—Hello? Testing?

[The feed turns on to reveal a young girl, fiddling her bracelet but at last managing to point it in her general direction. She doesn't look too pleased to be here, standing knee-high in water and her dress soaked at the hem.]

This is Misonoo Nanako. I'm...well, first, I'm a first year at Seiran Academy for Girls. I'm part of the Flower Arrangement Club and the Baking Club, and my specialty is home economics. So you see, I'm very ordinary, and I'm flattered that someone like me could be chosen, but... I'm not sure how to say this... 

I do appreciate everything that is at stake. It must be dangerous, and I really can't imagine what it must be like to have a world without color. And I'm sure there are plenty of people here who are trying their very best to fix things.

However...I'm sorry, but I can't. I have people who need me at home, loved ones and friends, and I can't forget about them to help you here. It's...selfish of me, I know, but I think it's also rude to expect me to follow whatever I'm told, out of the blue like that! If I can, I wouldn't mind coming back later. But not right now.

If anyone knows how to arrange a ride home, I'd appreciate it very much. ...And a change of socks, if it's not any trouble.

[ Live from Asgard's 'Great Library' this evening, a set of bookshelves taking up the majority of the background behind her, is a familiar, serious-looking face-- albeit one that's been lying pretty low outside her job at the hospital for the last little while. Despite the rather close set of the 'camera,' it's fairly obvious where she is... although for some reason she appears to be standing rather than sitting, and keeps glancing off and down at something she must be following some kind of directions off of.

Actually, she... seems to be wrapping her hands, using a long, dark red something, her slim fingers flashing into frame occasionally as she calmly addresses her bracelet- ]

How many of you are familiar with sparring, without the use of weapons?

[ ... Was it mentioned she was in the library during this? Yes? Well, hopefully she isn't bothering anyone too much, then. Eventually, she does take her leave of the place, heading over to where she fits in better instead: the arena, where she can be found frowning and outright attacking some hapless punching bag late into the night.

Perhaps someone forgot to tell her you're supposed to take it easy and primp the day before a party?? ]

[The feed flickers on to reveal a rather serious-looking girl with long, silver hair; she appears to be seated on the steps leading up to one of the God Houses, her arms wrapped loosely around her knees. At the moment, she's not looking at the camera, and instead, it's as if her attention is drawn to anyone who may be passing by in the area instead.]

Etro does not watch over these lands. A new goddess serves as my patron.

[She goes quiet again, apparently content to just watch the passersby for a while. When she does finally turn to look at the camera, her expression is nigh unreadable, and the tone of her voice is as calm and steady as ever.]

The timeline is different--unknowable.

[Yeul turns her gaze away again but quickly shifts it back, lips parted slightly as if she's about to say something. The moment passes, though, and she remains silent. After a little longer, she turns off the feed, but not before the faintest hint of a frown crosses her features.]

[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.]

Everyone---[Oh no. Not this public speaking thing again. Shu's nervous. He hopes he doesn't make a fool out of himself in front of all these people.] I'd like to know something.

I thought that maybe someone here might know the answer. Is it, normal to meet someone from your own world but....they don't have the same memories as you?

Inori.

Inori remembers something different. She says I protected the school with Ayase, but it doesn't make sense. I don't think she's lying either, so. She wouldn't do something ...like that.

[At least he thinks so. Segai's words manage to bestow a sense of insecurity on him.

Beware of those who tell you to believe in yourself, Shu. Inori might very well wish to use you and removing anyone who might take away that control through this manipulation.

Is it really alright to believe in her and the Funeral Parlor? He doubts them for a minute.]

[Pause.]

For those of you who just arrived, I guess.

Please, be careful. I don't want to see any of you get hurt here. There's a hospital in the Sigyn district and... [Wait, he's in no position to be telling them what to do. Stop right there, Shu.]

That's about it.

[What on earth did he just say to everyone?]

[When the camera turns on, one might be taken aback...hey, isn't this the same guy who just posted on the network a while ago, making popular culture references and speaking about being in Hel house? What's odd, though, is that he doesn't have those scars on his face anymore...if this is a different person, though, he looks exactly like the previous one, right down to those piercing blue eyes and calm voice.]

Some of you might be wondering why I'm making a post on the network again so quickly. You have undoubtedly already talked to me, haven't you? Some of you may already know what I am.

[A slight sigh.] Well...I want to say, that that man who made the post before and I are two different people.

[He lets that sink in, knowing that it will be hard for people to believe him at first, considering that, not only does he look like the King of Darkness, but also sounds like him and even acts like him, to a certain extent.]

My name is Jacob. And that man who looks like me...he's Lucifer. If you do not know who Lucifer is due to the fact you have no concept of him in your world, let me just say that Lucifer is another name for the Devil. As in, the personficiation of evil as well as the ruler of the Underworld and, in some cases, all the souls of the dead.

Basically...Lucifer is not good in the usual sense. Be careful before talking to him. He may be friendly and nice and charming...but never let your guard down. He is a being who does not associate with human beings in a good way, from what I've heard.

[He realizes, ironically, that some of what he just said fits him as well. He glances away from the camera, slightly frowning.]

I realize my presence will make it hard to tell which one of us is which, especially if he finds a way to cure his scars...so, if you choose to avoid me because of him, then I'll be fine with it. I understand. It might even be for the best, considering we look so similar.

[A saddened pause- Jacob does love people, so saying that they should avoid him hurts just a bit.] It's a sacrifice I'm willing to take if it means that you all will stay out of harm's way.

And please, don't try to think you're better than he is and try to act like you're the better one here. He is more powerful than you know.

[And he just gives a nod before switching on the filter.]

[Filtered to the Lucifer who knows Sam Winchester and Castiel]

[Jacob's tone is as calm as ever as he speaks, his smile back again as if it never left.]

If it isn't a bother, after you've moved in, you wouldn't mind talking over a cup of tea in one of the districts?

Just to politely get to know each other, of course.

[/end filter]

[ today in heimdall district, one (1) noel kreiss can be found (unsuccessfully) searching for artefacts-- in other words, running around like a headless chicken looking in strange places while questioning the natives who walk past him. his video feed on the network clicks on to the last few seconds of the hunt, with only a facepalm to show for his troubles. ]

Ooookay, talking to these guys isn't really getting me anywhere. I'm guessing it's the same for everyone else-- probably has something to with the whole "grey and emotionless" thing. Just a theory. [ there's something of a scoff attached to that statement. ] So humour me: just what do we know about this place? Has anyone been here for longer than the rest?

[ a pause, and then he continues anyway. no harm in asking. ]

I'm mostly looking for inconsistencies: things that don't seem to belong, even somewhere as weird as this. [ without mog, he has to resort to asking the old fashioned way. ] If you see anything that seems to fit that description, let me know. It'll probably be obvious, so don't strain yourself looking too hard.

( Action | Sigyn House )

[Well, something's definitely not right. In fact, something's very wrong here. Very wrong indeed.

Anyone who resides at the Sigyn house might feel a slight disturbance in the Force air. The structure itself may even literally shake a little as huge booted feet storm up the walkway and onto the porch, although... as soon as Snow gets there, he halts in his stride, simply pulling open the door and entering. He's been there before, after all, it's not like he's new to the place. He doesn't need to be an intruder, even with his heart pounding the way it is.

You see, he's lost something very important to him. Something that was once in this house. And he's not going to believe it until he's questioned every person in his path, left no stone un-turned... you get the point.]

--

( Video | Later that evening... )

[Once Snow's recording starts, there's the glimpse of a bed beneath him, a few haphazard things scattered on the floor. Obviously, it's his bedroom. And he's slumped a little, gloved fingers idly toying with something shining and translucent he's holding in the opposite hand.]

Hey.

[He's not looking at the camera at all, gaze focused instead on that very bauble he's holding onto. The thing's cupped in his big hands like it's something fragile and living that could be easily broken to pieces in his strong grasp, or snuffed out, like a flame.]

Just thought I'd let you guys know. I dunno when she left or where she's gonna go now, but Serah's gone.

[And he leaves it at that, reaching to click off the feed, not once meeting the video with his eyes.]

[OH my goddesses it is freaking cold. It would at least be bearable for someone with winter experience, but that doesn't work out too hot for Link here, having lived on a tropical island his entire life with little to no cold weather at all -- even the brushes he's had with the cold weren't this bad and he's... well, extremely ill-prepared for it.

As soon as he'd realized that the city, or at least, his domain, was under attack he'd been eager to help fight off their assailants. But after only a handful, he's now finding it extremely difficult to continue in this weather. How is he supposed to hold a sword and shield with frozen fingers? To move quick with toes he can't even feel? By the time he reluctantly retreats back inside to warm himself he's shaking from head to foot and the best he can do is submerge himself in the depth of a blanket, trying to type on his magic-slate-communicator, though that doesn't seem to be working too well when his hands tremble so much.]

It iss so codl outsdiee? How do pepople deal withn coldd like this???

Ii want to help. Buti I need t offind something warmer to wearr, first and i cann't feel my hands or toes.

whow is everyoen else is anyone hurrtt? miss fi and the other links and miss zelda and sheek are you aaal oksay?

[today, members of Freya may notice a young boy in the entrance area of the welcome hall. he's just come in from an excursion outside—that had ended prematurely, thanks to the recent commotion with the fairies. luckily, he gotten back inside before any real damage could be done; there are some traces of frost in his hair, but it easily blends with his white hair. after a few moments of just standing around and trying to catch his breath, he looks around as he tries to take in his surroundings. he then brings himself over to one of the chairs, soon settling down with a heavy sigh.

as he tinkers with his bracelet for the first time, he stops to wonder if it's really all right to just... he's a bit wary as he addresses the network, but he figures... since this is supposedly a new world, completely different from the one he had come from, there should be no harm in sharing his identity, right? ... even though it can't be seen in the video feed from this angle (and wouldn't really mean anything to anyone anyway), he still fidgets with the bandana over his left wrist, making sure it's covering the mark on his skin. he's tougher now. he can do this.]

Um... hi there. My name is Hope Estheim. I guess it's already kind of obvious, but I'm new here. I'm looking for a few people—their names are Lightning, Snow, Vanille, Fang, and Sazh. If you've heard of or seen any of them, please let me know. It's important that I find them as soon as I can... if they're here, that is.

In the meantime... whatever's going on right now isn't normal around here, is it? I don't have any problem with snow or the cold, but I don't really want to get attacked every time I tried to go outside, especially when I can't do anything about it.

[he pauses for a bit after that; there's obviously more he wants to ask—just what is this place, after all, and why exactly were they brought here—but he needs to stay focused on finding his friends for now. those other things can wait. he sighs one more time, but he's got a brave face on; he then gives one last acknowledging nod.]

...Right. Guess it's no use worrying about that right now. In any case, thanks in advance.

[VIDEO]

So that's how it goes, huh?

[That may be a somewhat unamused Australian crossing her arms and staring back at the bracelet she's got. Fang's not too pleased. She was just fighting Orphan with the rest of the team, only to suddenly be brought here, unannounced.]

Much as I love bein' brought in t'save worlds as the next person, you'd think gods would get the message when we were tryin' to get rid o'the Fal'Cie back home. [She cocks her eyebrow at this.] 'Course, far as I know, these ones'll want to kill off humanity too, for their own reasons.

[A sigh, and she thinks for a moment before saying anything.]

Don't have what I used to, either. I guess y'could call these guys "gracious" since they let me keep my spear, but anythin' else? Can't feel it.

[At that, Fang gestures to the spear [[bottom right]] on her back.]

Anyone mind tellin' me a way out? I can't stay, 'm needed back home.

[ACTION]

[Don't mind the tall woman walking along the halls and inspecting things. It's kind of like Cocoon here, only really gray and kind of primitive. Not as primitive as Oerba, but she's pretty used to the shiny things by now. So feel free to bug her, if you'd like. She doesn't bite... much.]

[The first thing popping onto the screens will be two curious green eyes of a young woman with brunette hair, who is closely inspecting her bracelet.]

Hello? Can anyone hear me? [After a while, she’ll move away from the bracelet on her arm, smiling at whoever was watching the feed.] I don’t know how many of you can see this, but the maid explained how we can communicate with one another through these. It was hard to believe, at first. I’ve never seen anything like this before. [Raising her arm containing the bracelet, she will continue to admire the device.] They’re a pretty advanced world, aren’t they? The people living here, I mean. I think Cid would love to tinker a little with this. I’ll have to show it to him once we return home, it’ll definitely be useful for everyone to keep in touch. [Especially with the other members of the committee.]

[After realizing she was beginning to get off track, Aerith decided it was a good time to go straight to business before she continues to talk about everything and anything. But where should she begin? There was so much to ask in so little time. She wanted to get well-acquainted with this world because there must be something she can do to help.]

…a world without color. It’s difficult to take it all in after everything that’s happened. I always thought the Heartless were the only things to worry about, but... [Placing a worried fist over her heart.] Why did this world lose it’s color? I can’t help wonder if it has anything to do with the darkness affecting the world’s heart. [Then again, she hasn’t seen a hint of any Heartless or Nobodies anywhere. It’s a little strange.] Has anyone discovered anything yet? The maid didn’t explain further about our purpose other than to restore this world’s color. Any and all information will be great to hear. [And just as the worried look appeared, it will slowly melt away to another friendly smile.] I hope we can work together in solving this mystery. It’s going to be tough, but we should be able to restore this world if we all pitch in. [Yup, she isn’t too worry about reaching their goals because she’s already noticed the number of people in color.] I hope to hear from my Sigyn housemates as much as everyone else. Thank you for your time.

[And with that, the transmission will end.]

[The feed opens to a mostly empty street, last few rays of the sun catching the coat of a healthy and impressive-looking black horse. It makes a rather loud noise and moves around in a tight circle; the movements are a little hesitant and stilted, like a young foal learning to trot for the first time. the camera moves closer, and a gloved hand reaches out to calm it down.]

It's all right.

[it's a woman's voice, albeit rather rough - as if speaking wasn't something that happened often.

eventually the camera turns around to show a biker: yellow cat-eared helmet and a leather bodysuit. the head tilts slightly to one side before a gloved finger lifts to turn the feed off.]


[ooc: if anyone's out and about on the streets, feel free to notice her riding around town and action it up! ask, and she might let you hop on. C:]

... The rumor about what happens if you lose your bracelet is true. Don't do it.

[ Yeah, so, guess who's found herself 'lost' for the last who even knows how long-- along with everyone else from her world, no less? Perhaps the four of them taking their bracelets off all at once wasn't such a great idea...?

Lightning looks exhausted and unusually unsettled, running a hand through her pale hair. She could definitely use a shower over here. And a nap. Whatever she was doing while lost in the faceless crowds? It must not have been sleeping, that's for sure. She's trying not to think about it too much, though- the idea of being one of those anonymous drone-people is a little disquieting, to put it lightly. Yet... at least now they really know.

She pauses, narrowed eyes on the 'camera,' but if she had any intention of saying more, it goes unfulfilled- in what's apparently becoming a habit, the video just ends right there unless anyone replies. It's then she switches right to attempting to call each member of her little family here in turn to make sure they're all 'back' and still alright.

....

And then... well... things get complicated.

Those in Heimdall House are in for an unpleasant surprise, for those close enough to Lightning's room on the seventh floor to hear the crash that sounds out from there some time after her return 'home.' Same goes for anyone who's anywhere between there and the common areas as she rumbles her way down the stairs--

In full, feathery armor, even, and looking somewhere between angry and confused in the process. After all, it's not every day you roll out of bed almost an entirely different person than who you went to sleep as....

OOC: Since Lightning's been updated to Final Fantasy XIII-2, if you'd like to opt out of even the vaguest mention of spoilers, please tell me here! ]

[Equius has been staring at his bracelet for a long time, trying to think of just what to write. Finally, he shakes his head, and just goes for it, sending out two messages, one to the network in general, and one to another troll.

( Public Post )

( Private to Gamzee Makara )

[And with those messages sent, he'll unsling the bow he's taken to carrying around, and start on some archery practice with that tree over there. OH GOSH HOW HE LOVES TO SHOOT ARROWS.]

[Elika's writing diligently in neat but flowing handwriting, her eyes darting back and forth between what she's writing and the broadcast.]

Bear with me, I'm going to talk a lot in a moment. [whatever she was working on, she finishes and closes the notebook.]

So, I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to help me with a census. The names of everyone here, where they come from, what language they speak, what House they're in and with what power... More besides, if we wanted. There's no purpose to it except knowledge and curiosity. If there's anyone actively trying to find a way home, it would be available to them if they wish to look for patterns or whatever. [she waves a hand impatiently] I won't lie and say it's not for my own curiosity as well. I'd like to see what patterns there are, if any - and I wouldn't mind just keep tracking of how many people are here in general and how we've been disbursed among the Houses.

[there's a smirk and a dry tone as she adds:] The biggest problem with a census is tracking those not willing to participate. Though I'm perfectly willing to just have a margin of error and not really worry about it, considering this, again, doesn't have much purpose besides killing a few cats.

Of course, there could be more practical applications - finding out who has any medical or healing knowledge or ability. I know Sigyn has an actual healing power and there's the hospital as well, but I think it would be useful to know if there's anyone nearby in the case of an emergency, so that immediate medical attention can be given until the injured person in question can be moved to the hospital or a Sigyn healer can arrive. Zen has a small clinic set up in the Heimdall House, and I think it might not hurt to have similar setups in the other Houses.

I'll probably also like to make packages of information for easy reference for newcomers, with addendums for those who arrive from special circumstances. [she spreads her hands, a smirk drawing across her features] I definitely would have appreciated one on "electricity" when I arrived, so I figured I should make it a little easier for anyone else like me who didn't have this kind of technology.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. Help, too, if you're interested.

Ah— hello...? I'm not really sure how many people can hear this... (She sounds a little awkward, unsure of how to address this mystery mass of listeners.)

My name's Serah. Serah Farron. I'm a little lost... or confused, I guess. I stayed and listened to the maid for a while, but there are still so many things that just don't add up, you know? I mean, if this isn't Cocoon, then are we on Pulse? And the gods - they sound a lot like fal'Cie, but... something's off. I'd appreciate any information you could give me.

(There's a brief pause, and her voice sounds distant and heavy for a short moment.) I wonder how long it's been...?

Mm, anyway, I thought I'd put more stock in what you all had to say. We're all in the same boat, after all.

(Alas, another thoughtful pause, not so brief as the first.) This might be a long shot, but has anyone met someone by the name of Lightning? Or Snow?

[ Tidus is wagging his wrist, suggestive that he smarted it somehow. After muttering something about a stupid bracelet, he glances at the screen with small surprise and seems to forget all about bruise forming on his wrist joint, a result from hitting his bracelet against a table until it worked. ]

O-oh, hey! Hey! Has anyone seen my old man—err, I mean Jecht? I've been looking everywhere, and I haven't seen a sign of him!

[ Evidently, there's a PB&J sandwich sitting nearby. He takes a generous bite out of it and talks with his mouth full. ]

Y'know, I ha' a fee'ing tha'—[ swallow ]—I'm not where I was supposed to go. I mean, I've never heard of a place called Asgard before. And who is this Thor guy, anyway? I don't recall ever pledging my allegiance to him. I swear, if this turns into another Yevon situation, I'll… I'll show 'im!

[ He sighs and takes another bite of his sandwich. He doesn't even know what his options are. With a headache forming, he ends his train of thought prematurely and scratches the back of his neck. Then, he seems to address the screen more personally. ]

Look, Dad, if you're around here… well, I'm not in a hurry, I guess, but I want to say a few words to you now that everything's settled. And you being here also means I'm in the right place, which I feel isn't the case. Or who knows, really? So anyways, just say something or come find me, if you're there.

And to everyone else? The name's Tidus! I'm from... [ shrug ] Zanarkand!

[ Finished. He pops the last of his sandwich in his mouth. ]