Zen

[color=darkred][size=1] I was actually going to ask her a similar question. Be patient, haha. I don't want to put to much pressure on her, but maybe she'll do something special for us...[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Fabulous new banner art by Kitty. Feel free to use. Give props. [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/PicKitty/TheMagiciansbanner1.png[/img][/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Thanks guys, and hey! We gonna kill this Screenplay challenge. I know you guys are all great writers, and I suppose I'm descent aswell. Superhero Action is a great choice, particularly because my speciality happens to be *da da da da* action. I have a few ideas I could run by if you guys don't already have any. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] [b]Care Bears[/b] > Fictional Bears > The Three Bears > Fairy Tales > [b]Three Billy Goats Gruff[/b] This is gonna be a good one. [b]Jay-Z[/b] to [b]Karma in Buddhism[/b][/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] What's happenin'? I guess I'm the new guy. I give my great thanks to you all for electing me for this, heh. I was kinda bummed I didn't get in, but hey, looks like things worked out. I was told to give a little about myself, so here goes. My name is [b]Mike[/b] as most of you know, but you can keep calling me [b]The Boss[/b] and inflate my ego even more. I just turned 17, I'm 6'0'' around 159 lbs, so I'm pretty slender. I'm a dude, apparently. I got me some dark auburn hair and eyes that match it. I enjoy drawing, writing... stuff, video gaming, comic books, manga, anime, and the like. I'm a huge film geek and an even bigger fan of martial arts and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). I'm moments away from earning my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I'm half Greek, half American (Irish-Native American). I've been all over the world, literally. I've lived all across America and in Germany for a little while. I've been to Greece three times, and loved it. I'm an Army Brat, my pa is a career soldier. I stay on the move and I'm actually about to move again. I found the OBs about four years ago. My original username was [b]Double_B_Daigo[/b]. I eventually took a hiatus when OBs stopped working for me. Then came back as [b]ReFlux[/b] after modding at a lesser board for sometime. Then took another Hiatus thanks to school, changed my name to [b]Mugen[/b]. Finally, I took another hiatus, switched to [b]The Boss[/b], and havn't changed since. I was a big part of the old [b]MAMA/Viva Otaku[/b] debate back last summer, heh. I'm mostly known for my Battles back when the Battle Arena was still active and a few good RPs I was a part of. Also I wrote a few OB fan fics along with both [b]Retribution[/b] ([b]OtakuFiction[/b] and another with [b]Annie/Tex[/b]. Right now I'm working on my best so far, [b]The Hit[/b] all alone. I known as a lover boy, romantic, and a real kidder. But well, you guys can be the judge of what I'm really like (except White... that damn honky). Thanks again. - Mike/The Boss[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Apart from a slight overuse of the word 'awkward', I think it was perfect. Genuinely funny and well written, I love style of humor. Can't wait for the next chapter, homes.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I share a similar view as you, DK, on this topic. As long as you aren't groping each other in the middle of a mall, I'm pretty fine with couples kissing, hugging, holding hands, and etc in public. I don't really like to make other people my business. Anyways, love's a beautiful thing, so I don't see why one wouldn't want to express it while other's can see. Heh. Not that big a deal with me. [b]Survey:[/b] *I just turned 17 on the 24th. *Not so much. I suppose maybe a D. I could go with out it for a little while, but I'd like [i]some[/i] sexual contact, be it by alternate means, if I were with someone for an extended period of time (by that, I'm judging by a year or two). I'm not the kind of guy who wants sex on the first date, because for me it has some meaning behind. But I'm also all for sexual relationships between a committed dating couple. In my eyes, you'll be with that person for ever if you marry them, and if you don't like the sex, then that's your bad. I'm not condoning permiscuous sex, but if you're with and committed to your lover, then make love. *A few times, more than I can count from memory. But I'm no playboy. *I'd say over twenty since Junior High. About four of them were really serious though. The longest was two and a half years and right now I'm currently involved with another. *Quite often to almost never depending on the female. *Nope. I don't really mind it aslong as there's no under-clothes action going on. *Already have, so I guess I would have to say yes. *Groping each other beneath clothing, I'd suppose, depending on the area. A little tail grabbing is far enough for my eyes. *Not sexual enough. I mean, I just get bummed out when I get a girl dancing dirty with me and then people start trying to break it up. Sometimes it can go a little far, but a little bumpin' & grindin' never hurt anyone. *I'd say 15 or 16 is a good age to start. I mean, I've had 'girlfriends' since I was ten or so, but I've never really 'dated' someone, like gone over to their houses and stuff, 'til I was around 14. But then again, I'm an oldest child and I was a bit more mature for my age, so I'd say 15 to 16 is good.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] It would seem all of my pushing has finally produced something. I look forward to what this turns into. BTW- I can already tell who the known guy is. The tail, the hair color and ears... Yeah, doesn't remind me of anyone's constant avatar.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I'm very pleased with the sign ups thus far. Special thanks to Kitty for the awesome graphic. I can't wait to see the banner work. If further sign ups are as good as these, then I'm going to have a big job ahead of me if selection is needed, haha. Good work everyone, and thank you again.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Thanks much Raiyuu. The grain on the photo was actually an effect I was trying to get. Like an old Kung-Fu movie. I could show you the original image if you'd like.[/color][/size]

[center][size=1] A [b]Boss[/b] Production[/center][/size] [center][b][u]The Magicians [/u][/b][/center] [center] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/PicKitty/TheMagicianspromosplash.png[/img][/center] [size=1] [color=red][center]Rated[b][PG-13][/b] for Violence and Language[/color][/center] [i] It was a chilled autumn night over New York City. A heavy rain shower drenched the street-going inhabitants. People flooded the concrete and pavement in mass at all times, resembling a flowing river delta. No one was an individual, despite their many different appearances, faces, creeds, doctrines, and orientations, for no one looked into the face of another. No one recognized one another. No one acknowledged another?s existence. In the modern day and age of high speed gratification, every person was their own support system. They no longer required interaction between fellow human beings. Simply drifting, drifting through life to pursue their own ambition at the cost of the faceless others. So unaware of others, so out of touch with their souls, that these people failed to realize the amazing and impossible feats performed before their very eyes. Acts of great mercy and heroism bestowed upon them each day, left unnoticed. It was this very selfish ignorance which allowed ?them? to exist. Allowed ?the others? to live in secrecy, to practice their arts and sciences without bother or reprehension. Beings of other worldly talent and ability, these people were gifted from birth with the power to change and alter the physical and spiritual world around them. Long ago, in the ages of chivalry and heroes, they were known by many names. Witch, wizard, warlock, magi, and alchemist. Through out the countless ages, these people have survived and passed down their talents to new generations. Now left to their own will, these magical beings go unnoticed. Their feats of magic are rationalized by the mass human mind as simply tricks of smoke and mirror. Slights of hand and misdirection. Unable to accept the impossible, these people are ruled out as showmen and street performers by the media and masses. All of them, ignorant of the truth that real magic is being performed in plain sight before them. Luckily for humanity, these individuals have stuck to a strict code of ethics which they all follow and enforce. Aware of each other, those who disobey the sacred ?Magician?s Code? are dealt with swiftly. For fear of exposure and exile from civilization, the magical ones hide their true identities and ?reveal? their tricks to keep suspicion at bay. To this day, their secrets have remained unknown. However, a strange disruption has been sensed through out the city. An upset in the balance of the invisible forces of nature has occurred. Unable to pin point its location, the followers of the Magician?s Code are on constant alert. Restlessness has cursed them, and danger is afoot. Dark skies are on the horizon in the eyes of the Magicians?[/i] [b][center]___________________________________________________[/center][/b] Amongst the unknowing stream of lives on the wet New York streets, a particularly special young man wades through the river. His name is Mugen Shisa, a 21 year old young adult of Okinawan descent, his unique complexion contrasts the scattered night-lights provided by late attractions in the city. Garbed in loose jeans and a thin red hooded sweat shirt, he seemed out of place walking calmly through the rain unprotected. His clothing remained dry despite the heavy precipitation, an invisible shield of sorts protecting his person from the outside. The rain drops simply glided away from him. Regardless, he attained no odd looks by passers by, all of them too busy avoiding the rain themselves or entertaining what ever desire they had in mind at the moment. Mugen himself had his own objective to entertain. This would be his job as a performer. Mugen?s particular gift allowed him to perform physical feats unattainable by regular men. His face was serene and calm, as was required of his gift. Peace of mind, a calmed center, and a balanced inner-flow. These were the requirements of a qi-do master. Mugen possessed these traits at a remarkable level, showing them in a warm up as he came near his destination. A brightly-lit theatre of sorts, Mugen had gone by another name on stage, ?The Soaring Tiger?. Something a stage-manager thought up after his first initial performance at an open talent audition. The Soaring Tiger was a part of an act called ?Realms of the Unreal?, a series of short-performances where individuals displayed great feats of magic, physical skill, and etc. A circus of sorts. Some where normal humans particularly adept at some trait, others where magic beings such as Mugen. Mugen entered through a side door in a dank alley way, escaping the rain, he none the less kept his invisible shield on so he could keep his flow at a constant. Continuing into the dimly lit backstage area, Mugen ran into the show?s director. An aggressive, portly Italian man by the name of Joe. [b] ?You?re late again, Mugen!?[/b] Joe?s voice seemed to be an angry grumble in his throat. [b] ?Sorry, boss??[/b] Mugen replied nonchalantly while removing his sweater and other clothing, as he approached a costume rack. [b] ?I got caught in traffic.?[/b] [b] ?Don?t give me that, kid. You don?t even own car?.?[/b] Mugen began sifting through the assorted clothing and selected a shimmering Karate-styled gi made of black silk. [b] ?There?s a lot of people in this city.?[/b] Mugen smirked as he automatically dressed himself. [b] ?Whatever just hurry your *** up. You?re on next.?[/b] with that, Joe turned away and began shouting orders at light technicians. Tightening his belt, Mugen gave himself a once over in a vanity mirror, ruffled his hair, and started towards the stage. He could hear the sounds of applause as the last act finished up. The curtains dropped and the lights darkened as Mugen stepped onto the big stage. [b] ?Ladies and Gentlemen, prepared to be mesmerized by the amazing Soaring Tiger!?[/b] The announcer?s voice blared through the speakers behind Mugen as the curtain rose. He assumed a position of readiness and faced the crowd, bowing. Then the music began, a blend of traditional Asian orchestra with techno beats. Beginning with slow motions of the hands and stepping with the feet, Mugen picked the pace up and activated his underlying powers. Sending his body into spins and leaps unseen by the audience, he was quickly met by great applause. Soaring through the air like his name sake, Mugen performed leaping backflip kicks at inhuman jumping heights and multiple spin kicks from a single leap. The audience in serene ignorance believed there to be strings attached, wire-work and such. This is just what Mugen wanted of them. His performance ended with the expected clapping and cheering from the crowd. Mugen continued back stage, just another night of paid work. It was a good gig to him. After a few parting words and goodbyes, Mugen dressed back in his street clothes, he went exit through the same side door way as he entered. Placing his hand on the doorknob, Mugen hesitated. He felt something strange in the air. He had sensed a strange presence on the other side. Slowly, he cracked the door open, peaking out to see nothing but falling droplets of water. He put one of his feet out, waited, and then the other. Closing the door behind him, Mugen was startled by a shadowy figure standing directly beside him, behind the door. Reacting quickly, Mugen slid backwards on his feet gracefully, his body seemingly moving on an unseen conveyer belt. The shadowy figure was cloaked in a black rain coat. Its face hidden by a dark shadow cast by the hood, Mugen could tell it?s gender by it?s masculine build and broad shoulders. Normally, Mugen would have told the man he had no money or change to give up. But something strange about this man let Mugen know he was not a mugger or thief of any sort. He simply stood menacingly staring into Mugen?s face with a black gaze. Mugen spoke hesitantly. [b] ?What is it you want from me??[/b] he spoke plainly. For a moment, the dark figure said nothing. Just continued observing Mugen from blackness. Then he spoke in a grizzly baritone. [b] ?My master expresses an interest in you, child. He requests audience with you.?[/b] [b] ?Why does he want me for? I don?t give private shows?.?[/b] [b] ?Do not play fool to me, Mugen Shisa. My master knows of your abilities, and demands you to make his acquaintance.?[/b] Mugen was confused and infuriated by the dark man?s blunt order. [b] ?Who the hell is you master??[/b] [b] ?That cannot be spoken of here. Come with me and all will be made clear.?[/b] the figure replied in an uncaring tone. Mugen became more upset at this and his face grew into a sneer. [b] ?Hell no! I?m not going anywhere with some psychopath in a raincoat.?[/b] [b] ?Then you leave me no choice but to take you by force.?[/b] the dark figure reached out his arm and extended a gloved hand. He began mumbling strange incantations beneath his breath. Barely audible, Mugen watched puzzled as a strange black mist, like physical shadows began spewing from his coat?s sleeve and moving towards Mugen quickly. Mugen panicked and backed away but found that the black mist was surrounding him from all direction. With flight out of his options, Mugen decided to fight back. Gripping his right fist tight, a white steam began flowing around his hand as he concentrated his strength into it. His qi flow was becoming visible around him as he focused its power into his fist. With a great yell, Mugen launched forward at other worldly speed and rammed his fist into the dark man?s abdomen. The dark man flew back several feet, causing the black mist to disperse, but he still landed safely. [b] ?You?ve made a grave mistake child? You shall pay for your betrayal of the Master.?[/b] Before Mugen could attack again or respond, the dark figure faded into the Shadows and disappeared. Mugen was scared. Not of the man?s power, no. He knew exactly what this man was, and why he was capable of such feats. But he was scared of the man?s intention. Something was not right about him. He represented the ominous feelings he?d been sharing with others of the magic persuasion of recent times. Mugen knew that he?d been directly placed in a position of involvement with the situation now. It was his responsibility to further investigate this occurrence and get to the bottom of who that man was, and who he meant by his master. Other wise he?d face possible charges from the Code followers of neglecting duty and responsibility. Cursing his luck and situation, Mugen made his way home. The investigation would have to start tomorrow, other wise he?d have no peace of mind. He?d have to use all his leads and connections to solve this mystery? [center]___________________________________________________[/center] [color=darkred] Welcome to the world of Magicians. A modern day place where magic beings hide in plain site for the world to speculate. While some magicians exploit their gifts for money, others prefer to hide theirs and use them only when needed. There are many kinds of magician in all shapes and sizes. Some are over the top showmen, while others try to hide amongst the people and keep their secret within. Regardless of their differences though, all magicians follow the Magician?s Code to keep themselves and the rest of the world safe from those who would use their gifts to seize power over others. Such a dilemma has occurred in the magician?s world as of recent. A mysterious figure has arisen in the magical underground, attempting to contact and recruit other magicians for his sinister cause. [center][size=2][b][u]Sign Ups[/u][/b][/size][/center] In this RPG, you play one of the magicians who resist the call of evil to help prevent this disaster from occurring. You will create a magician all your own, a person capable of using magic. However, magic defers with every person. Each magician has their own special gift. Mugen is able to manipulate and control his inner qi, or spiritual magic energy. This allows him to either focus it inwardly and maximize his body?s power and speed, or focus it outwardly to create barriers or projective attacks. The dark man who faced Mugen is capable of manipulating shadows and darkness through verbal spells. What will your magician be? A summoner of other worldly entities and spirits? A telekinetic capable of attacking with his mind? An alchemist capable of creating any object of their desire from base objects around them? You decide your magicians power, job, and etc. Are they a stage magician? Or just a humble book store clerk? For the sign ups for the RP, I don?t want the conventional form to be filled out. I want a few good paragraphs describing your character. In your sign up, should be included your characters name, age, appearance, job, personality, and magical power. Don?t go over board with your character's power. While they can be a great magician, they can only have one field of specialty. Be specific and unique. Originality helps in my selection process. In the sign up, I?d prefer if you use a situation similar to what happened with Mugen. They are approached by an agent of the mysterious master and use their power to escape capture. This way, my character has a logical reason for interacting with yours in the RPG if they are not an acquaintance of his. I want good writers to help me make this a great RPG, worthy of note. Help to create a gritty underworld of magic, unlikely heroes, and dark villains. I?ve left a lot open for others to be creative, so please feel free to. Just be fair and original. And please, enjoy. [b]PS[/b]- To all you graphic artists out there, this RP could use a little flavor. If possible, any donated banners or graphics would be very appreciated. Thank you.[/color][/size]

[size=1] Thanks for the advice and comments guy. This chapter outta fix the problem like you predicted. And Gav, the dream does have significance, so don't worry. Haha. [color=darkred] [center][IMG]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4992/thehit0oa.jpg[/IMG] [/center] [b][center]Chapter 9:[/b] Days & Nights[/center] The room was boiling with intensity as Zeke and I faced off. She stared into my eyes with an overbearing confidence and assurance that I would die. I had a similar feeling as I stood there unarmed and nervous. Luckily, I had been taught extensively how to fight hand to hand. Unfortunately, this was two hands versus two swords, a mismatch if I ever saw one. Before I could think any deeper, Zeke began running at me with her arms crossed, her cutlasses posed to slice me in half. I leaped back as she began swinging her blades around, attempting to decapitate me. Ducking to the side, I barrel rolled across the floor, but Zeke wasn?t slow. She was on top of me as I began standing, trying her hardest to plunge her cutlasses into my back. Running like a scared mouse, I spun around forward and ran backwards into main dining area. Zeke followed close, her steel just missing my navel. I waited for a good time to strike out, watching her sword strokes carefully. The time came as she attempted a low swipe. Leaping back, I threw my body sideways in the air and dropped kicked her clean in the chest. She gave a rough grunt and withdrew slightly. I simply fell onto my ass and tried to crawl away before she could regain her senses. [b] ?Please??[/b] I pleaded tiredly, [b] ??. Please just call it off??[/b] She put a pissed looked on her face and grumbled to herself. [b] ?Don?t think so, cocker.?[/b] Raising her right sword high, she flung it quickly at me. I shot my body back as fast as possible, still on my hands and feet on the floor. The blade stuck into the floor just inches away from my package. A small amount of life escaped me. I couldn?t rest though. I leaped up to my feet and grabbed the cutlass jammed in the marble. [b] ?Don?t begin to think you're gonna beat me at my own game...?[/b] Zeke grinned confidently and twirled her remaining sword from hand to hand. It was true, the sword?s weight and shape was unfamiliar to me. But improvisation was my strong suit. I leaped forward and brought the sword down fiercely, Zeke bringing her's up to block my attack. Our blades sped towards each other and were within inches of connecting when suddenly a barrage of gunfire disrupted both of us. We both dropped to the floor quickly and looked into the direction of the gunshots, forgetting our battle for the second it took. Two young men, a sandy-blonde headed white kid dressed up in an all black suit and a short-afro?d black male dressed in an all white suit. Both held what had to be Stechkin APSs. Machine pistols, classic gun fight material. Too bad I was currently engaged in a sword fight. [b] ?What the fuck do you bell-ends think you?re doing?!?[/b] Zeke screamed furiously. She stood up with her sword ready to kill them. I took the time to slowly crawl away, but was foiled when Zeke pointed her blade down in my path. [b] ?I?m not done with you, arse head.?[/b] [b][i]"Shit?"[/i][/b] I whispered to myself. [b] ?Well look what we got here, Retri. A two for one??[/b] the white gunman said amused. At that, my heart sank, and I remembered who these two were. White and Retri, gun slingers known for their accuracy and speed. Things just went from bad to worse. [b] ?Hm. Convenient.?[/b] Retri replied casually as he reloaded his clip and cocked his gun. [b] ?Well, let?s get this over with so I can get back to my DS.?[/b] [b] ?Quit being a loser, White.?[/b] Retri sighed, then raised his head. The two aimed their guns simultaneously and began shooting in a fire storm of lead. I scattered out of the room frantically, leaning my back against the wall in another room, trying to catch my breath. I waited for Zeke to drop dead from the gunshots while simultaneously questioning God just to as why he placed me in these situations. The clatter of the automatic pistols seemed to go on for an eternity, a constant clack-clack-clack accompanied by the sound of crumbling marble and ricochets. Then the gunshots ceased. I heard the sounds of frantic reloading and I peaked around the corner expecting to see a grizzly scene of gore. As soon as my eyes passed the edge of the wall, I was forced to duck my head again, a black-covered body flying through the air and into the bar room. White rolled across the ground and slammed back and head first into a wall. He let out a deep growl of pain and lifted his head. Rubbing the back of it frantically, he ruffled his hair. [b] ?Argh? totally owned? and by a chick no less.?[/b] I noticed he still had his gun gripped tightly in hand. His eyes met mine and I gulped hard. [b] ?Hm? maybe you won?t be such a problem.?[/b] His gun rose up and aimed at me, a smirk spreading across his pale face. I was defenseless and scared. Me and death were about to get acquainted again. His finger wrapped around the trigger and I felt myself begin to tremble. [b] ?Put down the gun, asshole!?[/b] screamed DW?s voice. His slender figure leaped from out of hiding with a rather large Desert Eagle clutched in both hands. White?s eyes darted over, an expression of alarm meeting DW?s obvious panic. Things were about to get a little more interesting.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic] For your second question, Boss, i think you should take a practical approach. When you are to make a decision consider your philosophies and let that guide you. If you find another person interested in philosophy engage in debate. If you don't find another person interested, then oh well, don't sweat over it. I don't know whether you're in college or not, but if you are you should join a philosophy club or class, just for fun. I think philosophy should be a guide to living your life, not a main focus. Besides... philosophers have crappy senses of humor and talk weird. =P [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] I'm actually a juniour in high school. My closest friends and I debate with every once in a while, and that satisfies me, but we always end up going over the same points. But I only have five or six people who I consider my 'best' friends. There's no such thing as a Philosophy Club where I am (Rural South Hell). I'm taking a college course, Psychology 201, right now and I think that's as close to a class as I'm going to get here. Me and my teacher have some interesting talks about philosophical issues while she lectures, so those are fun. Occasionally these spark debates for the whole class room that I enjoy being a part of, but that's only four days a week for an hour.[/color][/size] [quote= Adahn] How do you know that your friends don't look at the world on a deeper level? Perhaps they are like you, afraid to express one's deepest thoughts and desires for fear of appearing socially unacceptable. If you can follow your own philosophy in life without preaching it to others, that is enough. If someone recognizes something good in your actions because of your philosophy, and asks you about, then you can talk to them about it, because they've expressed interest. The first thing you should know is that you're no different from anyone else. A perception that others live their lives without deep thought is a sign of anti-empathy. Everyone thinks just as deeply as you do, and just because they don't share their thoughts doesn't mean that they are not there. If you feel a need to express your thoughts, find someone like-minded with whom to discuss them. The internet is a great medium for this, as social inhibitions are usually left at the sign-on screen. I feel I must stress something to you, though. You are no different from anyone else. If you don't get rid of that perception now, you'll come off as a high-and-mighty prick, whatever you choose to do. Now, I'm not saying you are a prick, but to me it seems you think you're special, and in this case, you're not.[/quote] [color=darkred][size=1] I never meant to come off as a 'high than though' type in what I said. It's just that when I do try to ask some people questions regarding what I would consider 'deep' or 'philosophical' questions, they usually reply with confusion or hostility. I've been told that I "need to stop trying to act smart" or asked "do you think you're better than me?". Responses like this are what cause me to come to the conclusion that some people just don't look at the world on a deeper level. I'm not saying these people are by anymeans stupid or less intelligent than myself, but you have to remember, I'm dealing with people who's entire lives have been spent in a small rural town in South Carolina. A place not known for it's intellectuals (it's ranked I believe #47 on the US school standards list). Many people simply react to such questions with an attitude as if I'm trying to 'act smart'. They think I waste my time and energy with deep thinking that could be spent doing things such as getting drunk, smoking pot, playing football, or hunting (these are the most popular activities in my town). While I do enjoy discussing philosophy online, nothing quite beats a face-to-face or group conversation on big issues, which is why my afformentioned Psychology class is such beautiful thing to me. Being in the rural south, my liberal veiws on religion, homosexuality, love, war, and etc. don't fly so well with the people I'm around. I've had people ask me if I was an athiest before, simply because I didn't think the Baptist or Episcopal Church had quite the right idea on such issues as homosexual love or pre-marital sex or even non-Christian music. So you should understand my dilemma. The thought used to pursue philosophy by most people in my area is directed either constantly to a Church or used trying to find nirvana through habitual drug use. I'm not putting myself above anyone, I'm just saying that I don't think that the place I am or the people around me promote free-minded philosophy or out of the box thinking. Hell, were I am, people are still dealing with racial issues. Example: Walking down the street, some moron screamed out the window of his car "N***er lover" at me. This was based solely on my appearance. Get where I'm coming from? This occurs even in high school students of our generation. I've been made extremely uncomfortable in conversations where I was in a group of caucasian whites who where freely using the n-word and discussing how they thought inter-racial relationships were "gross and nasty and wrong." So maybe I am wrong, but I definetly feel I'm right in my thoughts that I'm atleast more cultured than the people around me, if not a deeper thinker.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] While I am at first impression, a regular teenager with some nerdy tendencies, I have a wide array of interests. One of my biggest interests is Philosophy and schools of thought. I've read a bit on a few schools of thought, particularly the Zen Buhddist school. This is mostly pertaining to my martial arts career, but I've found that it can also help alot with other issues in life. I also favor some classic Greek schools of thought. Rhetoric styles and logic appeal to me on a certain level. As well, I look to philosophy as a way of approaching religion. While a Christian at base, I enjoy looking into Islam, Buhddism (obviously) and other religions for 'words of wisdom'. So my first question is, if you have ever looked into Philosphy, what schools of thought do you favor? Do you follow any kinds strictly? Or do you have a combination of interests such as myself? In my eyes, choosing a single school of thought can cause a person to become, possibly, one dimensional. On a social level and personal level, I couldn't allow that to happen, so I choose to follow several different ways to create my own way. In essence, this is a bit like the Krishnamurti school of thought, along with Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do martial arts philosophy on a mental level. Now, I enjoy deep thinking and looking at the world around me in different ways. But I also like to be socially acceptable by... how should I put it? 'Lay' people. Not all of my friends or acquintances look at the world on a deeper level than normal. I'd have an awful hard time finding a girl friend in high school if one of my first date questions where "So, do you favor Zen or Confucian thought?". So my second question is, how do you think a person such as myself should carry on with these ideas in general public? If you do it, how so? Or do you have the same problem? I'd also like to simply discuss different schools of thought and philosophy in this thread, so speak up.[/color][/size]

[size=1] Sorry for the slack chapter you guys. It was actually written out of boredom and on a whim. I went back and changed a few things, but I left in the 'Greedy Bastard' part. That was intentional repetition just to show Boss' train of thought at the time. Bill, I changed your accent for you. Sorry for the offense, blame it on American ignorance. I hope I can make it up with the next chapter. This introduces a new character and begins yet another battle, so there's a little action. I'll try and pick up the pace from now one and keep the chapters at a higher standard. Enjoy and comment for me. Thanks again. - The Boss [color=darkred] [center][IMG]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4992/thehit0oa.jpg[/IMG] [/center] [center][b]Chapter 8:[/b] The Cutting Edge[/center] It was a long night. DW let me sleep on the couch again; I?d have to thank him for that again. The problem was, I couldn?t do any sleeping. My mind was too tangled up with the haunting news from earlier. The Crusader survived having his throat cut. I watched him die, and he got back up. Here I was thinking I was hot shit. Guess not. I stared at the ceiling for several hours, going over the most intense battle of my life over and over again in my head. I thought it had been too easy. The more I thought about it, the more I suspected that Gavin was holding something back through out the battle. One doesn?t accumulate such infamy without earning it. I was just a punk kid assassin. Been in the game for a few years and gained some notoriety, but nothing special, just reliable. Gavin was something else. Gavin was a legend, an enigma, and something to be feared by all. There was no logical reason for me to have won. The only way I could have won?. It must have been God. I eventually got lost in my thoughts and my eyes grew heavy. Sleep began taking me over, the last sight I saw was Sakura?s slumbering face. Before I drifted into unconsciousness, my last thought was [i] What a miracle?[/i] I dreamt of an intense battle. I was one of the Three Hundred Spartans, just a single man in the ranks of a few. We stood on a dusty hill top, watching as human beings began flooding into a valley below us, bellowing deep war cries and brandishing weapons of all sorts. I looked to my left and my right and saw nothing. I had been abandoned. No one was left in sight, spears and bows scattered across what was formerly a well-organized battle line. I began to whimper and heave deeply for air. I felt panic begin gripping my heart. Just as that moment, a single hand fell onto my shoulder. I didn?t take my eyes from the battlefield as the approaching Persian army grew closer. The hand behind me became a body standing at my side. He was a tall man of great stature and strength, dressed out in a suit of glorious bronze and silk. He spoke in an out of place Irish. [b][i] ?Interesting?. Most interesting.?[/b][/i] Suddenly a sharp slap to my face woke me. [b] ?Wakey-wakey. Hands off snake-y.?[/b] I looked up to see DW standing above me with a mug of steaming coffee in his hand, his other returning to his robe pocket. The sunlight made the fabric sparkle into my eyes. I rubbed them and slowly rose up from the couch. DW slapped me again. I snatched his wrist and growled. [b] ?Enough! Damn...?[/b] I released his arm and looked around. Sakura was off the couch and at the dining room table in the next room over. I could hear her voice mixing with Peanut?s in conversation. [b] ?Get your ass up and go freshen up. We need to talk somewhere that?s not my home.?[/b] He slapped me lightly again and stepped away before I could make a lazy attack. Less than an hour later, DW and I were stepping down the stairs. Peanut said she would watch over Sakura and help her recover. God I was glad she survived the night. I don't think I could have forgave myself if something worse had happened to her. Before I knew it, DW and I were in the complex?s underground garage. We stepped into the massive dark expanse; DW brought his fingers to his mouth and let out a loud whistle. At this, the sound of screeching wheels followed and instantly, a black car was barreling at us at great speed. DW watched calmly as the car sped forward, not stopping. I was a bit nervous, but trusted DW?s judgment. The car kept coming, faster and faster from across the enormous garage. DW still didn?t move, but I was becoming fidgety. Suddenly, the car braked hard and began drifting in our direction, spinning in an elegant arc. I began sweating and nearly screamed like a little girl, but DW still didn?t move. The car stopped right in front of us on point. I stood in a puddle of my own sweat and what might have been urine while DW stepped forward graciously, opening the back seat door. Hop on in. I looked at him in disbelief and hesitantly followed him into the back seat. It seemed strangely familiar. The Car?s shape, the smell of the leather, and the weird music humming from the front. I tried to think nothing of it and continued on. I sat down slowly and attempted to relax myself. Closing the door behind me, I looked forward to see a pale face looking into mine with a goofy smile and a mouthful of chewing gum. [b] ?Morning, pal.?[/b] the face said in a British accent. [b] ?Take us to the Rivera, JP.?[/b] [i]Shit.[/i] I thought to myself. There was more to this kid than I thought. JP cranked his stereo up and began driving smoothly. I leaned over to DW and whispered, [b] ?What?s the deal with this guy? Some kind of limo-driver reject you hired??[/b] [b] ?Heh? more like an on call get-away driver. You gotta remember, B. What I do isn?t exactly legal. I needed the best driver to get me out of the sticky situations I get myself into. JP here happens to be the best.?[/b] [b] ?You have too much damn money??[/b] I replied snidely. I leaned back and we didn?t talk for the rest of the ride. The music was too annoying for me to process thoughts. We arrived at a high-class restaurant, entitled ?The Rivera?. I stepped out and DW followed. He leaned in and said something to JP before closing the door. JP quickly sped off afterwards. We walked into the building, constructed mostly of glass and sculpted marble. Too swanky for me, but a free meal is always a good meal. We were seated quickly at a bar. Bottles of liquor sat on glass shelves, the bar itself constructed of marble like the rest of the building. We sat on chair-backed stools and ordered drinks. I got water; DW ordered some kind of Spanish sounding concoction. We looked through the over priced menu and got twenty dollar club sandwiches. I was beginning to feel like DW was a real prick for the way he wasted money. I decided to keep my mouth shut, though. Rich and pampered patrons sat around us, holding conversations about things that shouldn?t be as important as they made them out to be. DW took a swig of some kind of blue drink and looked over to me. He got right to business. [b] ?Listen. Listen well, B. You?re starting to get yourself into a situation that?s going to be very hard to crawl out of alive.?[/b] he gave me a deep look, something I rarely saw from him. [b] ?Now, we may have our differences, but we?re still friends, and as little as I say it, I still care whether you're alive or not.?[/b] I laughed to myself mentally. I think DW was trying to say he loved me as a friend. He just couldn?t speak those words. [b] ?Thanks for the kind words, D.?[/b] [b] ?I don?t think you understand. You could seriously die. You?re more than just lucky that the Crusader didn?t turn you into a grey spot. From here on out, the competition for this James? head will only get more intense. Even more dangerous.?[/b] [b] ?Like how??[/b] [b] ?Remember that story I told you the other day about those contractors demolishing that bar? The four of them are still alive, word has it. They?re still looking for lives to end. But that?s not the least of your worries. It?s not just local killers anymore. We?re getting out of country coming in from all sides. England, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia. All the best killers in the world are heading for town to get a piece of the pie. And they aren?t sharing with anyone.?[/b] DW took a big bite of his sandwich. [b] ?Are you trying to scare me out of this??[/b] [b] ?No??[/b] he said with a full mouth before swallowing. [b] ?I?m just letting you know the facts my friend. The situation's only gonna get worse.?[/b] I gave an arrogant smirk and brought my sandwich up. [b] ?I say bring it on??[/b] Leaning down to take a bite, I was interrupted before my teeth touched the food as a whirling blade flew from across the room and stabbed into the marble bar between me and DW. [b] ?Very well then.?[/b] a woman?s voice to accompanied the attack. I dropped my food and shot a glance into the direction it came from. The patrons of the restaurant began into a panic, an athletic red head emerged from the scattering humanity. She was dressed in a long, red-leather parka. It was open, revealing a black and white striped shirt and two dangling cutlasses hanging inside the coat. She stepped up in a pair of black Capri pants and white-red Converse sneakers. A large pair of red-rimmed sunglasses sat on her face. I began grabbing hopelessly for my sword while DW leaped behind the bar. It began to dawn on me that I had left my sword at the condo. [i]I?m screwed.[/i] [b] ?The name?s Zeke, big guy. I?m one of those dreadful ?out of towners? you and your friend seem to hate so much.?[/b] she mocked me in a feminine British voice. [b] ?Listen lady, I really have no quarrel with you?. Could you just look past this one??[/b] I nearly begged her. I hadn't even began to recover from my last fight. My body was still in a bit of pain, and my mind was very weary. [b] ?I?m ?friad not. Anyone who gets in the way of me and James is a dead man.?[/b] with this she withdrew her two cutlasses and swung them in fanciful arcs before dropping them into a strong guard. [b] ?Let?s make this entertaining, shall we??[/b] I didn?t have a choice. It was either fight or die. Standing up, I clenched my fists tight and readied myself for another battle. I didn't even know who this chick was, but I wasn't going to let some stranger kill me, regardless. Not after all the shit I'd been through. But man, I was beginning to get tired of this job.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] [b]Netherlands[/b] > Amsterdam Stock Exchange > Stock Market Index > Dow Jones Industrial Average > [b]Coca-Cola[/b] Connect: [b]Kubla Khan[/b] to [b]Mandy Moore[/b] It can be done.[/color][/size]

[size=1] Thanks for the comments, guys. This chapter coming up isn't my best, I don't think. But I like the ending, sets up for some interesting situations in the future of the story. An introduction of Jokopoko's character and DW returns aswell. Check it. [color=darkred] [center] [img]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4992/thehit0oa.jpg[/img][/center] [center][b]Chapter 7:[/b] Damage Report[/center] I was going to have some time gathering Sakura and her weapon without drawing attention on my exit. I would need a little bit of help, so I called the only other person who would unwillingly help me. Rummaging through my pocket, I grabbed my cell phone and began dialing. [i]Ring?. Ring?. Ring?.[/i] [b] ??.WHAT?!?[/b] came DW?s furious voice. [b] ?Hey lover boy, I?m gonna need some assistance.?[/b] [b] ?Who the hell do you think you?re talking to, asshat? I?m sleeping!?[/b] [b] ?That?s all you?d be doing??[/b] [b] ?What was that?!?[/b] came an angry reply. [b] ?Sakura?s unconscious. I need a ride, homes. And a clean up. I'm at the Waterfront Park... Think you could hook me up??[/b] [b] ??..?[/b] this pause meant that DW was contemplating. Business meant money. Money was always good, always worth the trouble. Greedy bastard. [b] ?So???[/b] [b] ?I?m thinkin? douchebag?.?[/b] more thinking. [b] ?Alright. I?ll have my friend JP swing by and take you where you need. I?ll set up the clean up team. Go stand on the corner of Waterfront and Breedson.?[/b] [b] ?Thanks, D. You?re a real life saver.?[/b] [b] ?Don?t thank me until you see you?re bank account, pal.?[/b] the phone was hung up. My heart sank. Greedy bastard. I looked down to Sakura?s unconscious body and smirked. Lucky kid. Those words applied to me as well. Statistically, and by all laws of nature, I should have died back there. Maybe Gavin was right. Maybe God really was smiling on me. Now wasn?t the time for soul searching though, cops would be here soon and I didn?t need heat. I tucked my sword in my belt loop and slowly picked Sakura up, carrying her over my shoulder. Then I leaned down and struggled as I lifted the enormous AS50* sniper rifle she lugged around. I carefully stepped down the stairs of the tower and hobbled to the designated corner. Lucky for me it was near by. My own injuries were starting to get to me, particularly the gunshot wound in my thigh. It pulsed with pain, but I was lucky that The Crusader favored a powerful gun. Went right through. I laughed at the irony as I limped. By the time I got there, I saw a black Jaguar waiting for me, a young white male leaning against the hood. He stood there coolly, dressed in a all-black suit with sunglasses. Kid had style, I had to admit. [b] ?You DW?s bloke??[/b] he asked me in a born and raised British accent. [b] ?What does it look like??[/b] I replied with a furrowed brow and an angry voice. [b] ?Toss it in the boot??[/b] he said as he withdrew a piece of chewing gum from his pocket and began chewing on it loudly. I gave him an upset look. [b] ??. I [i]am[/i] talking about the gun.?[/b] I continued looking at him frustrated, shrugging my loaded shoulders. [b] ?Oh right?. Fine.?[/b] he sighed, walking around to the trunk of the car, opening the back seat doors along the way. I stumbled towards the door and slowly laid Sakura down onto the car?s leather seats. If I hadn?t been on the verge of death a few moments ago, I might have complimented JP?s ride. Stepping back out, I dropped the gun into the trunk lazily. [b] ?Watch the paint, ya wanker!?[/b] JP screamed in offense. I looked up and almost told him to shut the hell up. But I needed a ride and lacked the energy for another fight. So I just sighed. [b] ?So anyways??[/b] he continued to chew his gun annoyingly loud, [b] ?Where to, mate??[/b] Rubbing my dirty face I muttered, [b] ?DW?s place.?[/b] That outta show his ass. Greedy bastard. [b] ?Right-o. Hop on in.?[/b] I nodded to him thankfully and fell into the back seat next to the sleeping Sakura. I was so tired. Ready to rest, I slowly closed my eyes as the car started with a smooth purr. As we took off, I heard the sound of a stereo withdrawing a CD. Out of now where, with blaring volume, the car?s speakers pumped out a techno-version of the Transformers theme song, which JP faithfully sang along with. I growled deep and rubbed my eyes. It was going to be a long ride. [center]*******************************[/center] We stopped off in front of DW?s condo. JP was nice enough to begrudgingly stop singing the Transformers song long enough to help me bring up Sakura?s rifle. He struggled and complained the whole way, but did none the less. [b] ?G?night, pal.?[/b] he said and gave me a mock salute before descending the stairs again. I stood in front of DW?s door alone, with no more than an unconscious body as company. [i] What a night.[/i] I knocked. The sound of lazy footsteps shuffling answered. DW opened the door, wearing the same night robe from the early night. [b] ??God damn it?. Is she the one you fought??[/b] he cried to himself and shook his head, letting me in. [b] ?No? I killed the guy.?[/b] I gently laid Sakura down onto the couch as DW brought in the rifle. [b] ?She was supposed to help, but got a nasty bump on the head.?[/b] DW didn?t pay any attention. [b] ?Hey, if this is part of your payment, I?ll take it.?[/b] Greedy bastard. [b] ?Put it down, D.?[/b] I replied without hesitance. [b] ?Listen? you gotta stop doing this, man. Peanut?s gonna rip my head off eventually.?[/b] [b] ?Aren?t you paying for the place??[/b] [b] ?Listen, I ain?t got time for a killer?s logic right no-? [/b] the phone?s ringing interrupted his smart ass reply. He shuffled over towards it and picked up the receiver, still visibly annoyed. [b] ?What is it now??[/b] the sound of a hurried voice came in through the receiver. [b] ?Uh-huh?. Yeah. What about it??[/b] the voice became more panicked. [b] ?What?! God, how do you lose a damn body!? Hold on.?[/b] DW looked at me and covered the bottom of the phone. [b] ?You said you needed a clean up, but there wasn?t a body. I thought you killed him??[/b] [b] ?I did! I slit his damn throat and watched him stop breathing?.?[/b] [b] ?Who?!?[/b] [b] ?The fucking Crusader, that?s who!?[/b] [b] ?One, my friend, that?s impossible. Crusader can?t be killed. Two, there isn?t a damn body in the park. My guy on the line said he did a clean sweep and only found a couple casings and a broken scope.?[/b] [b] ?What?.??[/b] [/color] Duh dum duuuuuummmmm!!!! Comments please.[/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I'm very confident my past had a huge impact on me. I was born in the rural south to a northern, second/third generation American father (Greek) and an all-American/Irish mother from the south. My father is a career soldier and my mother a house wife. I've never lived in a single location for more than two and a half years save my current location which I am in the process of leaving. My first move was from N. Carolina to S. Carolina. There I stayed through my early childhood. Then I moved to Tennessee for sometime, and then to Kentucky. I remember few things of either period save the video games I avidly played and my deep love of dinosaurs and animals. Around eight, we moved to Georgia on a military post and stayed for about two and a half years. I grew up alot there. I remember my first real friends and my first relationships on a personal level. I got really into gaming and anime while here, which sparked two of my favorite past times. After this, my family picked up and moved to Germany for sometime. I gained alot of friends, my first girlfriend, and my first interaction with another language past Greek. We vacationed to Greece twice while there, Disney World France, and Romania. While there, I began shaping into who I am now. I forged friendships with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and creeds. Acceptance of others' differences came very natural to me because I was never brought up around discrimination, racism, or the such. Save my small time in SC, I never really heard any of that. When I finally moved back to America, in Kansas, I quickly found myself another group of multi-cultural friends, which seems to be a constant in my life. I then became deeply enthralled in martial arts, starting my first Tae Kwon Do classes while there. I was thirteen at the time. Now I'm seventeen and I'm about to test for my black belt, heh. Also while there, I got into comic books, creating them myself, manga, writing as a career, and the such. Also at this time, I discovered a little website called the OtakuBoards, which I'm obviously still on. After Kansas, we moved back to South Carolina, where I still live now in a small town that I can't wait to get out of. I've found that racism and what not is still very alive, despite my former ignorance to it. I can't stand it. I'm the Greek kid who hangs with the mexicans, blacks, whites, etc. My core group of friends are nearly all minorities, I've been told. I've been told by them that my being Greek classifies me a minority aswell. So now I have to deal with the whole race identity bull crap that I've never wanted to. While here, I've had my first girlfriend, lost what would be considered my virginity, grown to consider my future as an adult, watched death in action (my Grandmother died of cancer before my eyes), began going to rock shows for local bands, made life friends, and decided that I would be a writer and/or martial arts instructor in my career. I'm the kinda guy who listens to Chamillionaire and Jay-Z while reading Naruto comics. I go from doing crazy martial arts kicks to doing some ridiculous hip hop dance routine. I'll flirt with girls while I'm in the middle of writing a novella. That's who I've become after the strange and traveled past that I've had. My past is still being made though, and alot of new travels are up a head for me. I'm moving to the big city next, and that should make things all the more interesting. Let's see what comes up...[/color][/size]

[size=1] Well, so far this is probably the best chapter I think I've written. The conclusion to the Gavin v. Boss fight. I hope I'm improving with each chapter. Tell me if I'm not. But please enjoy this. [center] [color=darkred] [img]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4992/thehit0oa.jpg[/img][/center] [center][b]Chapter 6:[/b] The Lord?s Forgiveness[/center] Here I was again, looking down the barrel of a gun while lying on my back. The man holding the gun stood above me, intent to kill in his eyes. I watched as his fingers curled around the trigger of his Colt Army. My life began flashing before my eyes. My first steps, my first day at school, my mother?s funeral, my father being deployed overseas, my first kiss, losing my virginity, college, and the face of my master. All the hard lessons I had learned, all the hell I went through to live, just to end up in this position. [i]No! [/i] I screamed in my head. [i]Not yet! It can?t end like this! [/i] My mind came back to reality, a new force driving my body and soul. [b] ?May God accept you into his Kingdom, sinner?? [/b] Gavin spoke into the ether, not directly to me. I gritted my teeth and furrowed my brow. [b] ?I?m not ready for that yet.?[/b] I growled unconsciously. [b] ?What!??[/b] before Gavin could react, I swiftly kicked him in the small of his back. As he flew forward, I hopped to my feet and spun around to pursue him. Not losing a step, Gavin cart-wheeled off of one hand and landed low. I charged full steam like a bat out of hell, sending my knee into his face. This caused him to tumble backwards several feet before stopping on his ass. That got his attention. [b] ?I?m not done yet!?[/b] I hollered loudly. Pissed as hell, I gripped my odachi and ripped it out of its scabbard, holding it across my chest. I was ready for anything. I was ready for revenge for Sakura. Ready to survive. For a moment, Gavin was silent. His body lurched over as he sat covered in mud. Then his torso began jerking. I couldn?t tell why at first, but then it came. One of the most haunting sounds I?d ever heard. [b] ?Huhahahahaha! HAHAHAHA!?[/b] Gavin laughed as if he were watching a comedy. Almost maniacally, he laughed raising his head to show a delighted grin spread across his bloody face. Crimson poured from his nostrils and the corner of his right eye. He began standing back up as his laughter died, taking a deep heave, he wiped the blood from beneath his nose. [b] ?It would seem the Lord has finally guided me to a worthy opponent.?[/b] The freaking psychopath looked me dead in the eyes, still wearing a jolly grin. I couldn?t let him get into my head, not now. Gripping the hilt of my blade, I charged at him, dodging bullets from side to side. As I approached him, I quickly whirled into a reverse slash and was blocked with force by his Colt. Sparks snarled in between our weapons. [b] ?You?re getting faster? That?s good.? [/b]. Before I knew it, I was on my head. Victim to a well-placed sweep kick from Gavin, I watched upside down as he jolted for his cross. I moved my legs beneath me as quickly as I could and chased after him. He then jumped behind the upright cross and hid behind it for a short second before coming back from hiding with two more loaded Colts. I didn?t hesitate in my charge. No, I was in the zone. He fired rapidly at me, but his bullets only grazed my skin, causing small cuts to open up all across my body. Gavin aimed dead on for one moment, sending a well placed shot directly at my face. I had to react quickly, and I did. The greatest intensity pulsed through my veins as I threw my blade up and with what had to be the best luck I?ve ever had, sliced the bullet in half. Someone must have been looking out for me, and Gavin?s face agreed. I looked on with relief and vigor to his expression of surprise and disbelief. Now was my time to strike. I brought my sword across horizontally, attempting to slash Gavin?s side, but he quickly brought his cross down into my sword?s path. I couldn?t stop, no, never. My body was reacting by it?s self now. Killer instinct was taking me over, and things began to haze. I watched from outside as my body front-flipped over his cross? cover and back-heeled Gavin on the top of his head. He reeled back from the blow swiftly, but I followed him relentlessly. I slashed all over, frantically attacking from all direction. Snarling, growling, and barking out yells of power like an animal. Gavin didn?t lose a step, as he dodged backwards and to the side. Then the moment came as his foot hit a soft part of sod, causing his foot to slip slightly and lose balance. I hollered and brought my blade up from the bottom for a vertical slash. The tip of my blade stopped at Gavin?s throat. His gun was back home in my face. He was quick alright. We stared into each other?s eyes for a short eternity, unable to react out of fear of the consequences. Gavin looked onto me with what seemed like respect. Then he spoke, [b] ?This fight is over. I will fire my gun and leaped back before you can cut me. You will die here.?[/b] I didn?t reply. [b] ?? but you have been a worthy opponent? [/b] My heart fluttered from the compliment, but now wasn?t the time for thank-you?s. [b] ?I will tell you why I fight.?[/b] Was this supposed to be some kind of parting gift? If so, it wasn?t a very good one? just interesting. [b] ?I was raised an orphan in a quiet monastery. I was a troubled youth as a child. Few people showed me attention, and I was gifted at few things. I was never adopted and never shown love, so I earned my attention by acting badly, by becoming the bully of the rest of the children I lived with.?[/b] Cry me a river. [b] ?One day however, as I was saying attending mass with the rest of the children, a strange man entered our church and joined the congregation. No one questioned this man, for we are all children of God. He seemed nervous, sketchy. He sat in the middle row of empty pews, not praying himself. He was dirty and appeared scared. But we continued prayer. ?[/b] Must have been a drunk. [b] ?Then the bullets stormed in through the church doors, destroying all in their path. Strays hit several of the priests and killed many children. The sitting man screamed like a woman and attempted to run, but was also struck down by the faceless gunshots. I ducked my own head down and hid behind the altar, guarded by the statue of the crucifixion. I closed my eyes, covered my ears, and cried. By the time the gunfire had stopped, I could barely see from the tears filling my eyes.?[/b] Tears started welling up in his eyes. I couldn?t help but become intrigued. [b] ?I stepped out from behind the altar to find everyone dead. The priests, the children, and the mysterious man. The massacre before me scarred me for life, the destroyed church was burned into my psyche. Later on, I learned that the man who was killed had been the target of a contract killing. It was then on that day that I decided what my life?s path would be. How I would serve the Lord. I would become a warrior for God, and destroy both the worthless people who attained a price on their head?s, and those who hunted them. I would be the hand of judgment before these soldiers?s of fortune could harm anymore innocent lives.? [/b] I still didn?t answer. Not knowing whether I would live or die, I just listened to the story. [b] ?That is why I asked you to follow me here. That is why I kill for a living. It is not a need, it is must. It must be done for the sake of the innocent.? [/b] Gavin?s grip tightened on his gun. [b] ?I am sorry that you have chosen this path in life. You were a fierce warrior, but now I must bid you good bye.?[/b] I opened my eyes wide in surprise, and then shut them quickly in fear. [i]Click.[/i] The sound of an empty gun. Gavin didn?t move. [i]Click, click.[/i] I opened my eyes and without hesitation brought my sword?s blade across Gavin?s throat. Blood sprayed from the wound lightly. He smiled softly before falling to his knees. [b] ?God? must have truly been smiling on you this day.?[/b] The Crusader then fell onto his stomach and died gracefully. I didn?t want to feel bad, but deep inside I did. He wasn?t an evil man, just a hurt one. Life hadn?t been good to him, and he tried to make a difference for a good cause. But unfortunately that cause brought him into conflict with me. He killed my friend, and tried to kill me. Something in the back of my head told me that I wasn?t supposed to die today? maybe it was God. [center]********************************[/center] I climbed the steps of the memorial tower to recover Sakura?s body. I would need to call someone to handle Gavin?s enormous frame, so I had to leave his body. As I climbed the stairs, I held back tears. This fight didn?t need to happen, and shouldn?t have. Two people had just died because of me. I was racked with guilt and self-loathing. As I reached the entrance way for the balcony Sakura had been perched on, I hesitated to enter. I didn?t want to see her dead body. I gulped hard and breathed through my nose. It was time to be a man. I stepped forward and saw her delicate body shining in the moon light, but strangely no injury. There was a large bruise on her forehead in a circular shape. I then noticed her rifle?s scope was destroyed from a bullet. My heart rose from the pits of my stomach and I examined her closer. She was breathing. Was it a lucky miss? It must have been. Or had Gavin actually?[/color] I hope you'v enjoyed reading. Be kind and leave a comment folks, so I can continue posting new chapters. PS- Sexy new graphic by the Dragon Warrior. Give him a hand folks. [/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=53499][b][Thread] Draw My Character[/b]:[/URL] One of the coolest threads and projects I've ever been a part of. I just loved changing and altering my style to draw other people's characters, and seeing my characters drawn uniquely by others (particularly [b]han-ki-tae[/b] and [b]Ezekiel[/b]). And it's still going strong, heh. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Aristotle, because it would double as have meeting a dead person. Would you rather fight: [b]Chuck Liddel, UFC Light Heavy Weight Champion who has ended all his fights in a knockout.[/b] or [b]Cancer, the Disease[/b]. [/color][/size]

[quote name='Phenom'] (And now MGS3 is being sold back.... Go figure. I could've been playing a game that took up a lot more time instead of beating the same game in about 5 hours and getting bored.)[/quote] [color=darkred][size=1] Easy there Chief. That's my game you're talkin' about. MGS3 is a classic for me, and remains one of my top games, haha. Speaking of, I need to get my hands on a copy of Metal Gear Solid and MGS: VR Missions. It's been a while, and I need some old fashioned espionage.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Oh ho ho, [b]Xenogears[/b] is a thousand times better than its 'prequel', [b]Xenosaga[/b]. Maybe it's because the main characters aren't a robot devoid of personality and the helpless maiden escorting her around. You both made great choices in purchasing that game. I apologize for dissing Xenosaga, but after playing Gears, I just couldn't accept the game's style. Now on subject. This weekend, me and my friends Corbin and DeQuan played through and beat [b]Captain Commando[/b] on my Capcom Collection game for X-Box. We also shared a couple rounds of [b]Super Street Fighter II: Turbo[/b]. Owned with Sagat, by the way. A little earlier than that (about two months), we were having epic battles in [b]Street Fighter Alpha 3[/b]. Same two friends, same room, same characters (save for me, I would trade between Sagat and Adon). So it was continously round after round of Ken, Ryu, Adon, Ken, Ryu, Adon over and over. By the time we were done, my thumbs were blistered. Good times... good times...[/color][/size]

[size=1] I'm really breaking my promise to myself not to RPG anymore, but I can't pass this one up. You're really asking for a huge sign up, so this better pay off. I'll edit this immediatley, let me put it through Word. Just a hunch, but this is based alot on Soul Calibur, isn't it? No matter, for I am king of that game. Undefeated as of late. Check out the references to my character, such as the Hwarang. Real group of warriors from back then, legendary folk.[color=darkred] [b]Name:[/b] Haneul Yong (translated as Brave Sky) [b]Age:[/b] 21 [b]Nationality:[/b] Korean (Former Silla Kingdom) [b]Class:[/b] The Last of the Hwarang, Gukseon (translated as State Immortal) [b]Weapon:[/b] Haneul carries with him always his two beloved weapons, [b]Ki Soo[/b] and [b]Ki Kum[/b]. The spear [b]Ki Soo[/b] (translated as Spirit Spear) is six-feet long. Its shaft was created from the wood of a holy Korean fir tree said to be older than the Korean Kingdom itself. Its blade was blessed and endowed with the soul of all the Hwarang warriors of old. The weapon in its entirety is said to be unbreakable and is reputed to be magical in its own right. The sword [b]Ki Kum[/b] (translated as Spirit Sword) is a two-foot long, one-sided battle sword. Its blade, along with that of the Ki Soo, is endowed with the spirit of the Hwarang warriors of old. The blade is said to be sharp enough to slice through lesser metals with ease, and has been blessed by a High Shaman with the will of the Gods. Along with the Ki Soo, the Ki Kum is a magical weapon given only to the inheritor of the Hwarang warrior?s legacy. Both are depicted below in Haneul's grip. [b]Appearance:[/b] [img]http://www.comichole.com/img/items/115246278418180000.jpg[/img] Haneul is a tall, noble figure by appearance and demeanor. He stands at a tall 6?1?, and weighs little more than 170 pounds, which is made up of mostly defined muscle. He has broad shoulders and long legs which give him a very long appearance all around. Spread across his strong body is a dark, tanned skin. Rough and usually dirty from travel and hard work, Haneul is surprisingly unkempt for a nobleman. His body is decorated in battle scars which he takes deep pride in as trophies. He gives little care to other?s opinions of him or his appearance. Despite this, and his usually dusty appearance, Haneul is a handsome man with strong and defined features. His jaw and bone structure is sharp and elegant. His eyes are a dark green, which his opponents and admirers both compare to shining emeralds. His black hair is long and normally messy, reaching down to his mid-back. This is only do to his lack of interest in getting it cut. Usually, Haneul is seen wearing an intense, even fierce expression on his face. Many believe this is because he is in anger at all times. The truth is that he is usually just uncomfortable with his surroundings, being away from his home in Korea for many years. Haneul is constantly moving and seeing new places. He is rarely in a place where he feels comfortable or at ease. Haneul is always seen wearing the battle-dress of the Hwarang warriors. In addition to these clothes, he is normally wears a dark-orange traveling cloak. He caries a deep sentimental love for these clothes, because they are all inherited gifts (save the cloak, which was a parting gift which his adopted sister made for him). Due to this value he places on the garbs, Haneul, in what is seen as a very strange act, will normally strip his upper-torso of clothing before going into combat just so he can preserve the ancient threads as long as possible. Along with these clothes, Haneul straps his spear, Ki Soo, onto his back with a brown-leather strap. He also carries Ki Kum in a lacquered wood sheet at his side. [b]Personality:[/b] Haneul has been described as an unpleasant individual to be around. Due to the fate of his class and lineage, Haneul carries around with him a deep resentment for both his home country?s government establishment, and foreigners. The latter is due to the constant invasion and attacks which have cursed his country and people virtually since their origins. Either from the northern Mongols, the Chinese from the south, or the Japanese from the east, the Korean people are constantly either at war with either themselves or with invaders trying to attain their land. So Haneul goes through his life, trusting no one. Betrayed in spirit by both his own kingdom and those outside of it, Haneul lives in constant suspicion of others. Haneul respects very few things and people in this world. Those things being skill in fighting, courage honor, and his now deceased Sahyun (translated as Master). Haneul despises both foreigner culture and Confucians. His dislike for the latter being it?s suppression and mistreatment of the warrior class, which was formerly highly regarded. Despite his dislike for foreign culture, Haneul will normally learn remedial words from the country currently serving as his host. This is simply for survival needs, so that he may eat and find room and board for the nights he is near a town. Haneul?s constant scowl and deep anger towards his surroundings has led many to label him as a constantly and naturally hateful person. This, however, would be a misjudgment of his character. Haneul has a large amount of emotion to be expressed; however, only two people in his life have ever received his positive emotion. These two people are his Sahyun and his adopted sister, Kwak Ji. While the apple of many women?s eye, Haneul?s pride and honor have never allowed him to stray from the path of his mission in order to pursue any woman proactively. A true enigma of a man, few people ever ask of his background, and Haneul is never one to tell tales. [b]Combat Tactics:[/b] Haneul?s fighting style is the Korean art of Hwarang-Do (translated as Way of the Flower Knights). The Hwarang, being a tribe of warriors accustomed to fighting on their feet against mounted and/or numerous opponents have developed a highly acrobatic fighting art which incorporates high jumping and flying attacks against their opponents. As well as these flying attacks, acrobatic spins and flips are also common. Both ornamental and purposeful, these flying spin attacks can both strike out at multiple opponents at once, and generate a great amount of crushing and cutting power behind them. Haneul?s opponents are overcome by an array of impressive, relentless strikes, which have been described as a raging storm of kicks and blades. Just as talented (if not more) with the use of his bare hands and feet in combat, Haneul will usually not resort to using his weapons unless absolutely necessary or against a worthy opponent. This is due to the amount of honor Haneul takes in possessing these legendary weapons. The core of Haneul?s fighting style is constant offensive strikes blended into acrobatic spins and leaps which overwhelm the opponent(s) from all angles at all times. [b]Special Skills:[/b] Haneul?s weapons, [b]Ki Kum[/b] and [b]Ki Soo[/b] are said to possess the will of the hundreds of Hwarang noble-warriors within them. Due to this, these weapons are said to have unique magical capabilities unseen in normal weapons. These capabilities, however, remain unseen by anyone living other than Haneul himself. [b]Bio:[/b] Haneul Yong was born on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula in the land formerly known as the Silla Kingdom. His mother died giving birth to him, and so Haneul would be raised by his father, a lieutenant in the Joseon army. Haneul?s and his father, Choi, belonged to a formerly noble clan of warriors in Korea?s history. His father himself raised by tales of their family?s golden age passed these stories down to Haneul as a child. Raised to be a prideful and honorable young man, Haneul?s world was forever changed when his father was executed by the government for unknown reasons. Many said he had been a saboteur in league with the Japanese invaders, but those who really knew Choi understood it to be something completely different. Haneul had been conspiring with a group of other high ranking officers in the military to overthrow the King in order to restore the country back to its former state of noble warriors. However, some how or another, the group was found out and swiftly punished. Haneul never knew the truth of his father untimely death. He never had time to question the direction of his life, as he was orphaned to the streets of the city. He was only ten years old. His time as an orphan would not be long, however. A few short months into his forced hard life on the uncaring streets, Haneul was found by an old friend of his father?s. A middle-aged ex-soldier named Hyun Joon. Hyun adopted the rebellious and uncooperative Haneul, and took him into his family along with his wife. Due to his wife?s inability to have children, the family gladly accepted the other wise hateful youth. Hyun recognized in Haneul the spirit of a warrior, and decided to pass on to him the title of Last of the Hwarang, the noble knights of Korea. Hyun had kept the traditions and arts of the lost warrior class alive himself, after the title had been passed down to him by his master before him. From that day forth, Haneul would begin his training as a warrior. From that year on, Haneul suffered a strict regiment of training under Hyun. Through physical and mental improvement, Haneul?s disciplinary problems slowly faded as he accepted Hyun as his Sahyun. Over time, Haneul grew and matured into a warrior of the finest caliber. Brought up under the values of honor and courage, these core values would serve to guide his life. Haneul would eventually embody all of his Sahyun?s teachings and master the ways of the Hwarang. On his eighteenth birthday, Hyun passed on his title of Last Hwarang down to Haneul, bestowing him with the legendary weapons, [b]Ki Soo[/b] and [b]Ki Kum[/b]. Overcome with pride, Haneul thanked his Sahyun and on that day, dedicated his life to following the ways of the Hwarang. Shortly after this, while taking a walk through the streets; Haneul witnessed a young girl stealing food from a local shop keeper. After the shop keeper realized what was happening, he quickly chased and apprehended the girl. The girl fought and struggled with all her might to escape the man, but was unsuccessful. In an attempt to punish her, the shop keeper raised his hand to strike the girl, but was stopped by Haneul. After paying for the girl?s expenses, Haneul took her home to Hyun, just as Hyun had done with him. The girl, Kwak Ji, was accepted into the home with grace. She was, just as Haneul, a rebellious one. Eventually, however, the kindness and protection provided by Haneul and the Joon?s softened Kwak?s personality, revealing a kind hearted young girl. Time passed and things where good for that time. Then on one faithful day, everything in Haneul?s life was changed again. While walking through town, Hyun witnessed a restaurant being robbed. The criminals where quickly defeated by Hyun single handedly, much to the happiness and surprise of the restaurant patrons. Unbeknownst to him, a Joseon general was also attending the restaurant and recognized just who and what had saved them. Later that night, the Joon home was raided by military soldiers. Hyun was convicted of sabotage, and arrested immediately. Haneul attempted to fight, but was ordered down by Hyun, who peacefully went on much to Haneul?s dismay. Hyun was summarily executed the next day. It was on that day that Haneul made another oath. He promised to himself that he would overcome the wicked government which had destroyed the two most important people in his life. With his sword and spear at his side, Haneul bid Mrs. Joon and Kwak farewell, as he set out on his journey to discover the means to defeat an entire kingdom by himself? Shortly after he began his journey, Haneul learned of an ancient and all powerful sword which would make its owner practically invincible. He immediately pursued the story?s origin? [/color] Dear god, that was long... Hope it was all worth it.[/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] My new song this week is [URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC9Er-rpzJI][b] "Throw Some D's"[/b][/URL] by Rich Boy, an up and coming rap star from Alabama. I also love the beat changes in the songs remixes by [URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir_g-vTLwnw][b]DJ Phantom[/b][/URL], [URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmKZarkM6vY][b]DJ Unreal[/b][/URL], and [URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dYr6vrmI8c][b]DJ Bounce[/b][/URL]. Good ears those three have. Warning, video links are uncut song versions, but the song isn't very explicit.[/color][/size]