All right, Improv Team! I want to see a good, clean show tonight--Don't make me have to brown-bag you unless it's for a really good joke!

To everyone else, please do come down to the theatre at 6:30 tonight and watch! Otherwise, well, what's the point of having a show? And if you like what you see and think it looks like fun, the team is always open to new members--regular meetings are on Wednesday after school.

[Private to Self | Hackable]

It's not like I thought... Well, not like I really thought he'd say no, but... [laughs to himself] I'm glad he said yes. I don't think prom would be very much fun at all if I went without him.

I wonder if Toshi-san is going, too... Well, Souji-kun might be able to elbow him into it, but I doubt we'll see him otherwise.

[/Private]

[ooc: Jesus God, it's been like...ages since I posted for him. *SLAPS SELF ON WRIST*]

The Shinsengumi will fight this monster. I regret that we couldn't help stop him sooner...

Kiske-san, I and my men are at your disposal. Use us to keep the people safe.

[There are quiet sounds for a little while, as Kondou wanders about taking care of chores in his and Yamanami's hut. After a minute, he flops down somewhere and sighs]

...Is the future of our people...really so dark...?

[Kondou, looking a little tired and very much pleased with himself, is standing before a wide, but simple, structure out in the woods, little more than a roof held up over a carefully-leveled floor of loosely packed dirt. In front of it is a sign, on blue wood with flashing silver paint; for those who can read Japanese, it reads "Shieikan", the name of his old dojo.]

That's it... I'm ready to give lessons again! Anyone who wants to, feel free to come by and I'll be happy to teach you.

Those who were my students before, I want to hold daily practice in the mornings here, and have sparring at least once a week so our skills don't rust.

Oh, and if anyone who is trained wants to fight me, I could certainly use the opportunity to get back into things myself after such a long break! All challengers are welcome.

Thank you for the thoughtful present, Shinji-kun... I really do appreciate it.

I've been thinking recently of starting the dojo up again here. I have about enough equipment to run it on a small scale, and keeping the peace here isn't as much work as it used to be, and...I think a lot of us have missed the Shieikan. I know I've missed teaching.

Would anyone outside of the Shinsengumi be interested, if I began offering lessons again?

Oh, and Bulleta-san, I have a gift for you.

[ooc: Bulleta, Kondou knows little about music (just enough to be dangerous) and less about guns. So... he got you a really frickin' sweet katana, with a matching wakizashi. And a small book of lyrics to incredibly dorky Japanese folk songs. Also, Jesus God, did I not post with him for a whole month?! D= Ket FAILS!]

[Kondou is out in the bright pink field, sporting a lab coat over his clothes, a pokedex, and a pair of glasses; if you look carefully, you can see a katana hidden under his coat. His hair is tied back for once, and he's sort of radiating enthusiasm.]

Hello there! I'm Kondou Isami, but you can call me Professor Kondou if you'd like! I've just come to this region, and I'm very excited to study the pokemon who live here. If anyone knows about local legends, rare pokemon, or things that are specific to this region, I'd very much like to talk with you!

[laughter] It seems like the Hibou have gotten me back for missing the animal curse before... Now I can get that shellfish I've been wanting so long!

I hope everyone else got changed to different animals, though... As funny as the thought of Toshi-san's badger form trying to swim is. The rest of you are out here somewhere, right? Come swim with me!

[A splash, and the recording ends]

[Kondou had otter features already, so he's just gone fully otter.]</i>]

Well, that was a strange curse. I never really thought about being a housewife before, but it wasn't all that bad! Still...

Orihime-chan, Kazuki, you're welcome to come and visit if you ever want to.

[Locked to Shinsengumi, Ky, the Information Network]

I'm sure most of you have noticed the colorful new arrival. It's probably not necessary to mention it to you all, but someone needs to keep an eye on him. We don't have a war on our hands anymore, but it still doesn't seem that we can trust that the populace here is safe without our efforts.

Just let the rest of us know if anything untoward happens...there are enough of us that one man shouldn't be a threat, but stranger things have happened. Be on your guards, and we should be fine.

[/Locked]

[Kondou, in a blue dress with his hair curled, is in a room full of clothing in various states. He looks completely enthralled with his work.]

Let's see...I got those dress shirts starched, patched up that skirt, have all the washing done...all that's left is to get the spaghetti sauce out of Ms. Johnson's overcoat! That will be a fun challenge...

[As he's about to get started, though, he notices a clock on the wall]...Oh, drat. Keisuke will be home soon...Orihime, dear, can you put a pot of water on to boil and preheat the oven to 375 degrees? I'll be there in a few minutes to take care of the rest...Kazuki, would you mind setting the table so we can eat when dinner's finished cooking?

[He clicks off the computer.]

[ooc: Please note that he is EVERY BIT AS ENTHUSIASTIC as the scary lady in the picture.]

["Ryoma" is flailing about, desperately trying not to fall over in roller boots that he can't seem to figure out how to close.]

Ah~! Whoever owns this body, would it be acceptable for me to take these off? I think I might--[crash]--...ow.

My deepest apologies if this comes back bruised...

We will meet tonight at nightfall, at my tent. Your presence is mandatory.

Until then, none of you are to walk unarmed.

[Kondou appears to have embraced Western fashion wholeheartedly; he is dressed in the uniform of a captain in the British Royal Navy, his hair tied back in a ponytail (though mercifully, he seems to have skipped the wig). He is sitting on the deck of a ship, looking very srs biz.]

We're sailin' in dangerous waters now, me hearts...Many's the good man what's been sent down t'Davy Jones in these parts, an' many's the scurvy, piratin' son of a sea hag waitin' t'pick us dry.

But we knows those "Gentlemen o' Fortune" what they really are. Any of you sea rats try to make a prize of the Makoto, and you'll be dancin' the 'angman's jig before ye can blink!

Now, come on, me lads! We'll show the lubbers what it takes t'sail the King's seas...

[ooc: Yeah, he still talks like a pirate, because he's a DORK and thinks it's more fun.]

I'm sure someone here knows this, so... Ah, when a Westerner holds out an empty hand towards you, what does it mean? It's sort of embarrassing to have to ask, but...

[Locked to Zura | Slightly hackable]

Fight with us again, Katsura-san. I know we have our differences, in background and priorities, but I also know that you have no desire to see innocent people subjugated by unwanted, alien presences.

We could all benefit from cooperation. I beg you to consider wisely...I bear you no grudge, and ask humbly that you hold none against my men or me, if only in times of crisis.

[Locked to all Shinsengumi | Unhackable]

I know you've all fought bravely and accomplished amazing things, in Japan and here in Sieben. In the future, they remember us for our strength, our courage, our purpose...It might well be necessary to fight again not long from now, as most of you know.

I know if it is, you'll make me proud again.

[/Locked]

...Um...

[ooc: Kondou will be afk for the duration of the week, trying to bleach out his eyes. And blushing. Constantly. Hijikata and Yamanami won't even have to work at it.]

You know, I'll be pretty glad to have other humans around again besides the Joui. Toshi-san, Okita, the cat hasn't given you too much trouble, has she?

On the lighter side of this curse, I got to get a lot of laundry done while no one was wearing it! It was really invigorating!

( Voice | Private to Self | Moderately Hackable )

[/Private]

Okita, would you and Toshi-san be willing to take our cat for the week? She doesn't like me, and she's afraid of Yamanami's fox form.

If the last curse taught me anything, it's how hard civilian leaders have it. Sometimes, it's easy to get carried away with police work and forget that people spend so much energy keeping the peace in less visible ways...I'm grateful to those people. I think they really do make life a lot better for everyone.

It seems that Toudou-kun has gone home. His things aren't in his room again, and I like to think he'd have said something to me if he was moving to another tent...Wherever he is, I hope he's happy. It feels like one of my sons is gone, I suppose...

I know a lot of others are feeling the loss of the friends who have left recently, too. Well, we'll all just carry on the best we can, right? They'd probably laugh if they knew we felt bad for them leaving Sieben, when we were all so bothered about getting stuck here in the first place.

[Kondou is sitting behind his desk in City Hall, dressed sharply. While he is known for his gentle nature and laid back, fun-loving attitude, those traits are not evident in the least right now. He looks firmly at the camera, everything about his posture controlled, calm, strong.]

I'm sure all of us are aware of the recent rise in criminal activities. My heart goes out to all those who have been touched by the recent tragedies.

While no official policies have yet been agreed on by the town council, I advise everyone personally to handle themselves with the utmost caution. Don't let yourself be isolated--travel within the city as little as possible, and with friends whenever you can. Stay indoors after dark if it can be helped. Keep friends and family aware of your position so that they'll realize quickly if you go missing. Call the police immediately if you witness anything that might lead to an arrest. Commissioner Kiske and his men are working diligently to see justice served.

I have no wish at this time greater than to see no more blood spilled in our beautiful city. But I also have no intention of surrendering to the forces which have risen against our peace. We will be firm in the face of adversity. By helping one another, we will be strong, stronger than they could ever hope to be.

Have courage.

( Private to Self | Moderately Hackable )

I on behalf of our fair city would like to extend my thanks to the caped crusaders who keep us free from harm! It's thanks to you that we can sleep so easily at night...you all have our sincere gratitude.

If there's anything the city can do to better cooperate with you, let me know and I'll do my best to see it done!

[Kondou is the "Ohshi--Supervillains?! Help us!" Mayor. No powers...Yet. I might irradiate him later on or something =P]

Welcome again to the recent arrivals! If you ever need help or hear anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call on the Shinsengumi!

This curse passed over our tent, it seems. Yamanami's cat isn't keen on any dogs getting inside, and none of them followed Toudou around, either...hm.

[Filtered to Shinsengumi | Hackable]

Zhao Yun is here. Harada-kun, you have extra spears, right?

Mmh...what's all that noise? Shtill tired...[rustling of sheets]...Ah? Fireworks? Must be a festival or something...

[a little more rustling as he snuggles against Yamanami again, then whispers] There's fireworks outside, Yamanami. Y'wanna go watch?

[mumbled, in his sleep, with a bit of thrashing around] Nh..No...the pineapple doesn'...ve you...! [A crash, a gasp, a pause. Laughter.]

...Well, that was quite a dream! I thought we were growing on trees while all the food and objects lived in the village...They had a very complicated social life...

...Anyway. Thanks to everyone who helped out with...whatever it was I was doing last week! And does anybody know where there are some bandages? Yamanami's cat doesn't like me very much plays a little bit rough sometimes...[laughs again]

All right! Thanks to the allowances in the new budget, we're going to be doing two plays this fall: RENT, and an adaptation of Waiting for Godot by our very own Katsura Kotarou-san! Everyone, I hope the theatre department can count on your support! We'll be posting dates for the auditions soon, and even if acting isn't your idea of a good time, we can always use help on costuming, sets, publicity in the community...whatever you're good at, we'd be glad to have your help.

Let's make this really spectacular, everyone! Contact me if you have questions, ideas, or anything like that!

[Private to Yamanami]

I know you've been working hard lately...take care of yourself, too, Keisuke!

Hm...the weather's good today...

I'm going to go do laundry! Who's coming with me?

...Well, everything's getting back to normal in earnest now. I knew he'd come back, but it's still such a relief to see him...I apologize to anyone I worried with my behavior earlier.

Ah, we have a cat now! She's purple, and Yamanami wants to keep her, so...[laughs]

I'm glad all of this is over. I'd like to go back to being able to guard the peace...For now, I guess, everyone can relax again! May Lee-san's victory party sounds like it's going to be memorable...

[Locked to Shinsengumi minus Souji]

...For those of you who didn't know...Toshi-san was killed in battle. I'm pretty sure he's too stubborn to stay that way, but...well. I thought all of you should be informed.

...I'm sorry...

[/Locked]

[ooc: And here we have Kondou putting on a brave face for the masses. Before he goes back to Yamanami and weeps uncontrollably some more.]

It's time for the civilians to move out of the village--since it's made of straw, it's vulnerable to fire attacks like before, and the separate rooms aren't ideal for keeping a large group protected.

Would the healers and civilians please make your way to the cave? Don't go all in a group--we don't want to attract their attention. Go in twos and threes, with a guard if necessary. Those who can fight, please remain in the village unless guarding the civilians; we don't want to alert them to our movements.

These orders are from the top; I trust you'll all comply by them to the best of your ability.

[Locked to Shinsengumi]

You have never let me down before, and I know I can rely on you here. It is our purpose to protect the people, and we'll serve that purpose with everything we have.

Even with such a powerful enemy, we have nothing to fear. Be cautious, but be confident. We'll never allow a man like Kuro to win.

This message is directed primarily at the civilians and those without martial training. On the 31st of May, I would like to see everyone prepared to evacuate the village and move to a safer location. That location will be disclosed later, so that the enemy won't find it out before we even get there. Supplies are already being stored for the move.

Those who can fight, and are willing...be prepared. We don't really know what's coming, but it seems clear to me that we all have to be in top form.

And to everyone: It appears there is a murderer on the loose again. Be on the lookout, and stay safe.

I'm back in my old tent; if anyone has need of me or Yamanami, that's where you'll be able to find us.

Hm...Has anyone seen Yamanami lately? He just disappeared all of a sudden...

[ooc: This outfit, all week.]

It's good to see that everyone came out of that incident alive; It's my hope that we can all move past this and be stronger from it.

In the meantime, it appears my men and I have become suddenly without lodging. We're managing find, but it will be nice when he have our huts to ourselves again.

A lot of new people have shown up recently, too. To those I haven't met: I'm Kondou Isami, and please don't hesitate to ask me or my men if you ever need help.

[Private to Toshi-san]

...How has Okita-kun been? He's getting an awful lot of colds lately...

[/Private]

[fumbling around] Muh?...Whassgoinon? Everyone's being loud outside...

[a pause, and then he's all business] Yamanami! Toudou-kun! Wake up, we have to get out of here! Is this happening to the other tents...?

Whoever in the Shinsengumi is uninjured, help evacuate people and keep the fire under control! Everyone else, stay calm...help with the fire if you can, and stay in an open area away from the fire if you can't!

[cloth rusting] Yamanami, wake up...

Uhm...I-I don't think Yamanami is quite as unaffected by the curse as he sai---as he...a-as...

[One can just about hear Kondou blushing]

...T-this is going to be a very interesting week. Help? Or...maybe. I'm not sure...do I want help? [rustling; Kondou's voice turns abruptly from confused to shocked and mildly indignant] Yamanami!

All the swords are too big to train with, but I think that's become the least of my worries. Something's...not right tonight. I don't know too much about it, but there's just something in the air and I can't shake the feeling of it.

I hope my friends are all safe. Harada-kun, Toudou-kun, how have you been adjusting? Okita-kun, you aren't overdoing it, are you?

For those who can't remember...I'm Kondou Isami, and it's nice to meet you! We'll get along fine if you don't pick on my friends.

...I'm tired. I kind of want to take a nap...mm.

[Addendum | Private to Yamanami Okita (Soshite) and Virginia, hackable]

We're evacuating the tents; there's a battle going on that I don't want our friends or civilians involved in. Don't tell them what's going on--the last thing we need right now is people getting panicked.

[/Private]

Toshi-kun hatched!

He talks now, but I can't understand a word he says. Maybe because he's a baby? But the rest of them seem to mase sense... Oh, well. I guess...I'm a father now!

One arrivals is a man going by "Takasugi Shinsuke". Toshirou-kun, is that name familiar to you? It's similar to the name of the man who heads the Kiheitai at home, and all of the names in your world seem to be slightly different than in mine or Okita-kun's.

I don't trust this man. Katsura-san at least seems somewhat friendly, and indisposed to cause trouble here. Takasugi...strikes me as a threat. Be on your guard.

How are everyone's eggs doing? Toshi-kun is upset right now because his mother's outside. Did you name yours?

...It certainly can be difficult to get privacy around here. Especially since these eggs came.

Ours is a boy. He's very well-behaved, especially around Yamanami. We still haven't named him, thought...hm. What about 'Toshi'? That's a good, solid name for a boy.

Toudou-kun has been acting...peculiar. I'm given to understand that the Hibou gave medicine to the injured which has been having strange effects on the others...Harada told me some very peculiar things, come to think of it. Might the medicine be behind his strange behavior, too?

It seems we've been joined by a few new people, as well. It's a good thing these ones got to miss all the excitement. Welcome!

...It seems I arrived too late for the fight. It's a relief that this was resolved with no further deaths, but I am worried about all the people who got hurt. It probably wouldn't have been too much different if I were there, but...I'm sorry.

To Toudou-kun and Harada-kun especially. As your commander...I should have been there. I should have done more to keep you safe...

Hopefully, things can go back to being peaceful now.

[Private to Yamanami, hackable]

...Thank you for the other day. It's a shame Toudou-kun walked in like that. Perhaps next time we should go for a walk someplace else so we aren't interrupted?

[/Private]

Does anyone know how to get from this village to Kyoto? If I just start walking, I feel like I’ll certainly pick the wrong direction... I can’t afford to stay here, though.

There don’t seem to be any restaurants here. Not even a soba shop or anything, which is a pity since I’ve been searching for a road all day and only just found a village. I’m not that much in the mood for soba anyway, truth be told. I really want sea urchin…I don’t usually like it that much, but I’ve been craving it since I woke up…

Any help the good people of this village can offer will be appreciated—it would be an act of loyalty to our honorable shogun!

...The animals here seem particularly vicious. I hope they don't interrupt whatever festival everything is decorated for.

( Sincerity )

One more~

( Personality Disorders )