Kotori is walking the streets (Well, Jumping rooftops) when she hears this echoing song It's real quiet toni-... Huh? She stops on the ledge of a roof and listens to the melody, taking a moment to enjoy it before jumping down and searching for its source. Might be a fun time.....

A woman with red hair and glasses wanders the streets, a pistol holstered to her waist and a katana strapped onto her back. There's a curious look on her face as the song becomes heard, wondering what exactly it is... And why a younger girl is leaping down from the roofs, she decides to look for it as well and call out to the girl. "Yo, the heck you doing up on those rooftops? Not that I fail to understand why they're convenient. But it's a bit attention-grabbing. Oh, and I'm Shino Asano by the way. Nice to meetcha I'm sure."

*Behind the two, Minerva follows, mask on. She looks somewhat intrigued as the city slowly become a forest. First music that sounds like HERS and now this. This is becoming worrisome. she thinks. Nevertheless, she proceeds forwards, staying behind the pair.*

Hm? Kotori. I was patrolling for criminals. It's easier to have a birds eye view of the alleys than to walk down the alleys themselves. Plus it's fun! Kotori talks with a cheerful tone. However, upon seeing the city star to vanish she draws the shield from her back, and a blade made of blue crystal appears in her hand in a flash of light as she holds them both at the ready Looks like this isn't a normal song... Her voice evens out to a more serious tone before she eyes the katana and pistol on Shino's back I assume you're not a normal citizen since you're carrying those around?

Maybe the sudden change caused her to stir or maybe she was simply waking up naturally. Either way this white haired girls eyes began to flutter open as she slowly rose from her spot on a tree that was in the park. She looked around her as she noticed her position had somehow changed or maybe it was the world itself that changed. She didn't think she would be asleep that long but after considering the possibilities she finally came to the conclusion that she was brought here by some strange force. She began to walk around, hoping to find something interesting to occupy her thoughts.

Looking for crooks huh... Oddly enough, the redhead can understand that to some extent. Even if they're seldom worth the risk. "Nifty, so any clue what this stuff is? I'm a bit new around here for the most part..." She chuckles at the question, a grin spreading across her face for a moment. "Normal, nah... You ever heard of a 'Persona' before? If not, think of it kinda like a spirit ya can summon to fight for you. I've got one, comes in handy for this crap usually." Or at least, that's what she's playing it off as for now. No need to explain the truth, when such a useable cover is there. As the fox appears before them, her pistol would be drawn in a barely human blur of motion. "Huh, wonder if you can talk Mr. Fox? You seem smarter than I'd think, but maybe I'm just getting paranoid."

Yup. I've seen tons of persona users here. There used to be a lot. Fun times... good people.... ......... Senpai was one of them. She smiles to herself sadly in reminiscence as she speaks, then snaps herself out of it to think a bit about the question Usually the same old "Magic stuff happens and people stumble upon it". It's pretty common here... or at least it used to be... Upon seeing Shino draw her gun at the fox, Kotori watches it carefully.

She glances back at Kotori for a moment, a grin on her face as the fox begins running away from them... Or maybe it wants her to follow, either way in the woman's mind there's no choice but to take chase. Rushing after it and calling back to the girl she'd stumbled onto. "Sempai huh... Well, I don't know about anything crazy like talking animals but I've seen a bit in my time. How about you?" There's a strangely casual air about her as she chases after the fox, like she's not even remotely worried about what could happen.

Kotori follows after her quickly, the woman's casual tone and atmosphere now being reciprocated by the younger girl. Not really... I was sheltered most of my life. I didn't really start experiencing.... "life" until I came here. Since then though the weird factor has gone WAY up. Giant evil snakes, magical girls, Eldritch Abominations, bugs that give you power but eat you from the inside out.... That kinda stuff.

*Minerva continues to silently follow Shino and Kotori from a distance. Are they... enjoying this? But still what a place for a fox of all things to show up. Minerva shakes her head, following nevertheless.*

Alice wouldn't pay any attention to the way the nature itself seemed to fear her. It was something far too natural whenever anyone knew who she really was. Didn't make it sting any less after all these years however. She would hear the sweet melody carry through the wind and decide to follow it in hopes of finding another person within these woods. She walked forward in curiosity.

Alice would feel the stares from the animals but simply ignore them as she came to the clearing. Upon laying eyes upon the man she simply smiles, doing nothing that would interrupt his playing. Instead moving towards one of the logs that lay within the clearing and gently sitting upon it. Closing her eyes as she listens to the mans melody, the corners of her lips slowly becoming upturned as she enjoyed this private concert.

Sheltered huh... Hah, Shino can understand that to an extent. "You too huh? Well, I've been away from that for a while now. But, I was pretty much locked up in a house till I was 15 if ya can believe it. Anyways, let's keep going!" Despite the less than fun subject, there's still a smile on her face. That's long past by now, and she's not one to dwell on the past. Especially when there's something exciting standing right in front of her. As for the dying trees, those are a tad worrying. But less so than the weird black goo, much like the fox she's aiming to stay away from it with practiced ease. "Whatever that stuff is, I don't like. Let's be careful, shall we?"

Kotori evades the black pools as she walks, not letting them slow her pace in the slightest Mine was a hospital bed for 15 years. I'm not actually that physically strong... I use magic to support myself most of the time. Eventually I got sick of it and forced my way out. She keeps right behind Shino, off to the side and bit to keep an eye on the fox

Hmm? *Minerva would stop for a moment and look at the black pools. What on earth..? This is unnatural. Yet it doesn't seem to faze them in the least. Who are they I wonder? Minerva would then shake her head before following behind Kotori and Shino*

The ministrel plays for a few more minutes, finishing his song before breathing out a sigh ???:“I’m so glad you accepted my invitation miss Alice, that makes this our first official meeting. The fog begins to clear around them, as though encircling the pair in a clearing, from this you can see his long, silvery hair and a wry grin at the edge of his lips ???:”Tell me, what do you think of an eternity without change? No growth, no decay, mere stagnation?” Shino and co.i continue following the fox for some time throughout this somewhat decayed part of the forest. The three can hear the sound of some distressed animal a short time before the fox comes to a stop. A few feet away from the companions is a massive grizzly, easily three times their size. It seems to be trying to pull its left paw away from a patch of that same goo from earlier, to no avail. Upon noticing the group it stops tugging, and instead eyes the warily, trying to hide its disabled paw without touching the stuff around it.

She winces a bit as the girl goes on, she can't help but feel like sharing well. It's not exact, but close enough to true.[/i "Ouch, I wouldn't understand about the physical issues myself. Me? I was raised by my father alone, he wanted something I'm not so eventually I ran away. Anyways, enough of that stuff..." [i]She looks at the injured bear curiously, there might be a way to help it but... "Heh, wanna see my persona? Come out, Belial." Regardless of the answer, energy builds around the woman for a moment before a towering demon made of metal stands before them in a flash of light. Holding larger versions of her blade and gun with huge wings on it's back and and aura of flames. The thing waves it's hands at the goo attached to the bear, power flowing and if it worked correctly the goo would suddenly appear off the bear and on a patch of empty ground. "Now, let's see if that one works on this!"

Ah.... Lemme help you. Kotori cautiously attempts to approach the bear. If it let's her, she'll touch the bear gingerly, enchanting it with a water element that gives a wound regeneration effect, before enchanting her sword with wind element and pointing it at the goop as wind extends from the blade into it, attempting to blow the black ichor away from the paw should Shino's attempt fail.

*Minerva would slip behind a dead tree. Her eyes widen behind her mask as Shino's Belial appears. What the hell... I might be out of my league here. What is going on in this place? Minerva slowly reaches for her rapier, continuing to observe. I wonder if they're friendly. I don't think they're the cause of this so... Minerva hums in annoyance.*

Alice's smile disappeared at the question. She gazed into his eyes with an emotionless gaze as cold and as empty as the darkest void of space as if the gaze itself was the answer to his question. Instead she humored him and answered regardless. "Hell. Death and decay is unfortunate for many but it is necessary. To live forever. Without decay. Forever in stagnation. Eternal isolation" she mumbled the last sentence as her eyes looked up into the sky. "It is not something that any being should have to experience." she spoke. Maybe speaking more about herself than actually answering the question but those were her true feelings. She turned her gaze back to the man. "What was the reason for calling me here?"

The bear panics at the sight of Belial, attempting to stumble away only to find that its paw is still stuck. The fox jumps away as well, looking at the persona before vanishing back int the forest. The bear continues flailing, which makes it difficult to focus on the goo around the bear while its moving like this. When Kotori attempts to approach the bear she finds it attempting to swipe at her, anything to keep the strange beings away while its hurt The minstrel laughs at Alice's reply, gazing up into the empty blue sky before he breathes out a sigh ???:"There's nothing more boring than stagnation, constancy. Its the true enemy of any worthwhile life." The man looks around to the edges of the trees, where Alice can still feel the presence of some number of animals, all too scared to come closer, but not wanting to run away either ???:"What if I were to tell you that's exactly where we are now. Not a thing in this world knows of you. They merely continue on living, neither growing nor decaying for all eternity. Its pitiful truly."

Hmm.... This won't be easy... ........... She turns back to Shino Should we.... just cut it's paw off? Can your persona heal? My healing only works for surface wounds...

*Silently, Minerva steps out of her hiding place and begins walking towards the duo. She keeps her rapier in her left hand, holding it in reverse grip. Can't keep hiding forever. If they assault me, I'll simply remove them from play. She stops just behind Kotori.* Are you gonna put it out of it's misery or should I do it?

Kotori turns to the girl that comes up to her. There's no hostility in her voice at all. Huh? N-no no! There's no need to kill it. I was just thinking we cut the stuck paw off and heal her, that's all.

Shino looks over at Kotori with a grimace at the healing question. "Kinda sorta, it's... I call it shift consequences, it's a spell that transfers damage from one person or object to another. Or other effects, I was hoping it'd work on the goo but no. I know how to cut though but I'd rather not." As for the person who's appeared from behind them, Shino glances towards her with a grin on her face. "I mean I'm good at killing, but I prefer to go after things that deserve it. Was wondering when you'd come out by the way, you're good but not quite good enough to avoid my notice."

Grk. *Minerva tenses up slightly at Shino saying that she knew she was there. And Here I thought I was well hidden. Damn. She lifts her mask slightly, exhaling deeply, before putting it back on fully.* If possible, see if this stuff is freezable. You might be able to just shatter it off. Burning it off may work as well, but it may cause more pain than necessary.

Hm? Well..... Could we cut the paw off, and then shift the damage off to a tree or something? Meanwhile, Kotori grabs a stick and shoves it into the goop, then enchants the stick with ice to possibly freeze the fluid

She raises a hand to her chin, looking over at the 'persona' for a moment. "Hmm, maybe is the answer Kotori. I should be able to in theory, it does work best with things that have just happened generally so that's likely part of why my attempt on the goo failed... That's what I'm guessing anyway, so if this attempt fails uh I might have to try it Mr. Bear. Who I'm pretty sure can understand me, somehow." If she didn't know better, she'd almost think the bear is someone like herself posing as an animal. Though that seems a bit unlikely, given the lack of correct energy coming from it.

A place that somehow escaped her influence. The thought was plausible. The multiverse was a big place so a few worlds escaping her influence was a possibility though still highly improbable. "Then wouldn't my presence here disrupt that stagnation.......or" turning her gaze back to the man. "is that the reason you called me here?" A world abundant in her sisters blessing was not exactly a good thing. For creatures whom only moved on instinct then this wasn't a big problem but for anything with intelligence then only madness awaited them. Was that why she was brought here. There was also the strange presence she had felt upon arriving. Though he said that this world knew not of death and decay she definitely felt a presence here similar to it. Whether it was something that recently formed, was always here, or simply a side effect of her presence was something she didn't know nor would concern herself with though.

The bear steps back as Kotori shoves their weapon into the stuff arund his paw, but soon calms back down upon noticing its unharmed. A thin layer of frost begins slowly spreading across the area around the bear's paw, which the creature curiously begins to sniff, as it had never seen such a thing before. The ministrel grins, clapping for Alice as he chuckles away ???:"You're a smart girl aren't you? All I want is for this world to become familiar with you in a manner it hadn't before. For you to demonstrate your power and bring an end to this quiet, cursed existence, let a new stage of life begin. So, what do you say?" the man closes his eyes as he awaits something or another

There! It's freezing. She continues to freeze the goop as much as she can Ok Mr. Bear, try pulling it out now.

"I see." she said as she crossed her legs, being careful not to allow her one piece to show anything more than her thighs "I have a question I would like answered first. Who are you and how do you know who I am?" she said as her gaze became sharp. If it's about bringing balance back to this world she has qualms about it. Still, the fact there were those who knew what and who she was was peculiar. There shouldn't be many beings who have this knowledge beyond elder gods and other Aspects and this person doesn't feel like either.

If I had the magical abilities you had, I would help as well. Apologies for that. *Minerva watches Kotori and Shino's actions, hands in her jacket pocket, observing carefully. I better keep my hand hidden until I know these two's intention.

The minstrel chuckles, setting his instrument down with a sigh as he takes his own seat atop the large rock ???:"I believe I shall skip the theatrics, seeing as it wouldn't impress you anyways. Though I doubt you've bothered paying much attention to my escapades, I'm a master of secrecy, Lord of Lies, the trickster god, Loki himself." The man continues smiling, even as he breathes a sigh Loki:"As is my sphere I know of all things whispered in the dark, no matter how silent you think it may be. There's not a thing in the nine realms I haven't at least heard rumor about. Well there used to be nine anyways, Allfather knows how many there are now, but seeing as that lout refuses to do anything with them anyways it hardly matters." With the sludge solidifying, the bear looks at Kotori for a moment, before trying to pull its paw out, at first nothing happens but after a short while the frozen sludge breaks away around it, giving the bear a chance to pull its paw free before new slime covers the area again. The bear gives a growl of thanks as a voice can be heard from nearby ???:"The intruders were around here yes? Alright, I'll find them from here, no worries we'll get your neck of the woods back to normal soon Red."

There we go! All free. She looks at the pool of goop Looks like this isn't some kinda "all consuming" magic stuff like I thought it was.... Hearing the voice, Kotori readies her weapon and shield. She turns her head to both the newcomer and Shino Let's be prepared for the worked, ok? By the way, my name is Kotori.

*Minerva spins her rapier in her hand, changing it to a regular grip, and preparing herself for an upcoming battle.* Minerva.

Intruders, Red. Data to be gathered, but is this going to turn into a fight or can it be evaded? Either way, it's time for a trick. Shino reaches into her pocket, unseen magic shifting reality just a bit she draws a frag grenade out into her left hand while holding the pistol in her right. "I'm Shino, and with any luck, we won't need to fight... Lemme do the talking actually if we have to, I'm pretty good at keeping calm in a rough spot so that's right up my alley. If we've gotta fight, well that's my job." She glances over at the "persona", considering dismissing it but given the other two have weapons out. Appearing harmless is no option at all, threats or at least looking ready for violence will have to be her approach her. Much to her chagrin. "Now, showtime I guess! Whatever happens, let's try and have some fun with it, everyone."

A few seconds later, the fox from earlier emerges back out from the woods, keeping its distance from the pair as the person following it comes into view He's a youth who seems to be somewhere in his twenties, though he seems to know his way around the woods well his skin still seems fairly soft. The man wears a somewhat old-fashioned green tunic and pants, he has out a well-crafted bow, arrow knocked and pointed at the pair initially ???:"Haven't seen any humans here in a long time, just what sort of business have you in Alfheim?" The now-free bear walks towards the person, calmly disregarding both him and the trio who helped it as it continues going through the forest on its own path

A bow... Looks can be a lie though, as someone such as she knows best of all. Best not to assume him harmless due to outdated weapons, even more, if persona users are as common here as Kotori said. "Our business here is quite simply that we stumbled upon this place, we are simple wandering travelers. Armed for what might be found upon the road, but we've no intention of causing anyone harm unless they wish to harm us." She glances back to the other two, winking at them before giving the stranger a smile. "Call me Shino Asano, and it's a pleasure to meet you I'm sure!" She'd state the last with a cheerful chirp, all calculated to try and seem friendly but there's no need to mention that.

Kotori takes the wink as a sign, and drops her guard completely Kotori. Nice to meet you. She bows to him out of habit

Alfheim, home of the light elves. That makes this Celestial domain. Not the nicest of people. Be best not to agrivate them. *MInerva spins her sword back to reverse grip.* Reason for arrival is unknown, at least to me. It's possible we were transported here somehow. There was music then there was a forest then the forest started turning into this. That is all I know.

The ranger laughs at Shino, pointing his bow at her as he calms down ???:"Humans don't just stumble into Alfheim. Actually it shouldn't be possible at all, the realms are separate for a reason. Moreso, you arrived around the same time as this... Very human corruption did." His eyes scan across the group, and the man gestures to the black sludge that the bear was recently stuck in. Though he slackens his grip as the bear nudges him. The being breathes out a sigh and nods to Minerva ???:"That said, I find it hard to believe you'd have helped this poor creature out if the mess was your doing. Some songs are said to have special properties, though I haven't heard any capable of crossing the barrier between realms. Its definitely a bad sign." The ranger closes his eyes for a moment, unsure of what to do with the three

Seeing him point a weapon at Shino, Kotori readies her weapon again in caution Does it count as human if I'm half-dragon? As she says this, copper scales begin protruding from her exposed skin. Our world merging with other worlds is a common occurrence. Its not something that's actively done by anyone, it just happens. We're here to figure out what's going on with this song. It could be dangerous to my friends back home. So I don't have a choice but to. If you intend to fight us....

"I understand." She stood up. Knowing this was basically a god and one that seemed to somehow be connected to that one eyed child. She would sigh before looking back to Loki. "If you simply wish for this place to be within my influence then by me simply being here there should already be some effects showing or are you saying that that is not enough?" Her eyes gazed at him with disinterest. All in all this was a world she doesn't remember ever being summoned to. The energy here is definitely different from the other worlds she had been to. Probably the influence from being outside of her influence if that really was the case. Gods were capable of lying. She knew that from the many times she had been summoned by them. Still, as long as her presence is there the world will begin to shift back into it's normalized state soon enough.

She's more than a bit annoyed by the bow being aimed, and yet that doesn't even slightly show on her face as the smile remains. "I'm sorry to say that this impossible thing has already happened, we were traveling and heard a strange song. Checked it out, ended up here..." She raises an eyebrow at this sludge being called a very human corruption, seems more like the work of her kind or even mages from Shino's viewpoint. Those shadow things even, but humans? She gives a look to Kotori, moving her hands down in a calming gesture. Even if the kid's concern is touching. "Kotori, I'm sure we can settle this like reasonable people without resorting to violence. I really prefer not to use my weapons if it can be avoided. As for you Mr. Ranger, the impossible happens all the time where I'm from and that seems to hold true here. Here we stand, so that makes it not impossible but rather a mystery doesn't it? And I'm curious how this stuff is... Human? I've seen weird stuff in my time, but I've never seen humans make something like this. Maybe I just haven't seen enough."

*Minerva puts the hand not holding her sword in her pocket, her eyes twitching in annoyance slightly behind her mask.* Believe us or not. That's your choice.

Loki lets out a sigh as he steps away from the stone Loki:"For so long as you are here perhaps, but once you leave back to wherever you originally came from, it'll simply fade away. As subtle as your presence here is. I'm hoping for something a bit more impactful, a mere display of your power should be more than enough to do it." The ranger raises an eyebrow at Kotori, struggling to return to a stern demeanor Ranger: "Half-dragon, are you serious? That's one of.... Nevermind, why not, I've already seen two impossible things today. The problem is that this isn't part of your... Twisted Midgard yet. Lord Freyr would have informed us of something that important." The ranger lowers his bow for a moment, stepping around the group to kneel next to the puddle of sludge that the bear had been trapped in Ranger:"Of course you wouldn't see it, this stuff doesn't manifest in the mortal world. Normally. Its a manifestation of human hatred, sorrow, all sorts of things that you've no doubt seen elsewhere, be it in the form of Shadows or Shades. My point being that someone had to bring it here." The man finally clears his throat, standing back up and nodding Ranger:"Whoever it is likely ended up dragging you three in by accident while looking for something else if I were to guess. So, while I ought to inform Lord Freyr of your presence, I think it would be for the best if I were to lead you back out, and we can all agree this never happened."

*A general of Odin. This is getting worse by the minute.. Minerva lifts her mask slightly, exhaling deeply.* If you know of an exit, I'd be happy to take it, Sir Ranger. *Minerva puts her mask back on fully.*

Shino hasn't the first clue who such a person might be, but anyone with a name that starts with "Lord" is a likely jackass in her books. Still, the twitch she feels in her mind isn't displayed at all while her polite smile and calm voice are fronted effortlessly. "I see, well on the one hand getting out of here does seem a good idea... If someone's actually trying to destroy the place or at the least corrupt, shouldn't they be brought to justice? I mean it's not really my problem I guess. But I dunno, just seems right to offer to help." She shrugs, she isn't overly invested in this as of now. But there is the desire to try and bring the guilty to their rightful place. Always that, it's why she's here after all. her Persona vanishes, even as the gun stays out. "Eh, I'll leave it up to you on my count. I don't speak for anyone else, but if ya want I guess I can try and help."

That shouldn't be the case. At least not normally, not unless her sisters power was dominating this world. There wasn't really a clear way for her to observe this unless she remained there for a couple of years but considering she had a pact with a current master then that in itself would be impossible to do. In the end death was also a part of life. That couldn't be changed. Even she knew this god was lying however not everything he said was a lie. She really could feel that her influence was unnaturally weak here. Something felt off. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on but in the end she needed to return home soon. She couldn't waste too much of her time here. So she would at least return some semblance of balance to this place. If people died then so be it. That too was the natural circle of life. She sighed once more as she began to slowly release her power within the world. Silently it spread. Like a virulent pestilence. It made no sound. There was no warning. Instead the world answered her call. It answered her demand. And slowly but surely death began to spread. Decay, rot, deterioration, rust, disperse, shatter, break, disappear. Her power ushered in that which was always there but silently slept. Nothing would escape it and soon all would heed it's call for there was no life without death.

If people like us could just wander in, people who aren't as strong could as well. This connection between our worlds is a danger. It's my job to protect people. So I'm staying until I can find the source of the connection and wipe it out.

The ranger closes his eyes momentarily, tapping his foot before he looks back to Shino Ranger:"Now that we know of the problem we'll be looking for him, unless you have a good lead as to where he is, there's no point in keeping you mortals around. At best you'd simply wander around aimlessly until Lord Freyr finds you, or you'd make the blight worse. As it stands...." The man lets out a sigh and glares at Kotori, clearly unamused Ranger:"If you're sure of that, then we never met got it? I'm not getting in trouble for your stupidity With that, the ranger heads off to the left, where he originally came from and gestures for the group to follow him through the woods, anyone who does would find themselves at a pool of water, its extremely shallow, and about large enough for one person to stand in. Around that time, a sinister pulse could be felt across the forest, alongside the return of the music, its much more solemn this time, but seems to be coming from the same direction as before As Alice spreads her energy, initially nothing seemed to happen, as though the very realm rejected the idea of ceasing, of an end coming to its eternity, yet once Alice overcomes this resistance, it would flash across, a sudden pulse of death spreading throughout the forest. The grass and trees nearby begin withering almost immediately, crumbling to dust in moments as things that had existed for millenia are suddenly reminded of their age. Even once she finishes, the wave doesn't seem to stop Loki:"Ah, I truly must thank you for that, I'll admit, I had thought I'd have to bring up a few... Unpleasant memories for it, but it turns out asking nicely does work every now and then. Very well, that's all I have need of you for then." without any further word, the man brings his instrument back out, and plays a solemn, somber tune, a dirge for a forgotten world.

*Minerva turns her head towards Kotori slightly.* That sense of heroism is going to get you killed. Dying is easy, but it accomplishes nothing. Try to hold back when the situation doesn't concern you *With that, Minerva would follow the Ranger. She would stop at the pools edge before looking towards where the music is coming from.* It's that music again... OOC: Gotta sleep now. Feel free to go on without me though.

If everyone let a fear of the inevitable stop them from saving people, nobody would ever get saved. There'd be no heroes. I'm not afraid of death. She looks at the leaving man If this situation is something they think is impossible, then it means then it's something dangerous to them and us. It'd be stupid if I just walked away. .......... I mean... I know I'm not that smart, but even I know that!

Shino just sighs and looks over at Kotori. "You sure about that? The smart part of me is saying to get the hell out, but the dumb part that pushes me to try and help..." She can't help being a bit annoyed here, the kid hasn't exactly done anything to deserve loyalty. Objectively, but she can't bring herself to just leave someone to die like that. Stupid human morals. "I'm sticking around if you are Kotori, you seem like a good kid so I'm not gonna just cut and run at this point." There's a grin on her face as she looks over at the younger girl, yeah. Even if it's a bit dangerous, she'll help especially after that near suicidal speech. "But word of advice if you don't my saying? Be afraid of death, seriously. Heroes aren't fearless, not really... They just keep going despite it, but fear is there for a reason. You just shouldn't be controlled by it." I'm assuming I'm among the 3 you know on Discord? And yeah, I'd like to get this one finished. Been fun so far.

Alice would remain quite. Listening to the music he plays as she takes notice of the effects her power was having. He really wasn't lying about this worlds balance. For the surroundings to act in such a way so quickly really meant they had been frozen in time. Only now was the march of time moving forward for this world. Still, there was still something that bothered her. Instead she would remain quite and observe how things turned out for now. She may not be able to stat indefinitely but she can at least remain until the moment her current master called for her. And so she silently sat there, waiting to see all of the changes both good and bad.

It was some time before the music stops echoing throughout the forest, in an instant the grey-haired man seems to vanish, leaving his instrument alone in the now empty field. By this time Alice can no longer feel the gaze of whatever animals were in the area, whether they were scared off or simply had nothing better to do is no matter, they remain well away from the still-growing area of death. On the other hand, replacing the music Alice can hear some shouting, it still seems to be a fair distance away but gets ever closer. The ranger glances back towards the sound of the music, before shaking his head, focusing back on the water as he talks to Minerva Ranger: That's the sound that brought you here is it not? Best not to chase after it, just give me a moment and you'll be home soon. the ranger kneels by the pool, and takes out a few small stones from a pouch by his waist, he slowly spreads the stones throughout the water, whose reflection begins to switch from the sky above to a shifting emptiness Ranger: Just step inside and say where you need to go, and you should end there safely. Simply return from whence you came and we can all pretend you were never here. As Kotori and Shino discuss the best course of action, its not long before the music stops once more, though they can still make out the general direction it came from, its impossible to shake the feeling that they are being watched

Shino sighs and looks over to the water, it'd still be easy enough to just leave, wouldn't it? She could in all likelihood knock the girl out. But that'd feel a bit wrong at this point given the speech she just made. Lying might be her thing, but even a thing like her's got limits. "Well, Kotori... I hope you realize what this means, since we're sticking around we have to figure out what the hell is going on here. I don't think swinging our swords around is going to fix this, or setting off bombs... So, guess we'd better work on seeing what exactly caused this change huh?" She sighs and begins glancing around the area, wondering if maybe there's some kind of clue as to what exactly is causing all this. Of course, given her current lack of info and feeling of being watched. She's not too keen on sticking around, instead, she simply darts her head about and wanders a bit closer to the music. Against her better judgment.

Right. And we gotta be cautious, cuz we don't know what this new world holds for us. Kotori follows behind Shino, alert and ready Umm... By the way. Thanks for coming with me. I... Uhh... Don't handle being alone that well.... Most of my bad experiences happened alone. So having someone else here is... Uhh... I dunno the word. Having calmed back down, Kotori's copper scales retract back into her skin So. Where are you from?

Alice wouldn't feel anyway about the sudden disappearing act. She would simply remain there waiting. Looking at all the things that were to come. She could already feel a lot of changes. Most of the vegetation had died but not all. Those that were still new or young remained. It wasn't a complete waste of time. What about the living creatures of this world though? How many intelligent creatures lived in this world? Either way they would eventually feel the change and seek her out. She only needed to wait and see what happens next. Will they accept the change or foolishly resist it.

Being alone tends to mean bad things for her? Shino frowns a bit at that. "Heh, I don't mind... I mean, it won't be the first time I've done horribly dangerous things honestly so ya know." As for the question, that'd cause Shino to shrug a bit. It doesn't seem important, but she'll answer anyways. "Tokyo mostly, I've moved around some but I always seem to end up back home... Heh, worst part of being around there's usually the gun laws. Can't get anything good I swear. But that version of it I was in before we came here, I don't even know what the hell that place was." She sighs, still moving forward with a hand on her weapons. If she didn't know any better, she'd almost assume the whole thing to be an act of god-machine. But this doesn't really seem right for that. "Actually, you've been around longer than I so maybe you know. What the hell is with that city?"

That easy? Hmm... *Minerva looked towards the music.* How far away do you think that the music's source is?

As Kotori and Shino approach the direction of the music, a few animals, birds for the most part, come flying by, fleeing from the sound's source. They pay the pair no heed as they scurry away. Shortly after that they'd notice the forest beginning to thin out ahead of them, almost dramatic in its sudden intensity. At the edge of this new clearing they find a pair of people dressed identically to the ranger from earlier, they can hear the pair chattering as they kneel down Ranger A: "what kind of monster could have caused this?" Ranger B: "That's not something for us to worry about, just wait for Freyr to handle it." A: "If he can" B: "Well if he can't I suppose we have bigger problems don't we?" After much anticipation, Alice can hear a few more voices at the edge of the mist, talking low as though hoping it would somehow make them invisible, before finally one figure steps forwards, a tall man with long, black hair flowing down his back, the man wears a light, silver armor adorned with a long green cape that flows down his back and over much, with a golden leaf as a hair accessory, he draws out a long silver sword and looks at it, carefully inspecting its blade Armored man: "I take it this mess is your doing? I'm surprised you stuck around, do you even know where you are?" The ranger by the pool looks back up to Minerva, one eyebrow raised Ranger: "I don't know, ten, twenty minute run maybe, you're not actually considering going there are you? Lord Freyr's sure to be there soon, and if he finds mortals like you well, I don't like your chances."

Alice would pay close attention to the man before her. Taking notice of his ears and attire before coming to the conclusion of which world this was. She personally had never been here before but she heard about it a few times from Odin back when she was summoned into his world. This was Ljosalfheim or better known as Alfheimr. "Indeed this was caused by mine self. Tis the land of the elves, Alfheimr if I'm not mistaken. Doth thee hath need of me?" she asked though she already knew the answer.

Don't worry. I won't get caught, if that's what you're worried about. I'll stay up there. *With a pulse of energy from her boots, Minerva leaps through the air, landing on one of the tree branches. She looks back to the ranger.* Apologies, but I've changed my mind. I'll hold off from returning for now. If I run into your Lord Freryr, I shall retreat. You have my word. *With that, Minerva quickly through the trees, heading towards the sound. As she travels, she thinks to herself. If this is truly Odin's domain, then the foe must be of either Olympian or Angelic in nature. Most logical answer is that it's Loki. Not considered an intruder to Norse domain but one who is the most likely to cause mischief inside of it.

Kotori thinks to herself after being asked Umm.... I think they used to call it a "Nexus". A place that connects a bunch of other places, though with no real regard for time and space.... I don't think it has a real name other than "Tokyo".... Or is it Shibya? Either way it's the place where fun stuff happens. Upon reaching the clearing, Kotori hides behind a tree and listens You think they'll be hostile to outsiders too?

The armored man breathes out a sigh, brushing aside a few strands of hair as he casts Alice a sideways glance and points his blade at her, a scowl darkening his fair face Freyr: "If you knew that then you should know who I am and understand the situation you're in. I am Freyr, Lord of the Alfar, and you have decided to invade and destroy my property, and then sit there and mock me. Have you any intention to defend yourself, or ought I send you off to Hel quickly? The ranger by the pool breathes out a sigh as Minerva runs off, picking his runes back up Ranger: "Your funeral, at least I'm not breaking any rules then." Minerva passes through the upper branches, a flock of birds scattering around them as they flee from the music's source. It would only be a few minutes before they come across a massive clearing, a mostly dead or dying stretch of ground in the otherwise lively and growing forest. They would notice a fairly large group of alfar, all dressed similarly to the one encountered before, forming a thin ring around this area, looking inward with anticipation.

Alice's eyes flickered with a glint of amusement from this elf. Freyr was his name right? Is he the eldest of the elves? If so then he may now of my existence even if my influence in this world was weak before. Not that it matters now. Her influence has been imprinted in this world and there is nothing anyone but her sister can do about it. Even if she were to leave now nothing would change this outcome. She smiled as she looked at Freyr. It may have seemed like she was mocking him with said smile but she was truly intrigued. It had been a long time since someone had so brazenly threatened her. "Defend mine self? Doth thine arrogance blind thee? I simply returned balance where there wasn't. Thine threats art wasted. Hath the even considered what hath happened or doth thee desire only conflict?" she would ask, still sitting down with her legs crossed