sakurasuka

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Never seen School Rumble. I've heard alot about it, but never have really took the time. Ayway, pics for this were dificult to work with. The set is purposly busy, as it sets to the theme and look of the characters. There go. Hope you like them. av: [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/SRav1.jpg[/img] url: [url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/SRav1.jpg[/url] size: 150x80 filetype: jpg ban: [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/SRban1.jpg[/img] url: [url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/SRban1.jpg[/url] size: 350x100 filetype: jpg If you choose to use my set, please inform me so I can add a border and any additional text. I made you an avatar just in case.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[QUOTE=Godelsensei]Never. Life is too precious to throw away. If a cause is unworthy of your [i]support[/i], why should it be worthy of your [i]life[/i]? That's dying for your [i]un[/i]-principles.[/QUOTE] [COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][CENTER][FONT=Tahoma]True. But everyone who joins the army makes a concious decision to be willing to give thier lives. But when you support your country, does that mean you should support all aspects of it? No. Does it mean you should protest against the choices of your own country? Depends on your stand. I have a friend I asked the same question. Would you die for something you don't believe in? Without a hint of hesitance, he said 'Yes.' his reason? 'If this country is worth living in, it's worth protecting with everything we've got. If that means war, so be it. If that means I have to fight, I'm willing.' He is a very dear friend of mine, and it kind of took me by surprise when he said this. This friend is the kind of guy who'd do anything for anyone, an outstanding fellow. He loves discussing politics with me, and he's always [I]against[/I] whatever's going on in government, so it struck me as strange. In some ways, he's right. In others... He's dead wrong, in my opinion. I would be willing to help those fighting for a cause (Even if I didn't believe in it), but I would certainly not be willing to die for it. In my life, there are many things I'd give my own life for. My close friends/family The ultimate well-being of my country My beliefs (Weather they be religious or otherwise) Other than that, I don't think I'd ever risk my life, but by understanding these things, I can understand why others would.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Would you like an avatar? Or any particular text? Ah, I made you a quick one, but lemme know if there's anything you need changed, or if you'd like a different one. It isn't exactly what you asked for, but it can be changed... av- [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/vashav1.jpg[/IMG] URL: [url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/vashav1.jpg[/url] Size: 150x80 Filetype: JPG ban- [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/vashban1.jpg[/IMG] URL: [url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/unmei_shinpai/banners%20and%20avvies%20for%20you/vashban1.jpg[/url] Size: 500x100 Filetype: JPG I made you an avi just in case. Hope you enjoy it. _sakura_[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Amusing. I think those who categorize THEMSELVES have every right to do so, but please stop categorizing other people, because they just think the same about you. Stop the vicious circle, people! Anyway, I know I am stereotyped by my friends as popular, since I can talk to anyone and make friends. I don't think of myself like that, because I have so many other aspects. I love skateboarding, Manga, drawing, Shakespeare, music (Punk and Rock... Some metal.), Martial Arts (Only one more belt 'till black!), my job, my guitar, hanging out with my guyfriends and girlfriends, and the like. I have no personal stereotype. My closest would be Punk, or... Popular? That doesn't really describe me at all, though... Gah, what's the point.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]This is reffering to war, but can mean what you take it to mean. It seems to me there are people that would simply risk thier lives to fight for a cause they don't agree with. Would you? Would you fight for the honor of your country, even if you didn't agree with the fight? Personally, I despise was of any kind. If someone attacks us, then war is necesary, but when it's not we need not fight, in my opinion. Don't fight when there's nothing to gain. In the end, is glory what you do with your life, or how you die? The 'right' thing to do is all a matter of perspective. I am currently writting an essay on the difference between the male and female mind when it comes to war. I did an ononymous poll, and I got many answers I would not believe. 8 out of 10 men from the age of 16-19 would be willing to fight for a cause they don't believe in. The other 20% were those who stated war is wrong in any aspect, or they didn't agree with war for the most part, or similar answers. When I personally interviewed the same 20 people, the ones who stated they would fight for a cause they didn't believe in went from 8 (In 10) to 3 (In 10). Thier excuse for not wanting to were honorable answers, but not the truth. Why would they lie after I already have the statistics? What did they have to gain? I ask you, what do YOU think?[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma][B]Name-[/B] Shin Ka'nikoo [B]Age-[/B] 15 [B]Gender-[/B] Female [B]Race-[/B] Jawa [B]Homeworld-[/B] Tatooine [B]Affiliate Order-[/B] New Jedi Order [B]Rank-[/B] Padawan Learner [B]Class-[/B] Padawan Peacekeeper [B]Lightsaber-[/B] Dual Lightsabers. Both are very short in comparison to the average lightsaber, each only reaching around 1-2 feet in height. Both are orange with a yellowish glow and a blueish hilt. The end of the blade extends a bit to look more like a scimitar, with more reach. Her saber is a bit more brutal than most, with more heat and friction. Therefore, a close miss with these weapons will still leave you burned. It does not cut very smooth, rather jagged. [B]Lightsaber Style-[/B] Vaapad [Form VII] --lv1 She likes speed most of all, but is not afraid of risking her own life to no end to get the job done. A dangerous style is best in the hands of someone like her. [B]Force Powers-[/B] Force Confusion--Stun Droid--Force Jump--Force Aura [B]Appearance-[/B] (Decided no pic was necesary since there's... Really nothing a picture could do that my description doesn't.) Ka'nikoo looks much like any other Jawa excapt she is even shorter than most (A difficult feat indeed) and is very pretty... For a Jawa. Her cloak is almost back, opposed to the dull brown. Her eyes are green rather than the orangish red that is typical for her species. In battle, she wears a baggy black outfit. It has a sort of ninja-esque, if you ask me. (I sketched all of her junk, but my scanner decided not to work today. It matters very little, at any rate.) [B]Biography-[/B] It was a fateful day on Tatooine for Ka'nikoo. There had been no water anywhere for many weeks, and her clan was diminishing. They had discovered the meaning of the drought. Humans had invaded thier land. The Jawa knew not thier purpose, only that they had weaponry the Jawa species couldn't even imagine. Silver hand-held weapons that shot flaming beams and bullets. It was this day the humans discovered Ka'nikoo's clan. They moved swiftly, murdering everyone. Ka'nikoo had hidden from the fight, terrified. She could watch no more. The last of her Jawa clan stood in front of her. Only eight years old, she stepped out from behind the rocks and joined them in a battle to the death. Her elder brother was killed, and so were the rest. Ka'nikoo was all that was left. She shed angry tears that noone could see beond her cloak. This would be the last time she ever cried. She leaped at the man who had shot her brother, sinking her fist into his chest. She watched him fall to the ground dead, and picked up his weapon. After only very few moments, she had destroys all her attackers. She had been shot three times, and had a hole all the way throught her midsection. She left her bloody home, her hands dripping with the blood of man, her cloak dripping with her own blood. As she passed out, she knew her inevitable fate. Something then happened that she would not have expected. She was resqued by a Jedi Master/Knight (Dunno yet) and brought upon the Jedi Council to judge. The Jedi quickly began to teach Ka'nikoo in the ways of the force. She spent all of her time out-doing her fellow students. More than anything, she became well versed in Combat and many different styles of Lightsaber styles, soon choosing the most dangerous as her favorite. She did not care for moving up in ranks. She did not respect any other Jedi. Maybe her teacher, but that was all. Many of her fellow Padwan Learners avoided her, since she was brutal and angry, and quite different from anyone else. The only one who saw anything in this young one was her teacher. The council members objected her being trained, for the force was weak with her. Despite that, she soon was much more deadly than any of her equals. In any pure-combat fight, she could out-fight even Jedi above her, but when it came to using the force, Ka'nikoo could only ever use it to propell herself and her weapons. She never could do much else. Her speed was unrivaled, but her one-ness with the force was nonexistant. There was no way she'd move up at this rate, though she could already defeat even masters in speed. After another year, Ka'nikoo learned much more in the ways of the force, but was still unable to release her anger. Hateful emotions ruled her. Her teacher decided to destroy her angry feelings at the source. He/she sparred against her and defeated her horribly. She became even more angry with him/her. Ka'nikoo lunged at her teacher. The teacher blocked every attack with ease. After many hours of this, Ka'nikoo just asked how. How are you able to block every attack? The teacher smiled and told her thathe/she'd released all emotion and become a true Jedi. That is what Ka'nikoo needed to do, or she'd never get better then her current level. Ka'nikoo learned to overcome all emotion. She hated noone, loved noone, and cared only about the cause. She didn't necesarily fight for individual creatures, but for the good of all. It's been a year since that vow, and she's gotten much more powerful. She no longer wants power, though. She rarely knows what she wants anymore. For more... I'm hoping to see who you pair me up with... If anyone in particular... Prefferably a human, so there can be a side-story of Ka'nikoo having to over-come her hate of humans, for that is the only way she can become a Jedi, and all that jazz. [B]Personality-[/B] Withdrawn. Not angry, but never joyous. Refuses to talk unless to it required, even though she is fluent in over 150 languages. Orphaned at a young age, she meets up with a Jedi Master/Jedi Knight and comes to learn the ways of the Jedi. She is never afraid, and would be willing to accept the most difficult of tasks without a hint of qualm, even at her current level. [B]Other-[/B] Nothing for me here. [B]Final Question-[/B] I believe it gave me plenty of space to create my character, yet controlled the RPG. Perfect. Although I did arrive a bit late to do everything I had hoped, but that's not your fault, it's my lazyness. Please inform me on any changes I might need to make.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Hello again. I don't believe it's difficult to understand a topic, no. I gave my input on my opinion. A opinion, I will remind you, I AM entitled to. [QUOTE=sakurasuka] [CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]My point? Well, amidst the pointless rambling I've really only one thing to say. If something has value the way it is, don't change or re-make it. If something sucks now, don't try doing it over, it'll still suck. Therefore, you souldn't make anime to movies or movies to anime. You don't want to risk taking or altering the original value of the picture. Kay all, I'm done.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER] [/QUOTE] Does this not answer your question? You wanted to know:[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER] [QUOTE=Ryoko T.D.C.][COLOR=Blue]hey ya'll! i was just wonder'en, what real life movie do you think would make a kewl anime movie? or what real series would make a kewl anime series? like for example: i think thank the Jackass movie make a great anime movie (which it wouldn't by the way) or i think that the show 'Will and Grace' would make a good anime (even though i don't tink it would....) [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [CENTER][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]I said Star Wars would LOOK cool, but it would kill the meaning. I half agreed with you on Aviator, and I added what I think would NOT make a good anime/live action movie. Just because you disliked my post doesn't mean you should tell me I can't read what you wrote. If you simply want a list, I can do that. I just wanted to contribute to conversation more, not just post to hear myself talk. (Erm... I suppose this should be PMed to you, but last time I PMed someone something about thier thread, they weren't very happy with me.)[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Truly, this thread is very amusing to me. I personally dislike the idea of anyone taking Sailor Moon and turning it into a live-action movie. On the other side of the fence, Star Wars (In new light of Revenge of the Sith... Just saw it ^^ Yay! I don't really like the ending...) would not be NEARLY as appealing animated. There has been much talk in the last months about a bunch of anime movies becoming live action. I shudder at the thought of Frankie Muniz playing Shippo (Inu) or Angelina Jolee playing Sango. Excuse me if I'm bold, but it would just ruin InuYasha for me. Imagine Muniz runnin around in a little fuzz ball suit! Goodness, there'd be nothing worse. (Except that stupid dog on Duck Hunt. He needs to die... Alright, that was random...) Now, as for movies to anime, I think some might work. Aviator? I... Can [I]see [/I] it, but... I dunno... I think they could probably elaborate on Star Wars and make it a good anime. Problem? It would kill everything! Just like the coming generation... [spoiler]They'll never see it 4-5-6-1-2-3 like we all did! There will be no significance of Darth Vador's fall to the dark side! Noone will know who Luke and Leia are... It's sickening...[/spoiler]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Heh... It's interesting how about half of you have brought up Kenshin. Just thought I'd mention that. Anyway, Jigglypuff could kick Goku's butt majorly... Ah, how I love fuzzballs. Anywho, I'd say Hotohiri (Fushigi Yugi) vs. Koga (InuYasha) since they have BASICALLY the same skill level... Even from being from two totally different anime/mangas. But why would they ever fight? Just wondering. Another thing I'd like to bring up (Involving Kenshin) is that I think the only sworsman better than Kenshin by great amounts is Hawkeye from One Piece. (In the manga, anyway. I don't watch the anime... Horrible dubs.)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]"Hey... Rorohiko?" Katai looked around for a second, like she'd lost something. "Hmm?" He jerked his head from Scott to Katai. "I think I... Sense a familiar Aura... But it can't be who I think it is..." She raced towards the door. [I]What, does she think she's some sort of psychic or something?[/I] Rorohiko half followed her, then though better of it and stood where he was. Until, of course, he heard Katai scream. "Carter! Josh! Oh, my goodness, this is so cool! It's like a reunion!" Katai squealed. As soon as Rorohiko had stepped his foot out the door he wished he hadn't, for there stood Josh and Carter, with an extatic Katai with her arms around thier shoulders. "Hello, Rorohiko!" Carter smiled as Katai huged him and gave him one of those half-kisses on the cheek. "Hello." Rorohiko almost just wanted to go back inside. "So Josh, whatcha doin' here?" Katai was about to give him a hug, too. "I came to catch the infamous ring-leader of Team Rocket. I have to take you in, Katai." At about that moment, everyone around them (Now including all of the people inside of the Pokmon Center... They all got curious what the rucus was about) were now quite aware of what Josh was wearing... A Police uniform! ((OOC: As I type this, I keep thinking of Josh in Officer Jenny's uniform... I can't help it!)) "Aw, I thought all that was behind us... Hey, how did you even know what region I was in? I was kinda hiding out, ya know..." Katai frowned as Josh nodded toward Carter. "Your buddy here told me where you were. Let's go, Katai." Josh stepped forward... Cuffs in his hands and everything. "Carter! You promised you wouldn't tell him where I was unless he was done chasing me! I can't believe you!" She whined. "Hey, now!" Carter waved his hands. "Don't look at me! He just said he needed a vacation, so... I figured we might wanna meet up with you..." He half smiled. "Fine then." She scoffed. "Be that way. C'mere, Emerald!" Katai pointed at Josh and Scizor obeyed. "So it's a battle you want? Well, you'll get a..." Josh stopped suddenly, being whacked in the head with an Iron Claw. "After this past two years you haven't learned anything!" Katai threw a smokeball at the ground, and her and Scizor jumped into the haze... "I'll be back, don't you worry... I just have to go get the rest of my Pokemon from Oak." The smoke cleared and she was gone, but Josh held up his hand. "Shh." He held up three fingers... Then two... Then one, and pointed to his left. "Ow! Stupid rock!" Everyone looked to where Josh was pointing and there was Katai... Sprawled out on the ground. "What the heck?!" Josh smiled. "You're so predictable, Katai, my dear."[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Trolmont, Josh, and Carter, oh my! Heh... It seems I've started a trend ^^ Nah, joking aside, I think Josh being a cop is super cool! (And really ironic, since it was kind of his fault Katai JOINED TR, anyway... Former member now attempts to foil current leader... Neato!) Carter hasn't changed much... 'Cept that he's always hanging aroung Josh... Carter used to be the head guy with Kazu and Katai at his heels, was he not? Eh, whatever. Okay, my real reason for posting... I want to know who all is trying to obtain the badges, for that will help me decide whether or not that should be Karia's goal. Yes, she wants to be the ultimate strategist, but I don't think it's really her dream to enter the league... Especially if she'll just be a scapegoat to lose to Tsuka or Scott or Kite... Those are our only newbies, right? (Other than Karia) So if not, I need to find another motive for Karia. Also, Brookline, I hope you don't mind me starting the Josh-Katai intro... If I find time tonight. I'll leave it just like we talked about 'cept the Aura part... 'Kay? Cause I won't be able to get on for a few more days... Maybe a week... I have too much business ec. and essay homework! *grumbles* _sakura_[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Retribution, I personally love all of your work. (Especially with graphics!) and I think this is just the same. Now for comments and critique! I love how you made the stanzas flow... Without making a large attempt at rhyming! It's really... Kind of dark, while being inspiring... An odd mix. I had a bit of an issiue with the following part: [I]You don?t understand The demon I must restrain To act civil[/I] I think it doesn't really flow... Try to keep Naruto in mind and ya [I]understand[/I] the bit, but it still doesn't... Fit... As well as the rest of the peom. Maybe it's just the wording, neh? But then it wouldn't fit with the part above... Ah, well. Maybe it's just me. It's kinda wierd rating your work, since you're so much better than ME, so rated against me you'd get a 10... But I think thit one really deserves a 9.5/10. Awesome![/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]((OOC: This may be a bit confusing, possibly long-winded. Please bear with me, I do have a point... More like DID have a point, and m=now I'm just trying to fulfill it... Or something like that.)) [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Aw, why do ya have to bring that up?"[/COLOR] Katai stood up and looked at Rorohiko. She had the oddest look on her face... [COLOR=Black]"You never were up to much good. Hell, you're the one who joined Team Rocket."[/COLOR] He stood up as well. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"I just don't want TR to go under again. Well, Rorohiko, you've become to nosy for your own good, but I will tell you this... For old times' sake." Katai stepped closer to him and whispered, "Do you see that boy over there?" [/COLOR] Katai nodded her head toward Scott, now sleeping under a cherry tree. Rorohiko nodded his head once in recegnition. "[COLOR=DarkOrange]There's something about him. Every time TR has lost anyhting in the past year it's been around that boy. He is surrounded by an evil aura."[/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]"Lost what, battles? You're meaning to have me believe that boy drains the aura out of pokemon?"[/COLOR] Rorohiko said sarcastically. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"You're still smart. Leaves me an easier job." [/COLOR] Katai leaned in and whispered in an aprehensive Rorohiko's ear [COLOR=DarkOrange]"He is a threat to not only TR, but any and every trainer... Even you. Watch out for him. Don't let him stray from your sight."[/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]"I'm not going to help you again. Do you remember how that turned out last time?"[/COLOR] Rorohiko decided to ignore the absurdity of this boy having magical powers... Though he himself knew better than anyone that other powers do exist, the Orbs are a perfect example. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"I do believe it's in your best interest. One of us has to keep watch over him, and I DON'T believe it's in your best interests to have a TR recruiter keeping watch over this boy. I don't yet know what it is about him, but there's something there." [/COLOR] Katai walked away before Rorohiko had a chance to reply and joined Tsuka beside his Bulbasaur. [COLOR=Black]Dammit, that girl is the most annoying...[/COLOR] He just shook his head. now to Karia and Jared_______________________________________ [COLOR=Black]"What do you mean are you good? Would I personally waste my time on some loser? I think no, Omandaru, you've got guts." [/COLOR] Jared half smiled as they picked up the pace. "Erm... Thank you! I'm really glad you decided to train me and I'll work really hard and Blah blah blah blah blah...." Karia went on and on and on and on... [COLOR=Black]"Hey now, slow it down a bit!"[/COLOR] Jared said, starting to get a headache. [COLOR=Black]"Anyway, you wanna try to find another trainer to battle? This time it'll be a fair fight, and this time you'll win outright." [/COLOR] Jared said, mostly just glad Karia had eased up on the talking. "You think? That would be awesome! I've never fought against a real trainer before... Just my idiot brother." [COLOR=Black]"You battled your brother? I thought you said he was..."[/COLOR] "More like he picked on me." Karia sighed. "He just liked to beat up my pokemon to make himself feel big. The bad thing was, he was awesome and noone in the town could beat him, so he just kept beating on US." Karia tilted her head to one side and frowned, suddenly quite aware of her missing hat. [COLOR=Black]"He couldn't have been a REAL trainer." [/COLOR] Karia looked up at him. [COLOR=Black]"No real trainer would do that. He's just a washed up wanna be."[/COLOR] That comment made Karia turn all smiley again. "Umm... sir... I mean, Jared... I mean, you there!" Karia couldn't think of a proper way to adress him. Jared just shook his head. [I]'You there'? Couldn't she think of anything better than that?[/I] "Well, I kinda forgot my hat in that clearing back there" Karia pointed the way they'd just past "And I really want it back. Can I go get it? Thanks!" She didn't wait for his reply, she just dashed off. Jared followed more slowly, hoping they'd meet about halfway back and give him some time to think. [I]She really is determined... But what's so important about that hat?[/I] ((OOC: Yay! I shortened it up and made it more people-friendly... Before my grammar was horrible >.< Anyway, this should all play itself out shortly... You'd better post soon, Brookline or you'll kill my whole dramatic set up!))[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Lovin the first one in the second post. The very first one was, yes, a bit bright but I thought it was quite good ^^ I very much like how you fixed it up, though. I think the effect you used on Sazuke really makes the dark spots stand out and allows it to remove him a bit from the bg, while still looking like it blends. On the text 'Rising Sun' in the very corner of the banner, it really looks more pixelated than the first one. I think you should have used a more orang-y color... Maybe not, because that would conflict as well. That is a tricky spot, because you can't go much lighter, and you can't go much darker without it looking unnatural... And anything in between is almost indistinguishable from the shirt. Tricky, tricky. One more thing I'd change... Everything seems really nice, and it all flows perfectly and all of the colors match... Except the grey shadow. Maybe make it a bit... Warmer? I really don't think that kind of shadow effect works in this pic's favor, but it's not something that is really breaking either. It wouldn't hurt one little thing if it stayed the way it is, it's perfect enough ^^ I love it all. You are very talented and should keep this up! 9.7/10 (On the first banner in the second post.)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Kouga from... InuYasha? Or from that thing that I can't remember the name to... Don't think it's been translated to english yet... *Wonders, tapping fingers on mousepad* I'll make yo an Inu one, if that's not right I'll take the text off of it and use it for something else! Bwaha! *Just kidding...*[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]((OOC: Sorry that it took me so long to reply, WT... Work takes up just 'bout all of that nowadays >.< Oh, and I'm supposing that TwoMoons' post didn't actually happen since Tsuka doesn't have an Alakazam *Karia hopes* Oh, I'm not going to be able to finish the battle I don't think... *Ignores eclips... Erm, I mean Brookline knocking at door*)) "There's one catch, though, since you're a newbie." Karia flipped her bangs out of her face *Her hat lies discarded in Viridian Forest... She never did pick it up* "Catch? For me, or for you?" Tsuka tilted his head slightly, hand still on Bulbasaur's pokeball. "For me, I suppose. It will be a 2-on-1 battle. Your pokemon can work together as much as they feel, but Plum won't move an inch. Anything less and I'd feel bad beating you." She set Plum down on the ground at her feet. "This should be quick enough, Plum. You'll be fine." That made Tsuka mad. She didn't have to make him feel like a nobody. "I don't need a handicap. One-on-one, that's even, we'll see who wins." "Don't you listen? I need to battle you this way." Karia shot a half-glance over her shoulder at Jared, who hadn't said a word in quite a while. That wasn't like him. [I]Don't I listen?! Don't YOU listen?[/I] Tsuka thought to himself, but he just shook his head. "Do what you want, I'm going all out, you're going to be sorry." He released Bulbasaur from it's ball. *sigh* "Fine then. Go Plum, you know the deal. We gotta win this." The green Venonat bounded happily onto the field. "You can still use both of your pokemon, if you so wish." "I'm fine, you worry about yourself!" Tsuka kept a calm voice, but raised it a bit as he backed up to make the space between him and Karia bigger. A bigger field makes for a better fight. Both pokemon took up places on the field and redied themselves. "Aren't you going to make the first move?" Karia said somewhat slowly, trying to buy time for herself to formulate an elaborate strategy... Or any strategy at all! "Ladies first... Karia, is it?" Both pokemon held thier ground and didn't move an inch. "I'm not moving. I can't." Karia didn't know how she would win. Powders weren't very effective on Bulbasaur... Plum was only good at sneaking up and using her speed... She didn't know how she'd win this one... Plum had little-to-no defense at all. This would be tough. "Alright. Bulbasaur, Tackle!" Tsuka yelled. "Plum, use Spikes!" Karia thought fast and Bulbasaur's attack did more to itself than Plum... But Tsuka wouldn't fall for that again. She was going to have to do better than that. [COLOR=Black]Edit:[/COLOR] "Bulbasaur! Are you alright?" Tsuka cringed as his Bulbasaur impaled itself upon Plum's spikey fur. "You can still use two pokemon if you want to." Karia said smugly, hoping immensely that he wouldn't. "Nah, Bulbasaur's got it under control." Tsuka paused a moment and thought [I]I'm not gonna send out Pidgy... But it'll end up bad if I use any more close-range attacks... Better use something a little further away... But what does it know?[/I] [I]Please let him be dumb and keep tackling.[/I] Karia whispered. [I]Please say he's just some idiot who doesn't know anything.[/I] Tsuka thought of something. "Bulbasaur, can you use a Vine Whip?" Bulbasaur looked back at him, slightly puzzled. "...Bulba?" "You can't? You don't know how to use a Vine Whip?" Tsuka asked, feeling slightly disappointed that he didn't even know his own pokemon's attacks. "Can you... Try?" Tsuka said without even thinking. "Saur." Bulbasaur nodded and looked back at Plum. "Alright Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!" Bulbasaur concentrated a moment and long vines shot out of it's bulb and toward Plum. It made contact. Plum wobbled a little, bit didn't move it's feet and inch. She did look slightly shakey, thoguh. "Bulbasaur! Do it again, this works!" "Grab the vines!" Karia cried "Don't let it hit you!" Plum wraped it's tiny arms around Bulbasaur's vines and swung it in a circle and let it hit the ground with a dull 'Thud'. "Are you all right, Bulbasaur?" Tsuka took a step foreward, but didn't enter the field. The dust settled and Bulbasaur stood up, nearly fainted. "I think that's enough. I really don't want to pick on you." Karia entered the field and picked up Plum. "It really would just be torture to both of our pokemon to go on. I resign." Karia looked at Jared. "As much as I want you as a tutor, it's not worth Plum getting hit again. She was defensless. I never want that to happen." Plum nestled against Karia's chest and closed her eyes. "I want her to trust me." Tsuka was now standing beside Bulbasaur feeling slightly awkward... They were talking about him like he was some evil being or something, hurting some defensless pokemon... They seem to have forgotten who slammed WHO into the ground. "You did awesome, Bulbasaur. Your first real battle with a real trainer!" Karia walked up to Jared and looked him in the eye, setting Plum down (A quite difficult feat, since Karia happens to be about 4 foot 4...) "I still want to be your student more than anything... Except the safety of my pokemon. That matters more, and always will. I need you to know that. Just sleep on it, okay?" Karia said all this quite fast, and bounded over to Tsuka before Jared hed a chance to respond. "Erm... You battled really well. And Bulbasaur learned a new attack..." Tsuka returned Bulbasaur to it's pokeball. Karia threw her arms around him in a great big hug. "Thank you so much!" Karia let go and smiled the biggest smile ever. "For... What?" He asked, slightly shaken. She just kept smiling at him. "You helped me realize what is most important. Thank you!" "You're... Welcome?"[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Manga isn't just another comic book to me. Now, I'm not gonna go all philosophical-like 'cause it makes my brain hurt but to me, manga is the artist's conception of things. Either that or they just really had a good idea one day. Either way, it's a direct link to thier brain. All manga-ka are just amazing in my opinion. I love to draw. Once I get my scanner working, I'll post some of my work in the art forum. Anyway, below are some of my favorite works (Not in any particular order) and why. ||Dr. Slump|| Frickin hilarious. Need I say more? ||Rurouni Kenshin|| Actually got me excited about Japanese History. I love the way Watsuki depicts the characters... And Kenshin's split personality. I think Watsuki is brilliant and needs to do another manga set in more common times with more of a romantic feel. I think it might better show some of his talents than RuroKen and his other works. Despite that, I think he is just amazing, and it is my dream to meet him and have him critique my work. *Bows to Watsuki-Sensei* ||DNAngel|| Kind of reminds me of a kiddie Chobits. Maybe that's just me, but I really see too many resemlances to count. Anyway, I love the cutesy artwork. Makes me thing of flowers, which is kind of odd... But anyway, love the PG13 romance between Riku and Daisuke (Which I pronounced incorrectly until I saw the anime.) I will not even get into the DNAngel anime here. I will just say I think it is just discraceful. That is all. ||Naruto|| Every time I read Naruto I am just taken in by the art. I don't understand it. It looks childish and scraggly, and you can tell it wasn't cleaned up well, but it is just my favorite manga in terms of art. Not to mention I have a huge crush on Sazuke (Don't tell Shuichi! :catgirl: ) --Wow... That was the first time I've used a smilie in... Months... ||Hikaru No Go|| Yet another manga that is quite childish in appearance. Yes, I do love go *sigh* alas, I am the worst go player I know. For that, I will stop, because it just depresses me... ||YuYuHakusho|| My beloved Shuichi Minamino... How I do love him... *Sigh again* Ahem. My moment of madness aside, I really do enjoy the YuYu manga. I love to argue about who-the-best-character is more than I actually enjoy reading it, though... ||Chobits|| I love anything by CLAMP. They are just awesome. Chobits especially because I like how Hideki is troubled at first over wheather or not to fall in love with Chi, and then Chi [spoiler]chooses Hideki as her 'Special Someone'. [/spoiler] (--I believe the seventh issiue?) Well, I just love sweet stories, that's all I have to say. ||Kindaichi Case Files|| Please say someone on OB has read these? I just love them. One of my first mangas was the Death TV one, and I have just collected them ever since. I think they are possibly the best manga, not in terms of art, but in terms of story. They really make you think... It's kind of funny, though. (Not 'funny-Haha' but 'funny-Hmmm....') and Kindaichi is hilarious, and I love how it portrays his high school and his classmates, especially Miyuki. There's my two cents. I'm off. _sakura_[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Heh... I like comedy, romance, and horror... A wierd mix, to say the least. I also like the mystery-type-things like Kindaichi Case Files. But my all time favorites would have to be Rurouni Kenshin, Chobits, or Dr. Slump, so I don't really have a favorite horror genre manga, I just pretty much am content with them in general. But aside from genre, I am normally drawn to mangas and artists by the appeal of the characters and art itself. So really, I haven't found a black-and-white manga that I don't like. Colors make my brain hurt. Seriously, I have a medical problem, I can't read kiddie books. It's sad. One time when I was nine we were supposed to read some picture book and I said I couldn't and everyone just thought I was dumb... Even though I'd already read Huckleberry Fin, Little House on the Prarie, and most of Little Women. Anyway, off topic a bit there, but I basically like anything. There go, simple, cut-and-dry. Anything. _sakura_[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Sorry, Syk3, if this would be considered spam, it is pretty short ^^' It just says 'Error: Page cannot be displayed' on mine. I don't quite know what you're asking, do you already draw and need us to give you ideas for like outfits and stuff or do you need people to draw it for you? Cause that I can do... But I'm not too sure about advice. Also, are you SURE that is the correct link? Because I made that mistake one time, I misspelled a link and I had no clue why people were telling me it didn't work until I double checked it. Just to see if that's the problem.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]((OOC: Gotcha. I love battles ^^)) [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Golduck!"[/COLOR] Katai released her next pokemon. [COLOR=Black]"Just because Absol used fire attacks doesn't mean it's a fire type. You won't get anywhere with that Golduck."[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Really? Observe."[/COLOR] Katai nodded her head and Golduck sent a Hydro Pump in Absol's direction. It was fast, faster than many a strong pokemon's fastest attacks, but not faster than Absol. [COLOR=Black]"You can't win a battle of speed with Absol. Slash."[/COLOR] Absol jumped at Golduck, who dodged the first attack but Absol tracked it's dodge and landed a hard hit. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"I'm not through yet. I still haven't played my ace."[/COLOR] Golduck readied itself for a Hyper Beam. [COLOR=Black]"I already told you, you can't win, you're too slow."[/COLOR] Absol was quick, it used a headbutt to distract Golduck from using it's attack. This time, Absol was fast. But not fast enough. Once Absol made contact with Golduck, Golduck grabbed onto Absol and used a Seismic Toss. Katai and Rorohiko then heard a few more bangs and scatches, but could not see thier pokemon through the dust. Each trainer was confident thier's would emerge victorious. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Golduck..." [/COLOR] Katai whispered so noone else could hear. The silence went on a good minute, and the dust settled. Both pokemon were standing... But barely. Golduck was on one knee holding itself up with it's hand and Absol, who looked a little better off, was shaking slightly. Both were battered, but neither looked as bad as the ground they stood on. There was a large hole in a boulder embedded in the ground that was apparently where Absol had landed after Seismic Toss, and the rest of the ground around them was torn and battered, all the grass ripped up. [COLOR=Black]"Hmm... I suppose we should call it..." [/COLOR] Rorohiko started to speak but was interupted by thier pokemon. Absol and Golduck got fully to thier feet and took a step towards each other, each with looks of pure venom in thier eyes. Bleeding and bruised, Golduck just smiled and fell to the ground. Absol was the winner. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Golduck! Are you alright?!"[/COLOR] Both trainers ran to thier pokemon. Katai tended to both Golduck and Scizor rather quickly, being a pokemon nurse and all, and approached Rorohiko. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"You were awesome. I've never really watched you battle your hardest, you're amazing." [/COLOR] She kneeled down beside him as he applied potion to his Absol. [COLOR=Black]"...Thanks. You weren't too bad yourself."[/COLOR] Rorohiko said. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"And you, Absol, you are just the best! None of my pokemon have ever really lost before... You rock!" [/COLOR] Katai petted Absol under the chin. It seemed quite content. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Um... Would you mind if I help you? I have some bandages... And this stuff heals really fast and doesn't sting at all..." [/COLOR] Katai mumbled as she rummaged through her first aid kit. He paused a moment. [COLOR=Black]"Sure."[/COLOR] Rorohiko nodded slightly. "Wow... That was so cool!" Karia looked all googly-eyed at the Rorhiko and Katai. [I]Hmmm... They really are as good as they said. They'd be a real challenge...[/I] Jared smiled slightly. [I]Maybe I should go with them for a little while... And maybe challenge them to a battle.[/I] Just the thought was enough to excite him. Someone who might actually take some time to beat. "Earth to Jared... Are you still in there?" Karia waved her hand in front of his face. "Hmm?" Jared snapped out of it and looked at Karia. "Aren't you going to challenge the newbies? I thought we had a deal, kid." "Hmm... I guess you're right. She walked up to Tsuka and Scott. "I don't want to battle you anymore. I know I'd win anyway. But how 'bout you?" Karia pointed at Tsuka. "What's your name?"[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Blue][SIZE=1]Erm, I'm putting Katai in for a few posts... There are quite a few reasons... Besides, Rorohiko and I think it might be fun for them to have a battle, no? ^^ Anyway, I'm gonna post a little about Katai below for people who weren't in the last RPG, but you can have her in your posts pretty much however you want 'cause she's not ACTUALLY my character anymore... (I will also be using Katai's signature ORANGE font!) [FONT=Franklin Gothic Medium][COLOR=DarkOrange]Name: Katai Sakurai Gender: Female Age: 16 ('Cause Rorohiko's 17 and she was only a year or two younger than him.) Appearence: Very petite, not even 5 feet tall. Wears a TR uniform similar to Jessie's only it doesn't have sleeves and there's pants instead of a skirt. Her hair is a little longer than shoulder length, and it's original color is pink, but she dyed it green and orange. Personallity: Brilliant but doesn't show it. She's a pokemon nurse and the ring-leader of Team Rocket. She is very VERY clumsy unless she's climbing trees or up in the air or something. Now acts even more ditzy and girly than before, if that's possible. Pokemon: Scizor (nicknamed Emerald...Don't ask.) Clefairy, Venonat, Beedrill, Espeon, Golduck[/COLOR][/FONT] I think that's good enough. She's only gonna be in for a little while. Hey, do you people think I should bring Satoshi back, too, since he's just a Katai duplicate, or no?[/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]((OOC: I'm back... Thank you for apologizing, Xy GGy, and I am sorry as well.)) Karia followed him, eyeing him quite suspiciously, trying to find an opening in which she could re-obtain her sketchpad. "You're not getting it back." Jared kept walking without looking back at her. "You have to work with your pokemon, not obsses over mine." "Hey... How did you...?" Karia started, but Jared interupted her. "You ready to battle?" "Of course I am!" Karia was all smiles again and started off at almost a jog towards Scott. "Hey, where'd the others go? Erm... Well, do YOU want to battle me at least?"" He turned his head in Karia'd direction and then turned away. "I'm not wasting my time on some little girl." and started walking back towards the town. Karia kept following him. He was fast, even just walking, but Scott just ignored her. They eventually came to the town and caught a glance of Rorohiko and Tsuka. "Stop following me." Scott sounded annoyed. Karia just pestered him some more. "Get the hell away from me!" [COLOR=DarkOrange]"You know, it's not nice to call talk down to people." [/COLOR] A petite young woman in a Team Rocket uniform landed behind them with a Scizor. This girl's hair was orange at the roots and faded to a bight green at the tips... Rorohiko recognised this person. [COLOR=Black]"Katai, what the hell are you doing here?"[/COLOR] ((OOC: Her name is Katai. She was my character in Dragonair's Orb. There was a Her and Rorohiko didn't exactly get along, and they didn't travel together. Katai joined Team Rocket back in that RPG, and she never quit it. I have already gotten permission to bring her back for a certain reason, and only for a few posts. I didn't realize how much I missed her! Maybe I just should have carried her on... Anyway, since Karia and Katai are so close in spelling and speech patterns, I will change the colors of thier quotes.)) [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Long time no see, Rorohiko."[/COLOR] The girl walked up to him. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it? You know, Carter's a Pokemon contest judge now."[/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]"I don't happen to care,"[/COLOR] Rorohiko replied. [COLOR=Black]"Why the hell are you still with Team Rocket? Surely you know better."[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Aw, but the uniform is so cute! Anyway, that's not why I'm here. I have a mission from Team Rocket."[/COLOR] "Alright... I'm officially confused." Karia blinked and looked from Rorohiko to Katai to Scott. [COLOR=Black]"Um... this is Katai," [/COLOR] Rorohiko said. [COLOR=Black]"She and I met two years ago. I have no clue what the hell she's doing here."[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Thanks for the intro, Rorohiko!"[/COLOR] Katai smiled and blinked her huge green eyes.[COLOR=DarkOrange] "You know, we should have a battle... For old time's sake, think?[/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]"Hmm. Why not?" [/COLOR] the frown on his face turned to a slight grin. "Aw... I wanna battle..." Karai hung her head and walked back towards Jared, who was a few yards away. [COLOR=DarkOrange]"Yay!"[/COLOR] Katai jumped for joy as Rorohiko reaced for a pokeball.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]Wow, you've obviously gotten much better than the last post even! On the first one, I have a few complaints. First, you can't read the font too well, you should've made it bigger or clearer. The image itself isn't bad, I kind of like it. I like the quote, though, and I can't tell what effects you used on the image, but whatever you did turned out seamlessly perfect. 8.5/10 Kudos! Even I can't see much what's going on the the second. If that was your banner, I wouldn't even glance at it twice, it would make my head hurt >.< I love the fonts and the backgound, but they do not look all too great together. Besides, the only thing I could read is 'This thing is disturbing my eye' I love your choice of colors, though, if that means anything. I will not give a rating on this one, for there is little to rate on. Third one I love the pastel look, and how the backgound looks like crumpled paper. The font really matches this, though I would have gone for all the same color, rrather than a gradient. (You did use a gradient, right?) But anyway, it all matches. For your fifth work in photoshop, (That you posted, anyway) you did awesome. My one issiue with this (other than font color) would be that there isn't anything spectacular about it. In the first one, you really drew people in (IMO) by the picture and the font and how everything was just... Edgy, kind of. This one could be one of the awesome ones, it just needs some kind of effect... Something different, you know? I can't quite put my finger on it, but I can see this being one of the better banners made on OB, second only to the likes of Ozy, Retribution, Boo, and the likes. Better than many of mine, that's for sure. 8/10 Fourth one, you need to add a different quote. It needs a quote there to fill the space, but that's not what it needs, I don't think. Something short and sweet. I think if someone has to spend more time readiing a quote than looking at the pictures and effects, that's just not quite right. Anyway, lovin' the picture and the transition from PICTURE-BG-TEXT, I think it looks a lot better than a simple gradient or something. The blue should maybe be a little more purpleish, kind of a dark indigo. The font and colors match perfectly, and it all flows except (in my opinion) the quote. But it really was an awesome piece. 9/10 I've found (In all of your work so far) that you are great working with colors and pictures and making them flow, and you even choose perfect fonts most of the time. My only real beef is I think you should work on your no-picture banners a little more, you have the potential to be good with tham too. Also work on your text in other banners, it needs to either be short or flow. Really, the only things I think you're not the greatest at are the things that don't matter like text, because to get around that you can just write usernames instead of quotes because you work really well with fonts. Keep up the awesome work, and I hope to see much more of you! _sakura_[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]How 'bout you try this, it helped me: First find a picture to look at. Don't get any other pictures, you don't need inspiration if you're just being a human copy machine. Second you can try and draw the pic EXACTLY LIKE IT IS. Choose something easy, I did Gary Oak from Pokemon when I was 9 years old. Anyway, keep it up a few tiimes. Attention to detail is everything. Whatever you do, just keep trying it, and don't crumple it up and throw it away if you don't like it, finish everything you start even if it is horrible. And the eraser is your friend. ..... Two hours later you may find you've made no progress. If that is the case, get a pad of grid paper. Now trace (Or print out a picture) on your grid paper. Get a sheet of your oun grid paper. Copy the tiny boxes. DO NOT LOOK AT THE ENTIRE PIC, just draw the boxes. As long as you can draw a tiny thing with a few lines, you can do this easily. Alright, I know as well as anyone that drawing exactly like someone else doesn't allow you to progress into your own style, but this is merely a confidence booster and it really does help view anatomy more. Also, think about it, if you draw a great picture by just looking at another one and not tracing, it will make you feel so better as an artist and make you want to draw more! The only true way to get better is diligent pratice. Carry one of those little sketch pads with you and doodle whenever you get the chance, even if it's just squgly lines or little symbols, anything will help imrpove your ability to draw, even just a little bit. Also, I don't recomand taking Manga Drwing Books too seriously, but keep a few on hand. They really help to look at different ways hands and hair is drawn, and eventually you won't need them anymore, but you still may look back at them for ideas. I love Learn-How-To-Draw-Manga books, they are the best friend to many an aspiring manga-ka. Mine now sit in a pile in my basement, but that is beside the point. Just pay attention to Manga/Anime when you read/watch it and practice, practice, practice! _sakura_[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]

[CENTER][COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1][FONT=Microsoft Sans Serif]Wow, I really like the way you merged your images so smoothly. It looks really proffesional, and really gives it some extra 'oomph' The sunset strip through the center is really good, and I like the gradient colors, it's the perfect hue for the piece, I think. One thing I noticed is it appears you were trying to center your text on the gradient, and it's a tad high. You could probably bring up the 'Dragon Warrior' text up a hint as well to make it stand out a bit, because I didn't even notice it at first. The plain border fits this peice nicely and the position of the boat (And the shadowing) really works perfectly. One more thing I noticed that could possibly be changed, you might want to make the white part of the sunset strip a TINY BIT more transparent so it doesn't look like such a sharp edge. That's just my opinion, though, I think it might make the peice flow a bit more. Really though, awesome! On a scale from 1/100, I'd give you a 93. Keep it up! (By the way, what program do you use? Photoshop?) Good job! _sakura_[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER]