Horendithas

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"][QUOTE=Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="times new roman"]I never said it was right to kill him. And I never said that the man who killed him was doing a good thing. Yes, I object to his occupation and yes it was bad that he was shot instead of allowed to die of more natural causes like car crash, heart attack, chocolate, etc. It's bad that someone acted out of their own sense of morality and shot him. He'll in turn either be subjected to capital punishment or thrown in prison where he'll most likely suffer horribly in front of cable television and the internet.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well yeah, you might not agree with abortion, but you'd never say it was okay or that it was right or good. You just don't feel bad for him, and realistically, it is kind of hard to feel bad for someone you don't really know. The whole thing just proves that there are morons on both sides of the picture. You can argue that aborting so late is moronic, I certainly think it is. And you can argue that the guy who shot him is a complete moron. The whole thing is just sad really. Killing him won't stop abortions, so it proved nothing.[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"][QUOTE=Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]In other words the guy who was shot was a great family man who loved children and was an upright moral Christian who condemned murder but only in the advisory capacity. And politician's beliefs have nothing to do with their job. Or priests. That's not sad or creepy at all. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]It's entirely possible. How people see and uphold their beliefs does vary from one religion to the next. And not everyone, regardless of when it happened, consider abortion murder, hence the bit on considering your moral's superior over another individuals. Because in order for them to be 'morally bankrupt' they have to be doing something that is considered morally wrong. You're trying to imply, indirectly, that this person who died was a bad person when you don't know them well enough to say one way or the other. All on the apparent indirectly applied belief (not shared by everyone btw) that abortion, in the later trimester is wrong. I may not agree with abortion, though I support a person's right to choose, but I would be more likely to point fingers at the idiot who murdered him than to belittle him based on what he chose to do with his life. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Korey][color=#ebebeb] *whip crack* DO YOUR JOB! [/color] :catgirl:[/QUOTE]Don't wanna. [color=#ebebeb]*takes whip and burns it*[/color][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Ace][FONT="Comic Sans MS"']Aaaand apparently I'm alone in using OB Standard all the time.[/FONT][/quote]Nope, I use it. =P And Shy, you're welcome. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]So by roam the city are we talking every day? Or just once a week? Because if they showed up too often, even if Astera is a chatty thing herself, Adrian would eventually get bent out of shape and chase them off. Yes, he's still quite anti-social. lol However, I'm sure Nathan would find them amusing. :p [/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]So, am I the only one wondering [I]what the hell [/I]is going to happen next? I'm terribly curious to see what happens to the pair now that they made their choice, but at the same time, I want them to get back to what's going on with Fai and the others. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]Nothing at all, but I'm to lazy to bother closing the thread. =P[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Ace][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]This allows me to continue being a [B]fool[/B'] for reading this series in the futile hope that it someday does something intentionally entertaining again.[/FONT][/quote]I was just gonna say.... [I][SIZE="1"]*snerks*[/SIZE][/I] Anyway, nothing else to add, other than to congratulate Shy on creating a spam fest. =P[/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]I personally think our current system sucks since it leaves so many people without insurance. I have issues with asthma and allergies so the idea of needing to pay for that without any form of insurance, is something I'd rather not have to deal with. It's expensive enough [I]with[/I] insurance. Like Sara, when I finish school, I will no longer be able to get insurance through the university and private pay has a clause that doesn't cover preexisting conditions at first, so you have to wait an entire year for coverage. So not only do you have higher premiums, but you have to pay full cost for a lot of things. Though this is if you don't manage to get a job with insurance. I actually just accepted a part time job offer that will go full time when I finish school. However, since I'm getting married this fall, I'll end up getting insured through where my fiancé works, which fortunately, has excellent benefits and no waiting period for coverage on preexisting conditions. I feel bad for people stuck in the situation of having no means to pay for care. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]My understanding is that the new law they want to enact is targeted at protecting minors though, ChibiHorsewoman. Though I've dealt with my fair share of nasties online in the past, nasties who were parents and not kids, so I know what you are talking about. Anyway, I think this article here sums up what I think of the law they want to add on top of already existing anti harassment laws: [URL="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30751310/"]Cyberbullying laws won't save your children[/URL] There are two parts that really fit my thoughts on the matter:[quote][FONT="Arial"]Still, if our government representatives insist we continue to consider preposterous proposed laws while keeping our faces straight, how about a law that mandates parents to actively engage in the lives of their children? Too much? Maybe then the government can outlaw gravity next so my poor babies don't have to worry about falling down and skinning their knees.[/FONT][/quote]And this bit here:[quote][FONT="Arial"]And as long as there are bold souls out there creating shiny new media we can use for communication, some maladjusted jackass is going to go ahead and be, well, a maladjusted jackass with whatever they dream up. Laws, as much as possible, should leave the question of the medium aside and focus on the spirit of the issue. If they don't, lawmakers will forever be playing catch-up.[/FONT][/quote]So though I understand the sentiment behind the law, it's unnecessary, especially in it's current form, which leaves things wide open for it to be used on people who aren't cyberbullies. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]I will be voting for [B]Vicky[/B]. It just had a slightly unsettling darkness to it that really stood out. Anomaly's was easier to relate to, but I liked the odd vibe of Vicky's entry a little better. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin][SIZE="1"']Now if we could only find Des's kryptonite...[/SIZE][/quote]You mean you don't already know? It's pretty obvious. Here, I'll show you. [URL="http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mariyayoung04.jpg"]Click meh nao![/URL] That or you can mix Tsundere with anything he considers Moe. =P Anyway, it was only a matter of time before non-words like n00b were added. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]This site for making your own objection, Phoenix Wright style, is fun. [url]http://objection.mrdictionary.net/index.php[/url][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]No pictures from me either since there's no need to do that for some jeans I picked up at Victoria's last week. I also picked up some new underwear and two shirts. Like ChibiHorsewoman, summer is coming up and I needed some new clothing. Though summer or not, my old jeans were starting to wear out so I would have had to get some anyway. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="Indigo"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Ivan_Almagest.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/ladybavariaavatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Bavaria was too cold and miserable to even care when her poor chimera foundered in the snow and she had to team up with Ivan on his. In spite of the thick clothing and heavy clock, she couldn?t seem to stop shivering. It didn?t help that she also felt slightly nauseated and just a tiny touch of dizziness as well. She sighed slightly and then quietly watched as Davis and Harrison stopped briefly to check something in the snow, before getting back on their chimera?s and heading out again. It took her a moment to realize that they had found what had to be the tracks of the others. Why they didn?t stop was beyond her. It made no sense for them to have kept going instead of waiting to see if they were okay. It wasn?t until a few minutes later that she understood why. Not only were the two waiting at what appeared to be two massive monuments, but Macey was already carefully examining them. At least the Colonel would have made a point of returning to look for them if they hadn?t shown up, but she wasn?t so sure of Macey. She sighed slightly again and then did her best to look unconcerned when Ivan turned to look back at her and see what was wrong. She forced a slight smile. ?[B]I?m fine Ivan. I?m just a little tired and cold.[/B]? He searched her eyes as if uncertain if she was telling the truth and then finally nodded and turned back as the chimeras came to a halt not far from the others. ?[B]You?re not the only one who is cold.[/B]? He finally replied as he slipped off the chimera and then offered her a hand to help her down. ?[B]Thank you.[/B]? She said as she struggled to dismount without falling. [I]Why am I so tired?[/I] The others didn?t look like they were struggling that much. Was she getting sick? ?[B]Why don?t you find a spot to rest?[/B]? Ivan suggested when it was clear that the others were going to set up camp for the night. ?[B]You?re not used to higher elevations and it?s not unusual for it to make someone sick at first.[/B]? ?[B]I?m fine.[/B]? Bavaria insisted. But only one step and the dizziness threatened to get worse. ?[B]I?m serious.[/B]? Ivan sounded concerned. ?[B]Go and take a seat by where Harrison is setting up a fire. I?ll bring the stuff over to fix dinner and you can help with that.[/B]? Bavaria nodded reluctantly and moved to do so. She carefully avoided looking at Macey who was smirking at her obvious weakness. She just hoped it really was nothing more needing to adjust to the higher elevation. The others seemed fine, so why was she the only one being affected? [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Harrison_Almagest.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Macey_Ellen.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest%202/Ivan_Almagest.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/ladybavariaavatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [I]?[B]Come on Harrison, I can?t be the only one.[/B]? [/I] Harrison pulled his arm free of Macey?s grip and glanced at the writing. It didn?t look all that familiar to him and he told her so before going to give his report to the Colonel. It was already starting to turn dark and it was easy to see that Bavaria looked like she was going to collapse. He kept his opinion to himself though since he was pretty sure that the Colonel had already noticed that she was struggling. Even Ivan was faring much better. He only hoped she didn?t collapse since that would make things awkward if she did. Harrison finished up explaining what had happened during the brief time they had been separated. ?[B]It would be best if we go ahead and set up camp for the night.[/B]? Tallis looked knowingly at Bavaria and then back to Harrison. ?[B]I?m sure Macey wouldn?t mind having the evening to study the monuments.[/B]? ?[B]You?re quite correct,[/B]? Macey said without bothering to turn around from what she was doing. The Colonel grinned and continued. ?[B]Anyway, this spot is ideal since it seems to be sheltered from the wind so let?s get things set up.[/B]? ?[B]Yes sir.[/B]? Harrison replied. It wasn?t too hard to get things started, Davis was already seeing to the needs of their chimeras and Ivan, to his surprise, seemed to have a good grasp on simply helping anyone with whatever they were currently doing. He was back and forth between everyone, fetching things without complaint. It was slightly reassuring since it meant that even if he wasn?t trained, at the very least, he wouldn?t be a burden. Bavaria was trying to help by following Ivan?s instructions with dinner and Harrison just hoped it actually turned out to be editable. He seriously doubted that a diplomat such as herself had any idea on how to cook anything. ?[B]Did you want something?[/B]? Ivan inquired, causing Harrison to start since he had paused and was simply watching. He hadn?t even noticed that he had done so until Ivan spoke. ?[B]Uh, no.[/B]? He shook his head and then elaborated when Ivan looked annoyed. ?[B]I was just wondering if what Bavaria is fixing will be any good.[/B]? He kept his voice down so she couldn?t hear him. ?[B]Oh,[/B]? Ivan shrugged his shoulders. ?[B]Well as long as it?s hot and warms me up a bit, I don?t care what it tastes like.[/B]? Harrison laughed a little. ?[B]Yeah, there is that. I doubt diplomats are ever trained to cook though.[/B]? ?[B]Anyway, we?d better hurry; it looks like it?s going to snow again.[/B]? Harrison said grimly as he turned to go back to setting camp up for the night. With the Colonel, Davis and Ivan helping, it didn?t take too long.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Sangome][SIZE="1"']You want us to be stereotypical Britishmen? :therock:[/SIZE][/quote]Raiha is not British, and yes tea is appropriate. You all can be the soda drinkers. I would except the stuff literally makes me puke. Carbonation and I do not get along. [FONT="Verdana"]o_O[/FONT] Oh and anyone who wants tea is welcome of course. =3[/FONT][/COLOR]

[QUOTE=Botar][COLOR="DarkGreen"]Nerd Fight!!!! Wooohooo! I brought a keg you pussys, with you're popcorn and soda! *Pass the popcorn please?*[/COLOR][/QUOTE][COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][I]*takes the keg and stuffs Botar in it before fastening the lid back down*[/I][/SIZE] [FONT="Arial"]I won't be drinking the soda since that stuff makes me sick, but I won't drink the other stuff, which is even more gag worthy, either. I opt for tea and civilized conversation while we watch Nerdsy and Allamorph go at it. [/FONT] [SIZE="1"][I]*saves a spot for Raiha, along with some tea*[/I][/SIZE][QUOTE=Sangome][SIZE="1"]*gives a bag of popcorn kernels* Hey, I didn't say if the popcorn was popped or not, now did I?[/SIZE][/QUOTE][FONT="Arial"]He's not going to need it Gome. lolz[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Allamorph][FONT=Arial]Also in the new rules I would like to institute a policy that all trolls must be licensed and sanctioned by me personally after a thorough, comprehensive test of their abilities. All those who fail the test are to be packed inside of [COLOR="DarkRed"]deadSeraphim[/COLOR']'s locker.[/FONT][/quote]What if I want to string them up by their toes [SIZE="1"][FONT="Verdana"](or other [I]choice[/I] parts)[/FONT][/SIZE] first? Well if they fail that is. Though watching you drive them batty would be rather amusing I'm sure. =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Nerdsy][color=deeppink]Gavin's a much beloved and darling little angel. [/color][/QUOTE][CENTER]:blulaugh: :blulaugh: :blulaugh:[/CENTER][QUOTE=Vicky][size=1']Nerd fight nerd fight nerd fight! Woo woo![/size][/quote]I bet $20 on Allamorph. Lose and I'll flay you alive basement cat... [SIZE="1"][I]Verbally of course. >>[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]You can blame this thread on both Allamorph and my fiancé Nathan... Anyway, apparently some people's idea of breakfast is something that I can't even imagine being able to eat. Not because it wouldn't taste good, but rather because I don't know where the hell I'd manage to put it. I don't have a hollow leg after all. o_O I got to thinking about this since Nathan picked up one of those big breakfasts from McDonald's the other day and ate the entire thing. He's one of those guys who is on the scrawny side and yet eats a lot. For myself, all I can mange is maybe one of those biscuits with either sausage or egg, but not both, it's just too much. So to make this interesting, what do you normally have for breakfast? I tend to go with maybe a bagel or some fruit. Sometimes I'll have some low fat cottage cheese. Oh and if you have any amusing breakfast stories, feel free to share them. =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]Recently I decided to watch this series because Allamorph linked me to a trailer and because Funimation has the entire thing up on their site: [URL="http://www.funimation.com/glassfleet/"][U]Glass Fleet[/U][/URL] Not sure how long that will last though. Anyway, basically, according to Anime News Network: The People's Army led by Michel stands against Vetti's newly founded empire. Upon seeing how strong the Glass Battleship is, Michel tries to get Cleo, the captain of the Glass Battleship, to help People's Army overthrow Vetti's empire. And together they fight against Vetti's empire. The premises is simple and the execution is pretty solid. The music is excellent and the animation and space battles are very pretty. The politics and theatrics have a definite flair and it's easy to get sucked into this series. The English voice acting is also well done so it makes for an excellent series to follow. However... There were a few downsides to it. Episode thirteen was nothing but a recap episode. It had maybe a few minutes at the beginning and end of new material and that was all. But it's not the only series to stuff in something like that so unless you enjoy recaps, you can honestly just skip that episode. My only beef with this series was how they wrapped things up. They took a very [spoiler]strong female character, Rachel, the Pope's daughter, and turned her into a needy little twit once she supposedly fell in love.[/spoiler] They did manage to make the character a tiny bit more interesting later on, but even that I'm not completely sure on. Then they took the main [spoiler]female lead and weakened her in order for her to be fodder for one of the main male lead's bed.[/spoiler] That was a real headdesk moment and if not for the fact that there was only three episodes left, I would have stopped watching it. Anyway, anyone else seen this yet? I will say that it's definitely worth watching once.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][QUOTE=Gavin][SIZE="1"]In keeping with my policy of always trying to improve Wal-Mart's customer satisfaction the manager of that particular store has since been recalled to headquarters for some supplementary...[I][URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRFkCIQAjBU]training[/URL][/I]. ...Also for anyone interested we have senior management level openings in two of our Florida branches and are seeking experienced, competent individuals to fill them.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Now, now Gavin, don't lie. You're just going to be lazy and do nothing. Though the link is interesting, sort of. =P It is amusing that something like this would happen at Wal-Mart though. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]Well it's not confirmed yet, but we have nine probable cases here in Utah, including two in SLC. Oh joy. I don't plan on worrying over it, I'm just sighing at the inevitable result of it spreading. That and the reaction to shut down schools, though not mine since the two cases were not here at least. It's finals week so if they're going to do that, all I want is it to wait until [I]after[/I] I take the rest of my tests next week. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='John']Holy ****, this thread got real tl;dr real fast.[/quote]Agreed.[QUOTE=John]I think an important issue that hasn't been addressed (from what I've skimmed of these tangled mounds of text) is why do all of you think everyone should be alive for as long as they can maintain happiness? If someone wants to end their life, why do you say, "They have issues"? What is it about being alive that's better than being dead, and why should we feel the need to rescue someone from the "mistake" of not wanting to live anymore? These questions are directed more towards those of you who don't cite religious reasons as your opposition to suicide than those of us who do, since I already know more or less what those answers would be.[/QUOTE]I have no religious beliefs to cite and I haven't posted in this thread as of yet, but I'll tackle that question just the same. When it comes to medical illness and suicide, people who desire death as a result of a serious or terminal illness, are usually suffering from depression, which is treatable. I would consider it negligent on my part to help them die instead of doing what I could to see that they get the necessary treatment. I could not ethically consider euthanasia until after all methods and potential treatment was exhausted first. Then and only then would I give it careful consideration. And even then, I'm not sure if it's something I would be comfortable doing. Nor would I be comfortable with simply allowing someone to suffer. So I honestly don't know what I would do beyond insisting they pursue all medical avenues. @ Korey: I'm going to back up what Lunox is saying about cases being more prevalent during recovery than when someone hits rock bottom as it were. The reason for this is that people who are suicidal, are often reluctant to even get help. So once initial contact is made, many will run away or avoid returning to complete the process. Support at this phase is absoutely critical to ensure their success in combating the urge to die. There are many reasons for this. For example, if medication is given, it takes time for it to have an effect. Some anti depressants can take months before they have a tangible result. Sometimes they'll encounter unexpected side effects, making it necessary to switch to a new medicine, dragging the process out. This paticular phrase of recovery is extremely vulnerable and unfortunately one of the highest points when someone does commit suicide. Like Lunox said, it's a statistical fact. You don't have to take my word or even hers for it. You can find most of this information here: [URL="http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=1"]American Foundation for Suicide Prevention[/URL] Anyway, even with assisted suicide it's important to remember that ninety percent of the people who kill themselves, actually have a diagnosable and[I] treatable[/I] psychiatric illnesses; like depression, bipolar depression, etc. Plus depression has a high success rate for treatment. Between eighty to ninety percent respond well to treatment. And nearly all of them get some relief from their symptoms. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][SIZE="2"][B]Smoke And Mirrors[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] If not for being able to sense that there were two vampires and one tainted human in the building below, it would have been easy to assume that the small building was deserted. It looked like an older warehouse for storing goods. If you looked closely, it was clear the place was being used. The two docks where trucks would back in to either load or unload, though worn, were clearly in good repair. There was no reason for anyone to be out in the area at all. The exit from the freeway was nothing more than a simple number. No rest stops or anything of interest was around for nearly sixty miles, and the building itself was not visible from the freeway. There was nothing but barren rock and slight hills. It was neatly out of the way and yet Adrian wondered how they would cope if the law took notice. [B][I]-Don?t be silly.-[/I][/B] Astera quipped. [I][B]?A couple of vampires could easily deal with any humans that came nosing about.-[/B][/I] [B][I]-True.-[/I][/B] Adrian agreed. ?[B]There?s an underground section beneath the building.[/B]? Sarvel said quietly. ?[B]Do you think they?re doing research too?[/B]? Alex asked her. ?[B]Unless they?re very well hidden, there is no one down there.[/B]? She answered. ?[B]I?m not finding any wards or magic either,[/B]? Phaidra added. She looked at the others, ?[B]That doesn?t mean anything though. I did not detect the barrier trap Lucia and I encountered until after it was triggered. So there could be something down there.[/B]? ?[B]They?re probably using it to store extra drugs or perhaps they?ve got living quarters down there.[/B]? Nall offered. ?[B]Vampires may be able to get around in sunlight just fine, but they probably don?t like it.[/B]? ?[B]I agree,[/B]? said Alex. ?[B]Every lab we?ve run into had a lot more people and vampires about.[/B]? It made sense, Adrian decided. Having guards on duty or other aspects making it clear there were people there, would only draw unwanted attention. Minimal staff just tied into the appearance of being nothing more than a shipping point for normal goods. Two vampires was more than enough to deal with any pesky humans. He looked over at Alex and nodded slightly. ?[B]I?ll take the one on the right.[/B]? He turned to Phaidra. ?[B]You focus on the human. You know what to do right?[/B]? ?[B]I think so,[/B]? she said hesitantly. ?[B]You?re going to rush their location and take them by surprise.[/B]? ?[B]Correct.[/B]? Phaidra summoned her scythe and nodded again. ?[B]Okay, I?m ready.[/B]? Adrian grinned and waited for Alex to give the final nod for them to start. The moment he saw it, he was off, the others right beside him as they made for the building at top speed. They drifted slightly apart as they got closer and each one moved to head straight for their target. They had barely cleared the outer walls when he felt a sudden change in the aura?s of the vampires they were targeting. It was almost as if they had detected their presence already. It was too late to stop the others and he shifted his flight path, dropping below the floor level. He could feel the vampire moving hastily away in an attempt to predict where he was coming from. The move sent all sorts of alarms running through his mind. Either it was an unbelievable coincidence or their target was far more skilled than expected. He, of course, opted for the more cautious route, he couldn?t afford a mistake. [B][I]-Astera.-[/I][/B] [B][I]-I know,-[/I][/B] she replied tersely. [B][I]?Just a few seconds right?-[/I][/B] [B][I]-Yes.-[/I][/B] He shot back. There wasn?t time to elaborate. She knew what he was asking; it was one of the tricks they had worked on during training. A short moment of her channeling ability which would give him the window he needed to slip past the vampire without him realizing it. A split second later and he felt like he was in free fall. Adrian allowed his momentum to carry him up through the floor behind the vampire who was backing up. The moment was over and he phased back, barely in time to twist in midair and shove off the wall with both feet, aiming for the man?s unprotected back. The vampire was just starting to turn when Adrian summoned his scythe and ran him through the chest, piercing his heart. Blue flames raced down the staff and slammed into the vampire, burning him to ashes. Adrian could see Phaidra dealing with the tainted human out of the corner of his eye. She was using some sort of shield to hamper the human?s movements as she lobbed fireballs at them. He let his scythe go just as one hit the woman full in the chest and sent her sailing. A second fireball was launched and he turned to see how Alex was doing since Phaidra had things under control. He was just in time to see Alex sidestep a slash meant to behead him. Alex fluidly stepped forward and then twisted as he called his own scythe and swung upwards, slicing the vampire from behind. The massive blade neatly tore the vampire in half. Adrian smirked and then frowned at the blood on Alex?s cheek. ?[B]What happened?[/B]? He checked the room and then frowned even more when he saw an overturned desk. [B][I]-When did that happen?-[/I][/B] [B][I]-It must have been when I was channeling.-[/I][/B] Astera said. [B][I]?I didn?t see it either.-[/I][/B] ?[B]The vampire managed to avoid our rush,[/B]? Nall explained as Alex destroyed the vampire?s remains. ?[B]Alex dodged his blade, but he still knocked him into the desk.[/B]? Alex finished and then looked up, grinning sheepishly as he fetched a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the blood off of his cheek. It was nothing more than a shallow scratch. He tucked the clothe back into his pocket when he was done. ?[B]I wasn?t expecting him to respond so quickly, it caught me by surprise. He almost got me with his blade, twice.[/B]? His eyes moved over to Phaidra and Sarvel. ?[B]Did you have any problems?[/B]? ?[B]No, she was quicker than other tainted humans, but not enough to be a problem.[/B]? ?[B]Those vampires were awfully quick though.[/B]? Sarvel?s tails were twitching slightly. ?[B]I?ve never seen one move so fast before.[/B]? Adrian bent over and rifled through the papers at the desk, there was nothing of interest. He had planned on splitting up to check the building but if there were others hidden and just as perceptive, it would be too dangerous. ?[B]We should stick together,[/B]? Alex said, echoing his thoughts. It didn?t take them long to check the rest of the upper levels. Other than a few stray boxes and older supplies, there wasn?t anything to be found. There was a little in the way of food supplies and a television in the break room, but nothing else. The lower level was nothing more than additional storage space. A set of stairs and a massive lift were the only means to access it. The lift was broken and the doors to the stairs unlocked. Curious, Adrian flipped the switches and was rewarded by the lights coming on. It was, other than a few odds and ends, completely empty. They spread out and checked to be sure, but there was nothing of interest. Dust covered everything, indicating that no one had been down there in a long time. Adrian turned to head back for the stairs when Sarvel gave off a startled growl. ?[B]Look out![/B]? She shouted at the same moment he felt the auras of at least five vampires rapidly approaching. They were down the stairs and moving to rush the group before they could properly react. [B][I]-Where the hell did they come from?- [/I][/B] Adrian wondered. It was clear as he moved to intercept them that they were too quick for them to slip away. [B][I]-There are more of them Adrian!- [/I][/B] [B][I]-WHAT!?-[/I][/B] He cried. [B][I]?How many?-[/I][/B] [B][I]-I?m not sure! At least ten, possibly more.-[/I][/B] Adrian cursed colorfully as he avoided a kick and then caught the wrist of one vampire, throwing him into another one. The man simply shoved him aside and made for Adrian, his blade ready. If the others arrived too soon? they would be overrun. ?[B]Phaidra! Can you block the doors?[/B]? Alex called out. He sent a ball of purifying fire sailing towards a vampire angling for Phaidra, forcing them to retreat. A moment later, the shimmer from a barrier could be seen in front of the door leading out. ?[B]It will only hold for a few minutes.[/B]? She said tersely. ?[B]Call Nathan.[/B]? Adrian barked. ?[B]We?ll hold them off as long as we can.[/B]?[/SIZE][/COLOR]