Dagger

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by maladjusted [/i] [B][size=1]Tohma reminds me of an Evil Quatre[/size][/B][/QUOTE] Haha, that's a very apt description. I actually wouldn't mind being roommates with Shuichi. He may be somewhat overemotional, but I don't think I've ever met such a nice, honest guy (or girl). It would be refreshing to hang around someone with so much energy and spirit--although I might not be able to handle his crazy mood swings. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by rttocs77 [/i] [B]Sara..Err I mean Dagger, back me up on this! (She is in my class)[/B][/QUOTE] Like he said. To clarify--it's not as though our teacher holds some kind of racial grudge against Caucasians. He's actually a very nice guy. And I doubt that this was supposed to be some kind of trap; he was probably just trying to make the assignment as difficult as possible. Well, he certainly succeeded in accomplishing that. Much as I've racked my brains, I can't possibly think of any reasons which might suggest that the Mid-Atlantic slave trade benefited Africa. ~Dagger~

There are times when life brings a bitter taste to the back of my mouth. She is fifteen, a good student, a cheerful daughter, dark-haired and lithe, with ambiguous eyes that often mirror the color of the sea. Not a friend, not quite an acquaintence. All I know is that the words flowed freely when we talked, and I liked to see her smile. Then, the so-called freak accident. Were the stars angry? Did they curse her as they wheeled through the impassive sky above? No, that's the fabric of stories with significance, fate and the threads that twine, entangling our hearts. This had no meaning, unless it was some other hero's destiny drawing its impetus from hers. I used to envy her slim beauty. Sly cheekbones, a delicate mouth; she drew so many sidelong glances as we spoke, walking down whatever hallway happened to mark our meeting. Invisible threads snaking through the air, tugging her to the wrong place, the wrong time. A dark compulsion. Their call was answered, and flesh separated from flesh, her lower lip splitting as neatly as though cut by the surgeon's knife. The one who told me said that she lost five teeth, that her bones were badly damaged, that she is still fifteen. She's devastated. I think with cold and spasmodic guilt on the way I once longed for her easy grace, her fluid gestures. Maybe it was more than jealousy. ~Dagger~

I finally got a scanner (YAY!), so I figured that it would be a good idea to start seeking criticism. This is a fairly recent sketch. I was mainly focused on getting the proportions of his face right, which is probably why his ponytail looks a little..... unfinished. ~Dagger~

Many thanks for your advice, Hittokiri and Semjaza. It was extremely helpful... I feel slightly stupid for not having figured those things out on my own. >_> Here's an odd little banner that I just finished making. Its text was taken from a poem (not by me), which reads: "After the black bottom of the storm scuds across the lake, and the beech tree throws its dead or dying branches down, the lake begins to sing. In the afterstorm, lighter clouds passing through behind the front fling a few shapes on the water, smaller drops like tiny bells ringing on the surface. This is the sound of water falling into water: the sizzle of bacon frying, or the steady breath of wet sheets flying on the line, like the old priest with his laundry yesterday running from the storm, his robes dark with rain, ducking into the church to meet someone for confession. The whisper of their voices flowing through the cloth on the wall pours through the window with the clear truth of the falling rain." ~Dagger~

Yes. Either tell her about your feelings for her, or firmly resolve to put those emotions behind you. The longer you stay in limbo, the more frustrated you will become. Waiting can only hurt you more in the end. It's better to decide to completely ignore your emotions, and eventually get over them. If you can't bring yourself to do that, then go ahead and confess your feelings to her. As long as neither you nor she allows them to interfere with your friendship, I don't see any problems with it (beyond the ones which you've already detailed). ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shinta Himura [/i] [B]One dusnt simply ignore their own emotions. The mind kant control the heart... [/B][/QUOTE] Read the quote in your signature. It directly contradicts what you just stated. It sounds to me as though you believe--consciously or subconsciously--that the bad in this potential relationship definitely outweighs the good. You wrote a paragraph filled with reasons why you shouldn't pursue this girl. Your only justification for attempting to start a romantic relationship with her are your feelings. And I hate to say this, but emotions can be fleeting. Right now, she needs your support with no strings attached. Breakups aren't easy, and why tell her how you feel when you're (a) afraid of losing her friendship, and (b) certain that she's still in love with your best friend? ~Dagger~

Yes, I've seen Metropolis. It was impeccably animated, and the character designs had an interesting sort of retro look. Perhaps the dub simply wasn't up to par, but despite its production values, I didn't find the movie very captivating. Certain parts reminded me too strongly of Akira (another film which struck me as being rather overrated), and I felt little sympathy for any of the characters. Perhaps I ought to give Metropolis a second chance. If so, I'll probably watch it subbed. ~Dagger~

I cannot emphasize enough how normal your actions and behavior have been thus far. You're no weaker than the next person. This proves nothing negative about your character, and you have the right to be frightened of him. Feeling scared is neither fun nor enjoyable, but by encouraging you to go out of your way to avoid him, it [i]has[/i] had at least one good result. ~Dagger~

I'm ..... bewildered. Your Koenma reference prompts me to ask whether this has anything to do with Yu Yu Hakusho. But seeing as none of YYH's characters have decided to make an actual appearance, I will, for the moment, assume otherwise. Seriously, though, under what category would your story/thing/whatever fall? Fanfiction? Original fiction? It looks rather like you're trying to write a play.... Or perhaps it's poetry.... ? Er, yeah. Give me some clue as to what this is about, and maybe I'll be able to offer a few suggestions. ~Dagger~

O_o ..... Mr. Minamino isn't exactly "off the wall goofy." Well, whatever you say. In any event, thanks for reminding me. How could I have possibly forgotten about Kurama? I'll take his Youko form, thank you very much--I wouldn't want to steal Shuuichi-kun from Hiei. ^_^;; Reasons: He's the epitomy of cold, deadly beauty. And though he looks rather similar to Sesshomaru, he has better clothing and a more interesting personality--not to mention a fantastic seiyuu. Besides, Youko Kurama's fame stems not only from his thievery, but also from his insatiable libido. With him around, no girl--or guy--would ever be lacking in entertainment. ~Dagger~

Anime rarely makes me laugh out loud, which is why I'm reluctant to watch any series solely for its alleged comedic value. However, Yu Yu Hakusho consistently manages to amuse me. At one point during the Dark Tournament arc, Yusuke, Botan, and Koenma are standing in the middle of the forest, waiting for Yusuke's spirit egg to hatch. After about ten minutes of tension and drama, it finally cracks open--only to reveal [spoiler]Puu, an adorable blue penguin-like creature.[/spoiler] Absolutely hilarious. Er.... yeah. You had to be there. ~Dagger~

Right on, QA. Your hair is almost the exact same color as Chi's--and by the way, that's a great picture. ^__^ I would probably end up looking like a younger, more petite version of Rem Saverem (from Trigun). I already have her dark, waist-length hair (mine might actually be a little too long), and our eyes are fairly similar. That having been said, I'd love to be the splitting image of Kaname Chidori, from Full Metal Panic. She's gorgeous and young, and nearly everything about her exudes a kind of determined, optimistic energy. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by shadowfire [/i]-- Ryoko , the all powerfull demon/space pirate. A dude can wish can't he.[/QUOTE] An excellent choice, my friend. I would have to agree, although I'm technically not a dude. What can I say? Ryoko has universal appeal. However, I doubt she'd enjoy being referred to as something that might be available at one's local Target..... ^_^;; ~Dagger~

MUCH better! *claps hands* Simple, but pretty. I like your font, and the image is nicely cropped. The banner doesn't have to be quite so big, though--I'd remove some of the blank space to Sonic's right. ~Dagger~

Yes, I agree with Kyo. It's rather.... spastic. Frankly, I think the banner would be better if it weren't animated; that way, at least the text would be readable. Try to get rid of that black box. It's extremely distracting. And add a border. I can't really suggest anything else without seeing a motionless version of your banner. If this is the second banner you've ever made, you might want to work with still images for a little while. Ambition can certainly be a virtue, but sometimes it's better to take these things one step at a time. ~Dagger~

I PMed you about that a while back, Angel. Kouga and Inuyasha just grate on each other's nerves. It's not really such a big deal, folks.... even demons don't always kill indiscriminately. Kouga likes Kagome for her strength of spirit as well as for the fact that she's pretty much unattainable. Doesn't it make sense that he'd be the type to pursue a challenge? Here's my question: Do you think that the show as a whole will have a happy ending? Why or why not? ~Dagger~

Eheh. For some reason, I find that picture incredibly amusing. I absolutely love the expression on his face; it's priceless. You did a fantastic job of drawing the guy's gaping mouth. The artwork is a little too sketchy for my tastes, but no matter. Everything seems to be more or less in proportion, although he appears to lack a neck, and his hands are a little on the large side. Overall, good job. Very funny. ^__^ ~Dagger~

[b]Realistically:[/b] --Miyu's hairstyle (Vampire Princess Miyu). It's just so neat-looking, what with the side bun and the crimson ribbon woven into her braid. --Tiara's outfit (Shamanic Princess). Thigh-high boots and a ridiculously short skirt? Oh yes. I doubt I would be able to wear her clothing and simultaneously retain even the slightest shred of dignity, but it'd certainly be fun to try. [b]Unrealistically:[/b] --The RahXephon (from, well, RahXephon). A beautifully designed mecha that possesses unique powers and the ability to battle with sound alone.... yes, I'd take [i]very[/i] good care of it. --Japolo (Shamanic Princess). The cutest--not to mention least annoying--shoujo mascot, ever. Who wouldn't want a talking ferret? --Faye's body (Cowboy Bebop). Well, she's rather high on my list of most attractive anime females. It'd be quite a pleasant surprise to wake up looking like that (although the inevitable back strain might become rather annoying). ~Dagger~

Well, Dan, I for one am a big fan of your banners, and your latest are (as always) simply superb. Though both simple, the two Naruto banners are very aesthetically pleasing. They're well-balanced, and the use of grayscale lends them a nice, clean (for lack of a better word) look, which color might not have been able to achieve quite so effectively. That little arrow is indeed the star of the show. ^_~ Once again, fantastic work. ~Dagger~

Aaaand..... Kaoru is the lucky winner! Hmm. I'm not very fond of this girl, although it's difficult to identify my reasons for disliking her. They may have something to do with the fact that she's so often in need of rescuing. Also, her English dub actress tends to grate on my nerves. And for all her bright-eyed optimism, she's surprisingly whiny. I'd prefer to live with someone who, if we ever got in a pinch, could kick serious ***--rather than simply laying about her with a wooden sword. ~Dagger~

I'm with Semjaza, KotR, and PT. It's not your fault at all. Whether or not you can bring yourself to tell an adult, this "friendship" needs to end [i]immediately[/i]. It's understandable that you were too scared to tell him off. But you really need to work up your courage, in case he ever--heaven forbid--tries to pull that again. Don't be worried about making him angry. He's a jerk, and you can do much, much better, both in terms of friendship and romance. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by rttocs77 [/i] [B]I'm sorry but do you find two males having a romantic/sexual relationship a degrading/disgusting/dispicable thing?[/B][/QUOTE] Heavens, no. I love shonen-ai, shoujo-ai, and just about everything else under the sun. But I do know that not everyone feels the same way, and I wanted to make sure that the person who started the thread was aware that yaoi is a major theme in Descendants of Darkness, just in case he/she decided to start collecting it. EDIT: *blinks*..... No, never mind, you quoted me incorrectly. Go take another look at my original post. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by IloveBebop [/i] [B]How do you know? For all I know, Koga may be planning some death plots right now. Who knows, Inuyasha may be planning Koga's death. I'm sure that they want each other as good as dead. [/B][/QUOTE] Oh, come on. The show already has plenty of drama (not to mention melodrama). Inuyasha and Kouga are friendly rivals, not mortal enemies. They've worked together in the past, and have a healthy appreciation for each other's abilites. Though Kouga may find Inuyasha annoying, he certainly isn't harboring any kind of burning hatred toward him, and vice versa. Kouga would never kill Inuyasha and run off with Kagome. First of all, Kagome wouldn't let him. He respects her strength of will, and admires her for not fearing him. She isn't madly in love with him, but she considers him a friend. Why on earth would Kouga jeopardize all that by doing something for which he knew she could never forgive him? The same goes for Inuyasha. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Verykawaiineko [/i] [B]if you like something with humor, bishounen and mystery get Descendents of Darkness its only about 13 epi. so its cheap and also for fruits basket it has 6-7 epis per dvd its one of THE best deals out there [/B][/QUOTE] Descendants of Darkness (also known as Yami no Matsuei) is an excellent series, but it's definitely not for everyone. Though nothing explicit is ever shown, and the male/male relationships are more implied than overtly stated, DoD is extremely popular on the shonen-ai circuit. It abounds with all sorts of unnecessary touching, and every single one of the principle characters is male. That having been said, I love this show. Some, however, might be less comfortable with certain aspects of its subject material. I've heard that Fruits Basket is possibly the best romantic comedy out there (even better than Kare Kano). And like you said, it [i]is[/i] extremely cheap. So I wouldn't hesitate to recommend FB, even though I've never actually gotten around to watching it. ~Dagger~