Rachmaninoff

[quote name='MistressRoxie'][color=#9933ff](but man do I ever wish I was a lesbian, I think that would make my problems ten times easier)[/color][/QUOTE]If your not ready for knowing a guy better, what makes you think knowing a woman would be easier? It's the same deal really, getting to know them, understanding their problems, etc. I think the only way this would apply is if you really are into women more than men, so having that kind of connection with a guy just doesn't work. Because it's not your thing. Otherwise... just make sure you're not leading someone on. Also, if you really want a more meaningful relationship you might want to try seeing if there is something keeping you from getting there. It could be that you're just not ready for it yet, you haven't found the right person, or you've got some fear that's keeping you from going any further. Or the timing is off, some guys or in my case women, even though the dating is fun, it's apparent immediately that you're not really interested in getting to know each other more. It's hard to put in words, but when you date someone who interests you more... For me it just happened. It moved into the caring about what was going on beyond the initial dating bit almost on it's own. In the end I think it's pretty normal to not be interested in wanting to get more in depth in a relationship, if only because it's not that easy to find someone who truly interests you.

I think 2007DigitalBoy and Konata are better qualified to answer the question here than I am. I had never even heard the word until I joined this place and I haven't even been here a year yet. Plus, I only got into anime about a year and a half ago. So based on what I've learned about what Otaku is suppose to really mean. I'm not an Otaku at all. My obsession, if one can call it that, is in a different field altogether. And I've been lucky enough to turn that into my career. To say it has meaning in my daily life isn't really applicable since I don't even watch or read anime every day. I visit this place every day but as you can see, there is plenty to do here that isn't anime related at all. I don't agree that it's something you are born with as 2007DigitalBoy was saying. Unless he's going from the standpoint of having an obsessive personality. Still, that is something that one can change. I mean I could give up music if I wished... I just don't want to. lol The few people I do know who are obsessed with this stuff really are just obsessive in general. Some stick with anime where others seem to go from one obsession to another. But for the most part, I have yet to run into a negative association with the word where I live. The ones who think anime is bad, don't even know what the word Otaku is. They often refer to it as some offshoot of the typical geek/nerd who obsesses over things like D & D. Like it's the new fad or something. As for it being a form of rejecting American culture, I'll take your word for it since that's the first I've heard of that. Though seeing that people often search for some way to be considered different, I'm not surprised.

Right now I'm listening to the soundtrack to Lunar Silver Star Story. This is only the intro to the game of course: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEIURTJKek0"][U]Opening Song[/U][/URL] But I enjoy listening to it as well as the orchestration for the game, or rather the non-singing part since it's a combination of more than simple orchestration. Still it's got a lot of pretty melodies that I enjoy.

[quote name='AzureWolf;791370]Rachmanioff, thank you so much! T_T You are the man for delivering true individuality, haha.[/QUOTE]I sincerely hope you are just poking fun, otherwise... [quote name='AzureWolf'']Anyway, I agree that I disagree, and you make a compelling argument. However, weren't those relationships harder to leave behind even after you knew they were not "the one?" You know, because of sex being involved?[/quote]Of course, but again that's what made them so unique. And honestly, like I said, I don't regret it. In both instances, we really thought we were going to go somewhere with it, in one we even got engaged. But other things ended up coming between us, one it was her family. They absolutely refused to accept her marrying someone who was not in the same religion. They refused to accept that she didn't want to be a part of that religion. It tore her apart the way her family couldn't accept how we felt about each other. In the end she broke off ties with everyone, including her family and moved overseas. The other, we just came to the realization that though we really liked each other, we didn't share enough interests to take it further, though at first we thought we did. Honestly you could even go so far as to say that it was better that we learned that before getting married. I would imagine a lot of divorce comes from people getting married when they weren't ready for it. Or from marrying someone before they really knew if they cared for each other in that way.

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"][B]Alright, out of everyone who was a part of this... Who do you think was the most creative/dedicated with their input for the challenges?[/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That's so hard to answer since so many people were very creative during the challenges. With the horror story by the Mercenaries standing out along with the dioramas made by both Aaryanna and Ezekiel and Keyblade Wielder's approach to moderating. In the end I would have to say the one who I found to be the most creative/dedicated was none other than Aaryanna. I was very impressed by how well she handled the Abortion debate as well as the diorama she made. In my opinion, she's clearly dedicated and very creative. :) [quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][B]If you could share your victory with anyone, other than the other finalist, who would it be and why?[/B][/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Anomaly. Not only is she fun to talk to, but she was very supportive when I struggled with the rap challenge. Honestly... That thing drove me nuts. XP But she not only helped me with questions I had about it, but she's was a great contestant as well with all the support she gave to the teams she was in.

I can see that in the end, I'm going to simply agree to disagree. The very idea that one has to be married or save themselves for that 'special' one is abhorrent and seems unnatural to me. It's simple in my mind, if I am dating someone I care for and if both of us want it, then I can and do move into exploring that relationship further and that includes sex. I've had two relationships that moved into that realm and though we did not end up getting married, I don't regret it. I'd can't and frankly won't accept the idea that one has to be 'married' for it to be anything other than love. Not that people are saying it, but the implication that someone is simply doing it for pleasure is certainly between the lines here. As well as other implications that we are degrading ourselves by doing so. But I'm not going to go there since it's a matter of opinion. Also, even if I myself am straight, since so many countries and religions argue over whether or not someone is gay or lesbian can be married, then saying it's only love if one is married or that one shouldn't have sex until they are married... is degrading and discriminating towards anyone who had a different view or sexual preference than you do. If they can't get married, why should two couples be denied that form of physical expression of caring and love? Abstinence is something I think one should do in regards to not jumping into the physical side of a relationship too quickly. Not as a wait until you are married deal. In that respect I think one should hold back and be sure they want to move to a higher level of commitment.

Where's a sweat drop kitty when you need it. [/obscure reference] I'm not going to bother responding to most of this since others already have, but if one is discussing abstinence before marriage, it stands to reason that the person in question is capable of having sex right? Otherwise there wouldn't be a discussion and hence there is no need to explain why Sandy or anyone else was saying it probably wouldn't be more than a caring friendship. If they are incapable of having sex then at that point, as Sandy said, it will be a matter of not needing what they can't have. However, if they can... from my experience, it's part of the whole picture. I don't understand why people get so worked up in knots over whether they are married or not instead of worrying whether or not the person is right for them. Nor do I understand the instant attitude that without marriage it can't be anything but sex.

Heh, more classical styled music of course. Right now I'm listening to The Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello by Johann Sebastian Bach. It's kind of fun to listen to others play them instead of simply doing so myself. They're among my favorite pieces by Bach. Though a number of his organ works are pretty damn good too. Like the Fugue in G-minor. Heh. [[SIZE="1"]though I'm sure it would put you to sleep DB[/SIZE]] :p

[quote name='BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]Forgive my laziness toward the lack of quoting. Allamorph, if you put half as much effort into the aspects pertaining to the actual act of sex as you do trying to make sense of talking about it...well...you'd be having sex :p.[/FONT][/QUOTE]That's what I was thinking. XP So much fuss for such a simple subject. Yes it is ultimately your choice and no one else's Allamorph. However, there's no denying social pressure to do other wise from religious and other sources of influence. And a little ethics will tell you that breaking away from how one is 'raised' to believe can for some be beyond difficult. [[SIZE="1"]Is speaking from experience here[/SIZE]] Many never manage to make that shift, it's too ingrained into who and what they are. Also, don't underestimate the power of shame and disapproval. For some, they really can't move past that, the thought of friends or family disowning you is more than some can bear. And don't think it doesn't happen, in the religion I was raised in, if it was found out that you slept around, you got shunned by a lot of people. It's a very ugly situation. Do I think one should wait for marriage? Only if that's what they want to do. Otherwise, it is up to the person to decide, if they chose Abstinence so be it. If not that's fine too really. I was raised to follow the ideal of abstinence, but long since abandoned it since my views no longer mirror those I was raised with. The thing that makes me laugh the most is how we do so many things for pleasure and yet we make such a huge fuss over sex. XP It just seems so silly if you ask me. Worrying over what others are doing behind closed doors. I may not be as active as some of my friends in that respect, but I certainly don't regret being sexually active. It is, especially if I like the girl in question, a very nice part of the relationship and as Sandy put it: Without it, the relationship can't go much further than a caring friendship. A statement that I agree with.

[quote name='Metalcore501']for those of you who dont smoke what do you think of smoking? [/QUOTE]Personally, I think it's a disgusting habit. No offense to those who do smoke, but I've never cared for it. The smell was always a turn off so I never tried it and knowing what it can do to you... I have no plans on doing so. I mean the smell can be pretty bad, especially if the person is a chain smoker or rather smokes so much that they reek of the stuff. Do I care if others do smoke? No. Not my business, unless they want to do do so in my room or apartment. Then I'll boot your butt out the door.

Man-Mieu o_O I think that would scare me out of my mind as well. I swear! The fan art that comes out of these games... Anyway... As for the game itself, I've gotten to the point where they had their first confrontation with [spoiler]Asche and Luke realized that they look the same [/spoiler] Naturally Jade doesn't seem all that surprised. So now I'm in the desert area and heading for some ruins to go and [spoiler]rescue Ion (I think that's his name) [/spoiler] The game has become more fun now that my players have picked up more moves.

It felt like he had been trapped in the mansion forever, even though he knew that was not the case. So far, all that he had explored had been useless as no clues or means to escape had been found. Other than himself and Nall... Alex simply could not sense anything, not even other creatures until he was right upon them. At first him and Nall had talked extensively about what was going on as well as possible things that could be the cause until finally, they both fell quiet, traveling in silence. How will we get out of this place? Alex wondered for what seemed like the thousandth time. Anything that looks like it leads out is blocked by that black energy that was sealing the front doors. Is it the edge of the parallel Dimension Nall and I are in? Alex couldn't help but wonder if the Count had trapped others in this place, though until Aeru had been kidnapped he had not heard of any other Shinigami going missing. "Alex," Nall finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "We need to think of something instead of wandering aimlessly. Even if he trapped us in a parallel universe it can't possibly be as big as a real one." "You're right, we should search each level, one by one. It shouldn't take too long to comb this place." Alex chuckled a bit nervously. "At least we don't need food or sleep." "Humph! Even so..." Nall sighed. "If I'd known we were going to get stuck in a parallel universe... I would have eaten more fish at the cafe." Alex just laughed as he located a set of stairs heading down into what had to be the basement of the mansion. Like the rest of the place, it too was in darkness, though it mattered not as he could see just fine. Though what he did see was rather chilling when he got to the bottom of the stairs. The first room was massive and clearly meant for storing wines and other foods, but when he went through a double set of doors on the far side... "Hell!" He exclaimed when he realized that what he was seeing was a medieval dungeon. The first room full of ancient torture devices and though there were none who were living, there were human skeletons in most if not all of the cells. "That Count needs to die!" Nall hissed, furious at what they had found. "Torturing humans and locking them up like this! It's wrong!" He took off and flew around, peeking into the cells, one by one. "Oh Alex," He said sadly as he settled back down on his left shoulder. "Some of them are children!" Alex started to reply and halted at the sound of something coming from behind yet another set of double doors at the far end. Instantly he called forth his scythe and then headed for the doors, determined to find out what was going on. Without hesitation he opened the doors and entered the room. It was a huge circular room much in the way an arena for fighting was. With a loud boom the doors behind him slammed shut. Startled, Alex whirled around reaching for the doors only to be thrown to the cold stone floor as once again he was hit by the purplish black energy that had sealed the front doors. "Ugh... Not again." Alex groaned as he got up off the floor. He was getting up when a rasping grinding sound came from behind him. "Alex!" Nall cried out in alarm. "It's a trap!" Grimly Alex got up and faced what was before them as it slowly phased into existence. It was a skeleton dragon, easily as large as Nall when he was in his other form. Alex and Nall looked at one another and then without a word Nall took off and shimmered, transforming into his full form. "Be careful Alex," Nall cautioned him in his now deeper voice as he too took up a defensive stance. "There's no telling what his flames will do to you." Alex just nodded, watching the undead dragon with caution. This is going to get interesting. I wonder where the Count found it? Then there was no more time to think as the dragon attacked, spewing a dark type of flame in Alex's direction. Effortlessly he dodged to the right even as Nall attacked with his purifying flames, knocking the dragon backwards. Instantly Alex was upon it, striking downward towards it's forehead, but for something so big it was quick, shifting to avoid the blow and striking with it's front arm, catching Alex on the right side. The force of the blow sent him sprawling to the floor. But within seconds he rolled to avoid the dragon's downward strike and then he was up on his feet, cautiously looking for another opening as Nall continued to strike with his own flames. As the battle continued, now more than ever Alex was glad he was not human. If it was difficult as a Shinigami, there was no way a mere mortal could survive. Together him and Nall continued to fight the undead dragon, slowly wearing it down until finally with a strike of his flames sending it into the wall, Alex moved in and swiftly took it's head off with a single horizontal blow with his scythe. He called on his own purifying flames as he struck the head, turning it to ashes. Moments later the body crumbled into dust. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. "Lets get out of here Nall." He turned and headed for the doors, smiling slightly as Nall once again took his place on his left shoulder. Once again his smaller cat like form. With the undead dragon dealt with, the energy sealing the doors was gone. Alex opened the doors and left, heading back towards the first level of the mansion.

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"] Aeru... though that too presented yet another problem. [/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well, after DB's post it's clear what Adrian was referring to. Looks like Aeru is crushing on him no less. I almost feel sorry for the guy. lol Anyway, the point of this post? Just a note that later today after I've gotten some sleep I'm going to continue with the panic/chaos/confusion deal and so forth. I've sort of got an idea on something for Alex to run into and if I wasn't so tired I'd try it now, but I am tired so it will have to wait. [B]EDIT:[/B] And posted. Though the implication that the Count is responsible for those in the dungeon who are dead, is just that, an implication. Alex and Nall don't really know for sure. XP

We've had threads on things like what type of chocolate bar would you be or if you like hot chocolate. But seriously, candy's where it's at, well for those of us who aren't chocolate lovers that is. Heh. And I suppose technically many types of chocolate are candy. Anyway, basically what kind of candy is your favorite and why? Personally I've always had a soft spot for the type that has a tangy taste to it like certain types of taffy or different gummy candies. Right now one of my favorites is Swedish Fish. They're nice and soft and have a sweet and yet not to sweet flavor to them. Another one I really like... Cream Savers, especially the Strawberry flavored ones. Though the Raspberry ones are really good too. I've also always liked some of the hard candies that come out around Christmas like candy canes. Seriously, they make way too much stuff around Christmas. XP Anyway, I'm sure there are others, but that about sums it up for me. At least at this moment it does, my tastes often change, so next year... I'll probably like something else altogether.

Ah, the question of Christopher Columbus. The guy was a [SIZE="1"][insert swearword of choice here[/SIZE]] The things that happened... sick. Considering Columbus a hero after the genocide of indigenous Americans... This would be the equivalent to calling for an Adolph Hitler Day in order that the world not forget the Jewish Holocaust. I'm with Allamorph in that it's not even a proper holiday so it's best to simply ignore him.

[quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"] -FOX News And for some absurd reason, these six people are not being charged with hate crime because "Logan County prosecutors say they have not ruled out hate-crime charges but are focusing on the counts already filed, including kidnapping and sexual assault, which have tougher maximum sentences. Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, have not sought civil-rights charges." [/font][/QUOTE]You gotta love how people are getting upset over them pursuing serious charges and not immediately going after the hate crime charges as well. I mean I did a little digging and found this: [INDENT]In many states, the hate crime charge only applies to certain offenses such as assault, battery, and criminal damage to property. The purpose of the sentence-enhancing feature is to attach more serious penalties to bias-motivated crimes in an effort to demonstrate the seriousness with which we, as a society, address hate violence. Higher-level felonies already have serious consequences regardless of the offender?s motivation. A murder based on the victim?s race, for example, while certainly a hate crime, would likely not be charged as a hate crime under a penalty-enhancement statute. The criminal penalties for murder are already the most severe, so it would not make sense from a prosecutor?s perspective to also charge the perpetrator with lesser included penalties. [/INDENT] As well as this: [INDENT]Some prosecutors have expressed a reluctance to prosecute bias crimes because of the additional evidentiary burden at trial, but proving the element of intent at trial is not unique to hate crime statutes. Many criminal offenses ? including possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, aggravated battery or assault on a peace officer, or murder in the first degree ? require additional intent elements to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.[/INDENT] It makes sense to me to go for the sure deal and worry about whether or not they can prove beyond reasonable doubt that it was a hate crime as well. I mean from what I've read it sounds like it was, but I'm not going to second guess the ones who would know and instantly cry for it when they are already going after the charges that are more serious. Also there is this to consider: [INDENT]In hate crime cases, criminal defendants will sometimes plead guilty to a lesser charge and in return the state will drop the hate crime charge.[/INDENT] I'd rather see them totally get nailed instead of being given the chance to bargain their way out of a charge that carries less weight. Anyway, people who would do that to another person are sick.

[quote name='BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]So some cards are bound to be more powerful than others, i was actually under the impression your card was the only one that could effect the actual flow of the game by giving immunity to death. Am I the only one that thinks that's better? If not then it's cool, but i figured cards that directly effect the game like giving immunity or causing garaunteed harm should be held a bit in special regard and maybe given rather than created throughout the course of the game, kind of like how the point system works for life and death cards. Just a suggestion, not trying to run the game or anything.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Well it may only be a suggestion... But I agree. Also, in response to your comment about powers Sandy... They're Gods... It makes sense that the cards would be "powerful" However, in light of that I have tagged on a bit to my power giving it a restriction should you choose my goddess to be a part of it. I'll go on your judgment as to whether or not the limitation should be included.

[quote name='Sandy'][font=Century Gothic]So be it: [B]Rachmaninoff[/B] and [B]Aaryanna[/B] will be facing the Final Team Council within a few days time. Meanwhile, I want both of you to recount something about your experience with this game to this thread, maybe remember the early stages and people who've been voted off during these nine months.[/font][/QUOTE]Something about my experience... Well the moment that stood out the most was when I got asked to return and work with the Mercenaries. In all honestly it wasn't until that moment that I really got into the game. I think some of that had to do with the nature of the challenges, I enjoyed making the team song as well as the rpging we did together as a team. Where some of the previous challenges were in an area that I had little to no strength in doing. And later in the Sunflowers team, even though I got clobbered time and time again, it still didn't matter, I loved working with Anomaly, Aaryanna, Beth and Kathy. It was really hard losing team members as well as having to choose between Aaryanna and Kathy. >_< I feel like I got here on their strengths more than my own, which is what my final poem was about really. It was the members of the Mercenaries and then the Sunflowers who stood out the most to me. If I were to pick a favorite challenge or one I enjoyed the most, it would definately be the team song we did as the Mercenaries. It was the first challenge where I feel like I really got to contribute to the overall piece. Anyway, I'm with Aaryanna, no matter how much I got frustrated, or how it turns out, I've enjoyed being a part of Survivor. :)

So Stevens and Sandra will be full Council members, that ought to be fun. Heh. Anyway, I must say I'm glad to see this up, with Survivor wrapping up, it really is perfect timing. That and I've missed this. I know I'm looking forward to outright war breaking out. I've already got all sorts of ideas running through my mind as to which direction you are going to take with it. Anyway, I love the way you did the underground thread, I trust you're going to add to sections as needed? Regardless, I'll be looking forward to the main thread going up. :animesmil

[B]Name:[/B] Darren & Kerstin Anderson [[SIZE="1"]the two of them are brother and sister[/SIZE]] [B]Age:[/B] Darren is 60, Kerstin is 46 [B]Gender: [/B] Darren is Male, Kerstin is Female [B]Race: [/B] Versilan [B]Loyalty: [/B] Versilan [B]Description: [/B] [URL=http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/705/darrenfi0.png]Darren[/URL] | [URL=http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6510/kerstinty3.jpg]Kerstin[/URL] [B]Weapons:[/B] Other than to know how to use the most basic of laser and disruptor weapons, Darren has no special weapons skills. He has learned basic hand-to-hand combat, but not much beyond that. Most of his knowledge in regards to weapons is in knowing how to safely transport and prepare them as occasionally his merchant services are hired to deliver them. Like her brother Darren, other than to know how to use the most basic of laser and disruptor weapons, Kerstin has no special weapons skills. As a civilian she has never needed to learn anything beyond the basics for simple safety. And even then she has never even handled a true weapon, only holographic representations of one. [B]Special Skills:[/B] Darren is a bit of a handy man in that he can fix most basic repairs to his space ship and run the most basic of computer programs as well. Though not a true expert in any field other than transportation, he has a wide range of general knowledge. He also has field experience as a commander. Not for the military but rather for the company he started over thirty years ago. Now he is working as the Shipping Expert for the High Council and thus for the entire Versilan Empire. Kerstin is an artist. Her specialty is in creating ancient attire for the nobility as well as then painting by hand, portraits of said nobility (as well as other wealthy Versilans) wearing the outfits she created for them. In addition to that work she also paints pictures of different cities and older long gone ones as well. She also converts her work into digital art for those who are not interested in owning the real deal. Kerstin?s greatest talent is that once she has seen a face she can paint a portrait from memory of the person in question. [B]Personality: [/B] Fairly easygoing, though quick to take offense. Darren has no patience for those he perceives as lazy. Cheerful and sunny, Kerstin has always been outgoing and forward. [B]Short Bio: [/B] Initially Darren was simply working as a merchant delivering the Crystals essential to all Versilan technology. However, his clearance to travel through sector thirteen just prior to the invasion of Earth was a result of the Resistance hacking the system to divert his ship into a restricted area. Sandra and Jared who were proceeding there for the preparations to invade Earth stopped him. Since being in a restricted sector is a crime punishable by death, Darren was then given no choice but to work for the military and use his knowledge of shipping to convert Earth?s primitive methods over to how things are done in the Versilan Empire. Later, since he had written the protocols used for shipping, he was asked to update them in light of the recent attacks by the Resistance in other sectors, once done he was then given no choice but to become the Shipping Expert and work for the High Council. A position he does not want as he wishes to return to being neutral. Darren went to sector one along with Jared and Sandra where he met up with his sister Kerstin who was currently attending university in sector one on the moon called Reflection by the artist community. Both of them have severed ties with their family who would use Darren?s political connections to gain favor. In an effort to force Darren to give other shipping companies an edge, Kerstin was kidnapped along with Daniel Landers, but Elite Specialist Kiva rescued both of them. Now Kerstin is still onboard the Creator with Darren, with the outbreak of war she is undecided as to what she should do. Especially since Daniel, who was with her when she was kidnapped, turned out to be a resistance member. She is torn due to his actions to protect her while they were being held and as a result she is no longer sure of which side she believes in.

Alex froze, shocked at the suddenly disappearance of the other Shinigami, barely hearing what the Count was saying. H..How did he do that? He could feel Nall tensing on his right shoulder, digging in with his claws as he stiffened in anger. He tied each of us to a different parallel universe? But if that's the case, why can't I feel the others? Even if seperated in such a manner, surely he would still sense them, Shinigami by nature were of this world and yet not of this world, already co-existing in more than one reality. Is this what he did to Aeru? Trap her in a parallel universe as well? He took a cautious step backwards, calling forth his scythe, which to his utter relief settled into his right hand. Traps? A tool for getting free? Eternal grave? Hell! Alex couldn't help but shiver a bit once the Count had vanished, leaving him alone in the eternal darkness of the massive room. He turned around cautiously, holding his scythe ready, but there was no one there. It was empty and dark, though the darkness did not bother him, he could see as clearly as if it were the brightest of days. "I can't sense the others!" Nall cried. "I can't sense any of the vampires either Alex! What are we going to do?" He dug his claws even deeper into Alex's shoulder, tearing the material of his shirt a tiny bit. "I don't know Nall." Alex said through clenched teeth. He shivered again as a strange feeling came over him, making him hesitate over leaving the room to try and find the tool. What's the matter with me? He started to get irritated at the irrational fear? He froze again. Is this what fear feels like? Annoyed he forced himself to do as he always would have, simply stride over to the door and open it. Everything looked the same, except for being completely empty, the servants were gone. I wonder if what he said is true, about not being able to leave? Alex decided to test it, heading back down the hall way towards the front door. Determined to simply find the way out and then see if he could sense the others. But he had barely taken a step into the final stretch before the doors when a slight noise warned him of something swiftly coming in from the right. Instinctively he blocked with his scythe, stopping what could only be a circular blade as it shot across the hallway. It shattered upon contact, sending shards of the razor sharp blade flying. "Damn vampire!" Nall growled. "Alex, perhaps it would be better if we look for the others first instead of trying to get to the doors." "I doubt the rest of the mansion is free of traps Nall." Alex said irritably. "We have to get outside so we can sense the others and help them get out!" Frustrated he fought his way to the front door, using his unnatural speed as a Shinigami to block and shatter each bade that spun towards him, swiftly leaping over others that he could not block when more than one came flying towards him. "Now well see about being stuck here." Alex said firmly even as he reached for the front doors to open them. "Wait!" Nall called out. "What if the door is a trap?" But it was too late, Alex had already touched the door. Instantly a purplish black energy sent both of them flying to slam hard into the cold floor. "Ugh.." Alex groaned as he sat up. "Are you alright Nall?" He turned to check on Nall who was getting up and shaking his head. Gently he reached over and picked him up. "I'm fine Alex," He gave him an chagrined look. "I should have said something sooner." Alex just got up off the floor, "I guess we're going to have to hunt for that tool." Alex glanced back at the door as Nall settled back onto his shoulder, then he turned and faced the hallway leading back into the mansion. Great, now what do I do? He couldn't stop yet another shiver as he readied his scythe and started back towards the huge room where the Count had been.

Michael wasn't sure what to expect from transporting, but it was in a way rather anti climatic. Other than a slight tingling sensation and the scenery changing to that of a large cargo bay, it wasn't much different from simply walking through a door. The bay itself was almost empty other than a few crates of supplies in standard space containers that fastened to the floor. And even then there were only a few of them along the outer wall. He didn't get much chance to do anything other than to notice that Colonel DeSouza and Captain Schovick were over by the main doors leading out into the corridor. Within moments he was hit by a very odd, powerful smell, one that caused his nose to itch. "[B]What in the world is that smell?[/B]" He asked no one in paticular. It took him a moment to place it, it was like rotting fruit. [I]I wonder if the stores have gone bad?[/I] "[B]Lets go people, you can gawk later.[/B]" DeSouza remarked in regards to both Michael and Nakeisha who were still looking around. Chagrined Michael immediately moved over to join him at the door, noticing how both Major James and Lieutenant Vayne took up position behind them as they went out into the corridor. Neatly putting him and Nakeisha in the middle. How he knew what direction to go, Michael didn't know, but without hesitation the Colonel lead them along the different corridors, the sounds of their equipment and footsteps echoing eerily as they went. He tried to shake it, but it was unsettling for a space station to be so devoid of noise. Even the temperature was clearly on a standby mode as the air was slightly chilly, making him glad he had his light jacket on and a field jacket in the backpack that Captain Schovick had given him. Michael caught himself as his right hand strayed to rest on the sidearm he had been given. He pulled his hand away, even if he knew how to use one, it would be better to leave such things up to the officers who were trained. Especially since the sniper rifles each one carried looked far more effective than what he had been given. Finally the silence got to him. "[B]Why are we traveling in near silence?[/B]" He asked. "[B]It's simple Dr. Travis.[/B]" Schovick explained, "[B]We're listening for sounds of equipment or anything else that might be here.[/B]" Michael shook his head, confused. "[B]But I thought Dr. Sanderson said there were no life signs.[/B]" "[B]I don't have time to explain this to you Dr. Travis.[/B]" Schovick said firmly. "[B]There are other things to listen for, now please be quiet.[/B]" With an inward sigh, Michael shut up. Still he couldn't help but wonder just what she meant by [I]other things[/I]. Then as they came to an open area that was clearly a center for gathering with empty shops and a huge open area with tables for people to mingle and talk, he couldn't help but wonder just what in the world had happened. Not once had he ever heard of a space station drifting erratically with no crew and gravitational anomalies popping up. [i]What in the world did I get myself into when I applied for this? [/i]He wondered.

[quote name='Darren']However, I hope you won't mind if I'm this scatter-brained in the RPG itself. 'Cuz you know, last time, Rachmaninoff just deleted me. :p So yes, I'll definately join. P.S. Oh, Sandy, not that I would have cut your head off or anything, but at first I was tempted to steal Rach's voodoo doll...[/QUOTE]Pfft! You snooze.. You lose... :p [spoiler]And yes I know school does that to a person, after all I teach classes as well as take them. [/spoiler] Seriously though if you want to do the voodoo doll thing in your signature. You should take this approach that Allamorph suggested to me. Hehe. [quote name='Rachmaninoff][center][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Labyrinth/labyrinth-deathcard.png[/IMG'][/center][/quote] [center][FONT=Arial][Size=1]Poor Sandy[/Size][/FONT][/center] You'd have to make the picture a little smaller though since it's a tiny bit too tall. ;)

I'm sure you already know this Sandy, just how hard it was to make a decision between the two. >_< But I said I wouldn't take too long so I finally made my choice... I choose [B]Aaryanna[/B] to join me in the Final Team Council. Thank you for everything you two. I've really enjoyed working with both of you and now competing in the final stretch. :catgirl: Best of luck to both of us!

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]All right, I need to ask you all a favor. [I]Please, please do not find a way out just yet.[/I] I got a really amazing idea during class today, and I think you all will love it—[COLOR="DarkRed"]Rachmaninoff[/COLOR] especially. In fact, I'd like to talk with you about it, since I think you could really add to it once I fire it. In the meantime, panic, confusion, or whatever is all good. My next post will need that kind of a set-up, so I'll post again when the timing's right. Until then, Nathan is off-camera. Seriously, [COLOR="DarkRed"]Rach[/COLOR], you should get a major kick out of this. (Ooohh, I feel like Victor. :D) [/FONT][/QUOTE]Well it would ruin the fun if we escaped to easily. I get the feeling that it would be jarring to the story since someone like the Count wouldn't bother with such an obvious confrontation if he thought it wouldn't trap the Shinigami forever. Heh. So no danger of me finding the way out, at least not yet. Alex is too startled at the moment for that. As for adding on to what you had in mind, I sent you a response with what I thought would take it even further. XP I've already got ideas on just how to write up what I suggested to you in a post so I hope you like it. [B]EDIT:[/B] *pokes Allamorph for being such a literal dork* :p