[ The illnesses. Katniss tries to trace them back to anything in recent memory. They seemed to start all at once… She poured over the details repeatedly, glad for the lack of Rue and Annie in the vicinity, glad to not be worrying about anyone but herself for the time being. But it still worried her.

The disease reminds her of the things they endured in the Arena. The fog, how acidic it was. Yes, this reminded her of some trick of the Gamemakers. It was this conclusion that led her to a dangerous realization, and she scrambled to turn on her bracelet.

The face that meets the network is almost frantic. Her eyes are a bit sunken from lack of sleep. She isn't one of the Wave 1 patients; her symptoms haven't yet begun to form… But she knows people are panicking, and she herself is having some pretty gruesome flashbacks to her kitchen table at home. She wishes Prim or her mother were here. They would know what to do. As it is, she's trying to get the information she thinks she's discovered to the masses before it's too late. Not that it isn't already too late. She remembers what it took to stop the worsening wounds from the acid fog, and as far as she knows, the lake isn't salt water. ]

The canisters! [ It's almost a shout at first, before she composes herself. Steely and strong like a statue. ] The disease came from what the dragon dropped.

[ She might sound insane, and she realizes it… So she decides to explain. Katniss leans forward and exposes the strange patches in her hair that are damaged and bare, from the acid fog. ] This came from something similar. The place I'm from, the government runs a fight to the death between kids from the different districts in our country, called the Hunger Games. You're pitted against twenty-three other kids… But there's more than just that. [ She swallows a little, steadying herself. The faces of people she had to kill, people she watched die, are flashing through her head… But she has to get through this, because she needs to be heard. ]

In the Games, the Gamemakers would put things -- awful things -- into the arena to attack the tributes. Fireballs, or – or sometimes things in the environment that were out of place… To make us sick, or hurt us, or kill us… I think the canisters are the source of the epidemic. It's just like in the Games. The timing is close enough to everyone getting sick… That's what it has to be. [ There's a sense of resolve as instinct kicks in. Survive. Do what we have to in order to survive. ] Nothing else makes sense.

If you aren't part of the effort to heal the sick, you should stay in safe areas where the disease hasn't reached yet. We don't know what else it might do, or how it might keep spreading. There's no telling how far this might spread, but if it's contained, we might have a better chance of making it through this.


(( ooc; This is the first milestone post [ position one ] for the biological warfare plot. ))

[ River can be seen wandering around the common area of Odin's Welcome Hall almost as though in a trancelike state. Her steps are light and even, ball to toe on bare feet, and her fingers trail over every object she passes even though her eyes are wandering curiously around the ceiling and the walls and the rest of the room - never to what she's touching. It might seem like she's looking for something, or even listening for something, but she doesn't seem to find it, and never once ceases her calculated footsteps. Eventually the video times out. ]

[ Some time later, the video clicks back on and River's face fills the entire feed, far too close as she tries to peer into the little jewel of her bracelet. She eventually gives up and pulls back to show brown eyes wide and curious, dark hair framing pallid skin that's ... almost gold in the scant lighting.

She's sitting in the middle of the slide, feet tucked underneath her to stop her from going down any further. Her eyes skitter around the confined space before settling back on the bracelet. She says only two words as a whisper, like if she says it any louder, it might break the spell. ]

It's quiet.

[ ooc; for those of you in Odin, feel free to run into River in either part of the post - and I do mean literally, someone should run into her in the slide. 8) edit: I totally forgot! hover for Chinese translations! thanks to Holly for teaching me that trick and Google for my butchered Chinese. |Db ]

[ The feed comes on to show Arthur pallid and out of breath, sweat gleaming across his brow - from exertion or pain or possibly both. The beginnings of daylight are creeping across the horizon behind him, which is the only reason he's found time to broadcast this message. They're safe, for now. ]

If there are any that would stand beside me and my men -

[ He winces, pain again, but also for future pain of Buffy and her brash attitude. ]

- the term used loosely in this instance to refer to my allies - if there are any that would stand with us, the assistance would be appreciated and well honoured. Particularly those intent on remaining alive for more than a few hours' time without murdering each other or otherwise finding themselves dead.

[ All the disdain. He's looking at you, Team Free Will. There are no motivational speeches this time around. Arthur is fatigued and possibly bleeding out. He breathes deep; perhaps just something small - ]

Rest now while light is upon us. Tend to your wounds and the wounded, and call upon one of us should you find yourself incapable of either. Perhaps most importantly, do not lose sight of your friends' faces, lest you lose yourself within a darkness greater than the night.

The Sun is always laying in wait for the morn, Asgard. We will see these dark hours through.

[ He closes his eyes, exhales harshly. ]

Oh, and Merlin, if you could happen to find yourself upon me, a dear friend seems to have misplaced a knife in my stomach. I know you've never been on time once in your life, but do put in an effort this time, won't you?

[ ooc; feel free to threadjack around this post, and there is a semi-open log here if you'd like to pop around there! Alternatively, if you'd like to hop around the official event logs Alan-mun put up with us, just give us a heads up and we can try to swing all over the place like the madmen we are. :') ]

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]]

[The audio comes on first, and muttered cursing can be heard along with a few loud thumps.]

Frell! Just how does this piece of dren work?!

[The feed suddenly comes to life and a dark haired woman is seen glaring. It takes her a few to realize the feed is indeed on, but even when she does, she's still glaring. It was just a tad bit obvious that she is more than just a little unhappy.]

What the FRELL is going on?

[She pauses for a moment, and with discernible effort makes herself calm down.]

Now will someone kindly explain to me where exactly I am? I've never heard of this Arse-gard. And more importantly where are Moya and the others? [Pauses again, her scowl returning.]

Where is Crichton? I want to see him! Now!

I can't be the only person here who wants to stay. Without all the cat-and-mousing and the weird curses and the floods and -- and the catches. I mean, part of me wants - needs to go home, just to see -- but what I remember last... I'd rather be here. And I mean way. Which... Is weird, I guess, admittedly, but I -- I can't go back. To wherever I was. I don't like the Gods messing with us either, but it's better than -- wherever that was.

Is anyone else feeling this way? You want to stay, but you feel like you have obligations, but then there are all the icky things that happen and -- it's all very brain-fuzz making.

( private to castiel / unhackable ;; )

( private to arthur pendragon / unhackable ;; )

[This time, Loki addresses the network from perched on a bit of the wall around the castle plaza. He's as relaxed as always, though he looks just a tad irritated as well this time. People near the gate between the castle plaza and Loki district should be able to interact in person, but first he has something to say.]

You know guys, I like you. I really do. But sometimes I think you're all a little dumb.

See, we set this network up. We know what's said. For that matter, we can easily find out anything you're up to if we decide to take the time to check on you. But we don't even have to do much ferreting. You're really obvious with your displeasure, and I'm sure if I looked a little deeper I might find out some of you are making plans to do something about it.

Now the boss man, he's not too interested in whatever you're doing. I, on the other hand, thought I'd run through a few things to get you up to speed. If you're going to rebel, you're going to want to do it smart. So here we go.

[He holds up a finger, clearly intending to count visually all the way through.]

One. We're gods. You don't know how to kill gods, do you? So before you start any plans, you might want to be sure you'll actually be able to do anything other than irritate us.

Two. Say you did take us out. You've all been really hostile against the idea of governments. If you're all determined to never have anyone tell you what to do, you're going to have anarchy. What do you expect will happen then? No regulations, no network, no bracelets to keep you from getting sick, no barriers to keep the monsters out, no one to keep up alliances and trade agreements. You'll have a bunch of armies on your doorstep in weeks and no organization to help you deal with them.

Three. Say you beat us and find a way to get sent home. You're all happy - 'cept the ones who're going home to being dead -- and you can forget all about our crap. And then every world in existence gets wiped out and remade and everyone you love dies along with you. You can take a bet that we're lying about this whole thing, but do you really want that kind of risk?

Four. If you can't beat us, no one's stopping you from running off and joining someone else. But out there in the world you're either going to our allies, who'll send you back, or our enemies, who'll either kill you or take you in and let you fight for them. And they're going to let everyone you love die too. That or you end up with my brother, and he doesn't care what you do as long as you entertain him. He'll make you a lord one day and a slave the next, just to see you get angry.

So here's the conclusion. You'd better be thinking of how to deal with all of those things before you start. After that, who knows. Maybe you'll get to take over a whole city and all its naive, loyal subjects...

In the meantime, how about you guys tell me what you'd want us to do if we decided to follow your orders. I'm pretty sure number one is quit messing with you, but if that's it how about you propose some plans for how you'll generate your own emotional energy? What will you guys do yourselves to make sure things get fixed as soon as possible? I'm sure you could get that bleeding heart Freyr to argue for you... but who says the big guy's going to favor the opinion of Hostage #1?

Oh well. Might as well try, hey?

[An older man, perhaps about 60 or a little older with a weathered face and a windswept stock of surprising thick hair for his age, is peering at the bracelet with an contemplative, searching expression. He has rather intense yellow eyes that lend his otherwise innocuous features a strange, somewhat disconcerting air. He speaks after a long moment in a voice with a clear British accent and colored by no small ounce of humorless amusement.]

How convenient that I should be provided such an intriguing little device. For all its tiny size, it is clearly, like much of this, not a trifling trick. To change my form to that of a human, to designate me a traveler when I did not, in fact, travel here: I do not consider myself an honored guest and I doubt that I am the only one.

I have many questions that I would ask, should anyone be willing answer.

[His lips move in a way like they should form in a smile, but they simply stretch, showing more of his upper teeth.]

It is, however, a pleasure to see that magic is an integral part of this Holy City of Asgard after so many years of it being outlawed from Camelot.

[She was still tired and a bit confused. Where had she been all this time...and what was going on? She was drowsy and...singing? Oh, bother, she didn't have the energy to care.

She was sitting on her window sill, looking out at the city, but it wasn't completely registering. This mental fog was getting frustrating.]

Curses...I cannot seem to regain myself. What happened to me? How long have I been this way?

[You're in luck today, Asgard. The King of Jerkasses is feeling less trollish at the moment and more idly curious.]

Tell me, how many of you come from worlds where what you would call "magic" exists? And are there any treasures or artefacts that are capable of creating miracles that would otherwise be impossible according to the natural laws of your world?

[Hello, Asgard. Your resident David Bowie impersonator is using the video option today to show off a rather snazzy looking establishment in the background. He's smiling coolly, because it may not be the plot for a new Creation, but he's somewhat proud of his bar nonetheless.]

Good morning, Asgard. Considering all of the excitement as of late, the timing for opening a bar couldn't be much better, I feel. What a better way to deal with the decisions of foolish gods than alcohol? Ah, but I'll get to politics momentarily.

Lux will be opening its doors tonight at 6 PM. [He then gives the address...! because hell if I know] And in celebration of opening, you'll find that all food and drinks will be half price. The food is upper-crust bar fare, but you may be pleased to find a few drinks that are a bit more exotic than what Sky's Prize can provide.

Though to make this post somewhat less self-serving, how do you all feel about our resident deities? "Displeased" is the general sentiment I seem to be getting. I believe I've heard talks of rebellion, and my new business ventures or not, I'm somewhat interested to hear about them.

[He smirks] After all, rebellion is something of a specialty of mine.


((ooc: And finally, Lux is open—Or, more accurately, will be open later tonight IC, tomorrow/Thursday OOC, haha. And the log is here. Go get drunk/have fun/etc.))

[At first glance, the girl on the video feed appears to be deep in thought. Maybe she's concentrating on something. Maybe she's contemplating the mysteries of the universe. The tip of her pink tongue is visible at the corner of her mouth, and her eyebrows are drawn together in an expression of determination. And she is clearly, purposefully poking at the bracelet at her wrist]

Ah-! It's working! Here we go!

Eh heh, hello! Can anyone see me? I'm pretty sure this is supposed to be a communicator, so I'd like to know who's on the other end! I'm not alone here, am I?

Anyway, I think there's been a mistake, or maybe an accident! You see, I'm not actually supposed to be here! My friends and I were traveling to a different world entirely, and I somehow got separated from them and wound up here. I can't tell if they're here or not, but if they are, I really need to find them. Or at least know that they're okay!

I guess it would help if I gave you a description so you know who I'm looking for, huh? Well, it just so happens that I've made some convenient pictures so that you know who I'm looking for!

( Horrible and yet strangely interesting drawings beneath the cut! )

If anyone could just tell me where they are, or if they're even here, I'd really appreciate it!
Umm... Unless they've been captured and dressed in harem slave outfits or something like that. In that case, I think I'd have to jailbreak them out, then! Sorry!

[ The video feed comes in jerkily, as though whomever turned it on may not have entirely intended it. As if to confirm, Arthur's face comes into view, confused and curious and awed and perhaps a little bit not entirely there as he tilts his head and furrows his brows. He's used the device a hundred times over by now, there's no reason he should be this astounded by it - and there's no reason he should be standing there, just. Staring. Staring, like it's the most curious thing in all the worlds. ]

[Suddenly, Merlin's voice comes from off screen.] Arthur? Arthur, what-- [And then he's there, gripping Arthur's upper arm firmly.]

What did I say about staying with me? You could've gotten lost in the crowd. [His gaze focuses on the holographic screen just then, and he groans.] Really, Arthur? Don't tell me you're getting distracted by shiny things now, too.

[ Cue one Arthur Pendragon, crown prince of Camelot, once and future king, looking terribly abashed as he's berated by his servant. ]

I'm sorry, Merlin. Won't happen again, I swear on it. I will follow you as though a shadow.

[ He nods his head with resolve, as though this is now his life's mission to follow in Merlin's footsteps, and he will follow them precisely. ]

[Even though Merlin's head practically whips toward Arthur at the apology, his half-horrified, half-amused expression can still be seen pretty clearly on the screen.]

You... [He's jolted out of the shock when a native practically runs into the pair. Merlin shakes his head, pulling Arthur to the side with him.] Never mind. Stop apologising so much, would you? I don't think I can take this much shock in one day.

Anyway, I'll hold onto the bracelet for now. [He makes a "give it here" gesture, holding one hand out.]

[ Arthur opens his mouth as though to protest, then purses his lips and looks down at it with a frown before working it off his wrist and handing it over to Merlin. He then looks back up with a small smile, waiting patiently for his next instruction, but fidgets around like he doesn't quite know how to stand still. ]

[A sigh and another headshake later, Merlin fiddles with the screen until it centers on him.] Right. Sorry about that.

[If anyone's still paying attention, they can probably see Arthur edging out of the picture, clearly enraptured by something off to the side. A quiet "oooh" follows him out of the screen, though Merlin doesn't pay any attention to it.]

I know a few of you have gotten...changed somehow in the last couple of weeks. It all just wore off on its own, right? [Nevermind that his expression clearly says: "please let that be a yes".] Something's wrong with Arthur and--

[Now he glances over his shoulder and starts when he sees Arthur's gone missing. The video jostles as Merlin moves, finally ending after the viewers hear a muted "Arthur? Arthur, you can let go of the tree now."]

[ ooc; Arthur has been cursed! For those of you familiar with Merlin, he is in simpleton!Arthur mode from The Sword in the Stone, Part 1. For those of you unfamiliar with Merlin, shame on you and get to Netflix five minutes ago. Also, ponder these videos. Replies will come from both Merlin and Arthur, though I'll be using oopsallpratberries for the duration of this curse. Anyone near the Utgard gate can come across Arthur hugging a tree and Merlin trying to coax him away from it! ]

They claim to be gods.

They told us that we were important and yet how many of us have already lost our lives?

How many more will die?

Do you enjoy being their puppets? Those strings will eventually cut through your petty wrists and you will bleed. You will bleed for them; you will color their world in that intense shade of red.

Foolish are those that blindly follow and move on the path that has already been depicted for them.

Do any of you dare to go where no one else has ventured? There's a forbidden apple waiting to be tasted.

After all there's beauty in chaos.


10
5+10
6+5+10
5+6+5+10



((ooc: Not sure how many characters are familiar with Kaballah. However the number 72 represents God and if you use Gematria 10+5+6+10= YHVH which points to God as well. But yeah sorry for the tl;dr. Shiba just has a weird interest in this. ;_;))

The events of the last few days have made it rather clear to me that we need to sharpen the survival instincts of some of our people. All the better to avoid injuries like the ones we've had, lately.

[Johnny is currently broadcasting from his window, looking out into the night. He stops for a moment to take up his shikomizue, opening the scabbard just enough to show a hint of the sword within.]

As successor to the Unchou Shihan Iai style of swordsmanship, it's my duty to offer my services to those that need them. Training that will consist not only of basic self-defense, but the exercises necessary to cope with pushing your body through a long haul of combat or physically taxing labor. I'll even break my rule of only teaching girls, and open the offer up to the far less fair gender. I'm sure some of you have already engaged in least some kind of open training, I know I'm not the only polished fighter here.

Those of you who CAN fight and choose not to pass on your knowledge, I suggest you get over your issues and get to it. To have the power and knowledge, yet not be willing to help others survive is an egregious sin, and I'll be more than willing to pound that fact into your thick heads.

[He hops to his feet, removing his sunglasses dramatically and gazing intensely into the camera.]

I see that some of you lament your lack of power, thinking your ability is "useless". Never think that you're useless, or that your power can't help others. All of us have been blessed with unique gifts. This place has taken from us with one hand, and given with the other. Refine your control and show our captors that you're determined to forge a path, no matter what the circumstances are!

It seems there are people here who claim to know me...yet I have no recollection of them. Has anyone else suffered from this? Is is possible that I have memory loss? I have always prided myself on my excellent memory...it is distressing that I could have forgotten anything...

[Filtered to Alexander!Rider and Diarmuid!Lancer] - At least means to...is actually public

I could really use a good drink. Would either of you be so kind as to join me?