[A teenaged boy steps out from the fountain, unaware that his entrance into the City is broadcasting across the entire network. His white hair is a shaggy, sopping mess, and his clothes are drenched, hanging from his thin frame as though he were a clothesline. He takes a good few moments to cough and hack, blowing water from his nose and, unfortunately, retching it out.]

I'm soaked to the skin . . . [A sigh, and he squeezes out some water from his shirt.] At least Monomi was kind enough make sure we arrived at the beach . . .

Well, no sense in worrying about that, is there? Nothing I can do about it.

[He picks up the device, wiping his hair back and looking at it curiously, unaware that it's transmitting.]

This looks like our Electronic Student Handbook -

[He glances up as someone passes by.]

Hello! Excuse me! I'm sorry to be such a bother, but I'd like to ask where I am. This doesn't look like Jabberwock Island. In fact, I don't think this is a deserted island at all, considering that you're here . . .

If anyone could help someone as useless as me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

((Ever so slightly backdated to yesterday.))

Attention, citizens of the City. This is god, otherwise known as Naoi Ayato, speaking.

Utsuho Reiuji-san is the one most beloved among you to your god. She is under my care and protection here and you are not to lay claim to, dishonour, offend, or harm her in any way, lest you be forced to realize that you are lower than a termite and be forced to despair in your own uselessness by comparison; crawling on the ground and eating dust will be a suitable punishment before you are given the chance to reflect on your transgression.

Send her many blankets and warm scarves! But I will be the one to deliver them to her, because you are not worthy of speaking to her, scum.

As much as it pains me to exist in a City occupied by so many idiots, I think that I wouldn't mind staying... even just a little while longer. [That was a touch sentimental, while the rest was possessive and ridiculous in a more typically Naoi fashion, so he quickly ends the feed.]

City, I implore you to think before you act.

Yes, the deities here have caused a number of problems, and their actions are inexcusable. Were we all in Gensokyo, I would tell you that they too would see their eternal fate sealed someday...but we are not, and I cannot. We are all of equal status here, though some be strong and some be weak, and we must all pull together to support this shambling society. Even so...I am seeing traces of revolution breeding here, as are all of you. I know that this brings many of you hope, and that many will stake their very lives on it. I have seen this all before.

Even as a god, I cannot assure you that all will be well. I cannot tell you that our cruel masters will be punished for their actions. I cannot tell you that your revolution will succeed, or that fate is on your side, or that karma exists, or that good always wins. I cannot give you a storybook ending, and I cannot tell you how to win whatever battle you may be planning. I cannot even say that it will not snow tomorrow, let alone that justice means anything in this place, with the authorities that exist here.

What I can tell you, is that if you have any hope of success whatsoever, you will not rush into this blindly.


Deities, it is your move. The City is restless, and if you continue to turn a blind eye to its needs, you will reap the rewards. Even if you were to cleanse the City and begin again...well, history repeats itself, yes?

City, hold strong to your ideals, and take care that whatever you may be supporting is not worse that the current situation. Take caution, and understand that repeating past patterns is no way to achieve victory in a place where your lives can be snuffed with a snap of unseen fingers.


For now, I will remain outside this conflict. Even so, justice may be blind, but it is not bound: I will take whatever actions will improve and reinforce the City's good standing, moral nature, and capability.

( Oh woe the life of a fallen angel. She is currently surrounded by women and all of them seem...excited. There are flushed cheeks and, well, giggling. Alexiel arches a brow and looks over them before - and perhaps this is against her will (thanks, City) - smiling charmingly.

Some girls fall into a dead faint.

What the hell, Deities. What. the. hell.

Though she doesn't catch the girls that fainted, Alexiel does flick her hair over one shoulder (hello sparkles) and leans over, offering them her hand.

Who called for a knight in shining - erm -

Well she does have wings? )

It would be a shame if you injured yourself on my behalf.

( OOC: Trope should be obvious, but just in case. )

[Private audio for Jasmine Dragon Staff.]

I'm taking some time off. Take care of the store. I'll be back in a week.

[And, God. Does she sound happy.]

[Private for Rapunzel and Ken.]

He's home.

[Does she need to say who this 'he' is? It has to be a given with how cheerful she sounds.]

We'll be gone for a few days.

[Private to Raikov, Nathan and Mercy.]


You're all wonderful. Thank you for everything.

[ Some quiet street chatter, and then-- ]

-- Oh, is that how it works? ... Ah. Thank you.

[ ahem. ]

Excuse me, I would like to speak to the individuals responsible for these shenanigans. I have some critical business to attend to in Republic City. If this is meant as some form of coercion, I can assure you that I will escape and your attempts will have the opposite effect than intended.

[ There's silence for a while, one of hesitation, like he turned the recording on without having really decided if he wanted to. But, eventually, Merlin sucks in a slow breath. ]

How long have I been gone? I... can't remember what the date was last because--

[ Pause. ]

Does anyone even remember me? It's been... four years since I was here. For me, that is. It's all a little... fuzzy. I'm. Merlin.

Just Merlin.

[ Nothing else. Nothing special. What was really the point with anything? With him? What is he doing here? ]