[Gale Reinhardt was gone. General Grievous had announced that. Karla felt that David Haller was gone as well. Although his departure hadn't been announced, Karla could just feel it. She hadn't heard from him in some time. She sits with her device in her lap, fidgeting with her hands.]

Two of my friends are gone. Two...out of three. I feel more hollow than I've felt in a long time.

I've always felt that we should spend as much time as we can with our friends...because one day we would part ways. But no matter how much time we spend together, it never feels like it's enough. Is that why people feel sad when their friends leave...?

[Gellert exhales a long stream of smoke from a pipe, his mismatched eyes looking beyond the gloom surrounding him. A picture will be quite clear for anyone watching, built from smoke and magic, showing a much younger Albus clasping hands with him. Then the image starts to fade, drifting away like the aforementioned smoke - only to be replaced by Gellert stealing the Elder Wand from Gregorovitch. Except that latter vision is...strange. There is another voice that can be heard, oh so briefly, demanding something of him.

"Tell me, Grindelwald. Tell me where it is."]

I wonder who that could be? [He waves a hand and the images disappear.] The magic in this place heightens my visions. I have seen...so many things. I don't know what to make of half of them.

I thought I would share. [You know, for the Greater Good.]

[ In Nova City, a large crowd has gathered in front of a government building. Probably a court house. But it's an important building! Nevertheless, the crowd is nothing but a sea of picket posters with witty and/or catchy slogans, angry faces, and LED tiki torches. They're not savages, after all. This event is being broadcast in most cities with the capability to stream it, and Neo is taking the podium. In her hands is a different device than the one she usually uses. She holds it up, and it looks like one of those devices of ancient times. Neo uses one hand to sign, as the usual voice pops up on the loud speaker, while a large screen behind her projects the words in easy to read font.

"They want us to use their already available technology and just get on with our lives. Well, let's send them a message."

So she begins typing, and it's taking a while to get the message typed up. Sometimes her face looked frustrated and the crowd encourages her to press on! What nice people! After about five minutes, Neo is ready to present her message, and a robotic sort of voice pops up. Clearly not as sophisticated as hers:

"You suck."

The crowd erupts into laughter, which transitions to rowdy applause and whistles. Neo just gives a cheeky smile with a shrug. What a message! She holds up the device again before addressing the crowd.

"This is what they want us to use? Did you see how long it took to just type in two measly words? They say we can simply get medical implants to allow us to speak freely, but if you're not a resident of Nova City, you're paying for that out of your OWN pockets! Do you think they're going to pay most of your non-essential surgery?!"

The crowd erupts with a boisterous "NO!"

"The government claims that such technology isn't their domain. But guess what? It IS their domain to make sure it's citizens are treated fairly by companies that half-ass technology for the differently abled and expect us to be satisfied. It is their RESPONSIBILITY to keep their companies in check by providing laws that go the distance for us, not just meet the minimum standards to satisfy the government! If they can't even do that, what good are they for?!"

Loud cheers and clapping are fueled by Neo's words.

"The government knows we're right because they're too scared to even LOOK at our lawsuit! {the crowd boos and hisses} These lawsuits represent us, our voice, and we aren't going to be ignored! We're going to keep fighting until they decide to meet us in court!"

Someone in the crowd starts chanting "READ OUR SIGNS! READ OUR SIGNS!", which catches with others in the crowd, and soon enough, the entire city is bathed in those three words. Neo just smiles, glad to lead such an angry crowd. Deep down, she hopes they start looting. She could use a new crepe maker. ]

[ Regan is using her device today to introduce herself to the town at large and she looks a lot better than she did before. For starters, her clothing is new and her hair is tied back in two semi messy French braids. And she’s in a bedroom that’s starting to show signs of a young girl living in it. To her left on the desk she’s propped her device on, a white board and colorful erasable markers. To the right? A pile of cochlear devices. She picks up the whiteboard and scribbles out a message for all to read. ]

Hi! My name is Regan. I’ve only been in town for a couple weeks and I have a question.


[ Erasing that message, she writes a newer and slightly longer second one. ]

I was born deaf, so I use American Sign Language to communicate. Back home, I had a lot of people in my life who understood it and could communicate back. But here? I don’t have as many. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in learning so that I had more people I could talk to?



[ Its really not a bad idea, honestly. She gives people time to read that one and then writes again. ]

I also need a job. I have no idea what I could do or anything done I haven’t had a job before. So if anyone has anything a deaf thirteen year old might enjoy, please let me know. Thanks.

[ Neopolitan comes onto the screen, obviously recorded by someone else since her hands are empty, in her usual outfit. She stands in front of a large crowd with signs and angry faces. Some signs read "We deserve to be heard!", "Speak up for the Unspoken", and a few other signs in actual sign language. There is a microphone, but it seems to be set up for her device, since that's where the voice for her gloves comes from.

"We need a voice, and you need us because we basically pay your salary. These fine people are fed up with the lack of action from all cities when it comes to sign language interpretation. We can't rely on typing. It's not a logical medium to hold conversations with face-to-face. So I'm offering my services to interpret for all City Guardians and other high ranking officials during important press conferences and the like. We shouldn't have to wait hours, or even days, for an interpretation of what was just said during a live broadcast.

And let's face it: closed captioning sucks.

We won't stop just with sign language, but expand with Braille, too. We need just as much access to communications as those without disabilities."

There's applause, both audible and visual as Neo steps off her literal soap box. She'll rally in every city if she has to! ]

[ Everyone's TVs will flicker on and to the Genessia News Channel for a Live Special Report. The Show Host pops out from beneath the podium, a cool tenor voice coming straight from him as he addresses the camera. ]

Well heeeeello there everyone! We interrupt your day for a very special report! This is the hostess with the mostest, your favorite Show Host, here with the City Guardian Election Debate, coming at you LIVE! This debate's a little smaller than normal with two City Guardian positions being uncontested, so Genessia City and Fayren will both be sitting out this time around. Congratulations to their continuing Guardians, David Haller and Mavis Vermillion!

Before we get into things, I'd like to introduce our sponsors for the City Guardian Debates this summer: Schnee Company Welcoming Services and Paw Paws and Props. Paw Paws and Props: You bring your pet, we'll take ridiculous model-level pictures of them as superheroes, celebrities, sports players- you name it, we'll make your pet into a star. I got a photo of me with my pet the other day, take a look!

[ Yes, this broadcast is being interrupted by a photo of Show Host as Robin cheek-to-cheek with his caped crusader, Bat-Llama. The photo spins out of the way cartoon-style back to Show Host and starts the show! ]

We are broadcasting live from right here in Genessia City. Many folks are in attendance, including our very own GCPD who are here to monitor and keep the peace. Let's begin the live debate-slash-Q&A you've all been waiting for. Here's how it works: You all come up with questions to ask each of the Guardians, and each Guardian will have the opportunity to answer it to help you decide which of your candidates is the right one for your city. You can submit your questions via text to the CPU and it will beam them to our stage, or if you're here in the audience, head on up to the podium and ask in person! Now to introduce our candidates.

A huge fight is brewing in Attleton with fiery contenders! Dante Sparda: current deputy, suave musician, professional pizza-lover, and badass is our first candidate but don't think he's the only one here. His opponent is EXPLODING onto the stage with plans to be the very best, like no one ever was! Katsuki Bakugo is ready to tell Dante to get back and go! Who will Attleton choose to be its new hero!?

Attleton isn't the only hot-button topic around though. Everglade may send a chill down your spine, but things are getting ready to heat up as Lydia squares down with Hikaru Takeda. One's a passionate protector of undead rights, the other the entrusted as acting City Guardian. Who will Everglade choose to deal with the spooky task of trying to keep everyone happy as City Guardian!?

Last but never least, let's make some hoopla about the high-tech city that programmed its way into our hearts and shot them into the sky, Nova City! Nova City's got two candidates with us today. He's sexy, he's cute, and popular to boot, he's bitchin', great hair, we all love to stare: Gale Reinhardt! But don't let that great intro fool you, Android 17 used to be a park ranger, and our hearts are in his range now! ❤

So park yourself down, take a seat, and let's get started folks! Get into the town hall for this live debate, starting in 30 minutes! You've still got time to pop in, let's go, and don't forget to cast your votes this June 24th at the polls!

{ OOC NOTE: Anyone can reply to this post with a question they want to ask the potential City Guardians. Each City Guardian candidate is tasked with answering any question on this post. No candidate is required to, but lack of participation may affect public opinion of the candidate! Lack of any activity during the election season will disqualify your candidate, however.

On June 24th, the polls will officially go up and each character will be afforded one vote for each city. So if you play 5 characters, you will need to submit 5 IC vote choices; if you only play 1, then only that character will vote. This means you as the player are voting on your character's behalf because it's going to be in the OOC comm just so that we can include instructions. There will be further information at that time as well as a link to a "booklet" with candidate information. For now though, the debate is here! }

[ Despite the chilly weather in most cities, Neo wants to try out something she thinks would be a good business venture for whenever Jacques gets himself killed and leaves her without work for a while. So she's in Attleton, because it has the best weather, in an ice cream truck. She's renting it for the time being, but if things are successful, maybe she'll use her own money to buy it.

As a nostalgic tune plays in the background, a long line full of anxious customers forms for her handcrafted ice creams, and her truck has become especially popular for her fried ice cream balls. Who can resist anything fried?!

So Neo is showing off her tubs of different flavors, at least thirteen, and a small heap of ready to be fried ice cream balls. Showing off the process, first she scoops up pink ice cream with red flecks similar to rose petals into a ball, and has her Vanillish blow on it to make it frozen solid no the outside before coating it in a special batter and bread crumbs, then fries it to a golden crisp. Topped with a drizzle of raspberry syrup, and it's complete!

She then serves it to an awaiting customer and the feed ends there.]

WHO: OPEN TO ALL!
WHAT: Holiday party! Date auction! Shenanigans.
WHEN: December 15th, 2017 - Evening
WHERE: Fairy Tale HQ - Fayren
NOTES: The auction and the kissing contest are time sensitive! Bids close and the last kiss will be accepted on Friday, December 22nd, at midnight PST!

Fayren didn't have electricity, but it had something even better.

MAGIC!

There were twinkling colored lights that burned, flickered, and floated in an ethereal way, enchanting the building in a way that fluorescent lights never could. Branches of evergreen were hung here and there to give the air a fresh pine scent. There were also pinecones doused with cinnamon and nutmeg near the doorways.

Except near the kitchens, because the food smells were more than enough to entice the senses. There were mini-sausages swimming in a thick and spicy sauce, sweet and tangy meatballs on toothpicks, vegetables and dip, bite-sized cream puffs, iced sugar cookies, cheese and crackers, mulled cider, and eggnog in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties.

The main room, expansive as it was, had plenty of room for music, dancing, and mingling. There were some tables and several chairs set up, and a small stage where musicians were welcome to perform to their heart's content. To the side was an even smaller stage where a sprig of mistletoe was suspended on a loop of scarlet ribbon, with a sign that reads: "Test Your Passion! Win This Arcade Game!" And next to that was a full-sized arcade game version of Alley Brawlers. Might be worth checking out!

But there were more games than that, and more than a few maps set up on easels of the headquarters and where to go to play certain games. A single lane bowling alley (with manual set-up of the pins), a "fishing" booth where people toss a clothespin on a fishing line over a curtain to have a little prize attached by someone hidden on the other side, a ring toss for cans of soda, a cake walk (with full-sized cakes for the winners and cupcakes for the losers), ornament decorating, pin-the-tail-on-the-unicorn, face painting, a pool of rubber ducks with numbers corresponding to prizes on the bottom, goldfish scooping... Almost anything one would find at a carnival was sure to be found here.

As for the auction? Step right up, right past the gauzy white curtains into a big room lit with twinkling golden lights. Anyone was welcome to come in, but if someone wanted to participate as a bidder, they'd have to make a donation at the door. In return, each donor would receive a packet of 100 red tickets with the same number assigned to the bidder name: one roll of tickets with 101 for the first donor, a roll of tickets with 102 for the second donor, and so on.

Cookies and punch were available in this room, with several tables and chairs set up before a large stage with a microphone. Along the wall was a line of clear plastic boxes, with slots on top, set in front of each auction date's face. A card that indicated the name of each person, their age, and a brief description of what they were all about was pasted onto the front of the boxes. People were welcome to look at the line-up if they wanted, or even use some of their tickets prematurely if they wanted, as they were clearly for a drawing. Until the auction starts, soft piano music plays from a stereo running on batteries.

[ She didn't want to do this. Even after it, she'd hesitated to post it. It had taken her some time to come to the conclusion that it was either post this and make Winter understand why what she had posted wasn't okay even if it got results or end up with Winter refusing to talk to her forever and continuing to piss off more people than their father had yet. It'll either make things better or a whole lot worse, though.

It's voice though because she's well aware she looks like a guilt-ridden doe-eyed deer the entire time se's trying to record this, even if she can manage to make her voice sound authoritative from practice. ]

First off, I'd like to start by apologizing for my recent attempt to conquer Nova City. It was wrong and while very few people were actually hurt, it was out of line. Nova City Co-Guardian Vakarian handled the problem to the best of his abilities while Co-Guardian Black handled other situations at hand.

That said, there is one particular instance of incorrectly handled leadership and relational responsibility that I am particularly disappointed in. Winter Schnee, Captain of the Royal Guard from Fayren, failed to identify the problem for what it was despite speaking directly to me. Despite being quite literally in a costume and in the depth of Fayren's problems, she lacked any of the investigative reasoning to infer that I had been to Fayren given that I was wearing an outfit very different from my own. She also lacked the worldly knowledge to recognize that the outfit was that of a comic book villain from my world, and dismissed the matter as "clearly beyond the jurisdiction of Fayren, so it seems there's no need for [her] personal interference."

This shows an irresponsibility for the effects of Fayren's Halloween-induced nightmares that dismissed anything beyond clothing choice as a potential threat from the city. The costumes from Fayren clearly affected behavior and abilities, and she chose not to intervene when others clearly recognized that something was amiss. What is even further and more personally disappointing to me is that she didn't recognize her own sister was behaving erradically beyond anything worth a raised eyebrow. I very nearly killed our father in my Fayren-induced mad pursuit of power and the Captain of the Royal Guard didn't think there was anything that needed her personal attention.

Should such an inobservant and inacting individual, who refuses to act simply because it's no longer in her city despite that her city clearly caused it, have such important responsibilities? I honestly hate to say this because she is, in fact, my sister, but the clear lack of deductive reasoning and social skills would indicate that she has a direct need to be a student more than someone with the right to insubordinately criticize the office her station works for. If Winter Schnee wants to continue in her position, she needs to take the time to learn to respect the people she works for, the people she works with, and the people she works to protect both in and out of Fayren. She needs to realize that inaction is sometimes worse than the wrong action for the right reasons.

locked to Winter
I hope you understand why this is an unacceptable way to communicate issues to someone you respect now.

[ Neo, in the safety of her own home, sits against a wall on her bed in a matching set of black undergarments, holding a cone of vanilla ice cream. Text pops up at the bottom of the screen.]

It's pretty rough out there. Anyone want some ice cream? Freshly made!

[ She takes a lick and nods in approval at the taste. Nothing beats your own handmade ice cream!! ]

[ ooc: I just have too many to justify making multiple posts, and thus making things harder for others to track, so here's one comprehensive post for most of them! ]

( Neo: Take Advantage [action in Genessia] )



( Grell: Go to Candyland… [video in Everglade] )



( Aya: Be the Monster Within [action in Attleton] )



( Nora: Be the Hero [action in Genessia] )

Hey guys!

[Yang sits on her bed, legs folded lotus-style, elbows on her knees. Super relaxed, super casual, but that's a devil's grin if ever there was one.]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting pretty pumped for Halloween. And to get you in the spirit, I'm going to tell you...

[She reaches back and flicks off the light, and the feed shows only darkness.........until there's a quiet 'click' and Yang's face is illuminated from underneath with a flashlight. That devil's grin now stretches from ear to ear.]

The Tale of the Bloody Bride! Those who are faint of heart, turn off your comm devices now. It's spooky story time.

( You have been warned! )

When the video comes alive, it seems fairly clear that it's some kind of mistake. The man holding the device is only half in frame, his expression somewhere between serious and distressed, though he says nothing. The collar of his black leather-looking top is visible at the bottom of the screen, and anyone watching can hear the sound of him walking through water - still in the bay, then, as the dim lighting shadowing his face confirms.

To say that the situation was confusing for Black Bolt would be a vast understatement. He had been sent to Earth, fine, but this didn't seem to be the same place, and waking up inside of some kind of pod with new belongings and information on his chest had been worrying to say the least. He didn't like the idea that he had been unconscious, that someone had apparently been with him while he was. Add to that the fact that he couldn't find an obvious way to communicate, and he was having a pretty bad day.

After a few moments of figuring it out, he clicked the video off. He didn't know who was here, anyway. Perhaps keeping a low profile until he found out where he was, and where his family was, would be better.

[The screen is tilted at an odd angle, as if someone just hit the communicator with a wandering hand, but the view it's clear, Cassian Andor's bedroom. The clues of figuring that one are that the camera shows Cassian himself in his bed, jacket lost somewhere on the floor and shirt half undone.]

I will never get tired of having lips.

[The voice comes from Cassian's company: a tall, blond man, who is not only very handsy with him but trying to suck a lovebite into Cassian's neck. That earns him a moan and a stifled laugh.]

Good, because I'll never get tired of your lips.

[He curls his fingers into the man's hair and yanks his head up, pulling him into a rough kiss.]

Good Evening.

As Mayor of Nova City, I am entitled to hire two bodyguards of my choosing for my personal protection. Any who are interested, please contact me at your earliest convenience. This position requires the following:

1. Combat experience. I am open to a variety of forms and weapons training, however since it is a security position, you must be a proficient fighter.

2. Flexibility of hours. This is a full time job. In addition to working while I am in my office, I will require security detail whenever I leave my penthouse, as well as any events that I, as Mayor, must attend.

3. Loyalty. It is imperative that I know that I can trust you with my life - literally. As I am new to this world, I am obviously not familiar with all of you, however my daughter and current Guardian of Nova City, who many of you know, will be helping me hand select my bodyguards.

4. Attention to detail. At any moment there could be an attempt on my life or the office as a whole. I need people who are extremely vigilant to ensure that these events never come to pass.

5. Adulthood. Apologies to any aspiring minors, but this position is far too dangerous for children. You must be an adult to apply.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. I look forward to hearing from you.

((ooc: As said, this position is only open to TWO people! Just because you replay does not guarantee you the job. Please contact me oog to discuss this. There's also a plurk post going so that we can all hash this out together, so you can check in there to see what's going on.))

[ A multicolored girl can be seen on the feed, as can her female Meowstic sitting on her shoulder. She begins speaking, but not in the usual way. She's using sign language. She's had to take classes to get familiarized with this world's sign language, and luckily Neo learns quickly.

"So when is someone going to develop technology for sign language to text, or even to speech?"

She wonders who will reply with more than a "huh?" ]