Horendithas

[COLOR=Indigo][quote name='vegeta rocker']Should we sever all ties?[/quote]The question I have is have they always been like this or is it a new thing? Is there an inheritance involved with the Grandmother? Since people say and do the nastiest things over money or the thought of getting money. It's not a pretty thought, but I've been stuck between relatives arguing over who gets what before someone has even died. But another thing to consider, do you even want to have a relationship with them? If not then there's no need to even try. I've got relatives I've severed ties with and I haven't missed them at all.[QUOTE=affection][SIZE=1][FONT=Georgia]My Grandmother means the world to me. If anyone was to say that I was using her for money, that would be completely and utterly absurd. Family means a great deal to me and usually old folks too. If I was in your position, I would just calmly say, "Fine. You are right..." Honestly family shouldn't be broken apart and I'm sure it would hurt your Grandma a little more if she had to see a broken family. I would try my hardest to get my cousin to calm down and show her that Grammie means a whole lot to both of you guys. I realize it's easier said than done but it would be worth it. I'm not saying that I'd be best friends with these cousins but I'd at least make a truce. There is absolutely no reason to have such horrible arguments when there are more important things going on. These cousins need to realize that. But like I said, this is what I would do. I just think breaking all ties is just cowardly. (No offense hun!) I think it would be more honorable and right if you would at least try and come to a state of agreement and show them that Gram means the world to you and you would never hurt her in any way.[/FONT][/SIZE][/QUOTE]I completely disagree with you here. Calmly telling someone who is openly slandering someone, even if it is 'family' that they are right, only encourages the behavior. Being related by blood isn't a magic thing that makes people's actions acceptable. As much as I'd like to agree with you, willingly putting up with such slander and lies is never worth it. It's like telling them, yes I'm a door mat, please walk all over me and do come back again some time since you missed a spot or two. You're forgetting that even if there is more important things going on, no one can make these cousins realize it. And to be blunt, not breaking ties when the situation calls for it is in my opinion far more cowardly than having the courage to not be someone's personal door mat. In the end the only advice I have is to ignore it as best you can, at least in order to be there for your grandmother. But beyond that, if they really are treating you that way there's no need to continue associating with them. On the other hand if it's a new thing, don't be to quick to jump ship. They could just be stressed due to her being sick and taking it out on you. It's still not very nice, but hardly the same as someone deliberately being spiteful and mean. Also, just how old are these cousins? If we're talking about kids here, then there's no reason to take them serious since they're probably just repeating what they hear their Mom's saying. [/COLOR]

[CENTER][IMG]http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/images/duhlivery.jpg[/IMG] [color=indigo][SIZE=1]Cat talking to the tourist it just ran over:[/SIZE] What part of "[B]Get The Hell Out Of My Way![/B]" did you not understand?[/COLOR][/CENTER]

[COLOR=Indigo]Who wants to see any of the movies when this is more entertaining? [IMG]http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/4926/mitchslapns1.gif[/IMG] In a strange weird way of course. Still perhaps I should break down and actually see Shrek 3. Or not. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo][quote name='Nonentity'] If we need to strap a bomb to someone, lets pick him :devil:[/quote]On the contrary, the perfect sacrifice in this case would be you or Prem. Both of you are [I]expendable[/I]. As for call names...my user name is one already. I am indifferent to the pain and suffering of our enemies, to the chaos we will cause, to the terror we will inflict. I am [I]indifference[/I]. Also...*thrashes Nonentity and Prem upon their return*...[B]That's for your miserable failure to rescue Engel and for being bested by Mother no less! Both of you are a disgrace! [/B] *kicks both of them out the door* [B]Now go and get changed out of those wet clothes Nonentity! [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=Indigo]Just to make sure there's no confusion even though I already mentioned this in my last post: [I] Just to be clear, this happened a day or two before Kiva and Daego returned to sector one. In other words, the ball and such happened while they were traveling from sector seven back to sector one. This timing is important for the next set of events.[/I] We are leading up to the exposure of Erica as well as some other events, that though not as major will be happening at nearly the same if not the same time. The High Council is going to have their hands full since all hell is going to break lose. Though how Jared and Sandra respond to the news...we'll see. lol [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]Jared had not forgotten, regardless of the stir created by Blaine Uratak at the ball a few days ago he still followed up on his intent to check out Drake Etat. But what he found did not fit with what had happened. He was for all intents and purposes a nobody. A spoiled rich little kid attending university with two of his spoiled rich little friends. But what was off the most was that his picture, though similar did not match the person he had met. Checking further into things as well as checking the security footage of the ball revealed just what was going on. Someone had arranged for the real Drake and his two friends to be out of commission for the ball by virtue of drugging them so they could take his place. And the footage clearly showed the other two who were with him cleverly gathering information. But still that didn't fit either. If they were simply gathering information to sell to the black market, what the person who had impersonated Drake had done was sheer foolishness. It was possible that bumping into Kerstin was deliberate but standing up to Blaine? That made no sense whatsoever. The whole thing did explain his reaction to Jared though. Who ever he was, he knew that he was impersonating someone, and the last thing he would have wanted was to attract attention. Jared made some final notes and closed the file he had been creating. Gathering information to sell as well as for blackmail was common practice. And in the end not worth investigating further since there was security on Reflection that already took care of that kind of stuff. Though he made a note to forward his findings to them later. What did concern him was the rumor that Blaine had yet another contract out, but so far other than rumors Jared had not been able to find out just what he was up to. Though having failed to intimidate Kerstin he was certain it was related to her somehow. Immediately after the ball Jared increased the security, much to the dismay of Kerstin who didn't like having someone with her at all times. But until Blaine was arrested, Jared wasn't willing to take any chances. It was a pity he had been unable to convince her to stay on the Creator for a while, but she had objected to that arrangement. And in the end since he could increase security he didn't press the issue. Jared smiled at the memory, it had been supremely funny to watch her get all worked up and dress him down in the process. It hadn't been easy to keep a straight face since she had been quite serious. Still in the end it had made enforcing more security easier. Jared pulled the files on Blaine back up and started going through the new reports that the computer specialist had gotten for him. He was almost ready, only a few more things were being checked into and then he would move to arrest him. Unless something else happened since those who were watching him from the Elite Military had orders to nab him should he try to run or disappear. He would have loved to find out what the new contract was first, but in the end it didn't matter. Jared knew that if he were to wait for everything Blaine had done to be confirmed, he could spend years if not decades tracking down all the mischief Blaine had gotten into since he became a representative. Jared focused on what he had gotten, after all, once he was done with Blaine there were still others who needed to be dealt with. He already had people gathering information on those he would investigate next. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [/COLOR][/SIZE] [B]OCC: [/B]Just to be clear, this happened a day or two before Kiva and Daego returned to sector one. In other words, the ball and such happened while they were traveling from sector seven back to sector one. This timing is important for the next set of events.

[COLOR=Indigo][QUOTE=SunfallE][COLOR=goldenrod]No worries there, I understood what you were getting at. And I would prefer if we have reviews written by members. At least for the review part. But for the beyond OB section, theO is a good source since Panda does write great reviews. ^_~ Oh and yes, it is the same person. I say we whack indifference for not being more clear. Or Rachmaninoff for getting the wrong idea. :p[/COLOR][/QUOTE]I vote for whacking Rachmaninoff. :p Besides it was not my intent that we rely on outside sources, but more that we use them for the section of news that does not come from OB. It only seemed logical to use our sister site since it is a good place for things like that. It's also a good back up should we have a month where a member doesn't submit a review. So that section is never empty so to speak. Which is why I mentioned that it could go in either section. It would end up being a case by case situation. ;) But by no means do I think it should take place of people from this site writing up reviews or articles or anything else for that matter. In the end I'd prefer that most of it come from here. Well other than the section of news that's from other sources than OB of course. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]Seems to me that a good place to get reviews that are fairly current is straight from theOtaku since Gail does them of new DVD releases. So with that in mind I have gone through the past month at that site and got names and links to all of the ones she has done for the newspaper. It could go under either the Review section or the News section of the paper. [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/afro_samurai_(dvd_review)/2402/]Afro Samurai (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/black_cat_vol._4_(dvd_review)/2381/]Black Cat Vol. 4 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/case_closed_vol._3.1_(dvd_review)/2415/]Case Closed Vol. 3.1 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/demon_prince_enma_vol._1_(dvd_review)/2389/]Demon Prince Enma Vol. 1 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/full_metal_panic:_tsr_vol._4_(dvd_review)/2380/]Full Metal Panic: TSR Vol. 4 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/gunbuster_2_vol._1_(dvd_review)/2390/]Gunbuster 2 Vol. 1 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/peach_girl_vol._1_(dvd_review)/2368/]Peach Girl Vol. 1 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/trinity_blood_vol._6_(dvd_review)/2369/]Trinity Blood Vol. 6 (DVD Review)[/URL] [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/tsubasa_reservoir_chronicle_vol_1_dvd_review/2401/]Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle Vol 1 DVD Review[/URL] And there you have it. The nice thing about these is that even though they are for a single DVD they are newly released as well. Making it a good choice for people to take a look at if they are looking into getting a series. And since you were talking about a back issue of May as a starting point I searched through that month for the DVD reviews that Gail wrote. ;) I put them in alphabetical order instead of by date though. I can do more if you like. I'm not the best at writing up articles and such, but getting information is something I can do on a regular basis for the paper.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo][quote name='yashi katasan93']Well, then they wouldn't know how to do it, then, would they?[/quote]How do you figure that? What I'm saying is that not everyone knows just who these people are and without seeing what their 'profile' is like they wouldn't know if they do know how to do it or not. It's common sense. To assume that they wouldn't know how to do it makes no sense whatsoever. It's not like they can read your mind and see what you want to know. lol That would be like asking someone how to do the code for how my posts are done without a person seeing it first. It's not that hard, to provide a link to their page. Here's an example for you: [url]http://www.myotaku.com/users/indifference[/url] I can guarantee that plenty of members could look at my page and tell you exactly what I did to get it to look like it does. So I'm sure others could look at the pages you are interested in and see for themselves what they would have done. lol There is quite a few ways to do one's profile so to speak so it's kind of unrealistic to think others instantly know what you are asking about. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]You might want to provide a link to the to pages you are referring to since not everyone here is a member of myOtaku. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo][quote name='Kazuwa Nomura][COLOR=HotPink][B]The whole lot of us are naturally evil[/B'] [/COLOR][/quote]Agreed, and with Charles in charge we can't help but clobber those would be do gooders. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]The fact that Blaine Uratak had been brazen enough to not only show up at the ball but to immediately corner Kerstin and her current dance partner told Jared one thing. Blaine was still under the mistaken assumption that his position would protect him. That he still held favor with the High Council. Blaine knew of the investigation, of that Jared was sure, but obviously he must have thought he was beyond Jared's reach to have come here. Blaine was known for creating incidents, for staging things to intimidate others or to outright threaten them. Jared knew that Blaine as well as others who wanted Darren to change things were frustrated. Darren had been refusing to budge, to lighten up on the protocols, refusing to give the wealthy an edge. And their protests to the High Council had fallen on deaf ears. Even those few on the Council who would benefit had backed down, realizing that public disapproval was too high. Jared motioned to the security closest to his location and moved to where the two were standing guard just outside the doors to the balcony. Their uncertainty clear in their eyes as they watched him approach. Jared stopped an arms length away. "[B]You can either move,[/B]" he said firmly, "[B]Or be arrested on the spot.[/B]" The two looked at Jared and then at the security that had joined him and finally moved out of the way. Without hesitation Jared stepped through the doors, just in time to see Drake break free of two men who were dragging him towards the door and expertly sending them flying. But even more surprising was how firmly he addressed Blaine, nothing like a civilian would. [I]Interesting. [/I]Jared thought as he spoke up and followed through on what Drake had just said. Noting how the other two men with Blaine immediately backed off. "[B]Who said anything about harassing?[/B]" Blaine countered. "[B]I came here to offer a commission to Miss Anderson. Nothing more.[/B]" "[B]Liar,[/B]" Kerstin spoke, surprising everyone. "[B]Those two were forcing Drake to leave and you,[/B]" she said accusingly, "[B]didn't bother to wait and see if I even wanted to talk to you. And when I tried to leave the other two stopped me so don't play stupid with me. Offering me a commission does not require such high handed tricks and rude behavior.[/B]" Jared smiled a bit at Kerstin's outburst. "[B]Unless I'm mistaken it sounds like Kerstin is not interested in working for you. In which case you should leave Blaine.[/B]" Blaine shot both Kerstin and Drake a hate filled glance. "[B]I'm a bit disappointed, in both of you.[/B]" He turned back to Jared. "[B]Especially you. Remember playing with fire will result in one getting burned.[/B]" "[B]I agree Blaine, which is why you should leave. If you wish I can and will play my hand, right here and now. Care to try me?[/B]" Jared smirked a bit, almost hoping he would. It would be supremely ironic to arrest him here and now. But Blaine was too clever for that. With a glance at his two men who were helping the others who were coming around he shook his head. "[B]I'll have to pass since it seems that a couple of my employees need my assistance.[/B]" He turned back to Kerstin and bowed slightly. "[B]Perhaps another time.[/B]" "[B]I don't think so.[/B]" Kerstin said firmly. "[B]I have no interest in a commission from you.[/B]" "[B]We'll see.[/B]" Blaine said before leaving altogether. Jared turned to Drake who had been strangely quiet the whole time, but before he could say a word Kerstin rushed over to him. "[B]Are you all right?[/B]" She asked him. "[B]They didn't hurt you did they?[/B]" "[B]Uh...No I'm fine. How about you?[/B]" "[B]I'm all right.[/B]" She said with a smile, "[B]But you! That was amazing![/B]" "[B]Yes,[/B]" Jared chimed in. "[B]That was rather[I] interesting[/I]...Drake.[/B]" Drake laughed nervously, "[B]It was nothing, I'm not sure what came over me.[/B]" He backed away a bit. "[B]I'm really sorry Kerstin, but I need to go.[/B]" Jared just watched as Drake took off. Almost as if he was expecting something bad to happen. He thought about stopping him and changed his mind. After all, he was probably worried that Blaine would try to have him arrested for assaulting his goons. Never mind the fact that those goons were harassing Kerstin and him.[I] I definitely need to check into his background.[/I] Jared thought before turning his attention back to Kerstin. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=Indigo][B]1)[/B] What grade are you going into after this year? Are you graduating? Or did you already graduate? If so, what year? I don't know if I'd call it a grade since I'll be working on my doctorate. I'll be starting that this fall since once I finish my two classes this summer I'll get my Bachelor's degree. [B]2)[/B] Are you, or were you, worried? What do you plan to do with your life or are you just as confused, (and in some cases, scared) about the future as I am? At first I was, but then I had something happen unrelated to school that got things out of whack and made it hard to get back into school. It wasn't a matter of confusion but rather one of needing to drop everything until it was taken care of. Now that I'm about to get my first degree as well as having put in quite a bit of volunteer time in my chosen field I'm no longer worried or scared about the future. [B]3)[/B] Did everything work out in the end? Or was there some sort of hinderance that kept you from going or doing what you wanted to? You could say that since everything is working just fine, in spite of getting off track for a while. [B]4)[/B] What sort of advice can you give to someone like me? (Someone in high school who is freaked out of his mind) Most of the people here have already given pretty good advice, just don't give up and if you feel you need to take time off, don't. Or rather don't completely take off. I've often made sure to take summer off or to have a semester that's less stressful by cutting back on the number of classes. It's just as effective and yet keeps you in the mindset of studying and doing your school work.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo][QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange][B]1[/B]. How are you feeling right now? [B]2[/B]. What's going on in your life right now? what's 'driving you' I might say.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Pretty satisfied and content. Even though I still have the formality of finishing two classes, I've already had my commencement celebration since summer graduates are done at the same time spring ones are. And once the grades from my two classes are in I'll get the official diploma as well. As for what's going on? I'm kind of enjoying being nearly lazy since the two classes I am taking don't require a lot of homework. I have four day weekends to look forward to all summer long before I start on my next degree in the fall. So the only thing driving me right now is a desire to have a fun and relaxing summer. Even the volunteer work I'm doing is at a minimum. Oh and I broke up with my current boyfriend. We hadn't dated all that long, but the loser was dating three girls at the same time while claiming he wasn't. But I hadn't gotten to know him very well so it hasn't really bothered me, we hadn't gotten past the first couple of dates stage yet. The best time to break up if you ask me. You haven't gotten to know them well enough to get beyond the physical attraction bit. Though one of the girls I felt bad for, since she had been dating him for a year. Talk about lame. It's too bad that people have to lie like that.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=indigo]I wouldn't necessarily say they are the best, but Huey Lewis and the News is certainly one of my favorites as far as older music goes. They're one of the only bands that I like just about everything they've put out. I especially like Back to the Future, Power of Love, Heart of Rock and Roll & Couple Days off. He's not the best singer but still I enjoy listening to his stuff. Oh and Elton John gets a mention from me since I like a number of albums by him as well. And Van Halen. I always did like Jump. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo][quote name='TehCryptKeeper][color=limegreen']On another site it seemed a lot of people had problems with shows like InuYasha, Naruto and FullMetal Alchemist because of their popularity. Personally I don't think its right to judge a show based on how many people like it, and I mean that towards ANYTHING. People need to create their own opinions and I admire you all for your ability to watch anime and judge it based on your personal taste in anime. [/color][/quote]It's rather ironic, since popularity has never been a deciding factor for me when it comes to what anime shows I like. For example I've always loved the Crest of the Stars series even though others think it's boring and it's not anywhere near as popular as shows like InuYasha and Naruto. Sadly, even though I think both InuYasha and Naruto have their good moments, the dragged out long parts are irritating. As DB stated they tend to get repetitive. And yet at the same time I still have sections and particular episodes that I do like just fine. So it's really a love/hate sort of deal. I mostly hate them, but parts of them I do love to watch. [spoiler]Like episodes with Shippo. I've always liked him even if most of the fans think he's useless. [/spoiler] I could also say the same for Detective Conan, I love the show, but seriously, with over 470 episodes and over eleven movies...I'm ready to see Shin'ichi Kudo as an [spoiler]adult[/spoiler] again. I still love the show, but sometimes too much of a good thing is just as irritating as too much of a bad thing. lol[QUOTE=r2vq][color=#007520]I'm going to argue that even if it dealt with death more than Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, it was still about friendship. Take for example the first episode, where Yuugi [spoiler]defends[/spoiler] Jounouchi and Honda [spoiler]from that bully.[/spoiler] Yes, it was a death [spoiler]defying stunt and psychotic torture that he used,[/spoiler] but it was still in the name of friendship! That, and the first part of Yuugi and the first part of Jounouchi put together creates "Yuujou" which means friendship. -r2[/color][/QUOTE]Drat! You beat me to it. I find it ironic how people complain that they added friendship to Yu-Gi-Oh when it was always central to the story. All they did was take out the death aspect making it look like they added the 'friendship' idea. Which is why I prefer the manga for this series. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]You know that you're making it so people will want to join so when it starts they aren't thinking..Hell I should have signed up! lol So count me in as well.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]Ah good, you've got this up already and I'm loving all the suggestions so far. I like the idea Darren has as well about other news, especially since I'm sure you could provide links to interesting things that were covered over at theOtaku. It wouldn't be that hard to find things that would be fun to include. Also, even if you haven't decided on a complete name just yet, you could go ahead and start a thread in the Art Request section of the boards, asking for a header or different banners for each section. Since like Premonition mentioned a snazzy appearance would make it more fun too. Obviously you don't know all the sections yet or the requirements for a header per se, but it probably wouldn't hurt to let artists know you're looking for that. And some of them might even have ideas or suggestions for things graphically that you might not think of. If you leave it completely open to suggestion besides limiting it to one that wouldn't stretch OB's layout if this is done in a thread instead of a link to deal like Otakupedia...One of the first polls you could have would be for the members to pick the graphics for the newspaper. Also, my offer to help with this still stands. Just let me know what you'd like me to do Kathy. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]1) I'm cautiously in favor of this, if what Des is talking about isn't enough since having to wait for a post or two to create a new thread wouldn't really affect new members all that much. Most places that you join require running through a through things so adding a little more to combat automated spam seems like a good idea. Though since Des mentioned there are solutions once we upgrade to vB 3.5. then it's an idea that I would rather wait on to see if it's even necessary after the update. 2) I like this one since it would be a nice touch and like Des mentioned it's not like we don't have access to lots of birthday e-cards over at theOtaku to choose from. The text is nice, but getting a little card would be more fun in my opinion. As for having someone actually do it. I suppose if someone wanted to it would be alright, but that seems like it would be more trouble than it's worth. Still I like the idea of doing cards instead of a simple e-mail. Or at least including a card with the simple e-mail. 3) Personally I like this idea the best. Otakupedia is great fun and having a monthly newspaper is something that I think would be fun to read. It's something that I would be willing to help with since once a month is something that I'm sure I could do, or even help with gathering the information during the month to hand over to who ever is managing it. A good way to start on this would be to open a thread in OB Anthology and start collecting ideas from the members, to see just what people would like to read in a monthly newspaper so to speak and then go from there.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]No worries. Looks like it worked out where you got your's in first anyway. And now that mine is done, if you need me to change anything let me know. I believe that I got Kerstin and Daniel's responses correctly, but if not. It's an easy matter to simply edit it. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Indigo]In all honesty, Jared didn't like social functions, whether it was a ball or a concert didn't matter. He disliked most of the petty dealings that went on at such things since he preferred a certain amount of bluntness. Still like Sandra he understood just how useful they were and as an interrogator they could be perfect for seeing how people behaved. Since some simply could not resist the open environment and were often a bit careless. He knew perfectly well that one could get their hands on information that otherwise would be difficult to come across. It was a pity he wasn't actively watching someone who was actually at this particular ball. It was interesting from the standpoint of watching the others though, since he had been correct in his assumption that Darren would rather die than attend a ball. But his sister Kerstin, she had been more than eager to go as well as to accept Jared's offer to escort her. Which considering the security was ideal. Making it easier for him to keep an eye on her. Even if Darren looked a bit panic stricken. Something that regretfully Jared couldn't really enjoy as his attention was needed elsewhere. But so far he hadn't seen anything amiss and the security didn't either. It was for all intents the same boring deal of dancing, chatting and wandering around to talk with others as all balls often were. There hadn't even been any of the usual arguments since the presence of the security had people behaving. Though Jared was sure his presence was contributing to it as well. Which was why his attention was immediately drawn to an individual who was heading across the floor, his attention clearly elsewhere as it seemed that he was mumbling over something, preoccupied as he narrowly missed running into several groups of people. Their body language was not one of menace, leaving Jared to believe that it was something else, but when the person abruptly switched directions and bumped directly into Kerstin he just raised an eyebrow. Especially when Kerstin turned to see who had run into her and the person looked up at her. Jared was not surprised that he seemed to recognize her, after all she was a student at the university but his quickly suppressed look of panic and terror upon seeing him was surprising. Jared knew that others were afraid of him, but such a strong reaction over simply seeing him was not something he ran into very often. Jared watched as he stammered a bit before finally managing to say something that was actually coherent. Making him wonder just what he had heard about him to get such a strong reaction. "[B]I'm terribly sorry...I...I wasn't paying attention.[/B]" The person finally said. Kerstin just smiled. "[B]I wouldn't worry about it. Though usually it is a good idea to watch where you are walking you know.[/B]" she teased. The person just nodded and then started to leave after apologizing yet again. "[B]Wait a second,[/B]" Kerstin said, causing them to stop. "[B]Aren't you going to introduce yourself? After all, I get the impression that you know who I am.[/B]" Jared couldn't help but notice how they glanced nervously at him before looking back to Kerstin to respond. "[B]I'm sorry, you're right. I do know who you are but then I've seen some of your work.[/B]" He swallowed nervously before continuing. "[B]I'm Drake Etat, and though we don't share any classes I've seen you around.[/B]" "[B]Well then Drake,[/B]" Kerstin said mock seriously. "[B]I'm going to have to demand that you share a dance with me and tell me about yourself as a proper apology for rudely bumping into me.[/B]" She winked at him before turning to Jared with a smile. "[B]Provided that you don't mind that is.[/B]" Jared just smiled in return, "[B]Not at all.[/B]" He made a mental note to check into Drake Etat's background though as he watched them head for the main floor. If only to see if there was some reason for Drake's strong reaction to him. Then he turned his attention back to what was going on as well as watching Kerstin since in a way it was amusing to watch just how forward Kerstin was in comparison to Darren. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=Indigo][CENTER][B]Violation Detected?Rule Seven Of Prohibited Actions Has Occurred?[/B][/CENTER] [SIZE=1]Delilah and Brittany had managed to catch up with Meredith who had finally calmed down. [I]I shouldn?t have accused her of lying,[/I] Delilah thought. Even if there wasn?t an exit, it was obvious that Meredith was in her own way trying to keep her from feeling so depressed. So terrified. [I]I should apologize to her. [/I] But as Delilah started to speak Meredith suddenly vanished? [I]What the?[/I] Delilah started looking around frantically while Brittany just stood there. But as Delilah started to call out Meredith?s name she was interrupted as if from everywhere the same distorted voice they had heard from the screen when they first arrived spoke:[B] [I]There will be penalties for those who act in a way that the CCC does not allow. Remember? we are always watching you. [/I][/B] ?[B]Penalties?[/B]? Delilah asked in confusion. ?[b]I don?t understand.[/b]? Fearfully she looked around for Meredith but no one was in sight, it was just her and Brittany. [I]Now what do I do?[/I] She thought. [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] Meredith Taylor didn?t know what had happened, one moment she was walking down the corridor with Delilah and Brittany right behind her when the next step brought her face to face with a wall. A wall that when she turned around was part of a tiny enclosed room about ten feet wide and long as well as high. [I]What the fuck? How did I get here?[/I] The walls seemed to be made of a type of smooth marble stone and Meredith was positive that she could smell water. But further speculations were halted when the same voice she had heard when she arrived in this place spoke. ?[B]Meredith Taylor. You have acted in a manner that violates the Central Command Center?s rules. For your crime, you will face a punishment of the Panopticon.[/B]? ?[B]Oh really? And just what rule would that be?[/B]? Meredith said sarcastically. Still in a bad mood after dealing with Delilah. ?[b]I?ve heard this stupid spiel before, when I first arrived. Until you tell me what your stupid rules are I can?t break them.[/b]? But the voice ignored her reasoning and continued. ?[B]Your punishment will last 12 hours by the CCC?s time. For your crime you will face trial seventy two.[/B]? ?[b]Are you deaf?[/b]? Meredith said incredulously, even as she looked for the source of the voice. ?[b]I just told you that one needs to actually [I]know[/I] a rule before they can break it.[/b]? But when the voice didn?t answer yet again, she felt a bit uneasy. And then confused when five minutes passed and nothing happened. [I]Pfft![/I] She thought. [I]What a bunch of bullshit. As if being locked up for twelve hours is going to bother me.[/I] After all, she had endured far worse when she had been initially trained. Meredith was preparing to sit down when the entire floor beneath her vanished. With a startled shriek she fell into the room below, landing with a loud splash in icy cold water. A moment later she broke the surface, cursing colorfully as she hunted for a place to climb out. Surveying the huge room she was now in. On one side was an enormous screen with a countdown of the time remaining. She looked for a place to climb but the walls were all smooth, with nothing to grip. Even the hole she had fallen through had vanished, the ceiling unbroken. For all intents and purposes she was trapped. She had only been there for a few minutes but the cold was sapping her strength rapidly. Meredith hunted for a spot where the water might be shallow enough to stand but a quick look showed that it was so deep that she could not see the bottom. And it looked like there wasn?t a place to get out of the water. Then to her surprise a series of platforms ten feet by ten feet rose up from deep below the water. Once they were mere inches above the water level a loud locking noise was heard as they snapped into place. All through out the room they appeared, each one about five feet apart. Quickly she climbed out of the icy water onto the one closest to her, relieved to finally have a spot out of the water. But her relief was short lived as the sound of stone grating was heard as dozens of panels opened up along the walls and turrets emerged, taking aim. ?[b]Oh Shit![/b]? Meredith swore when she saw the turrets, looking desperately for a way to get out. But there wasn?t one. A split second later several of them fired a type of energy beam, forcing her to dive into the icy waters to avoid being shot. But she wasn?t quite quick enough and one of the beams dealt her a glancing blow, causing her to partially slam into another one of the platforms. Meredith swam underwater as far as she could before finally surfacing, the frigid water numbing her. [i]I can't stay in this. Without something to protect me I'll freeze in no time. [/i] A quick glance at her left arm where she had been hit showed that what ever the beam of energy was, it wasn?t enough to kill, yet. Other than a tiny bit of redness and a lingering tingling sensation her arm was fine. It took her a moment to realize that the turrets were not firing at her. But the question was why. Then as her body began to shake from the cold, Meredith finally pulled herself up onto one of the platforms. But within seconds of doing so the turrets took aim and fired at her, forcing her off of the platform and into the water again. [i]Hell! It's designed to force me into the water![/i] A thought that was confirmed as she tried several times to get back onto the platforms. Sometimes even managing to dodge the shots for a bit before being forced back into the water. Twice the shots had gotten her, sending her sprawling. Only to cry out in pain when they mercilessly kept shooting her until she managed to get back into the water. Meredith glanced the screen showing the countdown from her position of treading water between two platforms in the middle of the room. Just under an hour had passed. [I]I?m going to drown. [/I]She thought. [I]The water?s too cold for me to last another eleven hours.[/I] She was already tired having gotten hardly any sleep due to the spider that had attacked her earlier. And she was already feeling the effects of the energy blasts. Blasts that were just strong enough to hurt yet not kill. Meredith continued to tread water, watching the turrets as they continued to patrol the surface of the platforms. [I]Now what do I do?[/I] She thought even as she tried to still the feelings of panic that were starting to become more prominent. Making her want to scream with frustration. All that training. All that experience and it was good for nothing. [CENTER]*****[/CENTER][/COLOR][/SIZE] [CENTER][IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/Cubechar2.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/imprisonpanopticon.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [COLOR=Indigo] [B]Notes:[/B] The twelve hours translates to 60 hours in real time from the moment this post goes up. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo][quote name='The Mask']Oh, I understand. I did get confused about the Community Events section.[/quote]No worries. ;) Anyway, I can't believe no one has mentioned [COLOR=DarkOrange]Orange[/COLOR] yet. I mean between Bleach and Fruits Basket, it's an obvious choice. So that's my answer. Oh and DB...*tosses him into a swimming pool* :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]Hi and welcome to OtakuBoards [B]The Mask[/B], Just to let you know Community Events are organized and hosted by the[B] Event Master[/B], [B]White[/B]. In order to have an event there, it must be done by[B] White[/B]. So I will be moving this over to the Anime Lounge, where if you wish to continue hosting this game you may do so. If you have any questions feel free to pm myself or another member of the staff. ~indifference[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Indigo]Well most of the strange work experiences I've run into are confidential. But one when I was waiting for a friend at her job is not. My friend works at Wendy's and I was meeting her there, since we were going to go to a movie that evening. While I was waiting some guy in an old beat up pickup pulled up and went inside and got one of the combo meals they offer. He pretty much wolfed it down so quickly it was a wonder he didn't choke on it and then left, only to puke the whole meal right back up on the pavement next to his truck. And all he did was get in and drive off as if nothing had happened. Oh and the one that ordered their meal, paid for it at the first window and then drove off without bothering to actually get the food was pretty strange as well.[/COLOR]