Annie

[size=1][color=indigo]?I?ve heard it called the ?suicide mission?, what are your thoughts, Randy?? A young, determined man sat across from me. His face was timid and anxious, almost lusting for my words. His clothes, as tattered as they were, were neat and as clean as he could possibly muster. His hands were delicate and shaky as he wrote down every detail, or movement, I made. He was studying me, just like a good psychiatrist should. I hated the way he pried into my soul, or rather, what was left of it. But, it was suggested we talk to someone before setting out, and I?m not going to no priest for comfort. It was odd, I hated the idea of this man reading me like a book, but I stared back and knew he was doing this for me. There was nothing arrogant, or conceited about him. This kid genuinely wanted to help me. I might have the mind to come back to him if I survived this mission. ?Well, Dr. Lee, I guess it?d be good to start off with my childhood,? really random of me, but that?s who I am, Randy ?Random? Pierce. And here I sat, before this young doctor, about to spill my life?s story. I remember how I felt, as if it happened yesterday. The one thing I remember going through my mind, over and over again was I just hoped I wouldn?t start crying. How pathetic would that be; a 32-year-old man sobbing like a little girl who misses her dead fish to a complete stranger, a man who was ten years my junior. It was what I wanted to do so badly, but knew it would?ve brought about an even more awkward atmosphere. ?I-If that?s where you?d like to begin, have at it,? he smiled. Now that I think about it, that?s the first time I saw someone smile in my presence. Interesting. Anyway, I began my sob story with this eager man and his scribbling. ?I don?t know where exactly I was born, and I don?t remember anything before the age of nine. Yeah, strange, I know. Memory develops much earlier than that, but I kid you not, I cannot come to grasp a single trace of my life before I moved into Old City. I can?t even be sure if the woman and man I called my parents were my real parents. Supposedly, there was some freak accident when I was around three. My mom--that?s what we?ll settle with for now--said our house got plagued with carbon monoxide, you know, the stuff you can?t detect with your nose? Something about how I was asleep while the babysitter neglected to check up on me, and the detector never went off. So the only reason why I?m alive is because the ***** of a sitter passed out just as my parents walked in the door. Unfortunately, she lived. She and I were in the hospital for months with severe brain damage and all that jazz. After that, my parents said I was never the same. I was sort of irrational, reckless, and had problems remembering the simplest of things. Like, I forgot how to, at the age of five, tie my shoelaces. Just randomly, out of the blue. It was strange, my dad told me. He said that the day before, I was tying my laces without any hesitation or questions, but then I just looked at him like I was lost. It got progressively worse, I began to forget my own age, or my name, or if I had gone to the bathroom. Remember, this is all what I remember now of what my parents told me after one, peculiar and unexplainable day. It was my ninth birthday, and I remember it so clearly. I was sitting on the couch, watching the news, when all of a sudden, I remembered that I had to take out the trash from the night before so that the garbage men could pick it up at precisely 9:30 AM, right before I watched my favorite cartoon. At first, I didn?t realize that I?d remembered, and just went about my business. I remember my mom staring at me from the kitchen table as I walked back into the house, gently shut the door, and washed my hands. This was everything I?d never remembered to do. My parents were always having to tell me what to do. Then, I went back to the couch and flicked the channel to a cartoon station. My mom started crying and called my father at work. He came home immediately and started asking me what my name was, and who they were. I couldn?t understand what their problem was. This is where they told me what happened, and I sort of went into a recluse-mode. It really ****** me up, you know? Not knowing what the hell was going on, not knowing whether I remembered not remembering anything, not knowing how old I really was or who I was. It was, just a really ****** up time. But, to test that it wasn?t a fluke, the next day, I remembered every single detail. Down to the pajamas my mom was wearing, and what exact cup she was drinking coffee from.? I paused right here to take a look at Dr. Lee. He was blinking in confusion as well. I offered him one of my cigarettes, and I remember him telling me ?I don?t smoke; it kills people.? That made me laugh out loud, because, it was ironic that he was afraid of cigarettes rather than the poisonous air we breathed each day. But, I shrugged it off and continued. ?Anyway, within a couple of weeks, my father got a better job opportunity in Old City. We moved there, and lived there for a good ten years before moving out into the country. We weren?t too far out in the country. I still had friends, well, somewhat. I never quite made many friends.? ?Because of your memory thing?? Dr. Lee interjected. ?Well, yeah. I still had smidgens of problems with it, but it was more along the lines that I would sort of blurt out random nonsense. When I saw a doctor, he told me everything that I uncontrollably said were things that had been suppressed, or things I had unconsciously absorbed from the environment around me. It was like, he explained to me, the fizz in your soda bottle. You shake it up, but never remove the lid. Once you do, it just bursts out and is hard to control, or predict when to shut it off. ? ?Very interesting,? Dr. Lee set his pen down and rested his elbows on his knees. See, this is what I liked about him. A very down to Earth kid, and really interested in what you had to say. It made me feel a bit out of place, but then I couldn?t help but savor being taken in so intensively. I didn?t like to talk just to hear my own voice, and that?s how I had felt for the longest time. Like no one was actually listening, no one cared. Not even my own parents. ?Yeah, so you can imagine how that affected my, um, sexual and personal relationships. I tried to date, but every one failed. ?You?re just too much all at once, I can?t keep up? was always the verdict to the end. I don?t mean to be so ?out there?, and I really do try to keep myself in line. But whatever. Continuing, this also made it hard for me to get a job. I held all sorts of jobs; from waste management to secretarial jobs. Nothing worked out, and when the big bang happened, it didn?t matter.? ?So, what have you been doing all this time, Randy? How did you get to the mission?? Oops, I had forgotten about his original question. It happens, right? I tried to put together how I came upon this mission everyone called the ?suicide mission?. ?I sort of, fell into it. Quite literally, so to speak,? this is where it got a bit complicated. See, the destruction of humanity left me an orphan. I was alone, and had no means of money, food, or help. So, I did what every other desperate person did, resort to finding my own means of survival. Stealing. I didn?t really want to say this to Dr. Lee. He was too kind and trusting. If I had told him the truth, I was afraid of him kicking me out and sending the small law after me. But, I had to say something. ?You ?fell? into it? I?m a bit confused,? he chuckled. ?Yeah, funny story actually. I was up on the roof, fixing a hole. It was right above a meeting room, and dirt and **** would blow down into the room. So, I offered to fix it for a glass of water--you know how water is precious now, and a piece of food. Bread, cracker, I didn?t care. Neither did they, because the took my offer and extended it to repairing things around the building.? ?Who?s ?they??? ?Oh, the owners. I was passing through one day, and heard them talking. That?s how it all started. So, anyway, I was on the roof and after I patched up one hole, I fell through another. I fell clear through the ceiling of the room, landing on the table. Right in the middle of their meeting, can you believe that? I thought I was a gonner, but they asked me if I could go on this mission, seeing as how I was such a good handy man,? I guess I said too much because Dr. Lee tried to stomach a laugh. He quickly apologized and took up is pen again. ?So, you?re a contractor. What do you think will happen on this mission?? ?Well, I just hope that we can come back safely and with everything we need to try and survive again.?[/color] Let me know if I need to add/change anything, J-dawg. I also included a pic of what Randy looks like. [/size]

[size=1][color=indigo]Sammy stood frozen, his arms rested in the position Bianca left them. He couldn't move, or blink, much less breathe. He finally snapped out of his stun and stared lightly after Bianca as she sort of--bounced out of Cemetary Drive. Her soft, tropical perfume, the taste of her sugary lipgloss, her arousing charisma lingered around Sammy. He scruffed his hair and ran his hand down his face. Sighing happily, he started towards the exit of the park. His feet took control as he glided over the sidewalks and streets. He must've had a smirk plastered across his face because people pointed and made the "awe" face. His nerves throbbed with feelings he had never felt before, his adrenaline pumped, thoughts of nothing but Bianca's touch rushed through his mind. Before he knew it, he found himself standing in front of Café Lite. [i]"I could use a drink. Something strong to iron me out.."[/i] Sammy thought, pulling the door open. The café was a buzz with students just venting the day's events at school. Popular music flowed just dimly over the noise of gossip and laughter. From what Sammy went through today, this atmosphere was just what he needed. He looked over the crowd to see if he recognized anyone. Deciding it was impossible to pick out one face, Sammy took a stroll over to the espresso bar and placed an order for a hazelnut latte. He sat on a high stool and looked down the bar to see Michael making his drink. [b]"Yo, Mikey! Hold the spit, will ya?"[/b] Sammy's deep voice acted like a loudspeaker, his cupped hands amplifying his accent. [b]"Sure thing, man. How about something other than milk?!"[/b] Michael winked. [b]"Very funny, jerk,"[/b] Sammy shook a finger. Michael chuckled as he waltzed over to his friend. He made sure the lid was fastened snuggly, and leant over the bar. [b]"So, what's goin' on with the Sam-meister?"[/b] [b]"Man, I don't know where to begin,"[/b] Sammy sipped cautiously,[b] "What time you here til?" "They've got me closing,"[/b] Michael moaned and scratched under his chin, [b]"Well, it's back to work for me. Come by later tonight, yeah?" "All right, kid,"[/b] Sammy waved and rested elbows on the bar, [b]"We'll see."[/b][/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]I'd like to say something, not purely for the behalf of women. I have seen my girl friends treat the nice guy in such ways explained in that rant. I can't stand it; it's wrong, cruel, and down right heartbreaking for both the nice guy, and me to watch. But I will say that the door swings both ways every now and then. There are those "nice girls" to the guys. Most of my friends are guys, and I'm usually that girl who consoles and helps the guy with his stupid girlfriend problems. I love the friend to death, and wish that I could show him I can treat him much better, but being the friend, I help him out..and when **** finally does roll down the hill, and he realizes what ingorance he took part in, I'm still considered "a friend only". It sucks, and I know how the nice guy feels. So, I now raise my cup. May all of us "nice guys" finish last. Trevor has, with the most sweetest gal in these parts. I have with the love of my life, and all my lives past and present, Joe (Parabola). May the rest of you nice guys find your "more than a friend". [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]Fei watched the group around her. They'd been her commadres and only family for a very long time. The blow from their lord's death was a jagged pill to swallow, especially for Fei. This man, this Japanese lord, had took, spared, and gave her life. He raised her to become one of the toughest Ronin and trusted her with his life. No matter what sort of words were thrown around about her, Lord Hoji always believed in her and treated her with the uttmost respect. And now he, this great man, was gone. Fei took the skull charm from her hair and studied it. She knew he would always be with them through his spirit; but she also knew that his spirit would not rest in peace and let the living live peacefully if he was not avenged. Growling lightly under her face cloth, Fei clinched her fist, squeezing the small but heavy chamr in her palm. She rose from her mat on the floor and tied the skull in her hair, where Lord Hoji had placed it so long ago. Her beloved halberd rested against the wall behind her, the identical skull charms twinkled under a small slit of sunlight breaking through the dark clouds. Only then did Fei smile; it was a good sign of hope. She clutched the rough shaft of her weapon and leant over to grab her bag of belongings. Slinging it over her shoulder, Fei walked towards the door and slipped on her sandals. [b]"Where are you going?"[/b] Bashi's arm blocked the doorway. [b]"To the vi'age,"[/b] Fei's Chinese accent still hadn't gotten much better over the years, [b]"I am hungry." "You will be wise to stay out of trouble. It will not be pleasant if I must seek you out,"[/b] Bashi winked and dropped his arm. [b]"I promise. I stay out of trouble,"[/b] Fei replied curtly, [b]"Be back in an hour."[/b] Fei stepped off of the porch, her wooden sandals clicked sharply on the stone below them. They made a sort of grinding noise as the metal plates pressed against the grains of sand. The rain still dropped from the clouds above, but it was much softer than before. Fei donned a straw hat, and covered her halberd's blade with a leather scabbard. The village would know that she was a samurai and would leave her alone for the most part, but some villagers would get frightened by the shine of the blade. She was in no mood to make quarrel with the pathetic villagers. The small town was bustling with life when Fei arrived. The rain had lightened up more, and merchants were buzzing about the streets with their small carts. Tradesmen played their music and were desperately pushing their products into passing villager's faces. But something seemed to be causing more excitement down the road. Fei picked up a bag of rice from an elderly woman and questioned her. [b]"Wha' is going on?"[/b] Fei paid the woman and nodded towards the group of men and women. [b]"They say there is a foreigner who tells fortunes. I think she's a fraud and stealing our hard-earned money,"[/b] the woman spat, her face reddened as she got flustered. [b]"s'ank you,"[/b] Fei bowed, trying to cover her accent. The woman bowed back, smiling politely. Curious, Fei decided to check out this "fortune teller". She stuffed the bag of rice into her tote bag and made her way into the crowd. [b]"I was here first, you ass!"[/b] a villager shouted, shoving people out of his way. [b]"You jerk, we all were here before you! Get out of my way, I want to know if I am going to be rich!"[/b] another yelled, followed by the many others. [b]"Excuse me,"[/b] Fei spoke up, keeping her face cloth over her face. The group of villagers gasped and quickly scrambled away from the samurai. Fei stared at this foreigner and stepped up to the crate to take her seat. The fortune teller stared in both awe and a fear. Her curly, red hair tumbled down her shoulders from underneath her purple bandana. Fei grunted at the excessive use of what Westerners called "make-up". She was sure the fortune teller's lips were going to rot off her face. Without blinking, Fei examined the teller's features; the chin was much too square, the cheek bones were sharp and flat, and the jaw jutted out more than her breasts. After a few minutes of blinking and trying to force a smile, the fortune teller fixed her over-sized earrings. [b]"Your hand, please, da'ling,"[/b] the woman's voice rattled with strain, reaching out for Fei's hand. Keeping her icy eyes locked on the woman, Fei extended her left hand. The teller's hands were much too rough for a woman, Fei thought. Sighing, the teller stared into Fei's palm and every now and again muttered a "hm" or "mhm" or "Aw, I see". Annoyed, Fei coughed lightly. [b]"You are a troubled young woman,"[/b] the teller's raspy voice squeezed out, [b]"Your hands delicate, but very strong. I see that you are a warrior, a true warrior. Not just some citizen who carries 'round a weapon. But you are a great, very important warrior. You've lost someone close to you."[/b] Fei's lips tightened shut under the cloth. Anyone could tell she was a "great warrior". Not just by her rare weapon, but the way she dressed. Her robes were of the richest materials and her hair was silky and shiny. [b]"This is not fortune,"[/b] Fei took her hand back. [b]"You've lost a dear treasure, and you are on quest to avenge it. You will travel a great distance to get your revenge. But,"[/b] the teller stood, [b]"it will be a very troubled path!"[/b] With the last sentence, the fortune teller reached under her skirt and pulled out a pistol. Fei sat calmly and made no effort to arm herself. She looked up at the teller to see her pulling off her bandana; the red locks of hair went with it to reveal that "she" was, in fact, a "he". Nodding to herself, Fei rose from her wooden crate and took a step back. [b]"I thought this,"[/b] she said, reaching over her shoulder to set her bag on the ground, [b]"You were way too ugly to be woman, even foreign woman."[/b] The now revealed man growled and cocked his antiqued pistol. The villagers around them scattered and screamed for the authorities to come. The man circled Fei, his hand trembling slightly. Fei pulled off the leather scabbard and flicked the blade. [b]"Hah, you think you're going to cut me, kid? You're so short, and I'm too far away! This is unbelievable!"[/b] the man laughed. Before he could catch his breath, Fei swiftly spun around, slashing the man's throat. The blade of her halberd glistened in the sunlight; not a speck of blood stained it. Fei twirled her weapon, dug the blade into the ground, and jumped. Hodling onto the rod of the weapon, Fei delivered a solid kick to the man's face that sent his head flying back into a merchant stand. The corner of the street fell silent as the samurai grabbed her bag and cleaned the blade, pulling the scabbard back on. [i]Bashi is going to tan my hide for that one[/i], Fei rubbed her temples and headed back for the manor.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]I've only just started listening to Prodigy, and I must say I'm liking everything I hear. I got into listening to them when I heard "Girls" at work. I started looking into them after that. The next song I heard was "Pheonix". I just finally listened to most/all of the album "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" today, and I'm still in love with "Girls". Normally, I'm not an Electronica/Techno fan, but Prodigy is where it's at. I'm [b]hoping to get their CD for Christmas[/b] *winknudgecough*. [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]zomg, I'm teh envious. I remember seeing these two for those sign-ups, and I really love the punk'd version ^-^ Trevor's such a badass, lol Anyway, I don't know if I ever saw how you did this...but how do you do it? Color in the computer? And how long does it take to do one character? [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo][b]"What in the world was that about?"[/b] Bianca stared after Leah. Sammy knew what the cause was, but he never expected Leah to act this way. With a heavy, and guilt-weighed sigh, he took Bianca's wrist and pulled her off to the side. [b]"We have to talk,"[/b] Sammy squeezed her hand softly. [b]"O-okay. When? I thought we were meeting up in the courtyard,"[/b] B's eyes darted over his face, searching him like always. [b]"I doubt anyone's going to show up. Everyone seems to be so caught up in this stupid dance and worrying about who they want to take,"[/b] Sammy almost spat, but caught himself before he slipped, [b]"I say we leave now, and go to Timber Valley Park. I haven't been there in years." "Sure thing,"[/b] B smiled, lacing her fingers in Sammy's and swinging his arm. Sammy nodded and kicked open one of the side exits. B, a bit confused at his actions, walked out first and the two started out of the campus. School busses and carpools flooded the roads, forcing the two to take the "long way" to the park. The entire walk was silent and swift. Sammy thought he heard his name being called, but didn't even bother to look back. He had his nerve, he was pumped up and ready to confess to Bianca. If he looked back at her, or anyone else, the edge would be gone and make a fool of himself. [b]"Jesus, Sammy, my legs aren't as long as yours,"[/b] B jogged to catch up. [b]"Almost there, munchkin,"[/b] he joked, taking her hand again and pulling her along. The two finally reached the gates of the park. Like he had always remembered, the park was peaceful and calm. Ocassionally, there were a few couples walking their dogs and a family picnicing in the middle of the park. For the most part, Timber Valley Park was all Sammy's and Bianca's. Slowing his pace, letting B catch her breath, they walked into the park and circled around the water fountain. [b]"Man, we don't come here enough,"[/b] B sighed tossing a penny into the fountain. [b]"Yeah,"[/b] Sammy smiled, [b]"C'mon, I want to show you my secret spot in this place."[/b] He held out his right hand, his left in his pocket. B gave a playful bow and took his hand with a delicate grip. It was the best day of the week to walk around in the park. The day was warm, but had a Spring-like breeze that kept them cool. Sammy listened in amusement as B went on about a class assignment that she was sure was going to give her grey hair. All the while, he never made one sound of laughter or taunting. Instead, he lead the way across the meadow and into a neglected area of the park. The iron gates were rusted and the grass was overrun with weeds and wild Jasmine. It was like walking into a secret garden that hadn't been attended to in ages. There were antique playground equipment and benches, little gravel pathways that lead down into a small pond area. There was hardly any water left in it, but enough to make a cool spot to sit down on the rocks that portruded from the surface. [b]"Wow,"[/b] B held tightly to Sammy's hand as she wobbled to keep her balance on the rocks, [b]"It's really pretty down here--in a strange, sad reason." "I like to call this place 'Cemetary Drive'. It reminds me of one of those really old cemetaries that people have abandoned over the years. It's sad and lonely, but so beautiful,"[/b] Sammy sat down on a flat boulder, pulling on B's hand to sit next to him. [b]"That is really depressing, Sammy. What's wrong? You're starting to worry me now,"[/b] B sat beside him, but faced him with her hands on her knees. [b]"You have to promise me that whatever I say, you'll keep your mind open and free from bias. I'm tired of keeping this from you, and I want to be your friend no matter what,"[/b] Sammy folded his legs Indian style and leaned forward, talking quietly. B simply nodded and sat the same way. [b]"Bianca, I first want to apologize for Leah's behavior towards you. She shouldn't have went off on you. It should've been me. See, I found out about you wanting to go to the dance with Quincy,"[/b] he paused to see B blink in embarassment, [b]"I'll admit, I was upset. But it was your choice, and I wouldn't let anyone else take you to the dance. Quincy's a good man, I'd trust him to be alone with you. I just was more upset about the fact you never said anything about him...and I had to find out through Gabby."[/b] B shifted, looking away. Sammy shook his head and cupped her face with one hand, [b]"That doesn't mean I'm mad at you, hun. I can't be mad at you for something that silly. I mean, who am I to talk? Bianca, I'm trying to tell you that I'm mad about you. I've had a crush on you since the first time I met you, and I've just been too scared to say anything. And I guess I just felt dismissed when I heard Gabby spill the news. But..I guess I am just selfish for thinking you could like me the same way, and go to the dance with me. Leah acted the way she did because she found out that I like you, and not her. I'm so sorry if I ruined your friendship with her."[/b] Letting go of her face, Sammy folded his hands in his lap and stared into the shallow water. [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]Sammy leant against the lockers outside of the classroom and shoved his hands into his front pockets. He smiled at Leah whenever she hurriedly took off into the hall. She smiled back and waved. He didn't see Bianca, but did manage to wave down Quincy. [i]"I guess I should talk to him. He's one of my better friends. Well, guy friends. I just hope he doesn't freak out on me,"[/i] Sammy exasperated a sigh and walked up to Quincy. [b]"Sheesh, that had to be the longest class of the year,"[/b] Quincy grunted, [b]"Why couldn't I have graduated last year?" "Because, you know-it-all, you love me and couldn't bear to part from me,"[/b] Sammy slung his arm around Quincy's shoulder. [b]"You are pathetic, you know that?"[/b] he groaned and shrugged Sammy's grip off. With not knowing where to really start, Sammy's left hand fidgeted with the bottom of his shirt. His stomach knotted and churned. Not only was this mentally exhausting, it was also a crush to his pride. It wasn't that he didn't get the girl, but the fact that Bianca didn't talk to him about it. He was quite proud of his friendship with her, and felt that there was nothing between them. But then again, he never really got up the nerve to tell her exactly how he felt about her. [b]"Samuel, are you all right?"[/b] Quincy gently shoved his friend across the hall. [b]"I, uh..Yeah, I'm fine,"[/b] Sammy let go of his now sweaty hold on his shirt, leaving it wrinkled. Staring in disbelief, Quincy paused and gave Sammy a cocked eyebrow. [b]"C'mon, Samuel. You're never this deep and quiet. What's going on?"[/b] Knowing full well that Quincy wouldn't stop staring at him, Sammy nodded and started to explain. [b]"Well, I guess the best way to begin is to say that I have an incredibly passionate adoration for Bianca. I've had this painful crush on her since she first smiled at me. For the past few years, I've been the chicken little in not saying a word about it. Mostly, because of my reputation, and I wasn't quite sure how she would react. I'm her best friend, and she's my best friend,"[/b] Sammy waved his hands nervously and looked at Quincy; he nodded and muttered an "mhmm". [b]"So, I never worked up the guts to confront her. I didn't want her to think that we couldn't be friends anymore. But with each and passing day within the past year and a half, I can't help but feel more for her. I'd love to be with her. And I'd love for her to feel the same about me. Then, this dance comes along,"[/b] Sammy stopped and brushed his hair from his face, laughing as Quincy tilted his head back to moan aloud, [b]"Yeah. Well, on the way to science, I ran into that Gabby broad and her followers. They had, uh, mentioned Bianca. I stopped and listened. I found out who she's going to ask to the dance." "Who, Gabby or Bianca?" "Gabby...and Bianca. See,"[/b] Sammy stopped walking and turned to face Quincy, [b]"Gabby thinks she's going to steal you." " 'Steal' me? From what, or who?"[/b] Quincy then folded his arms tightly under his chest. [b]"From Bianca."[/b] Sammy bit his bottom lip and huffed lightly. Quincy blinked, but remained candid. For what seemed to be hours, Quincy and Sammy stared at one another. Students rushed by to get to their classrooms. The hum of the hallway nearly suffocated Sammy, as if the numbness of fear wasn't enough to close in on him. Finally, Quincy moved with running his hand over his mouth and chin. [b]"Huh,"[/b] was all he said before turning and walking. [b]"Tha-That's all you're going to say?"[/b] Sammy stuttered, nearly tripping over his own foot before following. [b]"We--oof!"[/b] Quincy started before doubling back and dropping his book, [b]"Watch it, oaf."[/b] Quincy grumbled and knelt down to pick up his book. Sammy looked over his shoulder to see Bianca crumpled on the floor. [b]"Oh, snap!"[/b] Sammy crouched and started to lift her to her feet, [b]"Breathe slowly, okay, hun?" "Oh, oh dear. Bianca, I'm sorry. I thought you were some stupid child,"[/b] Quincy politely apologized and helped Sammy lift her. [b]"B, you okay?"[/b] Sammy held onto her elbow. [b]"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you,"[/b] she smiled weakly, nodded and held out her hand to let him know she was okay. Sammy swallowed his words and bent down to pick up her books. Attempting to give her a sincere and apologetic nod, he handed her the textbooks and flipped her ponytail. Thanking them, she turned to head over to Leah. Quincy was the first to clear his throat and fix his glasses. Sammy then clapped his hands together and took in a breath. [b]"So, I'll see you around,"[/b] Sammy coughed and scratched at the back of his neck before heading off to English, [b]"Oh, if you can make it, the courtyard. I want to bust that conference in a few days. See what the hell's going on around here."[/b] With that, Sammy turned and almost skipped off. He turned the corner and made sure Quincy wasn't behind him. Noticing that he was the only person in the hall, he spun to slam his fist into a locker and place his forehead against it. The pain in his hand really didn't phase him. He had done worse to his body in the past. What was bothering him was the empty look on Quincy's face when he told him Bianca wanted to go to the dance with him. Was he surprised, was he angry, was he concerned, was he sympathetic for Sammy? There was no way of knowing, unless he had replied. Upset, Sammy pushed in the English door and proceeded to his seat without as much as blinking at Mr. Sherman. Sammy plopped in his seat and started in on squeezing his shoulder. He stared into the fake wood's grain on his desktop, hoping to see some sort of resolution; an answer to the madness that slowly set into his brain. [i]"It's only high school drama. You hate drama, Samuel Carter. This is something only chicks do. So she likes Quincy, big deal. She's still your friend. Don't let this come between your friendship.."[/i] Sammy kept coaching to himself. [b]"Earth to Mr. Carter,"[/b] Mr. Sherman tapped the chalkboard. [b]"Sorry, teach,"[/b] Sammy realized his neck began to burn with his furious massaging and stopped to straighten out his shirt. Finally taking a look around, he saw that he was sitting just to Hitomi's left. He never quite got to know this girl. All he knew was that she was just as much of a trouble-maker as he was, and she was really quite the quiet one. She seemed okay in his book. Next, he noticed Alex Jacobs and Jason, gave them a half-hearted wave and saw Leah reading the note. He knew he had hurt her feelings as she slowly folded the note and played with it lazily. Sammy turned back around in his chair to put his hands behind his head and wait for what Mr. Sherman had to teach today. Just as the bell was about to ring, Brandi Morgan darted into the class. She was a cute girl, always nice to Sammy whenever they spoke; but he never took the time to get to know her. After her little session in the front of the class, she hurried to her seat and took out her class supplies. The bell rang, and began the last class of the day. Sammy wondered if anyone would show up in the courtyard after school. If not, he decided he should have a back up plan and started to think of ideas on what to do.[/size][/color]

[color=indigo][size=1]One of my favorite moments is from my favorite manga, Angel Sanctuary: [i]Setsuna gets jumped by Kira's gang. Setsuna is laying face down on the ground. Kira kicks at him lightly to see if he's alive.[/i] [b]"Hey, Earth to Setsuna. Come in. You dead or what?"[/b] [i]Kira kneels to listen closely as Setsuna starts to whisper.[/i] [b]"I..I want you to do me."[/b] [i]Kira groans.[/i] It just makes me laugh each time. [/color][/size]

[size=1][color=indigo]Sammy looked down at the note curiously and glanced around the room to see if he had been caught taking it. Satisfied that he hadn't, he adjusted in his desk to hide himself behind the student in front of him, and began opening the note. Each krinkle made him wince and look up at the teacher, but to his fortune, Mr. Bradick was too busy rambling on and scribbling on the board. Sammy then looked down to read the note. [i][b]"Are you worried or something that B wants to go out with Quincy? Yes or No. Circle one."[/i][/b] Caught off guard by Leah's abrupt question, Sammy just stared at the piece of paper for a minute before trying to think of how to answer. Leah was a good girl, he cared for her, and he knew she had some sort of affection towards him. If he said "yes", would he hurt her feelings? If he said "no", she'd know he was lying and he wasn't prepared to talk about it. His pencil tapped nervously on his desk and he rested his face in his right palm (Sammy's left-handed). Sighing in defeat, he decided that he shouldn't lie to Leah and circled "Yes", and added: [i][b]"Well, I'm not worried. But I am a bit--let down, for lack of better description. I really adore Bianca, and I am happy that she is happy with her choice. But I can't help but feel a bit left out--I guess I was being selfish in thinking that she would ask me to the dance, or say 'yes' if I had asked her. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, Leah."[/i][/b] Taking a deep breath, Sammy studied his teacher's movements and awaited the right moment to toss the note back. Finally, Sammy got his opportunity and tossed the note back to Leah. Sammy scratched his head with the eraser side of his pencil and leaned back in his seat, deciding to catch up on taking notes.[/color][/size]

[size=1][color=indigo]Well, I'm the opposite gender, but that doesn't mean girls get the same sort of thing. I get hit on by many girls (why, I'll never understand). Does it make me feel uncomfortable? Sometimes it does. Particularly, when I don't really know the person to start off with. If it's one of my friends, they understand that I don't see them that way and only flirt with me to be funny. Do I find it flattering? Hell yes, I most certainly do. >_>; Then, it kind of angers me that I get 99% of girls hitting on me, rather than men. Irritating, but it is nice to know at least someone is paying attention, lol. But like Boba said, just be careful. No matter how well you think you might know someone, you could be wrong. There may be some hidden issue.[/size][/color]

[size=1] [color=indigo][b]"Man, I hope no one saw this stain,"[/b] Sammy grumbled, picking at the hardening solid from around his zipper. [b]"Too bad it's an orangish colour. I don't think the ladies would be convinced it were a pleasant stain,"[/b] Dameon's words slipped sweetly into Sammy's earshot, in to which, D received a curt snicker. [b]"Right, anyhow, my class is down this way. I'll catch you later, yeah?"[/b] Sammy gave a thumbs up and skipped off to the left hall. A few staggering steps of trying to rid the nuisance of a stain and dodge high school traffic, Sammy started towards the locker rooms. He remembered putting a pair of pants in his locker for a "just in case" situation. He'd have to step on it though if he planned on making class on time. Just as he was about to break into a sprint, a red-head with bouncing curls was heading in his direction. Before she ran smack into him, Sammy jumped to the side and continued on his way until--- [b]"Did you hear that girl? Absolutely bonkers, I tells you,"[/b] a girl Sammy recognized as the school's heart of gossip, Gabby, ran past him to a group of her friends. Sammy, out of sheer curiousity and being the nosey bugger he can be, stopped and leant against a locker. His back turned to the girls, he pretended he was trying to get into the locker. The girls laughed and giggled, then a rush of several conversations all at once. [b]"Sheesh, how do they know what each other says..."[/b] Sammy sighed, his head whirling with their laughter. [b]"Okay, okay! If you shaddup I'll tell you. So, you know that American blonde, Bianca I think,"[/b] Sammy's ears perked a bit more, [b]"Well, she just blurted out who she's wants to go to the dance with. Can you believe that? What a silly girl." "Well, who did she say, Gabby?"[/b] one of the girls nearly jumped in anticipation. The overjoy of someone's misfortune was starting to sicken Sammy. However, it was like a train wreck; you couldn't take your eyes (or ears) away from it. Shoving his hand into one pocket, Sammy, unadmittedly as eager as the giddy girls, listened in for the closure. [b]"I don't know what she sees in this guy, he's a complete butthole,"[/b] Gabby flipped a curl of her red hair, [b]"but she's looking to ask Quincy to the dance. Isn't that absurd?" "Are you jealous?" "Of course not! Why should I be jealous of that Barbie?"[/b] Gabby spat, and apologized to her blonde friend, [b]"I plan on asking Quincy myself. We'll see who gets jealous after that."[/b] Even though it broke Sammy's heart to hear that his best friend/crush had it for Quincy, rather than himself, he decided to turn around. [b]"What are we--little seven year old girls fighting over our favorite doll? You're all pathetic. Gossiping about someone more fortunate in looks than you won't help your problems,"[/b] Sammy approached Gabby and glared down at the group, [b]"Bianca happens to be my best friend, and I won't stand to hear this. If I weren't such a nice guy to the ladies, I'd have it in my mind to go straight to both her and Quincy and discuss with them about their thoughts on this matter. Believe me, when it involves himself, Quincy is not as forgiving as I am."[/b] With that, Sammy shoved his way through the group and stormed into the English hallway. This was entirely new for Sammy. He adored, maybe a bit more than he should, Bianca. And Quincy happened to be the one guy he really respected on a superior level. He hated when his friends were trashed on, but he hated the idea that Quincy had Bianca's favor. His mind ran in several directions; [i]should I tell Quincy? should I tell Bianca? I don't want her to go to the dance with him...but I want her to be happy. Quincy's a nice gentleman, I would trust him over anyone with her safety...[/i] Mixed feelings coursed through his body so quickly, he forgot he planned on going to the locker room to get a spare pair of jeans and walked up to the English door. A few students walked past him and entered the classroom. As the door continuously opened and shut, Sammy caught a glimpse of Bianca talking with Leah. Both were smiling, B's face was bright red with obvious embarassment and anger, but she was laughing with Leah. He stared at the door for a minute, which to him seemed to drag out into hours. [i]What should I do? I want to take her to the dance. But I want her to be happy with whatever she wants to do. I have to say something about that Gabby. If I tell her, she'll get even more upset. Nah, I'll talk to Quincy about that..[/i] Sammy began to pace outside the door. [b]"Sammy!"[/b] a voice rang out before he could react. Just as he turned to see who called his name, door swung open to slam him into the lockers. Jumping up and down to get the pain out of his body, Sammy looked for his victim. Someone was going to pay for that. Luckily, no one saw his meeting with the door. Turns out, there was a girl named Sammantha [Sammy for short] and one of her friends called to her. Throwing his hands in the air and dropping them to his sides, Sammy took a deep breath and decided he would be the "happy go lucky friendly guy" for now. With a new found respect for doors, Sammy grabbed onto the handle and flung the door open. [b]"Hey ladies,"[/b] he marched up to the two and purposefully interrupted. [b]"Speak of the devil,"[/b] Leah giggled as Sammy wrapped one arm around her neck, which was soon followed by Bianca jabbing her elbow into Leah's side. [b]"What's this? A secret from [i]me[/i]? You know, I'm bound to find out eventually. Even if it is 'girl talk', I'd like to be kept in the loop, y'know?"[/b] Sammy wrapped his other arm around Bianca. [b]"Psh, good luck,"[/b] she teased, sticking her tongue out at him. [b]"Aw, come on. What could be so terribly secretive?"[/b] Sammy then let the girls go and sat down in the desk next to Leah. He knew very well what was being talked about, but he thought best to leave the subject under the desk for now. He turned around to face the front of the room and rubbed his hands over his face. Leah turned around as well, throwing a piece of an eraser at him. The rubber pegged him in the face, and a small choir of giggles erupted from the two girls. [b]"Ha ha, very funny, Leah,"[/b] Sammy smirked, tossing it back at her. [b]"Mr. Carter, your undivided attention today would be wonderful,"[/b] an older man in the front of the room cleared his throat. [b]"Yes'sir,"[/b] Sammy coughed and adjusted back into his seat. Almost automatically, his thoughts went back to trying to sum up what had happened minutes ago in the hall. Soon, the noise of the room began to drift into one hum. The electrical fan on the teacher's desk, his raspy voice and incoherent ramblings, whispers and student's desks adjusting, everything blurred. All he could hear was his heart beating slow and steadily, and his nerves fizzing with jealousy, anger, and a creeping emotion of heart ache. [i]Will this class ever end..[/i] Sammy glanced at the clock above the blackboard; not even close to being over.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=#D10000]Sadly, I'm still without GW. My wireless connection is really weak, and I don't have the money to keep going down to the net cafe and buy their coffee to get net access. Hopefully, within the next month, I'll be able to get my net problem fixed. I miss you guys! ;_; [/color][/size]

[quote name='Kitty][color=#006aaf][size=1] It's just been kinda messed up by *cough* a certain few people. v.v [/size'][/color][/quote] [color=indigo][size=1]A-freakin-greed. ULX and Imi, I tried to pull our characters together in my last post--hoping to get some sort of stability. Please don't leave ;_; If one of you goes, I know the other would soon follow >: (. I suggest everyone find a little "click" and try not to stray too far from each other. Once you have a few people you team up with, you can meet up with other players much easier. This kind of dillutes everyone scattering about, trying to figure out what to do next. I'm not saying you can't leave the RPG, but if you'd really like to keep writing, just keep in mind that the story is still rocky. I see that in the RPG, there is a major thing in motion (*cough*the teachers having a conference with parents that we want to crash to see what the hell is going on with the teahcers..which happens to be the agenda of the story*cough*) and then we have side stories going on; people doing their own thing. This causes confusion. Get your character involved with someone else. PM someone, catch them on AIM, work something out. I'd like to see everyone pull through. If too many people leave, it's only going to make it harder for others to write their character's posts. But, that's on me. I'm staying...not that anyone else's character depends on him for their crush, lol, but doesn't mean my leaving will make the story easier.[/size][/color]

[color=indigo][size=1][b]Name[/b]- Pao Li Fei (Fay-ee) [b]Age[/b]- 24 [b]Gender[/b]- Female [b]Faction[/b]- Ronin [b]Personality[/b]- Stern and uncompassionate, cool and so silent, her presence is often undetectable. Her life was no simple life, particularly the past 12 years of her life, so her attitude is bitter and quite blatant. She speaks only when she feels the person is worthy of hearing her voice. Fei?s been known to be merciless and ruthless, so trying to reason with her when she?s set on killing you is useless. [b]Appearance[/b]- [url=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/ninja.jpg][b]Fei?s[/b][/url] a small woman, standing at just over 4?10? and weighing close to 95 lbs, making it difficult to determine if she is a woman or a child. Most of Fei?s body is wrapped in white muslin*. Over that, Fei wears a silk, sleeveless red Chinese robe with black trimming and stitching--her cloth face mask is made of the exact same fabric. Her hair is as ebony as her eyes and is held back by a black bandana. On the bandana is a molded plate of pewter that Fei uses as a weapon. She also wears a small, skull charm in the length of her hair, near her face, for luck and protection. This charm was given to her by Lord Hoji.* [I][* will be explained in biography][/i] [b]Weapon[/b]- A bit out of traditional Chinese orthodox, Fei uses a deadly weapon. When on the prowl, she wears specially made straps on her arms that tie down thin blades along the length of her forearm. But no matter where she is, Fei totes around a Chinese Halberd. Normally the weapon stands at 6? tall, but in Fei?s case, it is at 5? tall. The shaft of the Halberd is 4? long and made of oak that is wrapped tightly with leather for desirable gripping. The blade is one foot long and forged twice for maximum durability. The edge is so sharp, rumors went about that Fei was able to cut through trees with little fight. Right where the blade and shaft conjoin, a group of three skull charms are tied with horse?s hair. These are similar to the charm in her hair, and jingle whenever the Halberd is in use. [b]Fighting Style[/b]- Yet again, Fei does not give too much notice to Chinese rules--or any sort of martial art rules, at that. Her style is sort of self-developed and a bit hard to watch because it is harsh and angry. Yet, her movement is fluid and graceful, almost as if she were performing ballet. Fei stays close to using long-ranged attacks because of her Halberd, but she?s not completely incompetent in close-ranged attacks. This is the point where all her grace fails and you see her become a boxer. Her hand-to-hand is raw and wild. Also, getting too close to Fei might get you in a constricting headlock. [b]Short Bio/Character Snippet[/b]- Fei was born and raised for twelve years of her life in China, obviously. Here she learned only what women were supposed to learn; cooking, raising a family, and taking care of farm. She grew up in a house full of 5 older brothers and one younger sister, so being a lady was hardly in the cards. Despite her father?s expectations, Fei?s brothers taught her how to fight with staves and daggers. At the age of 12, Fei decided she wanted to be a warrior, instead of a wife. Her father, as you might have guessed, wouldn?t allow it and sent her to a school developed especially for training females how to be females. Shortly after enrolling and leaving her family to stay in the school, Fei?s home village was invaded and burnt to the ground by the Japanese. Her family, along with the villagers, was massacred. It didn?t take long for the Japanese to make their way up the countryside and arrive in the small town Fei now resided in. [I][b]?In here, I hear movement.?[/b] Fei shuffled back in her closet, praying that the men wouldn?t find her. She had recognized the language to be Japanese, and could only understand certain words. She watched in horror as two men outstandingly dressed in red armor ransacked her bedroom. Their steel swords glittered disdainfully in the light from the candles. She was certain they were what her teacher called ?samurai?. Daring to get a clearer view of the magnificent warriors, Fei gently pressed her face to the wooden slats of the closet door to peer out between them. To her misfortune, the door cricked and opened slightly. This was enough to catch the samurai?s attention and the door was quickly flung open. Jumping back, Fei screamed as one of them grabbed a handful of her hair and jerked her out of the closet. With no respect for her age or her gender, the man dropped her at his feet and pressed a foot against her throat. [b]?P-please??[/b] Fei stuttered in the best punctuation of Japanese she could muster, her tiny hand squeezing weakly around the samurai?s ankle. [b]?Yazuke, quickly,?[/b] the other man ordered. Fei managed a light growl, her teeth gritting together as she reached under her nightgown for a hidden dagger. Fast as she could, Fei buried her small knife into the samurai?s calf. Yelling in pain and anger, the samurai raised his sword high above his head. Fei shut her eyes tightly, sending hot tears streaming down her cheeks. She tried to gather her last thoughts and turn them into prayers to see her family in the afterlife. However, her organization and rush stretched out longer than expected. She forced one eye open to see the man sheathing his katana. He pulled the dagger from his leg and dropped it to the floor. Smirking, he bent down and tore a long strip of fabric from Fei?s nightgown. [b]?I cannot, Kato,?[/b] he said wrapping his leg tightly with muslin. [b]?What are you saying?! Kill the damn child! She could?ve killed you!?[/b] Kato shouted, removing his own katana. [b]?No, I think we can make use of her. Actually, I think we should clean her up and present her to Lord Hoji,?[/b] Yazuke crouched down and brushed back a lock of Fei?s hair and wiped a spatter of his blood from her face, [b]?How would you like to meet our master, little girl??[/b] She looked up to see her would-be killer smiling down at her. Confused and frightened, Fei nodded slowly. As if she had said ?yes? to his marriage proposal, Yazuke laughed and stood up, grabbing Fei?s hand. [b]?Wise choice, little one. What is your name?? ?Pao Li Fei,?[/b] she proudly stated, wiping the tears away. [b]?Interesting name. Very strong, I think I?ve heard of the Pao Li family before,?[/b] Kato finally sheathed his sword. [b]?All right then, Fei, let us take you to meet our master. I feel you should become a great warrior for him.?[/b] (Some days later) [b]?Fei, I introduce you to Lord Hoji,?[/b] Yazuke put his hand on her frail shoulder, pushing her gently to bow before the man. Fei sunk to her knees and put her palms face down on the ground. The man laughed and knelt in front of her. His hand slipped under her chin and he raised her face to examine her. Nodding once, Lord Hoji stood up and motioned for her to do the same. [b]?I have something for you, Fei. But you have to promise you?ll pledge your allegiance to me, and only me,?[/b] he sat back down on his mat and patted the one in front of him. Fei slowly made her way to the mat and sat down. Lord Hoji then pushed a small, wooden box towards her. Staring briefly at Lord Hoji, Fei took the box in her hand and opened it to see a bouquet of four tiny skulls. [b]?They are charms meant to protect my precious things. They are also said to bring those who have them good fortune.? ?Your Highn--?[/b] Fei started. [b]?Please, child, call me Lord Hoji. That ?highness? talk makes me uneasy,?[/b] the man chuckled. [b]?Lord Hoji, with this gift, what exactly is it supposed to mean?? ?It means, I will grant you life--food, money, security, whatever you want is yours, if you agree to train to become one of my elite.? ?Do you mean, you want me to be a samurai??[/b] Fei?s excitement could barely be contained. [b]?That is what I want. Now, the question is, are you willing to forget your past and begin a new life under my rule??[/b] Lord Hoji sipped at his sake. Fei looked down at the skulls. This means she would have to become a slave. She would never be Japanese, and she would never be Chinese again. She understood that if she was to agree to Hoji?s more than generous offer, her life would be much harder. If she were to agree, she would betray her family. If she were to disagree, she would be killed and she would no longer have the opportunity to avenge her people. [b]?Lord Hoji, I will become your best samurai,?[/b] with a faint smile, Fei tied one skull in her hair and bowed.[/I] Since that day, twelve years ago, Fei's struggled to survive the cruel treatment from male warriors and the entire Japanese culture. Years of torment for being a woman and being Chinese have hardened her heart and personality. Just as an insight on the abuse she had to bear: when she was 19 years old, Fei was chased down in a training yard by villagers and was pushed into a natural hot spring. The water was so hot, Fei suffered severe burns on eighty percent of her body. The scars are so embarassing and painful to her pride, Fei covers them up by wrapping her body in muslin cloth. In a way, Fei did die twelve years back. It wasn't until Lord Hoji's assassination did Fei ever feel.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo]Quincy sat between Sammy and Dameon, growling lightly in annoyance. Smiling, Sammy gave him a nudge and nodded at the dance poster. [b]"Are you going?"[/b] Sammy poked curiously at the rubbish the lunch lady plopped on his tray. [b]"I hadn't really thought on the subject. There's no one in particular I'd like to even think of asking,"[/b] Quincy brushed at his lap, as if there were crumbs on him. [b]"Tell me about it,"[/b] Dameon huffed, deciding to stomach his spoonful of slop. [b]"How about you, Samuel?"[/b] Quincy had a way of making Sammy feel out of place. Whether it was the way he spoke or how he pronounced his name, in fact, how he said his full name, Sammy couldn't figure it out. Nonetheless, he really did like Quincy; he could be a jerk or he coiuld be the nicest friend, if you were on his good side--and that, in itself, was a tough mission to accomplish. [b]"I would like to ask Bianca,"[/b] Sammy started, looking over in her direction, [b]"But I have a strange feeling she's got someone else in mind."[/b] Both Dameon and Quincy joined Sammy's stare for a split second before looking back at him. Lost in thought, Sammy's fork snapped from the maximum weight of the cheap plastic and dumped right onto his lap. Dameon attempted to cover his laughter with another spoonful of food, while Quincy sighed and cleaned his glasses. Irritated more than embarassed, Sammy threw the other half of his fork on his tray and began to wipe himself. [b]"Well, after you get a fresh pair of pants, I think you should ask Bianca anyway. What's the worse that could happen, her say 'no'?"[/b] Dameon gagged on the aftertaste of whatever was on that spoon. [b]"Yeah, that's the thing, though. If I ask her, and she says 'no', she'll know for sure that I'm crazy about her,"[/b] Sammy groaned, giving up on trying to wipe completely clean. [b]"Not necessarily. If she does turn you down--I mean, says 'no, just play it off as if it didn't bother you if she had said 'yes',"[/b] Quincy slid his glasses back onto his nose. [b]"I don't think I'll be able to hold it back, man. She looks straight into your eyes when she talks to you, or you talk to her. She can read me like an open book,"[/b] Sammy ruffled his hair and paused, [b]"God, do I ever hate that. She's the only person that can do that to me. If I break her gaze, she'll know." "Well, Samuel, all I can tell you is if you really like her, you're either going to ask her or going to let her go with some other guy,"[/b] Quincy rose from his seat, [b]"Because either way, she'll be happy." "Gee, thanks Quince,"[/b] Sammy muttered leaving the table, [b]"Give me a ring lat--oh, I almost forgot!"[/b] He stopped and jumped ontop of his table, rattling whatever trays were left. [b]"Everyone, listen up! Class meeting after the last bell in the courtyard. Be there, or be square,"[/b] Sammy hopped down and continued towards the door. [b]"Sammy, you were saying?"[/b] Dameon called out, tossing his tray carelessly into the garbage. [b]"Oh, you guys give me a ring if you are going to the dance. Maybe we all could go together,"[/b] Sammy joked, throwing the two a playful wink and shoving the doors open.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=indigo][b]?So where shall be off too for the next..?[/b] Bianca looked at her watch, [b] ?90 minutes??[/b] Sammy yawned, stretching his long arms high above the girls' heads and bringing them down to hug both of them to him. He smiled as he felt Leah's body tense up. [b]"I don't know. We could get into trouble wherever we go,"[/b] he let his arm away from Leah and scratched at his side. He looked down at Bianca who gazed around at the bustling city. She had a soft smirk and her nose twitched a few times, indicating she was in deep contemplation. The three stopped at the intersection and waited for the crosswalk light to blink. Leah searched the pole for a button, Bianca yawned and walked out of Sammy's arm. He snorted lightly and pulled on her ponytail. [b]"Honk!"[/b] he giggled as she twirled around slapping. [b]"Okay, children. Hold hands while we cross the street,"[/b] Leah laughed, her right hand grabbing onto Sammy's left and her left hand grabbing onto Bianca's right. With a light jerk, Leah lead the way across the street. [b]"Ew, I don't want your coodies,"[/b] Sammy stuck out his tongue, [b]"Besides, where are you taking us?" "You'll just have to wait and see,"[/b] Leah blew him a raspberry. [b]"So, what do you really think's going on with the teachers? I mean, not only is Ms. Florh acting strange, but Mr. Perkinson has been sending students to the principal's office for asking to borrow a pencil,"[/b] Bianca adjusted her now loose ponytail, [b]"And we all know that he was the sweetest, and most liked, teacher in school." "I'm not sure what's going on. My mom said there's a parent teach conference in a few days. Maybe we should sneak in and see what's happening,"[/b] Sammy paused, leaning back against a small coffee shop's window. [b]"Sounds like a plan. You think we should ask others to come along?"[/b] Bianca stopped, throwing her fists on her hips. [b]"I say we go for it. We should all get together after school, or at lunch, and discuss it,"[/b] Leah cheered. [b]"Yeah, when we get back to class, just pass on the word. We'll meet in the court yard at the last bell,"[/b] Sammy pushed himself away and looked over his shoulder to see their Literature teacher staring straight back at him through the window, [b]"Ladies, I suggest we run right about now--"[/b] Sammy pushed the two forward as the teacher started for the door. It was Mrs. Sherman, one of the school's cruelest teachers. He had failed her class once, and caused a number of reckless fights in her classroom. Since then, she's made it her life's goal to bring him down. [b]"What is she doing here?!"[/b] Leah shouted, breaking into a trot, Bianca close behind her. [b]"She's probably asking herself the same question about us! Besides, she doesn't have a class this hour,"[/b] Sammy bolted down the sidewalk, almost tripping over a newspaper stand. [/color][/size]

[size=1][color=indigo][b]"What do you mean I'm excluded from this assignment?"[/b] Sammy's deep voice rolled over the loud whispering of the rest of his classmates. The flimsy teacher just shook her head, keeping that perfectly friendly smile centered in her face. Sammy pushed himself off of her desk and rubbed his left shoulder furiously, the obvious sign that he was getting angry. His flamming eyes glanced around to notice Bianca trying to throw him a curious look. He attempted to put on a reassuring smile, but quickly turned his attention back on Ms. Florh. [b]"Well, you're the odd man out, Samuel. You'll just have to write up a different assignment,"[/b] with the same psychotic smile, Ms. Florh handed him a sheet of instructions, [b]"I expect this on my desk by Monday morning. That is more than enough time for the likes of you. You may take your seat now."[/b] After glaring in disbelief for a few seconds, Sammy snatched the paper from her delicate fingers. Ms. Florh's body twitched with either fright or surprise, Sammy couldn't tell. Ms. Florh had always treated Sammy differently than the rest of her students. With a hefty sigh, he weaved in and out of the desks to get to his single desk in the corner. He studied the instructions and frowned in disappointment. Instead of learning more about the cute girls in his class, Sammy was forced to do research on the history of the school's library. He grunted and sat back with his arms folded tightly across his chest. Light and nervous laughter floated in one ear and out the other as Sammy gazed boredly over the room. He couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of all his guy friends. But then again, he really didn't have too strong of emotions. Sure, all the chicks in his class were very attractive, however, there was just one he couldn't get over. She was perfect in his eyes. Sammy sheepishly stared over at Bianca, hoping she wouldn't notice him. [i]Hmph, I really do hate Jason right now,[/i] he thought, smiling every time she smiled or laughed. [b]"Mr. Carter! I suggest you do something more constructive than day dream,"[/b] Mr. Florh's voice shook lightly with anger and hesitation, snapping Sammy right out of his thoughts. [b]"Jesus, lady. Well, can I be excused to the library?"[/b] Sammy retorted, throwing his arms in the air. [b]"I have to write you a hallpass, first, silly,"[/b] the woman absolutely baffled him. First, she was tormenting him by seperating him from Bianca and his friends, then she was offering him a free hallpass without any arguement. [i]Is she trying to be "hip and strict" or was her medication acting up? If she's even on medication, and if not, she should be,[/i] Sammy grabbed his backpack and approached her desk with the uttmost caution, [i]God, is she going to leap over the desk and gobble me up, or is she going to hand me a rose with that pass...[/i] Ms. Florh merely cocked her head, that same derranged smile stuck to her face, and held out the pass. Sammy reached out slowly and plucked the piece of paper from her grip and speedily made his way for the door. [b]"Psycho,"[/b] he let out, closing the door behind him and shutting out the burst of laughter that soon followed. [/color][/size]

[size=1][color=indigo]I wasn't happy with my last submission anyway. On top of that, I don't know the character's names because they are from hentai :animeswea So, I guess I'll give this yet another go with an area I'm more familiar with. [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/john5bav.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] John "John 5" Lowery [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [formerly], guitarist [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/golden15av.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name[/b]- John "John 5" Lowery [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [formerly], guitarist [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/81av.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name[/b]- Jeordie "Twiggy Ramirez" White [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [formerly]/ A Perfect Circle [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/whitemanson.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name[/b]- Marilyn Manson [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/studio6av.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name[/b]- Marilyn Manson [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/orangemansonav.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name[/b]- Marilyn Manson [b]Category[/b]- Music, Marilyn Manson [b]Edit-[/b] I've tacked on another set. Enjoy. [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/6cf6db76.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/7c14f623.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/51b37732.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/baavi3.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/baavi7.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/baavi6.jpg[/IMG] [b]Name-[/b] Alita [b]Category-[/b] Anime/Manga, Battle Angel Alita [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=sienna][b]Name-[/b] Samuel "Sammy" Carter [b]Age-[/b] 18 [b]Gender-[/b] Male [b]Apprearance-[/b] [see attachment] Standing at a towering 6'1" tall and weighing 180 pounds in muscle, Sammy will be seen in a pair of slightly baggy blue jeans with several holes and tears and a faded back, right pocket from where his wallet is, a pair of dark brown boots, and a loose, but fitting T-shirt. His blue-black hair dangles over his eyes, touching his lips, giving him a dark and mysterious character. It is unruley, but not disshelved; he can run his fingers through it as long as he wants, but it still goes right back into place. [b]Personality-[/b] Most people will call him arrogant and cocky, but in fact, Sammy's quite--well, okay, a tad arrogant and cocky. But all around, he's a push-over, particularly with the ladies. Sammy may be a bit brash and playful, but he does know how to respect and appreciate women. Don't mess with his friends, guy or girl. But, word of advice, if you so happen to mess with any of his girl pals, you'd better move out of state. Sammy has been known to "hunt" down guys and beat the tar out of them. In fact, Sammy got suspended for a week from school for smashing a chair into a jock's face for talking trash about his crush. [b]Short Bio-[/b] Growing up for Sammy was rough. The oldest child, and the only male out of 5 children, he was forced to grow up faster than he was supposed to. He and his family lived in the harsh countryside of Australia, purely homeschooled and born to farm for survival. At the age of 14, Sammy was weighed down with more responsibility when his father died while trying to tame a horse. Try as they might, Sammy and his mother were unable to bring in enough crop to feed the family. So, it was time for them to move to the city and find jobs. Sammy's mother was able to get a decent job as a school cook, and Sammy was stuck with an over-working warehouse. High school was another sort of hell for Sammy. Because he was homeschooled, Sammy had to be held back to meet the city's schooling laws; this only confused teens because he was a year or two older, but in the same grade. So, you can imagine the tormenting words from the same age group, but higher grades. Being seperated from his youngest 2 sisters really irritated him. Being in the same building as the older girls wasn't all that promising either; not when he was in the principal's office everyday for slugging guys for taunting them. At the age of 16, Sammy managed to meet the girl of his dreams. She was a cute blonde from the US who totally got all the guy's attention whenever she entered a room. Her name was Bianca. Now, Sammy is a well-spoken guy, but when it came to saying "hello" to Bianca, it were as if he had lost his breath and he had forgotten how to speak English. Once he finally did manage a "hi", the smile on her face took his heart captive, and he's never been able to leave her side. She's had boyfriends, sure, and each time Sammy kept a close eye. But, as respectful as he is, he kept his distance--even though it killed him inside that someone else was able to hold and hug her, rather than him. No matter who her eyes rested upon, the two have remained good friends. [b]The Crush[/b]- "B"[/size][/color]

[font=tahoma][color=sienna]Yeah, I would much rather die than to live forever--especially alone. If someone offered me the power to live forever, and to offer one other person immortality, I still wouldn't do it. I wouldn't ask someone to live forever with me. I couldn't bear watching all of my friends and family pass on. I would much rather die with the one I love, when we're old and ready.[/font][/color]

[font=tahoma][color=sienna]Oh yes, finally someone else. I loved this series for the style, story, and characters. I was disappointed with the length, though. I am hoping the side stories come out in their own series. There were two side stories at the end of book three, I think. A sad, but romantic story. I really wish it wouldn't have ended so soon. It felt like there was more to explain. [/font][/color]

[font=tahoma]Hehe, I met my "one and only" [Parabola] here on the OB. To be more specific, we met while writing together in an RPG called "War in the Shadows". It was hardly romantic, actually, lol. Our characters were in conflict with one another, and he was supposed to kill mine. But every time his character found his way to mine, he would beat the poo out of her, but he wouldn't kill her. So, I was a bit confused and irritated because I was sort of left with nothing each time he posted. I ended up PMing him, asking him what the hell was going on. We kept PMing each other, getting to know one another a bit. Your usual "so, how long have you been a member, do you like it here, how did you find the OB" stuff. Then one day, out of boredom, I put an advertisment in my signature. It went something like "Looking for a husband. Do you think you have what it takes? PM me for an application.". Though I was PMed by a few people, I was really hoping (in that girlish way) that Joe [SilpheedPilot at the time] would see. At the end of the day, I came home from school and logged onto the OB to see that he had PMed me. His PM went along the lines of "So, uh, is that application still open?" That was September 28th, 2003. And we've been with each other ever since.[/font]

[font=tahoma]I've been in an online relationship with Parabola a little over two years now. We've had it rough from time to time, but we've learned that there are things we can't control. For us, it's all about acceptance. We realize we're long distance, we realize that either of us may date other people, and we've come to accept that. Once we learned how to accept our relationship status, it made things a lot easier. People can tell me that they don't think my relationship with him is healthy for me, or that it's not a good idea, or whatever--but I tell those people to bug off. I don't care what everyone says, I know my relationship, and I know that he and I have something no one can ever understand. Well, perhaps Jamie and Trevor might. ^_~[/font]

[font=tahoma]It's tough to argue/debate in a forum because of the fact that you can't get a voice, a physical voice. There's no way to tell if someone's being a jerk, as opposed to being serious and civil. So, I may say "I really don't like cheese. At all." and some cheese lover out there could take my statement as being really offensive. There's absolutely no real way to defend whether you were being civil or attacking someone. That's mainly what starts fights--people take things too personally. Now, there are times when you can tell someone's attacking you. It's just that you have to keep in mind that this is just the internet--even I have a hard time remembering that. Especially, when I'm in a debate with a newer member to the OB. I can usually tell when, say, Brasil is actually arguing because I've known him for a good long while now. That goes for all the older members that I know, and "grew up" with here. But if kuro came at me with a debate, I wouldn't have any idea whether kuro was being resentful or wanting a good, clean debate; because I don't know kuro. [/font]