Seibzeihn

[color=navy][font=garamond]Miraki Issacher had no sooner polished off a muffin, two bagels and three cups of coffee, when he inserted the Monster Network CD-ROM into his laptop's ROM drive and pulled out the Monster Computer (which was black with silver trim). He had been waiting for the game's release since it was first announced, and had stayed up late just to buy a copy when the stores opened that day. Now, sitting comfortably in a padded sofa at the local Internet Cafe, Miraki prepared to install the program. The installation process went smoothly and quickly, for Miraki always made a point to have the best technology available in order to better design graphics and websites. When it had finished, a screen appeared with the MN logo on it. A pop-up window appeared. [CENTER][b]MN Username:[/b] [b][u]Connect[/u][/b][/CENTER] Miraki quirked a smile. [CENTER][b]MN Username: Crucify[/b] [b][u]Connect[/u][/b][/CENTER] Moving the mouse over "Connect," he clicked. Another pop-up window promptly appeared. [CENTER][b]What is your monster?s name: What gender will it be: What element do you want it to control: [u]Make My Monster[/u][/b][/CENTER] Miraki filled in the fields with the information he had written down in his notebook. [CENTER][b]What is your monster?s name: Adam What gender will it be: Androgynous What element do you want it to control: Light[/b][/CENTER] After clicking "Make My Monster," Miraki watched intently as a large egg, silver with black specks, appeared on the screen. Knowing what to do, thanks to his research of the game, he clicked on it and attatched the MC to his laptop as prompted. To his surprise, the screen faded and the egg appeared in his lap. Instead of cracking like a normal egg, it seemed to glow with golden light for a moment before fading. Where the egg had once been, now there seemed to be a simple circle of light, with a radius around the length of his arm. Flipping open the instruction booklet, Miraki thumbed to the appropriate section. Had something gone wrong? No, he had done everything that the book had said. Reaching out tentatively, he poked the circle with one finger. [i]Ouch![/i] Miraki gave a start. "What was that?" [i]Stop poking me![/i] Miraki looked at the circle more closely. "Are you...talking to me?" [i]Is there someone else I should be speaking to?[/i] The monster's voice was whispery and low, like a stormwind from far away. More amazingly, it seemed to be speaking psychically, since it had no visible mouth. "Are you...Adam?" asked Miraki, still in shock. [i]Yes.[/i] The circle seemed to glow brighter for a moment. [i]You created me.[/i] Glancing to his left, Miraki noticed that Adam's data had downloaded itself onto his MN. Another message appeared. [CENTER][b]Your monster?s data has now downloaded onto your MC. Care for your monster well and happy battling![/b][/CENTER] Miraki looked back at Adam, and the spark of ambition shone in his eyes. "Well, my name is Miraki. It is an honor to meet you, Adam." [i]Likewise, Master Miraki. I will do my best to serve you well.[/i] 'Master' Miraki nodded. "Then let's get started."[/color][/font]

[quote=DerelictDestiny]The Aethistic parents seem so bent on having their childrens' beliefs not to be influenced by religion they've forgotten that's what they grew up learning as well. [/quote] [color=navy][font=garamond]IMHO, I think it's more like the fact that parents wouldn't want children being taught [i]just/primarily[/i] Christianity in schools. Especially early in school (i.e. elementary school) where the children are more impressionable. Thus, overteaching Christianity will basically place that religion upon the students, whether they like it or not, because they won't know any better. Now, I highlight the world [b]primarily[/b] because I understand that it is impossible to teach history without religion. However, it is [b]quite[/b] possible to teach other religions as well. I think that most schools (and I'm generalizing here, I know, but it seems like a logical assumption) in America, being a primarily Christian nation, have the problem of overteaching Christianity, to the point where it seems like it is the only religion that ever existed, and/or the 'correct' religion. Thus, we have the separation of church and state -- people should be free to make up their own minds, not dogmatized by Christianity in school (which everyone is required to attend). *Shrugs* I speak in a situational sense. Me, I haven't really had that problem in my schools, and I live in California. [quote]Personally I think it's just Aethism taken too far, in fact I don't like Aethism because of how it signifies intolerance, which isn't fair as much religion is ingrained into any society. [/quote] Without turning this into a flame war, I missed when atheism became intolerance. Atheism is just a belief, like Christianity. While you may have meant that the parents' actions may have been atheistic -- which I would also disagree with -- saying that atheism signifies intolerance, is saying that every other religion is also intolerant. Sure, some people might give atheism a bad name for being overly extremist, but I (as an atheist) consider myself tolerant of other religions. If you're Christian, or Muslim, etc. that's great. Whatever floats your boat :cool: [/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][b]OOC: No problem, Heero. That'll do just fine ^^[/b] IC: Kadaj nodded to Lee and shrugged slightly. "We all have our good days and our bad days, no? And my name's Kadaj," said Kadaj, turning to the new arrival, a girl named Kari. [i]For what seems like the twentieth time today...[/i] he grumbled under his breath, only loud enough for Kumiko to hear him. Tyiar gave his personal greeting to each in turn, a slight spreading of the wings followed by a short bow. Shifting the sheath strapped across his back, Kadaj relaxed a little...as much as the times would allow. [b]OOC: Sorry for the short post, but I spent all my creative energy on the one before :P[/b][/font][/color]

[b]Is there no Light element to counter the Dark element? Since Light would fit my monster better than Lightning....And aren't Thunder and Lightning relatively the same element?[/b] ::Player Sign-up:: [color=navy][font=garamond][b]Real Name:[/b] Miraki Issacher [b]Monster Network Username:[/b] Crucify [b]Age:[/b] 16 [b]Gender:[/b] Male [b]Appearance:[/b] [URL=http://www.angelfire.com/geek/tetrisnomiko/hanatoyume/muraki.jpg]Here[/URL] [b]Personality:[/b] Miraki is a calm, collected individual who always seems to be wearing a quiet smile, as if he knows something you don't. While sometimes it may seem like Miraki dismisses people who don't interest him, it's actually the fact that he has trouble forming close relationships with anyone. Aside from this, when able to display his various talents, he does so humbly yet confidently. [b]History: [/b]Miraki was born as the olderst of three children, two girls and a boy (himself). Since both of his parents worked almost constantly, he was left at home to take care of his younger sisters and get them to school (and himself, as well). While Miraki managed these tasks well, in time he grew dissatisfied with never being able to have the freedom he desired. Thus, at the age of 15, he applied and was accepted for a position as a website programmer. At 16, Miraki moved into a small apartment, near where he was attending school. While he sometimes stops by home to check on his sisters, Miraki otherwise lives a very independent life. [b]Ultimate Goal in MN: To experiment with it's programming (but obviously, someone beat him to it). Otherwise, to become the best![/b] [/color][/font] ::Monster Sign-up:: [color=navy][font=garamond][b]Name:[/b] Adam [b]Gender:[/b] Androgynous [b]Appearance: [/b] [b]Child -[/b] [URL=http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Juzzam/NGEAngels/armisael16.jpg]Here[/URL]. A simple ring of light, capable of generating blasts of energy and shields with its inner power. [b]Teen - [/b] [URL=http://www.teamartail.com/anime/images/evangelion/images/unknown002.jpg]Here[/URL]. A more evolved form, the Giant of Light. It is capable of making physical attacks as well as use spell-like energy abilities [b]Adult - [/b] [URL=http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Juzzam/NGEAngels/arael15.jpg]Here[/URL]. The final advent of Adam, which appears to be a pair of glowing wings set off by spines of light. Quite capable of using many different forms of attacks in succession to destroy an enemy. [b]Element: [/b] Light [b]Attacks:[/b] [b]Simple -[/b] [i]Spectral Flash:[/i] A brilliant nova of energy that strikes all within range, and blinds them for a small amount of time. [b]Intermediate -[/b] [i]AT Field:[/i] A powerful shield of energy that can be conjured to protect one side of Adam. Can also be used as a weapon, because striking the AT Field causes damage. [b]Advanced -[/b] [i]Beam Crucis[/i]: Adam fires an energy projectile, which blossoms into a crucifix of energy, damaging all it strikes. Over time, Adam can learn to launch multiple Crucis in succession. [b]Ultimate - [/b] [i]Ego-Barrier Attack[/i]: Adam engulfs a target in golden light, allowing it to see into the target's mind and use its thoughts and memories to rip its mind to shreds. A psychic attack of terrifying power. [b]Offensive/Defensive:[/b] Offensive[/color][/font]

[font=garamond][color=navy]Totally ignoring the above, because my question is utterly unrelated, heheh...*sweatdrop* [quote name='Lady Rin']Sevotharte let me ask please for this posting. In that last line; what was your first reaction or feeling expressed when you read it.[/quote] Forgive my ignorance, but...The last line of what?[/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][b]OOC: That's fine, Freude ^^. Oh, and just for clarification, Heero, Kadaj was talking about your character inside his own head. So unless Kadaj is telepathic (which he isn't), Lee would have no way of knowing what Kadaj is thinking. You don't need to edit the previous post, but I'll commonly post what's going on in Kadaj's mind just to enhance the story, so...don't go replying to all of them as if my character had said it all out loud >< [/b] IC: Kadaj remained unmoving for a moment, then lifted his eyes to meet those of the woman before him. They sparkled as she grinned at him, one gray, the other blue. Her hand was still extended, awaiting some sort of response. [color=red][i]You've got to admire her courage, Master,[/color][/i] chimed Tyiar, now perched on Kadaj's shoulder once again. Kadaj didn't reply. Instead, he extended his hand gingerly, clasping Kumiko's gently. Under normal circumstances, Kadaj would have withdrawn from the handshake after a second or so...but he didn't. Instead, he nodded to Kumiko, and his expression seemed to relax slightly. "They call me Kadaj." His eyes bade Kumiko to sit, which she did -- not near enough to intrude on his space, but not far enough away to be considered rude. "Thanks...for bringing Tyiar back. Seems I'm not very good at controlling my emotions, sometimes." [color=darkred]"Oh? Well, no one's perfect."[/color] Kumiko's eyes continued to sparkle at him, this time with humor. [i]Don't I know it.[/i] "Ahh..." Kadaj hesitated for a moment, but continued (without understanding why). "I'm sorry I was cold to you. It's just...these times haven't been easy on any of us. Tensions are running high. If only we had more time -- I mean, besides this, time to relax -- maybe we'd all be able to get along better. I'd like to find out what it means to live a simple life again..." He trailed off and fell silent. [i]Why am I saying all of this?[/i][/color][/font]

[quote name='Baron Samedi][size=1]As a young person [14 or 19 or whatever the case may be'] I would most definitely consider 17 years to be too large a gap. This is simply because one partners age is roughly double anothers. Now, it would depend upon the people in the relationship, and once you are 19 what you do is your own business, but I would likely view that relationship as innapropriate. Does nobody agree with me?[/size][/quote] [color=navy][font=garamond]I'm probably going to regret throwing in my two cents on this whole deal...ahh well. I happen to agree with thee, Baron. Moreso if 14 was the age at which the dating began (since there are statutory rape laws until you reach age 18, though I'm by no means implying that the above mentioned (Rin and Ranger) had sexual relations at this time, since I doubt that they did (since both seem like reasonable people). I was merely bringing that up to show what the law/government believes is the correct time to take that step). As soon as you get to age 18, whatever you do is no one's business but your own. However, there are societal norms that attempt to dictate a limit for age differences in a relationship. For example, a 20-year age difference is considerered unacceptable, whereas a 4-year age difference is fine. While not everyone may necessarily agree with this, there must be a reason that such a norm exists, no? Perhaps it's just because a larger majority of people agree with it. Am I saying that this is the end-all be-all? No, by no means. I am simply offering forth another view on such age-differences. I think this norm is in place because many people associate age with maturity. For example, it's hard to believe that a 14-year-old would have the level of maturity necessary to be in a relationship with a 31-year-old. (Once again, however, I am not saying that such a thing is impossible). I'm not exactly sure why people don't like older men dating younger girls -- I've heard a number of things, such as 'then the man will be more apt to take advantage of her' and such. But who am I to say? Anyone care to share some opinions on why it's not socially acceptable for a sixteen-year-old girl to date a thirty-six year old guy? Ehh...lost my train of thought. Curses. H'anyways, for those of you that this does work out for, kudos to you! Ranger and Rin, I admire your strength and dedication to each other, and I can tell you are both very much in love. Props to thee ^^[/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]"Very well," Kadaj nodded somewhat approvingly. "It's been some time since I had the chance to sit and relax, though it seems odd considering the current circumstances..." here Kadaj trailed off and briefly locked eyes with Robin. She knew what he had meant -- odd that they should find some free time before an impending demonic siege. But then again, Kadaj was no stranger to blood or battle. Sometimes, even in the most chaotic of circumstances, it was necessary just to sit in silence and ponder things other than the present. That was the key to maintaining sanity, especially in times of war. Kadaj let his eyes drift lazily to the form of Lee beneath the limbs of a tree. [i]So, your element's a burden, eh?[/i] Kadaj was laughing in his head. [i]The poor fool. Live with it. Fact is, it's not going to go away anytime soon. An attitude like that will get you killed...killed by someone like me, when I get tired of your inherint whining...[/i] [color=red][i]That's not very nice, Master.[/color][/i] Tyiar chided him. [i]Stow it, bird.[/i] [color=red][i]Oh! I knew that girl, Robin, looked familiar. Her figure and her long violet hair...that girl reminds me of Lesandrie --[/color][/i] Realizing that he had let his thoughts slip, Tyiar instantly regretted what he had said and tried to catch himself, but it was too late. The handle of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] thudded into the phoenix's side, knocking the bird off its perch. Unable to spread his wings, Tyiar crashed to the ground as both Kadaj and Robin leaped to their feet. The hilt of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] cleared its sheath as the phoenix's master advanced swiftly upon him. Kadaj disregarded thought-speak completely, his rage allowing for nothing else besides that of the mortal tongue. [b][i]"How DARE you speak *her* name in my presence! HOW DARE YOU!"[/i][/b] bellowed Kadaj at Tyiar. The phoenix had never seen such rage in his master...save for that fateful day, when Kadaj had unintentionally summoned him. And the only reason Tyiar had survived was by staying in the air, a safe distance away. This time, he had no such luck. [color=red][i]Mercy, Master! I did not mean to--[/color][/i] [b][i]"SILENCE!"[/b][/i] Fire energy sparked about Kadaj's body, summoned by the fury he had displayed. The blade of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] glittered dangerously as it hovered near the phoenix's throat feathers. Robin appeared speechless and tense, unwanting to interfere but unsure of what was going on. Because Tyiar had no mortal tongue, it was impossible for anyone to discern the argument between master and beast. [b][i]"That godforsakened woman is dead! DEAD! I killed that pain a long time ago, and I need no reminder from the likes of you! You forget your place, SUMMON! I called upon you, and I can sure as HELL destroy you if you cross me again! I SWEAR IT! The next person to mention HER name will not wake up the following morning!"[/b][/i] Tyiar took wing, rocketing into the sky and immediately heading as far away as he could from Kadaj. The phoenix knew his master's temper, and decided that it would be best if he remained a safe distance away for the time being. Kadaj had by no means led a pleasant life, and he needed no reminders of that. Tyiar felt more and more guilty with each passing moment, for having let his words slip. Kadaj gripped the hilt of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] so tightly that it hurt his hands. His body shook with rage, eyes blazing with battle-fire. Heedless of Robin's eyes on him, Kadaj's legs gave way, sending him to the ground. Placing the double-katana point down on the ground, Kadaj gripped the hilt with both hands and bowed over it, using the blade to hold his weight. Rage mixed with sorrow in his mind as Kadaj continued to shake, the blood turning to ice in his veins. A tear threatened to fall from cold blue eyes. [i]My soul is black with blood, and damned....[/i][/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]Interesting. Kinda reminds me of a combination between the 'Mons (Digimon/Pokemon), Yu-Gi-Oh and .hack. I like it -- unique, but with some of that old-school goodness to it... :D Regardless, I'm in if you choose to go forward with it. [/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]"I see." Kadaj rose, eyeing Robin and her companions. Tyiar ruffled his feathers and sought a better perch on Kadaj's shoulder, noticing Robin for the first time. [color=red][i]Who is the girl?[/i][/color] [i]Our leader, the element of Death. Remember?[/i] [color=red][i]Nay, though I don't know how I could have missed her. She is...easy on the eyes.[/color][/i] Kadaj inclined his head enough to give Tyiar a disapproving look with one eye. Regardless, he could see some truth in the phoenix's words. [color=darkslategray]"What is it?"[/color] said Robin, noticing Kadaj's expression. [i]Be quiet![/i] he hissed mentally at Tyiar, then refocused his gaze on Robin. "It's...nothing. Tyiar gets restless when we stay in one place too long." [color=darkslategray]"Oh? So you are a wanderer, then?"[/color] "Something like that." Kadaj rubbed a hand on his neck absently. "Anyways...shall I help in rounding everyone up, or do we have a minute to relax until our next...assignment?"[/color][/font]

[font=garamond][color=navy]Kadaj's face was expressionless as he resheathed [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] across his hips, sending out a mental message for Tyiar to return to him. The phoenix spiraled downwards, and as it spiraled it grew smaller, until it was small enough to perch upon Kadaj's shoulder. Its feathers dimmed to a dull reddish-orange, just enough to distinguish Tyiar from other birds but not bright enough to garner attention from any passers-by that the two might encounter en route to the town. Kadaj's eyes shifted to regard Robin as she spoke. For some reason, his gaze lingered on her a moment longer after she finished. An element of Death...and she seemed to know much more about the situation than the others. Kadaj made a mental note to question her when time provided. Instead of riding as the others did, Kadaj chose to walk, setting a casual pace. His arms hung loosely at his side, still tense from battle but gradually beginning to relax. Who were these others, that he had never seen or heard of before? The other 'Elements'...Kadaj knew nothing of them. But according to Robin, they all possessed the same innate connection to a form of energy. [i]Perhaps...[/i]thought Kadaj, [i]I should make an attempt to talk with each of them, at least once.[/i] No harm being friendly, he supposed. Tyiar flared his tail feathers to keep his balance as Kadaj jumped lightly over a large puddle in the middle of his path. [i]Yet friendliness has never been my strong point...[/i] ******** Entering the town of Ilthica, Kadaj's eyes quickly took in his surroundings. Buildings, buildings, more buildings...roads and shops....people, of course...nothing of exceptional interest to him. He spotted the fountain Robin had spoke of, a large curving structure, probably chiseled to resemble a breaking wave. From various crevices ran clear water, splashing into the circular basin below. Kadaj walked towards it and sat at the fountain's edge, Tyiar still perched on his shoulder. Folding his arms across his chest, Kadaj leaned backwards and let his gaze wander to the sky above. He had nowhere else to go, so Kadaj would simply wait until Robin called the others to the fountain, in order to say her piece. [b]OOC: Just leaving room for a little character interaction.[/b][/font][/color]

[color=navy][font=garamond]Kadaj heard Azufe's voice over the din of battle, and moved to follow suit. Whirling in a tight warrior's circle, Kadaj succeeded in hacking a path to the inn's door. Throwing himself forward, two demons behind him were incinerated instantly by Tyiar's gouts of fire. Behind him rose a wall of ice, thanks to one of the other Elementals. [i]Hmm, that looks efficient enough...but there are still plenty more of the enemy out here...[/i] [color=red][i]We will take care of everything here, master![/color][/i] [i]Yes, Tyiar. That will do nicely.[/i] Kadaj allowed himself a minute to catch his breath and study the surroundings. He noted the fighting abilities of the other Elementals before resting [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] on his shoulder and strolling idly towards another pack of demons. Raising his opposite hand, Kadaj cried out. [i]"Fire Storm!"[/i] The heavens above split as flaming particles rained down from above onto the contained space Kadaj had targeted, cutting down five of the six demons. Entering the radius of his own spell, Kadaj weaved in and out of the rain of fire with lightning agility, bringing his double-katana crashing down on the demon's head before it could raise a hand. [i]Come to me. I bring Death unto thee, this day...[/i][/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][i]"AAAAAAAAAAHH!!!"[/i] [i]WHUMP[/i] Rain collided solidly with the ground below him, making a landing somewhat less graceful than his sister's. Suprisingly, he wasn't injured. Rising to his feet, he began to brush himself off, then caught sight of his sister a few feet away. Rain sprinted over to her, oblivious to the surreal landscape that surrounded them, and took ahold of Kyla's shoulders. "Sis! [i]SIS![/i] Are you OK?" he asked hurridly, checking Kyla for bruises or cuts. "Uh-huh, I feel OK..." nodded Kyla, appearing as if she was in some sort of daze, but Rain looked unconvinced. He thought for a second, then poked Kyla's ribs through her shirt. She squeaked and jumped back. "There, you seem to be fine..." grinned Rain. "That was uncalled for," said Kyla with a hint of annoyance, which quickly dissipated as she scanned the surroundings. Rain did the same. "Sis, where are we?"[/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]Kadaj leaped off his chair to the ground, bringing Gray down with him. A jet of flame roared by above, incinerating where he had once sat and listened to Robin's speech. Two demons barreled towards them, as Tyiar winged through the broken inn door and let loose with a barrage of fiery pinion-arrows. Kadaj drew [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] and took several steps over the wreckage of a table before drawing deeply upon his Fire magic and surrounding himself with magical flames. Immolation mirrored the muderous heat in Kadaj's own eyes. [i]"I will not die this day! Not this day!"[/i] A demon rushed him with fangs and claws bared. Without hesitating, Kadaj cut it down with a mighty slash, severing its arm. Raising the double-katana over his head, he stabbed downwards into the demon's body, caught up in the dark joy of his killing. The body smouldered instantly as it came into contact with Kadaj's Immolation spell. [i]"I was born on the full moon, shadowed by a firestorm! Sent by the Lord of Hell himself! Brother to the Hellfire!"[/i] raved Kadaj, his eyes brilliant with battle-light. The other elements were battling mightily, but their power was lost to Kadaj's adrenalin-drugged mind. Caught in the moment, it became difficult to discern which was the demon; Kadaj, or those he faced. Turning, he sent a column of fire roaring towards a pack of the smaller hound-demons, scattering them like ninepins. [color=red][i]Master! You must gain control of yourself![/i][/color] But Tyiar's voice did not reach Kadaj's mind. With a terrifying roar, Kadaj plunged into another pack of humanoid-demons, sword in hand. [i]"I'LL KILL YOU AAAAAAAALLL!!"[/i] [b]OOC: Can I get a description of these demons, and/or their different types? It's kinda hard to write about eradicating them without talking about what they look like and what kind of weapons/spells they wield...The only ones you've made clear are the doglike ones; are there more kinds?[/b][/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]"This is not the place to talk about such things, methinks..." remarked Kadaj to the miner, Gray, as he slid [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] back into its sheath. "There is an inn to the south of here...perhaps we might discuss these matters away from prying ears? I sense that there are other presences nearby." "Yes, I sense them also," nodded Gray. "Come, Tyiar." The phoenix descended lower, circling over its master's head. Looking over his shoulder to Gray, he gestured. "Shall we be off, then?" [i][color=red]I will watch from above.[/i][/color] [i]Make sure we are not followed.[/i] [color=red][i]Yes, master[/i][/color] Gray and his companions followed Kadaj at a breakneck pace, but both men were strong in body and able to keep up. Both were spurred by a kind of urgency, felt but not seen or heard, that urged them onwards. For some reason, Kadaj's muscles flexed and unflexed, the muderous intent flooding through his veins. Something awaited him at the inn...something that would change the course of his life, once again...[/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond]Kadaj stepped over the body of a slain blacksmith absently, his eyes blind to the carnage that surrounded him. Though [i]Geo-Crucify[/i] remained in its sheath, Kadaj could sense the presence of others besides himself nearby. Nevertheless, they did not hold the resonance of the demons that this place held. Or had held, rather. The wisps of magic that denoted their presence were slowly fading, as their work had already been completed. No one was left alive to tell the tale. Something about the feel of the now-pillaged establishment turned Kadaj's stomach. [i]Such hate. They are...just like me.[/i] [color=red][i]Yet you are different as well, Master. The black hearts they possess are not yours. The dark blood does not flow in your veins.[/i][/color] Tyiar winged down from above, standing a full foot-and-a-half taller than Kadaj. The phoenix's pinions were brilliant reds and oranges, and its crystalline blue eyes met his. [i]No. We are more alike than you acknoweldge.[/i] The phoenix seemed to sigh in his head. [i]My soul is black with blood, and damned...[/i] A sudden impulse caused both Tyiar and Kadaj to turn, both facing a certain point in the nearby landscape. Kadaj's feet slid into a fighting stance, and Tyiar took wing once more, hovering in the air over the Master's head. [color=red][i]Someone is coming![/i][/color] Kadaj merely nodded and placed one hand behind his back, on the hilt of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i]. He was ready to shed blood, this day... [b]OOC: Whoever wants to take that opening, can.[/b][/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][i]Falling...[/i] [i]Where...am I? What is this place?[/i] [i]It's so dark....I can't see a thing...[/i] Rain could feel his hair whipping about his face as he fell downwards, from nothingness into nothingness. He felt neither cold nor hot, panicked nor calm, just...suspended in a place in-between reality and dreaming. It was an odd feeling, one that was hard for Rain to describe in words. As he continued his descent, Rain came to the sudden realization of how he had come to be in such a strange and unknown place. "Kyla? Kyla! Can you hear me?! Where are you?!" he bellowed into the darkness. The rotating image of Kyla appeared in the distance. She appeared to be falling, the same as he. Rain tried in vain to 'swim' through the darkness to reach her. [i]"Kyla!"[/i][/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][b]Name:[/b] Kadaj Deschain [b]Age:[/b] 27 [b]Sex:[/b] Male [b]Appearance:[/b] [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21298]Kadaj[/URL], [URL=http://mokkori66.free.fr/screens/aug06/img10.jpg]Kadaj with Geo-Crucify[/URL] [b]History:[/b] Kadaj was born as the only child of a smithing family in a small village, set deep in the forest. For many years he lived a simple life, learning the family trade from his father while his mother tended to their home. Kadaj's father was well-repsected throughout their small village for his skills, and they always believed that Kadaj would pick up where his father left off when he retired. However, Kadaj was far too adventurous at heart, and at the age of 18 he decided to travel to the capital Mir-Sargon and serve as a soldier there. During his third year of duty, Kadaj came across an injured young woman with his regiment. A nymph judging by her looks, she had been attacked by bandits and now lay on the edge of death. Kadaj returned with her to Mir-Sargon and sought medical attention for her immediately. Taking a six-month period of leave from the military, Kadaj stayed by the young woman's side as she lay in bed, recovering. During this time, they became very close, and when the young woman was well enough to travel again, Kadaj offered to escort her to the edge of the glade where she made her home. It was a sad parting, but Kadaj had to continue his military duty and the nymph couldn't remain in the city of humans. He departed with a promise to never forget her. The next four years were hard for Kadaj. He grew weary of the military tasks given to him and his regiment, even though he was very interested in the private training he was receiving for the uniqueness of his fighting style using the double-katana in a reverse fashion. Thoughts of a different life continued to haunt his mind. At last, Kadaj could take it no longer, and turned deserter. Traveling to the nymph's glade, he prepared to affirm that he loved her and wanted never to leave her again. Sadly, it was not meant to be. No one, save Kadaj, knew what occured that day. But whatever it was, it left the nymph dead at Kadaj's hands. He returned immediately to his village, only to find it deserted. Setting fire to his father's forge once more, Kadaj spent three weeks isolated, eating and sleeping within the walls of his father's workshop. And finally, after those three weeks had elapsed, Kadaj had forged himself a new weapon. Though it was not just a weapon to the hard-bitten warrior; it served as a reminder of the past. Now 27 (5 years since the killing and the forging of [i]Geo-Crucify[/i]), Kadaj is an emotionless and efficient assassin. He accepts pay as a mercenary now, and seems to be impassive towards pain and killing. Highly efficient at his work, it has left many to wonder whether Kadaj is human at all -- since it appears that he has left his humanity behind, a long time ago... [b]Element:[/b] Fire [b]Elemental Partner: [/b]Tyiar the Fire Phoenix [b]Weapon:[/b] [i]Geo-Crucify[/i], a powerful double katana wielded in reverse style by Kadaj. The two blades of the double katana are set about a half-inch apart from each other to maintain stability. Forged by Kadaj himself using his magic and his own considerable smithing skill, Geo-Crucify is made from the strongest of metals and is nearly unbreakable. In addition to this, the blades will never grow blunt, though Kadaj makes a habit out of sharpening them on a ragular basis. Aside from this, the double katana's only other markings are the words [i]Crucify My Love[/i] etched into the visible side of each blade. [b]Skills:[/b] Swordplay Agility Blacksmithing [b]Spells[/b]: [u]Basic Fire Magic[/u]: Fire Pillars, Fireballs, Explosions, Flame Waves, etc. [u]Fire Storm[/u]: Kadaj focuses the waves of his magic into a cloudfront, which rains down fire upon all in the area of effect. [u]Immolate[/u]: Kadaj surrounds himself with magical fire, scalding enemies that attempt to strike him with melee weapons. [b]Companions: [/b](None) [/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond] I would also like to request that one of the spots, for Tyiar the Fire Phoenix, be reserved for myself. I will post my profile tomorrow. [/color][/font]

[font=garamond][color=navy][color=darkslategray]"Oh?"[/color] Kadaj raised his eyebrows. [color=darkslategray]"I will heed your warning, thank you. I am quite unfamiliar with this place, as you can probably tell."[/color] Kadaj brushed off his leather armor and his gaze swept towards the sun. He appeared to be considering something, then turned back to Kamui. [color=darkslategray]"We will be leaving soon, regardless. It is almost time to be gone. I'm sure we'll meet again, since I sense that you do not wish to come with us."[/color] Kamui was about to answer, when Kadaj gestured with one hand. From one of the streets of Atma, a figure came into view amongst the mists. It was the Prophet, walking slowly but surely towards their location. [/color][/font]

[font=garamond][color=navy]Astaroth did the best he could to act surprised. He rose quickly to his feet and offered a smile. "Of course not, of course not! Make yourselves comfortable, dears. How nice of you to come and keep me company!" As Nilelea and Droana sat, the God of Darkness returned to his seat and leaned back idly, resting his arms along the top of the booth. "It's good to see you both," said Astaroth fluidly, his voice dripping with charm. "To answer your question, mistress of Nature..." here he inclined his head towards Droana, "...I came here to escape from the rain, and to rest for a bit. Odd, that we all seem to have converged at the same place..." Astaroth trailed off and raised his eyebrows slightly. "But no matter, I suppose. I trust the rain was your doing, Nilelea? A nice touch, if I do say so myself..." "And you, beauty," the God of Darkness switched his gaze from Nilelea to Droana. "I must say that while I am familiar enough with the Goddess of Wind, I have had very little interaction with you. As you know, I am Astaroth God of Darkness." He rose and bowed to Droana, keeping his deep violet eyes locked on hers. They sparkled with an unearthly light. [/color][/font]

[font=garamond][color=navy]Hmm, I see potential here. I'm in! If you see my post as suitable, I would like to take up the role of Kyla's brother. [b]Name:[/b] Vincent (prefers to be called "Rain") [b]Age:[/b] 18 [b]Appearance:[/b] [URL=http://photobucket.com/albums/v258/Rainheart/charsketch.bmp]Click[/URL] [b]Other:[/b] While he prefers to be called Rain, Vincent's sister is prone to calling him "Vincent" when she's scolding him or angry with him (or when she just needs to get his attention). Rain might seem hard or uncaring about his sister at times, but in truth, Rain would give his left arm to keep his little sister from harm. The nightmares she has been having recently only serve to make Rain more and more worried. The 'man' that she speaks of will have some explaining to do, if Rain ever gets his hands on him![/font][/color]

[font=garamond][color=navy][b]Position:[/b] AI Keeper of Darkness [b]Name:[/b] Exodus [b]Age: [/b]27 [b]Type: [/b]AI - Artificial Intelligence [b]Location: [/b]Rose Red [b]Weapon: [/b]A massive halberd. The curving blade and longer-than-normal speartip are both silver in color, and the long handle is black. Both blades are inlaid with black runes that pulse with dark energy. Several inches longer than a normal weapon of this type, this halberd (called [i]Godhand[/i]) can only be wielded by Exodus. [b]Occupation: [/b]AI (Darkness, Freezer of Time) [b]Persona: [/b]Exodus is usually a very silent person, and avoids too much interaction with the other people in the city. Though he is blind, Exodus can get around quite well without the use of his eyes (he is an AI after all). However, he understands the function of communicating with others, and thus he usually reserves himself to speaking with the other AIs or members of the Crew. Out of all three AI, Exodus is more computer-like in his judgements, resorting to logic to determine his courses of action. [b]Appearance: [/b]With long silver-white hair that stretches past his waist, Exodus is an image of splendour and power. His eyes are an empty black, without pupils, framed by a high-cheekboned face. Dressed generally in long flowing robes of silver, black or deep blue, Exodus's slim hands are tipped by curving talons where human nails should be. His wings are large and black in color, and hold an almost mechanical look. If it wasn't for his taloned hands and empty eyes, Exodus might have been considered attractive for a human, though he seems to exude a cold, distant and forbidding aura. [b]Biography:[/b] Though Exodus is considered to be 27 years of age, this age was assumed by himself to describe how old his body looked. Having been in the city Rose Red from it's point of creation, Exodus has worked as a ruler and maintainer of the masterpiece that he and the other two AI built. His interaction with others besides the AI and the Crew have been minimal, though he has been known to venture down to the club on a regular basis to listen to the Angels. Few know much about Exodus, as he keeps to himself. Interacting with his peers only on a strictly business level, it appears that Exodus cares solely about the maintenace of the city. However, there is much more to the Keeper of Darkness than meets the eye. (I hope this is sufficient :D)[/color][/font]

[color=navy][font=garamond][color=darkslategray]"Call me Kadaj, dear girl,"[/color] said Kadaj, resheathing the double-sword across his hips. His eyes met Kamui's unpatched eye, and he held her gaze for a moment before turning to watch the other crewmembers carry the Lieutenant away. [color=darkslategray]"They seem so frightful, these people of today..."[/color] remarked Kadaj offhandedly, more to himself than to anyone else. He appeared to shrug to himself before turning back to Kamui. Sizing her up, Kadaj laughed good-naturedly. [color=darkslategray]"You're a strong one, no doubt there. Thus you probably weren't taken by the Prophet's words, which means you probably don't hold as much of a fear of the unknown as your peers. What's your name, Lady?"[/color][/font][/color]

[font=garamond][color=navy]Having walked towards the heart of the city for ten minutes thus far, Astaroth frowned at his surroundings. Nothing of real interest -- just a few mortals milling around like sheep in a pasture and the ceaseless rain overhead. After walking for several more minutes, however, Astaroth noticed that the concentration of people in the surrounding environment had begun to grow. The rainwater was soaking his clothes; quickly sweeping a gaze across the metropolis, the God of Darkness settled his gaze upon a homely-looking coffee shop. Hurrying across to the door, he swept inside. The place was warm, at the very least. Aside from that, it was your typical coffee shop, with display racks full of bagels, donuts and the like. Astaroth took a seat in one of the booths, turning away from the few people in the shop in order to weave a spell that would remove most of the rainwater from his clothes. Now quite dry, Astaroth ran a hand through his hair and let his gaze wander once more. To his surprise, he found himself in the presence of not one, but two of the goddesses. Neither of which he knew well, of course -- but then again, Astaroth hadn't had much interaction with any of the other deities. One was staring absently out the nearby window, while the other was in a conversation with a young mortal man. One of the two particularly caught his eye, her long dark brown hair flowing down her back like the water in a stream. Astaroth allowed himself a thin smile. [i]You've become so used to the mortals' impure thoughts. Imagine being in bed with a goddess...[/i] laughed the God of Darkness in his head. No need to start thinking like a mortal now...not in a game of the gods.[/font][/color]