[Hello, Asgard. You all must have noticed the fog cleared, right?

Well, now you can hear this familiar quiet voice, more shaky than normal, but for completely different reasons that aren't half negative- but not that positive either. Hanako still can't believe her eyes when she's looked out the window this morning.]

The colors... the c-colors returned...

D-does that mean that we... we can go back home now? Or...

[There's hesitation, and then an abrupt click as she puts the feed off.]

[The first thing the rest of Asgard will see is a rather frustrated Doctor. Not the skinny bloke with the glasses, nor the floppy haired nitwit with bow ties and tweed - honestly, if that's all he has to look forward to, he'd really rather not regenerate any time soon. Or at all. Ever. In all of history. Bow ties are not cool no matter what that floppy haired-- anyway - no, instead, its the Doctor with big ears, big nose, and that snug and very much cool jacket addressing everyone today.]

Hello Asgard, its the Doctor. And since I am, so far, the technical first 'n the order here, I'm claimin' that name. Mister tall'n skinny'n the other bloke can jus' choose something else.

[Ha ha ha. He wins.]

That bein' said, never did like Gods, bu' if they're gonna be messing with us like this for the whole time we're here, gotta wonder why they bothered givin' us the tools t'form any sort'f rebellion.

[ Things have really changed since she got here.

She still remembers Keine's words - about trusting the gods who have done them no real ill - and feels very naïve, and wonders what the other is thinking now.

Her face is very grave as she turns on the video to address the whole city. What she's about to say might get her in trouble with their unkind patrons, but she's ceased to care. ]

... it's become clear to me -- and, I think, to many of us -- that the gods of Asgard are not our friends, and they can't be trusted. They're willing to hurt us, bully us, and even kill us just to get what they want, and they'll do it over and over. They said as much to me themselves. In fact ... I hate to say it, but I think we need to consider them our enemies, and plan accordingly.

[ She shuts her eyes for a moment, in deep and troubled thought. But she is calm, and unafraid. She opens them again, and there is steel in every aspect of her. ]

To be honest, I'm not too sure what that means. It's a big task to undertake, and possibly a dangerous one. But I think what we can do is try to be ready for anything. That means working on our powers, on self-defense, and possibly even a warning system. Maybe a designated safe-house for anyone who can't fight. I'm open to ideas.

... thank you for your time.

[ added several minutes later: ]

One last thing. I am aware that saying these things might make me a target for the gods, if they're willing to go that far to punish us. But I wouldn't wish that on anyone else. Please, even if you agree with my belief that they are our enemies - think twice before admitting as much.

( Private to: Sora, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, and Ven )

I'd like to speak to all of you. Soon, and in person. You especially, Ven, Riku. But I expect all of you to come. No buts, and no backing out of it.

[ Is she upset? ... yes. All this death has been too much. ]

Tomorrow, in front of Odin.

[ if she wasn't annoyed during her first post, she's sure as hell annoyed now. oops. her words are tight, and her posture almost overly straight in an attempt to rein herself in. ]

If anyone can tell me how long it's been since the cold snap, or what has happened since, I'd be grateful.

[ she looks to the side, refusing to show how much losing this much time is affecting her before a flare of anger wells up. faster, almost spitting the words out, ]

But seriously - what kind of gods take people from their homes, bring them here, and then let them lose entire weeks just wandering? Some gods.

[ she hasn't been gone that long, but the fact that she's lost any time at all, not knowing what she was doing or what was going on scares her. so she covers with anger.

she takes a deep breath, forcing herself to relax. a cool, collected smile, reminiscent of being forced to attend socialite parties when she'd rather be anywhere else, crosses her face. ]

Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

[ she presses the button, but her hands are shaking (bad for an archer and she's hating herself for it), so it doesn't quite catch. so while the screen turns off, the feed doesn't. she stares down at the bracelet for a second before almost snarling at it, ripping it off and throwing it at the wall.

then she remembers just what got her into this mess in the first place and sucks in a quick breath, snatching it up from the ground. there's a shaky 'fuck' as she slides it back on, and a deep frown as she realizes it's still recording. here, have a hand over the top of the gem. ]

((ooc: she's been lost since the day before the old man showed up, but since the cold snap was the last big thing, and she knows how long it's been since that...))

[Zack's sitting in his room, and on the desk, close to him are some potted bright yellow flowers. They almost seem to glow with warmth, though there's nothing magic about them. They're exactly what they seem.]

Back where I'm from, we don't have this "Ides of March" story I heard some people talking about. Sounds like it's about a leader from some other world.

I sure am grateful to the gods for the history lesson, but I don't care to play games with people's lives and safety. To get loyalty, you have to give it. I'll gladly fight for a good cause, a good leader. If we're supposed to be fighting a war for them, why would they stab their own soldiers? [He laughs. The sound's a little rueful, a little cold, but a moment later, he glances briefly toward the flowers, and then his expression softens.]

That's a rhetorical question. It's not that I don't know that happens all the time, but I don't want to be a part of it. Do the "right" thing, you get a reward, do the other, you get it in the neck. [He's been there.] Are we not feeling enough emotions for them on our own, so they have to stir us up more?

Now look, I like getting presents from home as much as the next guy, but not at the cost of someone else getting hurt. I don't think the people we've left behind, the ones some of us got mementos of, would want that either.

Doesn't sound like the gods are out there listening to us, but if they are, I wish they'd at least explain, whether they're responsible or not. What do the rest of you think about it?

[ The feed begins quietly, Hephaestion's voice barely audible. ]

I-

[ It takes him a second to gather his thoughts, and when he speaks again, his voice is clearer. ]

Alexander is no longer here.

[ He makes another pause. ]

For the people whose life story can be found at the library, have you read it? I hadn't, out of respect... but I don't think it matters anymore.

[The Travelers get a good view of Merlin's room when the video starts and--hang on, what's...that? No, your eyes do not deceive you. Where there was only one grumpy owl before, there are now about ten of varying sizes, perched all around the room. A few ruffle their feathers, as if in greeting. Despite the feathery chaos behind him, Merlin seems to be perfectly fine, and isn't paying them any attention at all.]

I think, between the dragon, the ice faeries, and the stabbings, the city's gotten pretty dangerous recently. I don't know how getting hurt by a good friend or family member fits into all this, but the ice faeries weren't that much of a surprise, if you think about what Odin told us. [Here, he picks up a sheet of paper and glances at it before continuing.] There's Muspellheim with the fire king Surt--he's the one who sent the dragon--and there's Thrymheim with the frost queen Thiazi. We didn't get a declaration of war from the queen like with the dragon, but the ice faeries are probably close enough.

Between all that's happened, it looks like everyone's going to be affected. I mean, they weren't exactly choosy about the people they were targeting. You think it'd be a good idea if we built some sort of fort for the people who don't want to fight? People usually go to the hospital for shelter, but we've gotten overwhelmed there nearly every single time something happens. There's just too many of us here now.

[Merlin frowns down at the paper again.] Oh yeah, there's a few of us who would teach newcomers how to use their abilities, in case any of you need it. More people willing to help us with that would be great--just the god's abilities, though. If you want lessons for weapon-use, you'll be wanting to see Arthur Pendragon for that. Or Albion--er...England, I mean. I think they're looking for some help with The Citadel, too.

( Private to Sam Winchester )

( Private to Lucifer )

[It's been a while since Raimei has willingly used the network. She still remembers the first time she made a post over being kidnapped and demanding to be taken back home. Now, it felt like all that happened a very long time ago.

Unlike her first network post, which was full of energy and anger; today's post will sound somber even for her. She's always been the energetic type by nature.]

I don't know how many of you knew my older brother, Raikou Shimizu. He was owner of Artfully Zen and....well, I'm not really sure what else he did around here other than building up his business. [A small pause as she begins to realize the little she knew about him.] He was part of Heimdall. I'm sure he had a roommate or something. I just wanted to let everyone know he...might not be here. I'm still not sure if he's completely gone or not...

[No, it had nothing to do with not trusting Gau's word. More like she did not accept it fully yet.]

Oh, umm...how does one know when a person is totally gone? Are there some sort of signs? Like...I haven't found any information regarding this matter over the network, so yeah...I can't help want to know.

[She grows quiet again. It isn't long until she begins to feel irritated by herself. Her voice begins to change from somber to annoyance.]

Anyway, I just wanted to know that! That and if anyone is interested in sparring with me today! I only fight with katanas, so anyone with a similiar weapon will be welcomed. I'm in Freya just to let you know, but I'll be heading over to Thor's gym if anyone wants to meet me there!

[And that ends the transmission altogether.]

[Diva is rather reluctantly greeting the network—She had been wanting to keep a (relatively) low profile, but it was pretty necessary, she figured. She looks quite concerned, and shockingly, it's not for herself.]

Um... [Her frown deepens, since she doesn't know how to ask this]

Hey, so how do you humans, you know, take care of yourselves when you're sick? I mean, I've obviously never been sick, so I need to know.

[She doesn't want to admit she's actually caring for a human (because ew), but after dragging Johan to safety after being attacked by a fairy, she promptly realized she had no idea how to take care of him...]

I'd be... grateful for any help. I guess. Ugh, this wouldn't be a problem if you all weren't so frail!

[Clearly she's getting frustrated with having to ask, so after another frown and huffy noise, she turns off the video]

[This is actually the first time Yukari's bothered to make a post to the whole network, and it's not one hundred percent by her own volition.

( for action; )

When the bracelet comes on, it first reveals her struggling against two of the ice fairies, bits of her fur-lined jacket flying off, and then, all of a sudden, they halt, seeming a little reluctant.

The ice monster thingies have been charmed. Yukari slips out of their grip, her outfit unfortunately shredded badly, and looking worse for wear -- but there are more coming, so no time to think about that just yet.

She glances back down at the bracelet, and says hurriedly as she darts away:]

If you're running into these ice monsters... If you can "charm" them, it seems like it'll stop them for awhile! I'm guessing the other powers might help too... So, just don't forget about that. They don't look like much, but they're obviously more dangerous than that, so be careful.

[Action open to anyone; she's in the lower part of Freya district.]

[He's managed a thick coat and a blade...what more could he possibly need?

Well. Some stew in the belly would be nice right about now. And some wine to warm up the rest of him.

But this isn't a time for comfort, it's of combat. And though Gwaine isn't used to fighting enemies made out of ice, he's discovered that an extra boost of strength helps his sword get through them. One fairy has already fallen, broken to pieces, and a second will soon join it. Gwaine hacks at it in-between dodges, flips his sword and shatters it with a solid tap of the hilt.]

[Gwaine grins, his breath escaping in frosty clouds.]

See? That's how you take care of them.

[And it's good that he knows how. Really good, since three or four more are coming up behind him. Gwaine catches a glimpse of them as he flips his hair back, curses, and raises his sword again.]

[Elika's writing diligently in neat but flowing handwriting, her eyes darting back and forth between what she's writing and the broadcast.]

Bear with me, I'm going to talk a lot in a moment. [whatever she was working on, she finishes and closes the notebook.]

So, I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to help me with a census. The names of everyone here, where they come from, what language they speak, what House they're in and with what power... More besides, if we wanted. There's no purpose to it except knowledge and curiosity. If there's anyone actively trying to find a way home, it would be available to them if they wish to look for patterns or whatever. [she waves a hand impatiently] I won't lie and say it's not for my own curiosity as well. I'd like to see what patterns there are, if any - and I wouldn't mind just keep tracking of how many people are here in general and how we've been disbursed among the Houses.

[there's a smirk and a dry tone as she adds:] The biggest problem with a census is tracking those not willing to participate. Though I'm perfectly willing to just have a margin of error and not really worry about it, considering this, again, doesn't have much purpose besides killing a few cats.

Of course, there could be more practical applications - finding out who has any medical or healing knowledge or ability. I know Sigyn has an actual healing power and there's the hospital as well, but I think it would be useful to know if there's anyone nearby in the case of an emergency, so that immediate medical attention can be given until the injured person in question can be moved to the hospital or a Sigyn healer can arrive. Zen has a small clinic set up in the Heimdall House, and I think it might not hurt to have similar setups in the other Houses.

I'll probably also like to make packages of information for easy reference for newcomers, with addendums for those who arrive from special circumstances. [she spreads her hands, a smirk drawing across her features] I definitely would have appreciated one on "electricity" when I arrived, so I figured I should make it a little easier for anyone else like me who didn't have this kind of technology.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. Help, too, if you're interested.

[the video feed turns on with gilbert looking at the screen with a rather serious look on his face.]

I— [he stops however, his expression going blank as he stares up past the hologram of the bracelet and drops his hand. The camera shifts and reveals what has caught gilbert's attention. it's the cupcake making area that's been placed in every kitchen. he approaches, picking up the note and reading it and he's just staring dumbstruck before putting it down and looking away, flustered. really? REALLY? he'd turned the video feed on to say something else to the community, but now with this surprise in the kitchen all you're going to get out of him is:]

I am not making cupcakes.

[maybe he's talking to himself, maybe not, it's hard to tell because he happens to look down and remembers he had been intending to ask about something on the network and left the feed running.] 'Tch... [and he turns it off.]

[after he's found a spot to settle in away from that mess, he'll turn the feed on the bracelet back on, still grumpy, particularly for catching that reaction publicly.]

What I don't understand is the connection we all have and why we have been chosen instead of others. Is there some common link we all have that we're unaware of? What do you think, Asgard?

[so he'll be anywhere in Heimdall but the kitchen, but feel free to find him and try and get him in there if for no other reason to make him suffer participate with the rest of you like a good sport. (ooc: he's actually a good cook so deep down in his heart he'd want to help heimdall win...just needs a little pushing.) ...OR FEEL FREE TO HIDE WITH HIM IF CUPCAKES AREN'T YOUR THING.]

[Terra has been busy in the past few weeks, working hard as assistant at the carpenter's workshop - one should to earn their keep here somehow after all. He sometimes spends the evenings training - either going through familiar motions to get used to the lack of magic and the addition of strength, End's of the Earth a familiar weight in his hands, or sometimes by just running his rounds to keep his endurance up.

He is already done for tonight however, and now he's just pulled himself up onto one of the roof tops a slight smile flickering over his face, just as he decides to leave a message over the network.

This scene is rather familiar after all.]

I once was taught... that each and every star out there is a world in it's own right. I always thought it almost hard to believe, that there could be that many worlds, but considering from just how many different places we all come from, I'm certain it must be true.

It's maybe just a small comfort, but I like to think that the light of our homes is shining down on us.

[...Even if said light had been ripped apart by the darkness, when he had last seen his home. He is certain the Land of Departure still exists. And one day, they'll return to rebuild it.

He shakes his head.]

We've had quite a few newcomers, huh? Many have said it already, but nevertheless, welcome to Asgard. I know it isn't easy to adjust to at first, but isn't a bad place to be at. If you are looking for friends or family - just drop a note here; in this post or on the network.

[He knows the pain of looking for one's important people, of having no idea of where or in what state they were; so he'll definitely help if he can. Even if only by keeping out an eye.]

Anyways, is there any swordfighters around here that would be interested in sparring? Not right now, but maybe sometimes later this week?

[Terra will keep sitting on his rooftop a little longer, starring up to the stars while turning his Wayfinder between his fingers. Care to bother him?]

 [Before Yamada turns the video feed on, she makes sure that the camera angel is right - not too close so that only her face is showing, but not too far either. Basically, the feed shows her from the waist up, grinning as she gives her hair a slight flip.]

Hey, Asgard! [She beams slightly, giving a victory sign, winking at the screen before giving a small huff of determination.] I know that we're stuck here and all... 

[And Yamada twirls her hair awkwardly, her face flushing red slightly, as she looks away for a mere fraction of a second before staring at the screen, speaking with a low, yet audible voice.] But... has anyone seen any of gods and goddesses here?

[She then looks away from the screen entirely, her body angled to the side as she puts up a fist in triumph.] 

['Eheheh... this way, I can get both vital information on them and a way out! It's pure genius, especially for the Queen of the school! Sure, I may have graduated, but that means I can start a new life - at K University! But that's not important. I want to know if any of those gods are doing this.. or maybe that!

But wait! Aren't certain gods related? That would mean... that if they're having sex, it's actually incest? Eheh... this could be the biggest scandal of the year!

"Gods having sex for all eternity..." That kind of sounds like a good idea to masturbate to -- Wait! Get yourself together! You already promised not to do this unless it's to Kosuda! 

T... That idiot.']

[Yamada then shakes her head before giving a determined look, grinning from ear to ear.] Anyway, I'm Yamada, it's nice to meet you, despite these odd circumstances. And if you see a plain guy who goes by the name of Kosuda Takashi or my friend, Takeshita, could you tell me?

... Pretty please? It's really important!

I can’t believe this! Who gave this lady the right to bring me here!? [Growl!] I don’t care if some God told her to. I was in the middle of something really important!

[Seems like Raimei didn’t waste any time figuring out how to use her bracelet. But it took a while to figure out. Guess who wasn’t listening when the maid was explaining the instructions?

And right now, she is currently ticked off at the entire situation. Maybe the bracelet can be used as a way to reach her?]

Look. I don’t have time to save this world of yours. I need to get back home and now! My friends are in danger, and need help! [Hearing no answers, she begins to grow impatient.] Hello!? Can anyone else hear me? Anyone that isn’t plain-looking or missing a face would be great to talk to. [Then she notices the natives walking past her, and she gives them a more friendly and embarrassed expression.] No offense, but you guys aren’t as helpful as the maid from a few moments ago! And not to mention creepy to look at.

[Returning her attention back to the bracelet, she really does wonder if the braclet was working the way it should.]

...I’m in some place called Freela, I think. [Yup, she really didn't pay any attention to the maid at all. Well, at least, she's calmed down a bit.] If anyone else is nearby, then I would appreciate the help. Thanks.