[ Riku's restless. Hanging around the lobby is boring. Staying in his room is boring. He wants out, to at least see his friends, but the fog's ridiculously thick and he knows he'll only get lost.


Time to try giving them a call. He puts in the number for Sora and then for Kairi, not really noticing that his restless pacing has brought him near the ball pit as he leaves messages for them.

It's the first thing Cloud notices when he rounds the corner. A ball pit and a distracted punk not watching his footing; it's a simple combination. Cloud doesn't even think as one hand impulsively rises to shove Riku off-balance. No harm, no foul; the kid will survive the sea of plastic balls. He'll just be indignant. With that in mind, Cloud squats down at the edge of the ball pit and fishes one out, sure there will be some retaliation when Riku comes back up. (To be honest, he's looking forward to it. With no way to spar in the house, there has to be something to do.)

And Riku delivers on that expectation. As soon as he gets his feet back under him and his head out of the pit, he's swiping the nearest ball and aiming right for the jerk's head, not even aware that his bracelet is now broadcasting the video feed publicly. ] Hey, bird brain! Watch where you're going!

[ Cloud instantly dodges and counterstrikes, thanks to being prepared; though since his head's moving at the same time he throws, the ball goes a little wide. ] 'Bird brain'? I'm not the one who went flying.

[ With a slightly raised eyebrow. Really, Riku, you don't think that was an accident, do you?

Riku's dodged that one by going to the side, although it's unnecessary at this rate. He's gritting his teeth as his footing slips a bit more. Why did it have to be in here!

No matter. Cloud should join him soon with the way Riku's trying to lunge at him. ] Shut up!

[ And Cloud does just that-- because really the point is to (play) fight. Because of that, though he's surprised by how quick Riku goes at him, eyes widening, he doesn't fight it too hard; it only takes a brief struggle for Riku to get him tumbling head over heels into the pit, multicolored balls flying up everywhere with the "splash".

...This place really needs better supervision. With how many balls are being thrown around, it might just turn into an all out war. ]


((Riku. Cloud. Anyone roaming around in Heimdall house is more than welcome to jump on in the Ball War, get hit with a ball, etc.))

[For those who are currently landlocked in the castle as well, they're going to be spotting a hooded female figure pacing around the castle as if looking for something. Or, perhaps, she's more accurately inspecting and observing everything she can. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem like she's in a very cheerful mood while doing it.]

[For those inspecting the network at this hour, however, the same hooded figure is going to show up in what seems to be an accidental video. Judging from her squeak of surprise, it looks like she accidentally activated her bracelet's holographic screen and is now staring at it in what can only be assumed to be surprise.

The staring goes on for a couple of seconds, with her hand coming up to touch the screen as well, before she so eloquently starts to speak.]

I... [A pause, trying to figure out what to say now that she realizes it's recording.] ...Hello. Can someone please tell me more about this place? I'm... I'm not supposed to be here.

[...aaaaand, then she just proceeds to stare awkwardly for another second before shutting this video feed off. Mostly because she's worried sick about what's going to happen if she's here and partly because what is she doing what is going on this is hideous.]

[ Truth be told, Regina's been a little out-of-sorts for a few days now. She was worried about the stabbings, but put it out of her head and got on with things quite easily. But after witnessing someone...pass away right in front of her, she had decided to mainly stay in Freya Hall. So, when the fog rolled in, she wasn't as upset as she normally would be with being barred from going outside.

Today, anyone who passes through the Welcome Hall will see a couple of unusual things.

One, the entrance will be full of paper dolls hanging from the ceilings. Regina was disappointed she couldn't find a slightly brighter colour paper like electric green or shocking magenta, but this would have to do.

Two, the girl herself is hard at work in the kitchen, which has turned into a dreadful mess and smells equally bad. ]

Hmm, what did Moe say? Stew needs salt! Just a pinch...but better take that with a grain of - oopsie! [ There goes the whole bottle. ]

[ For those lucky enough not to be in Freya, later, Regina has discovered a new way to inadvertently annoy people. ]

[ TEXT ]

hello asgard its so nice to talk to you!! look what i found out look look look! ITS SPARKLY!!!!

can ya see it yet???

HUH? CAN YA?

Sora? Riku... I know you're here. If you can hear this, let me know, okay?

[It seems someone has figured out the bracelet's functions very quickly.]

I tried to leave, but it's too foggy... I can't see anything. I was told to go to Sigyn house, but until I can go outside, I think I'm stuck here.

If anyone else is with me here in this castle, I guess we could meet up and keep each other company while the weather's bad? There are a lot of names on this list on the bracelet, so some of you must be here, too, right? My name is Kairi. I don't really understand what's going on here, but until I figure it out... It's nice to meet all of you!

[Hello, Asgard. We interrupt your creepy old man, owl and lion woes to bring you this.... thing. This trolling thing. Vanitas has had a few days to peruse the educational material Euri lent to him--enough time to get to the first sex scene and promptly laugh himself hoarse.

Oh, but this is too good to keep to himself. Way, way, way too good.

It's hard to miss this video of Vanitas sitting calmly in a chair somewhere in Hel's house, one leg crossed casually over the other with a book in his hand. There's an eerie little smile on his face, as he opens it with no lead-in, and starts reading aloud in a very even tone.]

The Treasure or the Trophy, Chapter seven. Page sixty three.

( Cut for NSFW of the trashy romance novel variety )

[He makes it through without a hint of laughter, or flinching. Just dry, and a little amused. Once he gets there, Vanitas abruptly stops, and closes the book.]

So, this is what it's all about? Stupid... How do you guys keep from laughing yourselves to death?

[ It seems Kyoko's found the free food, as she's munching on a bag of chips when the video comes on. She speaks with her mouth full. ]

Hey, hey. I haven't been here long, but it seems like everyone's a little soft on these kidnappers. Has anyone figured out where to find 'em? Or how to beat 'em? Don't tell me you're all doin' as they say.

"The fate of all existence"--why should I care about that? Don't go raisin' the dead if you want someone who cares about the world, "gods". There's gotta be more people who agree with me.

[ She's about to turn off the video when she looks up. ] Those birds are getting really annoying. Anyone know how they taste when fried?

[Today, Asgard, have yet another talking hedgehog! This one, however, is probably somewhat more familiar, especially to those in Thor house, given that he... lives there and makes chili dogs practically every day.

But yes, Sonic is broadcasting from somewhere in the Thor District. He probably spent a good chunk of the day cruising around town. Now, though? He's probably headed back home. But fiiirst...]

Y'know, I could say somethin' about those birds, but somebody totally beat me with that surfin' bird reference, so I'll just cut to the chase. First of all, if ya haven't guessed, there's another hedgehog hangin' around. Dunno who he is or what his deal is, but no, it ain't me. I mean, unless I decided to... [And here he'll do his best Shadow impersonation.]

Talk in a dark, serious voice... [Annnd back to his normal tone!] And dye my fur black and red, it just ain't likely. Besides, I don't have a beef with you humans, long as ya don't cause trouble like Robuttnik.

But, just to throw this out again-- no, this ain't a costume, no ya ain't seeing things, so let's all get along and chill.

[He smirks and zips over to a nearby building.]

With all that outta the way, is anyone around here itchin' for some major chow? I've been thinkin' of starting up a chili dog stand, that way I can make a living and give people one mondo sweet dose of past cool snackage. If I start makin' money off of 'em, I could probably afford better supplies, anyway. So, any takers?

[A black hedgehog suddenly appears! Perhaps his appearance reminds you of someone you know, perhaps not. Either way, he looks highly unamused by the events that have transpired here. Waking up in a strange place, not a wholly uncommon thing, but it was still annoying when it does happen. At least the last time he was still on the same planet.]

[But no, and questions pertaining to why he’s even here can be answered in the letter he was given. At least they should be, according to that woman. Reading it over again, Shadow highly doubts that.]

“The fate of all existence rests within your capable hands.” Tch. What a joke.

[At a simple tightening of his grip, the letter crumpled immediately, Shadow casually tossing it onto the ground. No point in keeping something so useless, right? Lifting up his wrist, Shadow looked back to the bracelet he had activated just before. A recording device of some kind? At least, that’s what he was told.]

Still, seeing that I’m no longer on the ARK, something must’ve happen. A discharge in energy from the Chaos Emeralds perhaps. Doubt it, but real explanations seem to be few and far between. [Obviously not thinking too much of that ‘Gods’ one from the letter.] I wonder if the Doctor’s plans were a success then. It’s a shame I didn’t get to watch it myself, but so long as it actually happened, that’s good enough.

[Right, Maria?]

Hi, my name is Sora. I'm new here! I know we're supposed to bring life to this world, but how are we supposed to do that? I wonder if it's one of those smiling things, like no sad faces. If we're happy and smile a lot, maybe things will get better. We should definitely test it.

I have another question. Does anybody know if any of my friends are here? Whenever something weird happens, my friends Donald and Goofy are always with me. I have two other friends, Kairi and Riku. They're my best friends and I can't believe we got separated again! All my friends are really important to me so if you see any of them, you have to let me know!

Okay, thank you. I'm going to stop this thing now. I'm gonna ask someone around here to show me how to use it. Hope they don't mind!

[the man that comes on screen is well dressed, well groomed, and has a pleasant smile on his face that matches the tone of his voice.]

Hello, Asgard. My name is Kyouya Ootori, and it appears that I will be joining you for the forseeable future. [he offers a bow to the feed that comes out a bit awkward, given the angle of the feed.]

I will be pleased to meet you all.

[and then: the turn around, where his voice takes on an extra tone while he pushes up his glasses. there's less charm and more seriousness in his voice now.]

If you could tell me-- has anyone returned home, once they arrive in this place, and what has been done as far as the preservation of this world? How long has everyone been here? I would more than appreciate any information on the subject.

[he flashes another charming smile at the feed before his next question-- which comes out a bit more exasperated than everything else, almost as if he's resigning himself to an inevitability.]

Additionally, is there anyone here from Ouran High School?

Thank you in advance. [and he'll offer another of his slight bows and that's that.]

Good day, Asgard! How are you doing? [Wait no Akari stop this isn't your computer you're on you can't talk like how you'd write an email!!] This might be a strange question, but I was wondering about the various businesses and such that people have here. I've noticed that people here have started up their own businesses and shops, so...

[She nods to herself. YEAH, THIS'LL BE FUN!!] If possible, I'd like to ask what sorts of businesses people have running. What you do there, what times it's open, where it is, and things like that. Alternatively, if you're thinking of starting a business but haven't done so yet, I'd really like it if you could tell me a bit about it.

Thank you for your time, everyone.

[And for the rest of the day, Akari can be seen quite literally anywhere! She's going all around the city looking for any kind of business or shop, from various cafes to possibly even your own place. For places that sell food or some other good, Akari is taking a look at the things being sold while jotting down some notes in a small notebook before finally purchasing something for herself. For other kinds of places, she may be trying to get a worker's attention with something like "Um, excuse me!"

If you happen to catch her outside of a store, Akari is once again jotting notes in her notebook, flipping over pages and reviewing what she's written. She seems a bit tired from having walked around for so long, but that smile on her face is that of someone who's completely satisfied with what they've done.]

[Greetings, Asgard! Your bonafide Bonnefoy seems to be well and situated in Freya by now, which is a good thing. His greeting, however, is mildly er, nonexistent and he sounds almost up to his eyeballs in unsures.] 

I have ah-- [he pauses, looking at something off-screen rather critically; those fine features and MANLY STUBBLE crinkling in distaste as if he just imagined his mother naked and frolicking with Rome... Which he'd had the misfortune of seeing once, actually--] Now, mes amis! I am not a judgmental man. [He just lies like a rug]

Mais-- Well, I could not help but notice the overwhelming amount of English that have been brought as fellow Traveler to Asgard.

[The hidden, or not so hidden message is I am DROWNING in the ENGLISH. Send help. ]

I am just wondering if there is a reason for this favoritism, hm? Why not say-- the French? If they wanted their city to be colorful again my culture is much more familiar with the expression. No offense, hm? Consider it a case of being homesick...

[He smiles, disarmingly, perhaps, fumbling with his pack of cigarettes before flicking the transmission off. WAY TO LITERALLY OFFEND HALF OF ASGARD, FRANCIS.]

[ Here is a young woman walking slowly through the streets of Asgard, noticeably new if only by the concerned look on her face as she glances about, her surroundings obviously unfamiliar to her. But perhaps of greater interest is the armor she wears, though her helmet is off and tucked under one arm, her strange key-shaped sword clutched in her other hand.

She's got a lot on her mind. The first thing she'd noticed is that her armor wasn't responding to her, only to lead very quickly to the realization that her Keyblade was ... inert. It felt dead in her hands, like all the light and all the power had gone out of it.

And as she walks, she notices other senses deadened, too. She cannot feel the Light or the Darkness. The only magic she's been able to produce has been a bit of ice - none of her normal spells, and nothing of her own personal magic, either.

When she finally stops, she stands before the Welcome Hall of Odin, staring up at it with more than a little uncertainty. She shifts her Keyblade into the hand also gripping her helmet, and presses her free hand to her mouth. ]

Restoring this world... and the one from whence I came.

Something about this is not right.

[ With a final sigh, Aqua lowers her arm and moves towards the door of Odin house, letting herself in to find "her" lodgings and perhaps come across anyone who might be able to explain things to her.

When she later does make it to her room, she will use her bracelet to make a video post to the network -- by now, she has managed to take off all of her armor and store it and her Keyblade out of sight, leaving her dressed in her normal clothes. ]

I've been told I can use this bracelet to communicate with all the other travelers in this place. My name is Aqua, and I'll be staying in Odin. Please, if anyone could help me, I'm looking for my friends. Their names are Terra and Ven. It's really important that I find them, so if you've heard anything at all, I'd really appreciate hearing it.

[ A beat, before she continues. ] Is ... it true that each person here is from a different world?

[ She remembers her charge: "do not tell anyone there are other worlds." But it was one of the very first things mentioned in the welcome letter she was given. Perhaps she can find out more about this strange place, what could very well be a nexus of all worlds -- the first thing of its kind that she's ever heard of.

How very strange indeed. ]

[The video feed flips on and there is A LOT of fumbling going on. There are few glimpses of tresses of long, pink hair and a yellow dress... and the sound of a voice from off-screen. It seems to have been touched completely by accident and the act of the touchscreen appearing has sent the owner into a frenzy.]

Oh gosh!!

Oh no! What's happening??

[As she brings her hand up and totally freezes, anyone watching will see a young lady with fair skin and pink hair staring into the "screen" with a deer-in-the-headlights expression.]

I-I-I--... Is anypony there? Please tell me that somepony is there...

Can this go away...? [More tinkering with her bracelet and her other hand comes up to swat at the holograph like it's some sort of horrible bug. Having it explained to her earlier did jack, apparently.]

Go away, please. Please turn off!

How do I--!

[She flails her arm around again and seems to shut the video portion off on her own. There's the sound of a crash and the audio is cut off as well.]

Oi, Midgard!

What is your favorite junk food? Like, the one thing that you eat that is just full of calories. This place is severely lacking in my usual, so fire off some alternatives here. Pronto.

[The feed begins with a view of young man grinning like an idiot.]

Ah, so if this place gives everyone supernatural abilities, isn't there a question we must be asking ourselves?

How?

I mean, we can't all be biologically suited for that kind of thing already, right? We've probably been modified in some way...!

But what way? That and my beloved Celty are what I sit here daydreaming about....

[A pause.]

So I was thinking...if I examined a few of you....maybe I could find out! Any volunteers? 

Ooh? What's this?

[ tap tap. seems maya's finally found her bracelet, and she's obviously pretty mesmerized by it.

At least, for the moment. ]

I don't know what's going on, and to be honest, it's kinda weird, but this place is so cool! I'm sure Nick would scold me for saying that, but he's not here now anyways. ... Oh!

[ This'd be a good opportunity to ask, wouldn't it? ]

Um, I think that maid tried to explain what's going on, but I didn't really get it. [ as in, she wasn't paying attention. ] So could anyone fill me in? And tell me if you meet a guy named Nick! He'll probably introduce himself as Phoenix or Wright, but just call him Nick! Oh! One more thing! Is there any place to get burgers around here? I'm starving!

[When the feed starts there are two people visible, Euri and Shu. Euri has a forced look of determination on her face, even though she's fidgeting slightly. She's never used the video option before due to her appearance, so this is uncomfortable. Even moreso considering the subject they're going to be focusing on is one that terrifies her.]

Hey, all you assholes! Listen up! We've got something important we need to tell you all!

[Unlike Euri, Shu looks uncertain. He's over complicating things in his mind and he's second doubting himself. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.]

Assholes? Euri, you should be more polite. You can't go around calling people assholes.

[She does have a point though.]

I apologize for her behavior everyone. [Pause.] Um...I would appreciate it if you all took the time to listen to us speak.

There's something dangerous out there that I think you all deserve to be aware of.

[Euri rolls her eyes and hisses back quietly.]

They won't listen if we don't get their attention!

[Then she raises her voice.]

Yeah! There's a vampire out there named Diva who's been attacking people! [She nudges Shu in the side expectantly.]

That doesn't mean we should be rude about it.

[He thinks he's the last person people would listen to. At least Euri is here to bail him out.]

I know it sounds a little scary and sudden, but what Euri is saying is true. I was one of her victims.

[As proof, he'll show the injuries he received from Diva that night. They're bite marks located around his neck. Gross.]

I'd like it if all of you took the time to consider what we're saying. Really think about it.

[Good boy, Shu. Having evidence really helps their claim.]

Not just that! If you see her, kill her! At this rate she's going to kill someone.

Everyone, please be careful. This isn't something you should joke about.

We're talking about innocent lives here. Diva is far from innocent. That's all we need to say. Excuse us.

[The feed turns off.]


[ooc: the red font is euri and the green font is shu o/]

[the video feed cues onto Rin, but he seems like a little worse for ware. He's got some bandages on his face, and he's got some cuts and scrapes and he's got what looks like to be a mild burn on the base of his chin.  But its nothing really, not for him anyways.  ]

Well how is-[as he shrugs, he stops wincing loudly in pain. Yes, pain. A foreign concept to Rin, the son of satan. He's not used to be hurt or going through such things, but he's not one to complain. In fact, considering that this is the first time he's been seriously injured and his arm in a sling he's doing pretty damn well. But still, it doesn't feel comfortable and you can tell he's not feeling well.]

Mmm, ah...Is everyone alright? I mean I know there are still people in the hospital, but I didn't know if the fires were out.

I wish there was something I could do to help. [for once he feels completely and utterly powerless. And it sucks.]

Its no big deal, but, well, does anyone know if their powers have come back? Anything at all? Is there anyone that had powers before at home?  If anyone did, have they gotten them back at all? It'd be nice right now, I mean for some people. Since it might be helpful for healers, maybe. [He winces and yelps again, OW PAIN REALLY SUCKS]

Just curious ya know, [he pauses looking off to the side, deep in thought] no reason.


[ooc: Just fyi, Rin got himself injured at the assault by the dragon protecting Ranka.  He got himself injured and is too stubborn to get it healed =w=.  Soooo yah, he's being a git, oops]

Ah--is it working now? Yes? Good.

[Though curt, the speaker retains just enough politeness in his voice to pass as "approachable". The image suddenly turns, giving everyone a good look at the owner of the bracelet: a man wearing a peculiar body suit. Worry and frustration hardens the lines of his face.]

If anyone is hearing this--or seeing this, I suppose, as this device is apparently capable of transmitting video recordings as well as sound--I would like to have a few things clarifed. The maid has already helpfully informed me of the basics, but was unwilling to tell me much else.

Am I to understand that every single person brought here is expected to stay in this city for an indefinite amount of time? And that everyone has been given an ability of some sort?

[Charles stops, taking a breath.] My name is Charles Xavier. If anyone could answer my questions as well as disclosing the specifics, I would be most grateful.