[Having been here a couple of weeks now, Arya looks very different from the first time she addressed the network. She's cleaned up considerably from when she arrived, covered in the mud and blood of Harrenhal, an urchin shivering in a forgotten gray alleyway. She has gained a few bruises since then, particularly on her arms and legs, most of them brown and fading now, but there's one purpling welt on her forearm that she can't help poking at. She doesn't seem too bothered by the bruises, though. While she's arranged her hair in a slightly more feminine way, she's still wearing boys clothes; looser, more comfortable, easier to fight and tumble around in.]


Action

[Those of you passing through the Thor district may chance upon Arya sometime in the morning, looking a little dissatisfied and disappointed in herself. Maya's set her a task, but she's finding it a very difficult one to complete.]

No good. Maybe I just haven't found the right place yet, but...


Video

[It's late afternoon when she addresses the network. Her face still looks troubled.]

What sort of place do you go to, when you need to be alone and think?

[A pause. She's not sure whether to say the next part or not. The truth is, there's a lot that's happened to her over the last few months, ever since they left Winterfell, really. And she's just had to keep going through it all. To have to stop and examine herself now, to meditate and find the inner Arya, would mean facing it all, rather than just adding names to a list of people she'll one day give their retribution. It would mean grieving for Ned, something she's not had the space to do yet. And the idea is scaring her. Maybe not being able to find a place to follow Maya's instruction to her successfully is just a front for that.

She takes a deep breath, but the words won't come. She's just eleven years old, after all, how does she even try and process all of this?]

Robb, can you come and see me, please? I...

[She feels herself blinking back tears and, embarrassed, quickly shuts off the feed.]

( backstory or something )

[ Should you turn on your bracelet video feed today or be wandering around Gefion park, you'll see a stocky, muscular teen with a black, short beard-mustache Steve Carell-esque 2x combo sitting on the ground, waving frantically next to him at what appears to be a red... panda... thing...? There's a few rocks scattered around them, forming kind of a mini obstacle course. ]

Pabu--!!

[ He seems to be whisper-shouting at this... ferret squirrel, as if trying to alert him of something... Oh, well. The feed is on. ]

C'mon, Pabu! [ A beat. ] Just like the arena, alright?

[ Pabu finally responds, sniffing the air as he runs around the rocks. He stops on the top of the flattest one, and does a handstand. ]

Yeah! Now finale-time.

[ The teen gets up, raising his arms in front of him. ] Ready... [ Eyeing the rocks, he ninja-punches the air in front of him, making a swoosh. A brief moment of silence for absolutely nothing. ]

Aw, dang it!

[ The feeds cuts off, not before Bolin hunches over angrily and almost trips over his tip can, whoops. ]

(( Tags will probably drip into the lateness of tomorrow, since I might have to sleep soon, heh. ))

[The video starts with Diva staring at the camera with a frown, looking like there is something Very Important that she has to tell all of you. But if you manage to catch a glimpse at the pile of books next to her, you'll be able to guess that, no, that's not the case. They're all about vampires, both stories like TwiNightlight and more "serious" books about the supernatural.]

Ugh, so I've been in the library all day, because you know, it's been a long time since I've read anything about vampires... And you know, I apparently forgot a lot because this is all stupid!

[She picks up a random book and kind of shoves it into the camera, though her blue eyes peek over the top with her brow furrowed as she speaks. It's titled The Complete Book of Vampires]

Like, ways to kill them, I always knew that was stupid, but really? Sunlight, fire, holy water, garlic, crucifixes... And I mean, getting staked in the heart? [huffs] That's just rude!

[Diva sets the book down again, sitting back with her arms crossed. That said, one of the things she listed would kill her as a Chiropteran, but... Better to make people believe otherwise.] I mean, I know people think they're just things in stories, but still. And some of the things they can do are stupid too. Sparkling in the sunlight especially...

So, if that's what they're like in just stories, I'm curious. If you have vampires, you know, people that drink blood, where you come from, what are they like? At least Chiropterans don't have any weird things like this. Or I guess even things just in stories, since there's no way I'm reading any more of these stupid books.

( IC Summary of the Camping Event. )

Conclusions.
- Either we were sent to hostile territory or encountered a hostile scouting party in Asgard territory; either way we can assume that preparations for war are being made among the Fire Giants.
- We were not armed for battle. Those of us who do carry weapons found them removed. This fact is not consistent with the gods of Asgard's statements about how seriously they wish us to take this war -- unless it was their hope that deaths or injuries sustained among us might lead us to take their word.
- Baldr caused the camping trip to teach us a lesson about complaining in much the same way he wanted to teach us not to ask about our orginal abilities. The other gods distanced themselves from his actions but did not prevent them.
- I am tired and going to sleep.

((ooc: feel free to use this post to visit Conan at the hospital -- he will be spending a couple of days there. Also please feel free to time-skip as necessary! I am not sure how around I will be, so apologies if I am slow/stupid/all the usual disclaimers.))

 [ The feed turns on with a click, the camera taking a moment or so to focus on a rather restless-looking Cap. He doesn't usually get like this, folks, but he is a bit of an insomniac and he's rather used to spending the majority of his nights destroying punching bags. ]

Evening, Asgard.

I'm seeking some information on the Arena located somewhere in the city... ? Yeah... where is that exactly?
I'm kinda used to a regimen and just going out for a run isn't going to cut it. [ Pssh, like he really needs to work-out. The serum keeps him fit, but this is more for his mental state than anything else. 

He scratches the back of his head. ]

And while I'm on the subject, I could use a sparring partner on occasion. I take it I'm gonna be here for a while, too, so I might as well get a little more involved with the community here. 

Feel free to reply if you've got any information for me. Thanks. [ Smiles and salutes. ]

[ FILTERED TO MEMBERS OF THE AVENGERS. ]

I think it's about time we had a little meeting about the circumstances we're in at the moment. 
I'm aware that we can't do much about it, but we might as well "assemble" as Stark put it.

[The feed begins with Sokka, bent over a piece of parchment, brush in hand, smearing ink haplessly all over the paper. Sokka can't say he's thrilled with being here, but if there's an upside to being stuck in this place, it's that this kidnapping comes with perks! More specifically, powers.

Sokka's not like Katara or Aang, Zuko or Toph. He's never had any bending or magical abilities at his disposal. Instead, he has this thing!]

So... I've been experimenting with my powers lately, and I think I'm starting to get the hang of it...

[Two decisive dabs of his brush, and then he sets it down.]

Check this out!

[He lifts the paper and displays his masterwork: a very incensed looking, skirt-clad, stick-figure. It's even holding what looks to be two very lumpy pizza slices.]

Wait for it...

[Sokka gives the paper a bit of a shake, a little wrinkle... and then the drawing seems to peel off the paper. It stands upright and on its own as it lands on the on the polished surface of the desk with a soft click! ... It's literally made of wooden twigs. But it's the most magnificent set of twigs you'll ever see. He's proudly showing off his creation to the network.]

Tah dahhh! It's a stick figure! Get it?

I call it Sketch-i! Like Suki! Only, a sketch! [He proceeds to croon over his new inanimate creation.]Aren't you a cute sketch-i?

[Currently exploring the land of Asgard, one young woman has found herself in the Arena in the Thor district. A bit of careless wandering has landed her sort of lost within the training rooms, though she doesn't seem to mind for the moment. In fact, she appears rather curious, examining different rooms from a safe distance and keeping more of her focus on their occupants rather than the equipment. Something can be said for the way she watches them move, but her expression doesn't give much.

This lasts for a bit, and she eventually goes to the network, curiosity winning out.]

The training areas... are they free to use, or do they cost something? I'm brand new. But I don't want to get rusty. Maybe someone can help me?

[Not that she would, but for now, she can't let people see what she's capable of.]

I'm going to need information.

[HEY ASGARD LOOK IT'S A NEWBIE. Man aren't you getting tired of seeing this?]

Not the information that's provided by the nurses here. I'm looking for something more specific. Names, places, dates. Who's here, who's not, and if you can remember what your time back home is like. Should be able to see if there's a connection between them all.

[Oh, well. Okay, so maybe not so newbie and more along the lines of 'not new to kidnapping but definitely to a new world' kind of deal. Hawkeye's a bit odd like that.]

I've read the posts compiled by Travelers, and there's still things that are missing. I'm guessing the gods are being gracious and leaving that information out. Not surprising. How many are here overall, and do they ever show up in this whole mess? Or are they the kind who like being mysterious?

Any input would be appreciated.

[ Hey, Asgard, enjoy one very serious looking Raven Darkholme today. ]

My name is Mystique, and I'm a mutant, not just here, but back where I'm from too. I can do things others can't, because there's a mutation in my DNA. I am not Katniss Everdeen, although I do look like her now, exactly like her, if I'm being honest. The only difference is the hair. I'm a blonde -- she's a brunette. I don't normally look like her, however. Remember that mutation I mentioned? Well, because of it, I'm normally blue and scaly. [ She says that like she's proud, not ashamed. ] That's not the reason I'm making this broadcast, though.

[ She pauses. ]

I'm just curious. Have any of you ever met someone who looks almost exactly like you? Their face and body type are similar if not entirely the same as yours -- and their voice, it sounds the same way yours does. I think sometimes this person is called... a doppleganger. I'm not sure how that all works, but if anyone knows anything about it, I'm all ears.

 [ Hello, Asgard. Have one (1) little ten year old boy smiling cheerfully at you. ]

Ah, i hope I've got this right. I've been trying for the last few days, but it's a little weird!

I'm still a bit confused over what we're doing here. But if we were brought here by Gods, that must mean some of you are really strong, right? Like heroes? [ The admiration is practically tangible in his voice. ]

--Oh! Before I forget! My name is Thomas! I've been put into...uh... Hel House? That's an odd name...

[ ooc; As a reminder, his real name is Czeslaw Meyer. However, out of force of habit (and the chance he gets his immortality back) Czes will be going by Thomas in Asgard! ]

[Laura is walking through the now colourful land of Asgard. She looks less like someone who is appreciating the beauty of nature and more like a caged animal pacing.

She raises her communicator to give a panoramic view of a multi-hued area of the streets of Asgard, moving it around to prove her points.]

The gods cannot be relied on to keep their word. They will probably try to hold onto us for insurance.

[Pessimistic? Just a bit. But then, Laura has never been a ray of sunshine. It's not in her nature to see the bright side of life.]

[The location of this feed is instantly recognisable. You'd think Asgard had seen enough of the hospital for one week ... but no, here we go, another hospital post this time courtesy of one tiny detective, still stuck in bed albeit looking decidedly better than he has been.]

Ne ... you know if you talk to the new arrivals that the gods haven't changed the letter they give us any! It still is all about restoring colour, nothing about Ragnarok, or cupcakes or possibly being attacked by faeries or friends. And Wendy-san said maybe we should have a welcome wagon. And since my books got confiscated and I'm stuck in bed still, I thought I'd get that started! It's not an actual wagon of course. That would be weird. It's a guide to Asgard kind of like the document Sam-san compiled about the gods!

I want to make sure I don't miss anything so let me know if there's anything you want to be certain is in it! I'm going to compile it all here As you can see, it's just an outline right now ... so let me know if you want to write about a certain part or you have an idea for something I should add!

Um ... I think that's all ... oh, if the nurses ask, I'm being really good and resting, okay? Okay.

[Well hello, everyone! At about noon, one of your Gods has appeared in front of you again, cheerfully addressing the network from a nicely furnished living room somewhere (the decor matches the castle, perhaps?) Loki is completely chill about this, nowhere near as uptight as Odin was.]

Hey there, Travellers! This is your captain speaking. One of them, anyway. The name's Loki.

Are you having a good time? How about a miserable one? Either way, we hope you're not bored. The whole point is to keep you going, isn't it? The more you laugh and cry, the better the city gets. Have you noticed yet? It's working. Some things are getting pretty colourful by now, so we really have to thank you a little.

Good thing it's a special time anyway. See, it's the first day of Spring, so for our little world of Yggdrasil, it's the beginning of a new year! Welcome to year 416 of the Last Era, everyone!

To celebrate, to get the year off on a good leg, and to thank you, we'll be allowing another little Q&A here. You can ask us whatever you want as long as you follow a few rules.

One, we don't have to answer repeat questions. We might, but if you're all asking us the same thing we aren't going to explain it over and over. That's boring, and I'm sure you're all perfectly intelligent enough to look at the answers we give other people.

Two, we don't have to answer stupid questions. Self-explanatory, right? If you're repeating a stupid question you're breaking two rules, so don't do that. You might end up regretting it.

Three, you're not entitled to answers we aren't ready to give you. If you can't handle hearing "no", we just won't argue with you.

Simple, right? Now for one last thing, here's a couple of questions you can answer for me, if you want to.

How would you like it if we socialized more? Would it make you more or less comfortable?

Also, what's the #1 thing you think this city is lacking?

Ready? Go.


[OOC NOTE: The mods will OOCly be following the gods' IC rules. This means that if your comment gets skipped we aren't mad at you, it's just that we are all people with limited time too. ;)

This is also the post that will trigger the proving a point plot. If your character was chosen (the list is below), they should comment here asking about their powers. If you don't have time to do so, you're welcome to handwave that they asked and it was ignored, but characters who didn't ask won't be punished. If you were chosen and changed your mind about participating at all, it's fine to just not do it (it doesn't have to be an exact 10 that die), but if you want us to find an alternate, PM us asap so we can do so.

Now for the 10 victims, we chose 5 with more mental powers and 5 with more physical, and tried to pull from the biggest variety of canons as possible. The characters chosen to die are as follows:

Dying from physical powers: Buffy Summers, Cheriour, Dante, Rin Okumura, & Ririchiyo Shirakiin

Dying from mental powers: Charles Xavier, Kainé, Rose Lalonde, Shiki Ryougi, & Sweden

Characters chosen can die anywhere from now til March 31. It honestly doesn't matter if it all happens in the next few hours or if they're all at once on March 31, so don't agonize too much over timing. Just have with it. Check the linked plot info for more details! :)]

[This time it takes shorter for Hanako to start speaking, although her shaky and quiet voice did not change considerably. Taking initiative and posting in the networks is still nerve-wrecking somewhat, and she's been struggling a lot to talk with everyone in general. Everyone as in, the people who didn't overwhelm her too much.

Yesterday she was too busy having a date at the Great Library with Hisao (trying to search for info about their powers, and not being much successful at it) and was just a little aware of the things that happened while she was away. But the most surprising thing was what she'd found on the desk in her room when she returned...]

Um... I... I saw that a f-few of you people... got hurt rather s-seriously yesterday...

[Pause...] I don't know of w-who attacked you... but... I am sorry it happened... and I hope you all w-will be alright... This must be... rather terrible for you... I am sorry for n-not being able to... word this properly... u-um...

And... I would like to thank... all the people who offered me help when I got i-in here... one of my friends was sent here as well and I found him... s-so... just, thank you guys...

[She decides to cut the feed for now, not finding anymore words to say. Social linking is hard and emotionally draining, sob.]

[FILTERED TO HISAO ONLY~]

Hisao... There's something I need to... show you... Something I found when we returned yesterday...

[Talking to people isn't really something Laura seeks to do most of the time. Sometimes, however, it does serve a purpose.]

Is there anyone who is hiring? I am seeking work.

[As for her work qualificiations...she'll avoid listing them until someone asks.]

Also, I would like to speak with people from Hel house with the body manipulation ability and people from Sigyn house with the ability to heal. Preferably those with refined control.

[It's a solution she's come up with for getting around her lack of healing factor and repeatedly re-injuring her hands every time it occurs to her to use her claws.]

I will pay you for your help with something once I have a job. Thank you for your time.