[ The feed opens up as video, to begin with. Of course, neither Buffy nor Giles can actually speak. The whole city is affected by this. But, luckily for the city, this is something these two Sunnydale natives have seen, dealt with, and destroyed before. Buffy already has an incredibly impatient and exasperated sort of worry written all over her face, lines therefrom aging her far beyond what her actual age is.

Giles is focused, all business-- he’s fumbling with a pen and paper, frowning, eyes away from the camera. When he looks up, he’s scrawled a message with a poorly-drawn monster very seriously drawn in beside it.

THESE MONSTERS ARE CALLED THE GENTLEMEN

Buffy’s shoulders rise and fall similar to a sigh, and she taps Giles on the shoulder before yoinking the pen away from him and scribbling something else.

AND THEY WANT TO MAKE YOU VERY, VERY DEAD

She’s not sorry for interrupting though she expects she’ll be scolded for it later.

Giles just watches as she writes, impatient behind the glasses, and takes up his paper again: THEY NEED SEVEN HEARTS -- complete with little Valentine’s-cute hearts jotted below the words, to make it really clear.

THEY COME AT NIGHT -- Giles taps these words for emphasis, raising his eyebrows at the camera like he’s trying to hold someone’s attention. This is a warning: nightfall isn’t safe. If his words didn’t make it obvious enough, the emphatic gestures Buffy makes in the background, like pretending to knock on a door, then opening it, then making an ‘x’ over her chest followed by what appears to be the ripping out of her own heart, ought to help.

Giles taps his throat, now, as he holds up the next line: A HUMAN SCREAM CAN KILL THEM Buffy snatches the paper away and scribbles ONLY in front of "a human scream".


THEY STEAL VOICES -- Giles is drawing again, another wonky Gentleman-doodle with a small cube in its hands -- AND LOCK THEM IN A BOX

Buffy, again, impatiently takes the paper and scritches a doodle of a wooden box that looks like what an older music box casing might look like. Or a jewelry box. It’s small, rectangular, and simple. Something not indicative of evil.

FIND IT AND DESTROY IT

Buffy makes a fist and smashes it into the flat of her other palm. Then she takes the paper and pen again and scrawls one last message.]

DO NOT ANSWER THE DOOR FOR ANYONE
DO NOT GO OUT AFTER DARK
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT THEM
ONLY LOOK FOR THE BOX IN THE DAYTIME
AND STAY ALIVE.

[ Then the feed ends. ]

[ So, maybe there's one last little hiccup in the network -- or maybe Giles activated the gem by mistake, when he was swapping the bracelet from one wrist to another. Maybe one of the gods has decided that Giles is spending too much time not socializing. Either way, the feed flicks on when he doesn't mean for it to; just a minute of mistaken audio. Guitar and voice. It's the Who, and Giles is singing it -- not badly at all. ]

--and I blame you-- oh. [ The guitar fumbles to a halt once he realizes it's being recorded; after a moment, the sound is switched off.

A few seconds later, a video flickers on. ]

Um, I'm sorry for the disruption-- that was, I think, my own fault. [ This comes with a small twist of a smile: wry, nearly sheepish. He's barely competent with the bracelets even when they're not glitchy as hell. ] I, ah, I've been attempting to make use of this... brief respite from chaos to entertain a hobby. Which isn't to dismiss the amount of time I do still spend among books-- Odin's library remains a truly remarkably resource in that regard.

[ Even with the guitar leaning against his desk, he looks perfectly enthusiastic about librarian-ness. It's still his favorite aspect of Asgard, hands down. ]

But it's been a, a very long while since I was able to dedicate any proper amount of time to guitar. [ With that, he's interrupted by the dog barking on the other side of the door -- Giles flicks one last glance to his audience, and, without anything else significant to say, cuts the feed. ]

I'm sorry to sound like a bother, but I was wondering if anyone would be interested in teaching me how to make swords and other weapons and armor that requires a blacksmith? At home, my father was a very successful blacksmith, and I was able to learn some from him; however, I have been out of practice, since I have not been around a blacksmith here.

Also, if it is not too much trouble, I would like to learn how to properly use a sword. Being around them my whole life means I do know how to carry one, but I have never been properly trained.

There isn't much I can do in return, but I am a very skilled seamstress, and as a servant, I have other skills, like cooking and cleaning, to repay for any help. [aka She doesn't really have money.]

Thank you so much.

[Alice is beaming proudly as she looks at the bracelet. The more observant will notice a slight scratch on her cheek and nose. Nonetheless, she looks very pleased with herself.]

It took me all day but I did it! I did it I did it! [She's bouncing.]

I made myself a pet! Oh but not any sort of pet! No no, I made Marigold!

Would you all like to meet him? I thought it would be a much nicer topic than the gloomy sorts people have been commenting on. [Because dead people? No, thank you. She has had enough of all of that.]

[ time for philosophy ~]

Tell me, what do you believe freedom to be?

[ and for the less philosophical ones ] I have adopted another cat recently, which means I have now three cats. Though I've never had contact with animals before arriving here, I find the bond between an animal and a person fascinating. What sort of animals can someone keep as a companion and how do you decide what would fit you best?

[The feed comes on accidentally, one of the last 'hiccups' in the network before Loki is back to full health. Equius is staring to the side in what looks like a gas station, a rumbling growl coming out of his throat. He seems to be trying to make sounds over and over again.]

Le... le... le...

Language of love indeed. It sounds like idiotic cluck-beast babble.

[He growled, shaking his head and looked up at the door, scratching at the door when it opened. There was a dingling sound from a bell above the doorway and he leaned forward, a hand on top of the bowl of free fire-hot candies he'd set out on an 'impish' whim.]

Ah, Nepeta... good. [ahem] [ahem] [AHEM]

Voulez vous avec moi se swoi...

[His small, cat-like moirail comes bouncing in, the candy-bowl getting a pointed look before her attention swerves back to Equius.]

Ooh, are you still purracticing that? Try it again!

[He nodded and grunted, handing her a candy that was not tricked to be overly spicy.]

Of course. I see no reason not to attempt to broaden my horizons, and if I am to express romantic intentions then my moirail is the most appropriate to do so with.

[ahem] Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?

[It is really, really, unbelievably creepy to see Equius trying this hard to offer a french leer to the words, especially with the way his lips quivered and his broken, snaggled teeth seemed to quiver. The feed crackled and cut off right about then.

No, he has no clue what he's just asked her to do.]

(OOC: This color is Equius and This is Nepeta)

[So the practical jokes are all in good fun, and Sam is a fan of laughing. But Sam is not really a fan of gods playing tricks on other people, because you know what?

Gabriel is a fucking asshole, that's what.

So instead of taking part, Sam is stoutly refusing to be affected through being a stubborn asshole and is instead being a do-good spoilsport, because that is what Sam does best.]

You know, the last time I was on the receiving end of a practical joke, I was put into daytime television hell where I was forced to be in a sitcom, a Japanese gameshow, a hospital drama, and a genital herpes commercial.

[There is a slight pause.]

Anyone who tries to do anything to me, harmless or otherwise, should remember that I have guns and I know how to use them.

[Don't touch his shit, losers. :') But on a more serious note:]

I collected data on the spirits that attacked recently -- but I'd appreciate anyone else's experiences to add to what I saw personally.

[And the feed ends.]

What the hell?? You expect me to believe that load of crap?

[Cordelia's frowning, her hands coming to rest on her hips as she looks around. She's obviously not very happy, no not at all! Her head tips back and oh yes, there will be much yelling.]

Listen here you... You Powers That Be!! You take me back home right now! Is it really so much to want to actually relax and finish painting my nails - [she lifts her hands, showing off how the nails on one hand is actually painted.] - while I watch Sex And the City? Is it?

[She sighs, dropping her hands back down.]

I'm really not in the mood for this for now... Actually I don't think I'd ever be in the mood for this!

Hey! You can't ignore me! Hello?! Angel and Wes need me! I'm vision-girl, remember?...

Well, fine! [Her jaw sets stubbornly and she folds her arms under her chest.]

Fiiiiiiine. I'm not moving then. You want my help? You can freaking ask for it!

[ 'Sup, Asgard. You know who hasn't posted to the network in ages? Giles. ]

Rather recently, um, I've found employment as a librarian in Odin's library-- it's a truly marvelous place, for any newcomers who might not yet have visited. I do thoroughly recommend as a source of knowledge, and, well, hugely useful as a means of combating boredom.

[ Giles fidgets with his glasses, and looks, for a moment, a little wistful. ]

Before arriving in Asgard, my resume boasted a year as the proprietor of a magic shop, which seems... perhaps a field less in demand, here. I do find Asgard's system of alchemy and runes thoroughly fascinating, though certainly in need of further research. It does, um, prompt one particular line of curiosity-- I'm aware that asking broad questions of the masses has become a common network practice.

I'd certainly be interested to know-- how many among us come from a world wherein magic is commonplace? Whether in secret or as a matter of public knowledge. I'd fallen under the impression that it's a rather large proportion. Perhaps similarities of this nature will offer some insight as to why those who were chosen... were, more or less.

Beyond that, I'm aware that a number of Travellers do operate their own businesses -- though a majority seem to be restaurants. I did very much enjoy it, at home. [ He does love being a librarian, but he misses the Magic Box. ]

[In the Hel district, Alice is sitting on the ground, dress poofed out as she is, with a drawing in her lap. Her hands are a little bit dirty from the graphite; ever so reluctantly, Alice displays it.]

Back in London when I was - well, where I wasn't important - I would draw. But it didn't feel like it does now. It feels soothing... in a way. I'm sure it sounds very silly to say that. It is true, however. It is wonderful to draw again without a bout of melancholy attached to it.

I have tried some paints. I am still not sure... I don't think I'm that very good compared to some artists I've seen sketching away or at an easel with their paints. The mineral oil used to dilute the paint gives me a headache. I don't know what would substitute it, but I want to try!

You see?

[Okay, so she's a little excited. Off to the side, Alice just flashes to a board she was painting on.]

I am... still not that used to it. As I told someone else, this is the most independence I've had in my life.

[ooc; The first drawing is canon, it's from the casebook that came with the first game and the second one was actually my oil painting final, haha.]

[ There's a groan from the other end of the bracelet, a not-all-that-happy type of groan. ]

I took the bracelet off again. So, um... I'm back. What'd I miss? Anything funtastic and spooky? Or is it mostly just the same old taking-everyone-you-love-away-from-the-city, impending-doom Asgard it was before?

PRIVATE; arthur pendragon.

I'm sick of living in Thor house. Got any openings in New Camelot, by chance? 'Cause I need a change of scenery. Or something. Or maybe a change of everything.

END PRIVATE;

[On your bracelet appears a young man, in a shirt that arouses the disturbing image of a poor old man who finally gathered the funds to retire somewhere warm walking around shirtless searching for it.]

You know, I'm not loving your timing, Gods, with all due respect and everything – don't smite me! -- [he ducks for cover giving you far too close a shot of his cheek for a few seconds, and when nothing happens straightens back up again, clears his throat and continues] couldn't you have taken me for this grand destiny or whatever before I graduated? Where were you during finals, huh? I mean come on – this is my summer vacation that never ends! And I had plans for it – not that seeing an alternate dimension in shades of grey isn't a swell way to celebrate my freedom but –

[He pauses, unsure of where he's even going with this anymore]

No, you know what? It really isn't.

And another thing - what's your exchange policy on these powers? Coz I already got charm I'd like something more useful for my effort like you know - super strength or flight or invisibility or...x ray vision. Do I at least get to keep it when I go home? And this bracelet thing too -- it's very sci-fi. [He turns it over, and you get a nice view of the sky for a moment before he turns it back] I could make a fortune with these -

I digress - if you're looking for the chosen one then sorry - close, but no cigar. So how's about you take me home and we all pretend this never happened?

[ For the first time since his arrival, Giles is speaking up on the network! It's the Odin district, the library, clear in the background -- unsurprising given how frequently he can be found in there, surrounded by books. ]

Regarding the, ah, the candy which is presently... everywhere--

I must admit a great deal of interest in the workings of this world, the gods and their sort of magic. I know, well, terribly little about the runic spells which seem present here-- even aside that, I've certainly heard mention of... curses. Would this be considered one of those? [ It seems... too cutesy, punching and pinching aside, and that's clear in his expression. But there's magic he doesn't understand, the books are failing him, and research is really his main hobby. ]

Having not been in Asgard for terribly long, I've not had the misfortune of experiencing one myself, as of yet. Though I've seen no shortage of... inconvenient mystical happenings, at home.

[ Tell him your curse stories, Asgard. Talk to him about magic. ]

[ At first there is only audio, a childish voice that carries with a bright, slightly high pitched tone. ]

I know they're probably out of season, even here, but --

[ And then the video feed clicks on and Yellow beams warmly into her bracelet, Pikachu perched upon her shoulder, blinking curiously as his ears twitch backward. ]

There we go. Ah, hello! I was wondering -- [ She lifts a hand to wave as Pikachu presses forward, sniffing at the gem first, before nuzzling his cheek against it. Have a sudden burst of red, Asgard! The child giggles as she coaxes him back onto her shoulder, ducking her chin. ] We were wondering if anyone knew a good place to pick apples.



ooc note| Yellow is a ten year old girl, but currently she's trying to mask her identity, long blonde hair tucked beneath her straw hat. :) Feel free to have your character catch on, or be completely fooled.

[ The video flickers open. Hanako made sure that the bracelet's camera wouldn't film her face, but below... to the thing that is sitting on her lap.



An over-sized, pink egg with flower patterns all around. She carefully holds it in place with her scarred hand. At the corner, you can see her pet dog Nashi eyeing at the oval thing curiously. ]

Erm... I'm fairly sure this is a Pokémon egg, and I found it at the door of my room today, along with some other items, but with no note attached. I wonder if this is part of the secret santa... Rose-san, can you confirm this?

[ A pause, as she gently rubs the flowery egg. ] I know this happened to Hibiki-san, too, but I wondered if anybody else received a Pokémon, among those who never owned one before. Finally... I would like to know which Pokémon this is, in the eventuality that it's going to require certain attentions - I don't want to be caught unprepared.

... I don't need to know who the giver is, but if you're watching this... thank you. I never thought I could have a Pokémon for myself, and I guess this was a nice surprise to wake up to... it fits with the recent decorations that appeared, doesn't it...?

[ You can't tell whether she's smiling or not, while she says that. The camera turns off. ]

[ It starts with a clumsy jumble of movement, a man -- familiar to some, maybe, though he looks bemused enough to be a newcomer -- brow furrowed, attempting to figure out his bracelet. A little exasperated, certainly intrigued, he is poking at the screen and trying not to wrinkle his new map. ]

--manner of communicator, charmed jewelry is hardly a new concept-- ah.

[ He makes eye contact with the screen, now. If he looks a little completely lost, that's only fair; the man is overwhelmed by computers from the nineties. ] This is-- broadcasting, I believe? I'd hoped to study Norse mythology and deities to a more thorough extent, but this is not precisely what I'd had in mind. All the same, being here is, is... quite something.

Whatever manner of magic is responsible for my... arrival, I seem to to know terribly little about it. That is-- should anyone be able to provide more thorough information than what was given by the- the woman, it would be very much appreciated. I've heard mention of a library?

[ Anyone within the Odin district is free to find him making his way through the streets; he is very curious, somewhat wary, and a little bit lost. ]

[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.

[ Crumple crumple, grumble grumble. Everyone gets the lovely sounds of some paper being folded and tucked into a jacket first and foremost, right alongside Giles' absent mumbling. ]

Well, er...I suppose that solves the problem of the existence of Norse deities, at any rate. I'd expected there was some truth to them, but to have credence to the theory-- unless it's all an illusion, of course.

[ Something metallic being tapped. Then, after a moment's hesitation and a slight 'ah!', the Pinch Test proves him true! ]

Right. Not an illusion. Er- is this thing on? [ shakeshake. technology!!! ] Bloody-- ah. There we are.

Er, hello. This is Rupert Giles speaking, somewhere between Gladsheim Palace and...hopefully wherever Odin's Hall might be. Ah--

[ Oh, hell with it. Might as well say it plainly. ] What on Earth is going on here, if I might ask? I've had an explanation from that, er, faceless woman...but it all seems rather unreal. A corroborative report would be lovely.

And some directions, ideally. This map's like the bloody tube directory all over again...