[ Hey Asgard. Here's Rin. ]

Hey, what's a good paying job? I need some suggestions for someone. [ Using Archer to cover up her search for a job. Wonderful. ] If you don't have a good answer, don't bother replying because you'll just be wasting my time.

[ She says nothing more and seems to turn the feed off. However, she simply switches to a private filter. ]

( Private to Archer, Saber and Kiritsugu; )

I'd like to be enlightened. [ And judging by the way he's expectantly looking at the camera, it seems like he's genuinely interested in you. As if you have a superb, unbidden story to tell...and he wants to hear it. ]

So if you could take a moment of your time to answer this simple question, it'd really mean the world to me.

When was the first time you decided to use your powers? Was it accidental? Intentional? How did it feel? Have you used your powers excessively after that time or scarcely? Moderately, if at all?

And if you haven't used them yet...why not? [It's not asking too much....right??]

[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...!

[There's no video feed, but the audio feed comes on to someone muttering under their breath a little before sighing and addressing the network at large.]

...Right then, here's a question for you lot. Say you arrived here a bit ago, and a small and foul creature immediately took to following you around. And then you did something completely, entirely stupid, such as misplacing your bracelet and going about without it, and you think you may have gotten all pal-like with the smelly little thing during that bout of idiocy, and now it won't go away. Hypothetically speaking, how would you keep it from barking in the middle of the night and what would you, um, feed it?

Hypothetically speaking, of course!

[And then there is the sound of an enthusiastic bark in the background.]

Oh, shut up. No one asked you!

George not one to complain but this worst jungle George ever seen.

[The long-haired man facing the video feed nods solemnly. If there is one thing the King of the Jungle knows it’s jungles.]

See, most important thing in jungle is trees. Trees home for animals. George not see many animals. Without home, animals go elsewhere. George want go elsewhere too.

[George thump—sorry. Our intrepid, leopard-skin wearing hero thumps his chest for emphasis.]

George try climbing building but building not got branches for climbing like tree. Then George try swing from strange round vine, but vine break and George get owie. George not mind owie so much. George strong! But if George not got vines to swing from, then George sad. George go look for better jungle.

So, if gods want George to stay and protect jungle, gods better plant lots of trees. George not demanding. George help! But George just saying. This jungle needs a lot of work.

[And with another sage nod, George ends the feed. Or tries to. It appears that the state of Asgard’s jungle is not the only problem facing our beloved Jungle King.]

Why strange button not work? George sure George press just like grey ape with no face show Geor—

[And thus George’s first network post came to a sudden end.]

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.

It is not my usual manner of approaching matters but.. I must admit that it is the most simple.

[ The woman who looks no more like a teenager frowns, but the frown quickly returns to a regular, rather static look as she glances into the feed. ] Is anyone willing to divulge information of the event previous to my arrival? I believe the event is the cause of the two names...

[ She looks off a bit, her lips purse together as she pulls up the name. ]

My apologies. I believe the event is the cause of the two names that "Loki" mentioned. If there is anything that you can tell me, it will be greatly appreciated. I cannot offer you anything in return at the moment, but I will repay you in the future if my assistance is required.

[ She hates information gathering or asking from help from others, but since they are all more or less on the same side, the people of Asgard should be willing to give her a little information. She can work out the rest on her own. The sooner she can get oriented with the reality, then the better for her when they fight the war for real. ]

[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?

[Here is a brown haired, blue-eyed teenage boy looking rather bored as he fiddles with the bracelet he is wearing.]

This is nothing like a computer. I can't even take this thing apart.

[He sighs longingly, still playing with the bracelet.]

Is there anything in the way of technology that I can play with? Perhaps...something not grey?

[ Natasha has to say something. She can’t just stay silent. But what to say? That this all has a really unpleasant ring of nostalgia to it? That she’s read the SHIELD file on Asgard before and either their intel was completely off base, or this entire place was not what it was claiming to be? No. She couldn’t alienate an entire group of people right off, not when it seemed like they earnestly believed what they were being told. She’d been watching them for a few hours now, silently observing – learning. She’s even taught herself how to use her bracelet, reading back on the last few days and fiddling around with her settings.

Now it was time to join in.]

I’m not sure .. if I’m doing this correctly. My name is Natalie Rushman. I was on Earth and then now.. I’m here and that strange woman is telling me that I’m in some sort of house and I was given a bracelet…

[ She’s the very picture of a confused, out of place woman, if a little bit more collected than most. There isn’t any crying, hysterics or babbling going on over here. ‘Natalie’ is a little pale, but that could be chalked up to the lighting. In fact, it almost looks like she’s standing in front of a window, with the sun behind her, obscuring parts of her face – it makes it hard to make out who exactly is speaking into the video. ]

Is there anyone .. who can try and explain to me what is really going on? Someone who has an actual face and has been here for a while?


( ooc: bringing you one spy! her post is going to be tagged with her real name "natasha romanova" so technically, if your character is the type to figure these things out, feel free to have her catch her in her 'lie' - just don't expect her to go down without a fight. (; )

Honestly, I don't understand how people don't love snow. It's cold, yes, but...overall, it's just very pretty, isn't it? How could you not love that?

[Well, here's a familiar face to some- Cheriour is standing on top of a snow pile, beaming and looking very proud of himself as his clock eyes tick on.]

[He tilts his head quizzically at the camera.]

But I have to say, I'm a bit confused as to what in the world some people do with it! You see, I'e been reading these books about what people do in the snow, and while some things are rather self-explanatory, others are...less so. For example, snowballs I understand, but what in the world is "snowboarding"? Is that like putting boards on snow, or...? And it seems a lot like skiing, too, by the sound of it! Except...I'm at a loss as to what skiing is, too. It sounds fun to say, though, skiing...

[A pause, before he shakes his head.]

Oh, oh, but there was something that I was very intrigued by in the books I read, and I don't really know if I did it correctly or not, but...I made a snow angel!

[And the camera pans over to show, well, this:]

[ 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.

[ He's settled quite comfortably in the corner of one of the city's cozy taverns, broadcasting a little smugly. Melting snow is still crusted on his hat and collar, but his clear glass tankard is already half empty. ]

I've heard more whining about the lights than anything else. 'The travelers will like them,' I heard. 'They're festive,' they said. Tchh. You'd think that most of you were blood sworn against having a little fun downtime between battles in a war.

[ And Thor signs off with a salute of his mug. ]

[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. ]

[There is no video to go along with this post, Asgard. Though some of you may recognize the voice that is speaking already. Some of you may even be lucky enough to know the name and even the face that goes with it.]

Um... hi Asgard?

[Geez, how do you even greet people like this?]

Listen... I finally got some alone time with the TV in the Heimdall welcome hall, and I found something out.

[Any hesitancy or nervousness the voice had before vanishes to be replaced by something else: Annoyance.]

It doesn't get any channels.

[The voice pauses as though realizing just how silly that seems to get annoyed about before continuing in a more apologetic tone.]

N-not that I'm complaining. Considering everything I've been told about this place, not being able to watch TV is the least of anyone's worries right now. I just want to know if there's any way to hook up some cable on the TV and maybe get some programming. And if not, does anyone know if there's a store in the city that sells the Space Heroes Season box sets on DVD?

[Yep. He did just ask that. Out loud. No regrets.]

That's all I wanted to know. Again, not a huge deal, but we all have our own way of unwinding right? And you can't train or be depressed all the time.

[He's about to end the recording, but he pauses as a thought occurs to him. His last thought is verbalized in a tone where it's hard to tell if he's joking or serious.]

But if this place doesn't have pizza, all bets are off.

[End feed.]

There seem to be a lot of us now. The network we're all using now sort of reminds me of the internet. If you didn't know already, the internet is a place where you can upload videos and research things. It's really convenient.

How many of you are familiar with the workings of technology?

Um...Since we had the equipment I thought we could form some kind of Motion Picture Club, maybe. It's just a way to pass time.

Filming things has always been a hobby of mine.

[Wait he's missing something.]

My name is Shu. Shu Ouma. Some of you have met me before already but...I'm from the Sigyn house. Nice to meet you.

[He'd better turn off the feed before he embarrasses himself more.]

[It took a few days, but Kirei managed to find the information he was looking for - but that doesn't explain why he was covered in snow, nor the nasty looking cut on his cheek]

That woman spoke the truth: there is no way out. No entries or exits, with the parameter closed in. The residents supplied information about three gates in the North, South-West and South-East area, but only of warnings and vague descriptions. The residents themselves see nothing wrong, nor do they seem to notice the state of this world.

[...though if one is to look closely, the tell-tales sign of a frown are beginning to form.]

To what extent do these “gods” need us to achieve their goals...