[The Villa residents will likely notice a difference before this post even reaches the network; someone has been diligently cleaning to make up for lost time, putting things back to their previously -- and, as a compromise, not entirely symmetrically-arranged -- tidy order after just over a week of neglect (and the usual chaos within the house).

But by the time Kid addresses the network, there is no sign of the numerous small gifts his Eevee showered him with while he slept -- none of the dustbunnies Pip 'killed', though the little objects of acceptably symmetrical beauty were placed into a box -- it's just Death the Kid, one of the only guys in the bubble who will willingly attempt to rock a pair of suspenders.]

Seeing as the house wasn't a total disaster, I can't have been out for long. Nevertheless, if I could be caught up to speed, you'll have my thanks.

[What tipped him off was waking up to a dark house and not really remembering falling asleep to begin with. He never sleeps at night besides.]

Furthermore, an explanation for why it smells so strongly of... chocolate here would also be appreciated.

[There's a reason for it, surely; something nags at the back of his mind, something to do with the present month, but he's still a little groggy from his week-long nap. He brightens marginally, trading in his somber stoicism for the unguarded delight of his smile.]

Today, too, the flawless sphere of Vatheon is looking as radiant as ever, I see!

HEY VATHEON! I'M BACK!

Rin! Maka! Everyone else! You better have kept my room the way it was!

... Also, uh. For those'a you who don't know me, I'm Daimon Masaru, the number one banchou in Japan! I was here a while ago, but apparently I got sent back! Now I'm here again!

Man, for some reason I'm eager for a fight! Anyone wanna spar?!

[The new curse has resulted in the Villa gaining one (1) formidable-looking resident Responsible Adult(TM), a nine-foot tall being shrouded in a full-length black cloak and cowl, his face obliterated by mask in the shape of a characature of a skull (as depicted).

Behold, Vatheon, the visage of your new Death Personified, the identity of whom is only revealed when he at last speaks, raising two hands out of his cloak to clap them, twice.]

All right, children! It's the beginning of a new week, and I trust you all know what that means--

[For those who know him, this is Death the Kid, all "grown up". By his recollection, he's been kicking around for hundreds of years, and Death City, the place of his birth, is a distant and fond memory.]

--It's time for our field trip to the coral!

[And it seems he's taken to caring for a Villa full of young children like a fish to water. The apple, it appears, didn't fall far from his father's proverbial tree.]

Line up single file in the foyer, please. If we're done early, we can all have hot chocolate in the Plaza. Don't be late, punctuality is a virtue second only to cleanliness!

[ooc; open to action threads, too, both in the villa and around the bubble.]

[Appearing on screen is a redheaded teen, eyebrows drawn in frustration. Still, there's not the outrage that could be coming from her, which is better for all around. She's also gotten herself some regular clothes by now, meaning she's not in the plugsuit she arrived in.]

Since I haven't found a way back yet and whoever's in charge is too cowardly to contact me, I guess I should ask some questions for the time I'm here. It's January here, right? How am I supposed to count that? It wasn't even my birthday yet in my world, but you're all convinced that's the right date here, so am I just supposed to count myself older? Some birthday, in that case.

But more importantly.

[She crosses her arms, expression turning sterner.]

How does time works outside this place? Someone tried to tell me it stops while I'm here, but her story was so sketchy that I don't know if I can believe her. It would be better if it were true, but I'm not going to buy into it just based off my own hope. I'm not that kind of idiot, so if you're going to try to explain it one way or another, you better have backup!

And one last thing: I've looked through the list of names on this thing and I don't see anyone I know. I haven't seen them around town either, and while First is so quiet I wouldn't be surprised if I missed her, I probably would have spotted someone by now otherwise.

[Not all she has in mind are faces she'd want to see, but that's a little beside the point right now.]

But that's it. If you have information, I'm listening, but otherwise don't bother me. I don't have time for idiots, you understand?

[And with that, the video ends.]

[Aaaand first network post of the new year goes to... Rin Okumura!

Is anyone surprised? Seriously, he's on this thing like way too much. Get a life, demon boy.

But okay in all seriousness he does have a pretty pressing issue to ask residents about. And even if he doesn't sound it, it's difficult for Rin to hide how worried he really is. And wandering eyes might notice the oddly placed strap against his left shoulder. It's a sling, but the way he's holding his SFC it's difficult to see the rest of it.]

Right so... curse is over, all that crap is done with. Now I gotta ask somethin'.

Anyone seen Night? Uhm. Tall guy, looks like me, has red eyes, carries a sword. Might also be runnin' around as a cat with little horns. Only one tail, though. Not two like Kuro has.

He was cursed last week and... well uh. Let's just say it didn't end well. And I think he took after he came to his senses 'cause his SFC was on his bed...

I just wanna find him. I don't wanna hurt him or kick his ass or anything - everyone at the Villa just wants him home. So if you've seen him, please lemmie know...

[He starts to say something more, but anything he says isn't something Night is going to be able to hear, so he saves it and turns his SFC off.]

[ action ]

[Throughout the week until about Thursday (when he finally does find Night), in between his shifts for work and what little sleep he seems to be getting, Rin can be found hunting all over Vatheon on foot for clues as to where Night went. Bother him, help him, force him to take a break - it's all there for the taking.]

Oh my, Vatheon. It seems I came back at such a turbulent time, for both myself and this underwater city.

[Hey yeah, anyone who recognizes her voice? Sounds like she's back! Huzzah and all that.]

It seems I may have to find a new place to stay, since there are just so many people living with Miss Maka and Mister Okumura now, and a job as well. That and I need to catch up on so many things.

[a pause.]

So... has anything interesting happened here since October?