[There is no voice immediately addressing the network when the feed comes on, nor does there seem to be anyone in the picture. All that fills the screen is a green mound, the centre of it moving in a steady rhythm for at least a full minute.

That is until a pale hand finally enters the screen and starts scratching at the fluff.]

If anyone happens to specialise in dealing with dogs, I would like to hear from you.

[Uh-oh, he's waking up—]

This one doesn't agree with me.

[The pup gives a small whine of a yawn, sleepily opening his eyes... Only to give a start when he realizes something is off.

Is that a collar?

He scrambles to his feet, struggling to get a look at this thing around his neck. When the hell did they--]

Rrrrrf!

[Yup, this is a very unhappy puppy. Eyes wasn’t exaggerating.]

[Meanwhile, another hand comes out to pat the puppy on the head in amusement, belonging to the owner of the lap he’d been dozing on. Ayumu’s face can’t be seen at this angle, but his voice can be heard clearly, and he seems to catch onto Hizumi’s thoughts even in this furry form.]

I think it suits you. What do you think, Rutherford?

I think it would be better to ask every person we can.

[Judging by the way the dog snaps to attention right then, he’d have to disagree. He shifts to avoid Ayumu’s hand, clumsily stumbling off of Ayumu’s lap with a yelp. Damn it, how do you stay coordinated with four feet?]

Can you keep him from falling, Ayumu Narumi? No one can see him if he keeps falling over.

[And the last thing he wants to do is pay Hizumi's veterinary bills.]

Come here, Hizumi….

[Ayumu bends down, scooping up the ball of fluff that indeed, is the same color as his friend’s hair.]

[Hizumi gives a disgruntled growl as he is scooped up, wriggling in a weak attempt to escape. Why must you two torment him so? He’ll never live this down...!]

I wonder if I should get a leash…..

[That gets Hizumi to freeze on the spot. Oh god someone save him.]

(( OOC: red is Eyes, blue is Ayumu, Hizumi is the puppy. FREE FOR ALL!! ))

[ Toph's leaning back in her bed, resting on the pillow she's propped against the headboard. She's looking ... unimpressed. ]

Wow, you guys have gone reeeaaaally quiet all of a sudden. Except for depressing announcements about people disappearing. Try living in a Welcome Hall all by yourself! Now that's empty. But I'm not letting that get me down, so I thought I'd break the gloom.

I have someone to introduce to you!

[ There's a moment's pause, and then a lemur comes into view, wrapping around her neck and tilting its head at the screen, chirping. ]

This is Momo! Technically he's not mine, but for some reason I got him during this Christmas thing. He actually belongs to my friend Aang, so maybe they're just making up for the fact that I'm the only one from my world here or something.

Momo, this is everyone. Well, not right now, but I hope some will show up and say hi to you.

[ She puts a hand on Momo's head, scratching lightly. ]

But that's actually not the only thing I was gonna say.

There's probably gonna be some ultimate showdown soon, right? I may not look like it, but I'm actually pretty good at packing a punch, and I've seen that a bunch of people have offered to train others. I used to teach Aang back home, and I just realised how much I miss teaching!

[ Ordering people around. She means ordering people around. Even though she's smiling very innocently. Very innocently.

Or maybe there's a slight mischievous crease to her brow, if you squint. ]

There's not really any time to make any of you masters in martial arts if you aren't already, but if you'd like me to show you a thing or two, I'm bored.

Or we could just do some sparring. That'll work too!

Name's Toph. Let's blow some life back into this place.

[ She punches her own palm, before she cuts the feed. ]

[Where else was Samantha ever present in these things than when she was in her lab? It would have been a rare sight to see her anywhere else on the network. Something was bubbling in the background and an old, weathered stone statue stood in the corner looking stolid.

She grunted and looked down at some notes before glancing at the feed.]

It's been a few weeks. There's going to be a reprisal. Either from what's left of her forces if they can muster it, or Surt's going to come after us. His lot's been itching for a fight.

So, I guess the cat's a little 'out of the bag' now about some of the things I've been up to. Good. [She coughed once.] If anyone needs me for that sort of thing, give me a call, but in the meantime, I'm just going to be an eternal kill joy and get right back to work.

Poultices still need to be made. We've got supplies ready, but just in case he comes to Asgard itself, I want a plan of action. If the fight's here, we don't need to split our healer teams up like we did last month. I'm open to working with anyone who feels up to defending folks that isn't in the military in helping make sure the medics stay safe during a fight. If they go down, we could end up sunk.

So, right then. Give me a call if you want in on the fun. [Yeah, someone thought of potions as fun. She really needed to get out more.]

[ It's not been often lately that any of the gods have seemed outright celebratory on the network, but here you have it now: Thor's face is lit up with a brilliant and almost triumphant grin. ]

Polish your armor and sharpen your swords. We've taken Tyr and his power out of Thiazi's hands, and we know now for sure: she will not stand a chance against us and our dragon friends.

We will leave at sunrise in two days' time, and know this, Travelers - she is afraid, and with good reason. In two days, we march to victory.

[ ooc notes: He'll be hanging around a while if anyone has any questions, but feel free to use this post for ic discussion/planning too! The ooc event post will go up detailing all of the minutia in the morning. Thanks! ]

Loki, if this is you, now is not the time for these games. I know it's not one of Freyr's. They need music, and none of them's ever heard her voice. Cut it out. I don't have time for these games right now.

[The girl on the other end of the feed was nervous, but intact. Her head swiveled towards an alleyway in the feed with her good eye and they both narrowed as if she'd seen something, just barely. A moment later, they were eased and she was glaring at the screen again with a bristling to her tone and her lips pulled back into a thin sneer.]

Illusions are my bread and butter. I've seen one too many in this place. Do you think dragging her out of mothballs is enough to make me crack? Think it's funny, or that this is something that will get me ready for the fight? Get real. We need potions and supplies, not pranks.

[But something in her voice sounded a little unsure. She was stable, but the veneer was starting to crack.]

(OOC: Sam is dealing with her fear of snakes and naga. Be aware that her fears relate to snakes and the fear of being constricted by and eaten by them, so this thread may get into some triggery material.)

[ This is a weird site; for once, Alice does not have her hair in her face, rather, it's in a loose braid which signifies she's been practicing, a bit more. As luck would have it, she's about to undertake a sewing project and Koyuki, the white pomeranian, is calmly resting beside her. She's outgrowing her chewing! ]

Well, as luck would have it, we were sent to Muspelheim and I'm sure that a few garments that we possess are torn, yes? It just so happens I do have experience tending to clothing, whether it is cleaning out stains or sewing. Granted, I'm more used to doing this for children between the ages of five through ten, but sewing for small ones does teach you to sew better.

That being said, while Koyuki has managed to learn not to eat what I sew or Kevin being obnoxious, if my skillsets interest you, please let me know.

[Haytham sighs as he works on getting used to this new technology. It really is quite baffling, even after having posted with it once or twice before. Really, wouldn't a simple letter on paper suffice? An in person meeting? Alas, it looks like this is the norm so he supposes he will have to just adjust to it and begins to speak in that high class British accent of his.]

Ah. There we are.

[He nods, looking thoroughly pleased with himself, smiling a bit as he lets satisfaction wash over him.]

Now that I have this confounded contraption working for me, I believe that it is time for a proper discussion regarding certain aspects of this apparent war that we are facing. After all, I do believe I am at a bit of a disadvantage with my lack of knowledge which could hardly be considered fair play. I have some details but not nearly enough to satisfy my curiosity.

[Then he frowns just a bit.]

Also, knowledge on where to get a decent cup of tea in this crisis would be most welcome. Assuming no one decided to dump it into the water. [He gives a wry smile at his own joke before finishing off with...]

I'd also be curious to know what my son, Connor, is up to of late. Should you fail to be aware of who he is, one need only look for a man very much like a bear with a baffled or vexed expression fixed to his face. [A little bit of a smirk appears as he continues.] Or you could tell me yourself now that you have had some time since your return from your rather warm mission, Connor. I do believe you have had enough time to recover, yes?

Thank you and have a pleasant day.

[He tips his hat then signs off.]

[ooc: Haytham finally makes his presence known! He's been looking around a bit and arrived during Mission Volcano. So now he thinks it's time to say hi now that things are settled. Best dad or best dad?]

[Bunny decidedly doesn't use the video, he doesn't want anyone to see how hurt he is. How he's trying to recover from the loss of the only other Guardian in Asgard. He's felt this before, it has rather horrific echoes to the Easter That Almost Wasn't. To fading away, and losing everyone. Again.

It's safe to say Bunny doesn't cope well with loss. Not now he's alone, with Pitch as the only other being from his home with him here. Someone who has suddenly become exponentially more dangerous now he doesn't have backup.]

For those that knew him, Nicholas St. North has gone home. The ice rink'll stay open, both as a shelter and a place for the anklebiters to play. Business as usual.

[This message is unfiltered. It's that adorable, smug, irritating face that pretty much everybody in Asgard wants to punch. He hasn't been on the network in a while, but he's also been overworked helping to keep things nice and stable and the magic going properly, and some of his antics have been a little draining.

But he's back, from outer space... or whatever. Aren't you all lucky?

Behind him is a spear of jagged, ugly, blackish ice that people in the north of town have likely seen several times before. The remnants of Thiazi's backlash some time ago remain, despite efforts and study. Finally, folding his arms, he turned towards the feed and spoke. For once? He didn't sound too arrogant.]

Alright, so I know a few of you've been talking about ideas on how to clean the porch up. I think we've done enough window dressing for my tastes. It's high time we dealt with this thing. I'm all for your brilliant ideas. This is exactly what the engineers are supposed to do anyway.

And don't be shy. Just because you're not in my glorious band of misfit idiots doesn't mean you can't help. It's not like anybody wants this health hazard to stick around. So pipe up. I know some of you have been coming up with ideas, but it's time to actually get started, wouldn't you say?

(OOC: Threadjacking is invited in this thread. This is a chance for Engineers to plot/plan and non-engineers to add their own muscle. Several players have voiced interest in bringing down this ice flow and rebuilding the wall/Gate of Fire. I know at least 2-3 who've made attempts. You're all invited. Baldr's just being his usual dick self and kicking things in gear. Ultimately, it's player plots that will bring it down. I'll check with the mods on the 'how')

[HELLO ASGARD. THIS IS YOUR RESIDENT ITALIAN ASSASSIN SHOPKEEPER ON THE LINE. And said resident Italian looks as if he has a question- or would if he currently wasn't having his attention directed to something on his outfit. Something like a grey hair.

Dio mio, does he really need a reminder about his age on top of fighting a war. Ezio makes a face at that, brushing off his sleeve and finally turning to the camera again.]

Buon giorno, Asgard. A question. [A pause, and then-] At what age do you start to consider someone as "old?"

[No, this has nothing to do with his novices telling him he needs to be more careful because of his age, or ghost pangs of old wounds when he moves the wrong way, what are you talking about. This is just normal conversation.

Right.

Right.]

[[FYI: Some characters might have the (mis)fortune of Ezio conking out in the middle of their conversation, as he's going on a canon update! Enjoy.]]

[This is Maribelle. This is Maribelle, looking distinctly unimpressed. This is also her realizing that she might just be painting a giant target on her back. Any questions?]

Well, then. As though we all simply hadn't enough to deal with as things are, we now have a traitor in our midst. How very distressing! [cue a prudish sniff] As if we simply hadn't enough to deal with, now tensions are running high, and with barely a clue as to the identity of the culprit in sight.

Therefore, I have a proposal. I have heard that those of Loki's house are often gifted in telepathy, and those of my own - that is, Freya - may sometimes charm others. I wish to ask if anyone of Loki's house might wish to join with me, in order to question people.

Please, do not misunderstand me. I have absolutely no wish to even so much as attempt to force anyone, and I myself will gladly volunteer to be questioned, as well. However, I wish to at least narrow down the list of suspects. Even if we do not find the dastard, we can, at least, learn who the turncoat isn't, and any amount of information shall greatly help us.

Should anyone be interested in helping me, I shall gladly accept. Please do feel free to contact me.

[After having his bracelet returned to him, Soushi was having a difficult time readjusting to his current situation in the city. It was as thought all the memories, all the guilt, and all the emotions that were haunting him had returned at full strength; or, maybe, it had doubled in strength while he was grey. Whatever the case may be, he felt sick to his stomach. Very sick. But even so, he can be found sitting in one of the benches at the park, head lowered to the ground as he begins his latest transmission.]

...it would seem I have returned from the grey spell. I am uncertain over the length of time I had vanished, but it feels as thought it was a while... [There will be a pause before he admits.] ...my chest hurts, and I currently feel nauseous...

[Then there will be silence as he tries to find a neutral tone to his voice. Allowing his more formal tone of voice to return instead of the hollow and quite voice he was currently offering.]

( what's new, asgard? other than having a sick guy asking friendship and self-worth questions in the end there )

[ To the video comes a girl, high-school age, maybe 16-17; the girl is beautiful, has dark hair by the shoulders, green eyes with a cat-like pupil, and there is also a big cleavage that allows everyone to see the blue lizard tattoo between the breasts. Said girl isn't so happy ]

Oh, this thing is on. So, thanks for bringing me here, but you probably know how ironic that is, gods. Specially when I was so close. But thank you for the heartbeat. [ Tokage smirks ] Now that I do have one, and I'm apparently alive, I have a question: what happens if I die?

... And has anyone seen a kid named Shinobu? He's pretty cute, but also very grumpy. Too serious for his age. [ Tokage smirks seductively before he licks his own lips and pulls his shirt down just a little more, exposing even more of his chest ] Shinobu, come to nee-chan. I'm all warm now~

Before you start complaining, [ said with a Look, because he knows some of you probably already have ], let me set things straight.

This is not a punishment. I've been content to let you guys roam about and track mud through my house like misbehaving toddlers since Day One, and I'd be content to continue doing so until our business is done here. But isn't, and we don't have time to dick around anymore.

Thiazi's attack wasn't random. It was desperate and sloppy, which means one thing: she knows we're coming for her.

[ He wants to be viciously pleased with the idea of her panicking, but he is nothing close to amused right now. ]

The only way she could know that is if someone on the inside told her. We don't know who, and we don't know how, but we can't afford that kind of liability. These laws are in place to protect you. We can't fight a war on both sides of the wall.

Be vigilant. Look after each other. It's going to be down to you to keep each other safe.

[ A pause, a blink. The ever eternal silent sigh. ]

You have questions. Ask.

[ OOC NOTES: This is the official kickoff for the new martial law! Ask your IC questions here, and let us know if you want any god in specific, as they'll be hanging around this post. The log for weapons registration, rationing, and Red Scare flavoured shenanigans is over here. Let us know if you have any questions! ]

I know a lot of people have been working hard and preparing for the fight ahead. I figure I find a help to help with a skill that is just as important as attacking and defending! That’s learning how to dodge! [This is serious business.]

It’s just as important to know how to properly avoid an attack,just as it is to defend from an attack. So today I ask people to join me for a game of tag, with one of my pets.

[A few thumping foot steps are heard as a part of long furry legs come into view behind Aladdin.]

All you have to do is avoid being tagged by Assel.

[It’s the return of the dungeon bear and it’s covered in specially made safety gear.]

I promised him a lot of honey for every tag he makes against people in the game, so he isn't going easy on anyone. Oh and if you want to keep playing after you've been tagged, you have to wait ten minutes in timeout first.

[Or go to the hospital because a giant bear thing just hit you. One that is much faster then it looks.]

The one that gets tags the least gets a special prize. [ Plus walks away with the least amount of injuries.] If you want to take part we're currently in the arena! Also Thanks Leonardo for the help making Assel's armor!

[ There's a new face on the Network today, but he doesn't bother with an introduction. He looks serious, gets right down to business. ]

Hey, I've got a question for everyone.

Where can I find a wheelchair? Preferably a motorized one.

The sooner, the better.

Thanks.

[ When the video opens up, Jade just pushes a cute if crudely made doll toward the camera. It has a shock of messy black hair and folded bits of white that seem to represent ears. She's grinning from ear to ear (just like the doll is!) as she pulls it back. ]

Did anyone else get a doll at their door? I got this and, um, some flowers and some cards that were really, really cute.

[ It was, apparently, enough to lighten her mood pretty considerably. ]

Anyway! I need to stop hoarding so many guns, because I had a million and then Roxy left me a million, and two million guns is just way too many for one girl to have. If you need a weapon and can promise me that you won't shoot yourself in the face, please let me know!

Alternatively: if you need help figuring out how to not shoot yourself in the face, I am also the girl to see about that.

[PRIVATE to Sophie:]

So, um, hehe. About Osiris.