Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Kenshin DX']Well indifference pretty much massacred the thread making everyone elses bad days seem like nothing. I am very sorry for your loss indifference. [/QUOTE]Well, it wasn't my intent to massacre the thread, and I do appreciate the sentiment. I just haven't had any days worse that that one. And I certainly hope I never do. Just as I hope no one else does either. It took me the longest time just to be able to even talk about it. And I still have the occasional nightmare from it. But if we want to get to the other type of frustrating days. I did have one during the winter. I was heading for school on one of those semi warming up days so it was cold but not too bad since it was just warm enough for snow to melt. Anyway, about halfway to the light rail stop I use to head for school I slipped on some ice and landed on my rear in a nice huge puddle of ice water. I ended up missing class since I had to turn around and head back to my apartment to change. I was pretty soaked, along with some of my papers since my backpack fell into the water as well. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Aaryanna'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="goldenrod"] Since she's of the opinion that Vanyel would not want to volunteer so my character is going to drag her along. XP [/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE]And done, with the dragging that is. lol I leave it to you to finish up any further conversation they might have. And Shiana, lol gotta love it. She's almost like a non perverted female DB. :p [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Rachmaninoff;785330]I get sucked into romantic comedies all the time. [/QUOTE]lol, that's so true it's almost painful. ;)[quote name='Rachmaninoff'][spoiler]When she woke up and ranted about losing her summon monsters, etc. [/spoiler'] I just laughed and laughed over that. Hehe.[/quote] I did as well, that single moment drew me into the series more than anything. And now that I've gotten through the fourth episode as well I'm still enjoying it. The addition of a love interest for both of the main characters really shakes things up. And I can't help but laugh at some of the silly stuff going on. Like the moment in the gym when they did the mock [spoiler]slam dunk with Otani, by virtue of another student in black helping him. [/spoiler] And the way that guy's girlfriend was so mortified by it was just too funny. Heh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Had it really only been six weeks? It felt more like an eternity to Vanyel. Ever since that bizarre outcome at Stonehenge life had been far from quiet. She wasn't sorry that Liam seemed to be gone though. Even now she still hated it when someone read your mind or transported you against your will. Though now it was a lot harder, between what Tasha had shown her and Vanyel's teachers her shields were far better than they ever had been. It was rather odd actually, until she had rebuilt them, she hadn't realized just how much back noise she was hearing from other people's thoughts. The utter silence she got now, even with others around her who were gifted was a huge relief. It certainly made studying a lot easier. And she had found several nearly isolated spots in the library that she would spend hours at a time in, either reading fantasy novels or books she had gotten from those who were teaching her. Vanyel had made next to no friends at all other than a few of her teachers and that girl Tasha, though that was more of her insisting on talking to Vanyel and not the other way around. [I]Now if only I can convince her to quit trying to get me to dress nicer. [/I] But after seeing her room once Vanyel doubted that would ever happen. [I]Who cares what you're wearing? [/I] With a snort of disgust she set her books aside, to distracted by thoughts of how things had gone to really study. And there was no doubt that she had a lot to learn. Every time she started to figure out one thing, some other surprise hit her. Vanyel got up from her desk in her room and took a seat on her bed, looking out the small window at the few people she could see wandering about outside. Later after being called to an assembly to discuss what had been happening to known Espers, she was ready to head back to her room. But of all things she had never expected Joe to collapse. [I]What the?[/I] She listened, dumbfounded, not sure what to do when someone suggested they go after those who were missing. But someone else had another idea and before she realized it, Tasha who had been standing behind her grabbed her right hand and dragged her over to where the others who were volunteering were standing. [I]What are you doing? [/I]She thought at her. [I]What do you think?[/I] Tasha shot back. [I]Surely you don't want to miss out on a chance to help and to learn more?[/I] Vanyel could clearly sense the amusement in her thoughts. But by the time she pulled her hand free it was too late, they were already standing there. Vanyel shot her an irritated glance. [I] One of these days I'm going to smack you. You have got to stop volunteering me for things. [/I] Tasha's return thought was nothing but laughter. Vanyel just sighed a bit and prepared herself. She had learned a lot since then, so perhaps it would actually be interesting. And maybe it was time she learned to be willing to help others. It just wasn't that easy. Other than Esper Hall, no one had ever helped her before. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Well I nominate [B]Aaryanna_Mom[/B] because as Des put it when she was nominated for the Nifty Fifty: [INDENT]As cool as it is just to have a member?s mother join OtakuBoards and become an active poster, Aaryanna_Mom also adds new insight or a new point of view to many threads she posts in. It?s apparent that she can see more than one side of an issue, and though she speaks her mind and stands behind her beliefs, she always argues in a non-abrasive way. Even if you don?t agree with her, it?s hard not to like her.[/INDENT] And as I've observed: She brings a certain amount of calm to otherwise heated debates and as other members have observed: [quote name='White][COLOR=DimGray][FONT=Tahoma]In all honesty, I think that almost all the teenagers (and some others) on OtakuBoards think of you as [i]the[/i] OB Mom. I know that whenever I see you've posted in a thread I'll be posting in, I clean up my post a little bit just because it feels right. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [QUOTE=John']Having a mod's mom posting on the boards is probably the most entertaining thing that's happened here in years. XD[/quote]Just her presence is enough to encourage better posting while being entertaining at the same time. Along with her candid opinion on subjects that she disagrees with you on and how she does so with a dash of motherly love. So she's definitely one of those members that contributes to OtakuBoards in a meaningfully way. With her different threads on improvements and even her recent venture into a newspaper for the Boards. Proving that one doesn't have to be around for years to make a difference. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="Magenta"]Actually the young man was supposed to be that guy Darren's character had the hots for, who was joe's best friend. I will be controlling Shiana this round.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Ah I see, lol. Without a name attached to him I didn't realize he was that character. After all he wasn't exactly in it a lot. Anyway... my post will have to wait until a little later. Meh, I have to go and take care of something first. Still it will go up today. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I do believe Liam got turned into stone. There's the way to gain immortality. lol That whole post had a very Dr. Who feel to it. And I see that you tend to beat Joe up a lot. Anyway, I assume that the young man with blonde hair is a new character you will be controlling? Also, I'll have a post up in a bit. Reflecting that six weeks have since passed. [B]EDIT:[/B] Uh Prem... It's only been six weeks not six months. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]Singing in public, not loudly, but if someone was to pass me in the street they'd probably be able to hear me singing to myself. Favoured song: Hadaway's "What is Love ?".[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Well I don't do the moonwalking... But I do love that song. And though I rarely sing in public, I can and will to that song. You have great taste in songs to sing in public. :catgirl:[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]The biggest misconception I seem to run into is that I'm intimidating. How I manage that when I'm not quite five feet tall is beyond me. But I suppose it has to do with being a bit on the blunt side. I'll be doing things with my friends, like getting together and playing games and if I catch someone cheating I'll outright embarrass them for it. My friends think its funny, but the person cheating always complains that I'm intimidating and mean. But seriously, if you're going to cheat what did you expect? The other misconception is that I'm shy when I'm not. I am reserved a bit, but that rarely lasts long. It's no more than the usual awkward feelings one gets when meeting for the first time. The biggest one that cracks me up the most is since I'm polite and nice to pretty much everyone I meet, people here automatically assume I'm LDS/Mormon. That one always has me wanting to laugh, I mean come on! Nice people who are not religious do exist! Oh and there's always the misconception that I'm still a teenager, due to my size. I imagine that one will continue until my hair turns gray. I can't help it that I'm short and on the small side. And the fact that at times I've had to make do with kid shoes probably doesn't help. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Skipping. When I'm in a good mood I like to skip around instead of walking. It's especially fun on calm summer days or windy spring ones. And it always gets me strange looks when I do it. That doesn't make it any less fun though. Roller skating, even though I can't use line skates, I have to use the older ones with two sets of wheels. I just can't balance on the single, and for the same reason I can't ice skate at all. But regular skating on the older skates or kid skates as some call them, that I can do and it's great fun. Now if I just didn't look like a kid when I do it. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]And there you have it, if I got any of that confused or off, be sure to let me know. But it's definately time to launch the Argo Navis and get this show on the road. ;) Oh and because doing something like this is fun... [CENTER][IMG]http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/81/18465920070622051632ra4.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Have fun today BKstyles, enjoy your youth while you can. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I've had plenty of 'bad' days, but only one do I truly consider bad. The others were just frustrating, nothing more. Though perhaps if I hadn't experienced the bad day, they would have been my worst day instead of just an annoyance. Who knows? Anyway my bad day was the day my brother died. It was unexpected, sudden and turned my life upside down. It happened when my brother and I were walking home from getting a soda at the local gas station. Both of us got caught in the crossfire of a drive by gang shooting. The person doing the shooting wasn?t really aiming at my brother, or me but at a rival gang member that lived in the home we were walking in front of. Naturally my brother and I tried to avoid the gunfire when the person in the car started shooting. I was unharmed, but my brother was killed by the crossfire. Realizing that he had died instantly was one of the worst moments/days in my entire life. I've never had a day before or after that day that ever came close to being as horrible as that day was. If anything it makes other days that are frustrating easier to deal with. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I don't work in retail or customer service per se, but I do on occasion end up dealing with someone awful. Most of the time I only deal with patients in the sense that's it's rare for those wife beaters or rapists to ever show up at the crisis center. But every now and then one does, usually some fool looking for his girlfriend that he beat up the day before. An annoying one was a guy who was completely and totally drunk when he showed up. Not only did he reek but his speech and ability to even walk was all over the place. The good news was it was pretty easy to simply call the police and wait for them to come and pick him up. My only regret is they didn't show up before the loser managed to puke all over the lobby floor. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]One must understand someting. A good percent of anime [i][B]is[/B][/i] porn. Otaku [i][B]are[/B][/i] perverts, and this stuff [i][B]can[/B][/i] turn you into a pedophile. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Especially when their user name is 2007DigitalBoy aka Rat Boy. :p All joking aside, a lot of anime is very sexual in the sense that it doesn't hide certain aspects of growing up or awkwardness resulting from become more aware of that sexuality. And yes there is a lot that is porn, just as there are series out there that are not. lol As for my parents? My father had clients through his job in Japan while I was growing up, since until he retired he did a lot of legal work for different businesses. So if he or my mother did not approve of it, they sure as hell made sure to never bring it up. It's not exactly polite to insult your employer or client after all. Anyway, as kids we were pretty much allowed to watch whatever anime we wanted. It was never an issue at all. Also, I wouldn't exactly call transformation sequences anything to get excited over, the actual detail wasn't all that well... detailed. lol I still find it funny how those got edited to make them more soft when there wasn't really all that much to be seen to begin with. In the end, even if it's a good idea for parents to be careful about what their kids watch, it really is stupid and pointless to immediately brand an entire type of media as being porn or garbage. Unless said media really is porn. lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Brianna glanced briefly at Marcus and the rest before opening up the small briefcase she had brought with her, inside was a number of CCB's each one tagged for one of the crew members. She handed them out and then while she waited for them to take a moment to pass them around based on the names on them she opened up the data on her own. As soon as they were passed around at the conference table she cleared her throat. Instantly getting everyone's attention. "[B]As you can see, what's currently displayed is a chart of Creids territory as well as the current expansion along the outer rim of their space. At the very edge you'll see two planets are highlighted. The first one Solaris, and the second one Telvaris. Our destination will be Telvaris, which is outside their established space.[/B]" Brianna tapped the screen to her CCB, indicating with a motion of her head for the others to do the same. The view switched to one of a strange square shaped gate made of an unknown metal with some form of language inscribed along the surface. "[B]Approximately one year ago, during the course of their expansion a set of gates was found. These gates as you can see on your CCB are alien in nature, however, in spite of not fully understanding what their purpose was the Creids government, upon figuring out how to operate them put them to use. These gates enable travel from Solaris to Telvaris instantaneously in both directions.[/B]" Brianna paused for but a moment, the thought going through her mind that the Creids government should have known better than to use an unproven technology without understanding it first. But with a tiny shake of her head she shoved that thought aside and continued. "[B]Shortly after the gates were put into use people began to vanish without a trace.[/B]" She looked at each of them as if to gauge what each one was thinking, but other than to seem curious she could see nothing else. "[B]The problem is that the people who have vanished were not the ones traveling through the actual gate.[/B]" Movement caught her eye and Brianna looked over to Captain Schovick who had raised her hand. "[B]Yes Schovick?[/B]" "[B]Begging your pardon ma'am, but if the people who vanished never when through the gates why does the government think the gates are responsible?[/B]" Brianna gave her a measuring glance, "[B]I'm coming to that Schovick.[/B]" "[B]Yes ma'am, sorry about that.[/B]" Schovick once again looked down as if embarrassed over her impatience. "[B]Now as I was saying... Over time the Creids government realized that everyone who vanished was within a certain radius of the two gates and that it only happened when the gates were active, even if no one was actually using the gate. So far all attempts to discover the cause behind the disappearance or the people who are missing has failed. As such, the gates have been shut down and the associated areas evacuated until further notice. Our job will be to study these gates to not only determine what is causing the disappearance as well as locating the missing people if possible.[/B]" Brianna turned her CCB off and tucked it under her right arm, "[B]I've included all of the specifics and data from the Creids government in regards to the gate. I'd like all of you to look it over and see what you come up with as a possible answer. Obviously I'd like some of you to focus on specific areas. Ms. Erickson I understand your specialty is with engineering so I'd like your take on the actual construction of the gate, just as I'd like you Dr Travis to work on the translation of the language inscribed on the gate. Now unless anyone has any questions?[/B]" Brianna looked around briefly, a number of them seemed a tad uncomfortable to her. Especially Cameron James who refused to look directly at the Colonel. Still at the very least the rest of them seemed more curious than nervous about their first assignment. With a slight nod she finished. "[B]If any of you do have questions later on you know where to find both me and Colonel DeSouza. Now, I've included our destination and checkpoints on your CCB Mr. Bishop, as well as yours Ms. Erickson, so once the two of you have our course plotted you are to launch the Argo Navis immediately.[/B]"[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]People who make snap judgments based on stereotypes instead of finding out what someone is really like. Pretty short sighted if you ask me. Beaters, or rather people who beat on their spouses or children, as well as rapists. People like that really need to be dragged out into the street and shot. The same goes for people who beat/starve and abuse their pets. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='desertphoenix'][COLOR="DarkRed"][FONT="Verdana"]I don't really think these people are pathetic, just people who made bad decisions and dealing with the consequences. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]True, and even then, a certain level of drugs/drinking/smoking or whatever isn't something to get upset over. And being 'clean' doesn't make someone any better than someone who has tried stuff. So someone tries pot, so what? It's not the end of the world. Personally I don't care for illegal drugs, nor have I tried them. I don't care for drinking or smoking either, but if others do, that's fine by me. So long as they don't drive drunk that is. But to think they are pathetic? That's just lame really. Everyone makes stupid choices. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Sometimes I don't understand why people even care that others are having cosmetic surgery done. It may be more permanent , but it's similar to using making up, designer clothing and other means of dressing ourselves up. Of being vain and wanting to look different. Yeah I think it's silly to try and look younger but at the same time it's their money isn't it? Instead of spending it on a trip or a new car like someone else might, they've chosen to spend it on how they appear. As for would I do it? It would depend, obviously as it's already been pointed out there are good reasons to have cosmetic surgery, but for the most part, there isn't anything I actually want to change so I have no plans on doing so. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]EvaBlood[/B], I already explained to you [I]why[/I] your first thread like this was removed. As well as explaining how to go about creating a second one. So with that in mind... As well as a reminder to re-read the pm I sent you... as well as the rules... [B]Thread Closed[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]If i am to be annoyed, it's only at the concern that the fact that my story failed to fit the traditional means of the format is causing too much of a distraction from the ability to enjoy the story for what it is. But since nobody has said anything of that nature, it's an unfounded concern thus far.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Ah, I see. Rest assured, even if that was what I was vocal about, it did not distract from the story itself. Only in that I was wanting the story to be resolved to learn more about this mysterious race the Vespas that was so intent on conflict with mankind. So in a sense that really is the complaint... that one wants to read the rest of what happens. Instead of being left wondering how they managed to deal with the guardian that blocked their path. That and what I said about sentence length still holds true. [[SIZE="1"]whether or not I'm correct is, as Rach put it, irrelevant[/SIZE]] Seriously though. Do post the rest. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Allamorph;784902][FONT=Arial]In light of recent comments, I feel like [COLOR="DarkRed"]BK[/COLOR] needs some defending. So here we go.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Don't be silly, BK's writing skills stand well enough that they require no defense. lol The comments were tainted by the format presented for the challenge and nothing more. I think you're reading too much into it Allamorph. ;)[QUOTE=BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]Well thanks for everyone's comments whether they were misunderstanding me, critisizing me, defending me, or enjoying the story. I think it's safe for now to leave it at that. I'm more than fine with everything as long as everyone has enjoyed the story overall and only see a problem with the story not fitting the established format. I care very little about having it judged on a technical point of view and have pretty much achieved my ultimate goal here. Again, i will be continuing it as well as elaborating on it. Hopefully i'll have the time to do so relatively soon since i'm still in that motivational stage so to speak. [/FONT][/QUOTE]I sincerely hope you aren't taking the criticism that resulted over the format too seriously. In no way does it reflect on the actual story. When I said I enjoyed it, I meant it. Now if I'm misunderstanding you, since you seem annoyed, then by all means dismiss this post. But if you are annoyed... I wanted to clear that up since putting that aside, it was fun to read. Also, I am just a tad confused here, surely both of you expected to be critiqued? Just saying. ;) That and I sincerely hope you do post the rest, after all, I do want to know what happens. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Sandra, to be blunt, was miserable. Even though she had told Jared that if her father was involved she would execute him herself, deep down she had never thought that he was. Sure he was innocent as far as the illegal modifications went but to find out that he had killed his own mother? That her grandmother who she thought had died in an accident when she was five had been a member of the Resistance? Sandra took a deep breath and let it out, ignoring how her right shoulder was going numb from her sitting on the floor in her quarters, her knees pulled up to her chin as she leaned against the floor to ceiling windows and stared mindlessly into space. Why Jared and Stevens had simply disabled the terminals in her quarters and left her there with security outside the door instead of tossing her into a cell she didn't have a clue. Sandra knew better than anyone what happened to the family of Resistance members. And even if her grandmother hadn't been, her father, Jeffery Luciana would still be executed for murder. Being a member of the High Council did not make you immune to the law. [I]Why? Why father?[/I] Sandra ignored the tears that flowed down her face. There wasn't an answer and she knew it. What else was he suppose to do? Exposing her would have spelled certain death. Sandra had never thought about whether or not the punishment or attitude towards others who had close family members in the Resistance was harsh, she had never in her wildest dreams imagined that she would ever face the same problem. Had Daniel Landers been telling Jared the truth after all? That he really didn't know that Nathan was his father or that he was in the Resistance? [I]How many innocent people have we killed? Why did no one ever question it? [/I] Sandra couldn't help but laugh hysterically before choking and crying again. [I]We can't even claim that it was the illegal modifications that made us so heartless. Hell! We're the ones who were never altered! [/I] A few minutes later she reached up and wiped the tears away and went back to staring out into space, ignoring the sound of the doors to her quarters opening. She knew without turning that it was Stevens and Jared, she could see their reflection on the window as they approached where she was sitting on the floor. "[B]Go away. Unless you've come to execute me as well, I have nothing to say to either one of you.[/B]" "[B]Stop being such an idiot Sandra.[/B]" Stevens snapped. "[B]Or have you forgotten all the changes we've been discussing with Dakar, Zach and James? Did you really think we'd toss that aside just to find you guilty?[/B]" Angry, Sandra turned her head to look up at the two of them. "[B]What I expect is irrelevant and you know it. Those changes have not been approved and I know the law as well as anyone. So don't patronize me![/B]" Jared tossed her a handheld computer, "[B]Stop feeling sorry for yourself Sandra, it's not becoming.[/B]" Sandra caught the computer and looked at the files on it. It was a detailed report of the investigation Jared had done of the information Erica had given her. Confused she looked back at Jared. "[B]The investigation is complete. Your grandmother was a member of the Resistance as well as being a member of the High Council. And the accident was no accident. Your father did make the arrangements for her to be killed.[/B]" Jared paused for a moment to let it sink in before continuing. "[B]Not only did I secure a confession from him but another member of the Council who was guilty of keeping the knowledge of the modifications a secret. Both of them were publicly executed this morning.[/B]" "[B]I see.[/B]" Sandra said before looking away again. "[B]Anything else?[/B]" She couldn't keep the sarcasm out of her voice. Sandra gave out a startled shriek when Stevens grabbed her left wrist and dragged her to her feet and slapped her. "[B]That's enough![/B]" He glared at her. "[B]Those changes are going to happen. You've already been cleared to return to duty you little fool![/B]" Sandra reached up with her right hand, touching her cheek where Stevens had struck her. She pulled her left wrist free stepping back a bit. Surprised by the intent look in both Stevens and Jared's eyes. And to her embarrassment she couldn't stop the tears that followed. "[B]We have a meeting tomorrow morning to go over the remaining Council members who have not been cleared yet. Four of the Faction leaders have still refused to hand over their code, leaving us with twenty members who need to cleared. I expect you to be there at seven sharp understand?[/B]" Sandra just nodded. She couldn't bring herself to say anything else. But Stevens seemed to be satisfied as he simply turned and left. She watched him leave and then turned to Jared who had stayed behind. Not sure what to say, if anything at all. Jared just favored her with a lopsided grin, "[B]You might want to talk to Darren, he's been asking about you.[/B]" And with that he too turned and left. [I]What? Why?[/I] Her thought was interrupted by a familiar sound. The chime indicating there was a message for her. Startled she turned to face the terminal at her desk. If it was actually on... Sandra walked over and sure enough it turned on, all of her usual access codes once again working... Stevens had not been lying. They would never have restored her access if they were going to execute her. With a sigh she sat down and simply placed her arms on the desk and buried her head in her arms. Maybe later she'd look through things but right now? She still didn't know what to think. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][I]Without your shields, this surge will be lethal.[/I] ... [I]Keep your shields up, and you'll come out alive[/I] ... Vanyel couldn't get that part of what Liam had said out of her mind. Everything else was meaningless. [I]I should have known there was a catch to all of this.[/I] She thought with disgust, even as she tried to hide her fear. It was no different than being on the street, people did not help you without expecting something in return. And other than to briefly snap at Treana out of frustration instead of any real concern over anyone being in charge she had no time to think any more about it. The surge of spiritual energy Liam was talking about had arrived. Within seconds dust, debris and small rocks were obscuring her view of the others and only the newly learned psychic shield was keeping her from being battered. [I]Hell! How long is this going to last?[/I] Vanyel didn't know how long she could hold it and it didn't help that she could hear some of the other's thoughts. Ever since she had done what Tasha had said, even though her other mental shields did feel more '[I]attached[/I]' for lack of a better word, she still couldn't block things out like she could before. And now on top of that she was sensing others fear as well. Vanyel had never been able to sense other's emotions before. Or, was that what Liam meant when he had said, '[I]you may experience anything from disorientation to hallucinations[/I]' Vanyel couldn't tell if those emotions were real or not. It didn't make them any less painful though and within a few minutes she was on her knees, grasping her head with her hands, clenching her teeth in pain. [B]"Get out of my mind![/B]" "[B]If you hadn't killed me I wouldn't be stuck in your mind.[/B]" A voice whispered in her ear. Shocked Vanyel looked around wildly for whoever had spoken, but other than the brief space between her and her shield, there was no one in sight. [I]What?[/I] "[B]Who's there?[/B]" "[B]Have you forgotten me already Vanyel? I was the first one you killed after all.[/B]" Shocked, Vanyel nearly lost control of her shield at that moment. [I]It can't be! How could he be here?[/I] "[B]You're not real![/B]" "[B]Oh but I am, and until you pay for what you did I won't go away.[/B]" Vanyel choked on what the voice said. [I]Pay? He was the one who... [/I] Vanyel hunched over, closing her eyes tightly. [I]You're not real! You can't be! [/I] But the voice continued to mock her just the same. Just as the painful emotions of fear continued to batter her senses.[I] Hell![/I] she thought desperately as she began to feel faint. [I]If this doesn't end soon... [/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Identity;785008]Self harm is defined as any behavior that injures oneself without the intent of suicide. A person who self harms is not usually seeking to end his or her life, but rather as a way to cope with stress, pain, or anxiety. [/QUOTE]That's really a contradiction, using pain to deal with existing pain. In the end all it does is distract you from the real cause or problem. It doesn't solve anything.[quote name='Identity;785008] A common misconception is that self harmers/ cutters self harm to draw attention to themselves, that is usually not the case, most self harmers go to great lengths to hide their injuries, or the source of the injuries from others. [/QUOTE]Whether or not they hide it isn't the issue, the issue is that something in their life is causing stress, pain, anxiety, etc. Even if they hide it, it's still an attempt to fix a problem and obviously on some level they do want help. If they didn't they wouldn't engage in destructive behavior in the first place.[QUOTE=Identity'']I used to self harm, and have recently started again, I dont think it's a dangerous way to deal with pain, I think that, as long as your safe with it, use a proper cutting instrument, and are clean with it, then you're ok. I want to know everyone's general opinion of self harm, whether they think it's a safe way to cope or not, and whether anyone has practiced/does practice self harm.[/quote]What part of the word harm do you not understand? You're damaging your body over whatever is bothering you in an attempt to relieve it. Wouldn't it be better to find out what's stressing you or causing the pain and anxiety and deal with it? Self-Harm/injury is an escape tactic not a cure or solution. The very definition of what one does means it can't be a safe way to cope. Perhaps not as dangerous as one who truly is suicidal, but still not a good way to deal with it. Self- harm/injury is often an indication of depression and/or other psychological problems. Therapy, depending upon the person's issues, in the long run can do more for a person than the cutting/harm ever will. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]All right Beth, let me know if I got that right. If not I'll just edit it. I still think it's funny that you sneaked in that reference to Cameron, BKstyles. lol Anyway, I left out any specifics as to an actual time frame and such since I forgot to ask if it was recent or several years since Cameron was nailed by the Panopticon. :p[/COLOR]