdall is understandably quite cross at this. He gestures offscreen and the feed shifts from Heimdall to a wider shot of the room, where there is a man being held in place between Thor and Loki, who also look quite cross. ]

His name is Satan and he pleads innocence by corruption -- that all he has done while sabotaging Asgard was Thiazi's influence. While he lives we cannot tell his intent, only that he is indeed the perpetrator.

Since he is one among you, we leave his judgment in your hands. What would you have us do with the traitor?


(( The poll is to be filled out ICly and once per character! This will decide Satan's fate. Please feel free to threadjack at will to discuss the trial! ))

[There’s a close-up of an eye first, topped by a bushy eyebrow, and then the image pulls back to reveal the stern-looking face of an older man. When he speaks, it’s brisk, with a Scottish accent.]

Interesting communication device you’ve got there, definitely not like any technology I recognise. It obviously broadcasts a signal - or else I’m talking to myself, which is one of the signs of a severely disturbed mind - but how? And, more importantly, to whom?

What I’m really interested in here, though, is how you’ve managed to muck around with my biology. I’ve been human once or twice, but the change involved is a bit complicated and messy. Here I am, though, human again, no scars, all my memories intact, and I’d quite like to know how you’ve done it.

[A pause, and then he narrows his gaze.]

And then I’d like you to change me back.

I think it's....a year now. Or, close to it. Time is still kind of weird to figure here. Especially when I've been back home a couple of times too. I know there are others that have been around longer but....for me, since everything back home, being anywhere this long is. Kind of a big deal.

[Always traveling. Always trying to avoid the walkers, find somewhere to hole up the night if possible, find more places to scavenge for supplies. The idea of remaining anywhere for this long would be unthinkable when supplies would eventually run out unless they had seeds to plant, animals to provide meat.]

I'm not sure if this sort of thing is really something to celebrate or not. I know things are...getting more serious with the war and everything. I'm just glad to be here and to have met everyone. And even with the war, I'd rather here than back home. I just recently got back, so....sorry for worrying everyone. I'm okay.

[Mostly. It'll take a bit for everything to properly register and for her bullet wound to heal, but overall she is managing.]

[Haytham sighs as he works on getting used to this new technology. It really is quite baffling, even after having posted with it once or twice before. Really, wouldn't a simple letter on paper suffice? An in person meeting? Alas, it looks like this is the norm so he supposes he will have to just adjust to it and begins to speak in that high class British accent of his.]

Ah. There we are.

[He nods, looking thoroughly pleased with himself, smiling a bit as he lets satisfaction wash over him.]

Now that I have this confounded contraption working for me, I believe that it is time for a proper discussion regarding certain aspects of this apparent war that we are facing. After all, I do believe I am at a bit of a disadvantage with my lack of knowledge which could hardly be considered fair play. I have some details but not nearly enough to satisfy my curiosity.

[Then he frowns just a bit.]

Also, knowledge on where to get a decent cup of tea in this crisis would be most welcome. Assuming no one decided to dump it into the water. [He gives a wry smile at his own joke before finishing off with...]

I'd also be curious to know what my son, Connor, is up to of late. Should you fail to be aware of who he is, one need only look for a man very much like a bear with a baffled or vexed expression fixed to his face. [A little bit of a smirk appears as he continues.] Or you could tell me yourself now that you have had some time since your return from your rather warm mission, Connor. I do believe you have had enough time to recover, yes?

Thank you and have a pleasant day.

[He tips his hat then signs off.]

[ooc: Haytham finally makes his presence known! He's been looking around a bit and arrived during Mission Volcano. So now he thinks it's time to say hi now that things are settled. Best dad or best dad?]

[Bunny decidedly doesn't use the video, he doesn't want anyone to see how hurt he is. How he's trying to recover from the loss of the only other Guardian in Asgard. He's felt this before, it has rather horrific echoes to the Easter That Almost Wasn't. To fading away, and losing everyone. Again.

It's safe to say Bunny doesn't cope well with loss. Not now he's alone, with Pitch as the only other being from his home with him here. Someone who has suddenly become exponentially more dangerous now he doesn't have backup.]

For those that knew him, Nicholas St. North has gone home. The ice rink'll stay open, both as a shelter and a place for the anklebiters to play. Business as usual.

[Maribelle switches on the feed, clearing her throat politely. She seems much less ill at ease than before, and not a smidge of trepidation can be seen on her face. She must do her best to keep up appearances, after all.]

Good evening, everyone. Firstly, I wish to thank everyone who responded to my prior request. [Although it wasn't much of a request, but hey! Details!] I am most grateful for everyone's input and efforts, and especially to those who have chosen to join me.

That said, we are ready to begin questioning. Beginning tomorrow, I and my comrades shall start the process in the Everyday Sunshine building located in the Sigyn district. Questioning will begin in the morning, and end in the late afternoon.

There will, of course, be exceptions made for those who wish to participate in questioning, but wish to refrain from being subjected to our abilities. There is a telepathy user who has kindly agreed to interview people without a Charm user. Furthermore, there are two others, named Kirigiri Kyouko and Naoto Shirogane, who will question those who wish to answer our queries without being subjected to either charm or telepathy.

Everyone who wishes to attend may bring a witness if they so choose. My wish is for everyone to feel as safe as possible during this process.

[This message is unfiltered. It's that adorable, smug, irritating face that pretty much everybody in Asgard wants to punch. He hasn't been on the network in a while, but he's also been overworked helping to keep things nice and stable and the magic going properly, and some of his antics have been a little draining.

But he's back, from outer space... or whatever. Aren't you all lucky?

Behind him is a spear of jagged, ugly, blackish ice that people in the north of town have likely seen several times before. The remnants of Thiazi's backlash some time ago remain, despite efforts and study. Finally, folding his arms, he turned towards the feed and spoke. For once? He didn't sound too arrogant.]

Alright, so I know a few of you've been talking about ideas on how to clean the porch up. I think we've done enough window dressing for my tastes. It's high time we dealt with this thing. I'm all for your brilliant ideas. This is exactly what the engineers are supposed to do anyway.

And don't be shy. Just because you're not in my glorious band of misfit idiots doesn't mean you can't help. It's not like anybody wants this health hazard to stick around. So pipe up. I know some of you have been coming up with ideas, but it's time to actually get started, wouldn't you say?

(OOC: Threadjacking is invited in this thread. This is a chance for Engineers to plot/plan and non-engineers to add their own muscle. Several players have voiced interest in bringing down this ice flow and rebuilding the wall/Gate of Fire. I know at least 2-3 who've made attempts. You're all invited. Baldr's just being his usual dick self and kicking things in gear. Ultimately, it's player plots that will bring it down. I'll check with the mods on the 'how')

[Giovanni looks a fair bit more tired than usual, and he's broadcasting from his own private quarters in Freya's hall.]

I... Asgard, I would like to ask you a question. A few days of my own thoughts have not reached an answer so I must ask it o you.

How do you advise proceeding here when you know that you will not survive returning home? When you know now that one of your closest friends has sold you and your family to those who seek your death and you know there is no way to prevent it in time?

Where should a man to to grieve the future that leaves his wife inconsolable for decades and only a single son and a daughter to carry the family? It is... not where I am currently.

I have however, very firmly decided that an act of betrayal agains me and mine shall not be forgiven so long as I exist.

Action:

There's a stray kid wandering around the city today, a lanky young boy - when did he even get here? He looks lost, baffled, and more than a little wary and scared. He shouldn't be here! This place is grey, it's ugly, and more than anything, it's not his home.

Every so often, he stops and looks in shop windows as he passes them. Toy shops and craft shops, mostly. Trying to pretend like he isn't looking at that stuff, though; he's going to be a man about it! He doesn't need the cute stuff! He doesn't need to look at the singing flowers, or the weird bunnies or that stuff, either...
(Fooling no-one.)

In time, he can be found seated on a bench in the park, fiddling around with a bracelet that he's not sure how he got. Okay, it's very pretty, but - ]

Video:

- Ah! What's this doing? 'Recording' - huh?

[Poke, poke. The transmission flicks off, then shortly on again, with a slightly less surprised looking kid.]

Uh ... hi...

I can talk to people on here, right? Um... so [nervously, he almost mutters-] ...has anyone seen my parents? Their names are Hayao and Aiko Tatsumi... Ma? Dad? Are you here too? I'm - I'm in the park and I'm not sure where everything is... where am I?


((OOC: Yes, Kanji's been de-aged. Enjoy your temporary bitty with issues.))

[ Gunn is grinning when the video feed flickers on. He's also scuffed up - no actual damage, but he's smudged with dirt and grass. He seems pleased as hell about it, though.

In the background, Native children are yelling and running in the park, some calling out orders, some chasing others. There is apparently some sort of game going on. ]

Anyone else checked this out in the park today? They're plays Travelers and Giants. It's - heh. Well, it's flattering, I guess, but man: these kids are kicking my ass. Y'all should get out here and play. Not like we get a whole lotta chance for that these days.

[HELLO ASGARD. THIS IS YOUR RESIDENT ITALIAN ASSASSIN SHOPKEEPER ON THE LINE. And said resident Italian looks as if he has a question- or would if he currently wasn't having his attention directed to something on his outfit. Something like a grey hair.

Dio mio, does he really need a reminder about his age on top of fighting a war. Ezio makes a face at that, brushing off his sleeve and finally turning to the camera again.]

Buon giorno, Asgard. A question. [A pause, and then-] At what age do you start to consider someone as "old?"

[No, this has nothing to do with his novices telling him he needs to be more careful because of his age, or ghost pangs of old wounds when he moves the wrong way, what are you talking about. This is just normal conversation.

Right.

Right.]

[[FYI: Some characters might have the (mis)fortune of Ezio conking out in the middle of their conversation, as he's going on a canon update! Enjoy.]]

[ river's standing in the middle of the road, looking a little worse for wear, but she doesn't seem to care about the blood drying on her skin, and her eyes are wide and bright as ever. the natives are walking past her, singing and holding one another, and one hands her a small candle that she holds in the center of her palm curiously. the hymns gets quieter as they pass and then she speaks down to her little flame. ]

Ghosts in the streets tonight, but you're alive now.

[ she blows on the candle, but not strong enough to put it out. it just flickers back in place and she smiles, looks directly into the camera feed. ]

Sǐ mǎ dāng huó mǎ yī. Did you do something good lately?

[ ooc; trying this one last time. river has been gone since june and has only just come back today with a canon bump to the end of serenity, so she's a little more sane but also in dire need of a bath. come say hi? ( permissions are still here. ) ]