Oh goodness! Should I sign up for both contests or just one?

[The image flickers to life, and it’s obvious that the camera’s been carefully placed on a counter or something of similar height, as the image clearly shows the back of a rather… womanly figure. With a great amount of theatrics, the figure whirls on her(his?) heel, long ponytail whipping around with him as he does so.]

Hello, hello, students of Smash Academy! I hope you’re all ready to run, because your new track coach has arrived! That’s right! So if you’re interested in joining the track team, please just let me know~♥

Oh, where are my manners? I am Kazegami, and I hope to get to know you all soon!

Does anyone know a good place in town to get a haircut?

[Video feed turns on, and a face that has been somewhat absent from the school this past month greets the screen. He is astoundingly disheveled, covered in a mossy beard, long, wild hair the usual facial piercings. For some reason he's also got monk's robes on? You can probably imagine he smells pretty strong right now too. Because he does. He smells overwhelmingly of flowers.

Vinnie's still a little out of breath and maybe a bit red in the face for some reason, but he's home. And looking a good deal happier than he did when he left in December.]

Al'right, I'm pretty sure I was gone at least 5 months, so... [He glanced at the calender on the computer.] Is this right? It's still Feburary here? Shit, no wonder nothing's blooming yet.

Uh, I dunno if you got all my letters then. Well. [Pause.] S'that mean there's another one of me runnin' around in Johto right now...?

[Time travel, you were really weird. But he wasn't going to think too hard on that right now. Vinnie shrugged and smiled.] I guess I'm back. Did I miss anything important? Has everyone been okay? Red? Where is everyone? I really miss the shit out've you guys.

((ooc note: thanks to Celebi, Vinnie's been 'ported back to school! His solo logs will, however, continue in 'real time.' So if he mentions something that hasn't happened to him in the logs... chronologically, it hasn't yet.))

Hello! I know a few of you feel that your humanized forms will give you away during the masquerade.

Never fear!

The 31st of October is quite a magical night and if you wish it so, your humanized form can become fully human for that day only. But be careful! The magic will run out at the stroke of midnight.

[Poll #1788731]

[The video turns back on]

Answer truthfully. I will leave this poll up for a few days to accumulate enough votes.

[Raikov leans forward and narrows his eyes]

Don't disappoint me.

[The feed reveals a strange man with two toned hair and some wicked sharp teeth. The black sclera might look familiar... But it's clear that this individual is very different from Groudon. His movements are fluid, and there's an odd smile on his face the whole time. As soon as he's sure the feed is working, he give a small wave with a gloved hand.]

Hey there, Smash Academy. I know it's late, but I thought I'd go ahead and introduce myself anyways. I'm your new Ancient Literature teacher, you can call me Kyogre.

[He gestures out the window, where you can still see the rain coming down.]

Ok, first off I wanna apologize for all the intense rainfall. I'm really sooooo sorry, you guys! I promise I'm not usually all crazy like this, I just kinda can't help it when I get in a totally new place. Hope you fire types stayed inside!

[Man, that was kind of morbid. He laughs though.]

Anyways, I'm really excited about this new class. I promise it won't be that hard, unless you've never read a book written in a dead language. If you haven't, it's going to be hellish. Kidding. Or am I?
No, but really. It'll be mad groovy or something. And if you're a water Pokemon, or any other kind of aquatic creature, I can guarantee that we'll get on immediately. All other species- remains to be seen.
I'm just joking around again. I do that a lot, you'll see. Once I get situated, come pay me a visit if you have any questions. You'll have to knock really hard so I can hear you over the sound of the faucet running.
Adios!

Hey LOSERS. Guess what day it is?

YEAH THAT'S RIGHT. It's my BIRTHDAY. I expect you all to give me some good presents. Preferably gold and/or money. Maybe some garlic on the side.

[The webcam clicks on. An imposing, dark-skinned woman with stark black sclera stares into the camera. She seems to be sitting in a cave of sorts that has been fashioned into a Hideout. Those of you who were at Giovanni's field trip, or perhaps if you were choice members of Green team, may recognize those eyes as they tried to crush you with rocks. Thankfully, she seems to have calmed down considerably by now.

Her arms are crossed, as though expecting something to happen on her end. She doesn't move from her spot, nor does she speak. Although... she's been staring so long now that it's a little unnerving. It's almost like she's been waiting all this time for you, and now you've displeased her.

Wait, there's the slightest narrowing of her eyes. Then, her lips finally move.]

You cast a strange shadow, Mother.

[Pause.]

...I will remain here until it suits me. Thus is my decision.

I have opted to teach. Students may seek to learn my art so long as they harbour the will. Shaping earth is no skill for the weak. Any who wish to attempt, we meet at the foot of the mountain trail.

You will know me as Groudon. Your name for me will be Pele.

[She stares a moment longer, as though to add something else... but there was nothing. The feed turns off.]

[Oh look who's back. And she's got a new look to boot!]

Well! That was quite an interesting dig, wasn't it?

My apologize for not posting sooner. I've been quite busy preparing for the Octoberfest at the cafe! I seem to have a new roommate, a Paula I believe? I'm sure we'll get along just fine! For those who don't know me, my name is Bob Heather Arceus! Most people just call me Bob, and I highly encourage it. The rest makes it seem to formal.

[She peers closer into the camera]

So many new faces, not just from around here, but from Capcom and Squarenix too! I hope the exchange program has been good for you.