Annie

[font=tahoma]9 years old, my closest friend died [at 9 years of age] in a 3-wheeler accident. He was climbing a hill that was too steep and he fell off, the 3-wheeler fell on top of him. He was brain dead before they got him to the hospital. Being at that age, it was so hard for me to grasp the fact that I wouldn't be able to play outside with him ever again--yet, I understood that. Even though I was only 9, I understood, and now that I'm older, I wonder if that was what was so hard for me. To be 9, and fully understand the meaning of death. Losing Garrett is probably one of the most difficult things for me to get over. To this day, I'm still at a loss for him and I haven't recovered completely. I miss him terribly, and I never stop thinking of him. [/font]

[font=tahoma]Well, I've had many of images for MyO page--I like to change it around constantly. But my favorite is this one: [center][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/kuraitest2.jpg[/IMG][/center] It came out better than I had planned, actually, lol. It really wasn't supposed to look like a mirror, but more of just...a picture framed. The white is supposed to be there, the whole page was white--so it looked like a picture floating. I am really proud of this one; it's probably the best of whatever graphics I've toyed with. I'm a huge fan of Kaori Yuki's art, and I try to make my tributes to her in any way I can. I've tried to do some drawings, I've tried to make banner/avi sets, and I do decorate most of MyO designs with my favorite characters from Angel Sanctuary--but this image just really hit the spot. [/font]

[font=tahoma]Sadly, lot of educational stereotypes are racial diversed. Asians are considered to be highly intelligent solely on the fact that they are devoted to perfection, are dedicated to discipline, and are very strict. It is unfortunate that much is expected from you by your peers, just because of your race; it really casts you out of the group with that "Oh, we all know what he'll/she'll get. /roll of the eyes" attitude. The same thing happens to African Americans, and Hispanics. It's disgusting that some crowds take to them as being less intelligent. I know plenty of very, very smart African Americans and Hispanics. I see how some of them struggle to prove that they are smart, and it's just--heartbreaking that some don't get the recognition they've strived and worked so hard for. I don't necessarily hate people who get good grades. I dislike the kind who flaunt it, and use that as a tool. It's a shame, and a waste of intelligence.[/font]

[font=tahoma]I myself hate spiders, centipedes (however that's spelt), and maggots. But, for as much as I hate spiders, you have to respect them, and what they [b]can[/b] do. I'm choosing the "brown recluse/fiddle back". This is one spider you do not want to mess around with. The reasons are in plain black and white on the website that I'll link into the scientific name. But I'll just give you an overview of this disgusting creature. [url=http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2061.html][i][b]Loxosceles reclusa[/b][/i][/url] Now, I'm not going to plagiarize OSU's website; so if you'd like more details, read up on it. The information given in that site could very well save your limbs, or your life, if you ever get bit by this spider. Anyhow, this spider gets its nickname [fiddle back] from the violin/fiddle coloring on its back. The spider is brown, and normally doesn't get any bigger than a silver dollar--but that's not always what you'll find. You may see small, darker ones, or large lighter ones. These spiders are the most feared mainly because they are extremely fast, they like to "play dead", and their venom is wickedly strong. A single bite can kill you, if gone untreated. Also, a bite will rot the flesh and muscle around it. I've met people who've gotten bit and they showed me the marks--only, the marks aren't scars; they're craters, holes, in the person's arm/leg/buttock/face. It's scary what this spider can do to you. I remember in the third grade, I was crawling under a house to get to a dog and her puppies. The next day, I was running a very high fever, and my arm was aching so badly, it made me sick. When my teacher lifted my sleeve, she gasped at the swelling. My right arm was scarlett red and burning. So, I was rushed to the emergency room where the doctor diagnosed that I didn't get bit, but the spider could've ran across my arm after feeding and the venom might've just dripped on my arm. If just a surface exposure did that, imagine what a full-fledged bite could do. I used to live in Oklahoma, so the fiddle back was the most common spider. If states had a state spider, the brown recluse would be that. My dad and I were cleaning out our shed, and we pulled off a six foot by four foot sheet of wood from the wall, and the [b]entire[/b] area where the plywood was moved with brown recluses. God it was so disgusting. He and I ran so fast, it was unbelievable. These spiders are incredibly fast, and [b]highly[/b] aggressive. If you recognize one, do not try to catch it. Kill it as soon as possible, and with the bottom of your shoe or some solid object. DO NOT kill it with the bottom of your bare foot, or with your hand. And when you kill it, make sure you squish it good. If you smack it, do it repeatedly. They do play dead, and when you think it's dead and lean over to check it out..be very careful, they jump and run after you. Nasty little buggers. I hate spiders, but this one really scares the piss out of me. Mean, fast, tricky, and very dangerous. I cannot stress how bad they are. Stay away from them. [i]*If you would like to see the damage of these spiders venom, google "brown recluse". Only do so if you have a strong stomach. [/i][/font]

Eh, I tried for that Mad King guy, but there were too many people and too many things going on at once, it was an overload for my poor computer. I couldn't even take one step without reeling, so trying to do all the "Simon says" bull was hell. I couldn't even type...so heh. I visitied with Warlock today and he caught me up to speed on all the Halloween treats in the game. I think my favorite was the candy corn guards ^_^ They looked so tasty. (I happen to love candy corn, fyi) Well, as most (if not all) of you guys know, I'm no longer a part of QKT. I've started my own guild, and I'm doing fine. Very small at the moment, and I was just in-game to recruit...but I kinda stopped after I got some guy telling me he was a 59-year-old grandfather. Not that I have a problem with it, but I had the distinct feeling that he was jerking me around. It was pretty weird, lol. He just bluntly said "im a grandpa in rl who works in the garden and cleans house while my wife is at work"...... :animestun Whether he was telling the truth or not, I just got a creepy vibe.

[quote] *shrug* I ran out of ideas. Yeah, RPGs are here.[/quote] Silly. The theme was a pleasant surprise. I really like the picture in the banner. It's--sweet, in the morbid sense. And yes, I liked the pun of hanging around ^_^ [size=1][b]Edit[/b]- Damn that tophat!! O_< *shakes fist* [/size]

[size=1]I have a horrible memory when it comes to simple things, but I'll see how far back I can remember. One year, I was a hobo. It was the easiest costume ever. All I did was take an old shirt and rip it in places, did the same to an old, baggy pair of jeans, then I went outside into the dirt driveway (oh, this was when I was still in Oklahoma, mind you) and rolled around for a bit..>_> The bad thing, Oklahoma's notorious for having really cold Halloween nights, so I had to wear like three layers of clothes underneath the rags. But that was a fun costume, lol. Another year, still in Oklahoma, I was a firefighter (go figure, since I was one). Only, I actually wore the gear...and I will tell you, I was not cold that Halloween. The gear itself weighs (all together) in at about 60 pounds. The bad thing, I didn't get very far in town before I decided I couldn't walk anymore. But I did stay warm and got lots of candy. And, if we happened to get a fire, I'd be prepared. I've only dressed up for one of 3 Halloweens here in New York. That was last year, and I was at an adult novelty/Halloween party. It was...interesting, to say the least. I can't tell you the details of what that party was about, but I'll say there were tons of skimpy costumes. Mine wasn't too revealing, but it was hot. I was a dominatrix..and I still have the whip and handcuffs to prove it. :animenose (And no, no one gets pictures..so don't even ask.) This year, if I had to work, I was planning on a morbid Tinker Bell. I don't know how I would've done it, but that's one of 2 ideas I had. The other idea, and what I more than likely would've done, is to be Allison Goldfrapp. If you listen to Electronica (or you're friends with peopel who do), you know that she's a very tiny woman with curly blonde hair..and has a great voice. Everytime I see pictures of her, or her music videos, she's usually wearing over-the-knee boots and some form of lingerie. So, I was going to get a wig, and dig around in my underwear drawer for the rest, lol. Pretty simple outfit, I'd say. I wonder how well that'd go over at work O_O But I don't get to find out. I'm not working on Halloween, pity. And I have no other reason to dress up..so oh well.[/size]

[size=1]Any media store would sell it, and it would pretty much be the same price no matter where you went. I've seen it sold in Wal-Mart, Best Buy, EB Games, Game Stop, F.Y.E (For Your Entertainment), Circuit City, Media Play...basically, anywhere that sells DVDs, CDs, games. So, I guess whichever store is near you would be the place to look/buy from. [/size]

[size=1]So, I enter the Frost Gate outpost after pwning in Borlis Pass with Dev, and I was waiting for my graphics to load. Low and behold, I just happened to land by this: [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/untitled.jpg[/IMG] Now, mind you, at a first glance, it looked just like our cape. I thought it was one of the guys, and [i]almost[/i] started up a conversation with this person. Notice the color difference, but with my graphics still loading it looked like one of us at a first look. My character in that picter is Tatum Deadly, Ranger/Necromancer. I got to the bonus of Frost Gate and got swarmed by Summit dwarves. Which would've been okay, if it weren't for the [b]3[/b] Dolyak Riders. :animeangr So, naturally, I attacked them first..but since there was 3, I couldn't kill one. They just kept healing each other ;_; Anyway, yeah. Just thought I'd share that rare moment of seeing a nearly twin of the QKT.[/size]

[size=1]I guess it would really depend on the stability of the existing relationship, and the relationship you had when you were dating. I would find it harder to be friends with an ex-boyfriend if we had a wonderful relationship. It would be very hard for me to adjust to being "just friends" after having a special bond with someone that you can't get from friendship. It would be uncomfortable, and I wouldn't be sure of how I were supposed to act/treat the other person. Then again, if they were a complete and utter jerk, I might have trouble looking at them the same way again. That could also work out to an advantage. There are just some people you adore as friends, but wouldn't be able to carry out a relationship with. Some of my guy friends I just absolutely love more than anything, but I couldn't find myself dating them because I know how they treat other girls, or I just know some disgusting habits that I find funny..but wouldn't be so funny if they were dating me, lol. So, it is possible to be friends with your ex's. However, I will say that it can be very tough to achieve a friendship, and there could still be some tension. But I won't say that it's impossible. It really depends on what was said and done in the relationship, and what type of person you and the other partner are. If you're able to say "Oh well, that was then. This is now.", then you've probably got a pretty good chance of working it out. [/size]

[size=1]Hmph, interesting. Well, I came up with a new class (whoo, what a surprise), and decided I should let you all see..who haven't seen her already. She's an Elementalist/Mesmer, and her name is Vernita Greene. You may recognize the name if you are a Kill Bill fan ^_~ Of course, the exact way it's spelt had been taken, so I improvised. *click images to enlarge*[/size] [URL=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/verncata.jpg][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/th_verncata.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/verncata2.jpg][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/th_verncata2.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/vern2.jpg][IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/th_vern2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[size=1][i]OOC: I didn't give a good description of my character's appearance, so [url=http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/scan.jpg][b]this[/b][/url] is what he looks like.[/i] [b]"Impotence, I tell you, Calon. Pure cowards, those other emotions are,"[/b] Anger followed close beside Calon, [b]"Also, do I have to tell you how annoying they all are?"[/b] Calon pretended to ignore him and picked up the pace. The streets were too crowded. Being pushed and shoved and surrounded by harsh society was the thing Calon scampered through so furiously to get away from. Home--home is where he wanted to be; alone and out of the scrutinizing eyes of people who thought they were better than him. Anger scoffed and shoved a young woman into a happy couple. All three turned around to shout and complain, but Calon just kept his pace and didn't even blink, much less turn around to apologize. [b][i]"That was a mean thing you did...you should apologize, you horrible little boy,"[/b][/i] Shame slithered to his ear. [b]"They deserved it, and you know it. Now, get back in-line,"[/b] Anger hissed. [b]"But, they didn't do anything,"[/b] Calon pulled his jacket tighter. [b]"Sure they did, Calon. Did you see the way they were throwing themselves all over each other? It was disgusting, and had a hint of flaunting. I don't like people throwing their glee in the faces of those who are less fortunate. It's cruel, wouldn't you say so yourself?"[/b] Anger jabbed a finger at Calon, a silly grin creeping into the corners of his mouth. [i][b]"Aw, listen to that. It actually sounded like he had a hint of sympathy,"[/b][/i] Forgiveness whispered with a slight chuckle. [b]"Quiet you,"[/b] Anger snapped.[/size]

[size=1][b]"Jules,"[/b] Sakura sat back and folded her arms behind her head, [b]"while we've got three days, teach him some manners." "I would, but it's hopeless. Tried years ago,"[/b] Jules sighed and massaged her temples as she followed Kaizu. [b]"Hey now,"[/b] Kaizu began to retort, but was cut short by running into the door. [b]"Why don't you watch where you're going, Kai-pu? Now, I'm going to go work out. I suggest you go meditate for your focus,"[/b] Jules playfully shoved him out of her path and started for the simulators. Jules had never worked in such extreme climates before, and the only way to prepare was simulation. The hanger was smaller than one would anticipate. Granted, it was huge and housed several "dummy" mechs, but there was hardly any space for movement. Then again, the mechs weren't supposed to move much anyhow. The mock-up mechs were generic and old; spares that were never before used in battle, or were considered to be too inadequate for battle. The hanger was filled with light buzzing and humming from simulators in operation, mechanics working on machinery, and electricity. [b]"Is it possible for me to get one of these bad boys?"[/b] Jules strutted up to an operator. [b]"Of course. Are you on the mission into the Baskin area?"[/b] the operator looked up from his clipboard and quickly realized who he was talking to, snapping to attention. [b]"At ease, Sir. Yes, I'm one of the several pilots entering Baskin. I haven't been into that area before, and I would like to know what I'm getting into,"[/b] Jules pulled her hair back and braided it. [b]"Understandable. I can have a mech ready for you in one hour. I have to run preliminary tests, set programs, all that fun stuff,"[/b] the operator waved the hand that held the pen and set his clipboard down. [b]"That's perfect. When it's ready, send out a page for me. Sergeant Pilot Jullian Ray, is me,"[/b] with that, Jules turned and left the hanger, [b]"Time for some swimming."[/b][/size]

[size=1]Jules stared after Kaizu as he walked out of the room. She gritted her teeth and curled her fists. Kaizu's attitude was really starting to irritate her. This wasn't like him at all. He was melancholy and depressing, not his usual chipper and energetic self. His mood swing also left him incredibly stubborn and closed off; which is what really pisses Jules off the most. [b]"So, what do you think we should do, Ray? Think we should follow him?"[/b] Shoma looked around. [b]"I respect his concerns, naturally, but I'm not letting him go out there by himself. If he says it's as bad as it is, and I have no doubt it's horrible, I'm definitely going. My life or not, I won't let him die alone,"[/b] Tobias stood abruptly and started for the door, [b]"What about you, Jules?"[/b] Jules, deep in thought and scratching mindlessly at her chest, blinked up at him. Without a word, she hopped off of the bed and brisked out of the room. Her stride was smooth and steady, but excited. Not the same excited you get from opening a suprise gift, but the excitement that rushes through your body when you are about to fight. And Jules was ready to do just that. It'd been a few years since she fought with anyone, and never had she fought with Kaizu. She'd never had a reason with him. He was always open-minded and was somewhat agreeable to whatever Jules had to say. But not today, and she wasn't having it. If she and Tobias were going with him, she wasn't going to allow Kaizu to have a closed mind. That, if anything, would get them all killed. Her pace quickened and pepped up as she gained on him. He made a right into the civilian quarters. [i]Just as I thought; heading to the church.[/i] Jules snickered as she slowed down a bit and waited a little while after he entered the church doors. It was the best hiding place for Kaizu because no one expected to find him there. Taking a shakey breath, Jules twisted the brass knob and pulled the door open. As expected for a house of God, the door made not one sound; even when she closed it. The small mass hall was dim and calm. Several pews lined up traditionally before a plain, wooden altar. The only sign of Christianity was a cross that hung behind the altar; it seemed to be made of two pieces of 2"x4" . Jules sighed at the typical military influence of being simple and uniform. Her eyes adjusted to the awkward lighting and she walked down the aisle. She scanned every pew, expecing Kaizu to be laying on his back, one leg dangly from the seat and one arm folded over his face and the other under his head. But alas, she spotted empty slots. [b]"Kaizu?"[/b] Jules called out, forgetting her church manners. [b]"If you're coming to talk some sense into me, you're just waisting your breath."[/b] Kaizu's voice echoed lightly, giving Jules the thought he was further away from her. She started her way towards the altar and peered behind it. Again, no Kaizu. Not even in the hollow space where the priest or minister would keep bibles. She turned around and propped herself against the altar. [b]"I'm not here to 'talk some sense' into you. I'm here to tell you to stop wallowing. If you're going out there by yourself, you're going to be useless for us back here. If you're going with a team, you're going to get them all killed. So pull your head out of your ass, and start coming up with a strategy,"[/b] Jules pushed herself from the altar, [b]"And shame on you for stealing the church's wine. If you wanted a drink, you are going to need something stronger."[/b] She walked to the purple drapes that seperated the back room from the main hall and gave them a sharp pull. The room was darker than the mass hall, and she stood still for her eyes to focus again. Stepping in, careful not to step on Kaizu, she took another breath. [b]"Kaizu, I am going with you." "No you're not." "I most certainly am. If you'd like to stop me, then I strongly suggest you give it your best shot, Patrol,"[/b] Jules' cheeks flared heatedly. There was a deafening silence for what seemed to be an eternity. The only sound she could make out was her heartbeat. Then a slight shift and jingle. Jules supposed it was change in his pocket, and suggested he was sitting down. [b]"Because,"[/b] Jules started again, [b]"you know it'll take more than a 'no, you're not going' to keep me back. If I have to die for you out there, so be it. But you are not going to leave me here. I won't be left behind again, Kaizu."[/b] [/size]

[size=1][b][u]Sunday, July 31--0913[/u] [i]"Aaah--ahhhh...choooo!"[/i][/b] There was a deathly silence, except for the dozens of echoes that followed the initial sneeze. The dust stirred madly in the air, swirling and glittering in the streams of light that pierced through the dodgy ceiling. Mel watched the peaceful dance while lazily thumbing through a crusty book. Her eyes darted over the yellowed pages, this book was in a foreign language. She'd never seen it before, except for in this one book. For years, Mel found herself staring into the streams of an unknown culture. She'd often imagine herself in this country, whatever it may be. It was a different country every time, a different adventure every time, a different life every time. But just as she began to zone into a new era, a small shift in the crumbled floor caught her keen attention. The noise was so muted, that any other person would not have ever noticed. Slowly, Mel closed the book and slithered her way down from the shelf she was perched on top of. [b]"You know,"[/b] the voice paused, and a sharp grind of the rubble underneath his foot gave Mel the idea he was turning around, [b]"they say a sneeze can fly out of your mouth and/or nostrils at a speed of 90 miles per hour. Doesn't that sound painful?"[/b] Silence, not even his footsteps were audible. He was either as good as Mel, or he wasn't moving at all. Even though the library was lit up by the morning's soft light, the man was not in view of Mel's eyes. He was in the shadows somewhere. [b]"But, we don't feel it. Why is that?"[/b] his voice burst out of nowhere, and a gust of wind brushed behind Mel. She spun around to see a small spark and a red glow in the corner of the room. From the way the glow kept randomly brighten then dim, she assumed it was a cigarette. [b]"Who are you?"[/b] Mel folded her arms across her chest and propped her shoulder against the bookshelf. Her voice was so meak, the man plucked the cigarette from his mouth and leant forward. [b]"I beg your pardon? You'll have to speak up, Melody. I always hated that about you,"[/b] he chuckled. [b]"Xaiver Grahmm. What the hell do you want after all these years,"[/b] Mel sighed heavily, obviously this Xaiver was not the company she cared for. Before she abandoned Scavenger training in the Ruins, Xaiver Grahmm was her instructor; and her worst nightmare. The man was the only thing that made her fear, that made her skin crawl, that shook her of her focus. His eyes seemed to never fully blink, and would cast a never-ending gaze at you. Mel could never figure out what color his eyes were. The lids covered most of his iris, and the rest was shadowed by thick eyebrows. [b]"Is that any way to talk to your master?" "Piss off, Grahmm. You're not my master." "Oh, right. You had several [i]masters[/i] back then. Didn't you, you dirty little girl?"[/b] Xaiver sneered, now coming halfway out of the shadows. He flicked the burning ash of his cigarette to the ground and proceeded to approach Mel. [b]"What do you want with me?" "You know what I want,"[/b] he dug a fingernail over his bottom lip, peeling off chapped, dead skin. Mel shuddered internally, but was careful not to show any sort of thought on the outside. This creep thrived off of reactions, specifically fear and hate. It gave him a sick and twisted pleasure. Not just the pleasure of being satisfied that you're right, but the pleasure you feel after a much needed orgasm. Even if you didn't know him personally, he clearly sent off the vibes in his body language. His saunter was hungry and his stride was lustful; carefully placing his feet on the ground, giving him a slight bounce. His face kept a slight chesire grin and held a look of expectation. [b]"You're going to stop right there, and you're going to stay right there,"[/b] Mel pushed herself from the shelf and pointed at him. Her hand held the makeshift dagger. [b]"If I don't.."[/b] his tone was playful, and hinted misbelief. [b]"I'll gut you. I'll start here,"[/b] Mel pressed the tip of the blade just under her chin, [b]"and slowly slice you open from chin to naval. I've developed a sort of greed for this technique. It's amazing what the insides of your body look like when they're still alive and pulsing."[/b] Mel now took her steps, lightly yet precisely. She straightened her arm horizontally, stiff as a board and unwavering. Xaiver stood perfectly still, his eyes following the glint of Mel's blade. [b]"Where did this sort of attitude come from?"[/b] his throat sharply jolted as he swallowed down a shaken chuckle. [b]"Oh, you know, when you kill a few times, you get a bit bored of just slitting throats and become a bit more experimental. Curiousity is a wonderful sense of power. It allows you the courage to try things you never knew you could do,"[/b] Mel circled Xaiver, much like a lioness prowling on her dinner, [b]"Now, answer my question. What are you doing here, and what do you want?" "Th-there's a rumor going around that needs to be silenced. I only know little about it. You know the heads won't give us Scavenger's full information." "Go on,"[/b] Mel's soft voice hardened, she playfully jabbed the dagger at Xaiver's arm. He jumped lightly, dropping his cigarette to the ground. [b]"The rumor is that we're on the verge of war with Nadine, like that's a suprise. The Nadine Council is having a meeting tomorrow night to discuss their plans. The Guild's assigned the Scavengers to obtain the documentation of that meeting,"[/b] Xaiver quickly listed. [b]"And that's where I come in?" "Y-yes. The heads of the Guild came to me for the best. Your job is to intercept the meeting's transcripts and any other documentation that could be useful to us." "Kills?" "If you are attacked, then you do what you gotta do to get back to us. The documents must be kept in the condition to which you obtain them." "And when I come back, who do I report to?" "The Guild. You leave at dusk. I suggest you make your preperations."[/b][/size]

[size=1]Hehe, yeah. One of my friends had an experience where she woke up to see a Praying Mantis perched on her nose, eating her hair. And, Pumpkin, I'm in that same boat, lol. I don't even try to squish them; I pick up whatever I can find and throw it at them >_> Sure, you hit and you miss...but if you miss, you're far away and you don't really have to worry about it that much.[/size]

[quote name='Brasil'] I don't see why you'd argue it, unless there's something compelling you to reply that I'm utterly missing.[/quote] [size=1]Alan's reply is based on what [i]he[/i] sees in the poem. You don't see what he sees, that's perfectly obvious. You see a leaf, Alan sees something more in depth. I'm very aware of the fact that Mitch wrote the poem as to where it looks like it's all about the leaf, and it may be just that. But there's no need to get all fiesty. "for i am the last leaf left on a tree" I personally can see the phrase "last man standing" in that. Does that make the narrator a leaf, or a man? This, of course, is all in the eye of the reader. [quote name='Brasil']Care to explain if there is?[/quote] Perhaps a PM or two would be a better idea. >_> [/size]

[quote name='Sage']I'm utterly freaked out by all flying, buzzing bugs such as flies and horseflies and especially bees and wasps (I've never been stung by one, but I'm still a bit scared they will do so out of natural malice)![/quote] [size=1]Haha, I had a good friend who was like that. Only, butterflies and moths scared her the most O_o I have no idea why, but it sure was funny to see her wig out.[/size] [quote]For some reason I exclude butterflies, moths and dragonflies from the list, maybe because they're so pwetty! ;P[/quote] [size=1]Well, in my experience, and a few of my friends', dragonflies have been known to bite. So I'd be careful. Well, what creepy crawler really gets my skin--well, crawling? Spiders and locusts, and Praying Mantis's. Now, I don't like spiders at all. There's not one thing about them I like. I think they're disgusting, and ugly, and petrifying. I know how dangerous certain spiders can be, and you do not want to come across them. I know some are severely aggressive, and attack no matter if you bothered them or not. Besides, they just look scary. [/shudder] Locusts, they are cute. And they can be beautiful. I remember living in Oklahoma and every summer, me and my brothers would go out in our backyard and collect their sheddings. Then, we'd proceed in sticking them around the house and scaring my mother to death. But when you find the locust themselves, they are bigger than the shell you found....and they're legs move and cling to you. I don't like when bugs won't let go of you. Locusts would cling and no matter how hard you shake, they won't release _^_;; Praying Mantis's are very interesting, funky, and pretty (in their weird way). But they freak me out. Because just like the locust, they cling. However, the Mantis jumps too -_- I think that's what really creeps me out about the Mantis. They jump, and they are smarter than your average bug...[/size]

[quote name='Monkeyfeet63']Now this is not for the sake of the arguemnt or anything. But we see the sages walking around at the end of the game. But it seemed very simliar to the end of return of the jedi when you see yoda, anakin, and obi-wan standing around in the ewok village. Your not going to tell me they were alive and well too?[/quote] [size=1]Actually, that's not the same situation. We know that the Sages are alive and well because Link saved the day. Star Wars is completely different because Obi-wan, Yoda, and Anikan are actually dead. They're ghosts, spirits, the Force that stays with Luke. They're not alive. The Sages are alive at the end of the game. Just, as you mentioned, in another plain of existence. Have you heard of a "parallel universe"? Pretty much the same thing. [i]I really should play the game again. I miss it ;_;[/i][/size]

[size=1][i]I took out a few things, wrote in a few things. I've noticed I have the idea in my mind, but I'm not really letting it out..so the poem made sense to me, but not to the reader. I hope this revision works better. I like it better, actually. [/i] Stand me high--no, make that highest. Listen, please, don?t be shy or modest. I want to reach and touch it. I want to feel the texture--the ceiling?s delicate popcorn-- flake loose. We?ll smile, watch them fall around us; just as the snow dances in winter?s puff. This ?once a year? kills me. and I fear will you remember me? Or will you keep me tucked away. String me up with beautiful memories, decorate me with glitter and glisten. Sing as loud as you can; I will listen. My reds and greens light up precious toys, the gifts I bear for girls and boys.[/size]

[size=1]Oh yes, Thunderhead Keep was so much fun. It was easier than I thought, even when we got bombarded. Riverside Province? Nah, that was a great mission (and is still really fun to do any time); but Thunderhead Keep was just kick-***. I'll gladly go back and do that with anyone. Getting flanked, running back and forth from pwning Jade and Mantle, protecting the King at the same time. It was just pure thrill. Neil slaughtered, Alex coordinated and picked off baddies from afar with Mila, the Beast, and I did fairly well. I didn't die, so that was good. So if anyone wants assistance when you get to that mission, I'll go with.[/size]

[size=1]When I first read over the poem, I felt that "I" was apologizing for no reason. It seemed that "you" was being a bully and kind of abusing. But, after reading it a few more times, it now seems that "I" was actually in the wrong. Stating that they are clearly deserving of the accusations and cold shoulder. However, I feel some sort of spite in their statements:[/size] [quote=Mitch][b]not creative enough, not enough boldness, not like you[/b] i shall die a death i will forever rue. when my time comes and looms it is true. [b]not spontaneous enough, not enough imagination, not like you.[/b] i'll die a death i'll forever rue when my time comes and looms it is true.[/quote] [size=1]I bolded those lines because that's where I got the spiteful vibe. Sort of like "I" is feeling that "Nothing will be good enough for you, nothing will ever be perfect for you..no matter how many times I apologize." Which flows good into the next couple lines because "I" accepts the failure and punishment for their actions. [/size] [quote]apologies are unchangeable failures, failures killing the weak and strengthening the strong. my love writing, where has there been wrong? for you rightfully accuse that i lose, yet through all the failures i arise anew.[/QUOTE] [size=1]Good way to end. Despite how much it hurts to admit you were wrong, or how much it pains to be unforgiven, coming back with a changed state of mind makes you all the much stronger. You live, you learn; you make mistakes, and you learn from them to continue living and surviving. I think you did well for this part of your assignment.[/size]

[size=1][i]"All pilots retreating from Orlin City to Lowwell Base report to Captain Harlin Keegan's quarters. Immediately."[/i] The loudspeaker called again after about two minutes. Every pilot stared at each other, fully aware of the lecture that was soon to be spouted. Jules, in particular, didn't care much for Captain Keegan. To him, he was a pompus ass and quite full of himself. They had known each other before he went to officer's training years back, and they were pretty close friends. But once Harlin came home, the pride of superiority went straight to his head. He became arrogant and cocky. "You going to be okay, Jules? We haven't spoken to the Captain in a few years," Kaizu lightly elbowed Jules, snapping her out of a slight daydream. "Yeah, I'll be fine. But, please promise you won't start anything," she pleaded, tugging on his arm. "Hey now, he punched at me first the last time," Kaizu protested, swinging Jules around and shoving her forward. "I'm just saying don't even provoke anything. If he says something, just let it go. We want to be in and out of here as quickly and painlessly as possible," Jules pointed firmly. The group slowly sauntered towards Officer's Quarters, brushing off any sort of dirt or sweat, straightening their flight suits. Jules took another look towards Kaizu. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling he was contemplating just what he'd do if Harlin threw him a dirty glance. Then it would be 4 years ago, all over again. Only this time, the consequences of their actions would be far greater. "All right people, I'll introduce us. All you gotta do is stand at attention," Kaizu mumbled. The group nodded and shifted outside of the officer's door. Kaizu gave a firm two knocks and pushed the door open. Captain Keegan gave a slight hand gesture for the team to enter his clean office. The carpet was a dark blue, and the walls were stark white, dark wood furniture with barely any personal items decorating the walls and desk. Keegan was a slender man with broad shoulders, lightly tanned skin and neatly slicked back, short brown hair. He was very attractive, and knew it. The group entered the office, quiet and professional. They stood in a line in front of the Captain's desk as Kaizu stood in front of the rank. "Patrol Nabiko Kaizu and team reports as ordered," Kaizu stood perfectly still, bringing his right arm sharply to a crisp salute. The Captain stood up and saluted, "At ease, Pilots. As you might assume, I'm not a happy camper right now. Today's little performance was embarassing, and is now steadily growing chaotic. We cannot tolerate this action, and I will not allow a circus. You all are our finest crew, and I expect a snappier pace." "Sir--" Sakura began before she was cut off. "Now, someone explain to me what the hell happened out there."[/size]

[size=1]Oh dear, I forgot to post a pic of what Belial looks like in a silver scar pattern. [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/anne-mae/btaunt.jpg[/IMG] Also, I'd like to take this time to apologize to you guys for not being around so much. I had to do my weekend for the Air Guard, and I worked at the Topic Saturday night. Needless to say, I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I'm exhausted at the moment, and I work tomorrow morning to afternoon; I'll most likely be in-game tomorrow night. BTW, Alex, I got your voicemail, but I just couldn't summon the energy to call you back. Plus my phone was being a prick. [/size]

[size=1][i]Perhaps this should've been rated M for the ending, but I swear it isn't about what it sounds like, lol. It's harmless ^^[/i] Stand me high--no, make that highest. Listen, please, don?t be shy or modest. I want to reach out, up, and all around. I want to feel his texture--the ceiling?s delicate popcorn-- flake loose. We?ll smile, watching them fall around us. Stretch a bit now, babe. Breathe in, breathe out; take in my happiness. Let it fill you with the joy I?ve longed to share. Do come closer, darling. I can look amazing, dazzling even. But, I need you to feel me. You?ll feel a tingle, you?ll wish to mingle. You?ll call out to me with a slight jingle. Promise is my word; I?ll shine brightly for you. [/size]