Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"]For the most part I don't have things that I wish I could forget, since it's better to have the experience in the long run. Even if the memory is painful. But there are a few things I could do without. One being sinus infections, so those things can be so damn painful at times. But the other... Not that I want to forget what happened to my brother when he was killed, but rather that I wish I hadn't seen that. Even though it's been nearly seven years, that memory at times can really hurt. It's a selfish wish in the sense I wish it had never happened in the first place, not that I want to forget about my brother. I just wish he was still alive. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]I thought I had fallen into darkness and yet I could clearly remember Jim?s parents leaving the room as armed guards arrived to keep watch. A conversation between them that attempts to escape were only to be met with a lesson being taught instead of death. [I]Death? Why are they so eager to kill? What are they hiding? Why are they telling the guards I have valuable information when I do not?[/I] The rest of the conversation was beyond my understanding and a moment later I realized that I must have fallen asleep as I was now lying on my back with the blankets covering me. A quick look at the clock on the wall showed that I had been asleep for six hours. A lingering haze which I could only assume was caused by whatever had been in the tea, still had me in it?s grasp as I fought to shake it off. It took a while but I was finally able to sit up and though I did not recall seeing them the night before, there was a sword and shield hanging on one of the walls. My mind could not seem to penetrate the oddness of this fact and I moved to take them. I could hold the sword just fine, but even though whatever the maid had put on my wound had helped tremendously, I had no strength and could not hold the shield with my left arm. With a shrug I dropped it onto the bed and started looking for another way out. There was a separate door leading to what had to be the bathroom and the thought occurred to me that I could make use of the window, if there even was one. Since unless something had changed, it was likely that the armed guards were still outside the door and I had no desire to open it to find out. I opened the door only to jump back in surprise when confronted by two skeletal creatures inside! A moment later and I slammed into the wall, pain blossomed from my injured shoulder upon contact and my vision began to gray. As if deprived of air I was breathing harsh and deep until finally my vision cleared to the two creatures still standing where they were. Confused as to why they did not attack I raised my sword, intending to strike, but my downward slash met with a laugh and then empty air. Movement caused me to turn hastily towards the bed as the creature had simply reappeared in the main room, glaring at me with hateful eyes. It was a feeling more than anything else, one that I could do nothing against them, and yet at the same time I couldn?t stay near them. It was with a careful watch that I moved along the wall towards the door, halting at the sound of the guards leaving, how I knew that the replacements for the current guard was not there yet I don?t know. I only knew they weren?t there and the moment I was sure it was clear I slipped outside into the hallway, closing the door behind me. As quickly as possible to avoid being seen I moved to the closest door instead of continuing down the long hallway. The next room was every bit as startling as the creatures as the entire room was made of gold. There was a maid there watching a young girl who was playing with one of the skeletal creatures that was the size of a small doll. It was as if they could not see what was wrong or that it was alive, but it?s hateful gaze in my direction chilled me and I turned to leave at once, intending to head the other way down the hall. I had no sooner closed the door and taken a few steps in the direction away from the bedroom when several of the creatures came around the corner, heading my way. I turned towards the room I had just been in but the door was now locked. A thread of panic began to form in my mind when movement made me realize that the two of them in the bedroom were coming towards my location. There was another door, but as I made a short run for it, the creatures moved with surprising speed, blocking my path.[I] Now what?[/I] I froze in place, uncertain as to what I should do. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Retired.jpg[/img] [b]Retired Staff Members[/b] "Why are they NIFTY? They?ve warned and cleaned; they?ve scanned and moderated. These members dedicated their free time to help enforce OB?s rules and to help lost members understand what was going on. Arcadia, DeathKnight, Peanut, and so on and so forth each gave what they could before taking their leave for whatever reason. These members, though retired, were given great power, not because of their status or their relationships with other staff members; they were given their ranks because of what they did in the OB.?[/center] [right][i]- Revelation[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/FQFG.jpg[/img] [b]Final Quest for Glory 2![/b] "Because it is an RPG that encouraged it's members to take the game into the forum at large. Wether you were a terrorist or an agent out to stop them, you were at home as much in the game thread as you were taking it to the Caption Contest. It was the first RPG to be run after the Naps the Cat saga, which had a definite influence on the game, it was the game that took the concept of Ultra-Fun to new levels and gave rise to the return of the !Padded Room Paryi But what really made the game was the innocent OB members who were ignorant of the game and were bemused by the impact of it on the forum at large. Case in point; the "Hentai and Bigger Stuff!" thread.?[/center] [right][i]- Jeremiah[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Rach.jpg[/img] [b]Rachmaninoff[/b] "Why is he nifty? Because he sets a good example in so many ways, from having good points in his arguments, to treating new members with respect when they have repetitive questions, to starting threads and being active in so many areas of the boards. Ever since he joined, he's been an exceptional member in all that he does, making him more than nifty in my opinion.?[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna_Mom[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/mainstream.jpg[/img] [b]The ?Mainstream vs. Individualism? thread[/b] "Why is it nifty? Besides being one of my creations, it's probably one of the most argued about threads in my recent memory, and the simple fact that people showed how one sided they could be on an argument. None of this "well as long as it doesn't hurt me, I don't care." sort of things, just plain out debate over a really vague and convoluted issue. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant discussion and provided fodder for my awesome signature (THANKS INDIFFERENCE). Plus I haven't been quoted so many times in one thread in my entire life. I felt the indignance and the love in that one. They both made me all tingly inside.?[/center] [right][i]- Korey[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/dkarguers.jpg[/img] [b]Deathknight?s Hierarchy of Arguers[/b] "Because it pokes fun at discussions here at OtakuBoards and gives a humorous look at how people often fall into those discussions and their designated place at OtakuBoards, including the infamous Rat Boy aka 2008DigitalBoy.?[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Sandy.jpg[/img] [b]Sandy[/b] "Because he walks the line of being fun to rpg with and yet having you wanting to reach through the screen and slap him silly so well. And because in the end, when it comes down to it, he doesn't give up and that is definitely nifty.?[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Ragnarok.jpg[/img] [b]The Ragnarok[/b] "Never has an rpg been such a complete and total roller coaster ride between fun and annoying. Not only was it unique for putting a new spin on the death card series here at OtakuBoards, it is the [I]only[/I] rpg that has simultaneously been entertaining as well as equally frustrating. To the point that if I had a death card I would have killed my own character just to escape!?[/center] [right][i]- SunfallE[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/upgrade.jpg[/img] [b]The OB version upgrade[/b] "For all the new shiny features that make posting as well as moderation so much easier. It felt like we went from the dark ages into the future when we gained the ability to turn off the automatic pop up asking if one wanted to request a pm receipt. It's likely that the removal of that annoying function saved OB from destruction at the hands of it's members.?[/center] [right][i]- SunfallE[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Newbies.jpg[/img] [b]Newbies[/b] "Because without them OB would have died and faded to ashes long ago. They are the very life blood of OB. From those silly spammers who give the moderators work to do, to those who continue on and become quality contributors to the site. We?d be lost without you.?[/center] [right][i]- indifference[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/pleasure.jpg[/img] [b]Views on self pleasure[/b] "Because it was one of the weirdest threads posted last year. That and watching teenage boys talking about masturbation was funnier than hell.?[/center] [right][i]- indifference[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/MrMaul.jpg[/img] [b]Mr. Maul[/b] "My God, what ISN?T nifty about him? Six years of OB loyalty plus the humorous posts that make my heart smile are just a few of the ?nifty? qualities he has. Not to mention his incredible Event Master Audition & Take on Censorship. Plus, I met him, & we got in a car accident. All in all, Mr. Maul is just nifty, & he has great taste in music!?[/center] [right][i]- taperson[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/reading.jpg[/img] [b]What are You Watching/Reading Now?[/b] "Why was it nifty? This is a handy thread for quick comments about anime/manga that people are currently watching and reading. Posts are usually short and sweet and provide people with impressions of the animes/mangas without them having to wade through a full blown discussion of the series. It's probably the best thread currently on OB for finding both new and old series that you might enjoy.?[/center] [right][i]- Desbreko[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/BKstyles.jpg[/img] [b]BKstyles[/b] "Very few people make me smile and laugh as much as Bkstyles does. He?s a great debater as well as an excellent rpger, but the real thing that makes him nifty is how down to earth and fun he is to talk to.?[/center] [right][i]- SunfallE[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/indifference.jpg[/img] [b]indifference[/b] "Why is she Nifty ? Because despite what her username seems to imply, she's one of the most friendly and kind people on the site. The more I get to know her, the more glad I am that I did get to know her in the first place. Crys is also an awesome writer, despite never admitting it.?[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/obArtists.jpg[/img] [b]OB?s Artists[/b] "Why are they Nifty ? Because I'm a writer, I work with words to try and create a believable and enjoyable work for people to appreciate. When I write a character, I have to try and express my vision for that person's appearance and mannerisms in words alone. An artist can do this much more successfully and completely than I can, and OB's has some awesome artists.?[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Indigo.jpg[/img] [b]Indigo[/b] "Why was it nifty? Salvation for people (like me) who hate it when there's any possibility of color-clashing between their avatars and the site skin. I'm fond of Liquid & Geisha, but it's great having a neutral alternative to all that turquoise and purple.?[/center] [right][i]- Dagger[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Jake.jpg[/img] [b]Jake[/b] "Besides the fact that he posted the only farewell thread I've ever seen go unmolested by the Staff, he was also Otaku's own heavy metal guru. And, in spite of what some say, he did try to be patient with lesser minded individuals.?[/center] [right][i]- Kam[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Gavin.jpg[/img] [b]Gavin[/b] "Because he's Irish? Or is it because he's still one of the politest members around? Personally I think it's because he's a good rpger and often has good points to add to the various discussions around the boards.?[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Hopeless.jpg[/img] [b]HOPELESS[/b] "Not only is the story about Sandy being a psychotic killer, it was amazing to see only three members: Aaryanna, Darren and Anomaly, put together such a great story for the short play challenge in the rpg OtakuBoards Survivor 4. That and the brutal manner of my own death in the story still creeps me out to this day.?[/center] [right][i]- SunfallE[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/OBebay.jpg[/img] [b]OtakuBoards eBay[/b] "For being one of the silliest threads I've ever seen. I mean where else other than OtakuBoards could one blatantly steal aspects of a member's profile or name or even the very member themselves and turn around and sell them to someone else??[/center] [right][i]- SunfallE[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Lounge.jpg[/img] [b]The Otaku Lounge Description[/b] "Why was it nifty? This thread demonstrated that no matter how small or trivial something might seem, if there's enough member support for a change on OB and there's no good reason not to do it, it'll be implemented.?[/center] [right][i]- Desbreko[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Anomaly.jpg[/img] [b]Anomaly[/b] "She?s down to earth, funny, and a fun person to work with. From advice on how to write a rap song to working together on song lyrics and doing an rpg together with our other teammates for OtakuBoards Survivor 4... She?s one of the niftiest friends I?ve made this year.?[/center] [right][i]- Rachmaninoff[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/looklike.jpg[/img] [b]I Forgot What You People Look Like[/b] "Because you get to see how pretty everyone is! That and its fun to finally see the face behind the user name.?[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Fifty.jpg[/img] [b]The 50 Themes of Art Studio[/b] "Possibly one of the most all-inclusive events the Boards has ever seen. It didn?t matter what your talents were; if you had an ounce of visual creativity in you, you could join.?[/center] [right][i]- Allamorph[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/James.jpg[/img] [b]James[/b] "Why is he nifty? Cause James is one of the most active site directors ever. Not only does he work on the site and the otaku network, but he also takes time to be personal with his members and post on the issues within the subjects covered in the threads. James has my utmost respect on all fronts. He's just plain out nifty. Dude oozes nifty....lol?[/center] [right][i]- Korey[/i][/right] [COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][INDENT]And there you have it. Be sure to look forward to next year?s Nifty Fifty and congratulations to all who were chosen.[/INDENT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[INDENT][SIZE="1"][COLOR="Indigo"]Welcome to the Nifty Fifty of 2007. The final cut as it were. Special thanks to everyone involved, from those of you who took the time to nominate, to the committee who helped make the choices and most especially to [B]SunfallE[/B], [B]Aaryanna[/B] and [B]Rachmaninoff[/B] for helping me with the graphics for the results. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/INDENT] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Neuvoxraiha.jpg[/img] [b]Neuvoxraiha[/b] "Raiha has been around [I]forever,[/I] but that doesn’t make her nifty. Nope what makes her nifty, what makes her a BAMF, is that she has always used this site to entertain herself. She more or less does what she wants and her no nonsense, slightly perverted attitude makes her one of the most original members that still frequent this joint."[/center] [right][i]- Heaven‘s Cloud[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Charles.jpg[/img] [b]Charles[/b] "Earlier this year, there seemed to be a lot of people who wanted OB to change for the better, but their ideals were all different. In contrast to a member like Mitch who only made things worse and was horribly misguided, Charles found interesting, fun, and intelligent ways to make OB life more exciting. His collaborative RP with Shy which covered all of OB as use for it, while controversial at times, created great fun, and Charles was adamant in doing as many cool things as possible to breathe life into OB in 07."[/center] [right][i]- 2008DigitalBoy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Utah.jpg[/img] [b]Utah[/b] "In addition to being the 45th state of the union, the Beehive State is home to several of the year's most noteworthy members. Sunfall, indifference, Rachmaninoff, Aaryanna and Mom have time and again proven their value to the community with their positive attitudes, keen intellects and strong writing ability. Their posts provide much needed stability to a community that is constantly rocked by drama of all sorts."[/center] [right][i]- Shy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Naps.jpg[/img] [b]Naps the Cat and Ultra-Fun[/b] "Originally created as a joke, Naps the Cat went on to become a martyr. His banning, the result of a language barrier, proved incredibly controversial and led to several radical changes to the site's rules. Following Naps' banning James posted a site-wide announcement reminding the community that it was okay for them to enjoy themselves on OB. Fun may be dead, but Ultra-Fun will live on forever."[/center] [right][i]- Shy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Hentai.jpg[/img] [b]Hentai and Bigger Stuff![/b] "Easily the most controversial thread of the year (and the largest Suggestions thread of all time,) Raiha created a heated debate about the merits of hentai and larger signatures. Almost immediately the thread caught fire, and soon the entire site was arguing about the subject. Other stes would have closed the topic immediately, but OB's willingness to entertain these kinds of suggestions is what makes it great."[/center] [right][i]- Shy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Adam.jpg[/img] [b]Adam[/b] "Why not? Without him, no Otakuboards, no TheOtaku, no MyOtaku--nor even the FUNDS to keep the forums and the sites going. He is one of the most devoted web developers I have ever seen."[/center] [right][i]- Japan_86[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Nominating.jpg[/img] [b]Nominating yourself to be nifty.[/b] "You rock. You know you rock. When you look in the mirror, your reflection speaks in a sultry tone "hello there, sexy beast". Members of the opposite sex usually give you lustful winks. Your comrades online and in real life are always slapping their knees at your humor. Cute, defenseless children come to you for advice on how to escape the rigors of life. Yes, overall you are a super sexy, wise, charming, and valuable member of society. Your time on OtakuBoards has been full of adventures, schemes, mischief, and overall awesomeness that can only be described in multi volume novels. You are very certain that other people are aware of how important you are to them, yet a small part of you wants to make sure that you are properly recognized for how superb you really are. With that in mind, you take the time to write about yourself and, surprisingly, your review of yourself is a glowing account of a sexy, wise, and important person - you! Give yourself a pat on the back, you are definitely nifty to such a degree that it cannot be left to anyone else to say it."[/center] [right][i]- DeathKnight[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/DeathKnight.jpg[/img] [b]DeathKnight[/b] "Because he‘s a fluffy Owl."[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/dbprem.jpg[/img] [b]2008DigitalBoy & Premonition[/b] "They’re like the yin and yang of self obsession and attention seeking members at OB. And yet together they are so ridiculous at times that you can’t help but laugh at them. They bring a lot of needed hilarity to the boards in the form of the Rat Boy along with his faithful follower."[/center] [right][i]- indifference[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/OtakuTimes.jpg[/img] [b]The Otaku Times[/b] "It’s an excellently put together paper for the boards, tackling each section as well as being open to all members for contributions."[/center] [right][i]- Rachmaninoff[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Survivor.jpg[/img] [b]OtakuBoards Survivor 4[/b] "Because it’s one of the more unique rpg’s to come to OB. Instead of relying on standard role-playing it used a combination of team projects, debates and even artistic assignments to bring everyone together for a battle to be the final survivor."[/center] [right][i]- Rachmaninoff[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Achange.jpg[/img] [b]A Change If You Will[/b] "Why was it nifty? It's an elegant (if unwitting) demonstration of the fact that some things never change."[/center] [right][i]- Dagger[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Aaryanna.jpg[/img] [b]Aaryanna[/b] "Why is she Nifty ? Another annual nomination from me and the reasons have yet to change, Aaryanna is simply an all-round great person. She's polite, calm and affable and one hell of a writer. As a fellow dog lover, she's awesome for that alone."[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/AaryannaMom.jpg[/img] [b]Aaryanna_Mom[/b] "Why is she Nifty ? Because she can put Sandy back in his place in about twenty words. ^_~ I'm just kidding Sandy. No, Mom is an awesome member because as OB's voice of reason and fairness, she's not afraid to tell people off when they've been jerks and she's definitely helped to make us all a little more grown up."[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/OBWriters.jpg[/img] [b]OB‘s Writers[/b] "Why are we Nifty ? Because we create worlds with words for people to lose themselves in and have fun. From role-playing, to poetry, to anthology stories, we allow people to be themselves and yet be someone completely different. We allow people to get to know one another better, and with the like of The Almagest Legacy, let people experience life as a family with their friends who live far away."[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Shy.jpg[/img] [b]Josh [Shy][/b] "*Whacks* I refuse to even explain this one. He’s Josh, enough said."[/center] [right][i]- Gavin[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Celebration.jpg[/img] [b]The Otakuboards Celebration: Part 1[/b] "Inspired by the interesting return of Rick Hunter and the surrounding Otakupedia fiasco, and continued for no reason whatsoever besides merriment and pie, it was simply a fun read."[/center] [right][i]- Allamorph[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/rpgfinish.jpg[/img] [b]RPG‘s that finish[/b] "Because it seems like there are so few of them so it’s fun to see it when they happen. From the death card series to the first Silver One, Survivor 4 and even short events like the Stones of Power - Dirge spar. It’s definitely nifty to see people work together to weave the various stories in the Theater, taking them to their conclusion."[/center] [right][i]- Aaryanna_Mom[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Allamorph.jpg[/img] [b]Allamorph[/b] "He's funny, intelligent, smart and a good friend. He helped me a bit earlier this year, and for that I thank him. Cheers Allamorph, keep up the good work."[/center] [right][i]- Premonition[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/niftyfifty.jpg[/img] [b]The Nifty Fifty[/b] "Why is it Nifty? Because it is so vastly superior to the old Otaku Awards. Unfortunately, some OBers were just a trifle insecure and, during the old days of the Otaku Awards, my PM box would get flooded with messages that were more or less veiled solicitations for voting nominations. It was kind of a drag. The Nifty Fifty eliminated all of that and also allows us to vote for stuff, which is pretty rad."[/center] [right][i]- Heaven‘s Cloud[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Desbreko.jpg[/img] [b]Desbreko[/b] "Why is he nifty? He has a fan club. If I didn’t mention him he, along with every member of his fan club, would have the right to kick me square in the nads for being a dishonest, unobservant moron."[/center] [right][i]- Heaven‘s Cloud[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/OBstar.jpg[/img] [b]Guide to Becoming an Internet Superstar at OtakuBoards - An Essay[/b] "Why was it Nifty? This thread was kind of like an anti-Nifty Fifty in the sense that it glorified a lot of OB cliches that have always plagued the site (and always will plague the site.) Even if they're terribly annoying, it's nice to have a comprehensive list of these archtypes for future generations to exploit. Plus, Dead's tongue-in-cheek humor is always worth a nod."[/center] [right][i]- Shy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Nerdsy.jpg[/img] [b]Nerdsy[/b] "Why was it Nifty? Otaku Historian Nerdsy has brought smiles to children of all ages. He's kind of like an evolved version of Digitalboy, because he posts constantly but doesn't annoy anyone."[/center] [right][i]- Shy[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/Deathcard.jpg[/img] [b]Death Card Series[/b] "Because the death card series defines every aspect of niftiness. So far, it has accompanied four installments to the series and has played host to a variety of elements that OB RPGs had not seen previously. Not to mention, it's brought some notoriety to newer members with their participation. And it was cool enough to receive the name "The Death Card Series".”[/center] [right][i]- Darren[/i][/right] [center][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/NF08/graphicworm.jpg[/img] [b]The Graphic Worm[/b] "Why is it NIFTY? The Graphic Worm is an art project started by former Art Studio Moderator [b]Retribution.[/b] He brought this idea to OtakuBoards and instantly it became a favoured project among graphic artists. The concept of this project was to juxtapose images so they appeared to be one piece. It brought many talented graphic artists to the table and some new; each bringing his own talents. This idea easily traveled into 2007 and now resides in 2008. More than likely, it’ll continue on into 2009.”[/center] [right][i]- Revelation[/i][/right] [COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][INDENT] Due to restrictions on the number of pictures allowed in each post, this will be spread across two posts.[/INDENT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Malkav']New landmark posted. If someone wants to rp its delivery to Bavaria that would be much fun.[/QUOTE]So it seems, and I recall a certain someone asking us why we hadn't tried to solve this little landmark that showed up so long ago: [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/poemschronicle.png[/IMG] And it was commented on that we needed more in order to be able to even solve it, indicating it was just part of a puzzle. So... considering this tidbit in one of Shy's posts:[quote name='Shy'][size=1]A palace messenger rushed down the hallway, carrying a folded slip of paper in his hand. ?[b]Princess! I have an important correspondence from New Czenoble.[/b]? Augustine quickly snatched the paper from the boy?s hand, discovering that it had been sealed with the symbol of a dove. The messenger kneeled, ?[b]I was instructed that you would know who sent it, my lady.[/b]? Augustine quickly broke the seal and opened the note, discovering several lines of [SIZE="2"][B][U]sheet music[/U][/SIZE][/B] printed across it. Her demeanor changed suddenly as [SIZE="2"][B][U]she read the notes on the page[/U], [/SIZE][/B]and a sly grin spread across her face. "[b]Today it begins.[/b]"[/size][/QUOTE]I would say that this is probably the more that we need. [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/music-landmark.jpg[/IMG] So if I'm right, the only problem I see is I can't read sheet music. So for those of you that can [I]-I'm looking at you Rach-[/I] I say it's time to finally figure out what that blasted poem means. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/dawlish-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Harrison was still finding it hard to wrap his mind around the fact that that he had ended up in the military. It was more than him being to young to enlist, it was all those years fighting mother just to even take up an interest in anything that could lead to working in anything remotely dangerous. He had no intention of joining the military as he had been angling towards working for the Royal Police Guard once he was old enough. But now as he did as he was told by Dwalish, running from one area of the ship to another, collecting reports and delivering messages, he wondered why his father had done it. A shove from his brother Dwalish as they walked down the corridor towards the junior officers quarters brought him back to the present. ?[B]Stop looking so dumbfounded Harrison, it makes you look stupid.[/B]? He poked fun at him. Harrison opened his mouth to object, but nothing came out for the longest moment until he closed his mouth and tried again. ?[B]Perhaps you could explain to me why I?m even here if all I?m doing is running errands for you.[/B]? He reached up with his left hand, running it through his hair in a nervous gesture. ?[B]It makes no sense, I don?t have any training and I haven?t got a clue what I?m doing here.[/B]? Dwalish just laughed a bit, causing Harrison to give him a sharp glance. ?[B]It?s not funny. I?m serious. Why the hell am I here? I?m not even old enough to enlist.[/B]? "[B]You'll be getting plenty of training, just like any recruit.[/B]" He paused in front of a small door, opening it and walking in without hesitation. "[B]But first you need to get settled into your new cell.[/B]" He joked. Something that as Harrison looked at the room wasn't too far from the truth, the furnishings were entirely utilitarian. A small bed fastened to the wall, a tiny desk and bookcase along with a wardrobe and chair. All barely fitting into the tiny narrow room, the only thing not fastened down was the chair for the desk and the books all neatly stacked away on the shelves. Harrison just raised an eyebrow and said nothing, after all, what could he? Even if it was smaller than the walk in closet attached to his bedroom in Rosengard, he got the feeling that he was probably lucky to even have a spot to call his own, even if that spot was cramped. He knew enough about the military to know that recruits usually shared rooms instead of having their own. Dwalish moved forward and opened the wardrobe, checking something before closing it and turning back to face Harrison, "[B]Everything you need is here, if I were you little brother, I'd take advantage of the shared facilities at the end of the hall to get cleaned up before calling it a night. It wouldn't hurt for you to start doing some reading too, just start from the first book on the top left shelf and work your way through.[/B]" He grinned as he pushed past Harrison to leave. "[B]Oh and training starts at seven sharp,[/B]" He handed Harrison a slip of paper which seemed to be a schedule he was to follow. "[B]You don't want to be late on your first day.[/B]" He took off, closing the door behind him before Harrison could think of anything to ask him. [I]Seven am?[/I] He sat down on the bed and groaned a bit. [I]That's going to take getting use to.[/I] Curious he moved over to the desk, opening up the drawers, taking note of the writing materials as well as a tiny little alarm clock. He pulled it out and made a point of setting it so he would wake up in time. Then, after hunting through the wardrobe to see what was there, he finally left and did as Dwalish had suggested. It didn't take long and the setup was pretty easy to figure out, but at the same time, he felt horribly uncomfortable around everyone and their curious stares only made it worse. He did his best to not be underfoot, answering any question that was put to him before he was finally able to finish up and get back to the room Dwalish had assigned him to. He fully intended to read before curling up to sleep, but in no time he ended up curling up in the tiny bed and falling asleep. [hr=indigo]100[/hr] [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Harrison was woken up by the harsh sound of an alarm clock going off and all he could do was stare at the ceiling, wondering where he was. He wasn't in his room and it took what seemed like forever for him to wake up enough to realize where he was. With a start he came awake, sitting up hastily, nearly running into the furniture in his tiny room as everything came back to him. "[B]Damn![/B]" He swore upon realizing that he had been so dazed that the alarm had been going off for nearly fifteen minutes. He reached over, turning it off even as he was already moving to get into a uniform and get going, he just hoped he could remember all the directions that Dwalish had given him so he wouldn't get lost. With a final tug on his uniform, he snatched up the paper with what he was suppose to be doing written on it and left, making sure to remember the number to his room for later. As he left and started down the corridor, towards where the mess hall would be, he wondered what training would be like since it seemed that he would be doing that all morning long. [I]I wonder if I'll get more training with dad later on. [/I]He shrugged to himself and put it out of mind for the moment.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Sandy']Please, everyone, you can plan that your characters will go abroad and things like that, but don't make them do that [I]during the game[/I]. [B]It will destroy the focus of the story if the characters suddenly disperse who knows where.[/B][/QUOTE]There's a translation for this you know, everyone take note! You are [B]not[/B] to leave High Czenoble because we [[SIZE="1"]Shy & Sandy[/SIZE]] have horrible things in store for your characters! I'd lock the doors and bar the windows kiddies. Especially ones named Macey and Eva... especially Eva. :p *evil laughter*[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Seems that all we need here is the music: [URL="http://youtube.com/watch?v=T8NhJNpQlsY"][U]Love Shack[/U][/URL] Hehe! Don't go shaking the forum too much you two. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/dawlish-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Harrison had thought that the surprises were finally over, that things would start to settle back down to how they had been before Leonhart had been killed. So it was an utter shock when someone grasped his shoulder as he was leaving Chaos and he turned to realize that it was his father. And the only thing he could think of was? [I]how did he find out? How did he learn that I?ve been sneaking into the tunnels with Josh?[/I] He had not of course, but the true reason for him coming to Chaos to pick him up was an even greater shock. One that he had not seen coming at all. He couldn?t think of a reason for him and his older brother Dwalish to come and pick him up in his own air ship no less, and he would have never guessed that they would head for Czenovia?s military aerodrome. After all his father was retired wasn?t he? But when he contacted them using the title Air-General Daedalus Almagest of the First Air-Fleet, he realized that obviously that was no longer true. [I]When did this happen?[/I] But then that thought was lost when Dwalish pointed out the ship they were heading for. It was the most unbelievable sight he had ever seen, he had read about air-battleships but a picture in a book couldn?t prepare one for it?s sheer massive size. It was unbelievably huge, making the few air-ships Harrison had seen over the years look like nothing more than a tiny little speck. But even that was nothing compared to what he was told next as his father explained that of all things he was receiving a military commission to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. [I]What the? but? don?t you have to be older? [/I]He didn?t know what to say. Turning blindly to do as his father asked, changing into the uniform in question. Too surprised by the turn of events to really object. [I]I thought you had to be eighteen to enlist.[/I] And then another thought crossed his mind as he returned to where his father was, once the uniform was on. [I]Mother is going to kill me.[/I] And then, there wasn?t time for questions, or objections, though at the moment the whole thing was too overwhelming for him to even know what to ask, let alone object to. The one thing that did stick out was his father?s behavior. The past week had been confusing as hell in so many ways, from him actually hugging him, coming down to Chaos and dressing down the Head Master. As well as the surprise of him offering to give him personal lessons. And then the greatest shock of all, saving him from his own stupidity over the bomb that had nearly destroyed Rosengard. [I]Why is father so worried? What is going on? Why has he returned to the military? Why is he taking me with him?[/I] His mind was running in circles, enough that he was silent for the inspection tour, saying nothing at all as he merely took in the sights as Dwalish pointed out key aspects of the ship to his father for the tour. Doing his best to try and remember everything. [I]Gods, I?m going to get lost trying to find my way around in this ship. [/I]The engines alone were massive beyond belief. [I]One could get lost for days in that.[/I] He thought as the tour finally began to wrap up and Dwalish took them to the bridge. Harrison was so lost in trying to keep everything straight that it wasn?t until his father griped his shoulder that he realized he was spacing off. The suddenness of it caused him to jump and Dwalish just gave off a faint little chuckle of amusement. ?[B]This way 2nd Lieutenant, Colonel. There?s something else we need to attend to.[/B]? Daedalus had an interesting look on his face, one that Harrison had never seen before. He looked as if something was amusing, though what, Harrison had no idea. He followed along once his dad let go, coming along behind him as he headed off the bridge and through the corridors of the massive ship, trying to ignore the occasional snicker from Dwalish as they headed for wherever it was that Daedalus was taking them. ?[B]What?s so damn funny![/B]? Harrison demanded in a harsh whisper that only carried to Dwalish after he had snickered yet again. ?[B]You?ll see Harry, you?ll see.[/B]? He replied as he stifled yet another laugh. And a few minutes later, he did, as his father lead them into what could only be a training room with racks filled with wooden and metal swords for practice. Harrison was still unclear as to what was going on until Dwalish closed the door and then made himself comfortable on one of the few places one could sit down. A bit of a smirk still on his face. ?[B]Fetch a pair of standard wooden swords Harrison,[/B]? Daedalus ordered him from his position of standing in the middle of the room. He hesitated and then moved to do as told, picking up a set of standard Czenovian swords off the rack, ignoring the other ones that he had never seen before. He looked around for the padded armor often used for practicing but there was nothing else in the large circular room. [I]Where is the??[/I] ?[B]Bring them here.[/B]? Daedalus told him in a tone of voice that demanded obedience, something Harrison had never heard from him before. He moved to hand them to his father, instinctively obeying him without even realizing it. His father took one from him and then took up a stance that Harrison recognized, prompting him to do the same out of habit. It was similar to what his own teacher would do at Chaos to start a sword spar or lesson. [I]Is he going to start my lessons now?[/I] Though why there was no padded armor made no sense, his teachers had never practiced without it. ?[B]Uh? Dad?[/B]? He started to say in confusion only to hush when Daedalus shook his head and merely motioned with his hand, indicating that Harrison should begin the bout. Something that after a moment?s hesitation he did, sticking to what he had learned at school. It seemed easy enough at first as his father effortlessly parried and matched his every move. But something was off and the longer they continued the more he couldn?t shake it. It was similar to what he would do in school, the different stances and movements that a teacher would use to indicate a change of sparring style. No words were spoken as his father took him from one style to the next. But his father?s movements were different from his teachers, in a way that made him feel uneasy. [I]What kind of lesson is this?[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]Yeah, I particularly liked being killed by having my head smashed in with a mug, makes me regard my tea as being potentially more sinister now.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Can't say I cared for my death. But since you all got nailed for doing nothing, that makes up for it. Though honestly, that's really out of character, for everyone. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"] I know Lucia is going... [B]O_O[/B] [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]She's not the only one. Goodness Allamorph, you're just so pleasant and friendly! Uh I mean Nathan is! :p That was rather interesting though, I mean... ribbons? Ewww! Oh and that picture of Isen looks good to me. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='emo_dude']tell me if you like or dislike waffles and why[/QUOTE]You forgot something rather important here, telling us what [I]you[/I] think about waffles and [I]why[/I]. :p It's a good idea to put more effort into one's post, especially when it's the first one in a thread. It tends to encourage more conversation that way. Please be sure to do that next time. Thanks. Now as for the actual topic... waffles are not my thing. Why? Because pancakes, waffles, toast, cereal... things like that, tend to make me feel tired instead of ready to face the day. Most breakfast foods like that do, don't even get me started on pop tarts, those are utterly disgusting. I usually have some fresh fruit and occasionally I'll make an omelet. But seriously, waffles? Blech. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]When we got to the house in question and the helicopter came in to land, it was clear that we were expected since it seemed that Jim’s parents were waiting for us. We had no sooner landed and gotten out of the helicopter when they started to discipline Jim, scolding him for interfering with the pilot’s instructions. But once I approached, with the pilot’s help and they saw my bloody clothing, they stopped. Jim’s mother graciously invited me inside, offering to have their personal maid re-bandage my wounds and provide me with clean clothing to wear. I didn’t like the idea and even Jim seemed reluctant to let me out of his sight, but it was clear that the offer was not negotiable so I simply nodded and let the pilot help me into the house, to a small private room. Once I was sitting on the bed, a maid entered the room, carrying a clean shirt along with what had to be medical supplies. It was obvious that she knew what she was doing as she quickly and carefully helped me remove my shirt and then cleaned me up. Then and after putting something on the wound she re-bandaged it before helping me into the clean shirt. “[B]There you go miss,[/B]” The maid said as she started to prepare some sort of drink for me. “[B]Now you drink this up, it will help with the pain.[/B]” “[B]What did you do?[/B]” I didn’t know what was in the stuff she put on the wound, but it was amazing how much better I felt. Enough that I started drinking what seemed to be tea without giving it a second thought. “[B]Just a little something to stop the bleeding and calm things down miss.[/B]” She gathered my dirty shirt and the supplies and then left as Jim entered the room. “[B]How do you feel?[/B]” He asked once he sat down on the bed next to me. “[B]Much better thank you.[/B]” We then launched into a discussion about the odd behavior we had seen while I finished up the drink the maid had given me. A moment later and Jim’s parents arrived, only to politely explain that the pilot had to rest ten hours per flight regulations before he could take me anywhere. I felt a thrill of alarm run through me as the feeling that whatever was causing the problems at the island didn’t want me to leave. I knew I needed to, but Jim’s parents just kept droning on about how I could stay in that guest room and that they would see to me being taken to the mainland first thing in the morning.[I] I need to leave, I can’t stay![/I] But even as I thought that, I knew I could do nothing. I couldn’t get anywhere with my injury. “[B]Can I go with her?[/B]” Jim asked his parents in a pleading voice. “[B]Of course dear,[/B]” his mother assured him. “[B]Now run along, she needs to rest.[/B]” Jim turned and carefully hugged me. “[B]You’ll be okay, the stuff the maid uses works great. So get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow.[/B]” He let go and got up and then left the room, but for some reason his parents stayed. And when the door closed behind Jim a chill ran through my body as both of his parents dropped the fake smiles that they had been presenting. “[B]I don’t know why you were unaffected,[/B]” Jim’s father said coldly. “[B]Or how you freed Jim from the influence, but we‘ll find out.[/B]” His words only confirmed my earlier feeling that whatever was behind the strange behavior didn’t want me to leave. It was in it’s own way a bit shocking and surreal to hear him admitting to it. But even that couldn’t seem to truly shake the feeling of detachment and fear that was settling in and I found myself feeling tired in spite of what was going on. It seemed as if Jim’s father could see the fear in my eyes and he smiled cruelly, “[B]Don’t worry, for tonight at least, you are safe.[/B]” He smiled again. “[B]Once the medicine has restored you enough for questioning, we will find out just how much you really know. By now you must be feeling very sleepy.[/B]” He paused as if waiting for my horrified reaction. In truth, I couldn’t hide it at that point. Fear so horrible that it left a bitter taste in my mouth ran through me. I knew at that moment that there had to have been something in the tea the maid had given me. I couldn’t help myself, I was still holding the glass in my right hand and I looked down at it. There was but a tiny amount left, I had drunk nearly the entire thing. I wanted at that moment to toss it at them, but it slipped from my fingers and fell to the floor with a loud clatter. Jim’s father just laughed at me and then Jim’s mother spoke. “[B]If you know what’s best for Jim, you will cooperate and not do anything foolish. And don’t think you can escape either. There will be armed guards keeping watch all night. If you should manage to shake off the drug…[/B]” She paused, her expression turning cold. “[B]Any attempts to escape will result in not only you being punished but Jim as well.[/B]” I tried to fight whatever had been in the tea, but the room began to spin and moments later, I fell into darkness. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Kam']I will be doing an atypically pathetic thing: Having sex with my girlfriend, and buying roses for the girl I actually care about. Bah, that's horrible. -Justin[/QUOTE]Of course it's horrible! You forgot the part about going out for dinner! How could you? Ironically, my day will be similar to yours I would imagine. Since my boyfriend has the day off. Should be fun though, since I like getting flowers, going out to dinner, having... :p[QUOTE='[Sound_Nin];805391'][COLOR=Navy]Well, you have Easter, Halloween, Christmas... Every single holiday is canned and sold. I think it's the candy companies, myself. ¬.¬ It's one of those things... 'Don't think about it, just enjoy the damn holiday!'[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well canned and sold after being altered from it's original meaning. I'm partial to Halloween though, it is my birthday after all. Anyway, you're exactly right, as is Allamorph... no whining people... enjoy it! If you don't, you have only yourself to blame. After all, I've spent more years being single on the day than I have dating. It's not that hard to just have a regular good evening on your own. And it's a lot more fun than going around thinking... I hate this day! [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Shy'][size=1]?[b]But Harrison got to go with Uncle Daedalus after school. He said he was going to have an adventure![/b]?[/size][/QUOTE]So Harrison is on an adventure, how interesting. I wonder what they are up to, after all, since when did Daedalus ever send for or bother to pick up Harrison after school got out. Let's see... I'll tell you... [I]never. [/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='timotheus']Can anyone who knows Baltimore tell me of any good Asian Markets, or at least a world market kind of place?[/QUOTE]Why not take advantage of the Internet and you know... check for listings of Asian markets/grocery stores in that area. Your likely to get a much better response than you would from a message board. [/COLOR]

Beginnings "You really should get yourself a familiar Adrian," a well-known voice chided him once he finished up with the last of the humans in that particular battle field. With an inward sigh he let go of his twin scythes, allowing them to fall to their resting place. "And you need to shut up and mind your own business." He turned his back on the other Shinigami, not even certain why he insisted on trying to be friendly with him. A moment later he heard him sigh and then felt his presence fade as he and his own familiar left to head for their next assignment. Adrian just looked around, noticing for perhaps the first time how many dead were scattered in the area, enough that it had required nearly half a dozen Shinigami to tackle the same spot. Enough that even their blinding speed and him with his dual scythes, they still struggled to keep up with the carnage. He was starting to leave when the sound of something complaining caught his attention, without even thinking about it he started moving towards the disturbance, wondering what was still alive since it didn't feel like a human. "Damn stupid humans!" The shrill voice finally started making sense as Adrian got closer to what seemed to be a moving corpse. What in the world? "Ugh! Why the hell do you have to be so damn heavy?! And stupid enough to land on me when you died!" A series of curses rang out as whatever was pinned by the body vented it?s rage. "Better yet, why were you all killing each other in the first place!?!" A moment later and Adrian could finally see what the commotion was, partially trapped under one of the fallen humans was a tiny fairy who was struggling with all her might to shove the human off of her. Making Adrian wonder why she didn't simply ghost her way free, that is until he realized that she probably was not someone's familiar. Fairies did have defensive magic, but the ability to move between things was something that was granted upon becoming a familiar to a Shingami. "Hey!" The fairy fixed him with a glare upon realizing he was there. "What are you staring at! Get me out of this!" She demanded and then continued when Adrian didn?t answer her immediately. "What are you waiting for? It's your fault I'm here Shinigami! I was trying to get free of this mess and had to dodge you and those twin scythes of yours. If I hadn't needed to do that I wouldn't have been hit when you released his soul!" Adrian just arched an eyebrow. "My fault? Why were you even here in the first place?" "I live here dummy!" She shouted as if he were thickheaded. "I was trying to recover what little was left of my home before the humans utterly destroyed it! It's not that easy to find the right kind of silk to sleep on!" She came here to recover something as trivial as a blanket? Adrian shook his head. "You're an idiot, risking your life over something as foolish as material possessions." "And you're the stupidest Shinigami I've ever met! Everyone knows that fairies need–" Adrian raised a hand for silence, "Just shut up already and I'll get you free." He didn't wait for her to reply to that, bending over and easily hefting the body over, careful to avoid smashing her further. Without even thinking he accidentally brushed against her blue hair with his left hand and then nearly dropped the body back on top of her when a shock ran through his body. He barely had time to realize that she had somehow tapped into his spiritual energy before he tried to cut the line without success. "Hey!" She shrieked in anger. "I never said I'd become your familiar if you helped me!" She fluttered up until she was facing him directly. "And I most certainly did NOT agree to bond with you!" "Me?" Adrian said incredulously. "You're the one tapping into my spiritual energy without permission. I suggest you stop that before I have to do it for you. If you're hurt I would have let you have some if you had asked." Though how he was going to stop it he didn't know. He had already tried to severe the connection and failed. If it was anyone other than a fairy he would have been alarmed. How is she doing that? "I'm not hurt you blockhead!" She yelled at him, getting more and more agitated. "Now sever the bond at once! Before it's too late!" What is she talking about? Adrian sighed when it became apparent that he couldn't cut the connection. It was unlike anything he had ever felt and resisted his attempts to stifle it. He got up to leave, thinking that perhaps returning to the world of the Shinigami would do the trick, only to halt when she flew forward and grabbed a bit of his hair and glared and him ferociously. "Don't you dare do that! You fool! If you go back to your own world and attempt to leave me behind, you'll kill both of us!" She let go and folded her arms across her tiny chest. "Didn't those dimwitted masters of yours teach you about the dangers of bonding? Even if you're capable, it's still dangerous! Especially...," she unfolded her arm, holding them down as her tiny hands clutched into fists. "...especially when the bond is strong." She finished before she unclenched her fists and sighed, "Would you please knock it off? I don't want to be a familiar!" She glared at him again. "I'm a free spirit who does as she pleases! I don't answer to anyone! So cut the damn bond already!" "Why don't you just do it yourself then"? He suggested, coming forth in an unusual bout of frankness. [B"]I've already tried to cut it twice without any luck." "What?!"? She looked at him as if trying to determine if he was lying or not and then suddenly dropped to the ground, looking depressed as she sat there. "Lovely," she said as she put her hands up to her temples as if she had a headache. "Not only did the stupidest Shingami I've ever met nearly kill me when he was running about with two scythes like a complete moron..." She groaned and flopped over onto her side. "Now I'm stuck with being bonded to the nitwit." She waved her right hand in his direction as if shooing him. "Go ahead, try to leave and kill us both, it's not like I want to be bonded to a complete and total dork anyway." She started muttering to herself, "It would have been better if I had been crushed. Why me?" "What are you talking about you little twit!?" Adrian snapped, starting to get angry, after all, he hadn?t done anything that he knew of that would result in a bond and his attempts to sever it were still unsuccessful. "The name is Astera you half-witted moronic fool." She looked at him and then got up and flew over until she was hovering a few inches away from his face. "Fairies don't bond with Shingami, it's the other way around! The only one who can break the bond is you!" ---------------------------------------------------------[B"]I'm afraid the fairy is right Adrian. The only one who can break the bond is you." It was his mentor Gavrie, who to Adrian's irritation was looking amused over the story he had just told him. Sitting there on what appeared to be a fence in a field, favoring both Adrian and Astera with a grin that was barely holding in his laughter. "Well? How do I do it then?" Adrian snapped when Gavrie didn't elaborate. "I didn't bring her to our world for fun!" "What are you waiting for?" Astera started giving Gavrie an earful as well. "Tell this dimwit how to sever the bond already!" Gavrie folded his arms across his chest and broke out in laughter, ignoring both Adrian?s and Astera?s reproachful looks until he finally got it under control. "It's not that simple." He finally explained. "You see, there are two types of bonds that can be formed. A standard bond is formed using a special technique."? Gavrie's expression became more serious the longer he talked. "It's something you have to be taught how to do. However, since so few are even capable of forming a bond and the benefits aren't worth the danger; it's something we don't teach anymore." Gavrie shifted until his own legs were crossed and his hands resting on the short wooden fence he was sitting on. "Now what we have here between the two of you is another type of bond, and this is where it gets tricky, because this only happens when both parties have a strong affinity for it. Plus both of them must be compatible or rather they must suit one another. There's no way to teach it, this kind of bond, it either happens or it doesn't. We don't fully understand it since it seems a simple touch is all it takes for the bond to form." "Would you get to the point already!" Adrian snarled when Gavrie paused again. "The point," Gavrie said as he folded his arms across his chest again, "is that you can"t break that type of bond. It's called a life bond because the only way you break it is when one of you dies." "What?" Astera screeched in protest. Gavrie held his hand up, "There's no point in getting angry Astera. Adrian can't break it and it's your fault just as much as it is his." He smirked a bit. "The two of you are just going to have to get use to one another." He stood up, letting his hands fall to his side. "Take a week off to sort things out. Come back and we'll talk then." ---------------------------------------------------------With a start Adrian sort of woke up, feeling like something was off, but other than a vague impression that someone was close to his apartment, he couldn't sense anything else. Astera was curled up on one of her own silk blankets, clearly more tired than she had been letting onto earlier since she was fast asleep. Channeling was draining on her as well, not so much physically, but rather mentally in the sense that it required a lot of energy for her to do so. It didn't stop her from sensing that he had woken up and she too started to stir. Adrian turned his head towards the dual glass doors that opened out to the balcony attached to his bedroom. It was the one human luxury that he liked. A large airy bedroom since he hated sleeping in an enclosed area. The thought was crossing his mind that he must have forgotten to tell Astera to open the curtains when he realized that there was something outside when he caught a hint of movement. How did someone get onto the balcony?

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] It didn?t take Harrison long to get cleaned up after his sword lessons were done. Even if it wasn?t required by the school, he still would have taken the required bath to get cleaned up before returning to the main building where classes were held. After a good work out, the hot water helped to keep his muscles from getting too stiff and sore. He had barely finished toweling his hair for a second time after getting dressed when one of his friends snatched the towel from his hands and tossed it into one of the hampers. ?[B]Hurry up Harrison! It?s not often that we get a free period.[/B]? Another teen, not much older than Harrison, with brown colored hair and eyes and medium build had entered the bath area. Joshua gave him one of his usual grins, indicating he was up to mischief. Harrison just laughed at Joshua, him with his mock serious face, making him look even younger than his fifteen years. After all, free time or not they often snuck into the underground tunnels that ran beneath Chaos and all of High Czenoble and New Czenoble. It was suppose to be off limits but Joshua, or rather Josh as he went by, had managed to steal and make a copy of the keys for the lock to the basement and the doors to where the entrance to the tunnels was located. ?[B]I don?t know why you?re in such a hurry Josh.[/B]? He shoved him aside with a laugh as they left the bathhouses next to the Salle. ?[B]Oh come on! Think of the chance this presents! We?ve got all the supplies we need at the hideout.[/B]? ?[B]You want to do some exploring?[/B]? Harrison smiled when Josh nodded. ?[B]Then lets get going, after we have lunch first. I?m starved.[/B]? It didn?t take the two long to get back to the main campus of Chaos, the students still hanging around outside since the wasps were still being dealt with. Something that just made Harrison smile since he knew all about the intended prank. It was after all, just one of many they had in mind. He was heading towards the main entrance when something caught his attention and he pulled Josh to the side and started heading towards the back. ?[B]What are you doing?[/B]? Josh protested after pulling free. ?[B]Avoiding Victoria Ann of course.[/B]? He explained even as he ducked behind a group of students before finally slipping around the left side of the school. ?[B]You know she?ll just try to tag along if she sees us.[/B]? Josh just nodded as they snuck into the side door on the left and made a beeline for the entrance to the basement, pausing only long enough to make sure the coast was clear before Josh unlocked the doors and the two slipped inside, closing it quickly before someone came along and discovered them getting into something they were expressly forbidden to do. With a grin Harrison made his way through the stacks of older school supplies, making his way towards the second set of doors, the ones that lead to the underground tunnels themselves. He pulled out his own set of keys that Josh had made for him and unlocked the doors, careful to avoid making too much noise as the two of them slipped in and shut the doors behind them. There was a set of stairs carved into the stone leading down into darkness and a pair of lanterns hanging on the walls. Harrison grabbed one as did Josh, both of them turning the little switch that activated the little power source that fed the little bulbs inside. Providing a smokeless light via magi technology, that would light the way. At the bottom of the stairs there were three different tunnels. The two took the one to the left and then the one to the right when the next split occurred, until they finally came to a small cavern like room full of crates and supplies. ?[B]Well that was easy enough.[/B]? Josh opened up one of the crates and gabbed some of the food supplies they had stashed there. He took it over to one of the stacks of pillows and blankets and made himself comfortable, putting his feet up. ?[B]Don?t get too comfortable, I didn?t come here to watch you stuff your face after all.[/B]? Harrison got comfortable himself. Even if it was underground, there was something relaxing about being on his own without any adults around. After the two finished having something to eat, they gathered some supplies and took off to explore.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Perhaps it was the sight of blood, or the flames that were still reaching for the sky, but the little boy seemed shaken. His eyes growing wide as if seeing for the first time what was truly happening around him. He was watching the driver of the tanker who was walking up behind me as I swayed there on my knees. Only a hint of movement and pressure gave warning to the sudden surge of pain from the screwdriver being yanked out by the driver of the tanker. My vision grayed and for a minute it seemed as if I was going to pass out. ?[B]Hey! What did you do that for![/B]? It was the boy. ?[B]She was done with it.[/B]? The driver said as if it was obvious as to why he had done it. And then as if nothing was wrong, paying no heed to blood on the screwdriver, the driver left. ?[B]What?s going on?[/B]? The little boy asked me as I sat down on my legs and checked my pockets for something to put pressure on the wound with. I finally settled with my right hand as I had nothing and was too dizzy from the pain to move to get something. ?[B]Why is everyone acting so strangely?[/B]? ?[B]I don?t know.[/B]? I answered him weakly. ?[B]I?m trying to figure that out.[/B]? Though how I was going to do that now, I wasn?t sure. No one seemed to notice or even care that I was hurt, other than the kid. ?[B]You need help first![/B]? He exclaimed. ?[B]You?ll bleed to death if you don?t get that taken care of! We?ve got a first aid kit in the car, just a sec.[/B]? He turned and made a dash for the car he had been in, taking a moment to climb in and then run back over with a small case in hand. ?[B]What?s your name?[/B]? He asked as he opened up the case and began to pull out bandages and start working them under my shirt in front and back before finding a way to semi wrap them in place and then make a temporary sling for my arm. ?[B]Crystia. What?s yours?[/B]? ?[B]I?m Jim.[/B]? He said a little shyly as he finished up, closing the medical kit. ?[B]Thank you Jim.[/B]? I gave him a little smile. ?[B]You did a good job with the bandages.[/B]? He blushed a bit, muttering something about learning how to do so in school and then looked around as if checking to see if anyone else was hurt. When it was clear that no one was and that they were all still behaving as if nothing was wrong, he set the kit down and told me to stay put while he ran over and tried to get someone to help. But they were busy talking on their cell phones, making arrangements for someone to come and get them. Jim's pleas for assistance went unanswered. I was wondering what would happen next when of all things a helicopter came in to land. It seemed to be there for some actresses who were at the island to do a play for the wealthy families. Though how I knew why they were there, I couldn?t have told you.[I] I just did[/I]. It was clear that Jim was having no luck convincing someone to help out since they were ignoring him altogether. So I struggled to my feet and made my way over to where the helicopter pilot was arguing with Jim. ?[B]I?m telling you...[/B]? He was saying. ?[B]She needs to be flown to the mainland! The hospital won?t open for another week and she needs medical care![/B]? ?[B]What are you talking about? Everything is fine Master?[/B]? ?[B]Everything is not fine.[/B]? I interrupted the pilot, fighting to stay standing and then smiling a tiny bit when Jim moved to support me, wrapping his arms around my waist as he steadied me. ?[B]Does this look fine to you?[/B]? I indicated my blood soaked shirt. But like the rest of the people, even that was not enough to let him see that things were going wrong. [I]What the hell is the matter with these people?[/I] I felt myself starting to sway, even with Jim?s help I was not going to be able to stay standing for long. ?[B]That?s enough arguing![/B]? Jim snapped! ?[B]You?re to take her to the mainland at once![/B]? To my surprise the pilot nodded at Jim, accepting his order. ?[B]Very well Young Master, but we must stop at your parent?s house to get their permission first.[/B]? Ten minutes later, we were on our way, the pilot heading for one of the large mansions that were situated on the highest point of the island. The view was beautiful, with the calm summer like air and the surrounding ocean, but I was in no mood to appreciate it.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Sandy']I'm not entirely sure how Lector Moebius has wronged the children, though, except being somehow "unqualified" in their eyes and having a stick up his butt. But I guess the children need a villain, too, since they can't go throw stinkbombs at Gaul Rosier, for example. ;D[/QUOTE]Try unqualified in their parent's eyes, since I imagine that the wealthy parents are used to the school being led by someone who is actually qualified like Catherine. Rich kids are bound to be snobby like their parents. :p Harrison and Victoria aren't but they've heard all the gossip from the other kids. Who of course heard it from their parents. They weren't happy about him prying into their affairs though. And Aaryanna hinted that he spends his spare time at the school prying and attempting to gain favor with the more influential families. If he's really unqualified. That easily transfers from adults [parents], to kids to the Head Master... think of Anne of Green Gables and the Pringles and you'll get what I'm saying here. I assure you, Aaryanna, Kathy and I aren't making him a villain, we're portraying him as a butt kissing historian in a position he doesn't deserve. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="4"][CENTER][B]Accidents[/B][/CENTER][/SIZE] [SIZE="1"]For some reason, there were lots of accidents happening on the remote island I was now working at. I had recently been sent by an agency that regulated the transportation system [don?t ask where, hell if I know] to work for this newer place that had been built; at the hand of several very wealthy and influential families who owned the property. Though why they?d want to own a island out in the middle of no where was beyond me. For this particular place wasn?t all that great, there were way too many people making it no different than a true city on the mainland. It was too crowed and hardly much in the way of a retreat. ?[B]What a fucking waste of money.[/B]? I growled at my partner who was handling the car with practiced ease. I had barely met the guy since he had already been assigned to the place a couple of days ago. I on the other hand, was a few days late, I was lucky to even have a job, or so they told me when I showed up. Anyway, my partner was a quiet type, not much to him really. The real problem was the way people on the island seemed to be behaving. Like complete and utter fools, acting like they owned the road. There were ramming fights in order to shove other cars off of the road. People passing recklessly without regard to the flow of traffic. In no time, I was confused since nothing made sense and my attempts to get my partner to answer my questions as to what was going on were obviously wasted as he kept saying, [I]nothing?s wrong[/I], like a God damn mantra. ?[B]Just pull the damn car over.[/B]? I insisted when we came to a huge wreck involving some buses and cars. My partner did as asked only for one of the other cars to ram the car we were in. ?[B]Shit![/B]? A dizzy moment as the car spun and then we were off on the side of the road and a tanker carrying gasoline tipped over, sliding along the road, the back end barely missing the front of our car. I waited for the screech of metal and the sparks to cause an explosion and then sighed with relief when it came to a halt and nothing of the sort happened. ?[B]Bloody hell! What?s the matter with everyone!?[/B]? I exited the car and looked to my partner who had gotten out of the car to chat with the others, all of them behaving as if nothing had happened. [I]What the? What is wrong with everyone?[/I] I thought as I went from car to car, steering people away from the tanker that was now leaking gas. But it seemed as if they just couldn?t see what was happening, other than perhaps one small little boy who was staring at everything. He seemed to be in a daze as he looked at the tanker, it was as if he was trying to shake off something in order to grasp what he was actually seeing. I went over and knelt down in front of him, taking his shoulders in my hands as I tried to talk to him. But I got no reply, making me wonder if he was in shock. That is until he finally turned to look at me. ?[B]Did you need any help?[/B]? I asked him. ?[B]I?m not a child![/B]? He responded smartly, his blue eyes staring into mine. I let go. ?[B]Of course not.[/B]? A response that got a tiny little shy smile back in return. The moment was interrupted as if I could see what was going on behind me, a cigarette butt being casually tossed aside, sailing through the air on a downward arch towards? the pavement glistening in the sun from the spilled gasoline, a realization that other than perhaps the small boy, I could do nothing to get away in time. I moved forward, grabbing him, pulling him close and then turning so that my back faced the inevitable explosion, shielding him from it even though it seemed impossible. As if in slow motion, everyone was knocked off of their feet as the tanker went up in a ball of flame, flames that had no heat. I somehow managed to land so that boy was unharmed but when I attempted to get back up, I couldn?t get any further than my knees as a sharp pain in my left shoulder stopped me. Dizzy from whatever was hurting me, I looked down to the sight of blood running down the front of my shirt and reaching over with my right hand to open it showed the end of a Phillips screwdriver sticking out of my shoulder from behind. [I]What the hell?[/I] I felt sick. The blast had happened so fast? I hadn?t even felt or realized that I had been impaled. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I'm thinking [B]A Little Princess[/B] would make for an interesting anime as well as [B]The Secret Garden[/B]. Yes they made [B]Sōkō no Strain[/B] which was loosely based upon Frances Hodgson Burnett's novels, most notably[I] A Little Princess[/I], but also [I]Little Lord Fauntleroy[/I] and [I]The Secret Garden[/I]. But I'd rather see them separated out and done true to the original story lines, something [B]Sōkō no Strain[/B] most definitely does not do. I mean seriously, mecha does NOT fit either one of the books I mentioned in any respect at all.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Andrew'][size=1]How about you get something written which shows Revy and Spike (of Cowboy Bebop) working together to rake up a few kills. Since I don't really have anyone in mind to kill, why don't you have them kill everyone who has posted in this thread so far (with myself as the exception)?[B] Really don't wanna see myself dead right now.[/B] ¬_¬[/size][/QUOTE]If I die, then you're next, per my request. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]It all depends on whether or not I'm dating. This year I am so I'll likely be doing something with my boyfriend. It falls on a good day for him as far as work and me as far as school, so it should be fun since we'll both have time to spend the afternoon/evening together. On the years I didn't date, I just do what I always, do, homework and video games. Either way I don't like or dislike the holiday. [/COLOR]

Adrian did not want to fall asleep, at least not before they got back to his place, but he found himself unable to stay awake and even the hints of movement he got from the group only served to barely drag him out of the dreams he was falling into. Adrian rarely slept since not only did Shingami not require it but because for some reason the few times he did, he always dreamed of things he would rather forget. Every so often he?d allow himself to sleep and then later regret it, but now? after what he had done, he couldn't force himself to stay awake, the energy drain and damage was too great. Triggering what could only be called a type of healing trance that was instinctive to all Shinigami. After all, never had he used so much energy in such a short period of time. Even before he had gotten to the Count, he had battled quite a bit and such a thing didn't come without a cost. Channeling Astera's ability through him was a serious drain even if he wasn't tired and exhausted on account extensive fighting and some curse. But doing so was required or else he too would have had his connection to time altered, after all it was a defensive magic designed to allow her to flee, not for what purpose he had put it to. Channeling it was required for him to be able to move freely like Astera could, even if it was a terrible strain. Bonding with one?s familiar was not standard procedure, for the simple reason that even with the knowledge, it didn't mean one was even capable of doing such a thing. Hell, even he hadn't known what had happened at first since it was not something he had actively sought, it had been more of an accident than an intentional bonding. Though it had taken very little time to realize what had happened. When Adrian first became one of the chosen ones, a Shinigami, at first, he had no familiar at all. Refusing a partner on the grounds that he needed a ?tag along? like he needed a hole in his head. And since there was no solid argument other than everyone has one, it had gone unchallenged and he had worked in the human world on his own. Steering clear of everyone, carrying out his assignments without question. But then things had changed with the outbreak of war among the humans, something that would later be referred to as world war one. Adrian had more assignments than he knew what to do with at that point as he worked the fields of the humans who were at war, tuning out the screams of agony from the dying who relied on one such as he to finally severe the connection to their mortal body. Until finally, disgusted with what he was seeing he had called up a second scythe without even thinking about it, all so he could move quicker and more efficiently to send them on their way, while wishing at the same time that he could simply put an end to those who were behind the war in the first place. Humans and even those creatures who served as familiars for the Shingami were being affected by the senseless slaughter, and bit by bit Adrian came to hate the humans with a passion. Even now as he tried to stay awake the bitterness resurfaced giving him a tiny moment of true awareness, enough to realize that the others were leaving his apartment. But that reprieve was brief and other than to realize that Astera was close by, in no time he was sound asleep.