[OOC: You are allowed to reply IC to this post if you'd like or make other network posts discussing it.]

One Year After Tragedy, Fighting Tournament Commences
A year after the most devastating Anoli attack to ever strike Hinoto-Ri, the Aries Arena once again plays host to another series of battles between both citizens and Visitors. As the dueling world remains shaken by the loss of one of its greatest stars, City Hall has scaled down this year's events to be somewhat more controlled. Security is tight, and an air of tension can be felt amongst the attendees, all of whom, no doubt, remember the terror and panic that struck during the last Grand Prix. Still, many remain hopeful that this year's demonstration will reclaim the festive and enthusiastic atmosphere that once marked Hinoto-Ri's favorite pastime. During the opening ceremonies, the Mayor had a few words to say, urging the people of Hinoto-Ri to 'renew the flames of passion' [...Read more...]

Return of the Revenge of the Rise of the Flying Dolphins, Part IV: They Come From Beyond the Clouds
The menace of the flying dolphins continues unabated as the latest sightings place them as the perpetrators behind a recent series of pranks involving superglue and eye masks that have resulted in several thousand credits worth of damages. Surprisingly, few people are keen to take any action against them, instead finding them 'playful' and 'precious'. We interviewed several young people in the street and received only blank expressions followed by 'why would anyone not like dolphins?' There are, of course, many answers to such a query... [...Read More...]

Rumors Spreading Like Smallpox
Rumors have it that the rumor mill is starting up operations once again, with a group of Visitors taking up residence in the former detectives' agency with the intent to revive the rumormonger business. Whether or not they'll be successful remains to be determined. Readers are advised that whispering to friends about ancient civilizations with a habit of burying gold bars in your backyard doesn't quite constitute a rumor more than it does a personal delusion. However, some have reported greater success through the use of a... [...Read More...]

Beware of the Dog
In yet another tragic story, another life was cut short last night after a citizen mistook an Orthrus for a lost dog wandering around during the 13th Hour. To distinguish between vicious demon and lovable pup, please remember to ask yourself the following questions before approaching: does it have more than one head? Does it breathe fire when upset? Does it hunger and thirst for the flesh of mortals? If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes' or comes anywhere within the realm of possibility of being close to 'yes', readers are advised to back away and refrain from calling 'good doggy!' For more information on distinguishing demon from dalmatian, please brush up on your demonology with the aid of... [...Read More...]

The Slumbering Anoli
Despite the tragic events of a year ago, the Anoli have done very little of note of late, or at least, very little of note that has been observed by the public. Theorists are split into two camps, with the prevailing paranoiacs believing that the Anoli are simply biding their time until they can strike again, knowing that the city will eventually let up its guards. Others, more optimistic, believe that the cryptic reference made by former reporter Tomokazu Tokudome late last fall indicate that the Anoli have somehow been neutralized. As there is little evidence either way, we've chosen to interview a leading proponent of each theory... [...Read More...]

A New Trend: the 13th Hour Party?
Parents of teenagers are advised that according to local experts, the latest youth trend appears to be the hosting of the '13th Hour Party', an event that entails exactly what one would expect it to. A grand total of 3 such parties have been reported within the last two months, with attendance ranging from 2 to approximately 10. On the last such occasion, the teenager hosting the party in question claimed that he had merely asked some friends to help him look for his lost cat, and they had lost track of time. His yellow and purple striped shirt and glow-in-the-dark bracelets, however, spoke otherwise, bright, obnoxious colors being obvious indications of delinquency according to our experts. For signs that your teenager may be caught up in such dangerous youth activities, be on the lookout for rapid mood swings, a rebellious attitude, and a penchant towards wild clothing and hairstyles that can be described as 'spiky' or 'edgy'. Other signs may include... [...Read More...]

Love in the Springtime Air
Strange new books have begun popping up in the stores following the unusual events of Valentine's Day. Filled with romance and intrigue, these new selections have been simply flying off the shelves! In lieu of candid descriptions, we'll simply list the unauthorized publications here; the reader may choose to locate them at their own discretion.

"Aki and Shinji: Childhood Friends, Childhood Lovers"
"Mechanical Love: The Nano-Teddie Romance"
"Thawing the Ice: Agatha and Midori's Turbulent Getaway"
"Something Fishy: Sam and Phantom Girl's First Kiss"
"I Don't Even: Bro Strider Meets Even"
"The Book of Memories: The Story of Kotoha and Senri"
"Mad World: Eikichi and Berserker, Together at Last"
"Ill Met by Moonlight: Bobby and Shelly's Last Tryst"
"Misfit and Shura's Girls' Night In: Driving Me Batty"
"Yuzu and Atsuro: A Comedy of Errors"
"My Lady Scientist: Soujiro and Agatha in Paradise"
"Too Many Shapes: Aoi and M'gann's Forbidden Love"
"Boys Will Be Boys: Hizumi and Otonashi See Each Other for the First Time"
"Secrets: Sarah Snowdon and Faris Scherwiz's Intrigue"
"Punch of Love: Miki and Ayumu Head Over Heels"
"Surprise! Puppet! Yoshino and Mikale - Now Kiss!"
"The Birdman of Hinoto-Ri: Avitus and Blackquill's Feathery Flirtation"
"Explosive!! Allelujah and Zioryle's Dynamite Love!"
"It Could Be Worse: Fumi and Kaguya Settle"
"NO VOLUME CONTROL: Kanji and Noda's Yells of Passion"
"Zael and Yurick: Too Familiar"

For a sampling of these pages... [...Read More...]

[The morning of January 22nd dawns unremarkably -- okay no it's been more than a few times this is starting to get ridiculous. ENOUGH ALREADY!]

Good morning, Hinoto-Ri! And thank you for waking up to the 8:00 Daily News.

A bar fight broke out yesterday in the Taurus District, shattering the record four days...

[Siiiiiiigh. This time, however, the voice can be heard by everyone.]

Up! Up! Down! Down! Left! Right! Left! Right! B! A! Start!

[What in the world... but it doesn't appear to be done, as the voice becomes distorted.]

THE STRATUS HAS COME FOR US ALL!

We need to wake up. Make them wake up!

[The area around you shifts, and for a half second, you can see that the building you are standing in doesn't appear to be there, causing you to free-fall before it reappears again just as quickly. WHAT IN THE WORLD?!

The rest of the news report continues, quite familiar as you've heard it more than enough times by now... The townspeople still seem completely oblivious to everything...

...

For details about how the repeating days work, please see here.]

[The morning of January 22nd dawns unremarkably. A popular radio show plays as it always does, accessible from COMPs and other less fancy devices.]

Good morning, Hinoto-Ri! And thank you for waking up to the 8:00 Daily News.

A bar fight broke out yesterday in the Taurus District, shattering the record four days Hinoto-Ri has gone without such an altercation. In Capricorn, our favorite aerial friends, the winged dolphins, were spotted early this morning at 3 flying in maneuvers faintly reminiscent of crop circles. And in Aquarius, a prophet calling himself Murayama has declared that the end of the world is already here, distancing himself from the faction who claim it is merely nigh. At present, reports claim he is attempting to negotiate for air-time on our show! We'll keep you up to date as this situation develops.

But first, our major news story of the day:

Festivals.

[And then, a flicker of static for all those who fall under the sign of Aquarius. A harried, rushed voice comes through.]

Something isn't right... This is all wrong - this isn't supposed to be happening.

[Nobody else will note anything unusual. The rest of the news report seems quite familiar. And that's odd. Everything in your room seems to be exactly like you left it yesterday...

In any case, the Aquarius Event has begun!

...

For details about how the repeating days work, please see here.]

[OOC: You are allowed to reply IC to this post if you'd like or make other network posts discussing it.]

City-Wide Illness Confirmed, Related to the Virgo Monster
Residents of the City are bracing for the worst, after the standoff between the Visitors and the Virgo monster came to an abrupt end. Investigations are still ongoing about the mysterious illness that struck many citizens and visitors alike, but the source has been confirmed as the creature itself.

The death toll from the demons and humans who were affected is now at six—a policeman, a member of the Staff of Swords, and four civilians. At least 94 are reportedly wounded - mostly civilians.

As to why the Virgo monster was not defeated by the missiles as first previous thought, the Office refused to comment. However, we have footage of the Visitors engaging the beast on the 21st and [...Read more...]

When Visitors Attack?
A workman in Sagittarius District, who wishes to remain anonymous for his own safety, says that he and several young men were recently attacked by an insane sword-wielding Visitor claiming to be stopping a mugging. As he was walking home from work that evening [...Read More...]

Flying Dolphins Take over
The group of flying demon dolphins has been gaining influence in the city as of late, forming their own pod and taking over the darker parts of the Taurus district. The mayor has issued a warning not to approach the rowdy gang [...Read More...]

Omurice Mystery
Unexplained mass omelet appearance, which reliable eyewitnesses report were filled with rice, were found located outside the Libra Apartment complex [...Read More...]

Anoli: Where are they now?
Anoli related activity has been at a record low the past few months, and we can’t help but wonder what in the world happened to the enthusiastic group that had proclaimed themselves the city’s redeemers. The Office of Swords continues to make no definitive statement on the matter, but warns citizens not let their guards down even during this lull. [...Read More...]

Creeper or Savior?
On Wednesday, a teenage visitor was seen with a number of underage girls in the Capricorn Ward. They appeared to be safe, but any attempts to get near them resulted in harsh words and a Persona summoning from the Visitor [...Read More...]

Risen from the Grave: fact or fiction?
Rumors of Red Lion still alive are greatly exaggerated, Chief of Police has confirmed. While local residents claim to have seen a lone figure wearing the well-known colors and outfit of the beloved icon patrolling around the city, no one has stepped up or captured the so-called ghost on camera.

Demonic forces on the other hand, claim that they had been having a hard time with…[...Read More...]

Mysterious vigilante causes havoc!
Reports have been flying in about a brightly-dressed weirdo with a cape running around tasing muggers in the shadier parts of the districts. While their identity remains unknown, they are believed to be a armed and highly dangerous visitor [...Read More...]

Pyro Jacks on the Prowl
With October around the corner, the city would like to remind everyone to exercise extra caution during this spooky season. Remember, Pyro Jacks may be cute, but they’re still demons! Never try to catch and keep one as a pet (we had enough of that last year, friends) and remember to keep your doors and windows locked tight, as they’ve been known to start their ‘trick or trick’ shenanigans early each year. [...Read More...]

City Council Meeting
There have been rumors of a city council meeting regarding the status of the Visitors in the city. As you all know, we take a neutral stance on anything involving politics. As of now, there is still no released information to the public.. A representative from the mayor's office has issued a statement saying that there should be information coming soon and that [...Read More...]

Hyperactive Visitor Solves Puzzles
An anonymous Visitor spent most of Tuesday lecturing largely indifferent crowds in Virgo District on how to solve classic puzzles like the Towers of Hanoi and sliding 15-puzzles. When asked why [...Read More...]

* - *

TEENBEAT MAGAZINE FEED
In this Issue: hotties hotties everywhere, sexy relationship advice, and cool astrology funtimes!!



( Teenbeat Magazine!!! The Best Magazine for Hinoto-Ri's Teen Population!!!  )

Taura's Tyranny Tamed
Throughout April, the Office of Swords prepared the city for an oncoming attack-- similar to the incident with the Scoprio monster last year-- based on the predictions of MAGI scientists. Their predictions were correct when a giant bull monster, believed to be connected to the constellation Taurus, attacked the Taurus district, as many citizens ran amok. Thanks to the Visitors, damage was minimized, despite [...Read More...]

Robotic Friends and Foes
Despite the Office of Swords' best efforts, the holding cells constructed to contain possible threat citizens was broken into by a giant robot that towered over the buildings. Before you batten down the hatches in fear of mechanical invaders, similar robotic warriors are noted to have assisted in Taura's suppression at the end of the 13th Hour [...Read More...]

Firetruck Stolen from Leo Fire Department
Amidst the chaos of the 13th Hour during the Taurus attack, a group of Visitors-- possibly under a more mild form of the Zodiac Effect-- hijacked an experimental Firetruck from the Leo District and were seen driving around the city, using the fire hydrants to attack the monsters with the pressurized water [...Read More...]

Elevated Demon Attack Attributed To Zodiac Effect
As if the night couldn't have gotten any stranger, two powerful Demon Summoners went on a rampage during the Taurus Attack as the 13th Hour began. A man and a woman teamed up to wreak havoc on the city from Gemini, directing an army of demons to attack any who came near Mictlan. The escalated demon activity is believed to come from the two summoners, who were detained by another team of Visitors [...Read More...]

SAKE Delayed Until Mid-June
Due to the damage incurred from the last Zodiac Attack, the Science and Knowledge Expo was forced to be postponed until the month of June. Professor Inihara and a handful of other Exhibitors have claimed nominal damage to their presentations and projects, but should be able to rearrange the Expo before the end of the summer. [...Read More...]

Orphanage Matron Disappears
Ms. Susano, purveyor of the United Hearts Youth Shelter, has been reported missing earlier last week. The Office of Swords has yet to identify any clues as to her whereabouts, and United Hearts has been shut down until further notice, all of the residents being taken into foster homes or government care. [...Read More...]

Sagittarius Observatory Re-Opens
Visitor and head of Sagittarius R&D Ideo Hazama has announced the re-opening of Sagittarius Labs' observatory. When asked, he drew attention to the return of the Zodiac Effect and monster attack last month. The observatory space has been used for an array of astronomical and atmospheric study in the past, and is due to open later this month. With its re-opening, he hopes [...Read More...]

Anoli Activity Fallen
Gang-related and Anoli activity has seen a fall in recent weeks, following the clean-up of the mass graffiti occurrence earlier this year. The Office of Swords has no comment to make on the topic, anticipating another attack and reluctant to declare any state of security on the matter. [...Read More...]

Autopsy Discrepancy Leak
Rumors have it of a possible mistake found in the autopsy of Bunrakuken Karube, the Persona Grand Prix Champion assassinated by the Gemini Killer this past January. Caduceus Hospital has released no official details, and the Karube Family refuses to confirm or deny any possible accusations. [...Read More...]

United Hearts Cleared of all Charges
Following the recent police investigation into the establishment, Mami Susano, proprietor of the United Hearts Youth Shelter, has been proven innocent of any wrong-doing in running the establishment, and has been cleared of all charges as she returned to work last Thursday afternoon. The shelter is well known for its aid to the lower class of the city, and Ms. Susano has stated she will continue [...Read More...]

Science and Knowledge Expo Returns Next Month
The annual Science and Knowledge Expo will be hosted again next month by Hinoto-Ri University in the Aquarius District, inviting inventors, researchers, scientists, and academics of all kind throughout the city to attend. Exhibitors will be able to display their new inventions and progressions, and the Expo will include lectures by the top minds of the city, such as Q-- local visitor and master inventor, and Professor Inihara, the leading authority on neuroscience research [...Read More...]

Graffiti Catastrophe
Mid last month after the unveiling of the Grand Prix Memorial, the city awoke the next day to find the city completely covered in vandalism as criminals painted nearly every open space with graffiti. Many suspect the Anoli to be the source behind the vandalism, most notably due to the mask image that appeared all throughout the city. Government approval ratings plummeted in conjunction with the appearance [...Read More...]

Cherry Blossoms on Golden Week
Golden Week is coming up at the end of the month, as many adults and students who have started the school year can look forward to the week off from work. The Cherry Blossoms will be in full bloom as May approaches-- Capricorn, the best place to view the beautiful blooms, will be hosting a festival to celebrate the spring season [...Read More...]

Dolphins Collide with Local Sushi Shop
It seems our aquatic friends are still getting used to their wings; a few errant dolphins accidentally crashed into a local sushi shop in Virgo District earlier this week. While officials initially thought it might have been the sight of an Anoli bomb plant, they confirmed later that it was a false alarm [...Read More...]

Government Goes Green
Recently, the Office of Cups installed urban greenhouses in the Visitor apartment buildings in Libra and Pisces: the intent was to see if these greenhouses were a feasible method of above-ground farming. Cups is proud to pronounce that the experiment was a success, and encourage civilians do see for themselves if they have interests in growing their own [...Read More...]

Trouble on the Edge
A small upstart arose near the edge of the city when a conflict erupted between local miscreants and the volatile demonic residents. The incident was quickly detained, and the persona-users taken into custody, though they have refused to relay anything about their motivation [...Read More...]

Grande Cupid Entertainment Reopens for Business
After the redistribution that went along with Cupid Entertainment's acquisition of Grande Films, the popular production corporation has reb-randed and reopened for business, with production on Groove on Fight 2 finally resuming after [...Read More...]

[OOC - The following appears on the Local Newsfeed the week following the closure of the Grand Prix. The Read Mores are actual Read Mores this time.]

Tragedy at the Grand Prix: The Red Lion's Rampage Reaches its Finale
The closing ceremonies of the 10th Annual Persona Grand Prix came to a shocking halt this year, as Mayor Kazuki Sakahagi and his security team were assaulted by the extremist terrorist organization Anoli. ( Read more... )

The Gemini Killers' Return: A Murderer Cut in Half?
The bloodthirsty Anoli assassin duo Gemini made their return at the Grand Prix's closing ceremony after their strange disappearance the month of the Visitors' arrival. ( Read more... )

Visitors Dazzle in Defense of the City
Many Visitors jumped to the defense of the Hinoto-Ri populace as the Anoli launched their attack on the stadium. ( Read more... )

The Great Leader's Speech
The Great Leader of the Anoli appeared before audiences city-wide this week, as the Anoli found a way to hack our networks. The broadcast interrupted the closing speech of Mayor Sakahagi, preceding his attempted assassination. A transcript of the speech has been provided by local officials and news reporters on the scene. ( Read more... )

Terror of the Anoli: Appearance of the Masked Gunman
In addition to the Leader's speech, the outstanding efforts of Reporter Tomokazu Tokudome have provided us with exclusive footage of the man that assaulted and murdered the Royal Red Lion Bunrakuken Karube, as well as countless other police officers and Visitors in their efforts to contain him. ( Read more... )

[OOC - None of the Read More are supposed to be actual links.]

EXCLUSIVE: Teleportation Technology Installed in Libra and Pisces Extraterritorial Guests Apartments
When questioned, the Mayor responded that "This will facilitate Guests to visit each other." The Teleportation device can be found in the 4th level of both apartment buildings. We have learned that this decision has divided the town hall; while most approve, others think this technology would be put to better use for other members of the population, such as farmers for their crops. His critics have also been quick to point out that he may be star-struck by the visitors - after all, it is well known that the mayor used to be Takeru Ryuuji (Red Mask) in the Hikari Ranger Maskman series. However, the Mayor assured us that this teleportation setup is the beginning of a testing phase and that more of them will slowly be installed around the city later on... [...Read more...]

Halloween Masquerade Ball
A tradition for the past three years, the Halloween Masquerade Ball returns to the Scorpio Ward. Preparations are already underway for the big event, and decorations will be put up for the entire month. Prepare your most beautiful outfits, the costume event this year promises to be neck-to-neck in competition. [...Read more...]

Extraterritorial Appreciation Dip in Polls
Survey finds that around 70% of polled callers are in favor of Guests being given a special status. However, the teleportation technology has caused ripples in the middle of the political scene after [...Read more...]

Mysterious Music Heard in Wards
No source or evidence has been found, but the police suspect a pair of pranksters using their Persona. [...Read more...]

The Scoop on The Whole Scoop
With an increase in customers after its introduction of their line of Sherberts, many have come to question 'What exactly IS in this?' We interview the owner about the mysterious White Stuff, and how this amazing substance is making people happy and able to stay up for an entire night...without any ill effects. Is it pixie dust? Is it drugs? Is it crushed caffeine pills? The answer might surprise you. [...Read more...]

Bomb-Detecting Dolphin Award Medal of Honor for its Service against Anoli in Kenta River
The Persona user refused to be named due to public safety but a bomb attempted was thwarted this week against City Hall. [...Read more...]

Groove on Fight: Inception Filming Delayed
Producer wishes to prolong the final casting call of several of the characters. We were told this will not affect the filming schedule, and the December Release. If you are interested in a roll, there will be a testing group in Virgo Saturday in the [...Read more...]

Weekly horoscope
Aries : You might spend considerable time for the purpose of working on a project.
Taurus : Relations with colleagues should be warm, congenial, and supportive.
Gemini :Hold on to your dreams, but keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Cancer : You may not be as prepared as you prefer now because other people aren't sharing their expectations with you.
Leo : You feel extra close to your dreams today, but you may be living in a bubble of fantasies no matter how clearly you've been thinking.
Virgo : ut yourself some slack today and give yourself permission to space out, instead of trying to limit your thoughts. Your imagination is your greatest asset now; don't be afraid to use it.
Libra : If you must spend the day with others, you can still withdraw into your imagination while appearing as socially astute as ever.
Scorpio: You may have very particular ideas about activities you want to share with your friends now, but your work might not give you the freedom you need.
Sagittarius : Misunderstandings that come to light in the next few days will make you glad that you strive for simplicity today.
Capricorn: You could be feeling a bit confused if you cannot control your desires now, and they could pull you away from your previous commitments.
Aquarius: You may think you know exactly what you want and how you're going to get it, but this confidence isn't what you're projecting today.
Pisces: Don't try to figure out what's happening now; just enjoy the experience. Untangle the threads in the tapestry of life on another day when things make more sense.