Annie

[quote name='Shinmaru']To be fair, there are a lot of M-rated games that are worth playing. Resident Evil 4 is one such game, Metal Gear Solid 3 another. Violent, yes, but great games, nonetheless. I don't think that anyone wants to suggest that they aren't worth playing, or can't be challenging, creative games because they are violent.[/quote] [color=#404142]Well, I wasn't denying that there wasn't, Shin dear. I've heard a great deal about those games, and they sound awesome. I was just saying that there are, indeed, other games--that I'd rather play. *shrug* Got to love opinions ^_^[/color]

[color=#404142]I'm already over-hyped on this Wonka project. I can't even begin to start, lol. Manson is the perfect Wonka. Look past his--I can't even say that. Look [b]at[/b] him. Just look at everything about Manson. His appearance, his music, his lyrics; the man is amazing. I give my utmost support for your Manson-themed Wonka, James. I've always found Willy Wonka to be darker than what most people see. There's something about the man that screams "morbid" and "twisted". I love Depp as well, but I seriously think that Burton should have stayed with Manson (who, in fact, used to act and still does; and he's marvelous). Wickedly delicious. I'm so looking forward to this.[/color]

[color=#404142]Seriously, damn. Now, I'm no gamer (Shin can tell you), but I do know for a fact that there are many fun-filled games. I'm an old school person, meaning I love the Super Nintendo and the Nintendo 64. Duck Hunt was great, I think that was the most violent gun game Nintendo came out with XD. Then you have your neverending Mario's and some Yoshi. Oh, don't forget the Zelda's either. Now, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, that was a kick-*** game. Violent? Not entirely, but it was still the best game to play. I'm not a GC fan, but I've tried a few games on it, and they are amazing. Don't get me wrong, Play Station is a great console, and they come out with some crazy stuff. But they also have non-violent, and excellent games. Legends of the Dragoon..now that's a hot RPG (well, to me anyway). Sure, it's got violence, it's awesome, and yet, you don't see some guy blowing some other guy's brains out. That brings me to another point that I have, I personally don't want to play video games because of all of the gore, brain matter splattering, swearing, what have you. To me, that's not creative, and it's boring. Lack of thought. I don't feel that it's a challenge to slice and dice. I would much rather play games that puzzle me, challenge my creativity and imagination. There's an unbelievable amount of excellent, well-thought out, fancy, bloody, non-violent games out there. Look beyond the materialistic cover of a game, and search for the great games. They are out there.[/color]

[color=#404142]I've come up with a few more over the past week or so: [list][*] Hypocrites. For the life of me, I can't stand these people. If you have it in your head to tell me to do something, and you don't do it yourself, then we've got issues. I do my best to keep from contradicting myself. And I've done a very good job of it. [*] I hate being looked upon like some sex addict. If you took the time to talk to me (PM, IM, telephone, whatever), you'd see a different person. Sometimes, that expression "don't judge a book by its cover" has meaning. [*] Ghetto wannabe movies. It's ridiculous to white boys talking like: "Yo, how can you dis me like that, b*tch? You be trippin', cuz I ain't done ***** to you, woman." [*] When my mother decides to attempt to run my personal life. [/list] I don't do myO in blacks, reds, whites because my "life sucks". My life is just fine, I just happen to love the colors, and the pictures I use inspire me. If that's terrible, sorry.[/color]

[color=#404142]Oh my...Gavin. You've really done yourself in with this. I absolutely adore it; it's sexy, it's hot, it's orgasmic. Now, that means alot coming from me, eh? (It better, you ungrateful mage!) I know I've given you a hard time now and again, but I will say this is amazing. When it's not too late here, I'll go through the links. You have so much work, I didn't even realize. Absolutetly fantabulous, Gav. [/color]

[color=#404142][size=1]My attempt -_-[/size] [b]"All right, Lass,"[/b] said the pale man. Alice's enthusiam brought a smile to the deep-set corners of the man's face. [i]" The fish approached with caution and skepticism; for he, the fish, was a creature to be in constant observation of the world around him. The silhouette slowly filled with shape and colour; such that the fish took great interest. He had never seen such creature; it stood upon on two limbs and had no gills. This was a magnificent sight the fish had ever bestowed his eyes upon. Then, he suddenly remembered his school lessons; these creatures that stand on two limbs and have no gills are said to be called 'humans'. 'Silly fish, you are out of water. Don't you know you will die?' the creature spoke, 'Are you lost?' 'I will not die. For it is you who are deep within these waters, and you who are lost,' the fish retorted. 'You are a splendid fish. I shall keep you,' the creature reached out, scooping the fish into his hands..'[/i] [b]"Oh my,"[/b] Alice brought her hands against her lips. The pale man smiled once more.[/color]

[color=#404241]Wow, I'm honored and flattered to see who all wanted me on the island with them. That's right, you all can't resist my ultra-hot, Goddess-like sexiness. Of course, you all would be laying on the beach, totally wipped out by the presence of me. Your faces would be frozen with the "O-face". You can't handle teh Anneh. But, I would enjoy every minute of it ^_~ Thanks guys, lol. [/color]

[color=darkslategray]I'm about to give you away. Your ignorance is quite the opposite of bliss. Every moment around you sickens me to the point where I'm dizzy. Did you know that? Also, your voice; strained and soft. I can't stand it! I just--want to slap it from your lips! Just leave, now.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Thanks Lady, I edited that word after thinking on what you said. Damn the school system! I didn't change "quirked". Baron, I'm sorry, you should have made more of a fuss. I like seeing you all flustered and dramatic; it's cute :catgirl: But thank you for pointing it out; I'll keep it in the depths of my mind ^_~ I'm glad you guys liked it. I'm not real sure on how I feel on this one. I like the serious tone I have going, but it just doesn't seem to flow to me. Maybe that's just natural for the writer to constantly question their work. Once again, thank you all. P.S. Lady A., if you'd like to read the chapters without trying to find them here, I posted a chapter index of the individual chapters in the Underground.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Hm. The first one [mechanical flight] is very retro and abstract. It's kind of dark, though. I would brighten the colors. The second one is gorgeous. I can't quite make out the shapes, but the color is wonderful. And it blends nicely.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Oh no, more smiley emoticons for n00bs to enjoy themselves! Kidding. I really like the new additions :catgirl:

[color=darkgreen]Well, I don't have various works to put here; but, I do have the Bikini Bandits. I've been requested to put a chapter index up. Meaning, you [the members] can see every chapter by themselves. I thank the person who suggested this; he pointed out that it would be easier for members to actually take interest and read if they were singled out. Rather than sifting through the entire thread for each chapter. So here it is, the chapter index. Enjoy (for those who haven't read it). The Bikini Bandits, without interruption![/color] [b][u]The Complete Series of [i]The Bikini Bandits[/i][/u][/b] [list][*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=622808&postcount=1][b]Chapter 1: The Birth of Them[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=623996&postcount=21][b]Chapter 2: Showdown[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=624912&postcount=33][b]Chapter 3: Farewell[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=627074&postcount=42][b]Chapter 4: 2.) Shinmaru[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=629587&postcount=50][b]Chapter 5: OMFG Shin?![/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=634511&postcount=61][b]Chapter 6: The One[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=634712&postcount=69][b]Chapter 7: The Messenger[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=635537&postcount=78][b]Chapter 8: The Geisha[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=637552&postcount=84][b]Chapter 9: Dangerous Liason[/b][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=638513&postcount=93] [b]Chapter 10: The Finale of Her[/b][/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=648244&postcount=101][b][color=red]Alternate Ending[/color][/b][/url][/list] [b][In the Anthology][/b] [list][*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=638745&postcount=1]Annie Does NOT Cook. [PG][/url] [*] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=46775]Taxi! [R][/url][/list] [b][In the Adventure Inn][/b] [list][*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=46489]The Shadow of Adventure [PG] [b](sign-ups are closed)[/b][/url][/list] [b][In the Adventure Square][/b] [list][*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=46734]The Shadow of Adventure [PG]* (up and trying to run)[/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=41368]Stigmata [R]*[/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=36044]Otakuboards and the Holy OtakuBot [PG-13][/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=34376]Black Horizon [R][/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=35041]Unlucky Numbers [Mature]*[/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48420]The Mechanical Angel [M]**[/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=40393]Discover the Deep [M][/url] [*][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=35184]Gundam Wing: Legends Revived [R][/url][/list] [color=darkred][b]EDIT-[/b] There is a list of some RPGs that have left a spot on my mind. The ones marked with an astric/star thingy are the ones I created. Now, I'm not going to promise great things from every single one of them ^_^; but they were ones that meant something to me. There's only one that leaves a huge mark on my writing, and that's Corey's [b]Black Horizon[/b]. So there they are: the great, the okay, and the ugly. Ugly ones need love too; they show my development, and all the people in them.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]It is an [b]option[/b]. Meaning, people could [b]choose[/b] whether to state they were male or female. So, the option would kind of be pointless. There will be people who don't want their gender identified. If my name wasn't clearly gender identifying, I wouldn't put my gender up--if it were an option. Some people just like the mystery. The option would be nice and it may help. But, you'll still have to guess for some people. [/color]

[center][img]http://img185.exs.cx/img185/4531/ch95ro.jpg[/img] [/center] [b]"The Manga Workshop? Why?"[/b] Reise asked after being dragged across the boards. [b]"Didn't you hear Annie? She said 'very manga-like'. Where else would you find manga on the OB?"[/b] Queen Asuka led the way. [b]"This is true,"[/b] Reise quirked and followed. The group rushed about, some still trying to figure out who's teaming up with who. They went over the plan of attack and secondary options before coming to a halt in front of the Manga Workshop forum. [b]"This is it,"[/b] Sonata breathed. [b]"Yo, what is all of this?"[/b] Syk3 poked in. [b]"What are you doing here?"[/b] Kane asked, quite confused. [b]"Annie in a Geisha get-up, who'd want to miss that? ~_^"[/b] Syk3 winked a winky wink. The group just stared. Syk3 shifted. [b]"Besides, I told Annie that I'd help if she needed it,"[/b] the mod stretched, [b]"And from the looks on your faces, it seems you all may need some help." |-In the house-|[/b] Annie averted her eyes away from James'. He stared at her with skepticism, and slight amusement to her discomfort. He stood slowly and walked over to the window to glance out at the peaceful forum. [b]"Where are your friends? Your..bandits,"[/b] James slipped his hands into his pockets and leant against the window pane. Annie folded her fan and lay it on the table. Carefully, delicately, Annie rose from her cushion and turned to face James. The jewelry in her hair twinkled as a stream of light struck the top of her head. [b]"The last I heard from any of them was that they were still on the beach,"[/b] she smoothed out the kimono's skirt and stood perfectly still. [b]"What do you plan on doing? Have the Bandits breach my house and rescue Drix while you're distracting me?"[/b] James pulled one hand out of a pocket and rubbed at his chin, [b]"If that is the plan, I'm terribly sorry. But, I thought into that and came up with my own little line of defense."[/b] Annie remained motionless and kept a cool face. Inside, she twitched. Annie knew that James wasn't stupid; she knew he'd have some plan. She could only hope that the Bandits had heard the conversation. [b]"However, I have enjoyed your company,"[/b] James pushed himself from the window and strolled over to Annie's side, [b]"Your Geisha skills are impressive. I, for one, wouldn't have expected you, of all people, to perform so well." "I'm full of surprises, I guess,"[/b] Annie glanced at James as he circled her. [b]"Those earrings,"[/b] he started, tracing Annie's left ear with his index finger and thumb, [b]"They are unique. I've not seen a piece of jewelry so intricate and detailed." "They are beautiful,"[/b] Annie flinched. James chuckled, taking the earring into his fingers. His other hand reaching for her other ear. Annie looked towards the window, hoping to see some sign of the Bandits. She only saw the flowers of the peaceful garden. [b]"They feel heavy, too. Don't your earlobes ache?"[/b] James pulled on one. The earrings were snap-on, easily removed. And they proved their ease as he carefully tugged one free from Annie's ear. [b]"No, actually, my ears are just fine,"[/b] Annie tried to move away, but James held tightly to her right earlobe. [b]"I want a better look,"[/b] he pulled her back, using her ear as his hostage. [i]Guys..hurry up..[/i] [b]|-Outside-| "Okay everyone, Annie needs our help in there. Everyone knows the plan. Communication is the key. If you find Drix, release him and let us know. Then once we have the signal that Drix is safe and free, head for the main room where Annie is. Got it?"[/b] Kane instructed. The group nodded and started for the house, entering through the basement door. Syk3 quirked an eyebrow and followed Corey and Kane. The basement was dim and cool, and surprisingly, very clean. The three spread out, looking in every nook and cranny. They searched the walls for any signs of misplacement or a switch. There were no spiderwebs, no dirt or grime, it was as if the basement had just been built. Syk3 squinted in the darkness and looked for a light. [b]"Ah,"[/b] he grabbed at a string dangling from the ceiling. Giving it one quick jerk, the string fell to the floor in a small, tangled pile. Syk3 stared at the string then looked up at the ceiling. A creaking noise broke the quiet atmosphere, attracting Corey and Kane to Syk3's side. [b]"What is that?"[/b] Corey looked at the pile of string. [b]"I thought it was a string for a light,"[/b] Syk3 examined the ceiling. The wooden rafters groaned and shifted. [b]"I don't like this, guys. Let's get out of here,''[/b] Kane started for a small flight of stairs. Syk3 dropped the string and followed. Corey glanced back at the ceiling, then turned around to see a wooden handle lower down in front of the three. [b]"What is this.."[/b] Kane looked it over. [b]"It looks like some sort of handle. Maybe a switch?"[/b] Corey suggested. [b]"Pull it,"[/b] Syk3 chanted. [b]"But, what if the ceiling collapses or something? You want to kill us?"[/b] Kane retorted, [b]"It's probably a trap." "Look, it's wooden, but it's smooth in some places,"[/b] Syk3 observed, touching the handle, [b]"That means it's been used a great deal. See, I can match the smooth spots with my hand."[/b] Syk3 gripped the handle, indicating that the use of the handle had in fact been frequent over a vast amount of time.[/scientific explanation] [b]"Well, guess it couldn't hurt. Go ahead,"[/b] Kane nodded. Syk3 pulled down on the handle and let go. It quickly retracted up into the ceiling. There was a silence. [b]"Oh, that worked,"[/b] Corey grumbled. But the quiet basement filled with a mechanical sound, as if the walls were being forced to move. The three looked at each other, then at the wall in front of them. It groaned and slowly began to open like a door. The three leaned to their left to peer into the opening. A soft light was all that was seen. A small speckle of brightness cast against a sheet of black. [b]"Syk3, you go check it out,"[/b] Kane pushed him forward. [b]"Why me?!" "Because, you're a mod. If you die, there's one position open."[/b] [/morbid plan] [b]|-James and Annie-|[/b] James gripped at Annie's shoulder with his free hand and examined the elaborate earring in his other. After a few uneasy moments, James let his paralyzing grip loose and Annie wretched herself away. [b]"Smart, Annie, very smart. Using your earrings as a disguise for communication devices. I am impressed further,"[/b] James smirked, tossing the earring to the floor. He advanced on her, jerking the other earring from her, [b]"I know your friends are in my house. What do you think they'd do without their leader?"[/b] James rest one hand around Annie's throat, squeezing slightly. Annie could feel her pulse quicken, her face flushed warm with fear. Impulsively, Annie stumbled backward. Her kimono constricting her balance, sending her back against the wall. She gripped onto James' forearm, his hand gradually tightening. [b]"Answer me,"[/b] he leant into Annie, lifting her face with his other hand. [b]"They'd continue with their mission,"[/b] she spoke softly. James reached behind his back and pulled a small dagger from a hidden holster. He rest the blade against Annie's cheek, pressing gently; not enough to cut her skin. She stared into his eyes, trying to keep her body relaxed. A sly smile swept over his face as he drug the dagger over Annie's neck, and under the flap of her kimono. The cold metal on her left breast forced her to cringe. [b]"I think,"[/b] James looked over Annie, [b]"your friends would falter once they found out you are no longer part of the OB."[/b] [color=darkslategray]I know I've said this, but this time it's true; this was a short chapter XD I think it's the shortest one..but it was really hard to write. Well guys, one more chapter to go.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Oh. My. God! It has been so long since I've seen you! You may have known me as "animangademon" or "Annie". Man, I wondered where you went. And guess what, I went to basic training last January as well. But I left after you did. And I went to two tech schools ^_^ I was gone for...8 months? It's good to have you back! PM me and I'll give you my new AIM screen name.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Oh, it clarifies [i]your[/i] reasons/thoughts/beliefs. I understand where you were going with your posts. However it's done for your religion/society, that's cool. It's nice to have a choice, yes. Whatever. I wasn't commenting on that. I was just posting my beliefs on [i]arranged[/i] marriages. The ones like "John's" situation are what I was commenting on, and disagreeing with. But here we go in circles. I'm done.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]I was stating [i]my[/i] beliefs. Everyone is entitled, yes. And as am I to say that I disagree with most of everything you've said. And this topic was, in fact, started on an actual arranged marriage: [/color] [QUOTE=Epitome][size=1][color=#003399]Well, today I was talking to a friend online who is about 6-7 years older than I am and he found out today that he is getting married to someone he hasnt even met yet. He is Arabic and he said that his parents told him today that one of his dad's clients needed a husband for his daughter (they currently live in Saudi Arabia), and to make sure the client stayed happy with John's father they arranged a marriage. When they told him he said he was shocked and didnt know if he wanted to go through with it. Even though John, [i]Side Note:[/i] not his real name, wanted to do this for his father, he was thinking about coming back to the US just to get away from it. But he thought it over and told me he decided to go through with it. Later that day, he met her and he said she was beautiful and had a great personality. But to get to the point, has anyone ever had an arranged marriage in their family. Or has had an arranged marriage or is going to have one? Ive always thought about what it would be like if I did get an arranged marriage. Even though I am caucasion(sp?), I wouldnt mind seeing what it would be like and how it works out. John's dad had an arranged marriage and it seems to me that it worked out fine. His parents are still together so. But I have also wanted to know how such things work. For example, Johns parents just picked a random girl without even letthing them meet before hand. Is this how it always happens, or do they normally meet before? And who pays for everything? Or do they split it? Your opinions please.[/color][/size][/QUOTE] [color=darkslategray]Besides, I said I was going to start off fresh on the idea of arranged marriages. I gave my thoughts and opinions on Epitome's original intention with the thread. Not on how the Muslim community/society/religion does things with marriage. They allow you to choose, that's fine. Good for you and your parnter. Some religions/societies/cultures aren't as lucky as the Muslim. [/color] [QUOTE=Chabichou][COLOR=#004a6f] No one can force you to marry someone against your will. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [color=darkslategray] That's how it used to be. The girl (or man) has no choice, what so ever, in the matter. It was that way for a very long time. Muslim, "Westerner", Hispanic, Asian; it didn't matter your race or religion, it still happened. Still is the way in some parts of the world. And I disagree with that. That's all I was saying.[/color]

The tough, salty air weighed down on all of the men. The chill of the April morning anchored the crowd to huddling and staying close as possible to one another. The stench was nearly unbearable; a putrid mix of liquor-infested breath and hair that had not been properly washed in months [if at all]. The line moved slowly, men hobbled forward a few paces; hoping their movements would push the line ahead. A swift, cooled breeze swept over the docks. Papers and litter danced over her feet. She checked over her garments, hugging her jacket closer. Her bindings squeezed and clamped her breasts, making a single breath a chore. It had been a while since she wore this horrid contraption dubiously named the "corset". She checked to make sure her skirt was tucked into her knee socks, surprisingly looking like pants. Her boots felt of lead from the caked mud. Her feet were small, too small to pass as a man's. [b]"Next! Bring yer arses lightly! I 'aven't got all day, ye know!"[/b] the haggard man with stringy, grey hair waved his quill in the air furiously. [b]"Get movin', ye bloody brood,"[/b] a filthy hand gripped her arm, shoving her forward down the line. [b]"Get yer hands off o' me!"[/b] she growled, forcing her vocal chords to contract. The man pulled out a dirty blade, no more than three inches in length. His lip snarled, revealing yellowed and broken teeth. Many others circled around the two, chanting and cheering. [b]"C'mon,"[/b] the man tossed his blade back and forth between his hands. [b]"Wha's goin' on here?"[/b] the string-haired man pushed his way through the crowd, [b]"You two! Either straighten yourselves, or be off with ya!"[/b] The crowd groaned and protested, reluctantly falling back into line. Men growled and pushed at her. Hours passed before it was her turn to sign her position. [b]"Ye be causing trouble on this ship, an' I'll cast you overboard meself. You 'ear me, boy?"[/b] the man handed her the quill. [b]"Aye,"[/b] her throat strained and she took hold of the pen. Luckily for her, her handwriting was not as lady-like as her family had wanted. She could easily pass her handwriting for a non-intelligent human. [i]Michael McCaffery. Skills in sword fighting and cannons. Little rigging experience.[/i] She set the quill on the weathered parchment and grabbed her leather bag. She stared up at the ship in awe; it was beautiful. The ship sat atop of the water in magnificence. It swayed lightly as she started up the connecting board. The heel of her boots produced a hollow thud and moan as she slowly made her way up the plank. The dock of the ship was clean and bustling with men. She jumped down a foot or so onto the hardwood. [b]"Welcome aboard, matey,"[/b] a man passed, slapping her shoulder. [i]April 17, 1662 I boarded ship today, and I'm terrified. No one yet suspects my gender. I know it's only a matter of time before they find out. God help me for what they will do to me. But I'd rather die a pirate, deceiver or not, than to be married against my will. I am my own person, I will not be controlled in such a weak manner. If I am to be controlled, it will be under circumstances in which I enjoy. I've yet to see the captain, and I can't wait to set sail. I want to see the world before I die, and I know it will be soon. Being a female on a ship will be no simple matter of binding my breasts. Plus, I hear it curses the ship. I pray that it doesn't for us; they will eventually narrow it down to one person. I will be that person. But, no time for this talk. I have to go claim my cot and chest. ~Madlynn[/i]

[color=darkslategray]Awesome, that would make a wonderful desktop background. I see the word "style"..but for some reason, I aslo see "sex" XD But that could be my perverted mind. Sorry! But the picture is just so sexy, it's only natural! Very nice work, Altron ^_^ [/color]

[color=darkslategray]I'm going to start off fresh here because I've not really kept up with this thread. Man, where to start.. I totally disagree with arranged marriages. I love and respect my parents. And they love and respect me. So, if your parents respect you, I don't see why they have to arrange your marriage. I think it's ridiculous. It's just showing me that a parent who takes liberty in arranging their child's marriage doesn't trust them as an adult, and doesn't respect their decision. That's not letting your child grow up, that's restraining them. Of course, I know that parents only want the best for their children; they want them to be happy and to love. They want to arrange the marriage so that their child doesn't get hurt or end up with the wrong person [in their eyes, I'll add]; we are all humans, we make mistakes. That's how we live and learn. You make a mistake, you learn from it. What's wrong with the West? Sure, we have our problems, but what gives you the right to talk smack about us? You have none. Divorce rates in the US/West climbs higher and higher. So. Flippin. What. People find out that they don't love each other; husbands abuse their wives (vice versa); parents abuse their children; adultry..Wouldn't that be enough to convince you that you shouldn't be/don't want to be with a person? It sure as hell would make me rethink my marriage, and the safety of my children. It was a mistake I would make, and I would learn from it. Sure, that situation may or may not occur if the marriage had been arranged. But no one can say that it's absolutely certain it wouldn't happen. How can a parent know what partner is best for their child? They don't date them; they don't hang out with them on a regular basis; they really don't know the partner on a level as you would. You said so yourself, Chabichou, that the man can/will act one way around someone else, than they would around you. Who's to say that the guy can do what he knows to please the parents, then turn around and beat you; have an affair; molest your children? Parents wouldn't have a clue, until it was too late. Don't tell me that religion would save you from that, either. People know exactly what they do, and they know it's wrong. Yes, they will get punished for it when they stand at the gates for judgement; but they still do it. You may not be immoral or sinful, but that doesn't speak for others. I would remain a single woman my entire life if I had to marry whomever my parent's deemed. And I'll agree with James; my parents got pregnant with me by choice. They didn't have to go through what they did, but they wanted to. So, that "obey me because I gave you life" routine doesn't hack it with me. By the way "you/your" is implying to anyone.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]I happen to be bored: [list][*] Signatures filled with ridiculous smiley things. [*] RPGs that have no thread ratings. (Yeah, I know. I was against it at first, but I've realized how much it actually helps.) [*] Valentine's Day threads. [*] Charles' avatar. It makes me so dizzy. [*] Being unable to read a post because the grammar is worse than Charles' avatar. I just lose interest when I can't understand/follow the first sentence of a post. [*] "OMFG!!!111!1 u rox0r my sox!!11!1 " talk. I refuse to call it "speech" or a language. [/list] [/color]

[color=darkslategray]The phone rings. She answers, annoyed at the voice on the other end. Moments pass as I look at her face; she was angry. I ask what's wrong and she smiles. "Finally, he's getting what he deserves," a relieved sigh breaks her lips.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Sorry man, the image isn't downsized. How could it be? I still can't really make out the font. I don't know if it's my computer or whatever, but I still can't read it clearly. It doesn't need to be too much bigger; maybe one size up.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Being a moderator on this site, I am obliged to respond ^_^ I love it, Altron. The splash of color is just what the Box needs. Green was a great choice; very bright and bold. It's just beautiful. However, to be the critique, the font. "XionBox : The Last Human City" is the only thing I'm able to read. All of the smaller font is really hard to make out. Perhaps the size should be upped. But other than that, it looks awesome.[/color]

[color=darkslategray] Will these V-Day topics ever go away? I worked all of the day yesterday, so I was occupied enough to keep my mind off of this "holiday". I then got to talk to Joe for a couple of hours and made fun of him because he likes Vin Diesel. Needless to say, it was an all right day. -wonders why she posted-[/color]