[The clip begins with Pit scrambling away from the desk like he's trying to run away or something. The little white office chair rolls away upon impact. Turns out he's just setting it up so he's standing presentably in front of his webcam.]

Good morning, everyone! Nice breeze today, huh? It is I, Pit! And I have returned from a great absence! [He said those last two sentences with a booming audacity, like he had turned into a narrator briefly.] Remember me? [He's waving like a loony.] I sure hope so.

Anyway! Oh wow, it's been a hectic past few years for me. Where do I start? I was faced with a bunch of old foes again, met a bunch of new ones, got thrown into the middle of a huge war, and I'm talking HUGE! Take a lesson from me and never get stuck in the middle of a skirmish when there's a bunch of ornery gods involved. Uhh, let's see, I... oh hey, I went to space! That's gotta count for an experience. I got turned into a ring for three years, not to... mention other things, watched Angel Land go to the pits-- hah, no pun intended! Saved Lady Palutena from the Chaos Kin, and all around kicked butt. Lots of butts. The sheer number of clobbered butts would shock and amaze you. And boy, were they ugly!

But I saved Angel Land all over again, and it should be pretty peaceful now. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here! That's right, you heard me! I'm gonna be taking classes all over again! Isn't that great? I missed this place sooo much. And I missed you guys! I'm ready to leap out my dorm window and run out and hug every last one of you. Even the jerks I don't wanna hug so much!

But I'm warning you! I've been charging these arms for 30 years. It's gonna be a tight squeeze.

[He stands there for a moment, pondering what the heck else to say, before he shrugs and calls it good.] Okay, that's enough for now I think. I'm gonna shut this video off. [He comes back over and searches his keyboard for the right button, then clicks it off, but not before whispering a dramatic "goodbye...".]

[Without jest, it has been six months since Marth has openly addressed the academy.]

Goodness.
Where does the time go? I found myself thinking the other day - and even prior to it - how many things have changed. People come and go at their own convenience. And for a while, I was one who believed that I had others taken from me.

For a grown man, I sometimes wonder if I still retain a sense of childlike behaviour.

[He pauses with some thought. There's shuffling in the background. Marth is pacing. Because all good leaders pace when they're thinking.]

I feel like I am somehow getting closer, but I wonder if I would be allowed just a brief glimpse. I must remain steady and ambitious.

[Another pause.]

Lady Zelda, I cannot say I know you so well as to be well aware of your likes, aside from archery and occasional tea. Might you think it inappropriate of me to request your company through the gardens? It has been some time, and I feel I ought to make up for my lack of presence.

[Never mind that we have three Zeldas. Hurr hurr.]

[Oh, look, it's Link. On the video feed...! There's a long pause before he says anything.]

...

Does anyone know Zelda? [Pause.] She's here, isn't she?

[Pause.]

...My name is Link.

[ oh look, it's Mr. Swords teacher, cranky like usual, on a new computer (as he destroyed his last one in a fit of anger, thanks to that douchebag Bowser) ]

I'm bored, so we're having a test tomorrow. Advanced drills. If you can't pass this, get out.

It's good that things seem to be rather under control. As much as I'd love to stick around and see what sort of shenanigans you all manage to find yourselves mixed in with next, I have some business that must be attended to. You keep being you and you just might make it out of here alive, hee hee~!

[Private to Zelda.]
Take care of yourself, Princess.

[Private to Daisy.]
Honk. You keep your boxer in good spirits, hm? Make sure he does the same for you!

[Private to Kyogre.]
I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a raincheck on that dinner date of ours, darling. Though if you ask him nicely, maybe you can get your brother to let you tag along for a visit, hee hee!

[MARTH AND RAY AND GANNY ALL GET KNOCKS ON THEIR DOORS SHOULD THEY CHOOSE TO ACCEPT THEM.]

[Yes this too I am sorry.]

All of you passed my test last week and get to keep all your fingers. Pity. I wanted to test out a rumor I've been hearing.

Even a kitten could've passed that test anyway. [ The target was relatively small and thin. Even the weakest swordsman could've decimated it. No one actually bothered to ask him about that :D ] I was hired to teach swordsmanship, not teach pussies to handle a deadly weapon and complain about practical tests. What did you all expect? I'd make some lame written test, asking stupid crap like how long it takes to make a blade? Useless.

Funny how most of you freaked out about it. This place may prove to be entertaining after all.

[ it's The cranky swordsman again, picking glitter out of his hair. ]

I think I've finally found and disposed of all those pointless Valentines. I do not care for Valentines or the glitter that comes with them. I am a swordsman, not some fairy.

Also, anyone in my blades class, we're having a test Friday. A practical one. I don't care for that paper crap. I expect to see each and every one of you destroy your target. Failure is more than a stupid letter; I'll just cut off a finger instead. Depends on my mood.

[ ooc: guess who drew me this amazingly gorgeous art? I'm still drooling over it and now it has been colored and iconized and immortalized foreverz :3 ]

[ after a few attempts to figure this network out (mostly involving threatening the IT staff), here's Navarre. He looks slightly annoyed and someone amused at the same time, but at least he looks nice. He's got some gorgeous long hair too and a long red robe, visible as he stands some distance from the web cam (else he'd break another on and probably yell at the IT staff again). ]

Interesting device. Hardly practical as it can't even withstand a small strike from a blade. Hmph.

Anyway. My job here is to teach a blades class. Students. Don't slack off or you might lose a finger. I am not responsible for idiocy.

[For once, Marth seems to be on time. Sort of. He's left the following gifts for those accordingly. No notes or anything like that. Just "To [Insert Recipient Name]". But it would seem there's symbolism behind each one. The following will find their gifts tucked safely beside the handle of the door, so they're not missed.]

( Midna )

( Bob )

( Zelda )

( Daisy )

( Peach )

( Blacky )

( Mei Ling )

( Knuckles )

[Yes. Apparently Marth knows all the wiminz. Sorry Knuckles.]

Hello again, Smash Academy. It's so lovely to be back once again~.

I apologize for leaving so suddenly, there were important matters I had to attend to at the Mushroom Kingdom. Everything is resolved, so I can return to the school at ease knowing everything is now under control.

I've noticed some fresh faces around here, my name is Peach. I was previously a student here but I have now signed up to be a Teacher's Assistant. So I hope to still see you all in class. And don't ever be shy if any of you need my help at all.

Guess what??????? Thats right! I'm baaaaaaaack. isn't that great? ;)

f you don't know me, ym name is Milimili. I was here a couple mnoths ago or so... but now I'm back! How excitng. ♥ it'll be a pleasure to b in a class with you all agian.

IN FACT, if you;re new, u should introduce yourselfy to me!!! Or if we didnt meet or somethin. I still want to get to know everybody...

[Oh, a video of everyone's favorite hyperactive, idiot trainer boy. But something clearly isn't right. His cheeks are tear-stained, there's a bright streak of blood across his forehead, and most disturbingly, his hat is missing. Something clearly is not right.]

There's something everyone needs to know! I'll tell you what happened, alright?

This afternoon, I took my Jumpluff out to go train in the forest near the school. While we were out there, I found something really, really disturbing. If you're sensitive to stuff usually, you might wanna not listen...

[Gold leans in towards the camera with wide eyes.]

I FOUND A DEAD BODY.

That's right! I really did. Deep in the heart of the forest, just leaning up against a tree. He had a big... gash in his stomach and he had bled so much. I didn't know he was dead or if he was just unconscious and I don't know how to check. My Pokemon and I, we carried him into the city and to the hospital.

[He starts tearing up a little bit.]

It's sad... I started thinking about if he had a family or who was gonna miss him now. They told me that someone probably killed him and he was probably... that he had probably been dead for a couple of days. [Deep breath.] I'm really freaked out. I just want everyone to know SOMEONE DANGEROUS IS OUT THERE!

( This part is private, sent to his followers in Sinnoh )




...The symphony "The Planets" refered to the titular celestial bodies by traits associated with their mythical namesakes. The suites bear those as names. Bringer of Aging, Bringer of Contentment, Bringer of War...

According to legend, humans knew not of war before the god of war introduced it to them. We know this is false. And yet it speaks of much. Through this we know that humans have long believed themselves to be incapable of creating something so horrific. That they wish to view themselves as inherently innocent, despite consigning themselves to willingly worship the one who brought them such terrifying knowledge. They simultaneously saw themselves as above and far below that god.

And now it plagues us. All that we do, all that we are has been touched by violence. Peace is considered impossible. Oftentimes, the very thought of peace is ridiculed as a dream, a fantasy. And because of this complaciency, war is accepted. The slaughter of millions, billions through history. What discoveries have been lost? What countless stories have been silenced forever?

We want to believe that we are acceptable. That we are moral. Yet there can be no morality when such things are only clucked at with a muttered "somebody should do something" and no attempt to be that person. When we are taught that we must serve our countries and that such servitude is the utmost honor, that those who do are automatically "heroes" regardless of their behavior. No, I say! A hero cannot be one who takes lives because they are ordered to! That is nothing but a common villain!

And yet we have not yet realized that as a species. As a world. We still consider ourselves willful slaves of that imaginary god. The Bringer of War...that is only us.

[Marth has, surprisingly, opted for video. Usually the noble one restrains himself to his keyboard.]

I do believe it is a great deal different to be here at this time than it is to be home. Last year on this day, I was in Akaneia amongst the celebrations that my sister had thrown for my sake. She has never been one to shy from celebrations either, and for that I suppose I should be grateful. Yet, though it was glorious and heartfelt, this academy was the place that I longed to be.

I have spent nearly four years contemplating the line between obligation and heart. Am I to be completely unified with my people and to forget about myself? Or have I earned the privilege with another year beneath my belt to pursue my own avenues without the concern that I may be punished?

To what extent must I be so dedicated?

[He settles his chin in the palm of his hand as he eyes the camera.]

Thank you for spending these years with me, my friends. May we have many, many more together.

[Then he straightens up, but only by a mite or so.]

That being said...
Midna, I wish very much to see you. If you will allow it, I request you at the very lake we took to the ice upon.

"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love."

... That's a Chinese proverb. Maybe I should go and try gardening again.

[She sighs and absentmindedly pets the Pikachu sleeping on her desk.]