[In the park there is a tree, and in that tree there now sits a small boy, tucked in the cradle of the thickest branch that is highest up before the boughs become too thin to hold his weight. Wrapped up in the folds of his cloak and settled in with a book, a pair of crudely made stuffed birds, and a small pouch of sweets, it is clear he is prepared for a long stay.] 

The elders of my people taught us of magic and of power... [He fiddles a bit with the paper crown stitched to one of the birds] taught us about what good and what evil power might bring.  

But it was my father did teach me that no power is more important than the love that keeps us together.... [A small hand reaches for the necklace around his neck and tugs it off with care, and with the same care he wraps it around the two toy birds] ...the love that binds us.

[He then settles the two in a fold of his green cloak before addressing his bracelet directly.]

I'll not come down until one among you shows you know this. 

[ He's got a handle on what's going on. At least, as much as most new people do. Hey, and for his effort, he's starting to learn how the people speak over the network... or at the very least, how to feel people out for how they act.

So an anonymous question will pop up on the network: ]

Does justice mean anything to you?

And if you answered yes,
How far are you willing to go to see it through?

--
[ Action/House Loki ]

[ Yuri's taken over the living room slightly, one giant wolflike dog stretched across one of the sofas entirely. He's experimented with the television and after about an hour, he's got a movie rolling of the standard action-with-a-twist fare.

It's not a movie without food, though. There's a tray of pizza bagels (thank goodness some instructions are easy to figure out) on a coffee table.

He's practicing his telekinesis by tossing an occasional bagel to Repede by levitating it and tossing-- at least, Repede's good at catching. ]

[ So. A lot of her close friends have been sent home. And the thing is, she never really had many friends back home. There were a few she was very close to — ones she cared for greatly. But being in Asgard for six months now (oocly one year . . .) has had a large effect on her. She had grown to accept these people as very good friends.

And even if she knew that it was possible that they'd disappear — and possibly reappear with no memories — it was still a shock as one after another, they left. And they all had friends here too — she felt terrible for those like her as well.

The girl on the screen gives a small grin, attempting to look cheerful. It probably fails. She couldn't distract herself enough with the other Hinamizawans, so here she is.]

...Aha...!! They should let us have farewell parties for the people who leave. Or at least a proper good-bye! [ What she would give to at least say thank you to those she met. She'd ask the people related to them to pass on messages, but she knows how this all works now. ] ...I'm sorry if someone you knew left.

Heh, that makes me realise how long I've been here. [ She actually knew perfectly how long she's been here — she keeps records of everything, but she prefers to act like this. Also. It's been like three months since she's properly trolled anyone!! ]

Some people have been here a little longer than me, but not many of those people are still around. [ Which is depressing in itself. ] Who's even left?

Oh — [ At this moment, the cat she was left by Yozora pops it's head up from the bottom of the screen and proceeds to climb onto her boobs awkwardly. Say hi to Melons in front of her own melons... ] Hey--!!

[Why had it taken him five days for this accidental video to crop up? He had been certain something had been wrong and had not been willing to yet attempt to fire a bow. He had wanted to be sure everything was ok. But now, whatever was going on, he felt the need. He hadn't shot anything from a bow in almost a week.

The compulsion was irritating.

The feed turns on as it seems he's put his bracelet off next to him and pulled a bow. He has the weapon drawn and at the ready, and in that moment there's a shaking of tension in his arm. His eyes widen. Something looks horribly wrong and he looks at the bow in shock. He looks briefly very nervous and then he growls and sets his teeth on edge, lifting the bow a fraction more before firing. He misses the target entirely.

The troll looks about to cry.]

I...

I did it!

In my own opinion, the kidnapping scenario is rather cliché and, if I’m to be honest, only someone who is running low on ideas would decide to use such a repetitive concept. While I’m flattered you thought I was someone who suited your criteria, I’m in no way interested in what it is you wish for me to do for your world so with that said, I would appreciate it if you would return me to from whence I came and we can part as nothing more than strangers passing by the street.

[ after having said this, silence finally begins to settle in as she awaits for her departure but, to no surprise, nothing happens. at this, she turns her attention back to the bracelet. well, seems she'll be stuck here for a while longer -- in any case, it's not as though she was desperate to return, but being in a new world wasn't exactly nice either.]

[ Despite staying out of the way during most of the fighting - as much as possible, anyways - Shion hasn’t been procrastinating, no way. Amongst various things that could be important, she’s been debating on what to do about someone. The someone she currently happens to be in the same room with. So all of Asgard is blessed with her delightful face today, and with some other kid’s head as well. ]

Ah, hello everyone! [ You remember her? OF COURSE YOU DO. She’s waving towards Satoshi, smiling cheerfully. And then nudging him in the ribs. ] Say hello!

[ For his own part, Satoshi had managed to stay away from the fighting too... mostly at Shion’s insistence. It’d been hard to ignore at times, but he knew there probably wasn’t much he could anyways. Better to leave that sort of stuff to people better suited for it, right? ]

Oh... um... hello! [ He smiles weakly as he rubs his ribs, glancing back at Shion. ] You never told me what this was about... [ Or that she’d be recording it, whatever it was. ]

Ahh, about that... I’m going to introduce you to the rest of the city! [ Because he needs friends. ] So please, tell us all your name, age and special skill! [ Wait, can she take that back... As much as she likes him... ] Go on!

Well... my name is Satoshi Houjou, and I’m 16. My special skill is... [ Does he even have a special skill? He seems to go into deep thought for a while, unable to really come up with anything. Yeah, this is pretty tough. Sorry, Shion. ]

...Let’s leave that up to our viewers. [ She turns back to the screen and nods. ] If you have any suggestions as to what his skill could be, please let me know. It’s more dire than I expected.

Is it really that bad...? I can come up with something, I just need more time! [ A lot more. ]

A-anyways, please treat him kindly! [ She’s going to use this opportunity to warn him away from everyone she deems unworthy... And if they don’t treat him nicely, she’ll wait until they’re asleep and... ] Satoshi-kun, is there anything you want to add?

Not really. I’d be glad if I could meet any of Shion’s friends though. Things have been kind of... crazy lately, so it’s nice that things are finally getting back to normal. [ Relatively speaking, anyway. ] I hope we all get along!

Don’t worry, I’m sure you will. [ With that, she flicks the feed off. Friend request him, Asgard. ]

[ green is shion, blue is satoshi! since she's introducing him to everyone, tags will go CHARACTER, SHION, SATOSHI, etc. it might break off a bit later on, after the introductory stage and such. ]

[It's roughly noon. The armies are staring each other down across a field of mud and gravel and blood. It's clear that Asgard and their allies are heavily battered down, suffering from heavy losses and damaged morale. It feels like today is the last day. It seems like there's no chance that anything but the end of the world could come today.

Then a video feed starts on the network, surveying the view from a high vantage point. Freyr isn't on screen, but he's close enough to speak and be heard clearly. But even if he weren't close he'd still be heard. There's a convenient little spell projecting his voice all across his side of the battlefield and through the city itself. It's a stern voice, tense and short instead of the gentle, patient attitude he usually shows.]

Sound the retreat. Get all living things within the city walls. Abandon that which cannot be swiftly carried. Now.

[The video continues in silence while his orders are spread through the forces and followed. It takes little more than ten minutes to move everyone inside at an ordered dash. Supply wagons and tents are left in the field and people and animals are removed until all that remains is ghost town of a camp. Small groups of enemies that try to chase are quickly and efficiently deterred by fire from the flying ship, and eventually all are safe inside.

He wants this recorded. It's more than just to be sure his announcement is heard -- he wants to be sure no one forgets how close they were and how important this battle was. His ship maneuvers to the center of the field, and he takes a graceful leap to the ground just yards from the enemy front lines. At that point, he begins to glow.]

...Do not doubt that all of you would have died this day. This is not a game. It's not a trick. Everyone and everything you love is and has been riding on this. I'm sure, even now, that the war will not end. You will all have to continue to fight, and for that you have my sincerest apologies. You also have my sincerest faith. I have never seen hearts so strong as those who stand for what they believe in when they are so far from home. Whether you hate us or not that remains true. I am sure you will triumph in the end.

Thus, I am honored to have observed true beauty in all of you. Thank you and good luck.

[His voice wavers by the time he's done. He'd like to be emotional, but showing fear and regret won't help anyone and so he holds it in.

It's a distant angle, but the video might just catch a hint of a solemn smile. Then, with a flash like a bomb the view goes white and then blinks out. After that anyone looking out past the gates will see a wide, shallow scar on the land, stretching from just feet away from the city walls to what used to be a point three quarters of the way into the enemy army. In that place, nothing remains but rock-solid round covered in a layer of fine white dust. Not even a bit of metal or a single plant mars that flat surface. For a moment anyone in Freyr house will have their powers flicker off, then back on within a few seconds.

But the enemy is decimated, and shows no signs of coming close again.]


[ooc note: That's it for actual plot events! The enemy army will stay at a distance the rest of this IC day (tonight and tomorrow), and will leave in the morning (Nov 16). There will be another NPC post on the 17th, but other than that from this point on is just cleanup. Characters who died will return on the 17th! Thank you for playing!

Oh and P.S. you can get comments from the other gods, so do feel free to respond to this post to talk to them or just to talk to each other. Threadjacking is A+! It is a free-for-all in this post, even for quick action threads.]

[ Okay. Time for me to face facts. This isn't a dream. Well, it might be some sort of magic shared coma dream--maybe Rena finally clonked me too hard; it'd explain Satoshi running around.

... ... ...No, that is pretty stupid.

Well. Time to make a first impression. ]

PEOPLE OF ASGARD, LISTEN! FELLOW MEMBERS OF HEIMDALL, LEND ME YOUR EARS!

I am here to introduce myself! It's only customary for us all stuck together in this place to come to know one another, so I will with this hand take center stage for the time I am entitled to!

[ At this point he stands atop his bed, stands straight, and POINTS with fervor at nothing. ]

This figure before you--this man standing before you!--is none other than--

[ He LEAPS from the bed and lands on the ground, spins, and POINTS with even more fervor at an equal amount of nothing. ]

--the one-and-only Keiichi!

[ Pause.

Then he laughs, falling back onto the bed.

Haha, that'd be pretty cool! But an over-the-top introduction like that isn't my style, so I'll go with something normal, even if it was fun to play out. Good thing I don't have a roommate! Now, I'll just get this thing working and give a toned down--

Wait. Is...This doesn't mean--

He leans in very, very, very closely to the translucent screen. ]

( SUSPENSEFUL CUT )

[ as the video turns on, you're treated to the sight of a confused looking young man. something that must surely be a familiar sight to anyone who's been here for a protracted period of time... though this one seems perhaps a bit more dazed than most. ]

Ah... hello, everyone.

[ despite his confusion, he manages a weak smile. his voice sounds rather calm, all things considered. ]

Let's see... I'm supposed to introduce myself, right? My name is Satoshi Houjou. It's nice to meet you at all.

Um... what else was there? Sorry, this has never happened to me before so I'm not really sure what to say. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Or am I one who's supposed to be asking questions right now? Hm... Can anyone give me some advice? Introductions sure are difficult. I'll do my best to pay you back when I can.

Oh! But we're saving the world, aren't we? Ha... that sounds pretty hard. I've never saved a world before, either. Well, I'll do my best.

[It's unusual for Shion to say anything over the network, and as anyone that knows him will be able to notice, it's even more unusual that he would be shirtless while doing it. What will be immediately noticeable is that the scar that's usually visible on his face and neck actually extends down his entire torso, the reddish bands winding around him like a snake.

When his eyes open, they're not quite as warm as Shion's friends might remember, and the little smirk on his face gives Nezumi away entirely.

Their day started out normally, aside from waking up to find that they still weren't in their original bodies, and they had agreed to take the day off of work again and stay indoors in their shared apartment.. However, it's apparently not the most pleasant or peaceful afternoon, seeing as Nezumi is currently taking revenge for an argument that they had - one that began over Shion's scar.

In any case, there's a half naked boy with a strikingly strange scar on the screen and his smirk has evolved into a sweet little smile. When he speaks, it's a perfect copy of Shion's tone and inflection, but the words are obviously not Shion's.]

Far more charming than your average scar, don't you think? [He indicates his marked torso in a slow, graceful movement.] It's a shame that he hides it all the time behind his dreadful fashion sense.

[He purses his lips.]

He won't be getting laid any time soon with this skinny body, though. I can't imagine any woman finding this attractive.

[Nezumi has switched bodies with Shion, and all replies will be made by beestings!]

--es? Is there something I can assist you with?

[ 'Bernkastel' doesn't hesitate to speak. If anyone knows her, they know that it's rather stange to see her looks so... distressed. Almost immediately, "she" points. ... Only, Bernkastel isn't exactly Bernkastel at the moment. ] You know damned well what you can assist me with! What's the hell is this?!

[ 'Battler' merely tilts his head, setting 'his' bracelet on a small endtable beside him. ] I'm afraid this isn't my doing.

[ The real Battler stops for a moment, Bernkastel's back slumping ] Aaaahhh, dammiiiit.... I've finally had a chance to be a woman's body, and it's that damned witch's! [ He looks to Bern ] So, you're saying that it's the gods, right?! Well, that's great, just perfect! The one's who did this in the first place never come out of hiding at all...!

[ Bernkastel tilts her head, "her" face as expressionless as ever. For those who know Battler, it's probably an odd sight. ] I have no motive to switch our bodies, as you well can guess. [ A pause. ] As expected.

Don't you witches have a completely twisted sense of humor? In fact, I'm expecting you to burst out laughing at any second now!

I am as displeased as you are about being another's body. Our sense of humor may differ, but I'm quite comfortable in my own skin. [ Of course, her face doesn't look displeased. You'll have to take her word for it. ]

[ Somehow, it looks as though he's calmed down a bit, but he isn't quite a powerface as Bernkastel's usually is. ] Tch... Don't tell me you expect to wait it or whatever. ... It's not like I never wanted to know what it was like to be in a woman's body, but this body's completely and totally flat!

[ Bernkastel only tilts her head to the side. ] In such an upsetting situation, all you can worry about is my chest size? I don't know whether to be disappointed, or neutral, as that's what I should have expected of you.

W, Well, it is to be expected from a breast sommelier, isn't it? --But, what about you? I bet you have your own share of complaints about this entire thing, too! [ Like what if Bern's double comes... then what... ]

Of course I do. However, angrily voicing them is not going to help our situation.

... Lemme guess. Sit around and wait, right? That leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

Do you suggest doing something else? Charging recklessly will do nothing, and likely result in further punishments.



((Joint post with titties! Bern and Battler will reply separately, and Bern's tags will come from onethousandtruths.))

[The face on the feed looks like everyone's favorite little half-demon spider. The look of irritation bordering on rage really isn't all that different from the growling he seems to do to a lot of people. The way that he's snarling at the camera's definitely familiar. Hell, even the swearing he's about to start doing's definitely like him, as is his acrid tone of voice. And yet, there's something not quite right about the whole situation.]

Is this your idea of a fucking joke you sons of bitches? Where is that little bastard? I'm going to beat him senseless. Screw you and your emoting bullshit. Give it back to me while I'm feeling forgiving, and I might just let you keep your damned liver.

["Kaz's" face goes ashen pale as it seems he's realized something. His voice is cracking at a high pitch when he shrieks out the next part.]

Kaz! You rotten bastard! Where the hell are you?!? I swear to god, you'd better not trash my place again, you little piece of rat shit, or we're really going to have some words when I'm back in my body, do you hear me?

[Yeah, Samantha's really not liking this body swap, not at all. She could handle the last one ok, but she's got a desire to vent this time. And she's definitely screening Diva out of this. The last thing she needs to deal with is that vampire realizing she's vulnerable in someone else's body.]

(OOC: Replies will be coming via demonic_witch)

Yo, Asgard! Been awhile, huh? I got a simple two for ya today.

*With that, he holds up a single finger into view.*

First! What do you consider your ideal form of entertainment here?

*And finger number two comes up.* Second! What have you spent the runes you've been earning here on?

These are Serious Questions that could very well shape your entire future here, folks! It's best to be honest! Just because I'm from Loki doesn't mean I'm up to something, so go ahead, pour out your honest replies!

[Guess who's trying to figure out the bracelet?

When it comes on, the first thing you see is the plaid green material of his kilt, then a tattooed arm.

You get a panoramic view of his room and then finally when it squares in on his face your greeted with an eyeful of blue hair, a spiked up mohawk. He lowers the video a little revealing the face of a guy with interesting facial hair eyeing the receiving end of the video with suspicious green eyes lidded with guy-liner.]

Guess the joke's on me.

I feel like I stepped into an episode of The Fairly Odd Parents. No one wished that no one else was special, right? Because that takes the fun right out of football helmets and handicapped parking.

Not that Ragnarok isn't a big deal but twenty minutes ago I was making a bacon, turkey, avocado. I'm not really cut out to add color anywhere. Appearances can be deceiving. Screw you and whatever horse you rode in on, Loki. Stereotyping doesn't make people want to work with you.

[ When she turns the feed on, Shion is beardless, unlike much of Asgard. It's a good thing, too - she'd be extremely angry if her pretty fce was ruined by hair. ]

Ah, it's actually been awhile, but a few people from Hinamizawa that were here have all disappeared. They probably got sent home. [ It's depressing - she might not have known them all as well as her twin, but she did consider them her close friends. ] I thought you should all know that they left, anyways.

[ She flips off the video feed, intending to ignore any replies - she does not feel like sympathy or condolences or anything. She simply wanted to point out... yeah. Anyways, she takes an hour for a nap, waking up a short time later...

With one of these. Bright green, and apparently natural - UNLIKE THE FAKENESS OF THAT. Finding her face slightly itchy, she reaches up to scratch and

promptly flips out. After flinging herself out of bed, she runs to the bathroom, searching for a razor. Not finding one, she contemplates her issue.

Brave Asgard or not. Maybe she can play it off like a fashion statement... She picks video, strikes a haughty pose and grins rather scarily at her bracelet. ]

...So this beard thing is really in style now, huh?! I bet you're really jealous of mine!!

[ Too bad she's just radiating SEETHING ANGER and TERROR BECAUSE HER BEAUTIFUL FACE IS GONE EVERYONE HELP... ]

It's a great asset to my face, right?! [ what is this ominous feeling... as if you could hear the scary background music... ] It's totally a great curse this time... Yeah!! I just wanted to show it off to you all...!! You all like it, right...!?! If I had a razor, I could shape it... Ah...! I need a razor to style it properly! Yeah...! If you have any beard care tips...

...Give them to me now.

[ Hellloooo, Asgard! This is one of your local weirdos on the network today! She has a question... It is serious and important out of everything in the world--okay, not really! But she thinks it's important. ]

Do you guys like dramaaas? Like Asian dramas? Or like Spanish novelas? Though I think it would be difficult to display an evil twin in the use of shadows... [ Stroking her chin. ]

What about action? Action-oriented stories are pretty cool, too! It's fast and furious--everyone likes an adrenaline rush, right? [ Hehehehe. She's trying to imagine things like a racecar movie. It's pretty cool. Moving on! ]

Sooo What I'm trying to ask is... What kind stories do you guys like, huh? I really can't decide! That, or I have no idea what I should do. [ It sounds vague only because she assumes everyone knows what she's planning on doing. Or she thought she told them. Either way, it's weird. ]

... If I can't decide anytime soon, I might as well make it an Asgardian satire.

---

( FILTERED FROM DAMIEN AURELIUS CAUSE SHE IS BRACELET-SAVVY NOW YEAAAAH )

Oh, yeah. What kind of birthday gift would you give a boy that is like... Thirteen? Fourteen? Around there. I just needed some ideas here!

I was going to see if I could get him a pony, but apparently that isn't a thing anymore. [ No, don't judge that when she was young she wanted a pony. Also if you say porn, she will kill you. ]

You have got to be kidding me--

[Here's a new kid, and like most new kids, he doesn't look comfortable. He's already in his assigned room in the welcome hall, and he's already figured out the device he was given. It wasn't that hard to figure out.

Just a toy.

He's been playing with the device for a while now and listening to the live feed, so he's calmed down from the state of rage he was in when he first arrived. His breakdown is shown clearly in the background, as there are a couple broken objects on the floor (gifts from his patron, no doubt), but he prefers to keep such moments to himself. He doesn't seem embarrassed by how he comes across on the network, however. He's never been one for first impressions.

Nezumi screws up his face and looks into the device closely, then calls clearly.]

I don't suppose it would get me anywhere to complain about the situation, so tell me; what is it that these "Gods and Goddesses" haven't said? I don't believe for a second that "making the city flourish" is the only reason I was brought here.

[A beat.]

Also, has anyone seen a dopey looking airhead with white hair? Has a scar on his neck and face? His name is Shion. I misplaced him.