Aaryanna

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5527/pharuswq5.jpg[/IMG] [SIZE="1"]Copyright [URL="http://airage.deviantart.com/"][COLOR="goldenrod"][U][B]aiRaGe@DeviantArt[/B][/U][/COLOR][/URL][/SIZE][/CENTER] They hadn’t been back in sector one for long when Crystal received a message from Fleet Admiral Stevens, ordering her to go to Pharus, the first moon orbiting the main world. Crystal knew all about the moon, every Versilan did. It was where all of the main military training facilities were built, where all recruits for whatever branch of the military they were going to be in came to prepare before being deployed. The entire moon was a gigantic city of buildings, from the offices of the military, to the training facilities to even some of the basic storage and construction of all weapons used by the military. It was also home to the finest research laboratories in the entire Versilan Empire, from medical research, weapons research to genetic research. If something was being looked into, the facilities that oversaw everything were located in Pharus. Only a few other facilities on the main world in the Council Center were better. Most if not all traffic and information for maintaining and controlling all other branches of said services was located on Pharus. It even had it’s own representatives for dealing with the High Council like other sectors did. Just as there was someone who was the Shipping Expert like Darren Anderson for the High Council, there was someone who was appointed for these facilities. One for the medical, for genetics and so forth. Though those who served in that capacity had their own offices planet side, close to the Council Center instead of on the first moon. Crystal’s destination was rather specific. She was going to one of the labs that was now housing the remaining projects that had been halted in sector fourteen when the New Alliance destroyed the facility there. Not only did they have to redo some of the original work that had been interrupted, they had to replace the scientists who had been captured by the New Alliance as well. Since she had worked closely with the scientists in sector fourteen, even choosing the director of the project, Stevens wanted her to go and make sure those who were being selected were up to the task of handling such delicate work Not for the first project, that one didn’t worry her so much, but rather for the third one. Even though it was forbidden, Stevens and the others had not discontinued it like they had the one for mentally altering the slaves. Personally, Crystal felt it was foolish, especially since learning that the Elite Specialist Kiva Salqarian was really an undercover agent, and the capture of the scientists as well as the destruction of the previous facility; meant that the New Alliance had that information. Once news of what was going on got out, the uproar would be even worse if they learned that they were still conducting the research. But like always, her objections were overruled and since it was not the same as project two, the one that had been halted, she stifled her objections and went through the proper channels to transport down to the facility in question. Taking the time to interview each of the scientists who had been hired so far, taking the time to question the new director of the project. They didn’t like her questions and there was a certain amount of resistance, but Crystal did not care. She would, as always, do her duty, she always did. Even if this particular task would require her to spend the next couple of weeks overseeing everything until she was satisfied that those who were working there were up to the task. She had already found one researcher who needed to be replaced, their knowledge not quite up to par. She would not be the one firing them though, that would be handled by Stevens, she would simply send her recommendations to him based on her findings. Crystal finished taking notes from the office she had commandeered for her visit and then once the person in question had left, she had the next one sent in. Not bothering to offer the scientist who entered a smile, there was no point when she was essentially re-interviewing them over their current job. She motioned for him to take a seat facing her from the other side of the desk. Crystal glanced at the list of people again on her hand held computer. There were so many to talk to and with all of them taking several hours each, it was going to be a while before she was done. With an inward sigh she looked back up and began the next interview. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/lector-avatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Victoria Ann had tried to stay awake since she wanted to talk to Auntie Catherine when she got back, but she found that she couldn't keep her eyes open. The next thing she knew it was morning and a quick check showed that Catherine had already left. But now, she was distracted by the conversation she had with Gustave the other day, about hidden cities and how they weren't on maps. It had lead to vivid dreams of her finding a map of the tunnels and hunting down the giant that Harriet had told her about, but she had woken up just before she would have gotten to see what the giant looked like. As she made her way to the train station to head for Chaos, she wondered if there were maps of the tunnels. After all, unlike the hidden cities, everyone knew about the tunnels, so surely at one time someone had made a map of them. Determined to ask her Auntie Catherine she hurried to school, but to her surprise, Catherine was not there and the Head Master was sending everyone home. [I]What the? Why is he doing that? And where is Auntie Catherine?[/I] She waited until nearly everyone was gone and approached the Head Master who was also getting ready to leave. "[B]Excuse me.[/B]" She asked, causing him to turn around just as he was about to open the front doors. "[B]Why is everyone leaving? Where is Auntie Catherine?[/B]" "[B]I'm sure that like everyone else, Lady Almagest left to get a glimpse of the coronation of our new ruler. This is an important historical event Victoria Ann, much more important than attending classes. You should get going as well so you can go with your own family to see the coronation. Just think, you'll get to see history in the making![/B]" "[B]But what about Auntie Catherine![/B]" Victoria objected. "[B]She's not at home and she would never just leave without telling someone![/B]" "[B]Silly child. I don't have time to worry over what your aunt would do.[/B]" He dismissed her concern and took off out the doors, heading quickly off of the grounds. Victoria just watched him leave, fuming. [I]That jerk! All he cares about is stupid history! [/I] She was about to leave as well, to head home when a thought struck her. [I]History? Wait, is it possible? [/I] She pivoted in place and then made a dash for the stairs, heading for his office, but the door was locked. She was about to give up when it occurred to her that she could unlock it from the inside. With a smile she ran for the entrance to the attic, heading for the maintenance trap door above his office. With a smile she opened it and dropped down into his office, the door slamming shut once she was through. With a smile she moved over to the files along one of the walls. When the Head Master had first shown up, apparently he had a lot of stuff brought in with him and that meant, it was possible he just might have maps of the tunnels. She smiled as she started rummaging through his things, not caring that she didn't have permission to do so. After all, she doubted the stuffy fool would let her or anyone look at his precious history stuff. It took a little while but she finally found what she was looking for, historical maps of the tunnels under Mount Grail. With a smile she snatched all of them, stuffing them into her backpack. [I]I was right! He did have maps! [/I]With a smirk she opened his door, setting it to lock once she had left so he wouldn't know that she had been there. [I]I need someone to help me look for the Giant![/I] She hurried down the stairs, the sound of her shoes hitting the steps echoing through the now empty school. [I]I have to find Auntie Catherine too! [/I]She just knew Catherine would not up and leave without some form of note. Victoria was out the doors and on her way to the train station to head home within a few minutes.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Oh well, now that I have time to actually work on the cipher, it's solved. Heh. Not that I mind. It needed to be solved. :p Anyway, I'll have a post up later this evening, I'm just going to have some dinner first. I post better when I'm not hungry! [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]You adults are silly! *pokes everyone* Anyway... I know why Catherine was kidnapped, even though my mom didn't tell me it was going to happen. It's there in her posts, the reason why the Starks would even bother. It's even in the very first post of this thread no less! Hahahaha! [INDENT][FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Black"]Catherine Sara is the youngest of Marette Almagest?s three children, but may very well be the brightest. Although she has no children of her own, she has enriched the lives of literally thousands of children by teaching various fields of Magitechnology as a professor at the CHAOS Academy.[/COLOR][/FONT][/INDENT] And then in my mom's posts... [INDENT][FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Black"]how many times had Leonhart managed to sneak in a visit to her office over the years? Not very often, but he always did, when he had a chance. Checking on how she was doing, chatting a bit over what was going on in both their lives. She was going to miss those random visits, as well as the evenings when they got a chance to discuss the different fields of magi technology. how could she focus on only one aspect when all of them were so interesting? her office was a mini library with two of the walls housing all the books she owned, many of them given to her by Leonhart over the years. And her own personal room back in Rosengard was a small library on it?s own. Catherine often spent a portion of her evenings reading up on things. "[B]Those were given to me by Leonhart, they are not text books for the students.[/B]" Victoria Ann looked at the title of the first book, Systems, Organizations, Analysis & Management: A in-depth review of Gadgetry. The second one was similar only it was for Weaponsmithing . she had already read the books, she had been meaning to take them home and do some cross checking with the books she had there. [/COLOR][/FONT][/INDENT] It's obvious really... Catherine is the really smart one, probably even more so than Leonhart. :p [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Interesting, we have one near my place, but I've never even been inside. Not that it matters, I never have any money for buying anime anyway. XP We use to have a store with a used anime section... but the place went out of business, so no such luck anymore. Anyway, I'll have to check the place out it seems.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/gustave-avatar.gif[/IMG][/CENTER] Victoria Ann was admiring the view as the carriage approached Gustave?s summer estate. Sitting close to a small lake with fur trees along the border, it made for a picturesque sight. Though Victoria was more interested in the stables that were situated behind the home since she was sure that Lucy was most likely located there. They had barely pulled up when servants came out to greet them, helping Catherine as she got out of the carriage. A moment later Gustave himself came out the front doors. ?[B]I hope you don?t mind us coming unannounced Gustave,[/B]? Catherine said kindly as he approached. ?[B]Not at all,[/B]? Gustave looked down at Victoria Ann who had suddenly become a bit shy, hanging back a bit behind Catherine. He moved over and then crouched a bit to face Victoria. ?[B]You?ve come to see Lucy I take it?[/B]? Victoria nodded. ?[B]She?ll be glad to see you, I assure you.[/B]? He reached out and took her hand in his, straightening a bit as he gave Catherine a quick wink and then took Victoria Ann by the hand as he lead her around to where the stables were. The stables were on the quiet side other than a bit of movement from the chimeras when the group entered. As if realizing who was entering Lucy raised her head from the section where she was currently being kept, her eyes darting to watch Gustave and Victoria Ann as they approached. She was every bit as beautiful as Victoria remembered with her rich golden feathers and majestic wings which were folded up against her sides. Lucy stepped forward a bit, stopping at the door in front of her spot. ?[B]I see that she remembers you.[/B]? Gustave said as he let go of Victoria?s hand and moved to open the door. ?[B]Really?[/B]? Victoria asked even as she moved to greet her once the stall door was open, reaching up to wrap her arms around Lucy?s neck, something she was obviously anticipating as Lucy leaned over and nuzzled her in return. Catherine just smiled at the sight of the two, it was obvious that both of them had taken a liking to one another. Victoria Ann to Lucy and Lucy to Victoria Ann. And as much as she would have enjoyed simply talking to Gustave while Victoria Ann spent some time with Lucy, they needed to head back to Rosengard for dinner. With the parent teacher meetings coming up later that evening, she didn?t have the time to dawdle. With great reluctance she finally spoke up after a while. ?[B]It?s time to go Victoria, or we?ll be late for dinner.[/B]? She turned to Gustave, ?[B]You?re more than welcome to join us of course, we?d love to have you.[/B]? ?[B]I?d love to.[/B]? He lowered his voice a bit, ?[B]Unless you object, I?d like to bring Victoria Ann over on Lucy. We?ll stay to the ground if that makes you feel better.[/B]? Catherine looked over at Victoria who was talking seriously to Lucy, ?[B]I suppose that would be alright.[/B]? If anything it would definitely get her mind off of the tunnels below the city. ?[B]Victoria Ann,[/B]? Gustave walked over, placing his hand on Lucy. ?[B]How would you like to take a ride on Lucy?[/B]? ?[B]Really?[/B]? Victoria turned to Catherine. ?[B]Can I? Please?[/B]? She begged. ?[B]Yes you can.[/B]? Catherine smiled at Victoria?s excited squeal and Gustave?s broad grin as he fetched the saddle to get Lucy ready. In no time at all he hoisted Victoria up and then followed suit. ?[B]We?ll see you at Rosengard,[/B]? He said to Catherine as the two left the stables. Catherine just smiled at the sight of the two heading off before leaving to get in the carriage herself to return to Rosengard.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Victoria was feeling out of sorts all day long and it wasn't until later in the afternoon that she realized why. And on some level she found it irritating since Harrison was a brat, always calling her a pest and such. But at the same time, he was the only one who was closest to her own age at Rosengard and it was easy for her to forget that he wasn't her older brother, since that was how she thought of him. But for it to irritate her that he was gone? Even if it wasn't his fault? [I]I'm gonna smack him when I see him again[/I] she thought. She sighed, not paying attention to her lessons yet again as she wondered what it must be like to be in the military since that was where Aunt Harriet said he was, with Uncle Daedalus.[I] I thought you had to be older though...[/I] She sighed again since she'd lost interest in convincing Joshua to take her into the tunnels under Chaos, though she supposed it was because he refused to do so.[I] If only I had my own keys, [/I]she thought. Though she didn't want to go down there by herself. It would have been more fun to drag Harrison and Josh along with her. Though she didn't really believe in giants, that just made no sense, how could something stay asleep and never get hungry? As she got up to leave to head for her next class, she made a mental note to ask Uncle Daedalus about it the first chance she got. Victoria was heading down the hallway when she saw Joshua again and her eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to her. She walked over and caught a hold of his shirt, dragging him to the side. "[B]Hey! What are you doing? I already said no and that's final![/B]" He protested. But Victoria was not listening, "[B]Did you and Harrison already find the giant? Is that why you won't take me into the tunnels?[/B]" "[B]Of course not! There's no such thing as giants. Besides, even if there were, there's no way I'm going to get in trouble with your Aunt! If I take you into the tunnels...[/B]" "[B]I'm glad to hear that young man,[/B]" both of them jumped at the sound of Aunt Catherine's voice as she came out of of the classroom door just a few feet down the hall. "[B]The tunnels under the school are off limits for a reason.[/B]" "[B]Auntie Catherine![/B]" Victoria yelped in surprise. "[B]You don't understand![/B]" "[B]There's nothing to understand Victoria, the tunnels are dangerous. They run through all of Mount Grail and the last thing we need is for a student to get lost.[/B]" She shook her head and sighed. "[B]Both of you are late for class,[/B]" she pointed out, Josh needed no urging as he stammered out a yes ma'am and took off at a dead run. "[B]Well now you've gone and done it.[/B]" Victoria said with annoyance. "[B]Now he'll never help me find the giant sleeping in Mount Grail![/B]" "[B]Victoria Ann, you'll do no such thing.[/B]" Catherine said sternly. "[B]I know, it's just that...[/B]" She sighed herself, "[B]I wanted to see if it was real or not.[/B]" Catherine smiled. "[B]Dear, it's a bedtime story and nothing more.[/B]" She answered Victoria's sharp glance with one of her own. "[B]When classes are over, you are to come to my office immediately, I'll need some help carrying some books home.[/B]" Victoria looked at her through narrowed eyes. "[B]You made that up. You're just doing that so you can keep an eye on me.[/B]" She accused. "[B]That's correct, but make no mistake, you [I]will[/I] be helping me carry some books. Now - get going young lady, you too are late for class![/B]" Victoria scowled at her a bit before leaving to get to her next class. [I]So much for that plan,[/I] she knew that look in her Aunt Catherine's eyes, she'd have to wait until things calmed down a bit and she forgot about it. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]The trip to sector one was proving to be uneventful, but then Valencia was not expecting anything to happen. She had all the necessary clearance codes and even if she didn?t, the sector defenses weren?t anything she couldn?t handle. The real problem would be the military or rather any Elite Specialists. It may have just been a joke with William, but what she wouldn?t give to have a ship like the [I]Transcendence[/I]. [I]It would make my job a lot easier, that?s what it would do. [/I]With a wry grin she shifted in her seat on the bridge as she overlooked some information she had received. No matter what, staying on top of things always came first. [B][I]-Valencia, you do realize who you have onboard right?-[/I][/B] Valencia smiled at Cassandra?s question, she had been expecting it for some time now. ?[B]I was wondering when you would get around to hacking into the system, checking his likeness against the official databanks.[/B]? [B][I]-You knew.- [/I][/B]Cassandra said flatly, in that tone she used whenever she disagreed with Valencia. ?[B]Of course I did, after all I haven?t lived this long by being a complete idiot.[/B]? Cassandra started to object but Valencia raised a hand for silence and got it. ?[B]We are not going to argue over this, whether or not you approve is irrelevant.[/B]? Valencia smiled. ?[B]Besides taking the good doctor to sector one could be rather profitable for us in the long run.[/B]? [B][I]-Only if you turned him in. That would be worth more than whatever he is paying you for passage.-[/I][/B] ?[B]Now Cassandra, you know me better than that too.[/B]? Her voice grew cold and to the point. ?[B]I do not betray a contract once it has been agreed on, it?s bad for business.[/B]? She would have said more but stopped at the sound of the doors to the bridge opening to admit the little slave boy along with his dog. He was certainly cute to watch with his never ending curiosity about everything, it had taken him very little time to lose his initial fear over actually being in space for the first time. And his dog was a rather agreeable creature as well, making things easier in the long run. Even Cassandra was polite to him, answering his questions, which was a bit odd. Computer program or not, she could and often would ignore passengers, other than to answer only what was necessary and nothing more. She certainly gave the doctor the cold shoulder, though Valencia got the impression that he didn?t care. ?[B]Uh? Valencia?[/B]? It was Colin, looking a little less starved than when she had first met him, it was amazing how well someone did on more than simple rations, as well as better clothing to wear. Even if it was inexpensive stuff that she had no use for, other than to provide for passengers as part of their fare. She pulled her thoughts back to the present as he approached. ?[B]What did you need Colin?[/B]? ?[B]I asked Cassandra if she knew how to find one?s parents but she said it?s not so simple.[/B]? He took a seat in one of the spots facing her with his dog sitting down on the floor next to him. [I] Passing that one on to me is she? [/I]If Cassandra had been real, Valencia would have been giving her a sharp look right about now. But instead she was looking at the serious expression on the boy?s face and sighed inwardly as it was far from simple in so many ways. "[B]That's correct, even if you weren't a slave Colin, right now with the war, the public records are not open for one to access.[/B]" She leaned back a bit, wondering how to tell him the next part. "[B]There is also the matter of you not having a true record but rather an identification number, those records only specify gender, name and planet one is assigned to. They do not indicate relationship status.[/B]" "[B]I don't understand.[/B]" "[B]Until recently, families were not considered important for slaves Colin. When you were born, unless there were records on Gallana, other than your identification number, nothing was entered into the official records.[/B]" She could tell that the answer upset him and cursed Cassandra inwardly as she moved to explain even more. "[B]Don't let that bother you, all it means is you have to use other means to hunt down who your parents are.[/B]" She could see him trying to figure that one out until he finally nodded. "[B]Okay.[/B]" Valencia turned as the door to the bridge opened again to admit the doctor. His expression as always, was guarded. She smiled and tossed him a data chip before he could realize what she was doing, catching it without giving it a thought. "[B]What is this for?[/B]" He finally asked her when she said nothing. "[B]Those options I mentioned to you when we left Gallana, I've included the details on there, we won't arrive for a little time yet so you have plenty of time to look things over before telling me what you wish to do.[/B]" She stood up. "[B]Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the view, I have work I need to do right now.[/B]" She didn't wait for either of them to respond as she left the bridge to head for the security of her own quarters to take care of something that did not relate to either one of her passengers. And therefore, was something that they did not need to know about.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Yay! I love it! :catgirl: It really is that more nifty with the special graphics and all. It's just not the same without it. That and I agree, everyone knows that Shy is beyond nifty! Fun stuff! I can't wait until next year since I already know what to nominate, starting with a certain love shack deal. Hehehe![/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Lets put more effort into our posts people. If you are going to list anime that you feel is a classic anime, then I want to see a little bit as to[I] why[/I] you think a show is a classic anime. I'm looking at you FloraFreak and Tallgeese- Lists with no reasons at all are spam and I'll simply delete anymore like that. Now as for classic anime based on what I've seen, the only one I consider classic is [B]Robotech[/B]. It's an older one that was made for American audiences and though it's not one of my favorites I think for one that was made to cater to an American audience, they did a great job with it.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harriet-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Alexander had taken care of things, just like she knew he would, but when he and Alecia finally left, Victoria Ann realized that she hadn?t seen Harrison since Uncle Daedalus picked him up from school. With a slight frown on her face she headed for Aunt Harriet?s rooms, knocking on the door softly once she arrived. A voice called out for whoever was there to come in and she did so without hesitation. Harriet was already in her night clothes, and sitting up on the bed with the blankets pulled up. Upon seeing who it was she set the book she had been looking at down. ?[B]What can I do for you Victoria Ann?[/B]? ?[B]I was wondering... How come Harrison hasn?t come home?[/B]? She dragged her feet a bit as she slowly moved over until she was standing next to the side of the bed, looking down a bit. Harriet motioned for her to get on the bed, something Victoria did without question, even though she was still dressed. Though she was careful to keep her shoes off of the sheets, but Harriet just pulled the blanket back and tucked it over her anyway. She settled back down a bit once Victoria had pillows behind her so she was sitting up on the bed as well. ?[B]Your Uncle Daedalus had returned to active duty in the military.[/B]? Harriet paused as if pained by what she was going to say next, ?[B]He has taken Harrison with him.[/B]? Victoria just favored her with a puzzled look. ?[B]Don?t you have to be eighteen to enlist? I?m pretty sure civilians aren?t allowed.[/B]? She said knowingly. ?[B]You?re correct dear, however, one can be commissioned and that is exactly what Daedalus has done.[/B]? She sighed, leaning back a bit. ?[B]Was there anything else you wanted to know?[/B]? Victoria looked down. ?[B]I don?t know.[/B]? She fiddled with the blankets a bit. ?[B]Seems kind of stupid to take someone who?s too young along.[/B]? She started to shove the covers back when Harriet surprised her by pulling her close, hugging her. ?[B]Why don?t I tell you a story before you go to bed?[/B]? She let go and smiled at Victoria who was already looking curious. If there was one thing Victoria liked, it was stories and today was no exception as she eagerly nodded her head, settling back into the pillows to get comfortable. Once she had done so, Harriet started. ?[B]When Daedalus and Leonhart were younger they use to love to explore the tunnels beneath Mount Grail. Every chance they got they would go off on a grand adventure to find new tunnels that had never been seen. However, one day they became terribly lost and wondered if they would ever find their way out.[/B]? Victoria giggled at the idea of her Uncle Daedalus and Grandfather Leonhart lost in the tunnels under Mount Grail. Harriet smiled at her laughter and continued. ?[B]While searching for a way out they came across a wonderful and amazing sleeping giant. Now Daedalus wanted to wake the giant up and teach it to do his bidding. But Leonhart was scared of what would happen once it woke up.[/B]? Victoria raised an eyebrow, ?[B]A giant? Are you pulling my leg Aunt Harriet?[/B]? Harriet just smiled at her and continued with the story. ?[B]In the end, they decide it was best to leave the sleeping giant alone and the two of them decided to protect it. Every year they would go and visit the giant to make sure it was still sleeping, until Czenovia went to war and they were called away to Brigit Town.[/B]? Victoria snuggled down into the blankets, starting to feel sleepy even with the story Aunt Harriet was telling her. ?[B]After Lord Reuben and many of their friends died in the Mine war, Leonhart and Deadalus became worried that man was too dangerous, that that one day the giant would be found. So they came home and decided to move the giant very slowly into a secret spot where it would never be found.[/B]? She paused for a moment. ?[B]And to this day, the giant sleeps somewhere in Czenovia.[/B]? Victoria yawned a bit, ?[B]How did they manage to move it without waking it?[/B]? ?[B]Very carefully young lady.[/B]? Harriet said with a smile. ?[B]Now off to bed with you.[/B]? She kissed her on the check before Victoria Ann got out from under the covers and left. [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The next morning as Victoria was getting ready for school, she remembered the odd story that Aunt Harriet had told her last night. Just as she wondered when Harrison and Uncle Daedalus would return. She yawned as she stretched once she was dressed for school and then she took off out of her room to go and get some breakfast before she headed for school. No one seemed to be up yet other than the servants when she entered the kitchen and one of them kindly gave her some food to eat. She thanked them politely as she always did and took it out onto the terrace, grabbing the newspaper as she did. But when she made it outside, she lost interest in even reading it since she couldn?t quit thinking about the picture of Leonhart or the strange story. Of all the times for Harrison to vanish on her, now she couldn?t bug him to take her into the tunnels under Chaos. Though she was pretty sure that his friend Joshua had a set of pirated keys too. [I]I?ll just have to talk to him about that.[/I] She knew perfectly well that the two of them snuck into the tunnels when they weren?t suppose to. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Nothing, since I don't eat them. XP I tried some once and didn't like them. I don't like pancakes or French toast either. Maybe it's because the few times I've eaten them, they always make me sick. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]A little bit of Des makes [i]everything[/i] better. ;)[/color][/QUOTE]Hehe! That's so true. :catgirl: Oh what a wonderfully hilarious prank! [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][center][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/img][/center] Victoria didn't know much about developing or making photographs but she meant it when she told Fonty he could be her assistant. There was no way she was going to let him do it himself when he needed to be resting that arm of his. In this respect, she was every bit as bossy as her older sister Alecia was. Making Fonty take a seat at the small desk in the corner of the darkroom while she got out the chemicals and supplies needed under his careful supervision. Preparing the processing tanks and the negatives for developing among other things. It took a little bit for her to get use to the odd lighting in the room since regular light was not allowed, and using goggles to protect her eyes took getting use to as well. Then while the negatives were drying, she started getting things ready for using the enlarger, to make the actual prints. As well as preparing everything for the actual photographs. It took a while, during which a few times Victoria ordered Fonty to sit back down when he got up to help her more out of habit than anything. Victoria had always been good at following instructions. If anything didn?t turn out right, it would be because Fonty explained things wrong. Then, when she was finally done, she started cleaning up. Putting all the chemicals away in the cabinets against the far wall while the pictures were drying, hanging from special lines made just for that purpose. Then, when it was finally safe to switch to normal lighting and to take the pictures down, Fonty got up and started doing so while Victoria finished putting things up, including a little foot stool she had fetched to make it easier for her to be able to reach things, finding a spot for it in the corner of the room. Deciding at that moment that it was a good idea incase Fonty needed pictures done again. Since she was sure he?d just do it himself and hurt his arm. ?[B]Good job Victoria,[/B]? Fonty said as he took the pictures over to the little desk and started spreading them out. ?[B]A little slow, but?[/B]? ?[B]That?s your fault Uncle Fonty, for setting things out of reach.[/B]? Fonty just laughed a bit, ruffling her hair with his right hand. ?[B]No, that?s your fault for being so short.[/B]? "[B]Bah! I'll get taller, just you wait![/B]" She leaned over the desk a bit instead of sitting in the chair next to Fonty on the right, hunting for the pictures of her and Lucy that Fonty said he had taken. "[B]Will you let me have one?[/B]" She asked, "[B]Of me and Lucy?[/B]" "[B]Of course, why do you think I took it?[/B]" He answered, resulting in Victoria Ann smiling broadly as she picked up one of her sitting on Lucy and leaning over to wrap her arms around Lucy's neck. "[B]Where should I put the negatives?[/B]" The little envelope he had her put them in was still sitting on the desk. "[B]They go in the bottom drawer there.[/B]" Fonty indicated the set of drawers on the right side of the desk. Victoria Ann was setting the picture down and reaching for the envelope when another picture caught her eye, one that made no sense. It was one of Lady Bavaria, dressed in elaborate clothing, wearing what appeared to be a crown on her head. She was inside the Mirror Palace. "[B]Fonty,[/B]" Victoria picked up the negatives absentmindedly, "[B]What kind of picture is this? Why is Lady Bavaria in the Palace wearing a crown?[/B]" She set the picture in front of him and then moved to put the negatives away. "[B]I don't know.[/B]" Fonty finally said after picking the picture up to look at it. "[B]I didn't take this picture, someone else must have.[/B]" Victoria just shrugged, reaching for the drawer once she sat down, still distracted by not only the pictures of her and Lucy, but by the odd one of Lady Bavaria. Enough that she didn't realize she was opening the wrong drawer, the one with other photographs instead of the one where the negatives were stored. Upon realizing she had the wrong drawer she started to close it and then halted, her eyes going wide when she realized what she was looking at; the envelope with the negatives slipping from her fingers to fall to the floor. On the very top of the stack of pictures was one of Leonhart, bound by the wrists, along with several other older men, in some sort of cellar. [I]What?? How? When?[/I] For the longest moment she just stared at it until she finally snatched it and turned to her uncle Fonty. "[B]When did you take this![/B]" She demanded, brandishing the photo. Fonty turned to look at what she was referring to and cringed a bit, "[B]I didn't.[/B]" "[B]Who did! What's going on?[/B]" Victoria Ann's thoughts began to race as all sorts of questions ran through her mind. The most important one of why in the world did they have a funeral for her Grandfather if he wasn't dead? Why weren't they hunting for him? Fonty moved to snatch the picture from Victoria Ann but she moved it out of reach. "[B]Why aren't we looking for Grandfather? Why did we have a funeral for him if he's not dead?[/B]" "[B]The picture could have already been in the camera when I started using it. We don't know if it was taken now or earlier.[/B]" Fonty tried to explain, though Victoria Ann shook her head in disbelief. "[B]That can't be right! Grandfather didn't use to have gray hair![/B]" Victoria Ann started to get angry. "[B]He's been kidnapped like the other Alchemists! We have to find him![/B]" Without waiting for Fonty to respond she turned and dashed out of the darkroom with the photograph in hand. "[B]Victoria Ann! Come back![/B]" Fonty called after her, but she ignored him as she ran to head for Alecia's house. Her Uncle Daedalus was gone and Auntie Catherine was going out with one of her friends for dinner. [I]I have to show this to Alexander![/I] She thought as she headed for the front doors to Rosengard. [I]The Royal Police Guard need to know he's not dead so they'll keep looking for him![/I] A moment later she shoved the doors open and was on her way, not even bothering to close the doors behind her.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Raiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Remember kiddies, a vote for Primas is a vote for Bavaria! Show your loyalties to the Coalition and vote for someone other than that Baldyhead.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]I could care less if Bavaria is made queen. :p I choose the princess because she's a backstabbing little witch and will cause more drama and problems should she be in charge. Hehehe. Anyway... poor Vincent. >_< That was a mean post James! I knew immediately that the vagrant was a problem. The whole time I was sitting there thinking... you idiot! Don't get a drink! Just go to a hotel, get a room and lock the door! XP[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I?m not sure what to think of this story. It?s got some very odd moments to it, like the imagery of the cigarette sailing through the air, the idea of flames with no heat. Everyone behaving like zombies and not seeing that things are going nuts. Somehow realizing what others are doing without dialogue or other clues? It speaks of a mystery. :p And I?m curious to see more. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I never do much beyond giving little valentines to my friends. It's usually all in fun so I enjoy the day. It's only once a year and I see no reason to dislike it. Maybe once I've had a boyfriend I'll understand why people get the idea to hate the day, but until then? Bah! I'm going to keep liking it like I always have. :catgirl: [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Crystal was pleased to hear that they would be returning to sector one soon. If only because the last few weeks had tested her patience past the breaking point. From dealing with the overly smug and annoying Vallon Drace to setting up the work to identify those who were killed in the take over of sector eight... she was tired of any and all aspects of war. Enough that if not for her sense of duty, she would be tempted to throw her hands up and walk. Things had gone as expected, even if the trip in the tiny freighter had tried her patience. Pretending to be Elania Ceris hadn't been that hard, nor had convincing the current representatives that she needed to scan Kerstin Anderson for an illness that didn't exist. That part had been easy, making it possible for her to use her hand held computer to create a map to Kerstin's location. And though the security had made it hard to get to her in a timely manner when it was time to rescue her a few days later, it had still worked out. Even though it had left them in the position of fleeing during the invasion. Drace had issued the clearance code when they had been challenged leaving the planet. Making sure the fleet did not attack the tiny freighter. And Drace's assignment to assassinate the representatives had also gone without a hitch. Making Crystal wonder just what they had known that had the High Council wanting them dead instead of being brought to sector one for a public trial and execution like they had done with the others in sector seven. Still at least she was no longer required to share the same quarters with that arrogant fool Drace, like she had in sector eight to maintain their false identities. She still intended to give Stevens an earful over that aspect of her assignment. "[B]What's got you sighing so much?[/B]" Crystal looked up to see that her assistant was standing in the doorway leading into her office. "[B]All these damn reports on the dead.[/B]" Crystal said as she closed the program down, after all, she had been so busy thinking about things that she hadn't worked on the reports in over thirty minutes. "[B]Yeah, a lot of people died this time, the fools. They should have known better than to resist. It's their own fault so many people died.[/B]" Crystal just said nothing, there was no point really. Even if she was loyal to the Versilan Empire, it didn't mean she wasn't blind to the reasons behind what the New Alliance was doing. It was easy to think someone who was fighting for the right to live freely was stupid, especially when you had never experienced having that freedom taken from you. But she knew better, after all, before Erica had turned out to be a traitor, she had been one of Crystal's most loyal supporters in the High Council when she pushed for better living conditions and medical supplies for the enslaved races. In many ways, even though she didn't want to admit it, her and Erica were alike. Pushing for similar goals. Though both of them were on opposite sides of the spectrum. Erica for total freedom and Crystal for more freedom or rather care within the confines of the current system. Crystal turned her terminal off and stood up. "[B]I'm going to call it a day. If i look at another death report I'll end up going to the bridge and clobbering Jared for taking out the transport system.[/B]" "[B]Uh...[/B]" "[B]Oh relax will you?[/B]" Crystal laughed at her assistant's dumbfounded expression over the idea of her doing that to Jared. "[B]The Commander and I go back a long ways.[/B]" She grinned. "[B]I only smack him when he deserves it. And though I wish it hadn't been necessary, I know he is doing what duty requires of him.[/B]" "[B]Oh.[/B]" Her assistant couldn't hide her look of relief. "[B]Don't worry over it.[/B]" Crystal said kindly. "[B]Keep working on the reports, even if we are heading to sector one soon, I want to the medical crew to get as much done as possible before handing it over to the group set up planet side.[/B]" "[B]Of course doctor.[/B]" Crystal just smiled sadly and left to head for her own quarters. Later, once she had gotten some much needed rest, she would have that talk with Stevens, not that it would do any good. And at least the trip to sector one would give her time to focus on regular duties, though she'd be busy enough with the medical checkups for the replacement crew they would be picking up once they arrived. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/img][/CENTER] Victoria Ann found herself unable to concentrate on her studies, something that was unusual for her. Usually she enjoyed them so it was rare for her to be so distracted that most if not all of what her teachers were saying went unheeded. It was not the gossip and fuss over the school being robbed either. In spite of such an event being the talk of the school, after all, for Chaos to be robbed like that was unheard of. There were of course the small thefts of students making things to create mischief, like the stink oil they had made to get the Head Master, something that still caused Victoria Ann to giggle over when she remembered the events at the Chimera Cup. But those were normal and nothing that would require the attention of the Royal Police Guard. Usually a stern lecture from one's teacher and parent, if one was caught, and the matter was over with. But this was another story altogether, the huge storage rooms that housed the supplies for the students had been stripped bare, requiring the teachers to fall back on reviewing theory and other aspects of the subjects until the supplies were replaced, something that truth be told wouldn't take long. Chaos on some level was funded by the Dynasts so it wasn't like they couldn't purchase the supplies along with new security measures to keep such a thing from happening again. No, what had Victoria Ann spacing was thinking about the Chimera that Gustave had given the Almagest family. Lucy. She couldn't get the beautiful creature out of her mind. More than anything she wanted classes to be over so she could head over to where he was keeping her until the lodging necessary for her was built on the Rosengard Estate grounds. She had a lot to learn since Lucy would need to be properly taken care of and Victoria Ann didn't have a clue as to what that required.[I] I hope Gustave will teach me.[/I] She thought, still oblivious to what was going on around her. "[B]Hey![/B]" A sharp poke brought her back to her senses. [B]"You're not going to sit there during the morning break and daydream are you?[/B]" Victoria turned to see that it was only one of her friends and that the students were indeed filing out of the class. "[B]Sorry, I was thinking about something.[/B]" The girl laughed. "[B]I'll say, you've been scatterbrained all morning! Don't tell me you've forgotten what we're going to do to the Head Master during our break?[/B]" Victoria grinned, "[B]Not a chance.[/B]" "[B]Good, lets get going then, or we won't have enough time.[/B]" Victoria just smirked and got up to follow along, they had already worked this out the other day, before the Wake and the Chimera Cup. They had carefully caught a hive of wasps and had it stored in a large special jar with holes so the things could breathe but couldn't escape. She followed along as they sneaked into the attic of the school, jar in hand or rather in the hands of some fellow boy students who could carry the large jar with ease. It didn't take long to get to where the small trap door above the Head Master's office was located. It was suppose to only be for upkeep purposes but today... the students grinned when they realized that the office was empty. Though they had expected it to be since the Head Master usually spent the time poking into the students business by talking to the teachers while they were on morning break. Something that the teachers didn't like since it cut into their own time off. Though it was more that he was trying to learn about the wealthiest families so he could find a way to pry into their favor, instead of a genuine concern about the students themselves. Much like he had pried about her and Harrison when they ended up in New Czenoble the day of the riots. "[B]All right.[/B]" Victoria whispered as they carefully lifted the trap door up. "[B]Be careful with the lid so you don't get them excited.[/B]" The boys just grinned as they did so, wearing gloves to protect against stings, then once it was open they tilted the jar, pulled back and then tossed the hive out so it flew and landed on the desk with a loud clatter, breaking into pieces. Victoria and the others stifled their laughter as the creatures came out and started buzzing around the room angrily. With a smart turn she snapped the small door in place. Then, though it was hard, they moved as quietly as possible toward the exit so no one would hear them in the huge attic. Moments later, the jar carefully back where it belonged in the classroom and everyone was going about their business as if nothing had happened. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I won't be posting for a bit either since I've kind of been feeling sick. >_< So other than to do homework I haven't been doing much else other than to take it easy. I imagine that either my Mom or Crystia can insert Victoria into their posts if they like. Also, why in the world does that picture of Chaos in the chronicle look familiar somehow? I'm sure I've seen it somewhere before. That's going to drive me nuts until I figure it out. XP[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][B]What is it?[/B] The Nifty Fifty Staff [B]Why is it Nifty?[/B] Because when it comes down to it, with out their time spent making the selections and then presenting it in a totally awesome and flashy manner? The nifty fifty just wouldn?t be as well? Nifty! [B]What is it?[/B] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57300"][U]I Forgot What You People Look Like[/U][/URL] [B]Why is it Nifty?[/B] Because you get to see how pretty everyone is! That and its fun to finally see the face behind the user name. [B]What is it?[/B] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=58139"][U]The Official OtakuBoards Whine Day![/U][/URL] [B]Why is it Nifty?[/B] Because lets face it, we?re all whiny little brats at times and having an official day where not only was whining allowed but actually expected? was downright silly and fun.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]Yes, purebred Chimaera are usually pretty intelligent. I'm thinking that Lucy will become pretty protective over Victoria Ann. If anything serious happens, she may be able to fly her to safety... And she will possibly be aggressive and/or suspicious of those who threaten her owners. Hopefully Bavaria doesn't hate Lucy too much...after all, she's priceless and irreplaceable. I can't imagine how Victoria Ann would feel if anything happened to Lucy.[/font][/QUOTE]Well I can tell you what Victoria Ann is doing right now and that is this: [IMG]http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/6427/thcoolrr3.gif[/IMG] If Lady Bavaria objects... she's likely to kick her in the shins again and tell her to quit picking on her Lucy! She still dislikes Bavaria a lot afterall. XP Oh and while I'm here... hurray for the head master getting humiliated in front of the Dynast heirs! ^_^[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Victoria volunteers as well! Down with Bavaria! Mwahahahahaha! And to keep this from being total spam... I agree with the suggestion of making the Chimera's two main classes and going from there. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/img] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/lector-avatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Victoria was impatient for the others to arrive and for the races to start. It was hard to not be excited, it was after all her first time to attend the Chimera Cup. The place was packed with spectators and dozens and dozens of colorfully dressed merchants selling all sorts of fun goods for those who were attending. Victoria had already picked up matching charms with feathers from a Chimera, intending to give one to Alexander and Alecia and one for Harrison as well. She carefully tucked them into her little purse she brought with her and turned to head back to where Macey and Eva were situated in the Almagest box, chatting with some wealthy spectators. Victoria was half-way back to where they were sitting when she spied the Head Master of Chaos, Lector Moebius. With a smirk she altered her path so that she would accidentally bump into him as if on accident. Something that once she did, she smiled sweetly and apologized. "[B]I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there.[/B]" Victoria had already opened up the lid of the little bottle and dumped it into his pocket, it had been a simple matter to make it look like she had merely grasped his clothing briefly upon running into him. "[B]That's quite alright Victoria Ann.[/B]" Moebius said as if he was grandly forgiving her. "[B]Just remember that a lady [I]always[/I] pays attention to her surroundings. You wouldn't want others to think that you are ill mannered now would you?[/B]" "[B]Of course not Head Master.[/B]" Victoria curtsied. "[B]I must hurry back so the others don't worry about me.[/B]" She barely managed to hide yet another snicker when she noticed that the oil was already seeping through the cloth of his pocket, showing up like a dark stain on his pristine suit. It was all she could do to not run, least the Head Master think something was amiss, but as soon as she got back to where Macey and Eva was she couldn't help but snicker out loud a bit. "[B]What's so funny?[/B]" Eva asked and then smiled when a commotion further back where Victoria had just come from caught her eyes. "[B]Never mind.[/B]" She finished as she stifled a laugh of her own. "[B]Ah Victoria, how wonderful of you to stay close and not wander off very far.[/B]" Macey said as her own mouth curled up in a half smile, causing Victoria to giggle a bit. She turned around and glanced to see that a number of patrons were clearly pulling back from the Head Master of Chaos, wrinkling their noses in distaste. Just as it was clear that Lector Moebius had no idea what was going on. That is until he accidentally brushed his hand against his pocket and got some of the oil on his hand. Victoria just turned her attention back to the guests who were talking to Macey and Eva. Making sure he didn't catch her looking in his direction. Even if Macey said she'd lie for her, it would be more fun if the Head Master didn't figure it out, after all, her and the students had quite a few things in store for that fool.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Shy'][size=1]And Kathy wins this thread. End of story. -Shy[/size][/QUOTE]Exactly! And it saves me from simply rehashing what the others already said since I agree. :p [/FONT][/COLOR]