[ video ]

[ Guess who finally caught up on the network? Hikaru's taken a few notes down just in case as if she was compiling a basic report for a case. Really, she's taken what everyone has said about the recent grisly events. Honestly, she wanted to give the people affected some peace of mind however possible. It's sickening that it happened, especially to some well-known and well-liked people.

When the feed begins, Hikaru can be seen leaning back just a bit with her lips pursed together. She decides to speak once she collects her thoughts. ]

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to let those that were wondering where I disappeared to that I'm back from the Dream Docks. I've actually been back for a couple of days now, but I've been busy catching up on what I could and returning back to work, too.

Speaking of which, I'm aware of what happened recently and I'd like to offer whatever I can to help out, be it counseling, a meal -- whatever you need, I will be more than happy to offer any assistance. I have experience with the military and police back home, too, just in case if you need any assurance.

For those of you who are new here and may not know me, I'm Hikaru Takeda, Deputy Guardian of Everglade. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[ action | heavens court gym ]

[ After Hikaru sends out her message to the network, she feels like she has quite a lot of lead to get out. Being asleep for four months here means that she's got a lot of training to make up for, even if nothing happened to her body. She'll make her way down to the gym in her usual workout clothes before she starts using the weights. Those who live here or are visiting can soon see that she's pretty much using every piece of available equipment so as to refamiliarize herself with everything. Anyone is free to join her! ]

[ action | around nova city and everglade ]

[ Once she's taken care of her usual training regimen, Hikaru's going to be around Nova City as well as Everglade taking care of business for the most part as well as to see what needs to get done. She knows there's a lot of work to do, so she wants to prepare herself however possible. Feel free to interrupt her or catch her attention, though! ]

( [ action | locked to fai ] )

[video;]

[He's already gone over the given reading material five times, and that doesn't include restarting the hologram of Weiss at least three. He wants to be sure he's hearing this correctly. There isn't a way home. And what was that about keeping the necklaces on? He chalks it up to a local custom and wears the thing, which looks absolutely goofy against his uniform (green versus a royal dark blue), but he has made greater sacrifices in the name of fashion.

So when he finally tries out the 'videophone', he finds it's really quite similar to a linkpearl except with pictures. He can get behind this. Despite having an extremely youthful face, he is calm and collected. That doesn't mean he's accepted his fate... and there are many, many unfinished things he has yet to do.]

Good morning. I hope this message finds all of you well. I am Alphinaud Levilleur-- recently arrived-- and I am in possession of a few brief questions if you have the time.

Firstly, I cannot be sure of how many people there are in this place-- those who have been kidnapped-- but an estimate would be very helpful. Additionally, I seek clarification on the notion that we must wear our given necklaces to differentiate us from those who are "real". I understand the necessity of tracking foreigners and their activities, but so far I have seen nothing that would indicate one's neighbor on the street is a facsimile of any kind, unless somewhat reticent behavior indicates that aught is awry. I would know the true nature of this distinction if you are willing.

Lastly, though I dare not give myself completely to hope, anyone who recognizes the name Eorzea: I would speak with you, privately, about the current state of affairs in our world.

[He breathes in, lets it out.]

Thank you for your consideration. I do not mind answering questions in turn, though I doubt I have much to offer; I have been [exiled] away from what I consider my home for quite some time.

( Private Video; Dante Sparda )

[Video]

[Blaze wasn't exactly one for public speaking, and that was very apparent to him at the Guardian debate. He couldn't help but admire people like President Harling and Prime Minister Nikanor for being able to do such a thing without faltering at any point. But Blaze was a soldier, not a public speaker. Even so, he had been placed in a position of leadership again, and he would do his best for Attleton like he did for his squadron. He couldn't help but hear Nagase's words again in his head when she gave up the position of flight lead to him. It gave him another confidence boost thinking about the support of his past wingmen.

It had been a couple of hours since he'd spoken to Dante. When the feed clicks on, Blaze is looking as composed as any soldier at attention would.]

This is Blaze, the new Attleton Guardian. [Wow, that was weird to say. Usually it's going on about Osea's 108th TFS.] I'm pleased to report that Dante will be joining me in Attleton as Deputy. If there are any matters about the city you'd like to talk about, feel free to get in contact with either of us.

[He hesitates a moment before smiling.]

Thank you for the confidence you've placed in us. We'll do our best for Attleton.


[Action]

[Blaze can be found throughout Attleton today, as he's been dedicated to getting more familiar with the city in the past month. He's been learning the fastest routes to get around quickly - especially to the dreaded Midnight Channel subarchway - so he can travel to places efficiently where necessary. He could be found all around the city at varying times - the Garden Bistro for a break for food and the Guardian's Office particularly. He has a new bike parked outside the office, one he'd made arrangements to pay off so he'd be able to travel faster.

Inside the office, he wouldn't be making any major changes to the decor of the place. The only new addition would be a framed photo on the desk, one he'd carried around in his jacket pocket for some time now. Otherwise, he was glancing through documents left in the office, getting more familiar with the way Attleton was run. Clearly, he needs to be bothered.]

[Dante had stepped out of the shop for a bit, mainly to take care of the paperwork and whatnot to get his position as Deputy Guardian official. When he returns though, he goes to get Himari.]

Hey, get ready, we're going out to eat tonight. I finally have a steady income so tonight we're partying!

I won't be able to make anything new for a while. I apologize for that inconvenience and for being away. However, I am open again.

[Formal, curt and to the point. He's going back to his shop and carrying on as usual, or at least as close to it as he can. It's Ryou's way of giving the middle finger to the recent ... incident that he was involved in. A bandaged hand flips the sign over to 'open' on Figurine Fables door.]

ooc warning:Could be mentions of some Battler-stuff under the cut. Nothing gory or detailed - unless someone's character is an asshole and they are TRYING to trigger him.]

( Prompts Under the Thread )