Starwind

[B]Name:[/B] Micheal Houghton [B]Age:[/B] 19 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Physical description:[/B] [URL="http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/?action=view¤t=coolguy.jpg"][U]Micheal[/U].[/URL] Micheal is 5'9 and weights 123 lbs. He has numerous scars on his arms and legs and has a tatoo on the top of his back between his shoulder blades of christian cross with the words "never again" written across it. [B]Personality:[/B] He carries a lonely air about him. He always seems distant and untrusting. He's the kind to smile and nod off a situation whenever possible. However, every so often he seems to carry, rather then lonliness, and air of intense anger. Being a quiet person by nature, he doesn't talk about it, but the scars on his arms often make others worry about him. [B]Occupation:[/B] He words as an editor for a computer magazine company called "NET". [B]Power:[/B] By using intense concentration he is able to manipulate the physical make-up of his body. So far, with his limited control and understanding of how it works, he's not sure how far he can take it, but the skill he has become most facinated with is the ability to manipulate and harden his blood like a crystal.

THe first episode of the new season was on tonight and it's off to one hell of a good start. It had been a while since I last saw the show, but they remind you pretty quickly of why you got into it in the first place. They do replays through out the week and for anyone who didn't catch season one, they do a recap at the begining of this first episode to the second season. Plus, season one is also available on DVD. I recommend this series to anyone over 13. Younger then that then I'd need to ask where your parents are.

[CENTER]"Only the dead have seen the end of war." ~Aristotle[/CENTER] For as long as man has existed in this world, there has been no end of fighting. Two or more sides gatherd for various reasons to battle each other and to prove there own integrity. As time has moved on the motivation behind war has become more and more obscure, til it seemed like we were fighting simply for fightings sake. After every great war the world procalims "Never again!" But humans forget there pain quickly. And only a few short years later they return to there cycle of violence, pain, and suffering. The gods of this world have abandoned us, so now we must fend for ourselves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [B]The Empire[/B] 100 years ago, a mighty rebel army appeared in the eastern land of Dumall. Though small in size, their fierce battle tactics and determination made them a dangerous military organization. They quickly started to claim territories throughout Dumall and within only 5 years more then 90% of Dumall was under their rule. Shortly after that the land of Dumall surrenderd to the Rebels and the land was call from the then on Celestia. With there new might and resources they began once again to spread out, this time reaching into the southern land Melochs. Melochs would not fall as easily as the eastern lands, but this meant little to the new emperor of Celestia, Vicous Helston. He was a cold and calculating man with no compassion and endless ambition. The northern land of Semel quickly signed a treaty with Celestia. The king of Semel claimed it was a gesture of good will toward there new neighbor, but the truth was he was to afraid to risk being the next one forcibly invaded. Needless to say, Celestia quickly expanded itself into Semel til next to nothing of the original regime remained. The fall of Meloch was starting to seem like a certainty as the armies of Celestia slowly, but surely made there way across the land, moving closer and closer to the capital city of Torren. It was at this time that the last of the free lands, the central land of Tobit and the western land of Mickus combined there might with the remaining Meloch forces and staged a massive resistance to the Rising empire of Celestia. This was to be the last stand of the free worlds. After 30 years of what seemed like an endless war, the cruel and mallicious emperor of Celestia vanished without trace or explanation. With Vicous Helston gone, the alliance quickly drove back the invading armies of Celestia were droven to the ends of the continent and dispersed to the winds. The politicians and Generals were imprisoned and many were put on trial as war criminals. But despite all of it's efforts and a global manhunt, Vicous was never found. Many believe he died during the war, killed by an assasin and the empires politicians simply coverd it up in a futile attempt to keep the empire together. After 10 years of searching nothing was ever uncoverd and the once grand empire was crushed to nothingness and the land of Dumall was restored to it's rightful people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [B]The Knights[/B] After such a close brush with total conquest the five lands knew that they needed some kind of means of protecting all the lands from any possible such future threats. This is how, 50 years ago, the knights of the cross were first assembled. They were gatherd together to act as not only guardians, but diplomats for all nations. The most elite fighters and wizards of all nations were gatherd together and this made up the first order of the knights. They were answerable only the council of five elders. The knights traveld from land to land, quelling disputes and casting out rebels. For a span of 40 years all things seemed well. It seemed as though that war fought on grand scales was at an end. It was time of peace and simplicity for which I had hoped would always last. But peace is a fleeting fancy, and war is the inevitable end. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [B]Fall from Grace[/B] 5 years ago , during a meeting of the council of five elders, a new order of knights was called on to serve the five great lands. This was fairly normal. Every few years it was neccesary to recruit new knights from each land to serve. 2 new members, one knight and one wizard from each land, was chosen to join the growing number of Kinghts of the cross. One stand out was a young knight from the land of Dumall named Marcus was the center of attention. His skills as both a fighter and a leader showed great promise. He was immidiatly given a position of power within the knights. Shortly after this many strange rumors started to circulate around the once nobel knights. Mention of odd and unholy rituals were said to occur within the leadership of the knights. Strange new monsters began to appear through out the land. The skies over head seemed to grow darker with each passing day. And as the activities of the knights grew strangier, the position of Marcus continued to climb. The council seemed oblivious to the rising trouble throughout the land. Villages were being over run with monsters or taken as a new santuary for the knights. This was begining to to stir up many unrests between not just the nations, but within them as well. Last year was the breaking point when the capital city of the central land of Tobit, disappeared completely. Like it had sunken into the ground. Not a single structure or even person was ever found. Only a giant crater remains where the city once stood. The land of Tobit exploded and began to lash out at the other lands. The rising unrest has caused war to start breaking out in all areas of the continent, both outward and civl disputes are running rampant. This is more then just war now, it's anarchy on a grand scale. And standing in the nexus are the knights of the cross. ----------------------------------------------------------------- This is a fantasy RP. I encourage creativity, but insist that you keep it within some kind of bounds. No god modding. Sign Up: Name: Age: Gender: Race: Human, Dwarf, Elf, etc. Appearance: Both picture and description are acceptable, but both is preferred Origin: Which land to you come from. [East is Dumall, North is Semel, South is Meloch, West is Micus, Central is Tobit] If you wish to be from a smaller nation you must also describe where it is and it's stand in the present turmoil. Order: A knight, a wizard, a theif, ect.[If you have a unique skill set,please describe it as best as possible.] Personality: Short essay: A story told from your characters perspective. It can be about anything, but must be at least 3 good paragraphs long. Preferably 4-5. I will be adding my sign up tomorrow.

I've gotta say that this news bums me out pretty bad. I'm a big fan of [B]Black Lagoon [/B]and the thought of it getting shafted gives me shivers. Not to mention that I am collecting the [B]Higurashi no Naku Koro ni [/B]series. This news kinda makes my day a little less sunny, which is bad considering it's done nothing but rain here today anyway. I'm holding out hope that some one will rise to the occassion and pick up at least most of Geneons now abandonned titles. Geneon You are gone but not forgotten. And you will be missed.

[B]Name:[/B] Hector Ailes [B]Age:[/B] 34 [B]Archetype:[/B] Vagabond(Wanderer)[Free Spot] [B]Appearance: [/B] [URL="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/84c00a4c.gif"][U]Hector[/U].[/URL] Hector is 6'2 with a firm build. He has many numerous scars across his body. He carries a large sword on his back and is not shy to brandish it at a moments notice. His is a generally stoic expression. He has cold eyes that almost seem like they can see the end of the earth. [B]Combat Tactics:[/B] He has neither an art or even a basic form. He is a simple brawler. One who fights simply for the love of it. He has never learned under anyone, he simply swings his sword with all his strength and hopes for the best. [B]Personality:[/B] He's spent so many years on the open roadways and streets. He finds his way from town to town, simply looking for the next good time. While he does seek out others when he's looking for fun his truest nature is that of a lone wolf. He enjoys the solitude that only the dark night roads can offer. He lives by the ideals of "Feel sympathy for none." He seems cold, but he has a soft spot for women and children, though he will never admit to it. [B]How does your character view the way Dugolma treats Iaesel:[/B] Based on his lifes philosophy, he thinks little of it. He tends to ignore it for the most part since he doesn't hail for this or any other land really, so he doesn't bare any alligance toward it or it's people. Being far from spiritual he can't relate with them on there feeling about there religion. That's not to say that he doesn't hate the Dugolma sentries placed throughout that land, but he only hates them because they think they can get away with giving him a hard time. He's quick to his sword when provoked so he's quite well known for stirring up trouble. But so few ever survive after there encounter that most arent' even sure what he looks like. So, the guards tend to go after any wanderer who happens past. It was only a short while ago that Hector was pursued and pushed into hiding. All his trouble making had finally inspired the Dugolma to step up there measures against him and those like him, so Hector has taken to hiding out in the last refuge of this waste land nation, Yeshova.

This makes for quite pleasant news. I bought myself both Voices and Placed Promised and almost instantly feel in love with his work. I'm not quite ready to jump on the "New Miyazaki" boat, but I will say he is one of the most impressive directors I've seen. I'm already on pins and needles over this new movie and I already know I'm going to get it.

[COLOR="Red"][B]Name:[/B] Markus [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Apparent age:[/B] Mid to early twenties. He claims he's 24 when he's with the mortals. [B]Personality:[/B] He smiles alot and likes to be in a good mood for the most part, but the honest truth is that he's really lonely. He hates being a shinigami and spends as much time as he can on earth with humans. He doesn't know how to express his feelings well, but he does the best he can. He likes to tell jokes and always tries to help anyone he can in anyway he can. He hates watching people die and he hates having to be the one to take them away. He is a shinigami that hates being a shinigami. [B]Eccentricities:[/B] Being a somewhat akward person by nature he often tries to tell jokes when he's uncomfortable witha situation. He finds hard things easier to deal with when people are laughing, even if it's at him instead of with him. As such, at rather inappropriate moments he tends to do some rather odd things to try and get a rise out of those around him. [B]Familiar:[/B] He has a small red fox named sly to act as his traveling companion. Sly is perhaps the only person that Markus opens up to. Sly likes to tease him and call him a wuss, but he still manages to be a good friend to him when he needs it. Sly enjoys practical jokes and is always in trouble for just that. Fortunatly he's quick enough to make a quick get away when he's about to get caught, so he rarely ever does get caught in the act. But people usually know it's him regardless because he has no composure. As soon as he's called out on it he starts laughing hysterically, which usually only upsets the confronter more. [B]Appearance:[/B] [URL="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/Tanner.jpg"]Markus[/URL] and [URL="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/ABfox.jpg"]Sly.[/URL][/COLOR]

Soma jumped down and grabbed up the little genin from the ground. Soma then looked toward the fading twilight on the far horizon. The boy had done well to hold out for so long. It took immense amounts of chakra control to hold yourself on that kunai. It was immpresive that this young rookie could already focus it so well. It was obvious he had a long way to go, but this was a hell of a good start. It was late and the boy was unconsious, so Soma took it upon himself to bring the boy home himself. He quickly made his way back to the village where he brought the boy back home. Soma brought the boy back to a rather worried woman. She seemed kind of on edge at first but calmed down as soon as she was sure he was okay. She thanked him and Soma quickly left for his own home. Soma decided he didn't want to go home for the night and decided he would rough it in the woods. The forest of death was always so inviting to him. Something about that untamed world seemed to appeal to him. He wanted to go out and have a good night tonight. Starting tomorrow he and his new recruit would start there activities as a full fledged ninja squad. It had been awhile since the last time Soma had been sent on an actual mission. He had spent too much time preparing for his role as sensei to this young genin. Soma had heard tell that they would be working closely with the other rookie teams since all were smaller then normal. This was going to be a very interesting year for Soma.

[B][SIZE="3"]December 10, 2007[/SIZE] [SIZE="1"]1209 hrs[/SIZE] Casey James Journal entry[/B] Nothing seems certain anymore. When we got to Wetumpka I foud out that things had not turned out as I had assumed they would be. The neighboring woods were on fire, and with no one to put them out they had all but engulfed the city and all the out lying houses. Which means that my plan to hide out with my family was now lost. If this wasn't bad enough, while fueling up at yet another old gas station we were attacked and Medina was killed. Once again, it was not a zombie, but a gun touting human with some severe paranoia. And who could blame them? The whole world was going to hell really quickly, so there's no reason to trust anyone. Esspecially not some trigger happy soldiers. I've given up on this place and have turned north. All I can think to do now is hope to find someone. Being alone in this hell is way to dangerous. I can't hardly sleep or even rest for very long since now I"ve got no one to watch my back. I feel like I'm writing my last few pages. I think soon I'll be dead. If I am faced with the threat of becoming one of those zombies I think I'll choose death first. But at the same time, I'm scared by the very thought. I don't want to die. [B][SIZE="3"]December 13, 2007[/SIZE] [SIZE="1"]1424 hrs[/SIZE] Casey James Journal entry[/B] I've made it to West Virginia. I don't know where to go from here. I was thinking of heading for New York, but I realize that would probably be a death trap. I suppose I could realistically hide here in the mountains and just hole up for as long as I can. If I conserve my diet, plus utilize what little hunting and trapping skills I have, I could realistically stay out here for the next year. But that just seems to easy. Is this all I amount to anymore? Some coward who hides himself and fights to survive alone. Is that what I want? To die some old hermit in the mountains. Was that really any better then waiting to die by the hands of either a zombie or my fellow man like Medina? There's only one thing I can do now, and that is go out there finally act like a soldier. I have a responsiblity to help whatever survivors there there might be. I'm going to proceed north and then head west. I going to go all the way to main then I'm going to sweep the border between The US and Canada. Maybe he could find someone from the border patrol, or even just civilians looking for a place to hide. Either way, I have spent too much time just going through the motions of a survivor. It's time to man up and start aiding those who need me.

The young genin certainly was full of tricks. Even though it was a just a bluff, that seemed quite intimidating for a moment. The young genin was now flying toward Soma. He grabbed Soma by the ankels and pulled his feet out from under him. It was at this time that Soma implemented the substitution jutsu and slipped free. This little genin certainly seemed to have an awful lot of stamina. He just might pass the second test if he could keep this up. It was nearly 4 O'clock. Day light was starting to run down. If he were to push the boy to his limits, maybe he could get something interesting out of him. He was an Uchiha after all. It only took the boy a few minutes to find Soma hiding in the tree line. The boy was streaked in sweat and seeming completely exhausted. Who could blame him? He'd been at it consistently for almost 3 and a half hours now. The boy lunged and Soma side stepped him. The exhaustion was starting to make his moves sloppy. Soma felt a sudden thud on his right side. IT WAS THE BOY! He had created a clone to ambush him. He then felt a thump from behind as yet another clone hit him. To think the boy could still create two solid clones in his state. Each clone grabed an ankel and racked him on the tree branch he had been standing on. The seconds ticked by and the tags floated off the boys ankels, just as Soma had promised. With a swift kick and quick movement, he was free and on the ground, holding his new pupil by the collar of his shirt again. This trend was starting to annoy the young genin. Soma smirked [B]"Well done. That's 2 for 3. One more test and you'll be a full fledged genin in active service of the hidden leaf village. Are you ready?"[/B] The boy nodded back to Soma. It seemed he was no longer interested in anything other then proving himself [B]"Alright. The next test will be a test of your chakra." [/B] Soma drew a kunai from his leg pouch and threw it up into the side of a tree. He sewed 2 kunai through a steel thread, then sent a third nailed to an opposing tree about 50 yards away from the first. He looked back to the young genin [B]"The name of the game is concentration."[/B] Soma jumped up on to the thread and turned up the kunai and balanced on the razor tip of the kunai [B]"By using your chakra and intense concentration you can balance yourslef on the point of a kunai with stability equal to that of solid ground." [/B] The kunai then began to move along the steel thread [B]"By shifting the distribution of your chakra you can even move the kunai along this thread. Your mission is to not only maintain your balance on your kunai, but me and you will be exchanging blows. If you can knock me off, or at least hold out til sunset, you will have passed the thrid test."[/B] The young genin nodded to Soma. Soma waved him up and the boy slowly made his way up to the thread and balanced on the kunai. Soma smiled ot the boy [B]"Alright. Let's begin the third test."[/B]

[B][SIZE="3"]December 1, 2007[/SIZE] [SIZE="1"]2243 hrs[/SIZE] Casey James Journal entry[/B] Two hours ago me and my friend Medina gatherd what proviosions we could and hijacked a 5-ton from the old academy parking lot which had been turned into a make shift motor pool. Surprisingly we recieved no real resistence. I think most people are starting to give up hope. I suppose once you've not only lost, but maybe even had to kill your own family just to survive you may not see any point in going on anymore. Of the ten MP outposts that were suppose to be set around the perimeter, only three still had people manning them. From the dead ones we found, Medina and myself were able to scrounge up extra weapons and ammuntion. As well as a couple dozen cases of MRE's. We've agreed to limit ourselves to one a day since we have no idea how long were gonna need to make them last. We're taking shifts in driving, stopping, and driving again. We're trying to stay out of any towns, since that's where the creatures seem to gather. I mentioned earlier I have family on the south west end of Alabama, near a place called Wetumpka. They have a large chunck of land well outside any city. I imagine it might be safer there then trying to hide out in a place like Birmingham or Montgomery. I pray that we can find someone, anyone who is still alive and still human. But the longer and longer we go, the less and less that looks like it's going to happen. I can't stop questioning if leaving that place was the right hting to do, but at the same time I know we couldn't just sit there and wait to die. Some may think me a coward for it, but I eblieve that we can do more good on the ouside then one the inside. Our leaving there proved that when not a single person tried to stop us from leaving with not only a vehicle, but military weapons as well. That proved to me that the structure and will of that place had died and that they were simply waiting for their bodies to do the same. I only pray that we find someone soon. [B][SIZE="3"]December 2, 2007[/SIZE] [SIZE="1"]0732 hrs[/SIZE] Casey James Journal entry[/B] We're almost to my famlies home out here in Alabama. I can only hope that they were smart enough lock themselves down and keep the area secure. My uncle was a bit time hunter, so I know he has plenty of guns and ammo on hand. I can only hope he would use them on those damn monsters if needed. The highways are pretty desolate. It's kinda unnerving. There are lots of cars on the sides of the road, but no people in them. I fear for our lives everytime me and Medina have to stop for gas. The depots are usually empty. Well, except for one. Early this morning we had to stop and what we thought to be an abandonned Shell station on the side of the road. We needed to cool the engine and re-fuel. We pulled the large cargo carrier up into the station. Medina filled while I went out to scout the area for monsters and survivors. Almost as soon as Medina sarted fueling a gun shot rang out. Medina and I both jumped to the ground, yelling, trying to let whoever just shot at us that we were not zombies. But they kept firing anyway. I knew that I had not come out here just to get killed by some nut bar gas attendant with a gun. I know that's kind of a crude way of saying it, but I was from ready to just die. I reached for my hip holester and drew my 9mm. I had to stop this guy before he shot out a tire on out truck and we lost our wheels and our means to supplies. I ran out from the side of the truck and opened fire on the windows to the convenience store. After about 6 rounds I stopped firing. The area was quiet. I went in to go see who it was that had been shoting at us. I wasn't ready to see this. It was a woman. In the back, behind the front counter there were 2 children, both dead. Both hand single gun shot wounds to the head. I don't even want to think about it anymore. I wanted to find survivors, but not like this. I don't know how much more I can take.

That was quite a little surprise from this little genin. Soma had come to expect nothing less from one of the Uchiha bloodline. It's said that their main proficency is fire jutsu's. At the moment he felt his students knuckles meet his face he rolled back with the punch and threw the genin back to the ground. As young Dyuu Uchiha came to a thud Soma took his spot alongside him [B]"Good work. You've passed my first test. That was quite a blow. And a rather impressive display of jutsu. But there will be no time to rest."[/B] Soma reached down and picked up the boy by the collar of his shirt once again and placed him on his feet [B]"It's time for test two."[/B] Soma crouched down, reached into his pouch, pulled out two tags and grabbed hold of the boys ankles. Keeping his hands tightly clenched around his ankles and looked up to him [B]"These tags are a unique form of paper bomb I developed specifically for this test."[/B] The mention of PAPER BOMB seemed to alarm the boy quite a bit [B]"If at anytime during the next test you should stop moving for more then 5 seconds they will detonate and you won't be moving anywhere ever again."[/B] The expression on the boys face was becoming more and more dire [B]"Once I let go of your ankles they will become active and the test will begin. The only way to disarm them without blowing off both your legs is to catch me and keep hold of me and keep me from moving for longer then the 5 seconds needed for the tags to go boom."[/B] The boys eyes began to focus Soma, as if he was planning to stop him the second he let go. Soma looked up to the boy one more time [B]"Oh yes, it does still count against you if lay on the ground for too long after a hit, so I would advice you to keep your reflexes sharp if you don't think you can take any blows without needing time to recoup. Alright, ready..."[/B] Soma loosend his grip slightly, the boy leaned forward a bit [B]"... GO!"[/B] The genin lunged and Soma vanished once again. The boy wasted no time and was quickly off to find his sensei, never stopping for fear of the bombs tied to his legs.

[B][SIZE="3"]December 1, 2007[/SIZE] Casey James Journal Entry [SIZE="1"]1142 hrs[/SIZE][/B] Our military has just sufferd an unimaginable blow. The battle at Yonkers was a scene of devastation and carnage. A battle against an enemy of unimaginable evil. The once proud academy has been turned into a make shift refugee camp. People from every corner of Alabama have come here seeking protection. The armory in Birmingham has all but emptied out it's storage hulls into the school. The perimeter fences have been fortified with more concrete, steel and razor wire. Guards are on 24 hour shifts. Because of my prior experience I have been placed in charge of certifying all health standards, as well as maintaining proper quarintine status. I had prayed every night that my family would be among the refugees to make it this far, but there no where to be found. I must face the painful truth. There either dead, or one of those damned beasts. How could we let this happen? How could something like this get so out of control? Why won't anyone help us? Have they just exiled us to death? I had hoped that my final days would be spent with the ones I cared for most, but now it seems I face the death of a soldier. No one has said anything but we all know the truth. It's only a matter of time til the horde that was building in Birmingham finds it's way here. Once that happens this place will become our last stand. I know that with such great numbers and so few resources on our side we'll never win out, but it sounds better to fight and die then to simply give in. I don't know who much longer I can continue to write in this journal. I wirte this to you now as I sit atop one of only many make shift guard towers that have been erected around the gate. My friend Medina by my side, manning the 50 cal., preparing for any kind of attack. I can see all the people who living in the tents set up outside, trying to get by and enduring this torment. Hoping it'll all be over soon. I don't know what's going to happen anymore. I hate feeling so weak. I hate feeling like there's nothing I can do except wait to die, or watch everyone else die. I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to just stay here. I want to go. Go home. Even if all I'm going back to is death and misery, I want to be there again. I want to go back to the park I used to go with Kimmi. To the store me and my dad used to own. Even to me and the flea market where me and my brother would pass the time. I want a simple life again. I want my dreams back. But I guess that's too much to ask for now. All I've got left is a hope, and a crazy plan. Tonight me and Medina are getting out of here. Were gonna take one of the HMMMV's and take off. I don't care what htis makes me, but I can't stay here anymore. This place will be the death of me. Staying here is like abandoning everything else. I have to go. I have to find others. I know there are others still trapped on the outside. Maybe I'll find one of friends or even a family member who has managed to survive. My family owns a large plot of land far outside the cities. If I can get there I might stand a chance of finding someone. They say the monsters only seem to congragate around the big cities. I don't care if it's crazy. I'm going tonight. I will not wait to die here anymore!

As Soma walked through the mist he could see the young Uchiha boy come into sight. The boy stopped and so did Soma. Soma smiled to him [B]"Are you Dyuu Uchiha?"[/B] The boy looked him over once [B]"It's considerd common courtesy to give your name first."[/B] The boy had some spirit in him. Soma liked that in the boy. He was gonna need it for what he was gonna do to him [B]"I am Soma Arumasu. I am the instructor sent for the newly appointed genin Dyuu Uchiha. I assume that's you."[/B] The boy smirked back to him [B]"Yes, sir. I'm ready for my training."[/B] Soma was pleased to see the boy was so eager, but he wouldn't be quite as happy with this in an hour. Soma replied [B]"Well, if you don't have any questions then I suppose we'll be going. Keep up now."[/B] And with that said and quick flash, the two disappeared off into what was left of the morning fog. Soma was impressed the boy was doing so well to keep up. Once well beyond the gates of the village, at a river to the north he finally came to a stop. The boy had managed to keep pace with him, and seemed only mildly stressed by it. Soma looked to him again [B]"Good, you managed to actually make it here with me. I must say I'm happy to see that you did. I won't feel as bad now for doing what I'm about to do to you. It's hard to punish weaklings, but your obviously not weak."[/B] The boy seemed almost as excited as Soma about the training ahead. Soma decided that there was no real need to build up suspense for this kid any longer [B]"Alright, if your ready, then let us get this show on the road. Our first exercise will be a game of tag."[/B] The boy looked both confused and disappointed by this [B]"What the hell are you talking about? I thought this was training, not kids games."[/B] Soma only wished this kid knew, but then again he would soon enough [B]"Now, now. The name of the game is tag. If you can catch me before noon, you pass my first exam."[/B] The boy raised an eye brow [B]"you first..."[/B] Soma smiled [B]"That's right. There will be three different tests. You need to pass all three in order to recieve my approval."[/B] [B]"Why do I need your approval? I'm already a genin. I don't have to prove anything to you."[/B] This was gonna be the fun part [B]"Nobody told you then, huh? Well then, let me fill you in. As your instructor, if I feel your unfit, I can have you sent back to the academy for another year of training."[/B] The boys expression quickly became a bit more worried [B]"I see that got your attention. Anyway, you must be able to land at least on solid blow on my torso in order to pass. If you don't give it everything you've got you'll never succeed and you'll be faced with the embarassment of having to return to the academy."[/B] The boy tensed up and looked as though he was ready to pounce. As he seemed ready to make his move, Soma made his. Soma jumped quickly behind him and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. Soma laughed [B]"I should let you know that a frontal assault would be a waste of time. Remember, this is a test of your skills as a ninja, so come at me like a ninja. Save your codes of honor for the samurai. Do whatever you feel you must in order to pass. Otherwise you'll never make it. Now, ready.... GO!"[/B] And in a flash, they both disappeared into the forest.

It was yet another peaceful morning in the leaf village. The years seemed to go by so quickly in this place. It seemed like only just the other day that he woke up in that hospital bed with ANBU black ops on guard around him. not the happiest memory, but it was his first memory of this place, so that made it worth having. Soma hadn't slept much last night. He had spent much of the night and early morning concentrating and building his chakra for the day ahead. Today he was to be assigned his first genin student. According to the message that lord Hokage sent out he was to recieve one of the Uchiha clan. This was quite an interestng turn of events. There were two of them who graduated this year. Because so few actually graduated, this one, Uchiha Dyuu, was his only student. This was proabaly for the best since he had never taken on a student before and this would be just enough. Soma had planned to start training this one immediately. He had already decided what they were going to practice first. With his plans set, Soma saw no need to simply sit around at home anymore and he made his way to the balcany. His house was a small, third floor, one bedroom apartment, but it suited his needs well. He looked out into the vast morning mist of the Konoha and without a moments hesitation he disappeared into it. His first order of business for today was to go to the Jounin assingment room at the hokages estate and officially except his orders. He was surprised to see a familar face in Toru Uragashi. They had worked on a mission about a year ago when Soma was still a chunin. And another in Ichigo Byacu, who was one of the senior jounin around. Soma smirked a bit and walked in [B]"Good morning my friends. Good morning lord Hokage."[/B] The hokage looked over to Soma [B]Ah, yes, good morning. I assume you recieved my summons.[/B] Soma nodded [B]"Yes, my lord. I have come to officially accept these orders as a new sensei. I'm looking quite forward to it, lord hokage."[/B] The hokage nodded back [B]"Very good. You students should be arriving soon. Be prepared to meet them. And gods speed, you'll need it."[/B] Soma smiled, nodded and left the room. He could still hear the other two in the room behind him, but Soma was a little to anxious to get to his new student before the student got to the school. He thought this a good chance to make a good first impression on this young genin.

[B]November 30, 2007[/B] The world has officially gone to hell. There even starting to take the Cadets and put them out on roving guard through every hour of the night. We've all been orderd to go into MOPP 4 while outside. There turning it into a full on Bio Hazard situation. I heard the other day from one of the commanders that they already lost St. Petersburg and they were trying to keep the contained as best as possible. After I heard that I knew what it meant. I know that they're all dead. Or one of those things. This isn't as simple as it's been played off. This is some sick time shit. We had one of those things show up at the perimeter guard the other day. Took 9 rounds to finally put the damn beast down. The only thing that stopped it was hot lead through it's fucking head. Shortly after it was killed, the special ops guys showed up and took off witht he body and the 2 cadets who shot the thing. Said it was for quarintine purposes. Medina and I are starting to get on edge. His whole family lives in Puerto Rico, and we've yet to here any news from there. I'm doing my best to assure him that there probably safe. That the island probably quaritined itself as soon as the outbreak hit Florida. Of course, this still did little help. Not that I can blame him. There starting to graduate classes earlier and sending under trained officers out to lead off MP and infantry units to deal with this crisis. They say that some nations have started experiencing similar riots. Some nations have gone into full quarintine as a prevenitive measures. Building was and all kinds of fucked up shit. I haven't had a good nights sleep since the day they told me that my home was lost. It was now beyond the quarintine. That was a week ago. I know that there all dead now. They haven't sent word to me and I can't get a hold of them. I heard that there were people in Pensacola who were showing symptoms of this strange virus that seemed to raise the dead. It was only a matter ot time til It was my turn to go. Though the idea does worry me, at the same time, I feel like I should go. It seems kinda stupid to think of it as revenge for my loved ones, but I won't deny the fact that I hate them. Not just the monsters, but all those who have let them run rampant. The ones who gave these damn things life and the ones who sealed my family in with them. They're all guilty. Every last one of them.

[SIZE="4"][B]September 12, 2007 [/B][/SIZE] [B][I]Casey James Journal Entry[/I][/B] We had an emergency meeting at my unit today. Those damn riots have got the whole system on alert, with everyone talking about deployment. The MP unit had already gone, but it was starting to look like they weren't going be enough, so they were going to start sending the medics out to help keep the crowds down. It's got me worried I've got to say, but fortuanatly for me I'm tucked away here in Alabama and under a Non-deployable status. Thank god for Military schools. The down side is I hardly ever get to see Kimmi or my family any more, but I can make do. There isn't much to in the neighboring town, but if you can make it out to Birmingham there's plenty of things to keep yourself entertained with. My roomate is kind of an interesting guy, though he seems to be a bit off at times. Sometimes I question whether or not some of these guys really have it in them to be officers int he army, but at the same time they have better grades then me so who am I to talk. At least my PT is going well. I got a 292 on my last PT test. Hells Yeah. I keep this up I'll be getting some serious promtion points. I'll be leaving this place First Lieutenant even if it kills me. Plus, with things going so well I getting attention from West Point. I'm gonna go out there and make a general out of myself, just you wait. They've got some good sports programs out here. I've gotten real into the boxing program. I'm gonna try for the team next semester. The instructor thinks my odds are good. I'm gonna make something out of myself at this place I know it. I got a call from my mother the other day. She says that some of those riots just broke out in Fort Lauterdale. That's pretty scary close to home. She's looking her doors at night now and I'm calling them on a regular basis to keep my eyes on them. The news certainly isn't helping my worries. And not just mine. Everyone in the dorms is upset. We're all from different parts of the country so we all have different places to be worried about. I just don't get how it's spreading so sparatically. Well, my personal time is coming to a close and soon it'll be lights out. Til next time I write, hope for the best.

Mike was about as thrilled to see Nanashi as he was to see Cain. the dark, lonliness that seemed to radiate from him filled every inch of this place. He felt like his own inner demons were stiring. I made him feel ill. Truth be told, Nanashi reminded him of everything he hated about himself. Maybe that' the reason he hated him so much. Because he was a reminder of his one darkness. Either way, he didn't like him being here, but it eas too late to ather complaining. Mike had changed back into his civilan clothes and prepared himself for the long flight they had to London. As he stepped out of his room he saw Alex walking back with a look of satisfaction about him. Mike looked to him and sarcastically said [B]"Just get laid? It was Yuki, right?"[/B] Alex looked to Mike [B]"I hate you sometimes, you know that right?"[/B] It was at this point that Mike noticed a Lieutenant following him [B]"Ah, yes. Agent Frost Bite, you have been summoned to the training field as well."[/B] Alex looked to Mike[B] "Have fun."[/B] Mike didn't bother to respond and just followed the Lieutenant back to the training ground. He couldn't remember the last time he had used his power on an actual mission. The last time he was here he had a hard time making ice cubes, but he had come a long way since then. He wasn't the same weak little boy that this agency and Cain remember him being. Mike was lead to a rather foreboding chamber. It was dark and insanly hot. It was an enviroment set against him and they new it. He wasw going to have to work himself to the bone on this one but he knew he could get through it. He had to prove he was worth his salt. He would not fall short like he did before. Mike heard five clicks and light twirling sound. Mike moved quickly and purposefully and swatted each one of the razor disks they had sent for him. this was not a normal training drill. A screw up here was gonna send him to the hospital, if he was lucky. Mike coated his hand in ice and was able to protect himself from these light projectiles, but if they sent anything worse then this there was no guarantee this would be enough. He heard more whirling and quicly moved to block the disks. And as he blocked the disks he heard a low rumble and jumped for his life. Mike felt a powerful breeze and deep burning on his back. There was something al ittle more dangerous then some stupid disk shooters, but what the hell was it? He could here it coming for him again. Mike quickly feel to his knees and slapped both hands on the ground and the was a beastly cry, then silence. The lights came up to show some odd mechanical beast. Mike had brought a sheild up around all fronts and managed to split it in half, but he was almost completely exhausted now. He didn't think they would go this far. He then heard a voice [B]"That'll be all agent Frost Bite. You may returnt o your quarters."[/B] He started walking out of the chamber. This whole event was serving as a cruel reminder of what was to come. Mike really didn't want to fight again. Esspecially not with Cain or Nanashi. And more so against Nightmare. He could feel his usual vigar and vitality draining from him as he skulked back to his room, feeling at light claw marks on his back.

Mike was pulling at his right earlobe with his right hand and rubbing his left brow with his left hand. He kept figeting to try and keep his composure as best he could. It was like a bad dream. The chills wouldn't stop going down his spine. Then of course, of all people, Cain made his traditional boastful entry. He was still one to demand authority when he walked into a room. But Mike was a bit too distracted to think about him at the moment. The only thing that had let him sleep easy after all these years was the thought that Nightmare was dead and gone, so this was kind of a shock to the system. Cain made his way to a chair and Mike watched him take his seat. Mike looked up to him [B]"Welcome back."[/B] Cain just smirked back [B]"Well, if it isn't ice boy. Surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be dead by now."[/B] Mike just returned his smirk [B]"Now why ever would you think that?"[/B] Cain leaned forward [B]"You just always struck me as a coward. What with being as weak as you are."[/B] Mike leaned forward to meet him [B]"Now is that anyway to greet your old friend."[/B] Cain laughed [B]"Sorry, we're not friends."[/B] Finally Mycella Jumped in to stop them before they started in on each other. They were never on the best of terms, but the years of seperation had not helped things. Mike was not as confrontational as Cain or Xero or Mycella or even Rhaine for that matter. Cain saw this almost timid nature as a sign of weakness, so this put Mike on a rather bad note with him. Once more, this wasn't even the worst of them yet. Nanashi still wasn't here. And even if Mycella trusted him, that didn't mean Mike or anyone else did. But when dealing with Nightmare and the chaos, there is no other way then to rely on his power to help guide them through. Mike rose from his seat and made his way for the door [B]"I'll be preparing myself for the trip back overseas."[/B] And with that he took his leave from the others who were still discussing amongst themselves.

Mike smiled and leaned forward putting his arms on the table [B]"Welcome to our loving reunion Rhaine." [/B] Says Mike as he points at Cella and Xero, who have all but ignored them completely. Mike then leaned back in the chair [B]It's just like old times. Now all we need is for one of the instructors to run in and stop Cella from killing Xero and it'll be just like class.[/B] Rhaine smiled as she took her seat and just kept watching our alpha and omega keep on fighting. For Mike this never stopped being fun to watch. That's probably why he never tried to stop them. But for as bad as it seemed now, he knew it could only get worse if he showed up. Mike was hoping he would never have to see that nut case again, but the more and more people that showed up, the more and more he realized what a possiblity it was. Mike looked back to Rhaine [B]"So, have you heard Nanashi around yet."[/B] The room stopped for moment, even Xero and Cella missed a beat. His name still had quite an effect on everyone. Rhaine cleared her throat [B]"No. Not yet."[/B] They all felt a bit releaved, but they knew it was just a matter of time til he made himself present. Mike looked to Lycoris [B]"So what do think's happening out there that they'd need all of us."[/B] She shook her head [B]"Nothing good."[/B] The room was still for a moment as they all thought over what must be happening for them to need all the specials. Mike leaned back in his chair til he feel flat to the ground, which proceeded to manage to break the tension again. It made him feel better now that the room was as quiet as a tomb, but nothing could shake this feeling of foreboding. It was giving him chills. I mean more chills then the normal ones that got. Ice power could kinda be a pain sometimes. Mike looked back to Rhaine [B]"So, do anything fun over the last few years. Destroy any ear drums, shatter crystal glass? I had to live in Greenland for a year and feel like I should sue someone for false advertizing, because it was not green."[/B]

[B]Name:[/B] Darrin Visick [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Age:[/B] 24 [B]Photograph:[/B] [URL="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/AOfficer.jpg"]1LT Darrin Visick.[/URL] He is 5'10 and weights in at 150 lbs. [B]Position:[/B] Military Officer [B]Credentials:[/B] 2 years commander of 1135th airbourne assualt unit in Mars Interplanetary Defense Force. Tactical expert, with 2 years of active field experience. Knowledge of Military air craft and vehicles Trained combat specialist EOD (Explosive Ordinace Disposal) experience [B]Reason For Applying:[/B] I wish to help serve in maintaining the peace of the galaxy. I am proud of my service and wish to do whatever I am capable of to help assure the success of this mission. [B]Living Immediate Family:[/B] Kathrine Visick / Wife [B]Other Expertise:[/B] He is skilled at bomb making from his civilian days. He was once before in a brigade that served under Col. Marcus T. DeSouza

[B]Name:[/B] Casey James [B]Age:[/B] 19 [B]Physical Description:[/B] [URL="http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c384/GeneOutlaw/Picture101.jpg"]This is an actual picture of me in uniform.[/URL] Height is 5'9 and weight is about 180. [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Location:[/B] Tarpon Springs Florida [B]Living Style:[/B] Lower middle class. One bedroom apartment. Currently living alone. I work in the army reserve and in local surf shop owned by my family. I have two brothers, both younger (13 and 16) and one younger sister (8) and one older sister (24). Parents divorced. [B]Noteable Possessions:[/B] Side arm (9mm Pistol) One Rifle (M16) Collection of various swords and traditional apparail Bullet proof vest Bullet proof helmet Standard combat knife Full battle gear (Includes boots, camo uniform aka ACU's, load bearing vest aka LBV for carrying ammo and water supply, Elbow and knee pads and first aid equipment) Car (93 Toyota aka the red piece of crap) Water treatment equipment (used to disinfect raw water in a feild enviroment) [B]Special skills:[/B] Qualified Marksman, certified Combat Lifesaver, Survival and field combat training, high IQ (140), Extreme physical endurance (I consider this a trained skill), skilled martial artist (Black belt Tae-Kwan Do, Chinese Kung Fu, and army trained hand to hand combat) [B]Casey James Journal entry July, 13 2007[/B] It had been yet another long day today. I had to take some crap from some little high school punk about "Where are the good board shorts?". This kid doesn't know how close he was to a 9mm headache.It was days like these that made me wonder why I didn't just go active duty and be done with it. It'd finally get me out of this rat hole into the real army. After I came back from training nothing seemed right anymore. One good thing did happen today, I got my acceptance letter back from the Marion Military Institute. Starting in August I'd be well on my way to my commision. I'd finally be Sencond Lieutenant, making real money and having real authority. That is of course if they don't try deploying me, which is starting to seem more and more like a possibility. Esspecially with all these riots breaking out along the east coast. It was like the whole damn world was going crazy. I heard in Virginia thay had already deployed the National Guard to help controll the crowds. I just gotta stay focused and stay positive I guess. Hope for the best and if they send me off, well then there's nothing I can do about it. I signed a contract agreeing to go when called for so there's no backing down now. But that doesn't mean it still wouldn't piss me off. If they send me now I'll have to wait til January to start attending the academy, which is where I really want to be. Heard one guy got mauled and died the other day. How messed up is that? What is it like a rabies outbreak. Anyway, I gotta meet up with Kimmi for our date tonight or she'll hang me from a street post. I've already had to cancel three times this week because of problems at the shop. The pizza place next door got broken into the other day. Some guy took a hammer and actually knocked the handel off the back door and ran off the cash register. Surprise for him that they empty them every night, but still, those things aren't cheap to replace. I was gonna take her to that new Italian place up off of US 19 and Virginia. I'm pretty sure she'll like it and maybe if I take her somewhere nice I won't have to hear about how I had cut out on her all week. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one. I already know I've got about a 1% chance of getting any tonight, but at least I'd like to not get yelled and bitched at for an hour.

It was kind of a nostalgic feeling coming back to this old place. It had been awhile since the last time Mike was here. He knew that this meant they had a job ahead of them. And probably not a good one either. But despite this, Mike was still excited and he was certainly showing it. Mike simply strolled into the rather plain looking exterior of the building and took the long elevator ride to the bottom level. As he began to approach the bottom he knew he was gonna need to show his mark to get in. He Drew back the right side of the collar on his shirt to reveal a tattoo of what appeared to be a silver wolf standing on a strange looking crest. Mike placed his hand over it and then slowly removed it. The crest they began to lightly sparkle and then the elevator doors opened to the rather futuristic looking labirinth that was "Sector 7". Mike was eager to know who all else was here already. Everyone was suppose to be arriving soon and then they would get debriefed on there first order of business. Mike just casually walked down the halls of this strange underground complex as if it were perfectly normal. This was perhaps the only thing he found strange was that he could feel so at home in such a weird place. Mike headed toward the dorm that had been assigned to him and quickly changed from his street clothes into his uniform. The weather here seemed kinda hot after being up north for so long, but it was definitly more comfortable inside then it was out. He walked intot he meeting hall and found that little miss fire starter, Mycella was the already and waiting. Her feet propped on the table like she ran the place. Mike walked in and laughed a bit [B]"Already making yourself at home I see."[/B] She just smiled back [B]"But of course. Did you expect me to ask your permission first?"[/B] Mike laughed a bit and shook his head. He had missed the little phoenix girl, and most of the others from the old team. Most of them anyway. There were a few that made his worry about bringing the whole team together, but there was no helping it now. No doubt they were already on there way here and there was no stopping that. They'd just have to do the best they could and hope for the best of this one. Not wanting to seem rude, Mike turned to Mycella again [B]"So how have you been after all these years?"[/B]

I live in a little hick town called Holiday, Florida in south Pasco county. The people are of the mixed variety, everything fromthe kind and decent, to known pedophiles. The whole neighborhood has either dying grass or mounds of sand or way, way too much grass. Yeah, this place is a trash whole, but it's the best I can afford in this state, so it's where I'm stuck at the moment.

Recently I was sitting about my house, just minding my own business, causually watching tv, waiting to find something interesting on, when something caught my eye. It was a show about the debate between whether or not evolution should be taught in schools over intelligent design. Don't ask me why I watch these kinds of shows, because by the end of them I am always fuming mad and filled with yet another deep psychological scar. Anyway, this was something I wanted to put forth here on my online stomping grounds of the OB. Personally, I think the idea of intelligent design is just another attempt for bible thumping rednecks to put god in school. They call it a science, but it's a science based on nothing but "intuition". I'll never understand how people can by into this stuff or how it can even be with a 5 minute discussion on any college campus, but sure enough this has become a topic of debate. We've actually done it. We've managed to pit real science against imaginary science. I don't think people relize how primitive this whole "Intelligent Design" way of thinking really is. What there doing is basically creating a "God in the Gaps" ideaology. The idea that everything we don't understand is gods work. That was something we did back in the dark ages to explain away things like lightning and plagues, but in the year 2007 we still think that just cause we don't know it yet, that makes it god. I know I starting to rant a bit, but it just drives me up the damn wall to hear about people trying to debate science with religion and it's still consider a point of controversy whether or not our schools should be allowed to teach evolution in school. They it's too contorversial, but at the end of the day, it is still the only real scientific explanation, so it's the only therory that has a place in a science classroom. I sincerly hope that no one here is all for this intelligent design mess, cause the more I've botherd to learn about it the bogus it starts to sound.