( filtered away from itsuki so hard.. except not much at all since she isn't great with filters but if willpower could be a filter this would be fort knox, pretty much. )

.. Look, this is probably going to sound really weird to suddenly ask this after everything that happened, but.. I need serious opinions here, okay?! No trying to be funny!

[ She takes a deep breath - honestly, saying any of this is already difficult enough, but she doesn't have anyone specific to ask about this.. the woes of being friends with guys and moe girls all over, not to mention everyone she knows from back home is gone too by now - even Nanase's bracelet can't be reached anymore. So the network is the last option left.. ]

So.. the situation is-- no, let's start over! What I just want to ask is.. what do you do when someone confesses to you? You know, confessing in the.. the romantic kind of way! [ sputtering. ] I already know the answer is accepting or rejecting it, but what if you don't know which one you should pick?!

[ aka 'how do i deal with my own tsun 101', apparently.. ]

[Charles has had a fair amount of time now to process Diva's absence, and even though he hasn't entirely made sense of it (or made peace with it), he's moved past the point of wanting to talk about it. There's a certain amount of privilege in being able to mourn her, after all, and he's not willing to share it. He is, however, getting a little restless with his hermit routine, which is why he finally picks his bracelet up in the evening to pose a few questions that have been bouncing around in his head.]

How far have people managed to take their god-given powers here? A potential upward limit, if you will. [He's careful to keep his tone mild, though the curiosity in his next statement is a little more difficult to hide.] Additionally, is anyone aware of whether or not these powers atrophy if left unused for an extended period of time?

[Still not entirely up for being social by any means, the recording would have ended there if he hadn't remembered another little thing that's been sitting in the back of his mind lately.]

--And consider this a public service announcement. Try not to eat in the library unless you have better manners than something that can be found in a zoo. No one likes crumbs ground into the carpet, especially those of us who have to work there.

[Video]
[So, there's a new face in Asgard who hadn't even bothered to do a bracelet post until now, which is apparent when the feed turned on.]

...

[Yeah, he's staring at it for a second or so, looking pretty awkward since what is interacting with strangers.It took him a few more minutes before he turned the feed off and didn't even bother with an explanation.]

[Action]

[Some of you might find that the stranger from earlier on is just loitering around the Thor District with a bored look on his face, looking at the buildings without even noticing anything else apart from their architecture, clearly this is grounds for someone to bother him at this time of the day...]

[ Obon had already passed by the looks of the seasons, but that doesn't stop some people from celebrating it and doing something remotely related to the summer season. Normals always told their friends ghost stories around this time of the year, so some practice will do her good. It isn't often that this particular deep, spooky voice crops up on the network, but the time she chose was a particularly quiet one in the evening. Those who know her will be able to discern its owner - Yozora. This gloomy tone is the one she usually speaks with, but it sets the mood perfectly. ]

The end of summer, the start of fall. It is during these two seasons that the world pays its respects to the spirits of the afterlife. I wouldn't say that those of this ethereal plane are above us, figuratively speaking. Yet for many generations, haven't humans always been most afraid of what they don't know? Strange occurrences that cannot be explained, - it's almost laughable how these mysteries hold so much power over us.

[ She cackles, and she didn't even need to practice two hours to perfect it. There is nothing but silence that follows. ]

What if I told you they were true? Just because we cannot comprehend these happenings doesn't allow us to simply dismiss them. Although belief is waning, tradition remains strong. There must be a reason behind it all, don't you agree?

Well then, shall we revive that tradition tonight?

I heard this from a local in the Baldr district. It happened long before the disease spread, when the city still had its color...

( cut for asgardian horror story )

Who wants to go next?

(ooc: People are welcome to post their own stories as well, be it in video, text or voice. Others are free to reply to the stories with their character's reactions and comments. In other words, treat this post like a mingle log!)

[Nakama looks pale and very poorly rested. There's no getting around it. Her hair is down and messy, and there are gigantic bags under her eyes. When she speaks, her voice is hoarse, as if she might have been crying.]

Um... Claudia is gone... she must have disappeared while everything was dark. I'm sorry to everyone she was close with - I didn't know her really well, but she was always kind to me, and I'll miss her.

But - this probably means that Rose Blush will close, right? And I was just wondering if anyone would consider setting up a similar business? [She looks uncomfortable talking about this on the network, but it's too important to let her old issues scare her away.] It's... really important, and someone should be there to do it. I know it's not for everyone, but if someone would do it, I'd help you however I could.

Oh, and if you don't know what Rose Blush is - or was - don't worry. This is only really for the people who knew about it. [No awkward questions from youngsters, she hopes.]

[Here's a familiar face, Asgard! Except her behaviour is nothing like that which you might be familiar with at all!]

My... It looks like I haven't had the fortune to avoid this new occurrence! Just so no one's too horribly confused with these switches in physical appearance, this is Keine Kamishirasawa reporting in with the appearance of Akari Mizuhashi.

Ah, it's been a while since I've felt this youthful and full of energy... Maybe this explains how cheerful Akari always seemed!

In any case, has anyone seen Akari just yet? It might be appropriate that we met, just to even certain potential problems out before they happen. 'Prevention is better than cure', yes?

Thank you for your time. [an informal half bow like she always does (albeit in the wrong body), before she shuts the feed off]

[ good afternoon, asgard! visiting the carnival? enjoying the day? according to the schedule, the weather is pleasant enough! the weather, though, in a needle in a haystack is much less so... today, the auditores present together in a sparse, simple room. the decor is, distinctly, arabian — syrian, if one can guess. they don't suit it, not quite, but the auditores exude an air, make everything bend to them. (somewhere, altaïr and malik are frowning.) that air appearing to be more steel than usual, today. for all the warmth she has spoken with of her brother, claudia is contained, rigid.

she almost frowns, as she motions one hand forward. "what are you waiting for, ezio?" ]

( italian classes, go! )

[Sam is in the library, with a lot of books and his laptop. He also looks a little worn out, but it's been a long couple of days. Also, it's Sam. What is sleep?]

I was wondering if I could talk to any higher level members of Freya. I've got a couple of questions about your powers that I need for the guide that I wrote.

I'm Sam Winchester -- and if you want to talk in person, I'll be at the library in the Odin district until nightfall.

( [Filtered to Team Free Will* // Private // Unhackable] )

[...You know, Senji usually isn't one to read much. Today he was set on reading this magazine of his, it was all about training and working out and little tips here and there. Even though he had been fighting for years, he still loved reading about this macho bullshit. He shifted in his seat and must have bumped his bracelet, because suddenly it's recording.

Seeing Senji read said magazine catches Battler's attention. Although this curious expression can't be seen. His voice can be suddenly heard over the audio feed. ] --Ahh? You know, I didn't know that they had magazines here, and in that case-- they have all sorts of other stuff to read too, I bet!

....Hah? [who dis bitch-.... oh it's Ange's brother, that idiotic pervert.] What're you talkin' about?

Come on, you know! Those kinds of magazines! The kind that a true man can appreciate!

Can't a guy appreciate some training.....?

Training and stuff like that can be pretty fun, sure... But, there's a lot more to life then that to begin with, isn't there?

Cheh... oh yeah, like what? [obviously he doesn't agree with that statement one bit.]

Hm? Like what? You know...! Being surrounded by woman-- but if you ask me, it's being surrounded by their breasts specifically that makes life worth living, ihihihihihi!
( cut for boobs )

Hey! Thor, are you there?! Thor! Come on I want to introduce you to the newest member of your house club. You don't have a thing to worry about, because you got a great person on your side. Karen Araragi, one half of the Fire Sister duo. The stronger half with no offense to the weaker half that will lead you to victory. Together side by side as comrades against the forces that threaten good!

[She pauses for a moment and grumbles a little, though her tone isn't too upset.]

Still it kind of sucks. This place looks so gloomy and dark. Like I'm in some strange black and white film. And this deal about not being able to go home. It feels like I've been kidnapped into a storybook world. Maybe the more color we get in here...

--Ah I got it. How about paint! Paint will work to make this place colorful! Simple solution to a hard problem is always the best kind of solution. Can we paint this place to make it more colorful?

Uh ... excuse me?

What is ... what is going on here? Why is there water everywhere? This can't be Asgard. I mean, this isn't... [ ... ] If this is Asgard, where is he?

Sorry, I -- I probably should have taken some time to adjust before posting on this network. Or whatever this is. I -- my name is Jane Foster. I'm from Earth, if that means anything to anyone. The United States, 2012. I really -- really want to know what the deal with this place is. Are the ... uh, gods really here? ... is ... it possible to talk to them? [ Very, deeply uncertain. ]

Anyway, uh... I guess I'd like to know who else might be from -- where I'm from. Specifically. Since I sort of get the feeling we're not all from the same planet. Or time. Or even universe. I mean, I'm just an astrophysicist, but -- sorta got this feeling. So... [ How else could she have gotten here but...? The secret she's been seeking. It doesn't just cross spacetime. It can cross universes, too. ]

... does the name "Avengers" ring any bells for anyone? [ Muttered: ] I mean, if anything would do it, that would. They were seriously hard to miss.

[ She's making her slow and vaguely annoyed way from the palace to ... well, she doesn't know where she's going, really. With her pants rolled up to the knee, not that it helps much, and her shoes in hand. The water makes it slow, tiring going, especially for someone who's lost. Help a girl out? ]

[ You now have one (1) very sour-looking Aesir among you, Asgard. Have fun. ]

How dare they call this Asgard... [ He turns his gaze on the camera- oh. Make that one very sour-looking, handsome Aesir. Handsome or no, though, he is glowering and most displeased. He chuckles, though, as his expression changes, cause he's going to humor you chumps for all of five minutes. Use it well. ]

Well if this is 'Asgard', then where is your king? I wish to speak with the All-Father of this realm.

Uwah, such an efficient design...

[The video turns on to what looks to be a young Japanese man with his arms stretched in front of him. In person he's actually stretching the screen, testing out all of the functions he can manage. Moving it around, keeping it still and stepping back... At that point he seems satisfied and recalls that he is actually broadcasting right now (apparently) and so focuses, giving a small bow of his head.]

Ah, hello. It seems I was greeted by someone who very much resembled a nopperabo, and then told many things that I believe are far too much to process at once. [A brief pause here.

Yeah he's not sure what to make of this so he's just going to... bring a hand to the side of his face, tapping nervously.] Is this true?

I was told I was given a power, but I am not sure if it is one I would like to 'test' so simply... Ah, but that aside, I would very much like to meet any others who find themselves in this same position. Thank you very much. [And he ends that overly formal message and turns off the video!]

 Seems this place has a bit of an issue with a water leak at the moment --

[Bruce deliberates long and hard about whether or not he ought to stick to text or use the video function. On the one hand, if there’s somebody here he knows, this could be a distinct advantage. Tony, maybe, or Steve. There’s no reason to assume they wouldn’t be here, since it’s Asgard, and that’s Thor’s home. At the very least Thor should be around? But there’s also Loki. And realistically, being brought here without an explanation doesn’t bode anything good, because Thor never said anything about there being any kind of trouble- actually would he even tell them? Bruce isn’t sure- and his dad hadn’t exactly been so helpful at explaining just what’s going on.

In the end, he decides if there’s anybody out there he doesn’t want knowing he’s here (Loki), the risk is probably less than the potential benefit for finding the people he knows and sort of was teammates with briefly.]

So, uh, must have missed the memo about intergalactic spontaneous space travel. [There’s a soft huff that would be a chuckle from anybody else, and his lick his lips nervously.] I thought needing help usually involved asking for it, but, uh, I guess that’s not the case anymore. Usually we would call that kidnapping, you know, taking people places against their will. [Another soft laugh, although this one sounds bitter, not really nervous, cynical and irritated underneath the seeming calm of it.] What if I say no, I don’t want any part of this, huh, are you going to persuade me? Force me to participate? Because I'm not really sure that's going to work out.

[And then the mildly serious moment is broken up with another nervous grin.] Anyway, I'm, uh, not sure what use I'd be in fixing your flooding problem anyway.

[While most people seem to be bothered and concerned about the sudden influx of water, Akari looks positively joyous when the feed turns on. She's practically bubbling over with excitement, and it's evident from how excitedly she talks and splashes around the welcome hall of Freya.]

Hahi, it's almost like an Aqua Alta! Or maybe I should call it an Asgard Alta here? [She laughs, continuing to play about and splash in the water.] I hope this means summer's just around the corner here too! Though it feels a little weird to have the seasons so short... I think it's even shorter than it was back on Manhome.

Oh, but this is making me wonder--I've never been outside the city here, but are we actually close by a sea or ocean maybe? That would be really nice actually, I'd have a bigger area to practice rowing...

[But that's when she realizes.] My gondola is still at the lake!

[WITH THE WATER LEVEL HIGHER WHAT IF IT WASHED AWAY oh god oh man the feed gets one flustered and rushing Akari before she hastily manages to switch it off. For anyone at the park and around the lake though, well... Just as she feared, her gondola's drifted all the way to the middle of the lake. She's standing at what is probably the shore of the lake (granted with how submerged everything is, who can tell) looking like she's wondering what she should do when--

Is that a swimsuit she's holding in her hands.]

[When this post loads up on the network, before any sort of talking or video, a certain image appears first.]

( non-ic cut for image )

[And once that has been displayed for a small amount of time, a positively beaming face appears on screen instead.] Hello, Asgard! My name is Akari Mizunashi, and I would just like to announce the opening of my very own business: ARIA Company! It's not all that much, but it focuses on touring the city to see the sights and what Asgard has to offer. With that, I'd like to extend a welcome to any newcomers who still might have questions or trouble about this place. I'll do my best to answer them, and I look forward to any patronage.

Also, um... [Alright how to go about this next part.] If someone could, I would really appreciate help in moving something. It's more or less unrelated to ARIA Company, but it's very important to me. Thank you for your time.

[She leaves it at that though since... Yeah, trying to explain you need to move a gondola the the lake at the park would probably sound a bit weirder..]

[The feed cuts in on what sound like broken sobs and whimpering, seems like someone's on the verge of crying.]

What..is this place? W-Where am I? [He's talking to himself mostly.]

It looks so empty, where is everybody I wonder. And this bracelet. How does it even work? [Jacuzzi starts fidgeting with it again, poking the buttons randomly, momentarily changing it from audio to video or text and finally back to audio.]

That lady really didn't do a good job of explainin' things. [A brief pause followed by a strangled cry.]

Could someone just tell me how to get outta here please!? [Whine.] I-I'm not really sure how I ended here but, I'd like to go home sometime soon. Any help at all is appreciated.

[The feed continues to play and is essentially just a chorus of sniffling and whimpering after that last statement. Enjoy Asgardians.]

((ooc: Tags will be kind of slow for awhile just so you guys know.))