[Despite Marth's warning that she should leave campus, Zelda knew there would be no way to drag the naturally combative students of Smash Academy away from a good fight, even though the fight looked increasingly hopeless. She also knew that there was no way she was leaving when there were still students around.

She might not have been able to destroy the doomchicks, but barricading her and Krystal's room and putting up magical barriers has helped stave them off. At some point, she manages to post a video to the network after a STUNNING REALIZATION.]

I don't know how many of you are still even checking your computers. I am going to attempt to access the bunkers beneath the school. Those of you that fought against the Aparoids will know what I'm talking about, but suffice it to say that with our situation worsening, it's the most secure place I can think of. If any of you are injured, let me know and I will do my best to escort you to safety.

I hope that everyone's holiday was enjoyable. I will be visiting Hyrule for a time, and will return to campus after the new year. Please take care and stay safe.

( GIFTS )

[The observant might notice that the halls of the student and teacher's dorms are slowly becoming covered with colorful lights and snowflake garland. The extra-observant might notice that it's Zelda as usual, hanging holiday decorations.]

It's hard to believe the end of the year is already upon us.

I know others have organized this in the past, but would any of you be interested in a gift exchange? A...Secret Santa, if you will. Just let me know if you'd like to participate, and I'll shuffle the names and contact each of you privately with who you've been matched with. I've left a sign-up sheet in the dorm common rooms as well.

There is no monetary limit to the gifts--you can even make something, if you like. Just remember to keep it a secret until the exchange later this month.

( OOC instructions for IC Secret Santa! )

[Man, this school is both dumb and stressful. First everyone was animals, and now, with Midna's departure, there is a severe lack of sexy. And when things get stressful round these parts, there's always a little less Zelda and a little more Sheik. It's just how this princess rolls.

There is a video post on the network, one without a network username attached. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? Wizards, probably. Some of you might recognize the mysterious masked ninja boy on the feed, some might not. Either way, mysterious masked ninja boy does not take the time to introduce himself, and only stares at the camera with varying degrees of disdain.]

I must say I'm surprised that no students or faculty have expressed interest in finding the culprit for the recent string of transformations. Usually such events cause an uproar among those of you that demand explanations.

Nevertheless, such irresponsible use of magic necessitates investigation. I will take it upon myself to hold a night patrol, in the event that history repeats itself, as it often does.

Security guards, perhaps I will cross paths with you. I doubt you will deny extra help.

[And there goes the video. HOW MYSTERIOUS.

NIGHT PATROL. Respond via journal network! Run around at night! Cause grief and/or mischief! The choice is yours!]

It seems my immediate attention is required in Hyrule. My apologizes to the new arrivals who might need my assistance, and to the rest of you who will be starting classes on Monday. Maxwell, I'm sorry for burdening you with my duties as well as yours.

I am not sure how long I will be absent, but rest assured I will return as soon as I can. Please take care, everyone.

I hope at least some of you had a pleasant Valentine's. It's such a shame that a day all about love turned into something so many people were dissatisfied with. Surely someone enjoyed it?

I must admit I've been busy with organization in the counseling office, so I'm afraid I missed what everyone seems to be so...enthusiastic about. I did notice, however, that there are several new residents on my roster that have arrived over the past few weeks. Allow me to welcome you to Smash Academy.

Since it's getting a bit warmer, I think I'll pay a visit to the archery range.

It's good to see you back, Miss Vashta. Did you enjoy your trip? I was worried when you left without saying anything.

( Private to Maxypoo, pretty super hackable. )

It seems our academy has endured the holidays and begun classes once again. I had planned to return on the third, but I was persuaded to remain an extra day. My sincerest apologies for any inconvenience. Everyone enjoyed their break, I trust. Thank you all for the thoughtful gifts.

Though I treasure my time at home with my father, I cannot deny that I treasure my time here as well. Turning a year older and beginning another revolution around the Sun reminds me of all the new things I have experienced since coming to Final Destination, and everything I have to be thankful for. It's rather amusing, the name of this town. A final destination--a last place, of sorts. Somewhat fitting, considering all the people that come here and find a home. There are, of course, those who leave. There always will be. But even then, I feel like we all return, in one way or another. At the very least, a part of us stays.

But here I am rambling about the reflections of my short time away. I suppose it can't be helped. What are your hopes for the new year, Smash Academy?
--------
( Private to self, hackable. )

Maxwell! I almost didn't recognize you with that beard. You look so grown-up. It's wonderful to have you with us again. You were certainly missed.

The campus is always so beautiful when it's covered in snow, though it's a shame the days have to get shorter. It's dark so early now. I hope everyone is staying warm and healthy. Are there any residents without sufficient winter clothes? It must be the first winter for at least some of you. Perhaps a shopping trip is in order if enough people are lacking in warm clothing or snow boots.

There's still so much to do before the break. Is anyone interested in helping me decorate the dorms for the winter holidays? I plan to travel home to Hyrule for a short time, but seeing as we don't celebrate Christmas, I'll be sure to return here by then. In the meantime, please remember my open door policy! As your Resident Assistant, I'm here to help, so don't hesitate to seek me out for anything you might need, even if it's just to chat.

[OOC: Office log! Feel free to swing by Zelda's room/the common room any time between now and the start of winter break on December 14th. She's pretty much up with the sun and out and about most of the day, but she returns to her room in the late afternoon/early evening when Vashta wakes up. For the purposes of this log, she'll be around the dorms (common room cutting out paper snowflakes and untangling lights, kitchen baking a million cookies, outside shoveling snow from the walkways, anywhere around the dorm complex, location is up to you) from about 9 AM to 6 or 7 PM and in her room until 10 or 11 PM, when she goes to sleep. This entry can be responded to like any normal journal, but if you opt for the office log route, please use paragraph format, and fill out this template!]

<b>Date:</b> <b>Time:</b> <b>Location:</b> <b>Eavesdropping?:</b> <b>If Zelda's room, can Vashie be a creeper?:</b>