DeathBug

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Well, the idea of love itself (in all of its forms, not just romantic love), is pretty cut and dry: if you care about someone more than you care about yourself, that's love. As for why people fall in love even when they know it might hurt later, I suppose it'd be the same reason you invest in the stock market or go in for surgery: it might go horribly wrong, but the benefits far outweigh the risks if it goes right.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Okay, what I'm really looking for are responses from psyche students. See, in my freshman psyche course, I'm preforming a simple experiment with the general public. I'm setting forth a simple petition to increase penalties on people that speed in school zones. However, the actual paper I'll hand the folks to sign won't say anthing about the subject matter; instead, it will confess that the entire petition is a fake, and the experiment's purpose is too see how many people will actually read what they're sighning. Cool, neh? I call it "Lying to Stangers"; my group doesn't think anyone will actually read the thing. Now, what I need help with: for the purpose of the final draft of the paper, I have to reference a similar experiment. And, for the life of me, I can't find one. Have any OB psyche students ever read of a similar experiment being preformed, or know where I can find details regarding one? If you help, I'll be your best friend forever and always.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Didja' know that there's more of a content difference between PG-13 and PG than PG-13 and R? Interesting, no? Now, back to the point, the MPAA is trying to assert a general concensus guideline to all the films they rate. So, sometimes, you might think that a film is too risque for a PG-13 movie, or too tame for an R rating, but as long as the films have a consistant ratings system, I don't see why it's an issue. I mean, if you really wanna' get into it, R films from the eighties would be considered PG-13 films today. And, well, the main arguments against the MPAA system are rather sad. The movies will be shown on television later? Well, then, it's the direct responsibility of parents to monitor what their children watch. The kids already swear up a storm? Then it's the direct responsibility of parents to beat their little heinies until they stop. There's already sex and violence everywhere? If you don't want you kids exposed to that, then make the sex and violence go away. Uh oh, I'm suggesting that parents actually parent. No one ever likes that.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Okay, here's what I did: learn a classic dance, like the waltz or something. ("Learn" is a relative term...) Then, when asked if you dance, say yes, but only classical moves. Then, you'll be acknowledged as someone who can dance, but you'll have an exuse when you dance like you're being electrocuted to faster music.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Living in Floridia rocks out loud [i]except[/i] for the hurricanes, which, as has been stated, are hardly ever this numerous. The west coast has earthquakes; why do you live there?[/color][/size][/font]

[QUOTE=Attimus331] I simply believe in the separation between church and state. [/QUOTE] So do I; but what Godel advocated was active supression of the chruch by members of the state, and that is unacceptable. [QUOTE]The French recently had an issue (actually they still might be, I haven't checked up on it for a while) about this kinda stuff. They wouldn't let the girls wear the scarf things, they were angry, and I even think some terrorists kidnapped some journalists threatening there lives if the French didn't change the law.[/QUOTE] The French are bloody idiots, for many reasons. In this case, they essentially passed a "dress code" on all their citizens, regarding a garment that's sacred to the largest minority group in their country. Really, what did they think wopuld happen? [QUOTE]I really don't think any of that religious stuff should be allowed.[/QUOTE] So you're for the active government supression of individual expression? Go, you. [QUOTE] You can't say yes to a kid carrying around a bible or a cross and say no to the kids carrying around the daggers (well maybe not daggers, but you get my point), that's being hypocritical.[/QUOTE] I can, very easily, and it wouldn't be hypocritical in the least. A bible or Cross is not inherantly a weapon. Apples grow up north, and oranges grow in Floridia. [QUOTE] And personally I just plainly don?t like it when I see the Christians carrying around their bibles; it just reminds me of some of their ideals that I don?t necessarily agree with.[/QUOTE] Please show me the section in the law that states that you aren't allowed to be offended by opposing ideas or concepts. I dislike rap music. I think it's irritating, and I find many of the lyrics downright offensive to my moral sensabilities. Should I be able to say that rap music and pariphenilia should be banned, because it reminds me of rapper ideals I don't neccissarily agree with? [QUOTE]Luckily at my school I don?t see any of that?although I do here some rude comments every now and then. ?Oh, you?re gay? I guess I won?t see you in Heaven then?.? Stupid remarks like that? I?m not saying rather it?s true or not, or even saying there is a Heaven, but I am saying I think it?s very rude and ignorant to say something like that, nobody needs that, and it definitely doesn?t help anybody either.[/QUOTE] Apples make cider and oranges make sherbert. Displaying religion and using it as the basis of personal attacks are completely different things. And, while we're on the topic, is your self-esteem so fragile that you'll drop into a weeping heap if someone tells you "you're going to Hell because ___"? If you've already determined they're speaking from ignorance or malice, why does it bother you? I've been told I'm going to Hell by another Christian because I wasn't Christian enough for his tastes. I promptly concluded he was an idiot and moved on with my life. Grow a back bone, people! [QUOTE]As far as the whole ?intellectual growth? thing, I disagree with that as well. In a class of 30 kids, you can?t possibly get people to have the same view, so yeah, there?s going to be an argument. Sure, if there wouldn?t be any of that, the discussion can be both educational and promote intellectual growth, but I don?t think that?ll happen. Yes, school is for education, but you also have classes, you can?t have a discussion about religion in a math class, or English class. Maybe in science if you?re discussing the whole evolution thing, maybe in history if you?re discussing religion?s involvement in history, but other than that, no, you can?t really leave with anything valuable for the class.[/QUOTE] Apple seeds are brown and orange seeds are white. Again, displaying religious affiliation in non-disruptive ways and derailing class discussions for it (or any subject) is completely different. [QUOTE]If you want to talk about religion, and discuss it, wait till Sunday and go to church, or heck just get on the internet and do what I?m doing right now. [/QUOTE] Go on the internet and advocate supression individual liberties? I'm an evil conservative, but even I'm not that evil. If it's your free time, you should be able to discuss anything you want, provided that you don 't cause a disturbance. I hear classmates talking about their sex lives, and I quite frankly don't wanna' hear that, so I just tune them out. I don't silence their voices. [QUOTE]Eh, well that?s what I have to say, sort of. I just hope it won?t come off the wrong way?..maybe my hopes are a little high.[/QUOTE] I think that niether you nor Godel are thinking fully about the precedence the actions you suggest are setting.

[quote name='ScirosDarkblade'] In fact I'd go so far as to say that Giuliani is a result of secret Nazi cloning, which Mussolini was a test subject in.[/quote] [color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]That's a lot better than my theory; mine involved aliens.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]I think that all Green Day songs sound the same. I also think that Green Day shouldn't sing songs decrying "one nation ruled by the media" when their songs are played on top-fourty stations, and their video will be played on MTV.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]I live in Floridia as well, and this is the first time something like this has happened in the seven years I've lived here. Usually, we get one or two big storms a season, and the others are usually tropical storms or depressions; in addition, there's usually blenty of breathing room between them. This, this is just blowing my mind, pun not intended. I've been very fortunate so far, in that my father had the foresight to cut down potentially troublesome trees, so we're mostly unscathed. However, it's becoming apparent that this season is still going very strong. And it's not because of global warming, people. Global warming is BS.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Okay, it's early, and this is just off the top of my head... National Public Radio, which is funded (unfortunatly) by US tax dollars, plays an instrumental version of "It's the End of the World as We Know It" after announcing that President Bush won the election. Dan Rather, in his coverage of election night 2000, uses specific terminology to describe which states were won by which candidate: "Vermont went to Gore." "Alabama fell to Bush". CBS, NBC and NPR call President Bush "Mister Bush" in the majority of their reporting, a minor slight; once a person becomes President, their title is "President ___" as long as they're in office, and they're "Mr. President" for life. CBS, NBC, etc., spend two weeks reporting that the Bush twins used fake ID's to get into bars. Number of unflattering stories regarding Chelsea Clinton: 0. Comendey Central premieres a program called "That's My Bush", whose portrayal of the President is...well, you can imagine. CBS admits their documents were falsified, (most recently), but don't apologize to the President for printing a false story about him. Micheal Moore's anti-Bush movie recieved publicity and air-time prior to release three times as his disagreements with Disney were reported as news. Appearing in the news= Free advertising. A New York Times (I believe) reporter activly becomes a paid adviser for the John Kerry campaign, but doesn't take a hiatis from his job and still reports "the news". Bush's national guard duty is brought up three times, despite the lack of new information. The prison scandles were exposed three months after they actually happened, in response to rising Bush poll-numbers. The protests of the RNC get more air-time than the actual concvention, which gets far less air-time than the DNC. I've got to go now....[/color][/size][/font]

[QUOTE=Godelsensei] Creating additional barriers by adding another element of division, religion, into the mix can create more tension than already exists. I've read several posts even on OB about people in schools with a strong religious affiliation being picked on relentlessly because they did not, well, affiliate. I've seen students being picked on because they happen to have a bible in their backpack, or because they happen to mention that they have a different view on whether or not any kind of god exists. Little question is brought up when a teacher tells a student to remove a necklace with a penticle on it, but make it a cross and the whole world freaks out. It's better to just remove the issue and take the unnecessary load off of teachers' and students' backs.[/QUOTE] Again, the freedom to disploay your religion (without creating a disruption) is a form of freedom of expression. You want to restrict that because you think it's too much trouble. This way lies madness. [QUOTE]You could argue that people have to deal with religious differences in real life, but it is expected of adults to be, well, mature about it. Most kids can't handle that responsibility.[/QUOTE] No, because none of my argumentrs would ever take someone's maturity foor granted. Age doesn't equal wisdom. [QUOTE]And, for whatever god you believe in's sake, Buggie, it's Canada! Not Canadia! Wtf? xD[/QUOTE] People from America are Americans. People from Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans. People from Mexico are Mexicans. If you're county's name was really 'Canada', you'd be "Canadans", but you're "Canadians". Ergo, you come from Canadia. I come from Floridia, so it's okay. [QUOTE]And how would the fish peddle the bicycle? Under water, no less! : O Bikes require legs to opperate properly! Your entire argument is full of holes![/QUOTE] They wouldn't be normal bikes, die; they'd be super-aquatic Fish Bikes!

[QUOTE=Godelsensei] The American media is very much on Bush's side, even though alot of people seem to think the opposite. [/QUOTE] O__O I live in America, and I can tell you, it's very much the opposite. CNN doesn't like Bush, CBS doesn't like Bush, NBC doesn't like Bush, The Washington Post doesn't like Bush, the New York Times doesn't like Bush, TIME doesn't like Bush, Newsweek doesn't like Bush, 99.999999% of celebrities don't like Bush... Would you like examples?

[quote name='Godelsensei']Religion is often used as an excuse to do things that one usually wouldn't do. For instance, I do believe that a certain type of dagger is a Sikh symbol of something or other, and that it is supposedly very spiritual to carry one around. [/quote] There's a big difference between "excuse" and "reason". Some women choose to wear full-body coverings when they live in the desert. Their respect for their religion [b]is[/b] their reason. It's not like there's much of a practical use for it, and I doubt that many of them would do that if their faith didn't ask it. [QUOTE]Certain religions require people to cover their faces, which, in Western society, is generally perceived as the mark of a criminal who doesn't want to be identified. [/QUOTE] That's a simple cultural gap; doesn't mean anything. [QUOTE]Some people who follow these customs also adorn large, baggy full-body coverings [/QUOTE] So do some people who follow the customs of rap music. [QUOTE]Then, there are things that are not in any way suspicious or illegal that people do because of religion. Some people like to keep a copy of the bible lying around at school, which I find kind of weird. (I'm not making this up, btw; people have done this at my school.) It would get pretty irritating to have to lug an extra book around all day.[/QUOTE] So...what? What does their carrying a book have to do with you? Many people get an emotional lift by having their book of faith nearby. I fail to see how this affects you at all. [QUOTE]Then, there are people who want to read the bible during "silent reading time" during English class. A teacher tells them that he does not think that this is appropriate, as the school is not an environment that is supposed to have anything to do with religion and that even if it is important to the student, certain religious items can be used as weapons, because that is what they are (the daggers I mentioned before).[/QUOTE] Yes, because a book can easily slay a legion... Maybe things are different in Canadia, but in the US, we allow the free exchange of information of all types. Basically, if "silent reading time" allows for the reading of any materials, then the Christian Bible is certainly eligible. So are the Koran, the Torah, and Mein Kamphf. Again, this is just how it works in America, but here, schools don't stifle religion, they simply can't endorse it or fund it. There were three Christian clubs at my old high school, but because the school didn't run them, but students did, (and teachers working in their own free time), then it was okay. It was equally okay because anyone who was interested could start a Jewish, Muslim, Athiest, Stanist, etc, group. [QUOTE]The student argues that the book isn't hurting anybody.[/QUOTE] From what you say, it sounds like it wasn't; it wasn't an issue until the teacher made it so. [QUOTE]I agree with the teacher, simply because you need to draw the line somewhere.[/QUOTE] So you draw it by restricting the flow of information? Banning books? [QUOTE] Religious headgear that does not obstruct the face is the only kind of symbol that should be tolerated in a school environment (you're supposed to wear turbans all the time, as far as I know), simply because people will start to argue that their "religious" weapons etc... should be allowed, also.[/QUOTE] Except you're mixing your example of a book with examples of weapons. Schools are full of books, at least in this country. =P If the student were carrying a dagger with a psalm etched into it, then I would certainly agree that the line should be drawn. But he wasn't; he was reading a book in his free time, not hurting anyone. So...wherein lies the problem? [QUOTE]You can read the bible on your own time.[/QUOTE] It sounds like it was his time. [QUOTE]This isn't saying that all religious gear is dangerous or carried about with a sinister intention, but, in my view, you have to get rid of any chance of anything that [i]is[/i] harmful being tolerated. Political correctness is no cause to jeopardize people's safety.[/QUOTE] Listen very carefully to what you're saying. [b]You have just advocated restricting books because they might cause problems.[/b] I think that speaks for itself. [QUOTE]Also, flaunting one's religious beliefs in such a diverse society can lead to tension between less mature members of whatever group, something that budget dollars simply shouldn't have to deal with.[/QUOTE] So, I have to restrict what I do, because some idiot might get offended? Bummer, eh? Here's another angle: What if I was advocating a political stance? What if I carried a party affiliation symbol with me? No doubt this would offend members of opposition parties. Should my ability to voice my political opinion be silenced as well? [QUOTE]I do not agree with the values presented by certain religious garb (that that forces a woman to cover her body, for whatever reason, to name one major one), but that aside, I think my next few points do have non-emotional value.[/QUOTE] Niether do I, but I respect their right to do so. [QUOTE]Modern Western society does not tolerate sexism. Using religion as an excuse to disempower women (or any other group, for that matter), should not be tolerated. It goes against the values of Canada, America, England, Australia (any country you would describe as First World, really) to discriminate.[/QUOTE] Do you see people in Canadia, America, et al, discriminating against women because of religion? (Doesn't Christianity teach men to "love their wives as themselves", or something to that effect? As a Christian, I should know...^^;) [QUOTE]Religion is used as an excuse to descriminate too often.[/QUOTE] By who? [QUOTE]How do you know that the nice lady wearing the head- and body-covering isn't a man with a gun, playing host to all intentions to hold up the next bank he walks into?[/QUOTE] How do you know the nice man with the sports jersey isn't carrying a bomb, going to blow up random people? How do you know the girl with the backpack full of books isn't really carrying a backpack full of ammow, and about to mow down the gym? How do you know the man with the large key-chain in his pocket isn't really holding a knife, and is about to mug you? I mean this with no disrespect, Godel, but that statement was just...kinda' stupid. You're smarter than that. [QUOTE]As far as I am concearned, society's values and cautions override those of immigrant religions.[/QUOTE] Well, since you're Canadian, and I'm American, everything about us came from immigrants, including our religions... As far as I'm concerned, protecting the free exchange and expression of thoughts and ideas is worth anything bad that may come of it. Those who trade freedom for security deserve niether. [QUOTE]It might sound like I'm picking on Middle-Eastern religions, but those are the ones that you see and hear about when it comes to this kind of thing most often.[/QUOTE] I don't think you are; your example concerned a Christian Bible. [QUOTE]I'm in [i]no way stating that other religions are not discriminatory or in any way superior[/i].[/QUOTE] Hate to say it, but I think you're wrong on this one, G-Girl. [QUOTE]That in mind, do you have any comments?[/QUOTE] Yeah; I think if a fish had a bicycle, he could get away from the damn shark a lot more often. And if the shark had, like, a mountain bike, he'd be unstoppable.

[size=1][font=century gothic][b]Five Thousand Years Ago[/b] Human beings are incredible creatures, able to adapt quickly to new enviornments or circumstances. So it was with the white-haired boy who'd survived the Jackal Bandit's raid. Although Set, as Jackal had named him, was initially an object of ridicule amongst the other bandits, he eventually grew into the most capable and prominant member of their pack, second only to Jackal himself. However, time changes all things, and Jackal's planned raids began to become more and more ineffective as he lost his edge. However, out of all the Jackals, only Set had the courage to say this. He said it repeatedly as they fled from the Pharoah's soldiers. "They're gaining, Jackal! What are you going to do about it?" The elder bandit scowled at the boy, now twenty-two. "We'll escape into the dunes, like we always do, Set. Don't forget your place." Set's horse matched speed with Jackals as they gallopped along the desert sand. "My place is anywhere that isn't the palace dungeons, and if you lead us into another trap like that, we can all kiss our heads goodbye!" Jackal looked at the group of bandits riding behind them, and mentally took stock. All were there, and the palace guards had given up the chase. Excellent. "We escaped, didn't we? What more do you want?" "Oh, I don't know, maybe some loot," Set snapped. "Jackal, you're the mastermind of a hundred raids; maybe it's time to let someone new plan a job." The older man scoffed. "Like you?" "Exactly. Tell me, Jackal, how would you like to raid the treasury of the Pharoah himself?" The bandit's eyes grew wide. "Keep talking." ---- [b]Today[/b] From within the Millenium Pendent, Set clearly saw through the invisibile field surrounding the Pharoah's minions; Lord Anubis had the good sense to make his Millenium Item immune to all other items. However, Kiyoshi didn't have that immunity, and even if he did, Set didn't want to take control of the boy out in the open, and blow his cover. As long as there was no connection made between the leader of the Card Raiders and this quiet, introverted student, Set could opperate with a great deal more freedom. Sending a strong mental signal to Kiyoshi that it was time to leave, Set plotted his next move. It was clearly time to gather the other Card Raiders; first blood would be theirs. Kiyoshi was walking home when the dizzy spell hit; he blacked out as Set took control. Set sent a simple message to the other Card Raiders via their Millenium Items: Gather. By sending a resonatting beacon from the Pendant, he was confident that they would find their way to him. --- Set was waiting for the other Card Raiders in an empty wearhouse on the edge of the city. He'd procured a decent sounde system, and was blarring heavy metal from two large speakers. In the center of this little lair was a large table, and five chairs. On the table were five boxes, each containing a Kaiba Corp. duel disk. Once the others arrived, the raid could begin.[/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Yellowcard, because they use a viola. I mean, how freaking cool is that?[/color][/size][/font]

[QUOTE=Godelsensei][COLOR=Gray][FONT=Courier New] Actually, Buggie, they would most commonly bite the heads off of chickens.^_~ You'll be surprised at some of the obscure facts I know as well as you do. [/FONT] [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Actually, Godel, geeks started off by eating animals in odd ways, but their act was modified over the years as the public's tastes demanded more interesting sideshows. =P [/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Last night at work, I kept singing "I'm Too Sexy" because I couldn't get the damn song out of my head. Fortunatly, it's true, so I didn't seem too weird.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Actually, Godel, if you were a true Geek, you wouldn't sacrifice guenia pigs; you would eat them. The word geek was originally a term for circus freak-show performers who would eat any and all kinds of items for the crowds. I myself will eat any and all types of pizza for the crowds. Listen, people who use labels as their definition of self lack the self-confidence necessary to exist as a unique individual unto themselves. The people who define others by labels lack the ability to percieve others as anything beyond a shallow apperance. This discussion is kinda' lame. So, who knows where the word 'dork' originates from?[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms][QUOTE]goth ( P ) Pronunciation Key (gth) n. A style of rock music that often evokes bleak, lugubrious imagery. A performer or follower of this style of music. [/QUOTE] Well, I think that should clear everything up. Goth with a capital G refers to a race of Germanic peoples, BTW.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=indigo][font=comic sans ms]So, there's something you're not allowed to do in California? How long before the Necrofilia activists groups take this to the California Supreme Court? I think necrofilia should be treated the same way as seriel rape, so that we get that freakazoid off the streets, but also get them some help. Granted, I'm not all that convinced there's enough sane people in CA to go around, but it's a start. I also think that any penalties you would have recieved for raping that person alive should be accrued while they're dead. THat total pervert who raped a four-year old's corpse should be charged with pedophilia as well. And because someone mentioned it, yes, pedophilia is a far more important matter that necrophilia, partly because there are actually pro-pedophilia movements. If the existance of pro-pedophilia movements doesn't show you where we're going and why we're in this handbasket, nothing will.[/color][/font]

[size=1][font=century gothic][b]Five thousand years ago[/b] The boy was terrified, alternating between digging his way out of the ground and weeping profusely. Never had he ever felt such fear... After what seemed like an enternity, his arms burst through the sand above him, and light flooded in the tiny cavern he'd made. When he pushed his head through, he realised something: his hair had turned completely white. He quickly got out of the hole, examining the village; it was in shambles. The houses were on fire, the livestock was gone, and bodies lay every where. "Mother?" he whispered. He looked behind him, and actually saw her. She was in the clutches of one of the Jackal bandits, and he wasn't taking 'no' for an answer. Enraged and afraid, the boy looked around quickly, suddenly finding a discarded sword in the sand. Grabbing it quickly, he ran through the sand, hoisting the sword. He got there before the man noticed, and drove the sword into the back of his spine. The man screamed and fell, much to the lad's satisfaction. "Mother? Mother, are you okay?" The woman fell to the grouynd, and her son realised slowly that he was already dead. He fell to his knees and cried... Jackal, leader of the bandits, arrived behind him. "Eh now, what do we have here?" The boy picked up his sword in a rage, trying to stab the man. Jackal laughed and punched the boy, sending him flying. "Can't believe a freakish runt like you managed to kill one of my men." "Shut up!" he screamed. "You killed them! You killed them all!" "Yeah, we did, white head. And you killed one of us. But, don't worry." Jackal grinned wickedly. "You have potential, boy. You're coming with us." With a movement of his hand, Jackal signed to another of his men to disarm and carry the boy. The child for his part struggled and howled with all of his power, refusing to go with such men. Finally, he was struck upside the head, and blacked out. "You've got some of the devil himself in you, boy," Jackal chuckled. "So, we'll call you...Set." ---- [b]Today[/b] Kiyoshi though that Karver was fairly strange, but within the Millenium Pendent, Set missed nothing that was occurring across the grass. The Pgharoah's lackies knew of them, but couldn't find them. Excellent. Set was somewhat annoyed by Karver approaching his host, but he wouldn't act upon it and only encourage more interference. His host was completely unaware of what was going on, and he planned to keep it that way. "So, Pharoah, let's see what, exactly, you've found out."[/font][/size]

[size=1][font=century gothic][b]Earlier That Day[/b] Set had left the classroom quickly, seeking the other Card Raider he knew was in his host's class. Renee? Yes, that was it. He found her placing books inside her locker. "Hello there, Renee. Kila. How ya' doin'?" The girl and her yami eyed him suspiciously. "Set?" The boy smiled. "Yes; right on the first guess. Anubis kept the rest of you in the dark on your comrades, but I know exactly who you are. I trust you heard Seto's invitation?" She nodded. "We were thinking of going, ourselves." "You will," Set instructed. "I want as many of our people there as possible. Be careful, however; don't use your item. The last thing I want is to have my Raiders' identities compriomised. My Item is immune to detection, but yours may not be." "I understand. So does Kila." "Good, good. Stay alert. We'll be making our first move shortly, as soon as Lord Anubis learns about what they're planning." He paused. "By the way, you're the only one who knows my hikari's identity. He's not aware that he's my host, so I'd appreciate it if didn't inform him of what's going on. Don't tell any of the others, either. I don't want the situation with Kiyoshi to become....complicated." Renee nodded; sounded a little weird, but okay. "No problem." "Good. See you around." Set left as quickly as he arrived. ---- Kiyoshi was completely surprised when Karver approached. "Oh, hello...can I help you?"[/size][/font]

[size=1][font=century gothic][b][i]Five Thousand Years Ago[/i][/b] The hot Egpytian sun shone down upon the man as he raced through the sands, gasping for breath. Ahead of him, a village of neglible size rested, its inhabitants going about their daily routines. Finally nearing the town, the runner stopped to catch his breath. A moment later, he let his news ring through the streets. "Bandits! The Jackal bandits are coming!" The village elder stepped forward as silence fell over the crowd. "Young man," he said softly. "Are you certain? The Jackals are the most blood-thirtsy pack of brigands in all of Egypt. You are certain that these horrible men are on their way here?" The man nodded. "My brother and I...were traveling from one of the larger towns, and they cut us off. They slaughtered our camels, and beat my brother to death. They are most certainly coming this way!" The elder frowned. "How long do we have?" The runner grew quiet. "Ten minutes, maybe less. Their horde is just over the horizon..." At this news, a single man with a telescope quickly scaled a small hut, looking over the desert sands. "They're on horseback," he reported. "Racing here...hes' right! They'll be here in minutes!" "What are we going to do? We can't out run them!" A cry was heard from the crowd. The elder considered this. "....We will pray." As panic swept through the crowd, a single woman grasped her young son closer to her. "Mother," the boy, age seven, asked. "What's going to happen?" Tears ran from the woman's eyes. "I don't know," she whispered. "But I will not let those animals harm you. Your father died of maleria when you were but an infant, and I promised myself that I would never lay another family member in his tomb." She looked about, frantic. They couldn't run, and there was no way to defend themselves...nowhere to hide... Or was there? In the back of the town was a small burial site, where an open grave lay; a man had unexpectedly pulled through his injuries within the past few weeks. She felt a sense of revulsion at what she was about to do, but there was no other choice. She would be killed, or worse, but her son would survive. "Come with me! Quickly!" They crossed the town, ignoring the terrified mobs that seemed to move with little purpose. There was a small crate in the streets, and the mother grabbed it, dragging it behind her. They reached the gravesite, and the boy hugged his mother's leg. "Mother...what are we doing?" She couldn't look at him. "May Ra forgive me for what I am about to do," she cried softly. "I love you, son." "Mother, I don't under-" With a swift motion, she shoved the boy in the crate, latching it shut. He screamed, terrified. "Mother! Let me out! Please!" "i'm so sorry," she whimpered, pushing the crate into the grave. "But they won't find you here..." She ignored the boy's screams as she shoveled the remaining sand over the crate. She finished just in time to look behind her, and see the first man slaughtered by the Jackals. ----- [b][i]Today[/b][/i] Kiyoshi was in the park, at a simple bench in the shade, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember going there. It was as if he suddenly...arrived. His books were strewn about him, so he knew he'd come to study. Shaking it off as an unusual but harmless bit of day-dreaming, he returned to his reading. Nearby, a unique group of individuals were gathering, but they wouldn't notice him. Who would notice a simple high school student reading in the park?[/font][/size]

[font=century gothic][size=1][i]Earlier that day[/i] "No! My Insect Princess!" Weevil Underwood backed away in shock and horror as his most powerful creature was ripped to shreds before his eyes. His opponenent, a tall young man with white hair and piercing red eyes, laughed arrogantly. "You didn't really think a bunch of bugs would let you beat me, did you? My undead legions won't have any of that! The duel is mine, you little roach." Set grinned as the holograms dissapeared, stepping forward. "Now, it's time for me to take my prize. Your Insect Princess, please." Weevil backed away. "Hold it, stick bug! This wasn't an ante duel! I don't owe you anything!" "You're a little late to the party, silverfish," Set sneered. "Every duel against a Card Raider is an ante duel. You're lucky I only want your strongest card, and not your whole deck." "Back off! You can't have her!" Set sighed. "Fine, we'll do this the hard way." The silver pendent around his neck began to glow, as the Eye of Horus symbol within it came to life. "Tell me, Underwood, what scares you? On second though, don't tell me; I'm about to find out." Weevil was, at this point, thoroughly convinced that his opponent was a lunatic. He was so focused on Set that he didn't notice the frogs gathering at his feet, until there were dozens of them. He looked down and screamed. "Ah! Where did these come from?" Set grinned. "What, you're not afraid of them, are you?" Weevil backed against a wall as the frogs continued to swarm from nowhere. "Don't you like frogs? Big, slimy, frogs? They eat bugs, don't they?" "Get them away from me!" Weevil screamed, panicking as the frogs began to jump on him, clinging to his shirt. "Get them off!" Set looked a bit bored. "You know what I want, maggot boy. I brought them here, and I can take them away." "Fine! Okay! Here!" He quickly tossed Set his Insect Princess card. As soon as Set caught it, the frogs vanished, having been only illusions. Weevil feel to the ground, gasping. "Wha...What are you?" "Just a duelist, like yourself," Set chucked, sliding the card into a case he carried with him. "Love to chat, really, but I'm late for class." He lifted his Millenium Pendent and dropped it under his shirt, hiding it from view, then walked away. ---------- Kiyoshi was sitting two seats behind Amber when Seto Kaiba arrived. For a reason not quite known to Kiyoshi, he felt an intense need to eavesdrop. It certainly wasn't any of his business, but for some reason, he simply couldn't divert his focus. "Well," Set muttered to himself, his spirit within the pendent. "We've been found, partially. Interesting, interesting...Too bad for the Pharoah and his lackies that my Item is completely immune to other items; it can't even be detected. I'm sure Amber would be shocked to know that her mortal enemy is directly behind her." He chuckled. "I'm sure that my host would be shocked to learn any of this. Sorry, Kiyoshi, but you've got to stay in the dark, so to speak." Kiyoshi, on the outside, rubbed his eyes. He felt really, really tired.... Kiyoshi had entered the classroom, but it was Set who left, heading for the park.[/font][/size]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]Heh, nice. I do agree with a point Solo made; the pacing seemed to be the same throughout. If it had started slower, and worked to a climax, it would have played off far better. However, as a creative exercise, it was certainly very nice; the way you made literal actions from abstract details like the Witch and Zombrya were cool. (Although I say Zombrya doesn't shirnk, he disentigrates, but that's just my opinion.) All in all, a cool read. If you wanna' duel me on-line sometime, my new AIM name is thedeathbug. Totally off topic, but there's a pic of me up on myO. ^_^[/color][/size][/font]