Blayze

[center][b][u]Guardians [/u][/b][i][size=1]The Armies of Light and Darkness shall fall To a power greater than the sum of its parts A weapon designed by Light And created by Darkness Will destroy both sides The Guardians will be betrayed... [/size][/i][size=1]Seraph had read this prophecy many times in the past hundred years. He had been fearing that the world of Guardians was going to come to an end, destroyed by these Traitors, and now events were finally coming to pass that supported the prophecy. The Traitors had broken away from their ranks, betraying their own kind as Malachai had done centuries ago. They took Malachai as their messiah, the one who delivered them from the evil of their own races, and brought them to their weapon. And now the Traitors had gained the Twilight Spear. This most powerful of weapons, the weapon designed by Light and created by Darkness, the weapon which would destroy both Guardians. Seraph sighed. The world was a much different place to that he used to know. The world at the beginning of its life. Light and Darkness living in harmony, side by side as brothers. How he wished that it could be that way once more. Then there would be no need for people like him, people whose only duty in life is to destroy. He drew the Blade of Light, or [i]Astarael [/i]as he had named it, meaning "Illuminator" in the ancient tongue of the Guardians. It shone in the Dark corridor of the Temple of Light, a strange name for a temple so far underground. The network of mirrors that had been set up gave them Light, reflecting it from the surface down to them. This Blade would be his way of ending the war. [b]"Seraph," [/b]came an eerie voice from behind him. The black-clad Guardian whirled around, and saw Queen June standing behind him, glowing with heavenly light, and seemingly hovering above the ground. [b]"My Queen," [/b]he replied, kneeling in front of her. [b]"Your time has come. You must take a group of Guardians to the Temple of Darkness, where you will find your new allies. From there you will formulate a plan to hunt down the Traitors. Do you understand your duty?" [/b]she asked. [b]"I do, my Queen," [/b]replied Seraph, getting to his feet and offering a salute. The Queen left the corridor, and Seraph turned on his heel, walking swiftly towards the Main Hall, where his troops should be gathered. He found them lined up as they should be, and stood on the platform in front of them. His booming voice echoed around the Hall. [b]"I have chosen those who will accompany me on my journey to the Temple of Darkness. First, Ileus Solaros. Then Kira, and finally, Phailin. You will meet me at the front gate in five minutes, fully equipped for our travel! Dismissed!" [/b]He marched to the front gate, where he already found his three recruits waiting for him. He said nothing, but opened the front gate, and stepped onto the massive spiral staircase that led to the ground. The others followed him, silently at first, but then they began to talk... [b](OOC: Here it is. Guardians of Light, you are following Seraph to the Temple of Darkness. This world is not the one we live in, but rather a Final Fantasy-style world, so there is little technology, but massive buildings still. Guardians of Darkness, you will be in your Temple, preparing for the arrival of the Guardians of Light. Traitors, you will be preparing an ambush on the travelling Guardians, although Wyatt and Mirichai will not be with you. They will be in their headquarters, trying to work out how to use the Twilight Spear. Illusion, your character will be there with them. Enjoy.)[/b] [/size][size=1][/size][/center]

[center][b][u][size=1]Chapter IX: Truth[/size][/u][/b] [/center] [size=1] Blayze opened his eyes, and saw only blurry shapes gathering in his vision. There was no sound, no voices, but the sense of hearing came back to him gradually. [b]"Is he alright?"[/b] came one voice, possibly male. [b]"I think so. He's going to be a little groggy for a while, I gave him a fairly hefty dose of anaesthetic jelly, but after that he should be fine. The knife didn't hit any major arteries, luckily. He's gonna pull through,"[/b] said another, this one female. [b] "That's more than we can say for the famous Ozymandius Jones," "She was the best, you know that. She was hit by someone from a hiding place, with a powerful weapon. No-one could have defended themselves against that," [/b] came a third voice, this one female as well, though this one harsher, almost gruff, [b]"Fat lot of good buying her did. She copped it as soon as she made it out of the door. Bloody brilliant bounty hunter, that one."came the first voice again, "Not even you." "She was taken out by a government agent,"[/b] slurred Blayze, testing whether the sense of speech had returned to him, [b]"And I almost was as well. That means someone is angry about James."[/b] His sudden return to consciousness shocked some of the other members of the crew, who turned to him. [b]"Captain,"[/b] said Citrus, [b]"We weren't expecting you to be awake so soon. You took a heavy hit from that knife." "How did we get away from the attacker?"[/b] asked Blayze, sitting up but quickly regretting it, [b]"He had us pinned down." [/b] [b]"Luckily, just after they hit you, Ezekiel turned up and sorted the whole thing out. A few shots into the crowd and the attacker must have been scared off. For now,"[/b] replied Ikillion. [b]"That was lucky,"[/b] groaned Blayze, examining the bandages that had been wrapped around his chest. [b]"Well it was lucky we showed up when we did, captain. There was someone trying to finish you and Ikillion off, but they ran off before we reached you,"[/b] said Ezekiel. [b]"Did you get a look at them?" "Well, from the body shape, it's fairly certain its a man. There were two things that stood out from the glimpse we got of him. Yellow eyes, captain, but not like his bile duct had been burst, not sickly yellow, but they were almost glowing." "And the other thing?" "Silver hair. We've looked through a portfolio of government agents we've encountered before, and there's no-one with silver hair. We have no idea who this is." "Well that makes sense. The government clearly want us bad enough to send this highly skilled assassin, so my guess is they're not going to send someone we know. I think we're dealing with something different here. Maybe it's not even the government at all." "Captain?" [/b]asked Citrus. [b]"Not many people know this, but the government doesn't truly rule the Theocracy. They are puppet leaders, shadows, faces of authority. The true rulers of this universe are the major Corporations. The weapons manufacturers, the oil industries, the nuclear fuel authorities, they truly rule the Theocracy. They have superior finances than any government. It's always been the way, ever since the Theocracy began." "So...corporations control the government? That means they control the Armed Forces as well!" [/b]exclaimed Ikillion. [b]"Yes. And my bet is that they want us out of the picture. Robbing that bullion ship wiped out a hefty chunk of their money for recent months. They want to get rid of us before we cause any more damage. So that's why they've sent this guy after us." "And with that amount of skill, the amount of skill needed to kill Ozymandius Jones that easily, my bet is he's one of these "super-soldiers" the weapons corporations have been developing." "Can you expand on that, Ezekiel?" "When we were in the Theocracy Guard, there were...rumours. People heard tell of the government putting in a big order for a new army. Genetic modification meant that they soldiers weren't technically human, so there were no human rights violations, so any number of different tests could be done upon them, without the legal battle. These genetic modifications were then treated with chemical, biological and cybernetic enhancements, increasing strength, speed, agility, thought power, everything. They were going to be the ultimate soldiers. But their tests all went wrong, and the soldiers ended up horribly mutated, and had to be put down." "So you think that this assassin is one of these super-soldiers?" "Yes. I bet that they've managed to master the process, and they've used it to create this...ultimate killer." "So we're facing a super-soldier? Then we're going to have to be extra prepared for the fight. Because we're going after this guy, and then we're going to take down the corporations that have done this. This kind of thing won't stand." "But we need to set down for a while. There's a few things we need to sort out on the ship, and we need to re-fuel. We're going to have to venture back into the Central system,"[/b] said Ezekiel. [b]"No. We're not going into the Central systems again. There's too great a risk of us getting sighted, and my bet is this assassin is following us wherever we go. Best not to take him into a heavily-populated area. There's no telling what kind of destruction he could cause." "So where are we going? There's nowhere else we can go to re-fuel." "There's one place. Hades." "You can't go to Hades!"[/b] exclaimed Ezekiel, [b]"We're never going to Hades!" "Why? What's Hades?"[/b] asked Ikillion, getting slightly confused. [b] "Hades is a small planet, but heavily populated. But it's out of Theocracy control. It's technically a Separatist planet." "But there are other things on planets like Hades,"[/b] said Ezekiel nervously. [b]"Like what?" "Marauders..." "What are Marauders?" "You mean you've never heard of Marauders?"[/b] asked Ezekiel, not really believing what she'd just heard. [b]"No, well, I've heard the name mentioned on the Grandice a few times, but no-one would ever tell me anything about them." "I'm not surprised. There are things about the Marauders that would curl your toes." "Tell me what they are!" "Marauders were once something like men,"[/b] offered the captain, [b]"They were once civilised. But years of being alone, without order, guidance, on the Outer Planets, changed them. It turned them...barbaric, monstrous. They are not men any more. They are monsters, who do anything to satisfy the lust for a kill." "So what do they do to humans?"[/b] asked Ikillion, with a kind of morbid curiousity. [b]"If they don't catch you, they'll just shoot your ship down, blow it up, kill you that way, and then strip the wreckage of anything they find valuable. That's if you're lucky. If they catch you, they'll board your ship, hunt you down even if you're hiding in the deepest, darkest corner of your ship, and kill you, eat your flesh, rape you, wear your skin as their own clothes. And if you're extremely lucky, they'll do it in that order,"[/b] replied Ezekiel, and, seeing the mechanic turn slightly green, ended her story there. [b]"So we're actually going to a planet inhabited by these things?"[/b] asked Ikillion, feeling very nauseous. [b]"Yes. But we're going to a more heavily populated area of the planet. Marauders shouldn't attack there, they're not known to do that kind of thing too often. And we're only docking for a few hours, then we'll be gone." "But..." "I'm not hearing anything else, Ezekiel. We're going to Hades, and that's that. Joko!"[/b] he shouted through the intercom, [b]"Take her down to Hades!"[/b] ------- A little informative chapter about a few things. They will become important very soon, and you will see why. A nice surprise for you next chapter...be prepared.[/size]

[size=1]Alright, very good, very good. I will be posting my character fairly soon, but for now I'd just like to say I am very happy with the quality of sign-up so far, and it would make my day if you could try and finish off your sign-ups if you haven't done so yet. After the next person signs up I will post my character. Also, I will be opening an Underground thread for any questions fairly soon, although I am going away for a few days, so it may not be up before Wednesday. [/size]

[center][b][u]Guardians[/u][/b] [/center] [size=1] [/size][center][size=1][b]Creation[/b][/size] [/center] [size=1] When the world was created, there were only two things in existence. The first, Light, was bright, like fire, and kept the world warm. It lit up the day, allowed plants and animals to grow, to mature, and to reproduce. It was embraced by every living thing on the planet. The second was Darkness, and, while not so warmly embraced, this was also seen to have its part. The Darkness stopped the world from burning in the constant Light, it gave animals time to rest, it kept the world cool. It was soon embraced just as well as Light. For a time, these two forces were balanced. The Guardians of Light kept to the day, and the Guardians of Darkness kept to the night. They each protected their own part of the world. The world became a paradise, an Eden, where every living thing was content in its own existence. [/size][center][size=1][b]Trouble[/b][/size] [/center] [size=1] But soon came trouble. There was a young Guardian of Darkness who believed that Darkness did not get its fair share of time, and he rebelled, attacking the Guardians of Light during the day, killing hundreds of them before he was cut down. This Guardian's name was Malachai, and his name has gone down in history. His betrayal made ructions begin to form between the two sides. Arguments erupted, fights broke out, and eventually came war. [/size][center][size=1][b] War[/b][/size] [/center] [size=1] War broke out between Light and Darkness, each side wishing to have complete control, not realising that this would cause destruction on the world. There were many bloody, brutal battles fought between the Armies of Light and Darkness, and in the end, both sides agreed that this war was too costly for either side to continue. And so, a shaky truce was formed. The Army of Light would watch over the day once more, under the watchful eye of the Army of Darkness, and the Army of Darkness would watch over the night, under the watchful eye of the Army of Light. This truce continued for many centuries. [/size][center][size=1][b]2007[/b][/size] [/center] [size=1] Two figures met in a dark alleyway, the rain slashing down, soaking through to their skin. The first figure shivered, and drew a lighter from his pocket, sparking it up. A foot-high flame shot into the air, and he seemed to draw warmth and solace from it. [b]"I can't stand the night,"[/b] he grumbled, trying to huddle his entire body around the flame,[b] "There's no light. It's...unnatural..."[/b] [b]"I love the night. The Darkness...it covers things..."[/b] replied the other figure, embracing the night sky, [b]"And if the Day lasted forever...then the world would burn." [/b] [b]"But if the Night lasted forever...the world would shrivel and die."[/b] The two figures forced a laugh. [b]"So are you sure it's here?"[/b] asked the Guardian of Darkness. [b]"It's here. I've done my research, and it is definitely here." "Fair enough,"[/b] mumbled the Guardian of Darkness, and he slammed a foot into the floor. The concrete of the street crumbled, and gave way to the sewers. The Guardian of Light looked at his co-conspirator, and scowled. [b]"It had to be in the sewer, didn't it?"[/b] He took a deep breath of cold night air, and leapt down into the darkness, using his lighter to guide his way. The Guardian of Night followed suit, landing with a splash in the murky water. He placed his hand on the wall of the sewer, as did the Guardian of Light. The tattoos on their hands, of the sun and moon respectively, glowed, before the wall caved in with a crash, revealing some kind of catacomb. The two Guardians entered the chamber. [b]"There it is,"[/b] said the Guardian of Light, [b]"The weapon."[/b] [b]"This is what is going to end the war?"[/b] asked the Guardian of Darkness. [b]"Oh yes,"[/b] replied the Guardian of Light, picking up the spear in his hands, [b]"This will definitely do it..."[/b] ------ There was a prophecy created many years ago which contained these very events. It read: [/size][center][size=1][i]The Armies of Light and Darkness shall fall[/i][/size] [size=1][i]To a power greater than the sum of its parts[/i][/size] [size=1][i]A weapon designed by Light[/i][/size] [size=1][i]And created by Darkness[/i][/size] [size=1][i]Will destroy both sides[/i][/size] [size=1][i]The Guardians will be betrayed...[/i][/size] [/center] [size=1] And so these actions have come to pass. And both sides must fight against those who betrayed them. Extra Information: [b]Guardians of Light:[/b] these beings watch over the day, and keep a close eye on the Guardians of Darkness during the night. They look like humans, but seem to have a white, almost angelic glow to them. Their strength is drawn from the sun, and they are weaker in the dark. Their main strengths lie in flame manipulation, light manipulation, speed and agility, but their strength is not as good. [b]Guardians of Darkness:[/b] these beings watch over the night, and keep a close eye on the Guardians of Light during the day. They also look like humans, but they seem to have a negative aura, one that almost sucks light in. Their strength is drawn from the moon, and they are weaker in the light. Their main strengths lie in darkness and ice manipulation, strength and stamina, although they are not as fast as the Guardians of Light. [b]The Traitors:[/b] made up of Guardians of Light and Darkness, these beings carry all of the strengths of both types of Guardian, and yet none of the weaknesses. They are powerful beings, proficient in many types of hand-to-hand, unarmed and armed combat, as well as the magical arts, manipulating fire, light, darkness and ice. They are led by Wyatt, a former Guardian of Light, and Mirichai, a Guardian of Darkness and a descendant of the original traitor Malachai. They are now in possession of the Twilight Spear, an ancient and powerful weapon, designed by the Guardians of Light and created by the Guardians of Darkness, with the power to destroy both races. [b]Humans:[/b] there are some humans who have been caught up in this ancient feud, and they must take their sides before war breaks out once again. They are not part of the sides as warriors, but more as researchers, helping the Guardians (or the Traitors) to use modern weaponry, as well as modern technology. They are mainly scientists and inventors, always coming up with new ideas to help in the war. [b]Name:[/b] something old-styley if you are a Guardian, anything you want if you're a human [b]Age:[/b] Guardians are pretty much immortal, so just stick in an age of appearance [b]Gender:[/b] a simple one [b]Race:[/b] human or Guardian [b]Position:[/b] Guardian of Light, Guardian of Darkness, Traitor or Neutral (not too many neutrals please) [b]Appearance:[/b] a nice detailed paragraph, or, alternatively, a picture. Both together would be perfection [b]Personality:[/b] a couple of decent paragraphs on this one, try to keep them varied from each other [b]Weapons:[/b] at least one melee weapon and two side-arms (these can be handguns) [b]Powers:[/b] Stick to what I said in the extra information [b]Character Snippet:[/b] give me a nice snippet of your character in action. I want to see detail here, and a nice length and quality of work. Please don't just wack out any old rubbish and expect it to be good enough. [b]Notes/Other:[/b] anything else you wish to add I will need two people to play Wyatt and Mirichai. I will be playing the leader of the Guardians of Light, so someone can take the leader of the Guardians of Darkness if they wish as well. If no-one wishes to play these characters, then they will be NPCs. Thank you very much for trawling through all the backstory and reading through to the end. I hope you enjoy making your sign-ups for this. I know I had fun creating it.[/size]

[center][size=1][u][b]Chapter VIII: The Pit[/b][/u][/size] [/center] [size=1] The ship's landing jets cooled as they touched down on a run-down space-station. This was a place Blayze would rather not be, but he felt he couldn't help it. The Pit was a market of sorts. Primarily it was a slave market, trading slaves from across the universe in a single place, far from any government control. It was far from legal, but it was...overlooked...due to generous donations from the owners. But the crew of the Firespark were not here for slaves. They were here for something much more valuable, that only operated in a specialised portion of the market. Because the second major source of income for the owners of The Pit was a reliable trade in mercenaries. Bounty hunters, rogues, and all others from the criminal hall of fame congregated here on this single space-station, to challenge each other for the most profitable ventures. It was a cut-throat trade, with many of the winners being cut down in their quarters moments before they were supposed to depart on their latest mission. [b]"Avoid the slave pits,"[/b] murmured Blayze as he got off the ship, [b]"We need to head straight for the mercenaries. But tread carefully, and stick with your partners."[/b] He received nodded replies from the rest of the crew, [b]"Ikillion, you're with me."[/b] As the captain and the mechanic split off from the rest of the group, and headed swiftly towards the mercenaries. [b]"I'm sorry, kid, The Pit isn't exactly the most glamourous first mission you could ask for. But we have something to do that needs to be done."[/b] [b]"And what exactly is that?"[/b][/size][size=1] replied the young man, cleverly avoiding a strange, fish-shaped object that was pushed at him by a vendor. [b]"We need a mercenary. They're good fighters, which we'll need after destroying the Grandice, and they're expendable, to a certain extent. If we need to, we can leave them to the government and get the hell out of there. We used to have a couple aboard, but they both got arrested." "And you just let them?" "Yeah, pretty much. The police generally can't get them for much, other than maybe possession of arms, but that's a pretty minor crime in this day and age." "So they just end up back here?" "No, most of them can't work as mercs any more. The police keep them on record, and its pretty much a case of them never being able to find work again." "Oh." "Here we are,"[/b] said Blayze, gesturing grandly to a large, stadium-style arena that stood in front of them. Like everything here, it was covered in mould, and looked as though it was about to fall apart. There was a crudely-made sign hanging above the entrance that read: [b]"Mercenaries."[/b] The captain strode in, with the mechanic tagging along behind. The arena was packed with people, easily over a thousand in one place. The main auction was occuring down below where the captain stood, in a central pit. [b]"Ladies and gentlemen,"[/b] boomed an amplified voice, [b]"The auction begins! The first up is a mighty bounty hunter...the wonderfully high-priced...Sakura!"[/b] A young woman strode out onto the platform, her short brown hair shimmering slightly in the breeze. [b] "A spirited young fighter, armed with many forms of bladed throwing weapon, a must for anyone needing protection! Shall we start the bidding at one thousand credits?"[/b] said the auctioneer. Hands went up all over the arena. Soon enough, Sakura had been bought by a wealthy business magnate looking for protection. The next few went past without Blayze even bidding. [b]"Oh come on, Captain, Kitty wasn't that bad,"[/b] groaned Ikillion. [b]"She was too much of a little girl, and besides, you need to put your eyes back in. A girl like that could break you in two before you even realise she's got you,"[/b] replied the captain. "Well, some of the others would have done fine." [b] "Well we don't need fine, we need exceptional. Extraordinary. We don't need any normal mercs. We need the main attraction. Look, here we go."[/b] Another auction began, and the auctioneer announced: [b]"This mercenary is our main attraction. The best bounty hunter this side of the Milky Way. Allow me to present...Ms Ozymandius Jones!" "Ozymandius Jones? You're bidding for her?" "What? You heard of her?" "She was the second most wanted person in the galaxy, after you of course. She's committed so many crimes its almost impossible to count them all." "But she still hasn't been caught, and that's why she's the best." "Let bidding start at fourteen thousand credits! I see fourteen thousand! I see fifteen thousand! Eighteen...nineteen thousand...twenty!"[/b] Blayze did not put his hand up. [b]"Um...I thought you wanted to bid for this woman. Aren't you going to?"[/b] asked Ikillion nervously. [b] "Just wait..."[/b] replied the captain. Ozy stood, looking rather smug as the bids went higher and higher. [b]"I see thirty-two thousand! Anyone higher than thirty-two thousand? Anyone at all? Going once, going twice..." "Thirty-five thousand!"[/b] shouted Blayze, sticking his hand high into the air. [b]"I have thirty-five thousand. Going once...going twice...sold to the man with the expensive taste!" "You just spent thirty-five thousand credits on a bounty hunter? That's insane!"[/b] exclaimed Ikillion. [b] "That's nothing. I have over 12 million from the bullion ship raid. That's the life of a space pirate. It's barely scratched the surface of my savings." [/b] Blayze paid for Ozy's services, and then the three of them walked back to the ship. Ozy was silent, not wanting to say anything to her new clients. Blayze and Ikillion chatted lazily. ------ A dark, silent figure stole from one stall to another, dark cloak flapping out behind. It saw the three people walking from the Mercenary Arena back to the docking bay, and drew a weapon. A sight equipped with night-vision honed in on them, and a long, pale finger squeezed the trigger... ------ WHOOSH! THUD! Ozy was down, a long crossbow bolt through her chest. She slumped to her knees, blood pouring from the wound, and another bolt struck her in almost the same place. She gasped, a trickle of blood leaking from her mouth. Blayze drew his pistol, and Ikillion whipped out a grenade, both of them looking for the shooter. They saw nothing but a shadow flitting away behind the stalls. [b] "What the hell happened?"[/b] exclaimed Ikillion, rushing over to Ozy. She was lying in a crumpled heap, barely alive, in a pool of her own blood. [b]"Bolts..."[/b] she gasped, [b]"Look...bolts...X!"[/b] [b]"What is it?" "I know...who did this...X...government...agent..." "A government agent? Was he trying to hit Blayze?"[/b] asked Ikillion frantically, trying desperately to stem the flow of blood that was pouring from the bounty hunter's wounds. [b]"Find...government...X...killer..."[/b] and a third bolt struck her in the neck, with a crunching thud. She was dead. [b]"Who the hell is doing this?"[/b] shouted Blayze, to no-one but the open air,[b] "Come out and show me, you coward!"[/b] Suddenly, a knife flew from nowhere and lodged itself between Blayze's shoulderblades. He breathed heavily, and then fell to the floor, the pain becoming just too much for him. Ikillion rushed over, dropping to his knees to help the captain. He was passing slowly, the blood escaping from him too rapidly... ----- Oooh, thrilling! Cameos: Ozymandius Jones-bounty hunter Sakura-bounty hunter Kitty-bounty hunter ???-government agent Keep your eyes peeled for the next thrilling instalment of Firespark![/size]

[center][i][size=1]Vwoorp. Vwoorp. Vwoorp.[/size] [/i] [size=1]This strange noise was the first sign of the coming of a legendary being. However, it was also the harbinger of disaster, as wherever the Doctor went, trouble surely followed.[/size] [size=1]A blue police box materialised slowly but surely on a street corner, somewhere in London. As soon as it became completely solid, the door opened, and a young man stepped out, shrugging his jacket onto his shoulders.[/size] [size=1][b]"London. 21st Century. Interesting choice, Doctor,"[/b] he said, turning back to the second man who had just emerged from the police box. This man looked a lot different, with shoulder-length curly hair, and wearing an old-fashioned looking suit, complete with cravatte.[/size] [size=1][b]"Hmm? Oh, well you know the TARDIS. You never can quite tell where it is going to end up. Hand me your key, mine seems to have gone missing somewhere. This coat has so many pockets, it's hard to tell where I keep everything,"[/b] replied the Doctor. The first man handed over a small key, which the Doctor locked the TARDIS with.[/size] [size=1][b]"Thank you, Alex,"[/b] he said, handing the key back. He strolled off, apparently in no particular direction. Alex looked after him, slightly bemused, then followed him.[/size] [size=1][b]"Where exactly are we going, Doctor?"[/b] asked Alex, hurrying to keep up with this rather odd man.[/size] [b][size=1]"I believe UNIT headquarters is around here somewhere. I feel like paying an old friend a visit."[/size][/b] [b] [size=1]"What old friend? Is something going on here that you're not telling me about?"[/size][/b] [size=1][b]"Oh, undoubtedly. But the only reason I haven't told you is that I don't know myself yet. As soon as I am privvy to that information, you will be made aware of it,"[/b] he replied in that roundabout sort of way the Doctor had a habit of using.[/size] [b][size=1]"So, there's something going on, but you don't know what it is yet?"[/size] [size=1]"Absolutely. you do catch on quickly, don't you?"[/size][/b] [size=1]Alex hadn't been with the Doctor for very long, and was still getting used to his quirkyness, which was in itself vast.[/size] [size=1][i]It's going to be a long day...[/i]thought Alex with a sigh.[/size] [/center] [size=1][b] OOC: Hope that can get this thing up and running again, PM me if there are any problems, vicky.[/b][/size]

[center][b][u][size=1]Chapter VII: Grandice (part II)[/size][/u][/b] [/center] [size=1] [b]"Freeze,"[/b] said the voice from behind Blayze. This person had a weapon pressed against the back of Blayze's neck, and they were probably dying to use it. He had to think of a way out of it, but he decided the best course of action would be to do exactly as the soldier told him. [b]"Get up off the ground,"[/b] spat the soldier, and Blayze got to his feet. [b]"Now turn around."[/b] Blayze followed this order as well, and came face-to-face with his attacker. A young, fit, dark-haired man greeted his eyes, which were as crystal-blue as Blayze's were. [b]"You!"[/b] cried Blayze, before being struck sharply in the nose with the butt of the rifle... -------- Back in the brig, Joko and Ezekiel had managed to kit themselves out with guard uniforms, but Citrus was yet to. [b]"You remember what we have to do?"[/b] asked Ezekiel. [b]"Sure I do. It's simple enough, isn't it? Go to the guard's quarters, and take back our weapons. Then come back here to give White his wheelchair, and rendezvous with the captain in the hangar. See? I'm not as stupid as I look!"[/b] snapped Joko. [b]"Someone's getting a little testy, aren't they?"[/b] whispered Citrus. [b]"I just get a little stressed in this kind of situation, thank you very much,"[/b] said Joko quietly. He buzzed the door open, and he and Ezekiel stepped out, turning left and heading towards the guard's quarters. ------- The soldier slammed his rifle butt into Blayze's stomach, winding him and sending him to the ground. He dropped to one knee and spat out a mouthful of blood, just like he had done back in the bar. [b]"So you remember me, then? It's surprising, after you left me adrift like that!"[/b] hissed the soldier, dropping to whisper in Blayze's ear. [b]"I didn't mean to let your ship go like that,"[/b] gasped Blayze, [b]"I told you...the gravity field stopped working..."[/b] [b]"Bullshit!"[/b] shouted the soldier, who proceeded to land a kick squarely in Blayze's chest. But he made one mistake, which was to leave his foot there too long. Blayze recovered quickly and grabbed the foot, twisting it until his attacker slammed to the floor. He used this time to run over to the intercom, and press the speaker button. [b]"Joko, Zeke, I need you in the engine room!"[/b] he said into the mouthpiece. His voice echoed all over the ship, alerting the entire crew to their presence. Then the attacker slammed Blayze's head into the wall. [b]"You think this is all fun and games, don't you, Philip?"[/b] snarled the soldier,[b] "But you're very, very wrong!"[/b] Blayze slammed an elbow into the soldier's sternum, knocking him to the floor. He ran over and picked up his attacker's gun, but the soldier was too fast, knocking it out of his hands. He grabbed a wrench from the ground as he ran and slammed it into Blayze's stomach. He dropped instantly. [b] "I finally get to kill you, Philip,"[/b] growled the soldier, lifting the wrench way above his head. Something crunched, and the soldier fell to the floor. A man was standing there, in place of the soldier. The technician that had given Blayze a funny look earlier, with a heavy piece of metal in his hand. [b]"He always was an asshole,"[/b] said the technician, helping Blayze to his feet. [b]"Yeah, ever since I was born he's been nothing but an asshole to me,"[/b] gasped Blayze, leaning on the technician's shoulder. [b]"You've known him that long?" "I've known him all my life. His name is Raiyuu, right?" "I was only ever allowed to call him Lieutenant, but I think that was his real name, yes." "He's my brother." "Your brother?! Then why was he trying to kill you?" "I accidentally left him adrift in a shuttle pod once. Long time ago, he's never forgiven me for it since. I think the time alone in space has left him a little...loopy. But thanks for the help, kid, I really appreciate it. What's your name?"[/b] asked the captain. [b]"My name's...Ikillion." "Good strong name. You wanna see something impressive, Ikillion?"[/b] Blayze questioned with a smile. [b]"Like what?" "Do you want to see what happens when you drop a pulse grenade down into the main reactor core of a Theocracy flagship cruiser?"[/b] A devilish smile crossed Ikillion's face. [b]"Sure,"[/b] he replied, [b]"I want to see this place go down in flames. Does this mean I can come with you?" "Well, the Firespark could always use a new mechanic. You think you can maintain a lugger-class shuttle on your own?" "I'll give it a try, anyway." "That's what I like to hear."[/b] Blayze turned back to the circuits just as Joko and Ezekiel ran into the room. [b]"Did you need help, captain?"[/b] asked Joko. [b]"I did, but this brave young man saved me. Ikillion, this is Joko, the pilot, and Ezekiel, the soldier. Ikillion is our new mechanic."[/b] [b]"Hi,"[/b] said Joko, somewhat bemused. [b]"You ready to see this baby blow?"[/b] asked Blayze, grinning like a madman. [b]"I was born ready,"[/b] replied Ezekiel. Blayze nodded, drew a pulse grenade from his belt, then decided to be safe, and drew the whole grenade belt, pulling the tab and dropping it down the reactor shaft. [b]"I'd say we have ten minutes to get off this boat before we get blown to pieces. So follow me."[/b] Joko threw Blayze his pistol, and they set off at a run. They followed the captain down a windy path of service shafts and back-alley passages, until they could see the hangar. But someone stepped in their way. [b]"Blayze!"[/b] shouted James, [b]"You didn't think you could get away that easily, did you?" "For a minute there, I think I did."[/b] [b]"Well, your ship's priest is about to be gunned down by a party of soldiers, and I think they may "accidentally" lose your ship's medic to one of their bedrooms. You know how it is on a long space journey, captain. Men get desperate." "Oh, I'm not unduly worried. White can take care of himself. Just take a look,"[/b] replied Blayze, gesturing behind James to the party of guards moving in on White, their weapons drawn. Some kind of exchange went on between them, and suddenly, White had gunnned the whole party of guards down with the weapons mounted on his wheelchair. [b]"What?!"[/b] exclaimed James, and Blayze took this moment to slam the butt of his pistol into the small of James' neck, knocking him to the floor. He then got Ezekiel to put pressure on two different pressure points, the combination of which left James essentially paralysed for up to ten minutes. The crew headed towards the ship, which Citrus was warming up, but Blayze stopped to talk to James for a moment. [b]"Oh, James, you remember how I broke into the bullion ship? You were wondering how I did it? How I got on board without damaging the ship at all? I'll tell you how I did it: they let me on board. Enjoy the rest of your life, which looks to be, oh, about three minutes."[/b] The captain walked away, a grim smile on his face, and boarded his ship, and took off. -------- [b]"Turn around,"[/b] said Blayze, looking at his watch. Joko turned the Firespark around, just in time to watch the chain reaction of explosions bloom all over the Grandice. Blayze smiled, but then a remembrance of how many people he had just killed washed over him. There were things he had to do for this cause that he would much rather avoid. [b] "Welcome to the crew, Ikillion,"[/b] he said emotionlessly, before walking to his quarters... ------- [b]"He destroyed an entire Theocracy flagship cruiser? With a single grenade belt? This Captain Blayze is better than I imagined,"[/b] said the voice of a shadowed figure. [b]"And reports have confirmed that Chief James is dead, along with almost the entire crew of the Grandice,"[/b] said another. [b]"We must not let this Captain get any further with his cause. It could destroy the Theocracy as we know it."[/b] [b]"We must send our top agent." "Yes. He will bring in this Captain Blayze..."[/b] ------ Cameos: Raiyuu-Lieutenant Raiyuu New Regular: Ikillion-Ikillion As you can see, James is gone, but the story is far from over. And Ikillion, do you see what happens when you comment on my stories as dilligently as you have? That's right, you get a part. See you all next time.[/size]

[center][b][u][size=1]Chapter VI: Grandice (part I)[/size][/u][/b] [/center] [size=1] The Firespark headed slowly towards the massive Theocracy flagship known as the [i]Grandice[/i]. Blayze looked through the viewscreen and saw the great battleship that he used to captain, but was now commanded by Chief H. James. A surge of jealousy rushed through him at that point, but subsided quickly, replaced by the deep-seated anger he felt at having his home attacked. [b] "We're bringing her in now, Captain,"[/b] said Joko nervously, as though he was unsure of the Captain's reaction, [b]"The [i]Grandice[/i]'s gravity field has extended to allow us to enter the ship. We'll be inside in a moment."[/b] The gravity field acted as a tractor beam, to pull ships into the [i]Grandice[/i], if the occupants needed questioning. Blayze knew the ship inside out, and he would need to if he was going to be able to pull this off. [b]"Take her in, Joko,"[/b] replied the captain, his face blank of emotion. Joko nodded and steered the ship into the docking bay, which alone was five times the height of the Firespark. Blayze was the first out of the cabin and down the ramp, stepping onto the ground of the [i]Grandice[/i]. A party of Theocracy Guard greeted him, complete with automatic weapons and full body armour. [b]"Please remove any weapons you have concealed about your person. If you do not comply you will be shot on sight," [/b]shouted one of the guards. Blayze smiled and took his pistol from its holster, and let it drop to the floor. The rest of the crew now stood behind him, and Joko pulled the knife from his boot and let it clatter to the floor. White had to be moved into a new wheelchair, as his own was bristling with weapons. Citrus had three small handguns about her person, which she removed. Ezekiel dropped the large automatic weapon she was carrying, as well as the two pistols in her hip holsters. [b] "And the rest, Ezekiel,"[/b] sighed Blayze. The soldier scowled and took two more pistols from inside her shirt. And a knife from her boot. And two long, metal spikes from either sleeve. And four shurikens from a waist pouch. [b]"Is that it?"[/b] asked Joko, looking up and down, a shocked look on his face. Ezekiel gave him a withering glance, and Joko turned away. [b] "You will accompany us to see Police Chief James, after which you will be placed in the brig. You will be cuffed,"[/b] said the captain of the Guard, signalling for his men to place handcuffs on the criminals. -------- The captain of the Guard knocked on James' door, the crew following him as well as the rest of the Guard. A muffled reply came from inside, and the door whooshed open. James stood in the centre of the room, his hands linked at the small of his back. He turned to face the captives, a smile on his pointed, clean-shaven face. [b] "Captain Stark,"[/b] he said, [b]"What a pleasure to meet you. You are something of a legend around these parts, as you well know. And this must be your crew."[/b] [b] "Yeah, that's us alright."[/b] [b] "Now, one thing still puzzles me,"[/b] said James, waving away the Guard and closing the door, [b]"You are the most wanted man in the universe, and yet you come strolling onto my ship like you own the place? Doesn't that seem a little odd?"[/b] [b]"Well, you forget, James, that I did used to own this ship. I know it better than you ever could, and I know exactly what to do while I'm here,"[/b] replied Blayze with a grin. The smile was wiped from James' face, allowing a scowl to take it's place. [b]"Whatever you're planning, Blayze, it's not going to work. I have every inch of this ship covered with soldiers ready to wipe you out. Your little stunt with the Bullion ship wiped out a lot of paychecks aboard this ship, and people aren't too happy with it. You can try to get around, but it's not going to work, you hear me?"[/b] he hissed. [b]"Whatever you say, Chief,"[/b] sighed Blayze, his hands raised in mock defensiveness. [b] "Take them away!"[/b] shouted the Chief. The guards came back into the room and escorted the prisoners away to the brig. -------- [b] "I don't think we're gonna get out of this one, captain,"[/b] said Joko nervously as he paced up and down their cell, [b]"A lot of things have changed on this ship since you were captain. The waste disposal system is a lot more efficient, for one thing. This plan of yours is never going to work."[/b] [b] "Sure it will,"[/b] murmured Blayze, lying on the hard bed, [b]"Just have a little faith."[/b] [b]"I'd love to have faith in your ideas, captain, but, let's face it, they barely ever work. Like that time we were trapped on the moon of Gamma Centauri? How well did that plan work?"[/b] asked Citrus. [b] "We got off the moon, didn't we?"[/b] [b] "But how much did it cost to rebuild the ship afterwards?"[/b] [b] "Ok, so there are upsides and downsides to everything. But trust me, this will work. Get ready, it's almost time."[/b] The small clock that was present in the cell flicked over to show: 2100, and a scuffling came from outside the room. [b] "Excellent. The changing of the guard,"[/b] whispered Blayze, [b]"It's just about time to start."[/b] He ran up to the door and slammed his open palm against it. [b]"Help me! He's choking!"[/b] the captain shouted, and looked at Joko, who sighed and lay down on the bed, grasping his throat, pretending to choke. The door whoosed open, and a lightly-armoured guard ran in. Blayze allowed the door to close behind him, and Ezekiel took the honour of smashing a chair over the guard's head. [b]"Ok, so now we have one guard's uniform between five of us. Brilliant,"[/b] said Ezekiel, somewhat sarcastically. [b] "I'm taking this one,"[/b] said Blayze, stripping the guard of his uniform,[b] "You wait until the other guards come along, and do the same. We rendezvous in the hangar in two hours." [/b] Soon enough, Blayze had pulled the guard's uniform on, and left the cell, using the guard's passkey to open the door. Luckily the guard had a standard-issue plasteel visor on, so Blayze could just about hide his identity. He crept around the long corridors of the ship until he found an elevator, which he entered. He pressed the button for the engine room and waited to reach his destination. Three floors above the engine room, the doors pinged open, and two guards boarded the elevator, taking little notice of Blayze. Soon enough, the elevator reached the engine room, and Blayze got out of the confined space. [b] "Hey, what are you doing?" [/b]asked one of the guards, [b]"You don't have clearance to be down here!" "Oh, I have my clearance right here,"[/b] said Blayze, drawing something from his belt. He ripped the tab off the smoke grenade and rolled it into the elevator, pressing the door close button. The confined space would fill up with smoke, and the two guards would be knocked unconscious for an hour or two. Finally Blayze was in the engine room. He searched around for what he was looking for, passing a young technician, who gave him a slightly odd look. Then a sign caught his eye. [b]Engine Power Core[/b] Blayze smiled beneath his visor, and headed towards the core. The power centre of the ship was vast, possibly the biggest open space on the ship. But it needed the extra oxygen to work, and to cool off. It was a powerful plasma fusion reactor, a much larger version of the one installed on the Firespark, the most powerful fusion engine in the universe. Blayze knelt down and removed a drive plate, grabbing a handful of wires, and he began to go to work, removing his visor. Suddenly, something cold and hard pressed itself against the back of his neck. [b]"Freeze..."[/b] --------- No more cameos this time, but I assure you, there will be a couple of good'uns next time around. As always, feedback is appreciated.[/size]

[size=1][b]OOC: I deleted my last post because Gavin and myself have come up with some different ideas for the rest of the Experiment to the ones I posted about. Hope this didn't cause too much confusion. [/b]G dropped down from the top of the building, the spines on his arms retracting, leaving a smear of blood where each one pierced the skin. He had killed a lot of government soldiers tonight, but he was still in need of more... [b]"Penny for 'em," [/b]the voice came from nowhere, but G instantly knew who it was. He turned to face one of his team-mates, the only female member of the Experiment. [b]"D. It's been a while," [/b]he said with a devilish grin, [b]"So what's the news?" "The Epidemic are having some kind of shindig up in the Quarantine Zone. You fancy checking it out?" [/b]she asked, pulling a dagger from her belt and twirling it around. [b]"That's a stupid question. You know me, anything to get in the Epidemic's face," [/b]replied G, licking his lips. [b]"I thought you'd say that. B and W are gonna meet us there. Let's go!" [/b]she hissed excitedly. G started off into a run, heading towards the central city. He could easily run the mile or so that there was between the outskirts and the Quarantine Zone. His stamina was almost unmatched within the Experiment. D followed closely behind him. She was faster than him, lighter and more agile as well, but she had less strength and stamina. She was a formidable opponent, though. G had many scars on his body from training sessions with her. But he gave as good as he got... Soon the pair arrived at the club. The sounds of a ruckus came from inside, the screams of civilians filling the air. G laughed, and started towards the door. [b]"Stop!" [/b]said D, holding him back, [b]"B and W are gonna be here soon. We'd better wait for them before we go in." "They're big boys, I'm sure they can handle themselves. We can just keep the crowd busy until they get here, anyway." "But you know what B's like about these things." "Screw B. I'm going in," [/b]said G defiantly, pushing the door open and entering the club. Inside was a scene of devastation. Fights had broken out all over the club, not just between gang members, but also between civilians. A quick scan of the club revealed to G that the Professionals had stormed the building, and the Epidemic weren't too happy about it. Now he was about to throw a wild card in the mix... He concentrated, and allowed a flood of his own hormone to enter his bloodstream. He felt his muscles bulge, and the sharp barbs of bone slid out from his skin. He smiled as his eyes turned yellow, and leapt into the fray... [/size]

[size=1]This is a worryingly grim piece of writing, Jamie. You scare me. But you don't put the grim stuff in there just for the sake of it, which is a danger when writing this kind of thing. I also like the character interaction, despite what a lot of people are saying. It gives the characters a more mysterious air to them if you don't explain every little detail about them, and I hope that we will discover some dark little secrets as the story progresses. I missed this the first time round, but I am thoroughly enjoying it this time. Keep up the good work. [/size]

[size=1]I am still interested in this project, I have merely been waiting for Bill to post, as I don't want to assume anything about the TARDIS, and also I don't want to be the one to introduce the Doctor, I think that is Bill's job. But, seeing as Bill hasn't posted yet, it leaves me with a slight problem.[/size]

[center][size=1][b][u]Malhil, Elven Prince of Mirkwood [/u][/b]Light steps left little of a footprint in the thick snow that covered the ground as Malhil darted from tree to tree. His bow was ready in his hand, his travelling cloak flowing behind him as he ran. It was cold. Good. Malhil felt at home in the cold. The trees of his home in Mirkwood rarely let in any light. But here, north of Mirkwood, in the Grey Mountains, the Ered Mithrin, there had been sightings of Orcs attacking the small villages that lay around here. This was unusual behavious for Orcs, normally foul, cowardly creatures that rarely entered Elven territory, not since the Battle of the Five Armies. But there was the occasional group of Orcs doing the only thing they knew how to do. Kill. [b]"Dar, Malhil!" [/b]came a hissed voice from close by. Malhil turned and saw his friend, Firiel, standing behind him. [b]"Firiel. What brings you here?" [/b]asked Malhil, [b]"I was asked to do this alone. My father requested I scout out the orcs to find out what their aim is. You are no scout, Firiel." "I may not be a scout, but I am a warrior, and I know what these orcs are doing. They are ransacking villages to find enough equipment to attack our home. They are heading towards Mirkwood, Malhil. They hate the Elves for what we did to them in the Battle of the Five Armies." "So what do you suggest, Firiel? It is pointless to bring a battalion of Elves here for such a small group of Orcs." "That is why your father sent me, Malhil. He believes that together, we can destroy this threat." [/b]Malhil smiled at his friend. [b]"With my bow..." "And my sword, we can destroy them." [/b]Malhil moved forward silently, waiting for Firiel's signal. He heard the Orcs coming long before any Man could have done, and Firiel nodded. Malhil drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and fired into the gloom. A muffled scream came from the fog, and the body of an Orc rolled down the hillside. A group of forty Orcs rushed from the fog, brandishing their rusty, ineffectual weapons. [b]"Maeth, Firiel!" [/b]The two elves appeared from their hiding-places, and Malhil let off two more arrows, killing more Orcs. Firiel rushed in, his long, curved Elven blade swinging, slicing through Orc-flesh. Their blood stained the ground, turning the snow to a delicate shade of pink. Soon little was left of the Orcs but a pile of bodies, and Firiel sliced down the last one, watching as his body dropped to the floor. [b]"Barbarians," [/b]muttered Malhil, raising the hood of his cloak once more. [b]"They are misguided, Malhil. We cannot blame them for being obedient to Sauron. It is the only thing they know." "Am I hearing sympathy for Orcs, Firiel? You know as well as I do what they can do! You know as well as I do what they have done to us in the past!" "I am only saying that we cannot blame the monster, only the creator. Malhil, you are a good scout, but you must learn..." [/b]Firiel was cut short as an Orc-blade ran through his stomach. He stared at the blade, gasping for air as the half-dead Orc wielding it twisted the blade, causing Firiel to cry out in pain. Malhil fired an arrow at the Orc, the point crunching through it's skull, killing it. The Orc dropped, but so did Firiel. Malhil rushed to his friend's side, and held him as he passed. He picked up Firiel's body, and began the long walk back to Mirkwood, tears streaming from his eyes... ------- 'Tis about 600 words, so I hope this is ok for you, Bill. Nice RP you've got here, I look forward to it. Malhil is the equivalent of Legolas, by the way, in case you hadn't guessed. [/size][/center]

[center][b][u][size=1]Chapter V: Home[/size][/u][/b] [/center] [size=1] The ship touched gently down onto the dusty earth, throwing clouds of sand into the air. The landing legs extended, and prodded into the ground, allowing the ship to stand freely. There was a slow grinding sound as the gears lowered the ramp at the rear of the ship, and it thudded softly onto the floor. Blayze's boots clanged as he walked down the ramp, carrying his own crate full of money. Ezekiel followed, then Citrus, and Joko helped White down in his chair. A small gathering of people had emerged from the town, offering to help the crew, who politely turned the offer of help down. Three kids ran over to Joko and jumped on him, grabbing onto any part of his body that they could cling onto. They were all screaming and crying, and asking for things, like food and toys. [b]"Alright, kids, get off daddy now,"[/b] said Joko, shaking the kids off and placing them on the ground. He straightened them out and looked them up and down. [b]"My, my, you've really grown a lot, haven't you, kids?"[/b] he said with a smile. [b] "They would have done, the amount of time you've been gone,"[/b] came another voice from within the crowd. The people separated, allowing a short but beautiful woman to pass through, her glossy red hair flowing down her back. [b]"Vicky, don't get mad at me. Look at what I've brought back for you!" [/b]he replied, showing her the crate full of glimmering golden credits. She looked at the crate, then back to Joko, then to the crate again. A broad smile slowly appeared on her face, and she threw her arms around Joko. [b] "You know, Vicky, sometime I wonder whether you only love me for my money,"[/b] he said with a grin. [b]"So do I, Joko,"[/b] she said, her voice slightly muffled by her husband's shoulder. White slowly wheeled himself over to the town chapel, a small, run-down affair, white paint peeling off the walls, a tarnished wooden cross hung over the door, the varnish almost completely stripped from it. Citrus ran to her apartment, one of a block of flats that Blayze also occupied, as well as Ezekiel. Joko and Vicky had a small house just outside the town, where they lived with their three kids. Blayze headed back to his apartment, but only to drop his money off. He levered the crate open and took a handful of credits from it, shoving them into his pocket. He needed a drink. He headed to the bar, which was incidentally just opposite his apartment, and walked through the swing doors into his favourite drinking establishment. He took his usual seat at the bar, and ordered his usual glass of heavy scotch. The bartender poured it, and made a little small talk. [b] "Business good, sir?" [/b]he asked, his accent thickly Irish. [b]"It's been better. But then, it's also been a lot worse. How's things with you, Gavin?"[/b] replied the captain. [b]"Oh, can't complain, sir. We've had a few rough customers, but me an' Corey've handled them pretty well."[/b] [b]"How is Corey now?" "Ask him yourself. He's just in the back. Corey!"[/b] he shouted into the back room. A toothless man with a short crop of black hair poked his head from the back. [b]"How you doin', Corey?"[/b] asked Blayze. [b]"Can't complain, captain,"[/b] he lisped in reply, [b]"Few rough customers, but you know how it is." [/b] [b]"Gavin was just telling me. What kind of rough customers? Any Theocracy?" "Not that I could tell. But, come to think of it, some bloke asked for you t'other day. Said he'd be in town for a few days. Stayin' at the Hotel Tical across the street." "Maybe I'll check it out." "No need. He's just comin' in now."[/b] The Irish bartender nodded to the door, where a tall, thin man with pale skin and a thick mop of black hair wandered into the bar, something gleaming on his knuckle. [b]"Captain Blayze?"[/b] he asked, his voice a little gruff. Blayze nodded, and stood up. [b] "Who's asking?"[/b] he replied, his hand twitching towards his revolver. [b]"The name's Retribution. And that's what I aim to deal out. For the right price, of course,"[/b] snarled the man. He raised his fist, to show that it was a set of brass knuckles on his hand. [b]"I guess this isn't going to end well,"[/b] sighed Blayze, his hand moving quickly towards his revolver. Retribution was quick, though, and slammed his fist into Blayze's stomach before the captain could draw his weapon. The gun fell from its holster, and skittered across the floor. [b]"Dang it,"[/b] gasped the captain, spitting out a mouthful of blood onto the floor. Retribution punched again, slamming his fist into Blayze's chest. He felt a couple of ribs break. Damn, this guy was strong. [b]"You wouldn't think the Theocracy would hire a merc to bring in the most wanted man in the universe, now, would you? But I guess Chief James will do anything to bring you in, Blayze,"[/b] whispered Retribution, leaning down to talk privately to Blayze, [b]"But I don't plan to bring you in in one piece. You're gonna suffer before I end you, just because that's the kind of person I am."[/b] [b] "That's the kind of person you are..."[/b] gasped Blayze, [b]"This is the kind of person I am..." [/b] He drew his bowie knife and slammed it into the bounty hunter's foot, pinning his foot to the floor. The merc screamed, and tried to pull the knife out. Big mistake. Blayze's knife was jagged down one edge, so pulling it out of a wound could just make it worse. As Retribution discovered. He cried out in even more pain as he tried to drag his foot off the knife. Blayze walked calmly over, limping slightly, but trying not to seem weak, and picked up his revolver. [b]"You tell...James...that this is what you get if you send some two-bit bounty hunter after...Captain Blayze...you don't get away with this..."[/b] the captain gasped, firing a shot into both of Retribution's kneecaps. The merc fell to the floor, moaning softly in pain, bleeding profusely. [b]"I'm sending you straight back to James. If you get that far."[/b] The captain walked out of the bar, handing Gavin a few credits to sort Retribution out, to send him back to James. Soon enough, the rest of the crew were gathered just outside the Firespark. [b] "We have to find James and sort this thing out, now,"[/b] said Blayze, taking command, [b]"I'm not going to let him spoil the one place I can call home by sending bounty hunters after me. That's not how we work. So, you got one night here, and first thing tomorrow morning, we're setting off to James. Is everyone agreed?"[/b] Nods came from the rest of the crew, [b]"That's settled, then. James is getting something from us. I'll see you all in the morning." [/b] The crew split up, Blayze, Citrus and Ezekiel going back to their apartments, White heading back to the chapel, and Joko returning to his house. The morning would bring interesting new challenges... -------- [i] The Grandice[/i] [b]"Sir, we've had a package arrive addressed to you, sent first class,"[/b] said the officer, snapping a salute to James as he entered his quarters. [b]"Bring it in,"[/b] replied the Chief. Two members of the crew brought in a large package, with a note attached. James ripped the note from the parcel, and read it, his face darkening as he continued to read. He then slammed the note into the chest of the officer, indicating that he was to read it. [b]"Dear Chief James,"[/b] the officer read, [b]"You know who I am. I'm coming for you. Any more of these sent my way and they will be returned to you in much smaller packages. Love, your friend. So what's inside?"[/b] [b]"I have a feeling I know,"[/b] said James, ripping the front of the package open. Retribtion fell out, his knees bleeding profusely, a rather large and nasty knife-wound going right through his foot. [b]"Blayze...said...he's coming..."[/b] the bounty hunter gasped before losing consciousness. James snarled at him, stood up, and looked towards the door. [i]Bang![/i] Retribution was dead, and a smoking gun lay in James' hand. The officer facing James looked slightly startled. [b] "We couldn't leave any loose ends,"[/b] the Chief said coldly, [b]"Prepare a welcome party for Captain Blayze. They will be here first thing tomorrow. Make sure we are ready for them." [/b] -------- A few interesting cameos this time to make up for the lack thereof the last couple of chapters. vicky-Vicky, wife of Joko Gavin-Gavin, bartender Corey-Corey, bar hand Retribution-Retribution, bounty hunter Also an honourable mention: Nomad Tical-owner of Hotel Tical And in answer to your question, Ikillion, in the previous chapter, the ship was found with a working fusion reactor. It had only been dumped there because of some cosmetic flaws, and was pretty easy to get going again. Thank you to all of you for your continued support, hope I can continue to keep you enthralled for a long while to come.[/size]

[size=1]Clearly the winning team voted out the team it thought was the biggest threat. And that was us. Seriously, though, I was amazed I got this far, so, thank you, Sandy for allowing me to participate in this incredible event. It's been amazing fun, and I'll try to keep up with the thread. Thanks again, guys. It's been a good three months. [/size]

[size=1]Well done guys, you did really well. I'd just like to apologise to JJ for my lack of posting. Various things kept getting in the way, and then, at the last minute, my computer decided it didn't want to let me on OB any more. Well done again, Plumber and Plunder. [/size]

[size=1]I'd just like to make an outburst, with no real bad feelings at all behind it: I HATE YOU WHITE! I spent half an hour writing a post only to find that you had just posted as soon as I posted mine! So that was half an hour of my life wasted and I want it back! Anyway, outburst over, I should have a proper post (without White naffing it up) by tomorrow (sorry JJ). Nice challenge, this one, by the way, Sandy, well done. [/size]

[size=1]Talyn walked silently alongside Kalei, following the trail of Sin and Ena into the forest. Twigs snapped and branches swung, but other than that there was no sound. Talyn was concentrating on following the trail that the pair had left, a trail of broken branches and spilled blood. Sin had not been cautious enough to cover his tracks when he brought Ena into the forest. She was still bleeding, and Sin has done nothing to stem the flow. Which almost seemed as though...they wanted to be found. Talyn could find no other explanation for Sin's reckless behaviour, other than the possibility that he was genuinely worried about Ena, so much so that he had been quick to escape with her. But that seemed unlikely after their last encounter. [b]"Stop," [/b]said Kalei, [b]"We're almost there." [/b]Talyn stopped in his tracks and turned around to face his leader. [b]"How can you tell? Even I can't tell." "I can feel them." "Are they close?" "Very," [/b]said a new voice from above. Sin dropped down from a tree and slammed Talyn to the ground. Ena was nowhere to be seen. [b]"What have you done with her, you psychopath?!" [/b]shouted Talyn, drawing a sword. [b]"She is quite safe and well. She is well on her way to becoming a vampire. So, what did you follow me into the forest for, Kalei?" [/b]snarled the half-breed. Talyn stopped and turned to Kalei, wondering the same thing. He sheathed his sword, and, seeing that Kalei had something important to say, got to his feet. [b]"Show me Ena so I can make sure she is ok. Then you will get your answers," [/b]replied Kalei slowly and purposefully. Sin smiled and leapt into the tree once more. After a few minutes of fumbling, he dropped back down, Ena unconscious in his arms. He lay her gently on the floor. She was pale as death, and her blood was still pouring out, gently now. The area around the vampire bites were beginning to turn bright red. [b]"As you will see, she is quite well." "Aside from the obvious," [/b]growled Talyn, indicating the puncture marks on Ena's neck. Sin grabbed Talyn by the scruff of the neck and hauled him into the air. [b]"I've told you once already, Talyn. Ena sees this as a way to repay her weakness. She couldn't stop Richard from dying, so she must suffer herself." "That's stupid! If anyone was responsible for Richard's death, it was me! I was the one who allowed that freak Noals to be left alone with him! It wasn't Ena's fault, it was never Ena's fault! It was all me!" [/b]He lashed out, his strength suddenly flaring, and he landed a kick on Sin's hand, making him release his grip, and then a second kick to the chest threw him back into a tree, decimating the sapling. [b]"Stop!" [/b]cried Kalei, holding out both her hands. The two fighters found themselves unable to move, not for want of struggling. Kalei turned to Sin, about to reveal what she had come here for... [/size]

[size=1]I just added myself, adding another person to the European Massive! Big it up! I probably live closest to Raiyuu, although that doesn't really count seeing as he is my brother (before you ask, we only live in the same house some of the time, he's away at university). Anyway, me adds up to a grand total of six European members. Woo. I think I've just about used up all the things I can possibly say here, so I will go now. EDIT: I feel sorry for Hevn, being stuck all the way out there on her own [/size]

[color=Navy][b][size=1]"Get them!" [/size][/b][/color][size=1][color=Navy]shouted Shadow as the pair closed in on the Orientals in the Bloom Coach. Ada nodded and picked up an item from the road. [b]"What is it? Something we can use?" [/b]asked the hedgehog, never taking his eyes off the twisting, winding track as he slammed the accelerator on to go up a steep slope. [b]"We got a bomb!" [/b]shouted the woman who sat behind him. She held the bomb steady and firm in her hand, and then, with a grunt of effort, hurled the small black object in front of the leading team's Kart. With no time to react properly, the Orientals slammed straight into the bomb, which blew them into the air and clean off the track. Ada punched the air in celebration. [b]"There's another item coming up! Grab it!" [/b]yelled Shadow. The pair zoomed past another item which lay on the road, and Ada reached down and scooped it up. She smiled, something which Shadow couldn't see, as she held a brightly twinkling golden star in her hand. [b]"Wait until we're behind, if we are at all. Then use the star," [/b]instructed the hedgehog. Ada nodded, thinking that this was a reasonable plan of action. Suddenly, something slammed into the back of the Kart. Shadow looked back for a moment, and saw the giant behemoth of the DK Jumbo ramming into the back of the Parade Kart. [b]"Do it again!" [/b]shouted Krystal, who sat behind Crash, holding a red turtle shell. Crash accelerated towards the back of the Parade Kart, and Shadow swerved at the last minute, avoiding the DK Jumbo by centimetres. The bulkier vehicle roared into first place, leaving Team Kickarse in second.[/color] 1st Place: Team Furry Flurry 2nd Place: Team Kickarse 3rd Place: Team Plumber and Plunder 4th Place: Team Oriental Beauty [/size]

[size=1]Me and my friends have our traditions. For instance, every lunchtime we tend to either hang out in the school hall, or the music room, mostly because those are the only places in the school where teachers let us hang around at lunchtime. Then, at the end of every term, we go out for lunch and go see a film, even if there isn't a good one on. We kind of make a day of it as well, making sure we spend the whole day together. Every Valentines Day we have kind of a cute tradition. There's a big group of us (11 or more) and we all go out to this big restaurant and have a massive meal (last time it cost us over £100). The last main one is usually sometime near the middle of the summer holidays, when everyone is back in the country after going on holiday, we all go down to this park by the river and have a picnic, and play Capture the Flag (although this summer we forgot the flag so we played cpature the fruit instead). So, yeah, traditions are fun. [/size]

[i][size=1]Let Thayne have Noals, [/size][/i][size=1]thought Talyn, [i]I've killed her once already. I've got to find Sin before its too late. [/i]He dashed off down the corridor as Thayne leapt through the hole in the wall, into the obstacle course. The hybrid had gone mad, and he had to stop him before he hurt anyone. Malik, Katima, Tegan and Kalei could wait. He found Sin, laying Ena down on the floor. Blood was pouring from her neck, and she was looking very pale. Talyn ran to her, and knelt down beside her. [b]"What have you done, Sin?" [/b]he asked, looking up at the half-vampire, [b]"You've bitten her! I'll kill you!" "It was her choice. She asked to be bitten." [/b]Talyn looked at the half-breed unbelievingly, [b]"She wanted to be a vampire, and I gave her that privilege." "It's no privilege being one of you. You are all scum, even the half-breeds. Have you seen what Malik is doing to Tegan? Have you seen the damage vampires can do? I wish for death more and more nowadays, just to escape the curse of being a vampire." "Then you are a fool, Talyn. Wishing for death is a weakling's way out. Only a coward would choose death." "Then I'm a coward. I don't care what you call me, but you can't take this girl's life away! Even if she asked you, you can't make her a vampire!" [/b]Talyn reached down to Ena, and placed one hand over her eyes, and closed his own. He could reach the venom and remove it if he was quick. [b]"No, Talyn!" [/b]Sin shouted, kicking him in the chest, sending him crashing into the floor. Talyn leapt to his feet, and drew both of his swords. [b]"If this is how you want to deal with this, Sin, then let us fight," [/b]he said, glaring at the half-breed. [b]"You don't stand a chance, Wakanda. I have power you can't comprehend," [/b]said Sin calmly, surrounding himself with a dark aura. [b]"So do I." [/b]Talyn summoned the blood that was pouring from Ena's neck, and brought it into the air, the blood snaking into the air. Talyn sent it at Sin, who dodged as the snake of blood smashed through the wall behind him. He stood up, and smiled. [b]"You thought it would be that easy?" "No," [/b]replied Talyn, [b]"I thought it would be this easy." [/b]The snake slammed back through the wall, crashing into Sin's back, sending him hurtling towards Talyn, who slammed his fist into Sin's face, knocking him to the floor. Talyn stood over the fallen half-breed, and, with a single thrust of his hand, sent the snake slamming into Sin's stomach, pinning him to the ground. He struggled, but the blood had hardened. [b]"Now, you have twenty seconds to tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now," [/b]said Talyn coldly, placing his sword at Sin's neck... [/size]

[color=Blue][b][size=1]"Ok, whatever, I guess you can drive," [/size][/b][/color][size=1][color=Blue]said Shadow grudgingly, hopping onto the back of the Kart. It had a decent space for the passenger to stand, and he should be able to get low enough to grab things off the floor. [b]"It means I get to throw stuff at the other cars. I like that," [/b]grinned the hedgehog, cracking his knuckles in preparation. [b]"I guess all we can do now is wait," [/b]said Ada, looking a little bored. She looked around at the other contestants. [b]"What the hell are those girls driving?" [/b]asked Shadow, looking at Team Oriental Beauty, [b]"It looks ancient." "And Team Furry Flurry is driving a piece of wood." "Plumber and Plunder have a bright red car. What losers." "We're definitely going to ace this challenge," [/b]said Ada, slapping Shadow a high-five.[/color] [/size]

[center][u][b][size=1]Chapter IV: A little Flashback...(part II)[/size][/b][/u] [/center] [size=1] [b]"Well, I don't know about anyone else,"[/b] said Jamie, [b]"But I'm getting a ship, and then I'm getting back at the Theocracy any way I can. I'm not standing for this. Anything I can do, no matter how small, I'm going to do it."[/b] The three of them had been dropped off by Joko at a small Chinese restaurant on the edges of Otaku City. It was owned by some guy named Shinji, who was apparently rarely seen, but often heard. Their waitress for the evening was a young, spirited girl by the name of Citrus. [b]"Can I get you anything else?"[/b] she asked politely, with a grin that stretched across her entire face. [b]"No thanks, Citrus, that'll be all for now,"[/b] replied Blayze, and then, when she had walked away, he turned to the other two, and said: [b]"How do you propose we get a ship? This meal alone pretty much wiped us out! We have a few hundred credits between us, we don't have a job to get more credits, and even the most beat-up ships cost more than two hundred and...eighty-seven credits!" [/b] [b]"Not neccessarily," [/b]said White thoughtfully, [b]"I think we need to take a trip into the city."[/b] ------ [b]"There's our ship," [/b]exclaimed White proudly, gesturing towards a rusty pile of metal that now made up a large part of the scrapyard. [b]"I'm sorry,"[/b] said Blayze, turning away, [b]"But I thought we were looking for a ship, not a pile of rust."[/b] [b]"That is a ship." [/b] Jamie ran over to it, and hauled a pile of debris from the hull. It was a bulky old vessel, but it looked to be in reasonable shape, aside from all the rust. [b]"It's amazing what people throw away these days,"[/b] joked White, [b]"A perfectly good Lugger-class transport vessel, just thrown out. We can manage to buy this for a hundred credits, max, and then we can use the rest of the money to fix her up."[/b] [b]"Oh. I was looking forward to eating food tonight, but I guess that's not gonna happen." [/b] Blayze grudgingly handed the credits over to White, saying: [b]"You may as well keep hold of these. You have control over them, anyway." [/b] ------ Soon, they had managed to haul the ship out of the junkyard, and now Jamie was looking her over. It was reasonably spacious inside, with six different living quarters, a kitchen and living/dining space, and a powerful fusion engine. [b]"Now all we need is somewhere to put it while we work on it. Does anybody we know have a house that's in a reasonably excluded area, and has family that won't care what we do in their backyard?"[/b] asked the female soldier. Blayze and White looked at each other, the same though coming over both of them at the same time... ------ [b]"Thanks a lot for this, Citrus," [/b]said Blayze as he ghost-piloted the ship into Citrus' backyard. The girl's ship was towing the Lugger, but the old ship still needed someone to pilot it. This was ghost-piloting. Citrus' house was a large, luxurious log cabin in the woods outside Otaku City. Her parents had bought it for her before they had died, but still insisted that she go to work in the City, so she knew the value of work. She lived all alone here, and so she was glad of the company. She invited the whole crew to stay for a while, and they could work in the backyard as long as they wanted. ------ Darkness had fallen over Citrus' house, and over the whole of Otaku City. The crew had all gone inside, except Jamie, who still worked on the ship all through the night. She more than any of them wanted to see the ship up and running so they could use it against the Theocracy. Blayze stepped out onto the balcony, staring up into the night sky. The stars were beautiful, and the twin moons of this planet were bright in the sky. The captain took a deep breath of cold air, and exhaled a cloud of water vapour. [b]"Penny for 'em,"[/b] said White, stepping out onto the balcony. Blayze smiled, but didn't respond. [b]"Are you a religious man, captain?"[/b] asked White, walking towards the captain, wrapping his long coat around himself. [b]"I've never had time for God, he's never had time for me, White. That's my deal." [/b] [b]"I don't think I could ever lose my faith. I was brought up to be Christian, and nothing else. I've been searching for God ever since my father died." [/b] [b]"And you thought the place to do that was as a Weapons Expert on a Theocracy ship? Now, forgive me, but that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense." "I was forced to sign up. Everyone of my age was at that time. The Theocracy was expecting war against the Separatists to break out again, and they needed enough time to train men before the war started. When they found out that it wasn't going to happen, I couldn't bring myself to leave. It was the only career I'd ever known." "How many people did you kill in the name of the Theocracy, Joseph?" "Many. But I have prayed for forgiveness, and I believe that when the time comes, I will be absolved." "That's the difference between you and me, Joe. You have the strength to believe things like that. I've seen too much of the real universe to be able to do that. I've seen terrible things, and apparently I've done terrible things as well." "We all do...what's that sound?" [/b]asked White, hearing something. [b]Boom.[/b] [b]"It sounded like an explosion,"[/b] whispered Blayze, taking his pistol from it's holster, gesturing for White to do the same. [b]"Jamie!"[/b] the captain shouted, [b]"Grab a weapon! There's something going on!"[/b] The soldier nodded, and picked up a rifle that she had taken to carrying round with her for emergencies. [b]Boom.[/b] [b]"Gunshots! These people are armed!"[/b] hissed White, grabbing a pair of revolvers from the table in Citrus' living room. [b]"Wake her up," [/b]said Blayze, nodding to Citrus, who had fallen asleep on the couch. White nudged her gently. Her eyes fluttered open. [b]"Hey, Citrus, don't panic, but we need to take you into the ship. It's just a little safer there, that's all. Come on now."[/b] White guided the girl into the ship, which had reinforced metal plating, much more bulletproof than the log cabin. [b]"Here they come,"[/b] said Blazye, seeing the armed group coming towards them. They were all dressed in black cloaks with hoods pulled up over their heads, presumably to cover their identities. [b]"They're a racist group,"[/b] said Citrus, [b]"They've probably come for me just because I work in that Chinese restaurant. I may look Asian, but I was born right here in Otaku City!"[/b] [b]"You don't need to tell us,"[/b] said Jamie comfortingly, [b]"We wouldn't even care if you were an illegal, you're our friend, and we help our friends."[/b] The group was closer now, firing shots into the air. As soon as they saw the group protecting Citrus, they began to fire at them, with surprising precision. Bullets ricocheted off the hull of the ship, threatening to tear it apart. [b]"Ok, that's it!"[/b] shouted Jamie, getting to her feet and loading her rifle with seven shots. She went out onto the walkway that protruded from the side of the ship, and aimed at the attackers. [b]"No-one touches my baby and gets away with it!"[/b] she whispered, squeezing the trigger, and letting off two shots, both of which hit their marks, kiling two of the group. Another three shots took out two more. [b]"Screw this,"[/b] said Blayze, and he stepped out onto the walkway, took aim and fired, blowing one of them off his feet. The few of them that were left quickly ran into the house. Smashing sounds came from within the house, and suddenly, bright flames erupted all around the house. They were burning it down! [b]"They can't do this!" [/b]shouted White, flicking the safety off both of his revolvers and leaping from the ship, rolling as he hit the ground. He ran into the burning building, and shots could be heard. [b]"What's he doing?"[/b] yelled Citrus, leaping to her feet, [b]"There's an oil tank in there! It could explode any second!"[/b] As if on cue, the whole house was torn apart by a massive explosion, as the flames ignited every drop of oil in the tank. There was no chance White could have gotten out. Or was there...? A figure stumbled out of the house, falling down the stairs. It was White, charred and burnt almost to a crisp, but alive. The crew, including Citrus, ran down to him. He was badly injured, and now unconscious. [b]"Does anyone know anything about medicine?"[/b] asked Blayze, [b]"Is he going to make it?" [/b] [b]"He could make it,"[/b] said Citrus weakly, [b]"But he's going to lose both his legs, and there's going to be significant scarring." [/b] [b]"Get him to the hospital straight away,"[/b] said Blayze, standing up, [b]"I'm going to find out who these bastards are." [/b] As Citrus drove White to the nearest hospital, Blayze and Jamie walked over to the nearest of the dead men. Blayze kicked the body over, and ripped the cloak off. [b] "Oh my God..."[/b] A Theocracy insignia, that of fourteen planets interlinked, was emblazoned across his tunic. They checked the others. All Theocracy agents, disguised as racist rioters to hide from the local law enforcement. [b]"It wasn't Citrus they were after," [/b]Blayze hissed, his eyes burning with rage, [b]"It was us. Finish the ship, Jamie, and then we're going after these bastards..." [/b] ----- [b] Three weeks later...[/b][/size][size=1] The ship stood ready, gleaming in the pale afternoon's sunlight. The engine worked, the controls were fine, the only thing that needed seeing to was the rust, and that had been cleared up completely. Citrus had agreed to join the crew while her house was being rebuilt, and White had returned from hospital. That was the worst part, as he was pretty messed up. His face was a mess of scarring, as was his upper body, and his legs had been amputated to save from extra damage. He now wheeled himself around in an old wheelchair, and he said he had plans to convert a few things. He seemed to be taking it all rather well, considering. [b]"Wait," [/b]said Jamie, [b]"We need two things. First, we need a name."[/b] [b]"What about...Firespark?"[/b] suggested Blayze. [b]"I like it." "Me too." "Then that's settled. The Firespark. Second, we need a pilot." [/b] [b]"Oh, I've had a pilot on standby for weeks now,"[/b] said Blayze cockily, [b]"Come on out!"[/b] he shouted behind him. Joko, the driver who had given them a lift all those weeks ago emerged from the forest, a grin covering his face. [b]"Hey, guys. Blayze told me what you were planning to do, and I thought "what the hell?" Commercial piloting got boring anyway, and there wasn't much work. I could do with a change, and from the sound of it, you needed a pilot,"[/b] said Joko. Within the hour, they were all on board the ship, having chosen their sleeping quarters, and Joko was at the helm, powering her up. [b]"Everyone ready?"[/b] he asked over the intercom. A few buzzed replies came, and he turned to the viewscreen. He flicked a few switches, and the engine ignited. The ship rose into the air, and then, with a pulse of energy, blasted through the clouds into the stratosphere. ------ [b]"Captain, we're here,"[/b] said Joko, nudging Blayze from his dream-filled sleep. They had come a long way from there, and now they were finally at their destination. The moon named Fyria. Home. ------ Only one interesting cameo to make note of this time, and that is: Shinji-Shinji, owner of Shinji's Chinese Restaurant Hope this gives you a little insight into the world of Firespark. As always, constructive criticism is welcomed, and the next chapter should follow soon.[/size]

[b][size=1]Name: [/size][/b][size=1]Son Goku [b]Age: [/b]looks around 23, is in fact over 10,000 years old [b]Powers: [/b]Goku's main strengths lie in his speed and agility. He is a fast, yet powerful opponent, who stores awesome energies within himself. He can make himself a whole lot more powerful by removing his power limiter, which is in the form of a headband. He becomes so fast it is almost impossible to see him move with the naked eye, and his strength and agility become phenomenal. In the past thousand years or so, he has spent more and more time without his power limiter, trying to control the power stored within him, and has made reasonable progress with this. He has also been training in certain arts that Hakkai taught him long ago, namely [i]kikou jutsu[/i], or chi manipulation. He has managed to be able to fire blasts of concentrated chi energy, and mantain a chi barrier for a short period of time, although with more time, he could become a much more powerful chi manipulator than even Hakkai ever was. [b]Weapon of Choice: [/b]the Nyoi-Bo, a magical cudgel that can transform into a sansekkon staff. When he has removed his power limiter, he also has claws and teeth that he fights with, and are much stronger and harder than human teeth and nails. He can also use [i]kikou jutsu [/i]to a reasonable extent. [b]Personality: [/b]Believe it or not, Goku has mellowed out a little in the past few years. He is no longer the screaming, tantrum-prone brat who always thinks with his stomach that he was when Gyumaoh was being resurrected. He is a headstrong fighter, who always has his mind on battle. He understands his strength when he removes his power limiter, and knows that in order to better himself as a warrior, he must learn to control it. [b]Description: [/b]Goku retains many of the characteristics of his younger self. His monkey-like body, lithe and agile, is now even more toned, through rigorous physical training. His face is still round and boyish, though now with numerous minor scars, and one major one, running from his hairline, down the left side of his face, down to the centre of his left cheek. His hair is slightly longer in the fringe, and flops down over his face, just into his eyes. It covers his coronet, which he has exchanged for a silver one, which is slightly weaker than the gold, but he feels that he has his demonic side under much better control now. When he takes his power limiter off, his deity side has taken a different appearance, since it is released more often now. It now has jet-black hair, which falls over his face, longer than it usually is. His eyes turn crimson, the colour of blood. His teeth and nails elongate into fangs and claws respectively. He becomes a fearsome sight to behold. He generally wears a pair of faded jeans, with black-and-white sneakers, and a long-sleeved t-shirt, usually black or white, underneath his black jacket. [b]Bio: [/b]Son Goku. The Monkey King. Imprisoned in a mountain for five hundred years for misdeeds, he was only rescued when he was discovered by priest Genjyo Sanzo, who released him and, involuntarily became his guardian. Sanzo took Goku on his mission to the West, foreseeing that the annoying monkey could be useful in the future. There Goku met Cho Hakkai, who became like an older brother to him, and Sha Gojyo, the kappa who was always at odds with the Monkey King. Their destinies would be irreversibly intertwined from that moment on. They travelled together, and Goku became fiercely protective of Sanzo, battling against any enemy who wounded the priest, twice even removing his power limiter to fight for Sanzo. Both times the rest of the group has taken their combined strengths to place the limiter back on Goku. He has since grown up a lot, and is now a resident of Nagasaki. He fights to keep the world free of demons, and ultimately to destroy Gyumaoh, his almost eternal nemesis, and the Yama Kings. He has, in his time in Nagasaki, met the three latest reincarnations of Hakkai, Gojyo and Sanzo. [/size]

[b][size=1]"This one!" [/size][/b][size=1]shouted Crash, pulling open the door of a parked minivan. It would move them as fast, but it would be easier to fit them all in. Crash jumped into the driver's seat this time, and Mario took the passenger seat, with a handful of mines from the crate, which Shadow threw onto the back seat of the van, before leaping onto the roof. [/size][b][size=1] "Floor it, Crash!" [/size][/b][size=1]shouted Shadow, leaning into the vehicle and pulling out a rather hefty minigun from the crate with a wide grin, [b]"We've got more pigs on our tail!" "Give it to them, Shadow!" [/b]yelled Crash, and Shadow turned to the police helicopter that was now winging its way towards the car. He fed a few bullets from the chain-feed into the weapon and aimed it, before pulling the trigger. A stream of hot lead burst forth from the barrel of the gun, spitting towards the chopper. Shadow burst into a bout of manic laughter. [b]"Muahahahahahahaaaaa!" [/b]he bellowed, firing round after round into the chopper. Eventually it blossomed a cloud of orange flame, and bits of shrapnel, as well as larger parts, fell to the ground with a crash. [b]"We got-a some more on our-a tail!" [/b]said Mario, throwing a bunch of mines onto the road. They exploded just as impressively as before, hurling the cars into the air. [b]"Oh, shit," [/b]said Crash, [b]"That definitely does not look good." [/b]Shadow turned to see what the Bandicoot was talking about. And he immediately knew what it was. The Army had arrived. Armoured cars, jeeps, and a fair few tanks nnow blocked their way. And they were so close to their goal. So close to the Cochrane Dam. The Pay'N'Spray stood right next to them. The Army stood in front of them, the Cochrane Dam behind them. [b]"Ok, I have a plan," [/b]said Crash. [b]"Does it involve me blowing up a tank?" [/b]asked Shadow hopefully. [b]"Not really. But you can do that in the meantime if you really want," [/b]replied the Bandicoot. [b]"Thank you!" [/b]said Shadow, reaching into the crate and pulling something big out. An RPG launcher. His eyes lit up as he withdrew it from the crate, and he shouldered it before climbing back onto the roof. [b]"Take this!" [/b]he shouted, blasting a Rocket-Propelled Grenade straight at the engine housing of one of the tanks. It was destroyed in a ball of flame, and Shadow leapt into the air in celebration. [b]"I love this game!" [/b]he shouted gleefully. Meanwhile, Crash had formulated a plan inside the car. He took five of the mines, and Mario did the same. [b]"Now, when I say go, throw the mines in front of the car. It should work, but there is a slight chance of us blowing up and never seeing the light of day again. Are you in?" "All-a the way!" [/b]replied the Italian, [b]"Shadow! Get back in the car-a!" [/b]The hedgehog swung himself back into the vehicle, laughing to himself, discarding the RPG. [b]"Let's go!" [/b]shouted Crash, slamming his foot down. The car sped forward, towards the military roadblock, and Crash shouted: [b]"Now!" [/b]Mario hurled his mines onto the road in front of the car, and Crash did the same. [b]"Whoah, what the hell are you doing, guys?" [/b]asked Shadow, not having been involved in the plan. [b]"You'll see," [/b]said Crash through gritted teeth. He drove the minivan directly onto the mines, and the force of the resulting explosion blasted it high into the air, sending the van sailing over the roadblock. [b]"Oh my God you're crazy! Why did I ever get in a car with you?!?" [/b]yelled Shadow, spouting obscenities at the Bandicoot. Mario held onto the dashboard, but quickly unclipped his seatbelt. Crash did very much the same, and then he nodded at the Italian man. They both flung the doors open and leapt out, flying towards the Dam. Shadow looked in the car, and followed them, hitting the ground and rolling as the van, or what was left of it, smashed into the ground a few feet behind them. [b]"Quick, Shadow," [/b]said Crash, running, [b]"Get to the Dam! You're the fastest out of both teams!" "Gotcha," [/b]said the hedgehog with a wink, and he sped up, grabbing the Bandicoot and the Plumber and hauling ass towards the Dam, making it there in record time, away from the Army. [b]"Looks like we got here before the girls," [/b]said Shadow triumphantly, [b]"So what do we do now?" [/b]He eyed the tanks that were now rolling steadily towards their new location... [/size]