Rachmaninoff

Darren was trying to not laugh at the irony of the situation. Here he?d been denied the right to walk around the ship since they left for sector seven and yet shortly before they arrived Stevens authorized a feed to his quarters, giving him access to see what was happening during the battle. And Stevens cryptic message about paying attention since he would learn something didn?t make any sense to him at all. The only thing that made sense as he watched the unnecessary slaughter was that his desire to have nothing to do with any of it was even stronger than before. [I]What am I suppose to be learning here?[/I] Darren thought as he watched all the readouts from both the [I]Creator[/I] and the [I]Conqueror[/I]. It hadn?t taken long to figure out what the different color tags were for, green for the military, gold for the medical ships and then red for those who were considered the enemy. There were other notations, but he didn?t understand what they stood for. Though considering the types of ships that were active he figured it had to do with whether or not they were combat ships or not. [I]Why did they resist? It?s obvious that they were outmatched here! What could they possibly hope to gain?[/I] It just made no sense! Sandra had issued a call for them to surrender the moment they had arrived and yet they had attacked instead. Making him wonder just what was going on in their minds. Even if they were split between three planets, with two flag ships and fifty Battle Ships the fifteen that were there didn?t stand a chance in hell. [I]Gods, all those people, they died for nothing. [/I]And if he did what Steven?s wanted, even more were going to die. Darren watched as the transports landed on the main world and did his best to not cringe at the thought. Just as he knew about Jared from when he was a simple merchant, he also knew who Vallon Drace was as well. Word always got around fast when it came to knowing who to avoid in the military whenever possible. [I]If they really want the representatives alive, they should have sent Jared instead. [/I]He shook his head at the stupidity of whoever decided to put Drace in charge. Though since they were likely to be executed for treason, it didn't really matter in the long run. Then just when he was beginning to think Stevens had been wrong about him learning something the system flagged something going on at both the world where the plants were grown as well as where Stevens was located. [I]What the hell is that? [/I]Puzzled he watched the data feed and then nearly choked when he realized just what it meant. [I]So that?s what I?m suppose to learn?[/I] Darren looked away, disgusted with what he had just seen and then looked back as if to see if his mind was playing tricks on him. [I]How can they live with themselves?[/I] He wondered as he finally pulled up the information that Stevens had given him earlier, checking to make sure he had remembered correctly. And then, though he wished otherwise, he began to transfer the data from the battle to his location. Somehow he got the impression that Stevens expected it since one way or the other, now that he knew, he was going to need it. If he was to follow the orders he had been given that is.

[quote name='Shinmaru']My favorite is the classic "You solved a puzzle!" jingle from The Legend of Zelda series. I wish that played every time I got a question right on a test.[/QUOTE]I really like that one as well. I also like the bonus level for Diablo II Lord of Destruction. Where those cows literally say 'Moo' it's just so silly and stupid that it makes me laugh whenever I play that bonus level. It also makes it hard to take the level seriously.

Right now I'm listening to Nightwish [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cDsWi8WXnc"][U]The poet and the pendulum[/U][/URL] The instrumental version of course. Something I learned about from Jakehammaren. I've provided a link but I'm listening to my own copy that finally came, which is a plus since it sounds a whole lot better than the youtube upload. My favorite part is of course the Cello solo about four and a half minutes into the song. I'll probably be back with other songs as well once I've had a chance to check out the rest of the songs on the CD. I might even listen to the regular tracks with the singing just out of sheer curiosity. Though I mainly got it for the instrumental disk.

[quote name='Sandy']And yes, OB's back up and running, so let's see some action after this break, guys! ;D[/QUOTE]I was actually going to do that last night, but the site was down again while they changed the names. XP Anyway, I have used my card. We really are getting down to the remaining souls now. Should be interesting to see what happens next.

Celesta looked down at the power she had been granted and over to the pool where the remaining mortal souls were. She had lost the desire to talk to her fellow Gods at the moment, suddenly tired of the game and yet unwilling to withdraw. With a sigh she prepared herself for what she had to do. [CENTER] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-jamie.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-ash.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-marta.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Jamie wasn't sure what to do. Joe was dead and unless the creatures got bored and wandered off, he was stuck inside, unable to leave. He was still checking the lower windows and doors to be sure they were sealed when the sound of the front door opening caused him to start in fear. [I]They can open doors? Hell! [/I] Frantically he ran into the main room, intending to close the door and stop them from getting in, but he stopped in confusion when he heard voices. "[B]Do you think we'll find anyone here?[/B]" A woman's voice said. "[B]We won't know until we look Marta.[/B]" Jamie just groaned inwardly, it was the stupid fool who had grabbed Cho. He turned to leave when it occurred to him that they might know where she was. Decided he entered the room, ignoring their startled looks to shut and lock the door behind them. The creatures may not have seen them but they were still around. "[B]You![/B]" Ash growled. "[B]What the hell are you doing here?[/B]" "[B]I could ask you the same.[/B]" Jamie said curtly. "[B]But frankly I don't give a damn, I'm looking for Cho, have you seen her?[/B]" "[B]That bitch? Like I care what happens to her.[/B]" Ash started to turn to leave, but halted when Jamie grabbed his arm. "[B]So you have seen her! Where is she?[/B]" He demanded. Startled Ash tried to pull free, "[B]I already told you I don't care what happens to her, or you either. Let go.[/B]" Ash could feel something in him starting to stir. [I]No, not again.[/I] "[B]You don't understand! Let go! I can't control it![/B]" With a savage jerk he pulled free. "[B]I don't know what's going on here,[/B]" Marta said, "[B]But if you're talking about an Asian woman she was headed down the mountain path when we last saw her.[/B]" She stood between Ash and Jamie. "[B]I should have killed her when I had the chance."[/B] Ash said bitterly. "[B]Just as I should have killed you for what you did.[/B]" "[B]Ash! No![/B]" Marta turned to face him, ignoring Jamie. "[B]You have to fight it. You can't let this place win![/B]" But she could see that he was losing the battle. Just as she herself could hardly even feel anymore. It was a fight to even care about what was happening to Ash let alone herself or anyone else. Jamie shoved Marta aside. "[B]If anyone deserves to die it's you. You're a bastard.[/B]" "[B]Stop it![/B]" Marta screamed at them, but it was too late as the two started fighting, thrashing madly as they stumbled over furniture and into walls. She tried to pry them apart only to get shoved aside and then slump to the floor, dazed from a blow to the head. Then as she lie there, trying to shake it off a sickening crunch was heard as they fell over yet another sofa and landed out of sight. Marta felt tears well up in her eyes and then she heard the sound of Ash crying. "[B]I killed him. Oh my God! I... I broke his neck![/B]" Ash sobbed as he slowly got up and backed away, a horrified expression on his face. He turned to face Marta who was still sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. He started to run to leave but Marta caught his leg as he tried to pass her. "[B]Don't run Ash.[/B]" She said as she hung on as tightly as she could. "[B]But Marta, what if your next? What if I...[/B]" He choked and then collapsed. Marta just sighed as she finally sat up, reaching out hesitantly to put her hand on Ash who was sobbing as if his heart was breaking. She didn't have an answer. All she knew was that slowly but surely, where they were was going to drive all of them insane. [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-deathcard.png[/IMG][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-jamie.png[/IMG][/CENTER]

We need a [I]something else[/I] option on that poll. Personally? I'd just spend time with the people I care about and leave it at that. And if that wasn't possible, I'd watch it as it approached and then finally hit and destroyed everything. I mean it would be an amazing thing to see.

[quote name='BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]In my next post I shall get revenge on everyone who has been picking on me ;_ ;. >.>....ok not really, but i'll find a way. [/FONT][/QUOTE]*Is waiting on the revenge* I kid! What with the site going down and all. XP Still, I'm looking forward to seeing Crystal finally drag Vallon's butt to the infirmary, I'm thinking that will be a fun post. :p And speaking of posts, I'll have mine up either later tonight or tomorrow. I had time on the weekend, but the site was down! Still this week will be much better than last week was as far as having extra time, so I'll get it in.

[quote name='Keyblade Wielder'][FONT="Tahoma"][SIZE="1"][COLOR="Navy"]Yeah, I'm more like Shy, I love girly and fruity drinks with a little bit of rum or vodka more than anything else. I haven't tried a lot, but I hope to soon when I go to Italy in the next two weeks.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]Those kind of drinks are the best, though I prefer them without the alcohol. XP Which kind of makes getting them pointless I suppose. Still Strawberry Daiquiri's are good. Besides, my friends drink more than enough to cover my share and then some. lol

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]As for the topic Presidential Race... I'm a bit disappointed in most if not all of the candidates. There isn't one that I feel strongly about voting for. I like Giuliani but I dislike Republicans and have no desire to put more of them in power. I'm not clearly with any party, even though I tend to vote more Democratic than other parties. But the problem with that is I don't really like Hillary either. :animesigh This is the first time that so far, unless something happens to change my views of the current hopefuls, I have no interest in voting.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That really mirrors what I'm thinking as well, it's hard to have any interest when most of the candidates don't really stand out to you. I've tried to learn more to form an opinion, but so far I don't like any of them. And though I try to avoid parties, I'd rather not have another Republican president. Though they'd have to work really hard to be as annoying as Bush. In the end I need to learn more, though like I said, it's kind of hard to be interested when so far not one of the candidates stands out in your mind. XP

[quote name='Paramount'][size=1]In an attempt to make this thread feel less...I guess you can say, menial, here's a burning question I'll pose that I believe is relevant: Why is it that, if a male [teen] loses his virginity, he's applauded and high fived by all his buddies, but if a female [teen] loses her virginity, more often than not, she's looked down upon and called "whorish" and "sluttish"? Maybe this exists only in media, but I've had friends the latter has happened to before.[/size][/QUOTE][quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"] Cause people are stupid? Seriously, I see it in the media and among the people I know. Women where I live are looked down on where the guys are not. I'm sure there's lots of reasons, though I'm not going to go into it. That will just get me started on aspects of Christianity that I do not agree with and derail the thread. XP[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Don't you mean aspects of Mormonism Beth? :p I understand it's quite different than other Christian religions. To put it in a nutshell without any intent to start a debate... [if it does I'm sure you'll smack me Beth XP] Anyway... The Mormon position on women has changed little since the early 1800's, when the official view was that "woman's primary place is in the home, where she is to rear children and abide by the righteous counsel of her husband". This attitude, coupled with the doctrine of polygamy and the absolute power claimed by the men of the church, created a legacy of profound sexism which modern Mormonism has been unable to escape. Mormons, and particularly Mormon girls, are commanded to remain completely chaste until marriage. Girls grow up believing that their virginity is what makes them worth marrying, and they are told that "If you sully your body by allowing boys to touch it in forbidden ways...no good man will ever want to marry you" The Mormon view has and continues to place the blame solely on the woman instead of placing equal blame and responsibility on the man for such an occurrence. So the kids are raised to believe that it's the [I]woman's[/I] fault. They'll try to pretend otherwise, but its one of the reason's I left the religion myself. Well one of many reasons since that's only one aspect I do not agree with. [quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Just thinking about the people who are even MORE regular than you guys makes me cringe XD Also, James, well-put about the non-virgins taking the thread's virginity. As the creator of this thread, I will take the liberty of the meaning you took my virginity as well. Now if you excuse me, I need to spam all the sexually active people on my buddy list with PMs screaming "YOU TOOK MY VIRGINITY!!!!!!!!!"[/COLOR][/QUOTE]*looks at his as of yet, unopened pm* Hell! XP

Well I'm not going to pretend I'm a virgin DB nor am I going to avoid the thread either. As Beth put it... Request denied. Also... I think people are missing the point about saying sex isn't as big a deal as they make it out to be. Sure it's your first time and you'll remember it, but what I think they are saying is that in the end, whether or not you actually have it doesn't change who you are. To be blunt, part of what makes the first time so memorable is that you're pretty clueless and that first time is horribly awkward. Just about anyone, if they're really honest with you will admit that. And yes I know for some people that wasn't the case, but for a lot of them it is. So yes it's important, yes you'll remember it, but it won't change your personality, your beliefs or make you more mature somehow. And ironically, it's the next time or the one after that which is more memorable. Since you've gotten past the more awkward phase and it becomes more natural.

[quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]How boring :animesigh well, at least now I found out why Rach and Sunfall were so ZOMG REAL RELATIONSHIPS!!!11!1 XD[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well duh! I'd blame Crystia if it wasn't for Beth's update. XP Though I'll blame her anyway since it's fun. Anyway, I'm not going to bother to quote and refute the different aspects being brought up here since that will just having me say something that I think is pretty obvious and therefore not necessary as far as mentioning it goes. I will say this though, and I'm aiming this towards any of you who have yet to have a deep relationship... don't think a robot will be better than something you've never experienced. And yes I know you can argue that until robots are around how would you know? But see, until that actually happens, I think it's pointless to argue that. Fun perhaps, but still lacking in factual basis to build the argument on. Also, there's nothing wrong with stating in advance that you would prefer your own kind. I think that's pretty normal actually. It's not messed up, it's not presumptuous. It's how you feel about the concept of attempting to have a relationship with something that isn't human. It's more presumptuous to assume that robots will better somehow.

[quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Okay, see Rach, but the way you worded any of those questions the FIRST time reads totally differently. You should've explained it that way the first time :p[/COLOR][/QUOTE]That's what happens when I try to respond to something when I'm really tired. XP I don't get it explained properly. I swear, these extra practices are driving me nuts! Even though I like it. And speaking of that... I have to get cleaned up and head out in an hour and a half for yet another one. So I'll check for the second chapter later today, or the next time I'm on. Which might not be until Saturday.

[quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="Navy"]Yes, she's obviously a woman; that's why it said that everyone who knew her knew she was a woman. And I thought the rank thing was obvious enough - it just meant that no one would fuck with her. And as for stealing a bus, well I explained that no one has cars and they need to escape - it stands to reason that if they need a vehicle, they'd take the only one available to them >_> in addition the hunters thing was an analogy. Rach, how the hell did you get stumped on all the easy questions?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]You missed what I meant, if they are trying to escape, why make such a fuss when they could take the bus from place to place? You know, to avoid drawing attention to themselves as long as possible. It's not a matter of being stumped it's a matter of wondering. You also missed my point about the woman, in a society where women have no rights, or rather are either married or poor, it would draw attention to her that she was highly ranked. It's a bit too pat that she's up there and no one would bother her. Yes you'll probably cover this in the background, but at the moment it doesn't really fit in my opinion. Which by the way is my opinion only. Since gaining such a high rank in only four years is a bit of a stretch as far as the military goes. Also, if your readers are questioning things that you think are obvious... re-read what you've done to see if there's a reason why they are saying that. Don't assume that they are stumped on easy questions. :p Try looking to see if there's a way to modify the writing to make it flow smoother. Or if you've forgotten something, it's easy for you to see it since it's your story. Where I on the other hand, can only go on what I see. I don't know how she got the rank I don't know if traveling from sector to sector is restricted or not and thus requiring them to steal a bus so quickly. In other words... why the hell are you assuming I'm stumped instead of looking to see if I have a valid point or if you missed explaining something?

[quote name='Deus ex Machina;794961][color=Navy]^^;; it occurs to me that there are certain things I know that no one else knows which I don't realize no one else knows XD. I did intend, though, for the first chapter not to make much sense - I obviously haven't even touched the backstory here. I just don't want to do this in a boring, linear way - when you read the next chapter, you'll be very glad I did it this way, lol. [/color][/QUOTE]The only problem with that is your readers aren't always going to want to stick around to find out when things are going to make sense. [QUOTE=Deus ex Machina'][color=Navy]There are obviously numerous mysteries - why is Cassandra now being called Nikki, married to a woman, and registered as a man? how did she get to be a military officer? What the fucks up with May 3rd? Why did Nikki use magic? If it doesn't make sense then it means i didn't explain it yet, and that means I simply don't want you to know yet :p. I admit, though, that I hadn't calculated the lack of magic shown thus far. As a future note, PoB is a steampunk novel with both sci-fi and fantasy elements. There's some kingdoms that thrive on the purely arcane, while others are technological wonders.[/color][/QUOTE]Yeah, I gathered that, the mysteries and such, the only thing that really threw me for a loop was the magic bit and why they even needed to steal a bus or the reference to hunters and fetching a kill and such. It almost had too many unanswered questions crammed into the prologue and the first chapter. To give an example, you could have started off by having them steal the bus without bothering to explain the mystery of a man who is really a woman and in love with another woman. So the only thing I see is the need to not cram so many mysteries or unusual tidbits into the very beginning. Just think of the impact it would have had on your readers to be thinking the person in love was a man and then learning later that it was in fact a woman registered as a man. Though I was never clear on whether or not her being a woman was obvious or not. Or why having a high rank would somehow protect her from the same fate of all women: to be married or poor. So it stands to reason that standing out as a woman, regardless of rank would be a bad thing. I'd like to see more or rather understand a little better just what is going on of course. Since there is next to no background on the kingdoms, like how many, which ones use magic and which ones use technology, etc. Anyway, I'd say your off to a good start with it.

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Oh I can guess as well, but then I'd be surprised if what you're referring to was left out of it. I know I'm curious to see just how that will go down, more so than the liberation of Earth. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]It took me a moment to realize what you two were getting at. XP You're right, that will be fun to see. And I feel rather silly that I forgot all about it. Oh and since I'm here, I vote for picking on Matt as well. :p Just because.

[quote name='Jakehammaren']Have you ever heard of Nightwish? They're one of the most well-known metal bands in the current scene, so you probably have. But if not, I think it'd be an excellent start for you. The genre in question is neo-classical metal, so that's an in for you right there. Their latest two albums include a full orchestra (that's actually very well done - these guys really do know their way around music), and their most recent album is actually a two-disc set - the second of which is the entire album featuring only the orchestral tracks to each song.[/QUOTE]I've heard the name but I've never listened to their work before. However I did go and check out their latest album Dark Passion Play. It wasn't too hard to find the instrumental versions at youtube to listen to. It's interesting that you mention a full orchestra, since the information I have found indicates that the orchestral part is recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Which upon listening to it would not surprise me if it was accurate if only because that part of it really does have an excellent sound to it. Far better than I am use to hearing. So far the instrumental song I like best is The Poet and the Pendulum and I'll be getting the two disk set just to get that song. Though I had to order it from a seller in order to get the two disk set with the instrumental versions. It has a very dramatic flair to it that reminds of some movie sound tracks I've heard, though I can't put my finger on it as to which movies. At least not at the moment. It most definitely has a very classical influence to it though. Anyway, thank you very much for the information. I'm always looking to expand my library of music. :catgirl: What will really be fun though is my roommates and friends reaction when the album arrives and they realize just what it is. lol

Well, so long as you don't mind that I most likely won't have the time to work out a post until Saturday, I wouldn't mind continuing. I just need to get past the two concerts coming up, along with some other things as well. Once this week is over, things will calm back down for me again.

[quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"]Sexism is a real thing, and if it exists in a make believe story, it still exists. Who ever said media doesn't effect viewers? It's not a matter of whether I finish the series. It's the fact that it has stupid ideals in it. I hate [i]Birth of a Nation[/i] because it promotes the KKK and the savagery of black people, and it's a make-believe movie. Did I ever finish it? No, thank God...lol If you hate the factors of something, you'll probably hate the sums of them. People can hate [i]Catcher in the Rye[/i] if they hate stream-of-consciousness writing, teenagers, sarcasm, and lack of plot. :p [/font][/QUOTE]Before we get down to far on this road, I never once implied that something like sexism didn't exist or that the media doesn't effect viewers. What I said and no one seems to be listening, is I see no reason to hate a show. And I already stated here:[quote]I'm sure I'll eventually run into a show I dislike enough to hate. XP I just haven't yet. [/quote]I'm not saying people can't hate a show I'm saying that to me it makes no sense. So honestly, there's no need to defend the right to hate something just because I don't understand it. I'm sure once I run into something I truly despise I'll [I]get it[/I] at that point. Using your movie as an example, the problem with that isn't the movie, but the idiot who made it. Hating the show will change nothing, hating a book will change nothing. Hence, I see no reason to hate a show if I don't like it. Seriously, we're arguing in circles at this point since my view that it makes no sense isn't meant to be taken that people can't hate a show or dislike it to that extent, only that I, personally, do not. :p

[B]Where would you draw the line with robot sex? [/B] That's easy... I wouldn't have it to begin with. [B]What do you think about marrying a robot? [/B] I wouldn't, even if it was possible, because it's a robot, something that isn't a living breathing human being. [B]Is sex with a robot just like masturbating or is it closer to bestiality and the like? [/B] It's probably like using an overly expensive sex toy really and since they aren't real bestiality does not apply. [B]What do you think of it morally? [/B] Morally? Nothing really, like I said it would be nothing more than an overly expensive sex toy. So the question would be if you think using those are wrong. lol [B]Would you ever be interested (don't lie, guys)?[/B] No. I prefer a real relationship over pretending I have one with an object. [B] Have you ever seen the anime Chobits? [/B] Part of it. [B]What was up with that sexual tension between Chii and Hideki? [/B] lol Nothing, it was a make believe story and doesn't have any bearing on how a real relationship would be. Since we aren't even close to having robots like they portrayed in the show. So everything they did with that is nothing more than guesswork on the author's part. XP Seriously, real relationships are where it's at. Not attempting to have one with something that is artificially made. And in this case, it would be nothing more than an expensive sex toy. And even if we ever did reach that point, I'd rather be with someone who is real like I am.

You already know about this Sandy, but I'll post it just the same... This week I have two concerts with the orchestra I'm a part of. On Thursday and Friday. So it's possible, with all the final preparations that I won't have time to post until it's over. I'll be good to go once that's done with though.

[quote name='Deus ex Machina'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]Also, Rach, go watch Ninja Ressurection. If you don't hate that, you aren't human.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well seeing that it's not one that's good based on your comment... I think I'll avoid it since there's not point if I wouldn't enjoy watching it. Also, I'm sure I'll eventually run into a show I dislike enough to hate. XP I just haven't yet. Though it would probably help if I actually watched a lot of anime and regular television shows. But I spend far more time with music than I ever do with shows.

No worries, I can wait. Also, the reason I'm posting is to notify you that it's likely that I won't have time to post this week. I have concerts that I'm a part of coming up on Thursday and Friday and of course that includes extra practice sessions this week to finish getting ready. If I have time I'll be sure to post, if not.. then definitely on Saturday or Sunday once things have gotten a little less busy for me.

Of all people to be removed from the game, why did it have to be Telumas? Even if she did not agree with her views on hunting for life and for sport, she would have been a far better choice than either Illyria or Treisleilai. Those two more than the others were the problem. Celesta would have no trouble leaving if she knew that Raone would be the one. But it was too soon to say just who was going to make it to the end. [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-chohee.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-nagi.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-patrick.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Cho Hee couldn't get away from the young man and Marta fast enough. Running down the mountainside path until she couldn't breathe, stumbling from lack of energy and exhaustion. Only to get up and run as best as she could again and again. Until finally when she was near the bottom she finally collapsed and sobbed. "[B]Why?![/B]" She accused the empty air around her, wishing she could see the woman who had cursed her with the power to influence others. "[B]Why did you have to give me this useless power? I don't want it![/B]" Cho just sat there for a while, ignoring the tears that ran down her face, until finally, exhausted, she slowly got up and continued at a slow pace. Mindlessly heading towards the closest building, the very same one that she had used to get on the island in the first place, when she had left Jamie sleeping on the pathway. "[B]We're in hell aren't we?[/B]" She asked no one in particular. "[B]Pawns to be played with, nothing more than an amusement to some sick God.[/B]" A thought that just made her angry. She raised her head and looked towards the sky. "[B]Why don't you come down her and play this damn game yourself![/B]" She yelled, even though it made no sense. Cho had long ago abandoned any belief in Gods or the afterlife. [I]So why am I yelling at something that doesn't exist? [/I]She wondered as she approached the small building. Though looking at all the islands floating in the sky made it hard for her to cling to her belief that Gods did not exist. She supposed it could be some form of technology, far more advanced than where she came from, but what would be the purpose? Why would someone that advanced even care about those who were less advanced? She walked towards the building and entered without hesitation when a part of if vanished to provide a doorway. "[B]If someone is responsible for this,[/B]" Cho continued the conversation with herself. "[B]I'd use this damn power to send you to hell![/B]" A few steps more and she walked into the light, expecting to find herself back at the island she was on before, but instead it was a new place altogether. "[B]What?[/B]" She exclaimed as she stepped out of the light into the enclosed room. Like the floating islands, it was clearly far more advanced than anything she had ever seen. The metal was clearly of excellent work and the lighting along the walls, glowing with an almost eerie bluish light were shaped in the form of a language she had never seen before. Curious she stepped forward a bit more and then jumped at the sound of something closing behind her. Startled she turned around to see that the circular platform where the beam of light had been had just been covered. Alarmed she stepped back up to return to the island, but the path was closed. "[B]Oh hell! Now what do I do?[/B]" Frustrated she looked back at the room she was in. Sure there was a door, but for some reason the very nature of the place just screamed of danger. Surely something this advanced would have some form of security. Wouldn't it? Cho stood there, unsure what to do, and then finally with an exasperated stomp of her foot she headed for the doors. "[B]I swear![/B]" She exclaimed as the doors opened when she approached. "[B]I'm going to kill whoever brought me here.[/B]" Cho stormed out into the next room and halted, astounded by the sight before her. The next room was massive, and enclosed just like the last one with the same language written across the walls and glowing in the same blue light. In addition to that the floor was a series of walkways over another room far below the one she was in. Down below there were massive statues along with even more writings on the walls down there. "[B]I guess I'm going to have to find another way out.[/B]" She muttered as she looked back up to see if there was another doorway. But what she saw only made her wish she had never stepped into the light. "[B]Great, just great.[/B]" She muttered to herself. "[B]Why the hell do I always end up running into children?[/B]" It wasn't true, but it felt like it. And before she could think to move back into the other room and hide from them an excited voice calling her name alerted her to the fact that she had been seen. "[B]Cho! Cho![/B]" Kirima yelled from where she was standing next to Patrick on the other side of the room. "[B]Damn stupid kids.[/B]" Cho muttered even as she plastered her fake smile on her face to greet the two who were heading towards her.

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]And to youtube users - do note that every single song you listen to on there was uploaded there i-l-l-e-g-a-l-l-y. After all, youtube policy says not to upload that crap, and they really work hard deleting as much as they can, though they honestly suck at it. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]I know... That's why I was agreeing with you that having a way to sample the music is a good idea. So people can hear stuff before they go out and buy it. Sure you could listen to the radio, but I never do. I hear stuff through other means since I hate commercials.