I... I don't understand...

[The small, slender Japanese girl with the high ponytail and downtilted eyes might be familiar to some. She's standing in front of Heimdall House with a newcomer's letter in her hands, dressed in the same uniform as the first time she arrived, but it doesn't quite fit right anymore - she's gotten taller since she made it, started to fill out a little. At least in Asgard, which proves that she hasn't been completely reset.

The confusion on her face starts to contort into alarm as her words confirm that truth.]

Isn't - it over? I remember Freyr - when he - wasn't that the end? But now it's like none of it ever happened... the letter, and the maid, and everything looks just like the first time...

[And now edging into panic as she leans against one of the house's walls, wrapping her arms around her middle and shivering.]

What's going on?!

((ooc: and the thing is done ;D))

[There's a teenager dressed in a sweater vest with an apron over it on the screen, and he gives an almost shy little wave as if he still feels awkward making posts. In fact, he does. He's standing in the kitchen at Sigyn house, and he has quite a few trays of cookies set out on counters. They all look to be the same kind, with slight variations like different amounts of jam on them or slightly different amounts of browning, etc.

He waves a hand around himself. As well as the cookies, there are a few notebooks lying around, with lots of scribbling on them, as he's worked on the recipe.]

Excuse me, everyone, but I'm afraid I'm need of help. See, I've been baking this type of cookie that isn't my specialty, and I'm not entirely sure which of these batches that I've made is the best. I want to get it absolutely right because they're for a friend, so could anyone please come try some for me? They're called "jammy dodgers" and are kind of like shortbread cookies with jam, so if you're familiar with them especially, I'd appreciate a critique. I'm at Sigyn House.

[Pause.]

Doctor, you can come try some too, but we have to save at least some for the party, okay? Otherwise I'll feel like I didn't give you anything!

[ 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.))

[ After having been absent from the network as a whole since her (re)arrival, it’s a surprise that Ririchiyo is even communicating at this time but, unlike before, there’s something off about her broadcast; in ways, it’s almost as though she was in a world of her own or even possibly remembering a past memory. Really, it was anyone’s guess on what was going through her mind right now. After the date of December 19th had passed, she couldn’t help but feel she forgot an important day... a celebration of some kind for someone precious to her...

But she didn’t know anyone where that date had any importance. Yet, somehow, she had realised something slightly different about her SS agent but she had decided not to interrogate him about such a small thing. Without her even realising it, she had knocked her bracelet on a tabletop and thus it began recording her in her half-dazed state that gradually grew into a more panicked state as she hugged herself. ]

What was that horrible dream...? Even now, I still remember it so vividly that it terrifies me. I can’t help but get this feeling where I’m forgetting something extremely important, but... what is it? I’m scared. I’m so scared. Miketsukami-kun... “that” Miketsukami-kun... and the Miketsukami-kun of now... is he... no longer here? [ At this point, her voice grows increasingly more distressed. ] It’s different. Something is different. Is it me, or is it...? I’ve tried to remember, but I can’t. Is there anything for “me” to remember? Am I the “me” everyone wants back? Or not?

Who in the world am I!?

[ With that outburst, the broadcast ends suddenly. ]

[A video broadcast will begin to record. The very first image everyone on their bracelets will notice is an empty apartment. An empty couch, to be more exact. It will not be long until a pair of gloved hands will move the device, to better align it on the table, and once he was done, then the owner of the gloved hands will reveal himself as he takes his seat in the middle of the couch. Many people will notice the man as Soushi Miketsukami.

At first, the individual will not speak, he will simply sit up striaght an offer the transmission a kind, gentle smile. Yet, the current atmosphere did not feel as carefree as his current expression was showing, it felt serious. His gaze, alone, will show mix emotions, and only those who understand him might be able to recognize those emotions as either serious, concern, loneliness, and even fear. It won't be long he lowers his head in greetings.]

Good evening, Asgard. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. It has been a while. [Raising his head, he will smile.] To those who do not recognize me, my name is Soushi Miketsukami. I am a Secret Service Agent, who serves under my master, Ririchiyo Shirakiin. Welcome to Asgard. [Another formal bow. Now that he got the brief introduce out of the way, he will raise his head, directing his gaze towards the camera.] I am certain a few will recognize her name, or have met her before. This broadcast is dedicated to those who have met her in this world before her recent disappearance.

[As he spoke those words, his earlier servitude smile will weaken, but will not show.]

We need to have a short discussion. It is an important matter regarding my master. If any of you care for her well-being, please listen to my humble message.
( IMPORTANT TL;DR MESSAGE CONCERNING RIRICHIYO SHIRAKIIN! )

[Most people would be happy to be alive and well. Aladdin sadly wasn’t given that luxury, he had gotten somewhat of an information overload. Months of information from back home coming to him not to mention realizing he had been dead for a few days was a lot to handle.

He ended up spending quite a bit of time in his room trying to sort everything. At this point there was a question plaguing from the last thing he remember before he woke up. He sat there for hours before deciding to ask for some help. ]

Hello everyone, I’m sorry if I worried you what happened couldn’t be help.

I have a question for you all. It may not make much sense but please here me out. In unnamed place there are around 300,000 people documented to be living there. In that country everyone is divided into different classes, there are no slaves in this place. [At this point he sighs.] My question is how would it be possible to hide 200,000 of those people?

I know it sounds strange but I need to figure this out.


( Filtered to Hibiki )

[ Charles adjusts the camera in front of him, giving a few seconds to look more put-together. Adjusting his blazer before he offers the kind citizens of Asgard an easy mellowed out smile. ]

I do hope everyone is alright given the circumstances of the battle?

Firstly, I'd like to open up this announcement by saying - war can be quite a traumatic thing and not everyone is acclimatized to that. There were a number of horrific sights that transpired, some of us have lost friends and I believe this is an ample time to offer up some of my services.

[ charles still isn't used to the fact he's without his telepathy, but it's not an excuse to stop helping people in his opinion. ]

If you need someone to talk to about anything. My ears and door are always open. I just want to make sure no one does anything brash as a result of what's transpired and event like these weigh heavy on the mind. [ obligatory hi erik comment. ]

Your concerns will be held with the strictest confidentiality.

Secondly, I'd like to inquire about the other side of the war. These giants. Does anyone know what they are fighting for? If this truly is a battle between our cause and theirs. I believe in finding understanding. Perhaps if we find a commonality - or bridge the gap - we can find solutions.

[It's evening, and Nakama has once again been ordered to sleep. Before she does that, though, she has a few things to say. The Arena is visible behind her, the rows of beds and crowds of healers, and she looks ready to drop off at any moment, but her voice is strong and clear.]

So I realized awhile back... even if we win, this'll be goodbye, won't it? Everyone will be going home.

[She pauses, takes a deep breath, and continues.]

There's something a lot of my friends know, but not all of you do, and I think it's time I told you. In my own world, I was already dead - I had to sacrifice myself to save the planet. So that means when I go home, I'll be returning to nothing. I only say this so you'll understand how important it is that I say what's coming next.

All of you... if I knew you, if we were close, if we exchanged a few words... if you even saw me on the street and smiled at me... you've given me so much more than I could ever hope to put into words. You've completely changed how I see both myself and the world. You've taught me about hope, and friendship, and caring about myself as well as other people. For all of the terrible things that have happened here, this place has been more of a home to me than I could've imagined possible. And for that, I thank every single person in Asgard. I even thank the gods, for bringing me here and letting this happen.

So, I - I guess this is goodbye. [Her eyes finally start to mist over, but she's smiling.] Take care of yourselves, all of you, in your home worlds. I hope that you'll be able to find peace and happiness. And - I know you won't be able to remember me, but just know for now that you changed the life of one person for the better. Whoever you are.

[With that, she curls up on the floor, closes her eyes, and ends the feed.]

((ooc: There will be no replies to the tags on this entry. Nakama has gone to sleep, and she doesn't want to look back on (what she thinks is) her last farewell. But anyone who wants to leave her one "final" message is free to!))

[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.]

[For the first seconds of the video, it's simply Nezumi looking towards the camera with an almost serene expression. And then, his eyes close and he recalls Sonnet 147, written by Shakespeare, and begins to recite it. His melodic, practiced voice never stutters or stumbles over a single word or syllable. He speaks with deep emotion, as if speaking from the very depths of his soul. The words flow like a gentle river, strong and unyielding.]

My love is as a fever longing still,
For that which longer nurseth the disease;
Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,
The uncertain sickly appetite to please.
My reason, the physician to my love,
Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,
Hath left me, and I desperate now approve
Desire is death, which physic did except.
Past cure I am, now Reason is past care,
And frantic-mad with evermore unrest;
My thoughts and my discourse as madmen's are,
At random from the truth vainly expressed;
For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,
Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.

[As the last word is spoken, he pauses to allow the sound and meaning to fully sink in to the listener, and then he gives the audience his winning smile. He sounds confident and very sure of himself as he speaks.]

If you would like to hear more, please visit the Draupnir theatre in Freyr district. Readings like this will be given by me every day starting at noon. And believe me, I look much better in person than through a transmitting device.

Thank you.

[Click.]

So, here's a question for anyone who might know the answer: What happens when all this is over? Let's pretend we win, and we're actually sent home - do we get dropped oh so conveniently back in the same spot considering we were so inconveniently taken, or do things change?

Since we've kind of done the world a favor in the end, I feel like we could ask for a favor in return, right?

[ The recording starts just as a door closes behind two faces that should be plenty familiar by now, unless you’re brand new. The Doctor still has that fez, and this time he’s pretty much shuttlecocking it between his hands. ]

Hello, Asgard! Amy, Rory, Oswin. Me and Aladdin here have just been to the tailor. Or, well, a tailor. Because Aladdin here thinks that I have the right to a fez, so he was so kind as to take me there so I can stock up. He’s quickly gaining points, you know. Don’t want him to get ahead of you, do you?

[ He’s just joking, really, because he loves Amy and Rory so dearly, and Oswin is very much getting there. The grin is nothing but light, easy, and he drops the fez onto Aladdin’s head because new best friend.

Except not really, but yes. ]

Hello, everyone! Ms. Amy, Mr. Rory, and Mr. Oswin. You shouldn’t be mean to the Doctor like that. If you even think about messing with these one, you’ll be paying for it!

I don’t understand why you would get rid of a perfect good tarboosh...I mean fez.

[He’s pouting angrily at you all. It doesn’t last for long as he remember what else happen at the tailor.]

Yes, after we showed the tailor he was really excited about it. He says he’ll probably sell them as a regular item now.

[ The Doctor leans in, lowering his voice a bit but it’s still very much audible. ]

Oswin’s a girl.

[ And then he straightens back up. ]

So, you see! Fezzes are cool. Tailors know.

[He blinks for a second before turning to the man, he lowers his voice as well.]

Oh, it just sounds like a man’s name.

[He looks back, he doesn't appear to be too sorry for that mistake.]

Fezzes are cool, now everyone has a chance to get one!

((OOC: The Doctor is blue, Aladdin is red.))

[Today, Loki is addressing the populace again, from the comfort of his little office presumably in the castle.

But he is not doing so alone. This time, everyone might have to check their blood alcohol levels, as his complete mirror image is with him.]

So, about those animals. Not our fault. This guy thought it was a good idea to fuck around in war time.

But now we’ve got it sorted out and he’s going to help us not die. Conveniently for everyone, this means you can still go shopping for fancy clothes and computers in Utgard. It also means we have one less gate to worry about having breached. Hopefully.

[“This guy”, lurking somewhere behind Asgard’s Loki, gives a cheerful shrug.]

What can I say? Some of you got very nice, useful gifts out of it. Think of it as your friendly neighbor giving you a hand with your wartime shopping.

That’s like kicking someone in their broken leg and giving them a copper. Not even I think that’s funny.

You had a shit sense of humor to begin with. That isn’t my fault.

I had wittier influences. Satire above belching, brother.

If that’s what you want to believe. Your influences haven’t been doing their job if they let you post this monstrosity. I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but I was obviously wrong. Your art’s even shittier than your humor. [He’s embarrassed for you.]

It’s called mocking. I didn’t leave cow pies everywhere. And this is an irrelevant subject for a public address.

A public address to show me off. How flattering. [He gives his twin a look.] Are we done here?

Done enough. Your face is nice enough to look at but I’m sure they tire of your personality.

So anyway, things are going to blow up at any time, we’d like a little help keeping an eye out. Pick a god, but if any of you have time, we’d like a Watch organized in every district. No fighting, just keeping an eye out for trouble. And if you want to help the war medics or the engineers and builders, talk to the elves. That’s about it for now.

[Asgard’s Loki sighs -- but then he pauses, as if he remembered something, and grins.]

But before we go, I believe there’s a pretty girl out there that I owe something to. This is for you, sweetheart.

[And with that he turns and decks his twin.]


[ooc: Asgard!Loki & Utgard!Loki. The OOC post with the leader positions for groups will be up later today!]

I know what they want.

They forgot how to use faces. They don't have them anymore.

So they use these instead.









Don't leave your ident in your room.



[If anyone would prefer action tags, they will find a bedraggled River sitting in the Odin lounge.]

[Nakama's just entering her room when she turns the video feed on, looking pretty well neutral. She's got her cloak on, so she was just outside, and her work bag is slung over one shoulder.]

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to ask -

[And then her voice gets caught in her throat as her gaze lands on the desk in front of her. It's impossible to see what's caught her eye with the current angle of the video, but her eyes quickly widen and well up with tears, and her voice is a hoarse whisper when she speaks again.]

...mom...

[She drops her bag and runs over to the desk, grabbing an ornate silver picture frame too quickly for viewers to see the picture inside and clutching it to her chest, her knees giving out under her. She periodically holds it away to look at it, then clings to it again, as though terrified it might disappear just as it appeared. Then she turns her bleary, tearstained face back up to the camera, wearing a watery smile.]

I - I don't know who did this, or how, but - thank you.

Everyone knows to steer clear of the big kitties, right? The owls probably aren't too friendly, either. They might have your eyes out of your skull if given the chance.

...So. Does someone out there have a theory about the sudden invasion of wild predators that's not completely bonkers or am I setting myself up for disappointment?

I understand some have the capability to heal. [Powers just seem a little too surreal for her at the moment.]

However are there any medical facilities here or even anything for scientific purposes? Just to test basic functions and forces here.

[Claire Saunders doesn't exactly trust the nature or believability of this place. She crosses something off.]

How is society run here? I understand there is a war going on, but what do people actually do here? Are we supposed to fight it ourselves? I have some weapon skills, possibly more due to muscle memory.

[She needs to know what to do, and the why. Staying idle is driving her nuts.]

[Hello, Asgard. We interrupt your creepy old man, owl and lion woes to bring you this.... thing. This trolling thing. Vanitas has had a few days to peruse the educational material Euri lent to him--enough time to get to the first sex scene and promptly laugh himself hoarse.

Oh, but this is too good to keep to himself. Way, way, way too good.

It's hard to miss this video of Vanitas sitting calmly in a chair somewhere in Hel's house, one leg crossed casually over the other with a book in his hand. There's an eerie little smile on his face, as he opens it with no lead-in, and starts reading aloud in a very even tone.]

The Treasure or the Trophy, Chapter seven. Page sixty three.

( Cut for NSFW of the trashy romance novel variety )

[He makes it through without a hint of laughter, or flinching. Just dry, and a little amused. Once he gets there, Vanitas abruptly stops, and closes the book.]

So, this is what it's all about? Stupid... How do you guys keep from laughing yourselves to death?