[The video comes from Phoenix's room. It's about 3AM on November 1st, and Phoenix has been awake this whole time. The windows are shut, the door is locked, and Phoenix looks exhausted but incredibly alert. Scared, almost.]

So... A lot of strange things happen at this school.

I can't be the only one who's been seeing hordes of ghosts, right?

[He's not a stranger to ghosts, but this is the first time he's seen them... without a host.]

Or is it just cruel irony that it happens to be on Halloween?

[He sighs and looks almost deadpan.]

I'm almost surprised that there isn't a full moon tonight either.

[Chin in the palm of her hand, Voile looks... bored? Tired? Curious? A plethora of things, probably. She's certainly not jumping up and down for joy, so that's probably just the general indication that she's got a lot on her mind.

And she does.]

I read that the twenty-first year is important or to be treated as a 'rite of passage' into adulthood in some cultures and societies. In Hoenn, we didn't really have anything like this, and before coming to this academy, I wasn't 'assigned' an age. Yet it would seem my twenty-first is upon me.

Tomorrow, anyway.

[She pauses.]

I was wondering what I should do with it. For it. If anything. I wouldn't normally celebrate it as age itself seems something irrelevant to me, but if it's important, maybe I should respect the tradition. And I guess I could benefit from something a little more lighthearted considering the circumstance.

[Oh look it's a video post from your favorite political science instructor. He looks content, sitting at his desk. His jacket is off, slung over the back of his chair, so he's just wearing his white shirt with a loosened pink tie.]

Hi there. [He waves.] I hope you're enjoying your summer off.

[It's in the summertime where he gets bored, wishes he had cases to solve. Wishes he was home. Because he misses everyone - Edgeworth, Maya, Pearl... But he puts on a good face for the camera.]

It's hard to believe I've been here for two school years already, you know. Today I'm another year older, and... time has seemed to have flown by.

[He looks slightly wistful, turning his head to an angle and looking off seemingly into the distance.]

I miss my home and my last job, but... [He turns back toward the camera.] My experience here is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

[He'd seen the news broadcast, and absolutely no part of it boded well. Smash Academy was officially a target to anyone with strong pro-human sentiments. He wasn't as quick to put on his military cap as Cyrus, but he could read the writing on the wall.]

[Text, Public]

A notice to students; over the next few days, if anyone from Final Destination City tries to talk to you about the incident or makes any sort of threat towards you or your friends, get in touch with a member of the faculty as soon as you can. It doesn't matter who; if nothing else you can reply to this message, or visit someone's office hours. Do not try to solve any problems by yourself. Remember that we're here to help you and keep your safe.

[video, private to Ishimaru]

I know I'm part of a long line of people you're explaining to today, but... what the hell actually happened out there?

[To Shadow and Ron]

Do you guys need an extra man on security for a while? [The way he says that implies a YET at the end.]

[Text, to Chell]

I heard on the news that they're associating Aperture with the incident. Are you all right?

[ There are small scratches all over the edges of the screen because claws and technology don't really mix???

And then suddenly. A bird. ]

Okay. Uh-huh. So... Wait. I've got this. [ Let him just peck his feathers a little. Twist his neck around to loosen up. ] This is Stark... Right?

I'm in Stark. The Stark. No big deal. [ Yes, big deal. He's been having a sort of crisis about this all day. He can feel himself molting already! ]

...How exactly? Just. How? All of April's talk about the Balance and how we can't exist in each other's realms or... something... like that...? Uh... Okay, so I wasn't really paying attention to the details! [ Yeah. He really wasn't. And now he really wishes he had. ] How the heck did I get to Stark?!

[ Keep it together, Crow. ]

Okay, okay. In Stark. Got it. Not complaining. Just observing.

...

So has anybody actually seen April around? Ryan? ...April Ryan. Human girl. Kind of pretty looking, I think. With hair and... clothes... I hope...

[And Phoenix's gift list at least is somewhat longer!]

( Gifts under here )

[GLaDOS doesn't even bother with introductions, nor does she even offer a "hello". Instead, her face carries that same bored expression it always does, as if she'd rather be doing something other than talking to these brats.]

I'm sure most of you have noticed the fact that the computer lab has been closed on and off for a few weeks now. My sincerest apologies on that matter, I was spending most of my time repairing my chassis. For some unfathomable reason, my stand-by mode became a bit...erratic.

[And this is where there's a brief pause in which she rolls her eyes.]

To those of you who are not computer-savvy or just plain idiotic, think of it as oversleeping for Artificial Intelligence. Rest assured, the problem has been dealt with and classes will continue as scheduled once again. I expect you all to be there on time. That's Thursday at ten o'clock am and not a second later.

[...and finally.]

Oh. And to any of you who have been..."harassed" by the hall monitor, I have a very important message for you: stop being a bunch of whiners. Hall passes exist for a reason. If you are dumb enough to walk into a hall with an armed monitor guarding it and not bring your pass, you should accept the consequences. Stupidity does not deserve to be rewarded.

That said, I've spoken with her. I can almost guarantee she will not shoot you...probably.

[And with a final shrug, the feed ends.]

( [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.

[Ron looks very fidgety today. He is clutching a glossy flier in his gloved hands, rolled up and crinkled in the places where his hands rhythmically clenched and unclenched. He gulps, and takes a deep breath.]

G-Guys... um, hey... A-Are we really doing this blind date thing again? Because I don't want to do it, and... and... WHAT IF SOMEBODY SIGNS ME UP AGAINST MY WILL AGAIN!? [This screaming episode took a lot out of him, so he breaths heavily while he tugs at that paper in his hands again.]

I just really don't want to go this time! I didn't sign up, so, um... L-Let that be stated for the record! I refuse! Absolutely refuse!

[His hand slams down on the webcam, successfully turning off the feed.]

I got hammered at a party and got into my first scuffle with authority.

This month has been a thrill a minute.

[Video feed shows a pot of gracidea flowers upon an otherwise empty windowsill. And no green-haired willowy girl in sight, but she can at least heard.]

I think it's a little interesting how something can be gone and consequently missing, and yet sometimes it can still be present. I planted these with Professor Cyrus almost two years ago. These flowers, I mean. And I remember the day that I did vividly, because it was one of those times that we were arguing.

We don't really ever forget the people we crossed paths with, I guess, even when we want to. After all, there are things I want to forget too. But I'm beginning to think that I'm going about it the wrong way. Instead of wanting to escape a past, or to pretend people from the past don't exist, I think I should at least be embracing the time I spent with them while they were here.

[It doesn't take a genius to put together that she means both Sonny and Cyrus when she speaks. Except those who didn't know either.]

It's better to be thankful than it is to be held back. Smash Academy, can you tell me what you're thankful for? It doesn't have to be a person. It can be a thing, an ideal, a belief - whatever you want. I'm simply curious.

｜−・;）

。。。

has any one seen Caim the Human （/﹏＼)

[WHERE HAS SAMUS BEEN? Samus has been pretty darn MIA for a while, but as quietly as she's left, she has returned. Her efforts at hunting down Mysterious Gentleman sometime last month have frustratingly yielded little progress, and her space mission to-be-later-detailed otherwise went without a hitch. It was super exciting and galactic tabloids are probably still going on about a very mysteriously blown up space station, but now she's almost looking forward to a little downtime again, even if that involves teaching in a crazy school.

Besides, there's a few loose strings down here planet-side too. Namely Love Hotel and Drug related strings...]

I'm gone for a few weeks and I come back to refrigerators in the hallways, rampant vandalism, shared dreams, and apparently Jin's hair was bright pink at some point.

Never change, Smash Academy. [There is enough sarcasm in here to choke a space whale.]

I suppose it would be in bad taste to start taking bets as to what to expect for Halloween this year...

At least the weather's still tolerable...

( [Private audio message to one (1) Captain Falcon, 95% unhackable.] )

[And here's an ACTION bit for you action-interaction preferring types; if you know Samus well, tolerable weather means tried and true bike-washing weather, and miss anti-social Samus can be found in the school's parking lot with a hose, a soapy bucket and sponge, and her motorbike. She's enjoying that weather while it remains, and the peace and quiet that comes with it. OR DOES IT...?]

[The voice the entirety of the campus will hear is loud, very Boston, and very angry.]

YO! What's this crap all about? I already went t'school -- I ain't a college man! I got all the skills I'll ever need.

[He sighs.]

I don't know what this 'final destination' crap is but I don't like the sound'a it. I mean -- I'm used t'bein' told I'm gonna die or whatever, and I always make it out alright since I'm so freakin' fast and all, but I don't think I'm likin' the sound'a this.

Uh, so ... REDs! Doc! Fat-Man! Mumbles, Hardhat, Snipes, Spy, Demo, Soldier ... anyone around? I mean I know yer all old as shit 'n everythin' but Ma always told me yer never too old for college so maybe some'a you guys are here? Hopefully.

As for everyone else! Name's Scout. I'm the fastest man alive 'n if ya don't wanna hear it then I welcome ya to race me! I'm also real freakin' awesome at baseball, no joke. I'm always up for a game.

I'm also single, so babes, feel free t'meet me 'round my dorm: [Pause, sound of papers rustling as he looks for something with his address.] BE-16.

Guess that's it! Catch ya later!

Umm... H-Hello...

[Ron DeLite sits in view of the feed. He looks sheepish and a bit nervous to be talking in front of a camera like this.] I-I just realized... I forgot to re-introduce myself. It's understandable, really, considering the circumstances of my arrival, I think. So, hi! I used to work here as a security guard, and now I'm back... ...

[He pauses, at a loss for words. Suddenly, he looks very apologetic, his head hanging.]

...I-I'm sorry, I forgot what to say. You see, I'm not very good with introductions, nor am I the best at speaking, and I even wrote out a script for myself earlier so that I wouldn't mess it up this badly, but then I lost it so I just... Yeah, I don't think I know what else to say anymore. Sorry...

W-Wait, there was something I was going to say! ...Err. Actually, maybe it doesn't even require me saying anything, since I haven't seen anything about it, so I'm probably wrong about this... [He sighs. Twice.] Did... anyone dream about me last night...? Ahh... M-Maybe I'm not phrasing that right...

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.

[The recording that flickers on and off before any actual content is familiar--the moving camera seems mounted on the ceiling and zips along at a brisk pace, providing snippets of--

Well that's not the testing track. You're given a few quick glimpses of what appears to be poorly-lit maintenance areas before the feed cuts and a MYSTERIOUS NO-NETWORK ID TEXT APPEARS??]

don't panic

i know what this is i've dealt with this before it's very important that you listen to me and don't panic

i can get you out

just stay calm and keep testing and don't do anything to make her angry

describe your surroundings and i'll find you

watch the panels

[OOC: Wheatley has been HIDING in the bowels of Smashperture since the renovations went live, and now that the school is on lockdown he IS RESCUING PEOPLE HOW CAN THIS BE. He'll definitely respond with his mysterious text here--if you want him to bust into your test chamber at some point, just drop me a line. It can happen here, in the log, whatever works for you guys. LET'S ESCAPING.]

[Dorm room, check. Expect to see bags and boxes piled up where there once were none, Noel. Maya has moved in and with her comes... well, mostly DVDs and action figures. Also there is now a Steel Samurai poster plastered on the dorm room door. HI!

She's gotten a bit unpacked though not quite enough when she finally gets on the network, flops down in a chair and visibly sinks back with a long sigh.]

Moving is rough!

[And now she's up close and personal somewhat with the camera, chin in hand and look concentrated.]

So where does a girl go for the best burger around here? I'm starved!

[On the screen you will see a well-groomed boy with the most unorthodox hair texture you have ever seen. Seaweed? Tentacles? Noodles? You're grasping for a way to describe it, but can't seem to figure out how it's supposed to qualify as hair. He is sitting at his desk with poise, ready to greet the recipients of this video graciously.]

Good evening. Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Cress, and I will be attending Smash Academy with the sophomores this coming fall. It is a sincere pleasure meeting so many fresh faces before the term starts.

I come from Striaton City in Unova, where I upheld the position of gym leader with my siblings. As they content themselves with specializing in fire and grass types, magnificent water types are my preference. Despite the responsibility expected of such a position, there is still much room for improvement on my part. Nonetheless, I assure you will find Cress to be the most formidable challenge of us three. While studying abroad, I aspire to enrich myself with brand new experiences during my stay. Already there have been quite a few...

[He just lets that statement trail off into nothing. This isn't the place he would particularly like to talk about it. Luckily, he doesn't have to say a word.]

Some of you may also be acquainted with my hot-headed brother, Chili. If his attitude has gotten out of hand around you, allow me to apologize for him. He tends to be easy to 'ignite', I think is a good way to put it. [His smile has changed from cordial to amused.] He can't seem to help it sometimes.

Well, that should be enough of an introduction. I could always complain about the... changes made to the interior design of this place, but we've all had quite enough of that across the network, I'm sure. Why, it's clogged full of complaints! [You only get a peek at just how vitriolic his feelings toward Aperture High are. It sounds like he took a bite out of a bitter apple when he talks about it. He's hiding a whole bushel full of them behind his voice.]