Stark

"Where the hell are you going?" Ross demanded of Scott as he stepped out of the van, trance-like. Such an action, coming from the up-til-now-cooler-than-ice-in-this-mess Scott, was uncalled for and unheard of. She snorted, and leaped out of the van after him. "This is not part of the plan!" She called, "Aren't we supposed to be blockading these bastards or something?" No reponce. She took off after him, determined not to let her 'partner' go looney on her. As she ran she loaded her gun with the ammunition that was provided at the garage--just in case. There was a bad feeling in the pit of her stomache, a clear warning sign of trouble. Even if she didn't trust her self entirely, after all, she was only human, she had learned to trust her hunches. Her hunch told her that this would not end well.

Oi. Rena-Chan. I'm technically single, and I'm here. Kuro-Tan, if you look hard enough I'm sure that you can find a good single person you can have a relationship with. They could be anywhere from your college campus to the local burger joint....perhaps even on the OB. You may want to look for similar interests first if you want to find someone you like. Perhaps that hot guy sitting across from you in a class you like? (Hypothetical situation.) Perhaps join a club--you'll definently find friends there if your really interested in the subject. Just look around. Pay attention to the people around you. You might find someone in the masses who's your 100% perfect boy.

Tical...kiddo...I was going through a similar issue when I was 14--a few years ago by now. It IS confusing not knowing where you fit in, and even more confusing trying to find out what you like in that area. You're still a kid, and I concur with the raging hormones bit. You'll get that proverbial kick in the butt when it comes. On another note, you said that you don't want to do the deed with anyone. You looking for...an emotional attachment? It's not a bad thing to look for someone you can relate to, but if you really are curious just try to keep your relationship in the right perspective. You don't want to have a crush on your best friend like I did. You could wind up in a sticky situation if that should happen You'll know when you know; it's different for everyone. Heck, I'm going to graduate High School at the end of next semester, and I still don't know! It's different for everyone.

I, too, would choose death over eternal life. Those who want immortality are in for a lot of sorrow, for everyone will die whether they like it or not. Yet, I don't fear death. I lost that fear a long time ago. I just see it this way; even after my consciousness passes, the energy in my body will go on to nourish other life forms. Life, I think, is a cycle. I'm just another phase in the continual waltz of life, death, and birth. Besides, energy is never lost. It is probably just another way to see immortality.

Ross glanced at the gun she already had with her, then at the rest of the supplies. As much as she loved her little gun, she knew that she would need something else. Besides, it didn't feel quite right when she only had one of the twins with her. Heart peered over her shoulder. "Don't say it," she said to Ross. "Please. You've probably broken enough rules as it is." "What?" Ross asked, "I'll have you know, if anyone tries to snatch me up out of nowhere, I'm not going to go without a fight. Besides, no one knows that I have this except you guys." It was paranoia, she guessed. It made her uncomfortable to think of all those young women who got snatched and killed not even a mile from their homes. "Watch those reactions, will ya?" It was Scott. "I really don't want you to jump and shioot me." "Right." Ross nodded, took up another gun of a similar make, and some extra ammunition should she run out. "I'll work on that," She smiled at everyone, dropped the guns and ammo in her bag, and made it known that she was also ready.

Kuro-Tan, I've only really read the manga( About 6 vols) and from what I can remember Sakura does just that, tease Naruto and swoon over Sasuke I may be mistaken [Spoiler] Rank testing was just coming up where I left off. [/Spoiler] Who knows? Maybe she does get some action in.

"The girl is Heart Kelyn--a star on the varsity Volleyball team. The boy is another new kid, Kei Wilder--and he is [I] so happy[/I] to be here." Ross answered for the trio. She had followed Scott, not much appreciating being left out of any action, and decided to use her fount of who was who at school for a greater purpose. "Ross..." Heart whined, casting a look that crossed between dispair and irritation. Ross smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I couldn't help it." Scott cast her a look as well. "Did you finish?" Again, Ross smiled. "Yep, and we still have plenty left," She gestured toward the container that was held firmly in her hands. Heart paled when she saw the label. "Don't tell me that you--" "Raided Mr. Long's room again?" Ross finished for her. "Yep." She turned to Brady and Scott. "Media, huh?" He chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, I'll stay quiet." Of course she would. Aunt Kari need not know about this fiasco.

Sometimes my characters do what ever they will and surprise everyone, myself included. I find that I don't know them very well yet, but they want me to know them, and will let me know in some sort of way. They seem to be people already, just waiting somewhere in limbo for a proper sculpter to see them and release them from their marble shell. Once released, they take on lives of their own, and they almost beg me to record these events. Thus, I have stories. Actually, what I have is mostly parts of stories because I've found that I'm not the right sculpter to make these characters whole. But sometimes...sometimes there is just that little chink in the stone, and I exploit it. Suddenly this sculpter with words goes on a flurry, and by the end of it the character has been released. It's a little scary, because I can almost see them smile and whisper their thanks to me.

The only reason I watch Toonami anymore is to catch Naruto, and I'm rather happy with it so far, seeing how many scenes from the manga are almost perfectly executed in an animated style. IGPX looks interesting...I seem to remember Toonami playing it once before, a few years back. I missed it then, but I was interested. However, my all time favorite has to be Gundam Wing or Gundam SEED. They both are good, very good, and GW was what got me watching Toonami in the first place. How can I not like it?

Why not have fun with the names? Yesterday I discovered a wonderful name generator site--Seventh Sanctum. It gives you everything from character names to character types to bizarre names for countries, titles, and governments. I like the site. Just Google it. For me it's the first site on the list.

?Right.? Ross smiled at the joke Scott had made, marveling over how anyone could be so playful in such a serious situation. She obeyed her orders, quickly moving over toward the area where Scott had some from, all the while careful not to spill the Hydrochloric Acid. She didn?t trust the school janitors not to use Clorox while cleaning the floors, and if any spilled there could be a chemical reaction that resulted in Chlorine Gas. Chlorine. About as bad as Hydrochloric Acid if it was breathed in. She came upon the scene, and impassively examined the dead Eaters. Carefully, she stepped among their fallen forms, making certain that she didn?t slip on any excess blood or saliva that littered the floor. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a movement, and her defenses immediately went active. Without thinking she drew her gun, pointing it at the source of the movement, and fired. Upon further investigation, she realized that it was just a residual nervous reaction. The creature?s system had shut down, but that didn?t stop the random currents from jumping through its nerves. Ross laughed aloud. She really was on edge. If she continued to react that badly to such minor stimuli, then someone was bound to get hurt. She put her gun away. It wasn?t long after that Scott came running up. ?What happened?? He demanded. Ross looked up from her work, and smiled. ?Nerves.?

Vandalism. She was about ready to tell that to Scott, tell him that people don't just go around kicking open doors, when she realized that it was useless anyway. Who cared? They got what they needed. "We need to go to the Main Hall." Scott explained. "Do you know where it is? I got lost somewhere along the line." "Yeah," Ross replied, holding the tightly sealed container carefully, "I know where it is." She pointed down the hall, "It's very close--if we head this way we should get there in no time." Scott appeared to be in a hurry. "Well? Come on," He took hold of her arm again, but she pulled away. "Let's not run this time, all right? If this stuff spills we're all screwed."

When I hear the word 'punk' I immediately think 'nonconformity'. Then I look at todays 'punks'. They're frelling conformists! Rather, let me clarify--They're nonconformists conforming with other nonconformists, so therefore they can't be nonconformist, can they? If you avoid labels, then don't say what people lable you as. Or, try to defy that label and make something of yourself. People might actually think more of you if you make a statement that hasn't already been made. Punk has become a trend. Punk is just another fad that will pass, so don't think much over it. Be yourself, Hell's Angel, and don't worry over trying to fit in with lables people give you. A label is just a lable, created by people to help them judge others. It isn't infalliable, so don't rely on it in your life. Ever.

"Hey...could we rest a minute?" It was Ross, her words coming out from between gasping breaths from the run. She stopped without waiting for an answer, and in irritation kicked off her heels. She was by no means an athlete. At best, she was very flexible and a sprinter. But running around the school at top speed was enough to wear her down. Before she knew it, Scott was standing before her. "Strange. Seeing you run to class earlier, I thought you'd be able to handle this." Ross held up her hand, she shook her head. "100 meter dash? Yes. Mile run? No." She took a few deep breaths, and contemplated what Scott had told her earlier. Chaos Eaters...odd name. But it fit, adequately describing a creature that was born of the chaos of World War II, and now chose to reside in the chaos of the hormone filled, wildly emotional population of a public high school. "Hydrochloric Acid." She said as she got her wind back. "Nasty stuff. It's a strong acid. Highly corrosive. It's also partly responsible for the nasty effects of Mustard Gas. Put it in damp conditions, and it'll devolve into Hydrochloric Acid. The soldiers in the area would breath it in, and it would ruin the pulminary cavities in their lungs. Blood would rush in, and they would literally drown to death." "I guess we'll have to be careful then." Scott intoned. "You ready now?" Ross nodded. "Yeah. And if it works, that'll be great. I just have the sneaking suspicion that the door to the Chem. Lab will be locked, so we may have to go through a window." "Anything's fine, as long as we get some." Ross smiled. "Oh we'll get some. Don't worry about that." She slipped her shoes back on--the sneakers from her bag, not the heels from hell--and gestured for Scott to follow. She walked swiftly down the hall, with prupose. She wasn't quite ready to run again. But she would if it became necessary.

"Hydrochloric Acid." Scott looked to Ross, as if to question her. "What?" Ross sighed, and turned to her classmate. "Hydrochloric Acid. You mentioned clean-up, and I can't imagine anything that it can't dissolve. We can probably find some if we raid the chem. lab." She didn?t want to be thought of as being a part of the shocked stereotype, and to avoid that she thought that she should try to be of use. "Then again, explain what that thing is and I'll be happy. Or, explain who you guys are. Hunters? You did say that you guys 'live for this stuff'." She glanced regretfully at her gun--one of the 'twins' she managed to save from her Father's belongings. She had broken school policy to bring that along, and it was a miracle that she wasn't caught. But, since the disappearance of Hillary, a coworker of hers, she had become paranoid about being kidnapped and killed. Not that she thought that was Hillary's demise. It was just a fact that most young women who are kidnapped, or 'disappear', wind up dead a few miles from their home. "'Live for this stuff'...That makes me think CIA. I'd like an explanation here." The idea no longer seemed outlandish. If those two could take down a couple of those creatures in less than a few minutes, then it was obvious they were skilled. She didn?t care what the truth. A mutated, radioactive rabid dog would have been fine for an explanation. At least, it would have been something.

Ross was scowling at Scott as he ran over, and pulled the daggers out of her shirt. She looked at them for a moment, then looked at Scott. "What the hell are you trying to do? Kill me?!" She tilted her head to the side, and held the blades by their handles at her side. If anything happened, she was all ready to strike. Scott exhaled, and glanced to the side. "This is going to be a long story..." Ross looked at him in silence, then started to examine the blades.They were nice looking things, and would have made any blade collector proud. Even if they were nice, she realized the gravity of it all. She looked back up at the offender. 'If it's going to be long, then get on with it." "Why not have a look?" It was Brady, and he gestured for Ross to look down the hallway. She obeyed, and found herself ignoring the current situation and taking a few steps forward. What ever it was, instinct told her that it wasn't supposed to be there. Or exist. She uttered a curse, and shook her head. Out of all the thoughts that went through her mind, she summed them all up with three words. "It's...an abomination."

"Maybe we should split up," Ross suggested to Chase, perfectly calm. "The teacher might get the wrong idea if we go in together, you know?" A look of apparent disgust crossed Chase's features. That was the only answer Ross needed. "I know, I'd rather shoot myself too." She shook her head. "But, if we go in separately, she won't get any ideas except that we both just don't like each other or her." "Sounds good," Chase nodded. "I like that idea better." "Good. I'll see you in a few minutes then." With that said Ross took off down the hallway. Her plan was to stop by her locker to drop off her school clothing and pick up her book from earlier. If Clark proved more knowledgeable than usual, she may need something to occupy herself for the next hour. If she happened to pass Scott and Brady as she headed toward her locker, that was all right. She would just point them in the direction of the gym, which they didn't seem to know since they were on the complete opposite side of the school. "Heads up!" She called as she saw them, not wanting to barrel anyone over in her heels. It was bad enough just to be wearing them, saying nothing about running in them. The two of them looked at her, and she waved her greeting. She would speak to them on the next pass if she really wanted to talk. She didn't, however, if it could be avoided. She had enough on her mind, and didn't want to jump to any more conclusions. They were just a couple of new kids, and she was probably reading into the situation too much. They weren't a part of the CIA or anything, she assured herself. After all, this wasn't a fictional novel. She felt her foot land wrong on the tile floor, and let out a cry as the cold white tile closed in on her vision.

"Chase!" Ross called, cluncking her way down the hall way in her dress shoes. "You better not be trying to leave--we have detention tonight!" Chase turned around and smirked. "What's with the get up?" Ross stopped, and dropped both her school bag and the plastic bag that held her school clothes on the ground. "Work uniform. I need to go right after detention." "Work?" "Yeah. You've heard of it, right?" Ross shook her head. "Anyway, we need to report to IC for the little 'incident' the other day." "Oh, that?" Chase made a show of being confused. "But I thought that was tomorrow..." "You wish, smartass. Fletture wants us in IC for our little spat--and for collectively chewing his ears out." She grinned. "Not that it should be too bad. Apparently Clark is in charge today, and we both know how strict she is." "Not at all..." Chase grinned as well, as if he understood where Ross was going. She bent down to retrieve her bags. It was odd, how she related with Chase. One moment they hated each other, and the next they were in perfect understanding. They fell into line together, making their way to IC. "You know, this is very weird." "Really?" "Really. Plow boy in particular...his story doesn't sound right." "Yeah, Plow Boy. You know, I saw him and some other new kids hanging out back earlier. Maybe something's up?" Ross looked at him, and saw that for once he wasn't joking around. She nodded her agreement. "Yeah, maybe something is. And I don't like it."

Rio bowed his head and blushed. "Well... I um..." The girl took over. "I just wanted to do the right thing by helping take care of some kids. They have no parents and no home, so I am all they have. But--" "That notice you put out earlier,"Rio cut the girl off, having gotten his thoughts together. "That notice had a picture of this girl and a sum at the bottom. " He pulled the folded piece of paper from his pocket. "This one." He opened it and showed it to the woman, praying that she wouldn't see beyond the disguise. "The paper says that she is wanted for..." He coughed lightly, clearing his throat. "'Theivery, Rowdiness, and a Disturbance to the Peace." "I don't see how I disturbed anything," The girl huffed. "These kids needed SOMETHING." Rio glanced anxiously at the girl and shook his head, indicating for her to stop. She didn't seem to notice, but the council woman spoke before the girl could continue. "I see," She said, "And I thank you for bringing her here." She reached into a drawer of a near by chest, and pulled out as small sack. "This is the sum that was listed, Mr..." "Rio." He said, anxiously pushing up his glasses. "Mr. Rio. " She smiled. "A small token of our gratitude." "Thank you." Rio accepted it, only to shift it to the other hand and hold it back out to her. "But...I don't need it." He smiled slightly, and thought of the bakery he had hoped to open with that money. A bakery, now gone for a while. "How so?" The woman asked. The girl was just looking at him like he was the worst idiot alive. "Just...put this aside to open an orphanage or some other facility to take care of the children the girl loves. And...go easy on her." He backed away slowly, turned around, and went to sit by the door. He felt the heat of blood burning his cheeks, and wondered if he was the biggest fool there. He took comfort in one fact; that he wasn't foolish enough to leave without the councilwoman's permission.

Ross did a quick count in her head of all the people who had gone up front, and eventually found her way up to five students. She snorted. "What is it--transfer season?" She muttered, hoping that no one had heard. It was very childish of the teacher to make the students introduce themselves in front of a class filled with hostile eyes. It was a throwback to elementary school--and Kei had pegged it perfectly. She found herself smiling in anticipation and amusement. This was going to be an interesting year... Scott had found his way back to his seat, and seemed relieved that he had escaped the teacher's nutty ways for now. Ross saw him glance quickly over at her, and she smiled as he looked away. There was something odd about that boy...his story didn't feel right. It was easy to deduce that he was just shy, or bad at public speaking, but Ross couldn't fight that unsettling feeling that caused the hairs on the back of her neck to prickle. She brought out a novel, and feigned reading it. In actuality, she intended to delve further into the stories of these new kids. It was a gut feeling, and she never ignored those. Also, she tended to be nosey on a good day. Scott was the first in line for investigation. "Ohio, huh?" she asked softly, and out of the corner of her eye saw Scott start. He recovered nicely. "Yeah..." "I used to live in Amish Country--Pennsylvania. It's very close to Ohio. Possibly you, even. Where was it that you used to live in Ohio?" She glanced over, and saw Scott blanch. Curious. She smiled at him politely, and waited for an answer.

He was a new kid, Ross could tell just by looking at him. And the question?yep, definitely a new kid. ?Alright then. Scott? Follow me.? She smiled, and took off again down the halls. It was English class, and if she got there late then all of the good seats would be taken. ?Good? meaning any seat that was somewhere toward the center of the room. The teacher liked to write on the board a lot, but unfortunately blocked the view if the student was sitting toward the sides of the room. ?Ross,? Scott called, ?Why are we running?? He was keeping up with her pretty well, considering the crowd that always plagued the hallways. He also didn?t seem to be out of breath at all. An athlete, maybe? Ross took note of that, and filed it away for future reference. Maybe he could join the Track Team or something along those lines. She looked back and smiled. ?One, I don?t want to be late. Two,? Her smile turned to a mischievous grin, ?You?ll just have to see about that.? They rounded a corner, nearly collided with a fellow student, but managed to make it to room 22-04 in one piece. Ross opened the door for Scott, and gestured for him to enter. ?Pick a seat, any seat, but do so at your own risk.? She smiled again, and once inside plopped herself unceremoniously at a desk a few rows back and a few seats in. Perfect note taking area. That is, if she didn?t get distracted again.

I have to say Anne Rice. Yes another reader in the house (Yea for Chuck Palahniuk!), and I'm not ashamed. I find that I don't have many people to look up to in my life, so I choose an author. Another writer with a huge cult following, but I find that her characters, while for the most part being vampires, are more human that a lot of people anymore. Lestat, for instance, is a fully fleshed, vibrant character who proves that even a monster is allowed to seek redemption. Her books tend to question the very essence of humanity, what does it truely mean to be a person who does anything in the world? And her characters set a model for how a person could be if they tried. I have to admire a woman who can write like she can. You just don't see that kind of skill in most of the books you find in stores.

The anime that got me hooked was a combination of Gundam Wing and Card Captor Sakura (Cardcaptors) when they aired. I just loved how the animation styles were so different than American cartoons, and how these shows actually had a plot versus...Ninja Turtles? I can't remember anymore. That was about six years ago. I don't think this addiction is ever going to be very far from my mind.

It was raining again. The sky was literally crying for reasons that no man could fathom and was intent on letting the whole land know. The earth turned to mud as the rain fell, and the collected puddles distorted the reflections of the towering pine trees overhead. If anything could make a mountain crumble, it was the rain. Rio gazed plaintively at the sky, yet managed to smile as the cold drops cut through his being and to the bone. Along with the chill was a sense of déjà vu?at a different time, in another place, a different man towed a different youth to the place that would ultimately decide their fate. He blinked the rain from his eyes, and in that instant caught a flash of warm eyes and a bright red scarf. Yes, he decided, it would be a day of judgment. ?What are you doing?? whined the youth in question, a bedraggled creature who probably hadn?t seen a proper meal in weeks, ?waiting for a landslide to bring the Hall down to you?? He glanced back at the youth that followed, and smiled sheepishly. ?No?nothing like that.? He replied, and started on his trek again. It was no time for nostalgia, even if the weather was the same as it had been that fateful day so long ago. The young man gazed at the intimidating figure that was the Hall of the High Council, and decided that it was a day of judgment for more than one person. The Council had set a reward for the youth?s capture, as they had for many criminals as of late. Among the flyers was face that was all too familiar? ?Hey, mister,? called the youth, ?what do you think that the Council wants me for?? The question betrayed the youth for what she really was?a child. Her voice had taken on a quivery note, as if she was genuinely frightened. ??Ah?? was all Rio could manage at first. ?Well?you?re a thief.? ?So? There are other thieves!? Rio sighed, and chose his words carefully. He was sorry to have to turn the girl in, but he knew what he had to do to maintain a clean image with the public and the Council. ?They?haven?t become a nuisance yet. That?s all.? ?So it?s a nuisance for me to try to keep some little kids alive?? She continued, a challenge in her voice. ?So the Council is saying to let these children die?? He stopped and, gazing at her directly, remembered a different time when a different youth had said something similar. In her eyes he saw the glittery tears that accompanied her rage, and shook his head. ?It?s not what you?re doing,? He said, remembering what the other man had said, ?But how you?re doing it. You?re not wrong in your drive, but you?re not right in your action.? ?Please, let?s just get this over with?? He smiled sadly at the girl, pulled his hat lower over his head, and approached the doorway with her in tow. ?I?ll find some way to help the children, okay?? With that said he pushed the door open and took her inside, nodded his acknowledgment to the two women inside, and was content to wait with the youth at the far wall of the chamber.

I never saw much of Candidate for Goddess on it's Adult Swim run, but I liked what I saw. It's a pity that they didn't keep it--I didn't know that until now, actually. :animeswea I just thought that I missed it because I was in Middle School and needed my sleep! I have, however, read a few volumes of the manga and I liked what I read. It's definently a series I want to finish. Of course, it DOES have mecha in it. Therefore I have to finish it!