"Greetings, once more, Asgard. I wish it were Under better circUmstance, bUt some Urgent matters have come to my attention and mUst be rectified."

[And just like that, Calliope switches on the video feed. No scarf, no makeup, no shadows to conceal herself with; she is out in broad daylight, fully exposing her face and she is nervous as hell. She had not wanted to do this, but now her hand has been forced and things will only get worse if she doesn't get some edgeway in, on her own terms. The cherub's eyes refuse to open fully, for fear of how the network will react. Her typically chipper demeanor sounds half-forced, against her gritted teeth.]

"TrUthfUlly I have been here for qUite some time, bUt given certain rUles I adhere to, I have not felt comfortable revealing my face. If yoU see another who looks as I do, I implore yoU, do not engage him. He is more dangeroUs than yoU know.

I am sUre some of yoU mUst have.. qUestions. I will attempt to answer them as well as I am able."

[Attempted Private Text to Hisao, Ritsu]

"I may not be able to come into work for a while. My apologies; I will do my best to get yoU a makeUp shipment when I have every thing in order."

[The young males voice that comes across the network sounds kind of hushed as well as muffled, as if he had something covering his mouth. He was actually trying not to draw too much attention to himself, even though he was making a broadcast and addressing the populace.

He had been here for a few days now, though never ventured out of his room. A lot of thinking and second guessing himself is what he's mostly been doing, its okay though, for the longest time now he'd been used to just his own company so its fairly normal to want to be alone for a while... That and other personal reasons.]

So... How about them new powers aye? No really, is there anyone out there who can tell a keen chap a little more on the blighters? That maid was rather helpful but I was admittedly mostly distracted to take full note of what she was saying.

I'm in no rush might I add... Looks like we're all settled in for a while eh? Guess it could be worse...

( Private )

[Audio]

[The voice that comes over the feed is soft, but if you've spoken to her enough, it is unmistakably Hibiki's. Considering she doesn't usually do voice posts, this is a little... odd.]

Does anybody... know what to do when you really, really miss somebody?

[those who have been in Asgard for a while may recognize the girl on camera now. Chie looks just a bit out of it, but the familiar cheerful smile is on her face, as expected. it's been a while since anyone would have seen her last, but she looks like she's doing okay.]

You know, it's kinda weird to think I've been here for a year already. It seems like just yesterday that I got here... but I wonder if it still counts with how much I've been out of it lately. [as she says that, her smile falls a little.] I really have to keep my hands on my bracelet from now on. You'd think I'd be better about that kinda stuff... I'm really sorry if I worried anyone.

[...and just as fast as it had appeared, the frown goes away to be replaced by her usual expression.] But hey, I get that now's not the time to mope and stuff. Spring's a time for new beginnings and all that, right? I think I came in at the right time, too—we're getting a new wave of newbies now, aren't we? Welcome to Asgard, you guys! Talk about new beginnings, huh? I hope you're not too out of it or anything... like I'm one to talk. Anyway, if you need any help adjusting, feel free to ask! I mean, I think I know a good amount about this place, and I like helping out! I just wouldn't be able to answer things about stuff that's happened recently—and speaking of that, would anybody be able to tell me what I've missed? Nothing too big happened, right?

... And I guess that's it! Here's to a good new year for all of us. Sheesh, I really need to get used to this again.

What up, Asgard? Ready for another one of my questions? No need to give me looks this time! No audible groans as you put prepare your white board to draw on, or pull out your teaching stick. It's not about anything I don't know about! I'm totally in the know right now!

*For those keeping track of his questions, there is a annoyed MROW from off screen, which Aoto completely ignores.*

So! Indulge me, Asgardians!

What is the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word passion?

[There's a small exhalation as Leo starts to talk. It sounds like he's been thinking about this for quite a while.]

I gotta admit... I don't know much about this place, but it sounds like a lot of you want to go and save this Freyr guy. I don't know that much about him other than his name and that he used to be a God, but.... I want to save him too. But if we're going to be travelling together, then I guess I gotta keep a few less secrets huh? Some of you have heard my voice already, but only a few of you have actually seen me in person. Well, there's a pretty good reason for that...

[With a sigh, Leo presses the button on his bracelet that turns it on to video mode, showing him off in all his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle glory.]

My name is Leonardo, and I'm a ninja.... among other things. I was born an ordinary turtle, but when my brothers and I were babies, we fell into a puddle of this alien ooze and...

[He gestures around with his hands.]

Here I am now.

And just for the record, I still think this is a bad idea. You have no idea how many of my sensei's orders I just broke by doing this, but... if I'm going to be fighting on the same side or doing whatever we need to do to save Freyr, then I don't want any of you to attack me thinking I'm not on your side.

So... any questions?

[ The Doctor is wearing a Santa hat, in honour of Christmas (because, hey, they get to decide when it's over, since they don't have any dates), and, what do you mean he looks really excited? Is it that obvious?

It is. ]

Hello, Asgard!

We had that festival, but you know what we've been lacking? A Christmas party! I don't know about you, but I love Christmas, so I'm not going to skip on celebrating it properly.

I don't know if this is short notice - I'm not so good with this normal passage of time, you see. Is it short notice? I've rented a hall in the theatre for day two hundred, because it seemed appropriate, and I'm going to throw a party. All of you should come, whether you normally celebrate Christmas or not.

It's day one hundred and ninety seven today, I believe? Three days, then; not that bad, is it? I don't think so, no.

From... four in the afternoon, I believe? Until whenever you want, really, but perhaps not until full daylight the next day, yes? Come when you want and stay for as long as you feel like, but I'll be expecting you. Especially my friends, or I'll have to hunt you down and hand my gifts to you.

[ He reaches to end the feed, but stops himself. ]

Oh, yes! I'm cursed, switched bodies with my predecessor, so this is the Doctor with the chin and floppy hair. And bowtie and tweed. Best make that clear.

[ And end. ]

((OOC: Tags will be coming from outoften.))

[ 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.

I did not know this item was that critical to my wellbeing.. [ referring to the bracelet - she'd lost it, but now it's back and she's returned to normal. ]

Hello, citizens. [ and she smiles a bit, head tilting. ] I see that we are quite busy lately.. What sort of event warrants lights and festivities? Is this an event that is exclusive to this city, or do you also celebrate it in your home world?

[with all the decorations going up around the city, it seems like everyone is getting into the holiday spirit! ... more or less. these two girls seem to be pretty into it, though, as they enjoy some nice, hot drinks in a cafe somewhere in the Sigyn district. the girl whose bracelet is recording this video stretches as she looks at the recording feed.] Man, this really hits the spot! I’m so glad we found this place, especially with how cold it’s been getting. Don’t you think so, Yukiko?

[the other girl quietly nods as she takes a sip from her mug. surely some seasonal drink — hot cocoa, coffee, or cinnamon tea.] Mhm. This place is really nice, Chie. Thanks for— [and then, she looks over to her friend, only to see her own face reflected back at her.] C-Chie, are you recording me? [She looks to her friend, then back to the camera, giving a wry half smile.] Um, hello..

I just wanted to introduce you to the network! It’s how I made most of the friends I met when I first got here. [with a grin still on her face, she turns her attention from Yukiko to the recording feed.] This is Yukiko Amagi! She’s my best friend from back home, and she’s new here! She’s super nice and friendly, so treat her well, okay? [and then, her voice drops a little... jokingly, of course. right?] Or else.

[the bracelet is then passed to Yukiko, who positions it to where her face is on the screen clearly. she waves a bit.] Um, hello. I’m sorry.. I’m still not completely used to communicating with this.. thing. I guess it shouldn’t be so awkward, it’s just like a cell phone, right? [she smiles.] But don’t worry about me, Chie. I can take care of myself. [a tiny nod, but her face darkens a bit. The duo truly is a fearsome pair..] Anyways, it’s nice to meet everyone in Asgard. I hope we can get along. [after a few moments of silence..] Um, Chie? How do I turn it off?

Oh, here, I got it— [and the bracelet is back to Chie. but before she turns it off, she has one more message for the network...] By the way, the peppermint mocha here is awesome. You guys should definitely try it if you have the chance! We’ll be coming here more often, right? [and with Chie's attention fully returned her bff, off the bracelet goes!]

(ooc: joint post!! Chie and Yukiko will be replying separately.)

[After being led out of the welcome room, map in hand and bracelet on his wrist, he just stands there. Completely dumbfounded. He turns on the video feed (just like how the lady showed him), but the moment the feed is up he looks like he forgot what he wanted to say. He reaches up with his other hand to touch the teal colored jewel that looks to be embedded in his forehead and blinks.

In fact he looks a little terrified.

Tearing away from the video feed he looks around him, for anyone he can talk to that doesn't look like the maid that helped him.]

I- I don't want to be here! I wanna go home! Someone take me home!

[Map in hand he inhales shakily.] What'm I supposed to do...

[The video turns on and Will is sitting outside. His jaw is set as he sighed softly.]

Death isn't easy to think about, especially if you've experienced it. I can't be the only one in this situation.

I have some questions for anyone who has died in their own world, or for anyone who knows someone who has come back from the dead.

[So guess who decided to spend the last couple of hours or so in the library? She doesn't know much about Asgard but she is slowly learning the difficulty of getting information without Juno or using a laptop. She is vaguely aware of what her power is but she knows that she needs to level up somehow thanks to her time in the library. If one can see clearly in the background, there's quite a few books stacked up behind her. However, there is something she wants to ask. Oh the joys of public speaking]

Um...I know this might seem rather random but I want to know...has everyone here ever lost their bracelets before? I-I was thinking that maybe...there is another way we could prevent that somehow? I'm not sure how but... [mumble mumble]

I wonder is it possible to make some extras lying around...

[Oh she has tried to figure out how...it's pretty difficult without some form of electricity and all the circuit work she's trying to do. Maybe there's some form of magical electricity]

Has anyone tried to make one before?

[Video]

[Hibiki looks pretty tired today. But this time, it's not because of fights of any sort-- instead, the cause is a small creature snoozing away on her lap. At the moment, its back is not lit in the slightest.]

I got an egg a while ago, and it finally hatched. I was wondering if I was taking care of it okay, but it seems to be healthy.

[She pets the Pokémon affectionately on the head, and it gives a tiny yawn before snuggling its face into its paws.]

It's so small and warm...

[Oops, distracted! She faces the camera again.] Umm... I don't think I'll be able to go to the hospital today. I want to make sure he gets fed once he wakes up again, and I need some time to go over the book so I don't mess up when I take care of him.

I was thinking, though... Red-san, is it okay if I name him? I'm not sure if that's allowed with Pokémon, so I just wanted to ask... Er, but I'm not really sure if he's a boy, either. Ummm... How do you check that, anyway?

Oh, and, umm... If anybody has any tips on how to raise a Pokémon, I'd like to hear them. This is the first one I ever got, and I don't think raising a Pokémon is anything like raising a homunculus, so... I'd appreciate it very much!

[The image is very staged, as if the teenager had rehearsed and settled himself carefully. He's sitting down, with a notebook on his lap, and he smiles at the screen with his best friendly look. He's dressed very neatly, a sweater vest with a tie visible in the picture. A very plain metal bracelet hangs on his wrist, opposite the one with the communicator bracelet on it.]

Excuse me. This is a little awkward, but I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a strange situation.

[He holds his pen above his notebook, as if he might be about to doodle to help himself think.]

I've heard that I've been here before? I don't remember, so I want to talk to anyone who has had a similar situation, or those who might have known me before. For those of you who don't, my name is Gau, I live at Sigyn House, and I would love to hear anything useful you can tell me about people coming and going this way here.

[He clears his throat, unsure how to end the video, and finally settles for a small bow toward the screen, which if anything looks awkward.]

//Filtered away from Jacob//

I need pet suggestions that aren't 'cat' or 'dog.' Preferably not 'horse,' either.

[Because, to be honest, it's been more than a century since he had anything resembling a pet himself and it was a horse. Somehow, he doubts a horse would fit in Jacob's room, though.]

[ hello Asgard! the feed will click on to Mike, who is semi-nonchalantly leaning on a certain motorbike that he received during the Milkening. while this isn't quite Mutt and it can't run (he's tried), keeping the hog in his room as a decorative piece for now is the way to go. it also makes him look cool, but I digress.

Mike himself has his usual friendly smile, but something about it does look a little worrysome. and when Mike Chilton is worried, something serious is going down. ]

Hey everyone. I dunno if the word is spreading around yet, but apparently some of us were chosen to keep a lead eye out for our districts while all of this fighting is going to happen. They chose me for Freya, so I sort of thought it'd be good for people to know who I am and all that. I can promise that you guys are in good hands.[ his smile brightens just a little; gotta keep a positive attitude about this, after all. ]  Still, I wouldn't mind having some people help me out with making sure the district is safe, either. If you think you're okay with patrolling and stuff like that, I'd love to have you on my team.

But listen; I know that we've got a pretty hefty army protecting us, but I know that some people might not be totally comfortable with self-defense, too. I promise it won't come to that, but I'd be happy to help anyone with training for some peace of mind. I'm good with hand-to-hand and staff combat, so just shout out if you want to do some sparring or get some lessons!


[ PRIVATE TO THE BURNERS ] 

This might not be Motorcity... but I think as far as we're concerned, this is our turf now. Are you guys in?

[the video starts up and, hello you may recognize this fidgety tall lanky teen here! he might stand out awkwardly around Odin district but also often visits freya district a lot.]

Soo...

[looks like he's got something in his hands, something that resembles a dark green cloak as he turns it in hand thoughtfully.]

I was wondering.. Does anyone know what larping is? Live Action Role-playing? I, uh.. use to do it a lot back home. Figured it could be fun here too. I mean hey, even if you don't know what it is, you could still try it out and see for yourself- it's really fun!

[and he's looking a bit excited at the idea. till, he shrinks back a little, rubbing at his neck sheepishly.] If you want to know more about it, go ahead and ask. I could also try and show a demonstration? 

If any of you do have an idea what it is though that would be cool. Maybe.. we can plan something?

[HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE GUYS.. LARPING.. yeah okay just, gonna end it here. maybe he should think what kind of demonstration.....]

[It's been a while since Xavier last addressed the network, and the time away seems to have done him some good. He's less pale, less frail, etc. So! What is a rebellious teenager to do when his life starts taking a healthy turn?]

Anyone wanna go get blitzed?

Alright, Asgard! Time for me to sample your creative juices, regardless of their flavor! Ready to pour out a glass straight from your skull? Good! Now...

Tell me the most ridiculous and crazy idea you've ever had for something you wanted to make!

Then let's go try and make it.

I'm running low on synth ideas here, so I need something utterly ridiculous and insane to get my spark going. As depressing as it is to admit, a man can only make so many different kind of drills that don't actually work before he has to move on to a different subject... So! Hit me with your best shot!