... ugh.

[Ellie sounds... out of it. Not herself. Distracted, like she's been hit a few too many times in the head, or is somehow drugged up. She's finding her way but she's slow, like she's having to think about every word before she says it.]

So. Question -- how many of you guys have been in two places at once?

I think I was back in my... my world. For a while.

But I was here, too.

Anybody?

[ It's not been often lately that any of the gods have seemed outright celebratory on the network, but here you have it now: Thor's face is lit up with a brilliant and almost triumphant grin. ]

Polish your armor and sharpen your swords. We've taken Tyr and his power out of Thiazi's hands, and we know now for sure: she will not stand a chance against us and our dragon friends.

We will leave at sunrise in two days' time, and know this, Travelers - she is afraid, and with good reason. In two days, we march to victory.

[ ooc notes: He'll be hanging around a while if anyone has any questions, but feel free to use this post for ic discussion/planning too! The ooc event post will go up detailing all of the minutia in the morning. Thanks! ]

[Adachi looks like hell; like he'd been run over by a bus multiple times, patched up a little, and then tossed under the bus again. He's extremely disoriented, and his face is pressed up against a pillow as he focused his bracelet on him.]

Okay... serious question here, guys:

...how much time actually went by between everyone going nuts and right now? Please tell me it was at least one month?

[Because anyone that went looking for him the day previous would have found him sleeping, and unable to wake up.]


[[ooc; Adachi's been canon updated to the end of his story line in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, so he's lived half a year while sleeping one Asgard day. He's a little disoriented. Just a little.]]

[ Yeah, no, with all of these weird-ass hallucinations going on, Felix is not leaving his room. His tone is both shaken and incredibly irritated. ]

Fuck this, seriously. I'm in Freyr 107, weathering this out with a hell of a lot of vodka. Open invitation to anyone who isn't completely bloody crazy.

[Although she's calm and composed, the cold anger in Maribelle's eyes is enough to tip people off; she's genuinely angry. Furious, in fact.

For a few moments, she doesn't speak. Instead, she holds up the note and the pink locks of hair she found, and Yuiko's bracelet.]

I found these in the park, and this. Now, I'm uncertain as to whether or not the natives here did such a thing - a note is easily forged, and not the best evidence - I do know that my dear friend Yuiko has gone missing, and that whomever has done this shall have to deal with me.

If anyone has any information on this, I would be most grateful. I shall care for her reinhare, as well, so there's no need to worry for the poor little thing. As for whomever did such a dastardly thing, I have but one thing to say.

As a good friend of mine would often say in the heat of battle... Pick a god, and pray.

[As if the cries about some evil soul has filling the pool with piranhas wasn't bad enough later in the evening another alarm goes off. The SOS activates, the shrill noise piercing through the city with the sight of long pink hair falling to the ground as if just cut. Suddenly the world is spinning, the fading light of the sun washes everything for a moment before there’s a splash and the entire image blurs. Silence fills the feed, the light twisting and dancing along the surface of the water.

Towards the edge of the lake a piece of paper flaps a little, folded in half pinned there along with a few of the locks of hair. The message is written in a manner that is made to look almost identical to the graffiti that had been painted on the walls on day 517. It reads “The ashes of your existence will fertilize the soil for the universe to follow.”

Yuiko is nowhere to be found and the bracelet will be sitting in the water at Gefion Park. There won’t be much else there, no signs of a struggle, or of any unusual traffic accept for a Longtoothed Reinhare that seems rather distraught.]

[On screen today - Kanji's trying to look the smartest, coolest and calmest he's ever looked. It's definitely not perfect, though, but he starts...]

Hey.

I realised, yesterday... It's been a long time since I came here. And people here have done a lot for me. I know it wasn't, really, but it feels like it was just a coupla days ago a load of you helped me out when I was just a kid. It meant a lot to me.

So - I wanna pay folks back.

Do somethin' to help out that ain't just my job, you know? And what I can do is sew and fix things. Clothes are damn expensive at the moment. With the way things are, we've all gotta try and get by.

What I'm thinkin' of doing is runnin' some kinda - uh, workshop to show anyone who wants the basics of sewing things. How to fix buttons, how to fix basic holes and that sorta thing. I can do some'f the more complicated bits, too, if anyone wants.

So, anyone interested? Come by Everyday Sunshine later. If this works, an' nothing gets in the way, I might do a few more'a these. What d'you think?

[Anyone who does follow him up on his offer will find him setting up a couple of tables of sewing and craft equipment, and hoping for the best...]

In the spirit of cooperation, I'd like to offer lessons on shadow control, archery, horseback riding and swordsmanship.

Those who think this is a trap, think again. I don't want to lose any more than you do. Speak up and I'll see what I can do. I'm not going to work with just anyone, mind, and I'm not promising to be what I'm not.

[But... be what this place needs, indeed.]

It has come to my attention that in light of recent events, we have had little enough time to ourselves. Naturally, this is only to be expected in a time of war. However, we must not lose sight of ourselves in the midst of all this havoc, and I therefore have a proposal for the women of Asgard.

Would anyone, perhaps, be interested in joining me for an evening of light entertainment? We have precious little time before everything comes crashing down around our ears, and I wish to attempt to use some of that time to get to know my fellow ladies-in-arms a bit more.

[ The voice that comes over the network is straight to the point, he doesn't waste time. It's too dark to see anything over the feed, so he leaves it on voice on his end. He tries to bite back the potential strain in his voice. ]

A building collapsed while my friend and I were taking cover. We need help, if anyone can help lift up the rubble.

[ There isn't so much as a pause when he speaks again. Not really for himself, but for his friend's - Killua's - sake. ]

--If there aren't any healers who are helping others right now, we've both been injured. We're both fine for now, but we were both looking for a healer before it collapsed.

Thank you very much.

[ The morning of day 505, a message from the gods is broadcast over the network: ]

Greetings, Travelers.

Some of you may know already that there was a breach of the castle barrier. We apprehended an individual using Thiazi's magic to attempt assassination of the Queen, and have confirmed that he is Thiazi's informant inside Asgard. This man has been actively assisting her in making attacks on the city as well as misleading our own intelligence efforts.

[ Heimdall is understandably quite cross at this. He gestures offscreen and the feed shifts from Heimdall to a wider shot of the room, where there is a man being held in place between Thor and Loki, who also look quite cross. ]

His name is Satan and he pleads innocence by corruption -- that all he has done while sabotaging Asgard was Thiazi's influence. While he lives we cannot tell his intent, only that he is indeed the perpetrator.

Since he is one among you, we leave his judgment in your hands. What would you have us do with the traitor?


(( The poll is to be filled out ICly and once per character! This will decide Satan's fate. Please feel free to threadjack at will to discuss the trial! ))

[There’s a close-up of an eye first, topped by a bushy eyebrow, and then the image pulls back to reveal the stern-looking face of an older man. When he speaks, it’s brisk, with a Scottish accent.]

Interesting communication device you’ve got there, definitely not like any technology I recognise. It obviously broadcasts a signal - or else I’m talking to myself, which is one of the signs of a severely disturbed mind - but how? And, more importantly, to whom?

What I’m really interested in here, though, is how you’ve managed to muck around with my biology. I’ve been human once or twice, but the change involved is a bit complicated and messy. Here I am, though, human again, no scars, all my memories intact, and I’d quite like to know how you’ve done it.

[A pause, and then he narrows his gaze.]

And then I’d like you to change me back.

[Maribelle switches on the feed, clearing her throat politely. She seems much less ill at ease than before, and not a smidge of trepidation can be seen on her face. She must do her best to keep up appearances, after all.]

Good evening, everyone. Firstly, I wish to thank everyone who responded to my prior request. [Although it wasn't much of a request, but hey! Details!] I am most grateful for everyone's input and efforts, and especially to those who have chosen to join me.

That said, we are ready to begin questioning. Beginning tomorrow, I and my comrades shall start the process in the Everyday Sunshine building located in the Sigyn district. Questioning will begin in the morning, and end in the late afternoon.

There will, of course, be exceptions made for those who wish to participate in questioning, but wish to refrain from being subjected to our abilities. There is a telepathy user who has kindly agreed to interview people without a Charm user. Furthermore, there are two others, named Kirigiri Kyouko and Naoto Shirogane, who will question those who wish to answer our queries without being subjected to either charm or telepathy.

Everyone who wishes to attend may bring a witness if they so choose. My wish is for everyone to feel as safe as possible during this process.

[This message is unfiltered. It's that adorable, smug, irritating face that pretty much everybody in Asgard wants to punch. He hasn't been on the network in a while, but he's also been overworked helping to keep things nice and stable and the magic going properly, and some of his antics have been a little draining.

But he's back, from outer space... or whatever. Aren't you all lucky?

Behind him is a spear of jagged, ugly, blackish ice that people in the north of town have likely seen several times before. The remnants of Thiazi's backlash some time ago remain, despite efforts and study. Finally, folding his arms, he turned towards the feed and spoke. For once? He didn't sound too arrogant.]

Alright, so I know a few of you've been talking about ideas on how to clean the porch up. I think we've done enough window dressing for my tastes. It's high time we dealt with this thing. I'm all for your brilliant ideas. This is exactly what the engineers are supposed to do anyway.

And don't be shy. Just because you're not in my glorious band of misfit idiots doesn't mean you can't help. It's not like anybody wants this health hazard to stick around. So pipe up. I know some of you have been coming up with ideas, but it's time to actually get started, wouldn't you say?

(OOC: Threadjacking is invited in this thread. This is a chance for Engineers to plot/plan and non-engineers to add their own muscle. Several players have voiced interest in bringing down this ice flow and rebuilding the wall/Gate of Fire. I know at least 2-3 who've made attempts. You're all invited. Baldr's just being his usual dick self and kicking things in gear. Ultimately, it's player plots that will bring it down. I'll check with the mods on the 'how')

Action:

There's a stray kid wandering around the city today, a lanky young boy - when did he even get here? He looks lost, baffled, and more than a little wary and scared. He shouldn't be here! This place is grey, it's ugly, and more than anything, it's not his home.

Every so often, he stops and looks in shop windows as he passes them. Toy shops and craft shops, mostly. Trying to pretend like he isn't looking at that stuff, though; he's going to be a man about it! He doesn't need the cute stuff! He doesn't need to look at the singing flowers, or the weird bunnies or that stuff, either...
(Fooling no-one.)

In time, he can be found seated on a bench in the park, fiddling around with a bracelet that he's not sure how he got. Okay, it's very pretty, but - ]

Video:

- Ah! What's this doing? 'Recording' - huh?

[Poke, poke. The transmission flicks off, then shortly on again, with a slightly less surprised looking kid.]

Uh ... hi...

I can talk to people on here, right? Um... so [nervously, he almost mutters-] ...has anyone seen my parents? Their names are Hayao and Aiko Tatsumi... Ma? Dad? Are you here too? I'm - I'm in the park and I'm not sure where everything is... where am I?


((OOC: Yes, Kanji's been de-aged. Enjoy your temporary bitty with issues.))

[Freya is sitting, calm and regal, on an exquisitely carved chair of ancient wood, flowing blue tapestries hanging behind her. There's some kind of mutant rabbit in her lap, and she's holding it in place with gloved hands.] Travelers. You may have noticed a new addition to our fine city. It has fallen upon you to- [Her eyes dart away, and she turns her head to look with obvious worry at something off screen-] Freyr. Freyr, stop-

[ And Freyr's head comes into view, just at the edge of the screen. He is crouched down, touching the arm of Freya's chair to brace himself as he leans dangerously close to the animal. ] Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to get too close -- [ He's not looking at the bracelet, but the excitement in his tone seems to suggest he's addressing it, anyway. ] They're brand new creatures, really, truly new things, right from this world, so please be kind to them.... [ And he trails off, distracted, as he seems to try to line his face up with the animal's. Their noses are inches apart. Freyr wiggles his, delighted. ]

[Freya picks the rabbit up and moves it onto a nearby table, away from Freyr. She says, tone pointed,] Don't touch it. [And, looking back to her audience-] Them. The experience is highly- highly unrecommended.

[ Freyr's face falls into an expression of disappointment, before he stands and follows after her. ] I think most of you agreed on Longtoothed Reinhare, so: Miss Lovegood, thank you very much for that suggestion. [ Yeah, the disappointment is already gone. He simply seems brightly cheerful again now. ] Do you have any questions, or...? Please do ask.

[Freya continues:] Yes, please do ask, if- Freyr! Freyr, be careful- [And the video ends.]

[This is Maribelle. This is Maribelle, looking distinctly unimpressed. This is also her realizing that she might just be painting a giant target on her back. Any questions?]

Well, then. As though we all simply hadn't enough to deal with as things are, we now have a traitor in our midst. How very distressing! [cue a prudish sniff] As if we simply hadn't enough to deal with, now tensions are running high, and with barely a clue as to the identity of the culprit in sight.

Therefore, I have a proposal. I have heard that those of Loki's house are often gifted in telepathy, and those of my own - that is, Freya - may sometimes charm others. I wish to ask if anyone of Loki's house might wish to join with me, in order to question people.

Please, do not misunderstand me. I have absolutely no wish to even so much as attempt to force anyone, and I myself will gladly volunteer to be questioned, as well. However, I wish to at least narrow down the list of suspects. Even if we do not find the dastard, we can, at least, learn who the turncoat isn't, and any amount of information shall greatly help us.

Should anyone be interested in helping me, I shall gladly accept. Please do feel free to contact me.