[The feed opens abruptly to Ven who looks like he just woke up, hair and clothes messy still from being in bed so long, but looking absolutely horrified. And the first thing he asks upon opening the feed is--]

H-how long was I out of it?

[ooc: canon updated him a little so he was asleep for almost two weeks.]

[Euri takes a deep breath when the feed starts. This seems a little weird, asking everyone on the network instead of hunting down the people she already knows, but this might be the better option.

She hopes.]

I bet some of you have already noticed the gods sent Crow - Senji home. For those of you that didn't know him he was amazing and really, really great. And the best fighter here ever. He could kick anyone's ass!

So... before he left he was training me to be a better fighter. Now that he's gone I need a new trainer, because I definitely don't want to just stop. There's a certain bastard obsessed with fire whose ass I still need to kick, and there's the war to worry about.

I can pay runes! Or I guess if anyone really wants, potions or charms or herbs - stuff I prepare for the store. I can cook, too. Mostly. So if there's anyone who can fight and is interested let me know!

[Hello Asgard, it's "???" popping up again.]

What makes a home?

Is Asgard a home to you now?

[........Yup, that's all he has to say, even if he should probably notify people who may be interested to know that he's alive awake.]

Two questions, and neither of them have anything to do with each other.

[Oh that's fine, hello to you too, Draco. It's nice to see you sitting in front of what looks like a giant map of...the universe, perhaps. At least it's Draco's thoughts on the universe with various planets, constellations, and the like scattered across it. It should also be noted that Draco's face has a few colored lines on it from the markers, paints and ink he's using. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and he's still severely in need of a haircut seeing how his bangs are flopping right in his eyes. He was originally planning to go outside to test his newly leveled-up flight abilities, but with how cold it's been out and how recently he's finally shaken his flu? No. Way. In Hell.

But that's not the important part here. He's not looking at the bracelet as he addresses the city again, but rather he's continuing to etch lines and draw another red circle.]

So. Who do you think you are? And where can I find a decent telescope?

Answer to the best of your ability.

Uh, hey there! Some weather we're having, huh? It never gets this chilly where I'm from! This place sure is different from Shinjuku. Is this normal?

[Oh boy, speaking to a network of nearly 250 people is just a little bit intimidating, especially since Takato already knows that he's one of the youngest Travellers. A bit of sheepish laughter won't make anything more awkward, will it?]

I'm Takato, and I still have a lot of questions about.... uh, everything. I already know what happened, but is that why there aren't many people in the Freyr house? I mean, why would you have a slide on the second floor if almost no one lives there?

[He's alluding to Freyr's sacrifice, but bringing that up may be a bad move. A really bad move, considering what he's seen thus far.]

Anyway, what I really want to ask about is the drawing power! I mean, it's really cool but I think I'm doing something wrong because it doesn't always work the way I want it to. Is that supposed to happen or am I having technical—er, magical, I guess, difficulties? I like to draw for fun too, but I haven't seen many other people doing it. I can’t be the only one, right?

Oh, and I was wondering.... has anyone heard of Digimon before? [He visibly flinches without warning, and unsurprisingly, another round of sheepish laughter follows.] I mean the card game! The Digimon card game! I have a bunch of cards with me but I can't play by myself.

All through your existence, there are many limits you are faced with. When you are a soul who cares for the shape of the things you like, that’s natural to happen. You feel like you need those things; you want those truths and limits and shapes and what you have in this world is very important, for they bring you comfort. You will not allow others to threaten those things. Self-preservation and individuality.

But when you do not care for your shape, when you do not care if you are alive or dead, and you can forget your truths that limit you and the world of shapes you live in, for you need nothing from this world, you become limitless. And so you can love unconditionally. I love you unconditionally, from the depths of my heart. [ so, when he told some of you that he loved you? Guess what. He means it. And it's unconditional love. He loves every single one of you, no matter how much you refuse it ]

[ a pause while he is trying to explain this the best way he can. Mostly, what he just said was an introduction. The actual “what the fuck, Kaworu?” begins now: ]

I do not understand the first. I never thought I would want to. To understand what individuality of a being is or to even seeing you all as individuals. I am trying to, though. And I know this is an individual desire; while difficult for me to understand it, I know I am able to fee it, at some level. [ another pause. To admit this is rather complicated, though most of you wouldn’t understand why. ]

I wish to learn individuality. I don’t think I could ever see myself individually, but I wish to at least see you and love you individually as well.


How, though? How can you see individually?

[ another pause ] How come it’s so important?

[The video feed starts focused in close on a pale blue eye, darting from side to side as its owner attempts to discover if the feed is on. Once that’s apparently ascertained, the picture zooms back to show a face half cloaked in shadow, long pale hair covering what shadows do not. It is a man, perhaps in his mid-twenties, still fine-boned and almost delicate looking, and he is sitting in a dim room, lit only by a single candle.]

Well.

[The voice is higher than one might expect, smooth and cultured. He smiles, and it is at once amused and sharp.]

In light of what we have so recently been told, I have questions for you, my fellow Children of the Child-Worlds. I asked them of Loki, and he made me no answer, so I will ask them of you.

[His expression changes, amusement given way to curiosity, his visible eye seemingly staring straight into the viewer, unblinking. Some might find it a bit unnerving. His voice, though, is calm.]

Why do so many consider the gods liars? Have things they promised come to pass?

And if we fail, what more will be lost than what would be lost if we did nothing?

[after a few seconds, the feed cuts.]

[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.

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))

So...is there a bad way to compliment someone or something? Or at least a better way to do it so you won't get told you need to work on yours. I mean, it's not like I'm bad at it...am I?

People are usually alright when you say it's been nice to meet them aren't they? But it felt like they were mad and happy at the same time. Is that normal in some worlds? I got told I need to practice.

[ aka, HOW DOES TSUNDERE WORK?? ]

[The feed starts off with a blue-eyed lion cub wearing a silly lion grin. There is snow in his mane and all over his furry little body. For someone who's usually human, Sora is rather unperturbed about being an animal.]

This is great! This snow is perfect for snowmen and snowball fights. Hmm...

[He paws at the snow and gathers a clump perfectly sized for his paws. Packing it into a ball proves more difficult. Disappointed, he drops his almost-snowball.]

I guess I need hands... Hey, someone should come out and help me make a snowman! We'll make the biggest snowman anyone's ever seen.

[Sora shakes off snow and sneezes, then looks thoughtfully at the bracelet.]

But since it's cold and snowing, does that mean it's close to Christmas? Does this world have Christmas? I hope Santa knows I'm here. I've been really good this year, too...

[The video turns on showing the ninja with a dozen half opened books spread out around him. Each one borrowed from the Great Library, and half of which focus on the mystery man in red. In front of him lies a book on traditional Christmas songs. The title of the open page reads "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

When the video turns on, Sai looks up, and in a serious tone as one could muster -  ]

How do I know what list I'm on?

Hello. [ Kaworu's voice is gentle and soft, as usual ] I have a question. What sort of job you had back home and what kind of job do you have now. If you ever had any. If not, what did you do?

I would like to find a way to occupy my time, though I suppose I need money for many of the things I enjoy doing. [ playing music ]

[ now, time for some Kaworism. He sets the filters because there is one person who would hate to hear the next question ]


[ FILTERED AWAY FROM IKARI SHINJI ]

Instrumentality Project. In Instrumentality, the flaws in every living being would be complemented by the strengths in others, thus erasing the insecurities in people's hearts. No one would ever perish, no one would ever leave, and everyone would understand everyone.

No insecurities in people's hearts, no hatred and no confusion. Your mind would be at peace. True Paradise.

In Instrumentality Project, you’d have to lose one thing and one thing only, which is what brings you so much pain: individuality. All souls would be gathered and united as one. This would create an existence where nobody existed singularly, but merely as part of the whole.

[ so ]

Would you accept it? Would you prefer eternal happiness or your individuality?

[The feed comes on to show Roxy, brushing past a mass of overgrown plants and stopping once she is in a clear enough space.]

Heads up, I found Jade and Sollux, a few people had asked me about her at least, so check in with me.

[There's a short pause]

Actually, anyone that's friends with me come check in here, don't make me drag my exhausted ass around this place looking for you all.

Thanks.

[So. Have you all noticed that mysterious flying ship that’s been helping you out since the battle started?

Well Freya & Freyr are addressing you from that ship right now. It’s a pretty nice ship, as things go, even if it is not in the water where it ought to be. As for the twins, they’re looking a little tired, but they are putting on reassuring faces anyway.]

[Freya speaks first with a cool smile.]

Greetings, Travellers. And congratulations on surviving your first battle.

[Or, you know...”surviving”, for those of you that might not have.]

You may have noticed our ship--

My ship.

[She shoots her brother a playful glare.]

Oh, I see. Well, if it’s your ship, then please, by all means!

[She gestures toward the feed, eyebrows raised.]

[Freyr sighs, rubbing his face in an unusually inelegant gesture of weariness.]

We thank all of you for your efforts on and off the battlefield. You are all brave and strong people, and we could not do this without you. We can only hope this fight will be the last one and we will be able to release you after.

Additionally, please forgive our delay in reviving those Travellers who have fallen so far. Doing so is a greater cost in our power than going on without them. We will restore them as soon as it is possible and practical.

[One content nod of approval from the female twin, and they’re out.]


[ooc: Freya & Freyr. Responses can come from any gods, so you can address someone specific in your comments if you'd like!]

[See Road.

See Road eating a lollipop.

See Road eating a lollipop while perched on a churning washing machine.

See Road eating a lollipop while perched on a churning washing machine that is starting to very quickly overflow with frothy bubbles.

... most people would probably spend their first post blathering on about additional weird powers, or the lack thereof, or about how they may or may not have better things to do at home that they would rather be doing than whatever it is they are doing here.

Road is not most people.

And there are more important matters at hand, anyway. Such as:]

I want a new maid. Preferably one that isn't a stupid box.

[As well as:]

-- and a new dress. This one is wrinkled.

[Ladies and gentleman, Road Kamelot has entered the building.]




It's also advised that the residents of Hel should... probably watch their footing, lest they want to end up sprawling into the floor. But she isn't going to say that. Perhaps she'll get a show out of it.]

[[Residents of Hel, if you are passing by the laundry room and would like to nearly break your neck traversing soapy floors, or something, I am totally welcome to actionlogging!]]