As if it couldn't get any more dull around here...

[Hello, Asgard. Tyki's bored. Except today he's managed to climb onto a nearby roof and is currently working on sunbathing with just a pair of pants on. Anyone really looking can see all those scars etched down his chest. ] Ever since a couple of people that were fun either moved out or left the place, it has been far too quiet for my liking. Not to mention all you stiffs with no sense of fun bore me.

Sometimes it is just good to get your hands dirty. A few of you should try it. [He's already beaten the crap out of a couple of people after his Nightmares and such. Not to mention, he had nearly beaten that one person to death if it wasn't for Allen.]

It's getting warmer though. Any lovely lady in the mood for a little drink? I don't bite unless you want me to.

Alright, I need a couple of things from you guys.

[Isaac lazily ticks them off with his fingers.]

First thing's first, I'm guessing Asgard doesn't have a zoo. Any ideas where I can go to see live animals? I don't mean like kittens, I mean big cats, predators, stuff like that. I can hold my own against them if need be.

[Another finger.]

Secondly, I need a bike. A good one, not the crap in a corner store. If anyone's got one they're not using or knows where I can get one for cheap, let me know. [Or else he'll just steal one from some poor, unsuspecting native.]

And then finally, I want to run a few experiments with powers. See how they work when used together. I'm looking for body controllers, energy lenders, transferrers, and healers mostly. If you've got an offensive power and want to know how your powers can be affected by the passive powers, then let me know and we'll work something out.

[Well he sure has been gone awhile. His bracelet was returned to him in the wee hours of the morning, and he headed straight to see Irisviel. Leaving her behind for so long is something he can't quite forgive himself for, even if it wasn't intentional. But she always forgives him, and experiencing that lets him feel the warm sense of "love and family" that he cherishes.

It's later morning now and he's sitting in some fast food joint when he addresses the camera. He actually looks quite a bit less tired than usual -- the bright side to forgetting his "self" was that grey!Kiritsugu didn't keep himself up worrying about everything -- and his gentle smile is perhaps more cheerful than it tends to be.

This also might have something to do with the hamburger and milkshake he seems to think make a good breakfast.]

It seems I've missed quite a bit. Sorry to anyone who noticed I was gone, and thank you for your concern.

Ah, but to everyone else... If one wanted an in with our "divine" hosts, which would you recommend talking to? I guess you could also take it as "which god is your favorite" or something like that. Just curious who's made a good impression and who hasn't.

[when the feed cuts on, it's pretty obvious that Irisviel is trying to keep from seeming too distressed, though concern is written on her face, in the furrow on her brow and frown on her lips. there is some uncertainty when she speaks, but mostly worry colors her tone though she tries to keep it light.]

Has anyone seen or heard from Emiya Kiritsugu recently? He's with the House of Sigyn.

I haven't been able to reach him and he hasn't been near the lake where we sometimes go...

It's not like him.

[though, admittedly, this sort of thing was likely to have happened during the war, but she is sure things were different here. Kiritsugu had made that clear in their talks.]

[ the feed comes to life showing a woman who hadn't shown her face much until now. There is a small smile on her lips, honest and solemn. ]

Now that it is over, you will hear our words, for you deserve them.

The curse you experienced was not our doing as I know many of you have guessed. None of us wanted this and none of us schemed to bring it into fruition.

It was not the doing of the giants either; for no giant, not even Thiazi is able to wield such power. It is thankfully entirely beyond their abilities.

[ she releases a breath and then continues. ]

We think it was Freya. She is the only one strong enough to formulate such a plan. We heard her screams, we know her heart is full of anger. We believe that in her anger, she had struck the city with this curse without much prior thought and so the results were as grave as they were.

[ a moment of silence. ]

I must ask you, find the strength in your heart and do not think of her too harshly. Whatever Freya did, she did out of grief, out of despair and out of a terrible loss. She is mad with grief and in her madness, she had done a deed that is cruel and reckless.

But I will ask you to show her compassion all the same.



[ ooc; curse closure! Q&A round with Sigyn and the others. If you want Sigyn, or any God in particular, simply address them in your comment. ]

[the feed cuts in with red eyes staring intently and curiously close to the recording device as a woman’s voice comments, clearly speaking to herself:]

--and when the display shows that, it’s record--oh!

[the camera seems to shift and adjust as a white-haired woman leans back and away, surprise on her face before it falls into an embarrassed apologetic expression, a hand lifting to her mouth]

I’m sorry! I’m still learning about how to work this device. It’s not something I’m used to and I wasn’t expecting... ah, I should introduce myself, shouldn’t I? [she lowers her hand to smile a bit more politely, cheerfully] I’m Irisviel von Einzbern. It’s nice to meet you all--ah, although... I don’t quite know who all is watching this right now. But even if we hadn’t met, I hope that we can get to know each other and get along in the future. Oh, I’m with the House of Freya, if you’d like to meet! I’m free for the time being, though I hope to help in a shop or clinic somewhere in town soon, so please feel free to stop by anytime.

[she seems satisfied with this message and continues to smile for a moment before it fades a bit as she tilts her head. the camera seems to tilt and turn in different directions, the woman’s feet, different parts of her apartment, and then her face again appearing. once again, she wears an embarrassed but amused expression as she laughs a bit]

And, um. If you do come... if you could show me how to turn off the recording...? And maybe how to work the rest of it. It was a lot to learn all at once...!

She probably didn't have a lot of friends, but Sakura Matou has returned home.

[ Her tone sounds slightly bothered. Her and Sakura didn't talk that much while she was here, but something about Sakura's sudden disappearance bothered her a bit. She wasn't too sure why, since they hardly said a word to each other here or in Fuyuki.

She decides to drop the Sakura subject, since it's something that she doesn't want to talk about, and moves to another one, flipping through a book as well. ]

Hey, why do the gods erase our memories when they return us home? It sounds really tiring.

What do you do for work when you need extra money?

[He asks quietly but confidently, without pause. Today he isn't as cheerful at the last time he made a post. He's still worn out, but somehow he looks even more exhausted than he did before. He's scruffy, and there's something about him that seems haunted and hollowed-out despite the mild-mannered calm in his voice.

He's pulling his coat on as he talks, and heading out from his room into the hall.]

What's given freely is good, but it doesn't count for luxuries, so--

[Once in the hall he stops, looking confused. He turns around to look at his door: number 307 in Sigyn's Welcome Hall.]

...It moved.

I DID IT!

[ Back up, Amy Pond screaming into the screen! It's shaking and she's trembling and her hair is very wild and her eyes are bursting with excitement—a quick breather would do her some good, but it continues with a documentary style movement. There's the echoing of her steps and some shuffling. Papers, pencils, clacking and snapping on the ground.

She clears her throat, patting her chest. And swallows. ]

I did it, I made this, I—

[ An apple. She shows the screen... an apple. Carved with a smile. God, it's tiny. Sort of deformed; mutated. A brief moment later and she knocks it on the table. It sounds awfully hard. Like a rock? ]

Okay, close enough to the real thing, but I did it! I—




Doctor, are you listening? [ Did she filter this right? ]

[Here's a face you haven't seen in awhile, Asgard. He's been hiding out lately for various reasons, but after the recent discussion about and with the gods, he can't stay quiet any longer.

He's in a typical Baldr House room, virtually undecorated except for the dozens of flickering candles that line the shelves, surfaces, and anywhere else they'll fit. They give the video an eerie sort of feeling, otherworldly - which is completely destroyed by the look on Pyro's face. Either someone just waved shit under his nose, or he's deeply displeased with all of you.]

So you get a chance to have another one of our kidnappers offed, without even getting our own hands dirty, and you all vote to keep her. And save the dead one. Someone really should rename this fucking city Stockholm.

Or maybe Jonestown, 'cause I have a feeling the Kool-Aid's coming out any day now, and you'll all be draining your cups.

((ooc: a decision-making post, if you will. just want to see how it goes and decide if a drop will be necessary.))

[This time, the bracelet will flicker on regardless of what you're doing. It's an important announcement, though Loki's sitting cross-legged on the top of his desk as if it's nothing big.]

Hey, kids. You might want to sit down, 'cause today we've got major news for you.

We're going to have Story Time With Uncle Loki, how great! Pay close attention, because this is your chance to make a big decision. You've been insisting on having input for a long time now, so we're giving you a chance. Try not to fuck it up.

( cut for length: MAJOR PLOT INFO IN HERE GUYS )

[He loosens his shoulders after that, suddenly all casual smiles.]

So. Will you save him, destroy her, or do nothing? This time it's up to you.

[ This was far too abnormal for Sakura to understand. She's been wandering about for the past few days, trying to get a grasp on the situation. Just when things were looking up, something like this happened. Bring color to a world? How could she when her own was bleaker than Asgard, and the only person who painted it is nowhere to be found? Not to mention that the critters inside her had stopped wiggling around and consuming her energy, which was something that Sakura could never imagine happening. ]

[ Her dazed expression quickly turns timid once she attempts to speak. Although, it was more apprehensive than shy. ]

I'm very... confused. W-Would it be too much trouble for someone to explain [ A pause. ] everything?

[For once, the fact that Equius is sweating has little to do with his ... proclivities. He is seated in the midst of discarded paper, charcoal and an assortment of water bottles, simple tools and individual parts. There are several towels draped everywhere around the room, some neatly folded and others draped everywhere. one is draped over his shoulder and he uses it to mop his brow while panting. A composite bow of considerably greater quality sits beside him, well tended and cared for, the gift of the gods for a request at a dead god's shrine.

The young troll has been, off again and on again, obsessively using his powers. It has become almost compulsive lately, as if he's trying to make himself useful on some level. Perhaps he's compensating for something.]

The lack of technological advancement within these halls is inexcusably deplorable. Not a proper archery brigade to speak of, and simply a few skilled in the arts of true warfare. There is not a single robotics laboratory or shop worthy of mentioning, and the acquisition of these parts would require an almost inexpressibly infuriating.

If I must remain in this world until the days of its end, and accomplish nothing else, it will be the creation of some proper level of technological marvel, even if I must use their powers to concoct it.

I am informed that there are licenses for vehicular transportation. Where such as these crude articles exist, certainly there must be maintenance. Who would I speak to about employment? If I am to fulfill this, I cannot permit myself to grow rusty waiting on sufficient control over these powers.

[ The voice that snaps over the bracelet is sharp but bored. ]

Required: a number of test subjects for this ridiculous, useless power that I've been assigned. Willing subjects preferable, though this is not set in stone.

Compensation will be provided.




[ .. eventually. ]

[ The message comes at around 9pm, hopefully before anyone's gone to bed. There's a light shuffling of sheets before you hear the voice. The voice speaking is distinctly feminine. Although she seems firm, there a small hint of questioning. ]

May I request more information about "New Years Resolutions"? I understand they are usually "self-betterment" requests for oneself, however, is this always the case? In addition, may I hear about resolutions you yourself have possessed in the past?

This may be a private topic, and I understand if you do not wish to reveal your intentions to me.

[The video begins with a shot of an upper hallway in Sigyn Welcome Hall. There are a few mutters as the user gets the screen the way he wants it, and the view is momentarily turned to catch his face. He’s 30-something, but despite his rather cheerful expression there’s a worn, almost haggard look to him that makes him seem older.]

Is it always this well-decorated or is this city really holding celebrations during a war? Either way, it’s a mixed blessing to have family here.

[He makes a sound somewhere between a sigh and a laugh, and turns the video to show the door of room 302. Without knocking, he opens it to reveal Archer seated on the bed, coffee mug in one hand, book in the other. He turns to shoot a glare at the door when it opens, and when he sees Kiritsugu with the camera on, he holds his book up to shield himself then sighs.]

What are you doing?

It’s only proper to introduce ourselves, Shirou.

[8| The exasperation is palpable. He’d prefer not to be called that, but it’s too late now. He begins to argue, then stops.]

The point of that being...?

[Kiritsugu’s voice is amused and patient -- the sort of voice a teacher uses to explain rules to a child.]

Because it’s good to be polite to your neighbors.

Then tell the nice people your name.

[There’s a gentle laugh in response, and Kiritsugu turns the camera back to himself for a moment.]

I’m Kiritsugu Emiya, and this-- [the camera goes back to Archer] is my son. [a beat] ...The timelines are quite a bit off.

[Archer sips his coffee, then sets his book, pages down, on the bed. It’s inevitable now -- he’s stuck speaking to people on this thing. Fine. Be that way. He smiles pleasantly, in a strained sort of way]

You can call me Archer. Charmed, I’m sure.

There. That wasn’t so hard, was it?

[Nevermind that he’s parent-talking at someone the same physical age as him. It just comes naturally. Kiritsugu turns the camera to face him again, and gives a brief nod in place of a bow.]

It’s nice to meet you.

[ The feed suddenly turns on, the screen showing a stack of books rather than a person at first. However, after some shifting the feed shows a girl with twintails flipping through a book. She seems a bit unimpressed by what she's looking at and she closes the book, eyes closed and shaking her head. ]

This library is impressive, but so far I haven't found anything on Asgard itself. Are they that embarrassed about its history and land? [ She shifts a bit, crossing her legs. ] Then again, I would be embarrassed too if I was a great god and had to depend on some teenagers and a few adults to save the world. They're probably not telling us something, too.

[ A pause to let her words sink in a bit. Plus socializing is hard. ]

.... My name is Rin Tohsaka, by the way. I'm in Odin with fire abilities. [ A shadow crosses her face, and a more grim expression is shown. After all, she just came from a burning castle after watching her previous servant die. It's like the gods are playing a joke in her. ] Before I go, if there's a Shirou Emiya or a woman going by the name Saber around, please do tell me.

[ With that, the feed shuts off. ]

[Draco Malfoy has absolutely no reason to be outside right now. His hands are both still cut up pretty badly, he's fighting off a cold, and to top things off…

…well. He lost Jade Harley. Sort of. Jade sort of lost herself by leaving her bracelet on his bathroom counter. So today Draco's out and flying around the city of Asgard, Jade's bracelet in his pocket and bundled up against the cold. It's only when he's outside of his room that he really notices all of the lights going off in the city, twinkling against the darkness. He stops long enough to examine a few displays of light, raising an eyebrow.

It really must be close to Christmas then. Fantastic. Just one more thing to remind him of things he doesn't want to think about. Christmas reminds him of home, and lights remind him of a certain girl with long blond hair that he can't seem to stop thinking about. Ridiculous. After a few hours of flying back and forth hoping for some sign of Jade, anything that might indicate she's around, he gives up and lands to head into the Great Library if only for a distraction and maybe to pick up a few books to help with his current research for potions.

…and thus he finds himself curled up in a chair fifteen minutes later, trying to warm up and staring at a book in his hands. It's a small book, worn out and old in appearance. It's also a book he most certainly wasn't expecting to find here in Asgard, but then again it made sense. Why wouldn't the gods pull things from their own worlds to entertain them? When he turns on the bracelet's video feed, he's casually flipping through the book, reading and mumbling to himself. He's holding the book gingerly as though it's hard to bend his hands around it, but his eyes are narrowed in concentration.]

Babbity Rabbitty will never not be a strange name, and that's saying something [Flip. Flip. Flip.]

Granted, this shouldn't be a surprise. [And he looks up then, facing the camera.]

Here's a new question for anyone awake, something a bit lighter than the last. [Which he's still pondering on, thank you. His wall of notes may be folded up and in a box under his bed, but he still references them quite a bit.]

With the lights all around the city and with the discovery of this book--[He lifts it up, revealing the title to be the Tales of Beedle the Bard]--do you believe that something as simplistic as a fairy tale can actually have some truth behind it? Or, in other words, what determines if they're made up or if they're based on real people and real events?

And before anyone asks, no, there's no motive behind this question. Just genuine curiosity. [Which as we all know is the biggest lie of them all.]