[Laurent is trying not to drop the plot plant he's holding, a small tree with tiny golden apples, and it's proving to be quite difficult. The reason? His dog Hunter is chasing a small black pig around him. Sometimes they stop for a second and it's the piggy who chases the dog, but they are still running between his legs most of the time.]

R-really....you two stop. Where did you come from? [The pig looks up at Laurent and squeals, sniffing the air and now trying to eat the plant.]
No...eh! Wait..that's not for you...

[The video opens on Akito, who's idly rolling what seems to be a glass ball around in his hands. It's a pretty little thing, plain glass but there's an inner part that's varying shades of blue. Every time he tilts it, a different shade seems to be revealed. It's the reason he decided to buy it]

You know...I never thought I'd have a job or anything before I came here. I mean, I guess I worked for Onii-chan for most of my life, but that's family, so it doesn't feel like it counts as much?

But now the man I met in that glass store over in Baldr district says he'd be willing to teach me how to make things like this. And maybe if I'm good enough, he'll let me keep some of the price. It'll probably be hard...but I think it'll be fun. [He smiles, clearly looking forward to it.

Though it fades after a moment and he sighs] I'm worried though...fighting, to save this world and home? We've never fought like that before, in a war...Agito doesn't mind fighting, but this...without our AT working properly...I don't know. I can heal, but...

Maybe we need to learn to use a weapon or something...Agito's power is manipulating shadows, but will that keep us safe? He'll do his best, but if he gets hurt...

[He trails off and is quiet for a little bit, before deciding to end the video there. Maybe someone can give him an idea on what to do in this...war]

[The allfather is looking pretty solemn when he addresses the network. He's seated at a desk with the backdrop of bookshelves -- very National Address-like, with his hands folded on the surface of the desk. He's not happy about having to make this statement, but he figures a little damage control is necessary, so here you go.]

I'm sure all of you noticed our little visitor the other night. First of all, we thank you for your efforts in defending the city and its populace. Repairs are underway, but they'll take a few days to complete, so pardon the dust.

More importantly, we're sure you're all wondering what this "war" is about. My colleagues have assured me that a fair payment for your work would be some information, so here's a rundown. I won't repeat it, so pay attention the first time.

This world is called Yggdrasil. It's divided into several countries, most of which are of no consequence to you right now. The important ones are Muspellheim, which is ruled by the fire giant king Surt, and Thrymheim, ruled by queen Thiazi of the frost giants. The closed gates in the city lead to those two places. The third gate leads to Utgard, which is neutral territory as of right now.

The war that was "declared" to you all is one that's really been going on for all of eternity. Prophecies foretell that the world will grow sick, and when it does the forces of fire and frost will battle those of the gods in a war called Ragnarok. At the end, both will be destroyed, and the world will be reborn into a new form.

Now I'm sure you're all going to hear that and complain that it has nothing to do with you, so you can hold your tongues on that until I've finished. The reason it has something to do with you is that Yggdrasil is the world above all worlds. It's connected to every single world any one of you Travellers has come from, and when it's "reset", yours will be too. Everything you've ever done, everyone you know, and everything you've ever fought for will cease to exist. A very lucky few will be chosen to survive and rebuild their worlds, but they may not be you or anyone you care about. And that's why you need to keep doing what you've been doing, and preparing for combat in the meantime.

The way this city looks is the sickness. It's begun to spread to other regions, and you are the only gamble left. If we can reverse the symptoms here, we can tilt the balance so that the battle will be won, and nothing will need to be remade.

If you have useful questions, you can ask, but I won't be comforting you or answering any demands. Your situation is as dire as ours. That's all.

[What happens when you put a machine near a sudden fire?]

Uh oh...Gumi doesn't feel good...

[Nothing good that's for sure. The fire behind her wasn't too terribly big, but the heat was blazing enough to start overheating her systems. Normally her body can compensate for changes in environmental temperatures, but the urgency instead caused processes to start shutting down. Collapsed on the pavement, Gumi's eyes seem to have a hard time focusing on the screen. She had to get out of here before the damage got worse.]

Systems failing...Too much outside heat...Can someone come help Gumi please?

[ A redhead appears in the video, looking pretty tired but still maintaining his energetic aura. He's fiddling with his bracelet, mumbling to himself. ]

I have to get back… I have to save Wako and Sugata from my father…

[ He notices it recording, and he blinks at it, then breaks into a smile, pushing aside his troubles for the moment. ]

Aah, hello? Can anyone tell me where I'm at? I'm pretty sure this isn't Zero Time, and it's not back on the island either. Also, does anyone know if Wako Agemaki or Sugata Shindou is around as well? They're my friends, and I'm looking for them too. I hope they're safe…

[ A pause, and he sighs. ] Though, if you don't know Wako or Sugata, it's fine with me. I don't think anyone off the island would know of them, but if you happen to see a blond girl with brown eyes and a blue-haired guy with gold eyes, then that's them. Tell them that Takuto Tsunashi is looking for them, and he hopes that they're safe wherever they are.

[ ooc: I'm giving Takuto a reset, since he doesn't have much CR before the move, and I figured it might be better to start anew. ;v;

edit: also, this should be post-dragon, and Takuto was returned his bracelet but he can't remember anything that happened in Asgard, only what happened before he came here. ]

[Smoke, fire, the general sense of panic hanging delicately in the air -- and a man who seems to be taking it all in stride.

He speaks in the same manner one does when trying to rein in mirth, though the results are debatable.]

So a dov flies about the city, raining fire upon its inhabitants. The... irony is not lost upon me, though it makes me feel--

[He pauses. He always was appreciative of a nice, destructive fire.]

--envious.

((ooc; HI GUYS, I'm back from my rather sudden hiatus... a whole day early because HOW CAN I MISS THIS EVENT WHEN I PLAY THIS GUY ka;ldsfk.))

[when the video switches on, there's a girl chewing on her lip thoughtfully]

This is on and talkin', right? [she squints at it, and then waves... testing testing] Okay! Um.... hey folks! I just had a question, so I figured I should ask like this.

[there's a short pause] If you haven't seen somepony around for a while... Where do ya' think they could be hidin'? I know this place is pretty big, so are there any places where somepony couldn't answer their bracelet-thingy? Or maybe it's broken? Can they break?

If anypony's got any ideas, let me know, okay?

[somepony has been looking for her big sis]

[It is quite irritating to have found that his name — long disused birth name — is listed for everyone to see on the contact lists here. At the same time, it has provided convenience searching for those familiar to him by the same means. Unsurprisingly, the results aren't very fruitful.]

Since I've found myself here and unable to leave, I would like to hear what others have learned about this place, aside from the obvious contents of the letter we have all received.

[He could clarify further, weed out the redundant information, but he isn't interested in that for this communication.]

I would also appreciate knowing where the nearest store to Loki is that stocks playing cards, perhaps a toy store.

[With that information already available, there is less of a point keeping it hidden.]

{Anonymous communication a few hours later - Voice}

To everyone watching the network over these bracelets, this is L.

Many of us are currently here without prior consent, an abduction on a larger scale. A coordinated effort would benefit understanding our situation.

If you could, please respond to me with who to contact for this effort to learn more about Asgard or meeting their demands, as well as your previous occupation and what you are willing to share of your background before arriving here. I would like to form a better picture of what they are looking for.

[That... may be more like L, but Near also needs to reestablish the necessary connections for himself. There is no renowned L name here. He remains irritated at the complications.]

{/ }

[ooc: So I don't post twice within a short time, I'm combining the two messages in one. If you're replying to the anonymous message, please indicate so with an * in your subject line somewhere. Otherwise, reply as normally. Thanks!

Near is from after the one-shot, so from his time he is the current L.]

[See the Arena.

See the Arena have a shooting range.

See inside said Arena and shooting range is one witch standing there with two pink guns, one in each hand. In front of her are targets she's laid out, a good distance from where she's standing. They're simple bulls-eye circles rather than angels, but she's aiming for them all the same.

Bayonetta starts off with a simple aim-and-shoot session, peppering the material with marks from the bullets Scarborough Fair has, and then suddenly she turns her back on the target and still fires at it. Over her shoulder, under her legs, until she's fluidly moving in circles and whirling her arms about, never missing the target once. It's quite a spectacle, and something she's obviously very good at. But this isn't enough for her- you can see it in her eyes.

So what does she do next? She does a handstand and starts firing at the targets with the guns on her feet. Following that, she proceeds to turn herself while handstanding and move just as quickly as she did while she was on her feet before. One hand, two- twisting her legs together and apart, before fully moving herself around, both on two feet and off it, to get back into her famed "bullet arts."

Now this seems a bit better, and you can tell as her bulls-eye targets are pretty much tattered pieces of material as she finishes. She blows off the smoke from one of her guns and grins, obviously satisfied.

Someone speak up, she isn't aware this is recording. You guys got a free show of how she uses her guns, at least.]

Well, that was refreshing. I was beginning to worry I'd lost my touch, my dears.

[She's talking to her guns, just an fyi. The witch obviously is a special one.]

[Did you think Legault wasn't going to say anything after winning the cupcake competition for Freya with Miki's help? He decides to pop up and say something.]

That was lively, wasn't it? It was an interesting choice for a battle, but a leftover like me was still useful, it seems. Maybe I should invest in that a bit more...though, it begs the question, what will our next competition be like? Any guesses? That can't have been the only one.

Ah, but about the cupcakes...if you see any of mine and Miki's around, please don't eat them. They were only my first attempt at baking, so I'm sure everyone else's taste much better. There's a reason we didn't win for taste, after all.

[]

Hmm...though, those chairs we won do look rather comfortable, though. Maybe I'll borrow one for a short while.

[And so ends the feed. Legault's just being friendly, but he's making the call from Freya's kitchen, anyways. It's a rare chance to talk to him, since he very rarely eats his lunch where people can see him. Usually, he sulks around town or who knows what, really? Surely, someone wants to thank their new hero in person.]

[Yuri is seated at a desk, in his manager's office above the tea room. Close observation will reveal that he looks rather weary. He hasn't been sleeping very well, or taking much time to rest.]

To you newcomers, welcome. My name is Yuri Petrov. As some of you already know, I'm interested in working with others to organize a simple, practical justice system, primarily focused on crime deterrence and public safety. Please contact me if you're interested in being involved in the process. I don't mean to take charge of this effort, merely to assist in organizing it.

[He wants to be involved in public affairs, but he'd prefer not to be the leading figure. Some respect and attention are desirable, but a more background role suits him, and his purposes, better.

He's interrupted in his speech by a small, gray cat jumping up onto his desk and his papers. He smiles at the animal. The cat is still somewhat shadowy, but it is beginning to take on a more definite form in Yuri's presence. His office, too, is beginning to take on color. Perhaps there are some benefits to feeling powerful, if hidden, emotions at all times.]

There's no need for you to be up here, Skazka.

[Yet he doesn't shoo her away, as she rubs the side of her face against his hand. He continues to address the network.]

I'd also like to invite those of you who enjoy tea or baked goods other than cupcakes to visit the Hrafn Tea Room in Odin. [He had declined to take part in the cupcake contest.] It's near the library, and can be easily recognized by the raven on its sign. I'm the manager. If you'd like to speak to me, you need only ask the staff.

We're hiring, if anyone is interested.

[The Ψiioniic had figured out how to work his bracelet long ago, but had yet to actually make a post to the network himself. He'll admit, he's more of an observer than someone who would take action, but his curiosity isn't going to take the backseat any longer.

…Sheesh, this is going to be awkward. He's not used to speaking to a crowd of people.]

Hello, ah… people of Athgard.

Thince losing my abilitiesth… I'd like thome athithtance in practicing with the new abilities we've been given. Any voulenteersth would be appreciated.

[Someone's curled up on a big comfy couch in Odin with a book open and a few more piled up next to him. Shock. If you bother to look closely enough to check the titles, though, Hanbei seems to be done with all that reading up on modern technology for now, and he's now wading through stuff on...multiverse theory, alternate realities and timelines. Huh.]

So, there already seems to be a pretty solid network of theories in place about all possible variations of reality existing. Including ones that are very similar with only minor differences.

But there's plenty about that in the books already. I'm not looking for theories, I'm looking for evidence - since I think I've seen a few things here and there to suggest it. People who should know you but don't, people who shouldn't know you but do... [and now the one that really interests him, after ceilingcatting all over Hisahide's intro] - people with names and backgrounds that match someone you know, but who clearly aren't the same people. How many of you have run into something like that?

Oh, and if anyone in Hel has seen Kuroda Kanbei lately, tell him to go outside before he starts to mold, will you? Sunlight is good for you.

[Kanbei was recently dropped, so he probably won't have been seen in a bit! But Hanbei hasn't found out about that yet. :( ]

So, about the Hel house. Why is it so full of weirdos?

[ Ange isn't looking too pleased today - but then again, when does she. Her frown seems just a tad heavier though as she speaks about all of this. ]

At first I figured it was just something local here spread across all the houses, but I'm starting to have my doubts the more I talk to people from the same house as me. Between questionable items being used during that weird cupcake contest and people breaking in randomly at night - to not even speak about the constant harassing and the general idiocy yet - I have to wonder if there are even some sane people left in this house, sans my roommate and a few exceptions. If I was the kind of person to make lame puns I'd say it's called Hel since everyone wants to get the hell out of that one house they apparently decided to throw all the crazy people in. [ yes Ange because you're clearly so sane.. ]

If only we could switch houses, I'm starting to fear this idiocy is contagious. Perhaps I should just say my goodbyes to the sane world already. Amakusa, if they ever start some sort of house switching system, you better take my place. [ ... ] And that's an order, not a request.

TO THE NATIONS [NOT LOCKED TO THE NATIONS because Sweden doesn't know who is present and doubts that he would even know everyone.]

Meeting this week?
- Roll call
- Seeing who's from when
- Need new rules now there's no soil or people.

Nor can represent Denmark.


TO EVERYONE

Still looking for my wife.

- blond
- looks about 16
- rather short
- purple eyes
- name's Fin or Finland
- easily scared
[And then three clearifications that came up in the conversations following the first time that he posted his missing ad]
- male
- short hair
- name's not Allen

[Before she says anything, there is that silent pause, making sure she's doing this right. It only lasts a few seconds, before Minako is smiling brightly and giving a wave.]

I guess this may seem a bit ridiculous, since they're just about everywhere right now, but I was wondering... would anybody like some cupcakes?

[Something about this is a bit funny to her, maybe because of the circumstances themselves.] If there's anyone who's not completely cupcake'd out, that is! I made too many and I really wouldn't want them to go to waste. They may not be prize-winners, but they're pretty good! I'm in Freya right now, but I don't mind taking them elsewhere if you're in another house, or don't want to come here.

I'd like to try the ones other people made, too! So just let me know if you want to meet up.

[Concise and to the point, but never lacking in energy. That's all she's got to say though, so with a wave, she cuts the video there.]

[ Those of you perusing the network, will most likely find this very openly angry teen throwing a fit at you. Anyone perceptive enough will notice that there might just be tears brimming his eyes, as well. There's no real person he's addressing, so don't take it too personally. ]

Listen you... kidnapping punks! Alright, I read your letter, I listened to the chick in the outfit, I did it all! I'm not stupid. I know what's possible and what ain't. This ain't possible. I know it!

I don't know this guy...Thor. What kind of name is that? I don't wanna live with some strange guy in his house...I just want to go back home. None of this makes sense.

[ He repeatedly flicks his bracelet, looking at it with arched brows. It took him a good hour and a half to figure out how to work the thing, and it shows. ] Oi, Suzuya? Are you there? Can you hear me? Tsukiko? Shiranui-kaichou? E-Even Yoh would be okay now...Someone just explain all this crap to me. Or at least give me the name of who runs this place so I can give 'em a piece of my mind.

[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.