[Not much preamble to the video.]

Happy New Year.

I got a piece of paper I need studied - I wanna know where it came from, who's touched it and pretty much anything else about it that might be unusual including whether it's been handled by a ghost or some other undead type person. Handwriting expert could be useful too because I wanna see if it matches the writing of someone who was on campus. Methods scientific or occult or a little column A and a little column B - Don't care. Just need results. I'm willing to pay.

( ACTION! Chose your own adventure. )

[Considering how infrequently Knuckles had made network posts this entire year, seeing him in another one so soon after his first was a little odd. The fact that he looked royally pissed wasn't too good of an indication either. He was in his apartment and the TV could be heard in the backround. Some news station.]

I dunno how many folks knew her, but a student got killed a couple weeks ago. Her name was Charlise, though mostly people called her Kitty. She was a Drifblim, and a member of Lash's Pokemon team. She was a collossal pain in the ass sometimes, but she was still a friend of mine.

It was on the news the other night. No names were mentioned but I went to the Police station in town and checked. I also got a good description of the guy who did it. And how it happened.

So, this is kinda a cautionary tale for Ghost types. If you get killed while you're in Human form, apparently it's for keeps even if you're TECHNICALLY already dead. Least, that's how it looks.

I dunno what's goin' on so far as a funeral or whatever. Was just her Birthday a little while ago too....

[That last part was a bitter sounding mumble.]

[And the public feed ends.]



( Private to Mr. Caim. )

( [dated to Nov. 5th private phonecall] )


[DATED TO NOV. 14TH; audio]
[Seth endured his curse. His karmic retribution, likely. Instead of lasting for a mere week his brush with youth lasted nearly two. Some might have even considered it a blessing in disguised, to relive one's childhood. While his wasn't necessarily bad it was inconvenient. He was unable to control his transformation and had to hide the unagreeable parts of his cat anatomy--years of experience and perfection tossed away at the expense of youth.

One day, he knew he wouldn't have to hide. He'd show everyone that there was no difference between man and beast. But that time was not now--now was a time for him to be hormonal and childish and angry.

And take it out on certain individuals...

Because this terrible thing that happened to him lasted all the way up until his birthday. It technically left him with all of about an hour or so left before the 14th would be over, but he considered it too little too late. Age, so ironically, ruined his glorious day of birth.

Now he's all better and of proper age again than more than happy to slip an audio-only post in before the day ends.]

Guess what! Today is my birthday. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't treat myself out somewhere, but perhaps the greatest gift anyone can appreciate is the gift of life. A good life. One to remember on that special day each and every year. I think I've had a great one so far, and many more to come, I do hope.

Since it's also nearing that time of the year, do you know what I'm thankful for? My supportive friends, my roommates, good food and a good education. Even the adorably tacky decorations that come with it. I do hope you RAs have something more eloquent in the works this year and garland and mistletoe. I have faith in you.

But most of all I'm thankful for good company, because you never know what you have until it's missing.

...Or in some cases they simply move down the hall, but I can't say I don't miss them all the same.


[DATED TO NOV. 22ND]
[If your character happens to be near a TV on this day, maybe while they are or are not stuffing their face with turkey and thinking of things to be thankful for, or waiting in line for that Big Midnight Sale, the local news comes on with an urgent, special report...]



Breaking News: FDCPD has confirmed a body was found near a dumpster in Ferrothorn Park, just off of the Eldin Bridge causeway.

An identification has not been made yet, but the victim is described as young, female, dual-colored violet and white hair with dark skin. Foul play is suspected. Early forensics suggest the victim has been dead for approximately two weeks, and that there were [Mr. Lakitu newscaster consults his papers carefully so not to mispronounce.] elevated levels of phencyclidine, benzodiazepine, and other unidentifiable opioids in her blood at the time of death. There are also signs of a struggle, with cuts and slash type injuries sustained.

An anonymous tip from an eye witness describes a suspect at the scene of the crime as male, approximately six feet tall, dark brown hair and wielding a sword. If you see anything suspicious or have any further information about this murderer, please contact the FDCPD immediately.

[Narration]
[It had taken a while, but Naoto's mind could not be deterred - and after combing both the school archives, public posts and even doing a little bit of hacking work - a very clear picture of the drug situation had emerged.

First, the drug itself - the lollipops which had caused a number of incidents in the school. That much had been clear since the beginning. Each report of strange behavior could be traced back to them.

Second, the method of delivery - by using innocent under-aged girls to sell them with the promise of money, the blame would be efficiently shifted, and keep most students and staff under and illusion of safety. It reminded her of door-to-door chocolate sale schemes of the past, and made her blood boil.

Third, the culprit - this one had taken more time, but she had a good idea of who the mastermind in all of this was - Warren, one of the students. However, she was still confused as to his true motive; was it simply a way for him to make money, or was there something even more sinister under this pretense...

...it would require a closer evaluation. Unfortunately, Naoto could not pass as one of the delivery girls - she was still under the guise of being male, and she was not around the same age that Warren seemed to pick them from.

However, in a strange stroke of luck, the detective came upon files which would aid her in this quest. It was a dangerous gamble, but then again, Naoto was no stranger to them. After all, she had willingly appeared on TV as to get captured last year.

It seemed this school had had its share of bizarre events too, including a situation once where many of the students and staff found themselves younger. Naoto had read all of the posts regarding it, reactions and how it had happened, and as strange as it was...it seemed like her best lead. There were still samples to be found in the assistant headmaster's desk, and it had been relatively easy to take them from him...the younger Hand was easy to distract. She had the bag in her hands, two year old stale cookies that hadn't seemed to deteriorate over time.

The final pieces - she needed an alibi. Thankfully hiding her identity had been a boon in this situation - once she would ingest the cookies, no one would know that the younger girl was her. Souji Seta just had to leave for a few weeks, and Naoto Shirogane to show up a few days later, pretend to stay here for a long while, perhaps have to leave again herself. New students came and left in every day, this would be no different.

The only problem is she might have to dress up the part more. Not exactly too thrilled, she would do what the job would require of her. This was, after all, an extremely dangerous situation and mission. But Naoto had always secretly enjoyed those.

But she would not take this for a game...far from it.

This time, there was a person she'd tell all of this. Especially considering the fact she would be younger - it might leave her more vulnerable (as much as she hated to admit it). After her post, she went off to his room...]

[Post - Public]
I apologize to my fellow students, but I must leave for a few weeks. There is an assignment waiting for me at my family's estate that requires my full attention, and unfortunately this means I may not return until the end of October, pending the investigation.

To my teachers; please send any homework assignments to my school address, and I will complete them within the allotted time. I apologize for any predicament this may cause, but rest assured everything will be done as you require it. I would rather not fall behind on my studies, despite the work.

[Action - Kanji's Room]
[There was a knock on the door.]

Kanji-kun? Are you here?

I suppose a formal introduction is in order. My apologies for not doing so earlier -- in light of recent events, I've fallen behind schedule. This doesn't happen often, does it?

My name is Miles Edgeworth and I am a prosecuting attorney. I'm here to study this city's law system first and foremost, but in the meantime I will be teaching Criminal Justice based on my previous studies in other countries. If you're interested, I would appreciate your attendance.

[Good evening, network. Hope you're not uncomfortable with being stared at, because Mary is staring directly at the camera instead of her laptop today. Her abnormally bright blue eyes are especially intense. Nothing at all to do with the lollipop in her mouth. When she speaks, a bit of orange can be seen at the end of the stick.]

...

.....That was scary, huh? Being trapped. I hate it a lot... I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't get out... But we're out now. It'll never happen again, right? Never...

So I'm happy that I can see the sun again. And I'm happy... that I sold enough candy to be able to have some for me, too! Candy's really good. I have twenty-three left. I counted. Twice. I wanted a yellow one, but I think Mac had the last one.

...I like yellow. I have a lot of yellow crayons. I can name them all. Banana Mania, Canary, Dandelion, Goldenrod, Gold, Green-Yellow, Laser Lemon, Lemon Yellow, Orange-Yellow, Sunglow, Unmellow Yellow, and just regular Yellow.

...I can name them all...

There's no yellow ochre crayon in my box. But there's ochre paint. That's funny, right? It matches my hair, a little. But there's a Scarlet crayon. It matches my clothes for school. And my clothes for school... they match...

...they...

[...STARE...]

...Hahaha, well good job everybody on...whatever the heck just happened there. It's all over now though, right? That's the good thing. We always seem to get through it when crazy stuff happens.

And that was really crazy...So we can relax extra hard.

[HE HAS NOTHING ELSE TO SAY ABOUT THAT...He is seen visually eating a yellow lollipop.]

Okay so, changin' the subject.

Any of ya seen these kinda lollipops? They're pretty good. Apparently people are sellin' 'em for some fundraiser or somethin'.

Well anyway, y'see a girl with blonde hair, likes to carry a doll 'round? Yeah, that's Mary, bumped into her a moment ago. She needs a lil' bit of a hand sellin' these, she's a bit short on funds.

I bought mine that I'm eatin' from her but I'm thinkin' maybe we all oughta help the kiddo out, dontcha think? Be a good n' neighborly sort and all.

[Stilll eating it.]

OH YEAH! Uh, and boxin' class will be happenin' in a bit for those who signed up! Buuuuuuuut it ain't too late if you're still interested!

( AFTER THIS POST, ACTION. AND OUTSIDE. DRUGS IN THE LOLLIS. )

[ By some small miracle, the young man on the screen before you has somehow managed to activate the video feed. Accidental or not is uncertain, but he's aware it's running and a face drawn to white suggests he isn't doing so well. He's still in the clothing he arrived in: red vest with a small gold badge (whatever could that be?) pinned to his left collar, bright aqua tie and a white dress shirt.

It's obvious he's in his dorm room by the bed behind where he is seated, as well as the new flavor of walls and doors that the areas have all adopted since the flood.

His bottom lip moves, words trying to exit from a shifting throat, and amongst the hundred other things he must be thinking about now, he ponders on two: If anyone is out there to hear him, and - ]


Giant... hands...

[ooc: Oops! Editing to mention that I like the format in AA where thoughts land themselves in parentheses. Apollo does this often enough where I want it to flow properly, so if you see them, he's thinking. Thanks!]

While I am certain some of you may appreciate the esthetic changes to the facility, does anyone else think that it was perhaps a little too drastic considering the circumstances?

[Private to Kanji]
It appears that Eikichi Mishina is a Persona user as well, although his methods differ entirely from ours.

[Also, I am not going to mention anything regarding the hotel.]

[Filtered from faculty, level 2. Fairly easily hackable.]

[Poised in front of the webcam is a boy who looks kind of pissed off. Oh boy, here comes a rant. And because he's angry, it will be peppered with some language.]

Yeah, so you guys know that new teacher, Glados-sensei or whatever?

DON'T TAKE HER CLASS.

I came in literally like three seconds late and the stupid bitch slapped me with a detention. God.

I wouldn't be so pissed if it was for something like me beating some kid up or something, but seriously...

[Private to Eli, level 3]

Hey uh... I need to talk to you.

[Private, Narration]

"No it is quite alright grandfather. I would rather finish my week's study rather than celebrate...yes, I know."

17 years old. In Naoto Shirogane's life, the number was simply one that brought her closer to her adulthood, but, strangely enough now it did not seem to matter as much to her. The battles of last year had made her grow, but also reminded her that she had a time to enjoy herself.

Of course, she was still who she was. Celebrating her birthday on a school day wasn't quite in her plans, and when her grandfather had called her, they had scheduled something for the weekend instead. Little did she know that very soon, a few walls would be breaking and even those would have to be rescheduled.

"..Thank you. I'll come visit you this weekend."

[/Private, Narration]

---

[Public Post - VIDEO]

Good afternoon. I hope that everyone's studies are advancing positively. The end of the school year is coming closer as the days go by and I would not want anyone caught unaware.

Again, I offer my services for those who might need extracurricular work for grades or that need a study partner. I believe I should be able to help with most subjects.

- Souji Seta

[Guess who has had a remarkably shitty day? THIS GUY. Guess who has just been whispered a certain name by his little brother? THIS GUY. Guess who is going to get a merciless and painful beatdown? NOT THIS GUY.

Well, probably this guy. Max is still a Charizard for a few days more. BUT ALSO MARIE TOO.]


So. Marie.

It's occurred to me that your ass has been unkicked for far too long. I'm thinkin' it's about time I do somethin' about that.

I been workin' real hard at playin' nice, so I'm even gonna give you a choice: either you man up and take your lumps now, or I postpone it until after that fucked-up pageant so I don't go ruinin' your makeup with no black eyes or whatever.

If you're too busy sobbin' and pissin' yourself to pick out the time and place of your ass-whoopin', I'll just have to assume you're so excited to get your shell snapped in half that you want it happenin' right fuckin' now.

You pickin' up what I'm layin' down?

While I realize that I am a new student here on campus, I am rather disturbed to find out I have been signed on for the school's "Miss" Pageant Award that is taking place this Friday. I believed this was an occurrence that happened in Japanese High Schools and that a campus like Smash Academy would not be celebrating similarly.

Moreover, I do not own any piece of feminine clothing.

Has this happened before?

( Maybe it was time for an adventure. )

Guess it's been a while, huh. Got called for some WVBA business finally. Guess I oughta get outta that lil' ol' hiatus I apparently took, haha.

That leads me to another question. Anyone know a good place to go to in Kanto? Johto? Unova? As long as I'm takin' care of Rocky here, I think a visit to a place like that oughta be good for us both.

( Private to Daisy )

( Private to Rhys )

( Private to Gold )

It's really strange, having a room all to myself... I guess I just got so used to sharing one that it kind of starts to get lonely after a couple days.

-----

( Quick Narration )

-----

If anyone wants to hang out or whatever, I'll be around. Doing stuff. Yeah...

[The image at first points to the floor as it blinks to life, before swinging around to point at the wall. It’s then covered completely by a pale hand, which continues to manipulate the camera with no particular objective. Apparently, one of the fingers on said hand accidentally pressed the ‘on’ button on the camera, and the owner of that finger has no idea he’s turned it on.

Briefly, the image passes a stone-faced youth with killer sideburns and a slick hat, but almost immediately passes by to point at the other wall.]

Oooh, is it a camera? [A small, female voice chimes excitedly, and the image once again swings up to the youth’s face. The source of the previous voice is a tiny winged woman hovering just behind the young man’s shoulder, excitement painted on her face in contrast to the complete lack of emotion of the human’s.]

It’s too small to be a camera. [Which just gets a pout from the Pixie.]

Maybe that's what cameras look like in the future.

[Ignoring her, the young man studies the camera a bit more before speaking directly to it.]

I was informed that I can keep in contact with others with this... contraption. If anyone can indeed hear me, I am Raidou Kuzunoha the 14th. It's a pleasure to meet you. [His tone remains flat as he says the words, almost as if they were rehearsed. Though he would feel a bit silly if he was just talking to a box, he would trust the words of those who gave him the item. If all else failed, he could just sell the thing.]

. . .

I AM NOT VERY AHPPY RIGHTNOW ⊙﹏⊙ ミ

[Private to Self, Unhackable]
( Case Details and Detective Power )
[/Private to self]

[Private to Mac, Phoenix Wright, Gold, Majima, Ganondorf, Sparkster, Goose, Knuckles, Blaze, Silver, (Each one for their own post addressed to them, this is not a group thing) Unhackable]
( Meeting Request )
[Private]

[Private to Ai Unhackable]
( Meeting Request )
[Private]

[Private to Caim, unhackable]
( Interview Request )
[Private]

[Private to Samus Aran, unhackable]
( Clues left by Caim )
[Private]

[Private to Kanji, Yu and Yosuke, unhackable, early morning]
( Asking for help )

[This also happens later when she has had a talk with Bob at Lunch]

( Bob is scary but awesome )
[Private]

[Public Post]
I would like your opinions on classes to take this semester as well as places to visit around the city. Students and teachers alike are welcome to do so.

I am also offering my services to tutor students that are failing behind in their classes. I have done this before if you'd like me to provide credentials.

Thank you.

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.

This month could not have dragged on much longer.

I may have not been in direct influence of the happenings, but it did not leave me unaware of what was unfolding!


Ah, we have also had quite a few new students and staff come in as of late. I do hope you all enjoy your stay. I have not been as out and about as I should be, and because of this I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Dana Dialga, the Temporal Pokemon.

... Yes.

[She really... doesn't have much to talk about.]