[ Today Helios can be found in his usual haunts. He’ll take a day off from the library to practice his magic in the afternoon after school. Anyone near the edge of town of by the lake will hear and see crackles of thunder, loud bangs of fire and flashes of light erupting along the coastline of the lake itself. It’s out of the way enough that it won’t affect anyone but people can still see it from the edge of town. There’s a few targets made of clay, dirt, and mud all around the area should anyone actually venture out to see what’s going on. Each clay figure is sporting different elementally inflicted wounds. Helios himself has a worked up a good sweat at least and he’ll wipe his brow free before going to his journal. He’ll be standing in the middle of it all with a satisfied look on his face. ]

I was wondering if anyone would like to have a spar. Ah, well, a magical one that is. I-I’ve been neglecting my duties to practice for a while now, and since the weather is nice today I thought it’d be good to get some practice in. [ The Battle Dome scares him, okay? Otherwise he would have used that to train but…how does he technology? ] I’m by the lake if anyone would like to join me for a few one on one sessions. [ And here he’ll pause for a moment before continuing to talk. ]

But beside that. There’s a magic club here that I-I’ve also been neglecting, which is unfair to the members who joined it some time ago. I was wondering if anyone would like to meet, perhaps this Saturday by the beach. I’ve been meaning to get some ideas and thoughts about a certain flying ship, but I haven’t actually made much progress on my own. I-I’d really love to chat and speak with you all again, new arrivals are welcome to stop by as well. It’s pretty much open to everyone, really, there’s no limitations even if you’re not a magic user yourself. There will be food and drink as is customary for our meetings. So bring yourself and a healthy appetite!

[ Some people just like learning about it and that’s fine too. ] So I-I’ll be in touch and you can always contact me via the journals if you wish to speak in private! Thank you for your time and f-for listening. I’ll be out at the lake for a little while longer, so there’s no need to rush.

[ It helps him think out here, the peace and quiet and solitude of it all. So many things have happened recently especially at house 44. Yunna leaving this morning is the main thing in particular and Valentine’s Day was still lingering in his mind as well. He just needs a momentary break from it to clear his head. ] ]

Do you have a tradition that celebrates or honors the dead back home? In Romania back in the old days people always used to celebrate with a carnival. Merry Cemetery of Sapanţa is what it’s called now. It’s a very large and colorful cemetery also a museum as well. It’s quite well known to locals but sometimes you get people from around the world to go visit it. It’s not mourning in the obvious and usual sense, but it does help when you go about it a certain way. Amazing how cultures and people vary in their depictions of it, it’s very…interesting to say the least. The fact that death doesn’t have to be solemn but a celebration towards moving forward into a better life is a strange concept to conceive. Even when I was younger it was hard to be happy at such an affair, but perhaps my parents were right. Perhaps the person has gone on to some better, happier, place and thinking about it always made me smile just a little bit. [ There’s a soft sigh on his end as he continues. ]

But, goodness that is a bit morbid. I apologize for such things, it's just one of those days. [ He sounds a bit sad as he says those words. One of those days indeed and few handful of people who he's spoken to about this knew exactly what he meant by that. ]

What are...somethings you do to keep your mind from wandering? Making new sigils, spells, and reading helps me a bit but well perhaps I need some new busy work to sink my attentions into.

[ There’s a pause before he speaks once again. ]

But for something less dreary; I have an idea I’d like to discuss, if anyone is willing to lend an ear. I realize that Cloud Nine hasn’t been in use for quite some time. I was wondering if anyone would be opposed towards me opening up an ethnic sort of café. It would only be open for breakfast and lunch, but the food there would be cuisine from all around the world and not just Earth either. If anyone would be interested in helping I would appreciate it. You can speak to me about it over the journals or even stop by house 44 if you like. I’ll also be around the library too for most of the day.

[ He’ll leave the journal open as he makes his way off to the memory garden to give Elise a new batch of flowers then. He’ll stop by the flower shop before heading over too. It was irrational to be sad having grown up with that sort of mindset. But he was always sad on this day because despite it all he still missed Elise a great deal. One thing that prior shift had him thinking about was her. In that world she was alive and well despite not having stayed with Helios for too long a period. He was happy even without Elise but somehow that thought seemed wrong to even acknowledge now. But there was Max and he was happy, incredibly so, and yet here he was in the memory garden with a fresh batch of late blooming flowers in his hands. He would go about his business throughout the day shortly after visiting Elise’s plot in the memory garden. The tea shop, Grocery store and then finally the Library to check up on things. He has a distinct distance look on his face as his thoughts churn within the confines of his head. He would have to tell Max about it, and he’s been thinking on how to approach the subject for a long time, so this seemed like as good a time as any. ]

[ Locked: Filtered to Max ]

Max? I-I’d like to talk with you if you’re not busy? I know it’s a bit sudden but…it’s somewhat important. I-I’m at the library so if you wouldn’t mind stopping by?

[ It’s quieter and less intrusive than anywhere else really. He’ll be home later in the evening where he’ll take Luminair and Maggir out for some play time in the front of the house before starting on dinner in the evening. ]

[ The light rain in the enclosure does not stop Helios today. He's feeling rather happy and in a mood to share the wonderful change to the outside of House 44. Who knows, maybe someone else would like to do it as well, it's only fair to make people aware of the changes allowed. So the video feed with kick on with Helios smiling happily and a rather gorgeous looking castle in the background. ] I'm happy to say that the shift acquired to t-turn one of the houses here has worked quite well so far. I wasn't sure if anyone was into this sort of thing but, ah, it's a nice reminder of home. I just wanted to show people that we can actually change the outward appearances of the houses here. The inside still remains the same however, but it's an improvement I think.

[ And with that happy note he'll close the video feed and continue on his way into town. So any passerby who is around town will note the stand he’s put up covered with delectable sweets and treats. It’s mainly for the new feathers but anyone is welcome to stop by and have some. People are free to stay in the surprisingly dry bubble around said stand when the rain is especially hard. ]

So it seems like new feather arrivals are upon us once more. It’s very nice to meet you all. I-I hope you get situated relatively quickly. It can be a bit daunting, I know, but if there’s anything you need help with don’t hesitate to ask around. Everyone here is very friendly and rather open when it comes to helping out. If you’re in the village this afternoon I’ve setup a stand with, ah, some sweets should anyone want some. There’s no need to be shy either! These are for everyone, old and new, so stop on by if you’re hungry or just need something sweet.

[ Helios is very chipper and it’s clear that he’s open towards anyone taking the baked goods he’s offering. ]

As for more serious business, I’d like to make an announcement to the village as a whole. Last year we had something known as the Cultural Fair in Luceti, wherein people setup stands and booths that displayed and portrayed parts of their home worlds. It can be whatever you want to show; whether it’s food, games, or even pictorial representations of indigenous species in your world. Anything and everything is allowed ah, well, as long as it’s safe and not t-too terribly messy of course! The fair is going to occur in June fifth. There are posters around town if you haven’t already seen them which also advertise the fair as well. If you have any questions I-I’m open towards talking about it. Or, ah, if you attend the school Professor Raine or Professor Layton can help you with any questions you have as well.

[ And then he’ll pause again before humming slightly as he collects his thoughts. ]

Ah yes! There is one more thing. The magic club which was run previously by Harry Dresden has been absent of late. I-I do want to continue the various projects and meetings if anyone from the prior club still wished to partake in such activities. I-I think coming together and pooling our skills collectively could really turn up some…interesting ideas and prospective projects to help the village along. Perhaps we could have another meeting a week or so after the cultural fair to discuss some things in more detail. I-I would just like people to respond if-if you’re still interested in, ah, learning or doing anything with the club in general. Thank you for your time and-and as always I hope everyone has a very nice day.

[ Oh dear. When Helios came outside the house to take Luminair and Maggir for a walk he was not expecting this. Helios might run into anyone who is walking by and will politely offer his apologies for bumping into said people. ] Oh! Ah. I-I'm terribly sorry...

Lots of people here today, aren't there? Very strange...none of them have any wings either. Hm.

[ Helios will ponder as he walks with one baby dragon draped across his shoulders and one nestled in his arms. He'll be making rounds to the tea shop, library, and of course the general store. ]

[ Anyone nearby the bridge by House 47 and House 35 will see the droids unceremoniously drop a rather disgruntled and startled blonde man into the river. Helios wasn’t awake fully at the time, but he sure is now! He is just going to sputter and flail a bit in the water before making his way towards dryer land. Helios is totally not amused by this guys, especially since it's kinda cold out. The water is also an odd shade of purple…and that grass is blue. He is just…really confused, because nothing is the right color and he’s slightly panicking from this revelation. It must be a side-effect…it has to be. And once he finally runs into people, he'll notice a strange and alarming aura around each individual person. It's a side-effect from John's tampering with his death penalty.

He’ll groggily get up and wring out his long sleeve shirt and jacket, huffing and mumbling under his breath. Not the graceful or nicest of re-entries to the enclosure. You can find Helios walking through the village, soaking wet and a bit miffed, back to his house. And once he gets there he’ll get settled, changed, and make a voice entry.]

[Voice]

I’m, ah, b-back. Thank you f-for whoever took care of the Library in my absence. Everything is well, aside from seeing things in c-color again. Surprisingly…strange and saying that is rather odd too. [ A laugh on his end. There’s a rattling noise from somewhere off in the distance. Luminair’s chirps get excited and happy as Helios gives a surprised gasp. ] Oh! Gods , is it really that time already? I-I didn’t even realize…though the time it takes is far less than your own.

[ Helios clears his throat, his tone slightly more jovial and happy than before. ] It’s a pleasure to meet all the new arrivals we’ve gotten these past few weeks. I hope everyone hasn’t had too much t-trouble settling in. The library is free to use for anyone who wants, and we also have a bookclub that meets once a month. Also if anyone has any questions about the spirits of this place, or m-magic in general, I ah wouldn’t mind assisting you in learning. There’s also a m-magic club that meets every once in awhile too! [ Some more rattling as Luminair chirps more emphatically. ]

Oh, dear, I-I wonder if it’ll last until tomorrow… [ A tapping noise as he taps a pencil on the table. ]

Ah. I-I was wondering…how many people would be interested in seeing a newborn dragon hatch? I-I think this calls for a little celebration, don’t you think Luminair? [ A happy chirp in reply is heard from somewhere off in the room. ]

If anyone wants to stop by tomorrow to see the hatching…I wouldn’t mind having a small little get together! I could make some food and-and a cake too. Anyone is welcome to come by house forty-four. We could all benefit from a little celebration once in awhile, hm?

((ooc; For Helios' return effect he is seeing people's auras, along with seeing the world in weird colors and shades. The auras that Helios are seeing, are just different facets to a person's personality. If you don't want him to see someone's aura just let me know and we can work around that! ))

[ He awoke behind the town bakery today. Not a scratch or mark on him as he sits up and dusts himself off. There’s no rumble or rain or even left over marks that what had happened had even occurred. But he had died and the feeling never got old. It was...strange to say that he's died more than once, stranger to even think about so calmly. Still it left him with a heavy head and an overbearing tiredness as he lay there. It’s only when he opened his eyes that he’ll gasp with surprise. Everything was gray, white, and black. As if someone had come to Luceti while he was gone and sucked it dry of all its color. He’ll flinch and shy away from the bright sunlight almost as it’s too powerful to withstand. He can barely see a thing like this so a spell to darken his glasses is of the utmost pertinence at the moment. Because he really can’t see at all at the moment and his staggering to his feet and wincing with a hand covering his eyes is clearly indicative of this. Still he’ll manage to get as far as the bakery before taking a small break there and then continuing to the item shop to look for a pair of sunglasses or anything to keep the sun out of his eyes. He finds it more or less easier to see in low light that’s offered by the rooms in these buildings and it’s not as jarring or painful for his eyes.

Sometime after picking up his ingredients for his spell to darken his glasses, and performing said spell in his room, he’ll head home to House 44 and pick up his journal. It’s a short while later that he’ll make a voice transmission over the network. ]

I-I’m so terribly sorry I-I wasn’t here to help this week. If-if anyone needs anything I-I can try to help however p-possible. Why...why hasn’t the town gone back to normal, d-does anyone know? It’s just like that time with the earthquakes.

[ The town is still a mess and he feels almost guilty about not being able to help fix it; though he knows that thought isn’t going to help much and he's being far too hard on himself given what happened. Next he’ll try to filter a message to Rue but it breaks after several tries. And then he realizes that she isn’t here anymore. Rue’s gone…

He’ll head out then to the plaza once more making a small detour to the memory garden to help clean it up and also to plant some flowers for her. After that, as the sun gets lower and evening sets in, Helios will be sitting by the fountain eating some sweets, cookies mostly, and Luminair will be curled up and lightly dozing next to him. He makes all different colored birds of light. Some of them are mockingbirds and maybe even a mockingjay or two, most are just regular sparrows and typical little birds you see flying around and possibly other things too. But none of them are colorful to him and he isn’t even sure what colors they’re turning out to be, but he knows they’ll be beautiful for anyone who stops by to watch or see them. ]

Do you think a memory or a world without color is any different than one with it? Hypothetically speaking if we could only see in shades of gray, black, and white would the memories and world we live in be less potent due to them being less vivid and colorful? Or would it be more uniform and peaceful, or perhaps more dull and dreary? There’s other senses of course to make up for what’s lacking and there are creatures out there that live perfectly happy lives with only seeing in monochromatic shades. Ah, that's what it reminds me of. There's a book...called The Giver in my world that has something similar. A world without color, hm, strange to think about really. [ But it could have been worse. He could have come back worse and he's thankful that he hasn't. He'll get used to it and it's only for four months but it will take...some adjusting. ]

[ It was an ordinary morning just like any other day would be. Friday nothing too strange about it. With the event having ended and things going back to the way they should be Helios is more than a little chipper now and welcoming to said normalcy. The cultural fair was a success at least and that's put him in good spirits. And so…when he goes to Ginia’s room to ask what she’d like for breakfast he soon realizes that said happiness is short-lived. He’ll knock on her door lightly at first. ]

Ginia? Are you there? I-I wanted to know if you wanted anything for breakfast… [ No answer. Hm. Maybe she left earlier than him to go to Cloud Nine. No. Something felt…off. He’ll grip the doorknob with a slightly shaky hand. Luminair giving him a sad cautious chirp from the place beside his feet. He’ll give the young dragon a small shaky smile as if trying to hide his worst fears realized. ] It’s alright sh-she probably just went out to, to get something to eat.

[ He swallows thickly as he opens the door and there…his stomach drops. Whispered in one disbelieving, tired, and saddened tone is the word: ] No.

[ This wasn’t…this couldn’t be happening. Everything was gone. Gone just like Giles, Frederic, and now her. The room was so empty and bare, aside a box sitting atop the desk. He knew what was in there but he couldn’t make himself walk in to take a look. Letters most likely, there were always letter it seemed like a lasting impression that you could at least keep a hold of. She was like a sister to him, almost like family, so it hurt to have to do this. Gods no matter how many times you hear of people leaving it still hurt to do this. All three gone and he feels slightly lonelier here. But he had to tell people because people had the right to know. Helios couldn't keep this a secret, no, that wasn't fair at all. He’ll bite his lip blinking rapidly as he finally moves inside and takes out his journal. There’s a shaky sigh from him as he opens it then turning on the voice function. For anyone awake at this hour they’ll have an uncharacteristic somber, shaky, voice issued over the journal network. ]

I-I’m sorry to everyone who knew her but…Ginia Solana has gone home.

[ Poorly filtered to the following persons: Grune, Pao-Lin, Smoker, Ami, Draco, Goku, Roji, Shiki, Derek, and Archie. ]

Sh-She left you all some letters. If, if you want to stop by and pick them up at House forty-four. I…I ah c-can also bring them over if it’s more convenient.

[ Maybe getting out of the house might not be such a bad thing. ]

[ The journal feed turns on to a kitchen with a pot of something on the stove boiling, steaming, something is cooking in there but what? Who knows! ] Ah! There we go I think it’s on! Still get confused with this thing...

[ Helios will clear his throat and then pull away only for people to see one blond headmaster smiling into the video feed as he gives a slight wave. ] Yes. I think we can get started now. The sugar might burn otherwise...

I found an interesting little book in the library today. How to make various candies from my world! There’s one that I’ve always enjoyed, rather interesting these, I can't believe I actually found how to make them. They’re called Pop Rocks.

[ And then he beams. ] I’ve never done a cooking demonstration before! This is quite exciting. Oh! Yes! And my assistant will be the ever so helpful Ms. LeBlanc. [ He’ll just pan the journal camera over to Adele then. He'll keep it there so they're both in view now with the ingredients off to the side on the table. There's the rustling of pages as Helios flips through his cook book. ]

( Cut to save your FList's sooul. )

((ooc; Blue is Adele. Green is Helios! Put down whether you want both of them to respond or just Adele/Helios! ))

[Action: Locked to Robert and Helios]

[ It’s a normal day and everyone has gone back to their own worlds. The cacophony of unknown voices over the journals has ceased and there is simply silence. But it’s not as if either of these two would have remembered. They were both taken by the droids just before such events took place, and were replaced with ones that looked and acted just like them. No one knew they were gone and no one would have to.

Except…except things weren’t exactly right upon their return. They usually never were, to be fair. But this, this was something beyond anything Helios thought the Malnosso were capable of.

He was… he was warm...and the pain... The pain was gone; that constant dull pain that had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember...for as long as Elise has been gone. It wasn’t right.

Something is so very wrong right now, and he doesn’t know what to do.

Helios looks over at the scientist lying off to the side and he finally realizes that they’re in some random, empty, unclaimed house. Robert is sprawled on his side, wings twitching a little under his lab coat, but he otherwise looks normal.

It's only when Helios stoops close to shake him gently awake that he realizes something is wrong with him, too. Robert's hands are deathly cold against his palms...just like his usually are.

...They're going to have to talk.]

[Later action: Open to all]

[Eventually, Robert and Helios walk out of the building together, composed (enough) and ready to face all the inevitable accusations...though they will be very careful and recalcitrant about any major questions. And also a little reluctant to leave each other alone...especially not in their current conditions. Feel free to run into either of them on their meandering way back to House 55...they'd love the company.]

[Eventually, however, they'll get inside and be able to fish out Robert's journal...and then Helios fetches the journal to say a few words.]

Where is it? Oh! Yes it's on. [ He's always a bit more absentminded when there's a lot on his mind, forgive him. ]

It's b-been two days? N-No…around three, I believe. Ah, well, we’re both back. We’re both f-fine and, and there’s nothing to worry about! [ Oh yes. Nothing at all. ] W-We meaning Robert and I. H-He’s fine and-and if you want to speak with him you can. The Malnosso left us in better shape than usual. Ha...perhaps they are learning how to be compassionate. [ A light chuckle. ]

Yes, well, d-did anything happen? Is everyone…is everyone alright? [ A lot can happen in two days in Luceti after all. ]

[ OOC: Robert and Helios return from their mallynap! Feel free to specify in the subject line of your reply where your character is and who you want your character to talk to – either will talk if asked, though most action replies will probably be three-way threads.]

[ It's a nice day today isn't is Luceti? If you're wandering around the village today you'll notice one stand filled and piled high with donuts. Not just any ordinary donuts, no, these are called Gogoşi and they're a rather delicious little treat from Helios' home, Romania. Donuts without holes and filled with a sweet chocolate filling. That's not all though! There's pretzels, and some little chocolate sponge cakes filled with almond cream as well. They all line the table in no particular order and there's also hot chocolate, tea, and coffee for anyone trying to fight off the cold of the day. ]

Two years...it really doesn't feel that way. I-I suppose a lot of you having been here for longer think the same thing. But in truth we all take time and change differently. We've all been through the arrival, which might I give a warmest of welcome to all our newest! And we've seen things and watched people we care deeply about, and have experience this fascinating and more often than not slightly insufferable place with, go away just as quickly as they came. People we never even dreamed of ever meeting and people we never want to ever leave. [ He laughs a little and there might be a slight tinge of sadness within it. ]

That's not to say Luceti should be given all the credit for making such profound friendships between people here, but well, it does have a very prominent part in it. Still home is home no matter what and I'd like to think of this place as my second one if you will.

I-I also wanted to, um, give back to everyone for being here not-not just for myself but in general. Together as a village we're quite something through thick and thin, always there for one another, always trying to help when it seems like nothing could possibly get any worse. We're rather amazing when you think about it given everything that's been thrown at us and then some. [ He'll stop his sappy rambling before he gets all emotional, okay? ]

S-So if you're hungry or in need of a warming up I've setup a little stand in the town plaza with hot coco, tea, and coffee. Anyone is free to stop by and I do mean anyone including all you New feathers! There's plenty to go around. I've also made some, some desserts from my own home just a few little treats.

[ Because even he, being an adult and knowledgeable in traveling, still sometimes has a touch of homesickness every once in awhile. But it's not as bad or even as prominent as it used to be. Luceti really has changed that much of him, that's for certain, and he's actually rather glad for it. ]