Woo!  The CR post for Ukitake Jyuushirou, everyone's favorite old fart with magical TB!

Comment here with your character's journals to learn what he thinks of them.

[The PCD turns on, showing Ukitake outside of his home, a bandanna tied around his face to protect his nose and mouth and his hair pulled back. He's sweeping, ash and other lighter debris swirling up where he works. More than once he has to turn away to keep it from getting into his eyes. But it's only in the near distance that he has to do this. There is a defined line where the destruction meets grass, as if a boundary had been made and held throughout the entire ordeal. And that's exactly what had happened.

Ukitake sweeps a little more, pausing every now and then to move some bigger pieces of debris out of the way. Then he finally stops and surveys his work before walking back toward the house, where he sees the PCD recording.

He doesn't greet the feed with a smile like he usually does, but he doesn't look terribly sad, either. He's just tired, dark shadows under his eyes making this evident, along with the blankness of his expression.

Pulling the bandanna down to reveal his face (and his "tan line" from the ash), he addresses the network.]

Where else can I help?

[There are no words of advice, no condemnations, just that question.]

[Look who's back on the network~!]

I'm just popping in to say that it is Hitsugaya-taichou's birthday today! Happy birthday, Shirou-chan!

I have a gift for you whenever you'd like me to come over.

[Your friendly neighborhood Ukitake strikes again! He's sitting at his desk today with a blanket draped over his shoulders as he periodically sips some tea.]

Good morning, Adstringendum! I hope everyone has recovered from last week and isn't too embarrassed by learning things you might not have wanted to know. Or if you found a way to get a laugh out of all of it, that is good, too.

There have been quite a few new arrivals and I, regrettably, haven't been able to get to all of you.

[His lungs are still recovering, but he's well on the mend! Tea is his forever cure-all.]

So I, Ukitake Jyuushirou, welcome you to Adstringendum. It doesn't necessarily look like a comfortable place to live, and I will be honest in saying that it is a struggle to get by at times, but by teaming together, we manage to pull through just fine. Even so, because it is winter and the Animus have been known to throw crazy weather our way, I urge you to stock up and prepare for the colder temperatures as best as you can. Take care of yourselves! And do not hesitate to ask for help from those who can spare it.

[And tea sip.]

Mn! Also, everyone, do not forget to vote for the ombudsman position today. Your voice is important to be heard so that the winner reflects the wishes of everyone here.

So yes, be safe, be prepared, and vote! And if you have any questions about anything, you may always ask me and I will try my best to answer them.

[Another tea sip and he turns off the PCD.]

[There's snow! The first snow of the season in Adstringendum, and this particular PCD turns on to show a miniature snowman, complete with a little homemade banner. The person behind the craft turns the PCD toward his face, revealing a very bundled up Ukitake.

And yes, his nose is red because of a headcold, not the temperature itself. But there's a determined glint in his eyes that wasn't present during the last event.]

I do believe this is a successful start to the new month.

[And with a small smile, he turns off the PCD.]

[Ukitake makes a rare voice post. He's brave enough for video, but the fact remains that he is covered in blood, both his and someone else's, so he spares the network that much. Still, when the feed begins, his breathing is audible and it's clear that even that much is painful for him. But he soldiers on and speaks, his voice quieter than usual and lacking that joyful tone that he usually exudes so well.]

This won't be easy to hear, and it's just as hard to say, but it must be done.

[Of course, he's interrupted by his own coughing, a familiar sound to those who know him and recognizable as his illness acting up again. The sound is harsh and it's evident that this is a bad attack.]

...It must be done. Riku has been killed. I am...taking him to the clinic, so he will be there until he comes back.

[Another coughing fit overtakes him again.]

Heh...I think I will also be there for some time at this rate. Retsu-san, I apologize for this.

And, please, everyone. Look after yourselves.

[He pauses, as if considering saying something else, but it's never said. Ukitake turns off the feed.]

[Time for Daddy Shirou to be captainy again. He doesn't look happy, not at all, but the determination is clear in his face. He means business and you all would do well to listen to him.]

As everyone has undoubtedly seen by now, Madara has taken a select few of us hostage. It is understandable to want to help them, but I ask that you wait for now. Madara is a dangerous man and if he has indeed merged with one of the Animus, it is impossible to say how powerful he will be now. Rushing into a situation without a proper plan of attack will only get more of us hurt or killed.

So please, please keep your head right now, as difficult as it may be. If you feel you must make an attempt, check it thoroughly and be prepared for the worst. Use your head, don't lose it.

Either way, we'll figure this out. He can't keep this up forever.

[See Ukitake.

See Ukitake sitting on his roof.

See Ukitake sitting on his roof under the sea.

With...a big, Ukitake-sized white fish tail and no shirt to speak of.  Holy crap, he's an albino

Yep, your friendly neighborhood Shinigami is a merman this week, and seems to be enjoying it quite well.]

I haven't been up here for a while.  I missed the view, I must admit, though it is quite different.

[Then he must hear or see something off-screen because he smiles and speaks, not to the PCD, in a gentle voice.]

Yes, you must feel at home.  I'm glad I can join you.

[Ukitake is back on the network.

And he looks tired.  Someone didn't sleep so well last night.

Even so, he offers a smile, though it's not as bright as it usually is.]

This is, obviously, an uncomfortable turn of events, but I'd like for the other Shinigami, at least, to report in.  We're not alone and we shouldn't feel that we are.

Riku.  I haven't spoken with you in a while.  I apologize.  If you need anything, as well, do not hesitate to come to me, even if I may not be up to my usual standards right now.

Hinata-san, I'm sure you've realized that I won't be able to help with your training right now, but I do intend to start when this clears up, if you're still willing.

[And he nods to the feed before turning it off.]

[When the feed turns on, it shows one of the trees outside of Ukitake's house, though it is a little worse for wear after being rained on, even for the short amount of time it wasn't protected.  And then, Ukitake himself, dressed in his nicest yukata, hangs a folded piece of paper on one of the tree branches by a red ribbon, stepping back and watching as the breeze toys with it gently.

And then, softly, he begins to sing, his voice deep, but quiet and gentle.]

Sasa no ha sara-sara
Nokiba ni yureru
Ohoshi-sama kira-kira
Kingin sunago.

[Then the feed switches off.]


[ooc:  Ukitake does actually have a very nice singing voice.  I can provide evidence of this fact if anyone wishes.  XD]