Flash

[i]With a stride ten-fold that of any Man, and standing taller than any Troll, a lone Ent marched southeast through the dark undergrowth on the outskirts of Mirkwood. He quickly came to the River Anduin, and with his long, entwined legs, crossed without a second thought. The trees were thinner around here, and he liked to be near the mountains. Oh, how overjoyed he was to be returning to Fanghorn forest! It had seemed like an age since he was last there. With an outreach of his long, lengthy arm, the Ent pulled himself up onto a rock pillar, protruding from the ground. He looked across the horizon, catching a glimpse of Lorien beyond the Gladden fields. His eyes shone, and he spoke to himself, his slow, loud voice echoing across the plains.[/i] [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] I should very much like to visit the Lady of the Golden Wood. I have gone far too long without the company of the Elves of Lothlorien! [i]Oakenwillow, guardian of the Ents, knew not of the strife that had forsaken Middle Earth in recent times. For nearly seventy years he had wandered the Easternlands, his travels bringing him much strife of his own. He had earned a few more scars, but was all the more experienced. All the while, news of Sauron and the One Ring had not reached him, and he remained unaware. He strode onwards, his pace quickening with the image of Lorien in mind. Ahead, he caught sight of Goblin-Town. It seemed some sort of conflict had arisen there, from what he could make out. He pondered the situation to himself, and carried on. He didn't like Goblins much at all, but couldn't bring himself to pass it by. With large steps, Oakenwillow cleared rock and hill with ample pace, and amazing agility for such a gigantic creature. In a short while, the Ent reached the borders of Goblin town. There were many trees scattered about the place, and Oakenwillow found it quite easily to remain stealthy, weaving in and out of trees, moving slowly. He didn't like to meddle in the affairs of others, and remained in the distance when he could. From here he could see everything very clearly. There was a company of Men and Elves, and even a Dwarf, fighting a host of Goblins. It was clear that the Goblins were keeping the company captive, as he could see shackles and broken binds strewn across the field. By the looks of it, the company had broken free, and were now battling their way out of the Goblin's grasp. Oakenwillow knew that if he were to act, it would have to be now.[/i] [B]Oakenwillow:[/B] [i]Alas! I shall strike now![/i] [I]Bounding through the spread of trees, the massive Ent quickly felled two Goblins with a swift swing of his Iron-clad right arm. At once, the company of travellers as well as the Goblin hosts ceased their combat, and turned to face Oakenwillow, in both awe and fear. Few Goblins with crudely-made bows released a small volley of arrows and the Ent, all of which stuck harmlessly in his thick, bark skin. His voice boomed into Goblin town, and all the way across the Great river Anduin.[/I] [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] Lay down your weapons, Goblin! [i]They complied, driven by fear. A few braver, larger Goblins refused, and charged at the Ent, who met them with his heavy foot, crushing them, or kicking them far into Goblin town. This, of course, embued even more fear into the hearts of the lesser Goblins, who promptly fled from the battle. Oakenwillow chuckled wholeheartedly, and shifted his gaze down to the Company he had saved.[/i] [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] It would seem that the Goblins would rather risk being slain by your company, than face the wrath of an Ent! What folly! Give me a host of Orcs, I say, for I would gladly crush them, wither they fight or flee! [i]The company was slow to respond. But finally, one spoke, moving out from under the cover of a tree. She was an elf, fair, and held a bow at the ready, aiming it at Oakenwillow.[/i] [b]Laitina:[/b] What business do you have with us, Tree Shepard? [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] Why, fair Elf maiden. You have not yet spoken to me of your name! Pray tell, so that I may introduce myself also. [b]Laitina:[/b] Hasten your reply! [i]Oakenwillow frowned, and his eyes shone no longer. He had left Middle Earth during a time of peace, where none were quick to anger, and friends were many. But now it seemed that war, and the suspicion that went with it had made its way back to the land he loved so much. He spoke in a soft, sad tone.[/i] [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] I do not blame you for your caution, Lady Elf. I take it that troubled times have come to Rhovanion. [i]Laitina lowered her bow, and looked into Oakenwillow's eyes. She could tell that he knew nothing of all that had happened in latter days.[/i] [b]Laitina:[/b] Not just Rhovanion, Master Ent, but all of Middle Earth. [i]The Ent's eyes widened, a look of disbelief and sadness spreading across his face. He bowed his head, lowered to one knee.[/i] [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] I have been East of Rhun for many years. Tell me... What of Lorien? What of Fanghorn? Are the Trees felled? [b]Laitina:[/b] I fear to tell you that parts of Fanghorn forest nearest to Isenguard have been lost. Much has happened in your absence, Master Ent. [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] My name in the common tounge is Oakenwillow. [b]Laitina:[/b] I am called Laitina, Laitina Kittana. If you would like, I could tell you of the events that have perspired while you were away. [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] I would be forever grateful of such service, Lady Elf. But may I suggest we head somewhere else? I can't stand Goblins. [b]Laitina:[/b] Very well; We are heading South. Is that alright? [b]Oakenwillow:[/b] Very well indeed! I myself plan on heading through Lorien to Fanghorn. Let us go, am I sure you must have much to tell me. [i]The company moved away from the gates of Goblin town, still holding their weapons ready. Goblins were tricky, and would not hesitate to attack them unawares. As one Goblin peered over the wall, Oakenwillow reared his head, and snarled, causing it to fall backwards over the barricade. With the Ent as their rearguard, the company moved south.[/i] ---- OOC: I really, really hope that's okay. I sorta did affect everyone with that post.. ^_^;

[I]He was like a black hole in the darkness; so black that night itself paled in comparisson. His trenchcoat billowed in the warm wind, and his hair blew around, untamed and unkempt. Upon his head sat a black beret, and on the front of it a crest of gold, a sword, encircled with ravens. This was his family crest, the symbol of Devil Hunters in his family. Tilting his head back slightly, he sniffed the air. Demons were nearby, he could smell their scent. That vile, stagnant breath of evil, staining the air, but undetectable to human sense. They were much more common now, not like the old days. They came in numbers, turning up even during the day. Their inhibitions were lifting, and their strength increasing. It was a dark time. Donning a pair of blue-lensed sunglasses, the man in black walked down the alleyway he stood in, heading onto the main road. There they were, two of them, and one on the ground. The two standing were wearing coats, as well; one black, and the other silver. His eyes narrowed. What did this mean? Were these demons fighting among themselves? He shrugged it off. He cared little about the lives of Demons; He cared only for their death. Drawing a pair of Chrome magnums from holsters on his belt, he sprang out of the Alleyway, diving sideways while unloading his weapons at the two standing demons. They turned, stunned, drawing weapons at him, as his bullets bounced harmlessly off them. He rolled behind a car as they fired handguns of their own at him. He reloaded his magnums, and jumped upwards, landing on the roof of the car. He fired at the Demons once more, drawing their attention. They aimed and unleashed another volley of bullets. His plan worked. Pushing off from the car (shattering all of it's windows and crumpling the roof in the process), he drew a glaive from behind his back. The glaive was black and silver, glowing with a radiant blue, echoing into the night. The glaive shifted around in his hands, transforming into a brutal-looking spear, with a thick, pronged head. With a powerful thrust, he lunged it fowards, into and through the chest of the Demon in the black Trenchcoat. It ripped two holes in his front, and pierced another two out the back. Finally, he smashed the spear downwards, lodging it firmly in the ground. The other Demon, in the silver coat stood stunned. The man in black turned to him, holding up his fists, revealing a pair of silver gaunlets, with icy-blue runes glowing along them. His hands shone with a blue aura, and he brought his fist forcefully at the demon's face. However, he was met with resistence. Much more than he had anticipated. The Demon in the Silver coat caught his punch, and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards into another car. The man in black fell to the ground, sprawling. He got to his feet, slowly, rubbing his neck. He straightened his beret, and resumed fighting stance. But as he went to strike the Demon, something happened. The Demon in the black trenchcoat began to shake. He growled loudly, and began to rise, pulling himself up, and pulling the spear through him. He did, and he had no wounds. The man in black was stunned, and stepped back. Holding out his right hand, he spoke.[/I] [B]Vincent:[/B] Withdraw! [I]The glaive shuddered, and pulled itself out of the ground, and back into his hand. As he clutched it, it shifted into a large, double-handed sword, with a thick blade. He held it in front of him, in a ready position.[/I] [B]Vincent:[/B] What kind of a demon [i]are[/i] you? [I]The Demon in the black trenchcoat looked puzzled, and oblivious. His voice was filled with neither hate, nor evil.[/I] [B]Raiden:[/B] Me, a Demon? [B]Vincent:[/B] Don't lie to me! No human could have survived that... Furthermore, no Demon [i]I've[/i] ever encountered could have survived it, either. What are you? [I]As they shouted at one another, the demon on the ground, Nefasturris, rose quietly, and began to back away. At once, the black-clothed Demon, Raiden, drew his guns and pivoted, shooting furiously at the retreating Nefasturris. Enraged, Vincent ran foward, barging Raiden out of the way with his shoulder. With his own Magnums, he released a barrage of ammunition towards the fleeing Demons, but hit only air or dirt. Raiden turned to Vincent, and shouted in his face.[/I] [B]Raiden:[/B] Idiot! If it weren't for you, I'd have had him! [B]Vincent:[/B] What!? If you hadn't been in the way, I could have gotten a single shot and annhilated him. Why would you want to kill him anyway, trying to thin out your ranks? [B]Raiden:[/B] Thin out my ranks? You think I'm with [i]them[/i]?! [B]Vincent:[/B] Whether you're with them or not, you have Demon's blood in you. I can smell it. [B]Raiden:[/B] You can smell it? Well what the hell does that make you then? [B]Vincent:[/B] My name is Vincent Murakumo... Demon Hunter. [B]Raiden:[/B] Mine is Raiden. Demon Hunter. [I]Finally, the other demon spoke up.[/I] [B]Shiro:[/B] And I'm Shiro... I too am a Demon Hunter. [I]Vincent scoffed, chuckling to himself.[/I] [B]Vincent:[/B] Demons hunting demons? Preposterous. I haven't heard of such a thing since I was a child. [B]Raiden:[/B] Have you never heard of Dante? [B]Vincent:[/B] Ha. Of course I have, anyone in this business has, right? [B]Raiden:[/B] Well, I'm his son. [I]Vincent raised his eyebrows, and removed his Sunglasses. He scanned Raiden up and down. He checked out.[/I] [B]Vincent:[/B] Son of Dante? Huh. Well, whad'ya know. Maybe our paths will cross again sometime, Raiden. After all, there can't be all that many Hunters around these parts anymore. [I]With that, Vincent walked off down the street, into the darkness of the night.[/I]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GinnyLyn [/i] [B][color=royal blue] Does Jester=Bard? Or should we say that Rikku is a Thief in that one piccie of her? I'm becoming [i]quite[/i] interested in this game.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] No, no. I have no idea what a Jester actually [i]does[/i] in Relation to Final Fantasy games, but I know that Bards, Theives and Jesters are all entirely different classes. My guess by looking at that picture is that she does something with Cards... Magic tricks? Who knows.

[B]Demos:[/B] It's not so easy as that. [b]Reverb:[/b] Do you remember Duke? [B]Xion:[/B] Yeah, I do. [B]Reverb:[/B] Well, it seems that Duke has taken control of MHHQ. [B]Xion:[/B] I don't care! That'll just make him easier to find. [I]Demos stepped towards Xion, pressing a finger hard on his chestplate.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] No. You've been exiled from the city. There is no way in hell I'm letting you blow our cover. [I]Xion slapped Demos' hand away with the back of his own, and glared at the Elite Hunter.[/I] [B]Xion:[/B] I'm not under your jurisdiction anymore, Demos. I'll make him pay for what he's done. [I]Demos shook his head, and readied his buster. He pressed the barrel up into Xion's chin. Xion could feel the Buster humming, slowly charging. It was warm.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] I could kill you right now, Xion. Earn myself a medal for taking out a terrorist and enemy of the state. Listen to me. If you even get [i]close[/i] to Headquarters, Duke [i]will[/i] find you. [b]Xion:[/b] That's a risk I'm willing to take. [i]Demos pushed his buster even harder into Xion's jaw, as if to draw his attention.[/i] [B]Demos:[/B] You're not listening. It's not a risk; It's a guarantee. You want to get yourself killed? Be my guest. But don't do it anywhere near us. Take the Subway entrance. [I]Demos pulled his Buster away from Xion's face, and pointed him down an alleyway. There was an access hatch, visible from the street.[/I] [b]Demos:[/b] It's up to you, Xion. Your call. Don't **** up. [i]And with that, the leader of the Elite squadron turned from the Exiled Reploid, and headed towards Hunter HQ. Each glancing one last time at Xion, Reverb and Iota also turned, and followed Demos. Xion stood alone in the street, next to Alaris.[/i]

Russian Schoolgirl Lesbians. That gets the A-Ok from Flashy. ^_~ Yeah, I don't really know what their music's like, on account of I wasn't exactly paying attention when I first saw their music video... o_o;

[I]Alpha set down just outside the perimeter of the Facility, following two other APCs. Reverb clutched his right wrist, flexing his hand. They'd arrived. Demos was nowhere to be found, so instead, he found himself leading the charge. Although he had never commandeered a Squadron before now, Reverb knew what he was doing. The training Sims had paid off, so it seemed. The main door on the back of the APC opened, and Hunters poured out of it, Reverb in the front. He looked to his left and right; The other APCs had already unloaded. Hunters armed with heavy weaponary were opening fire on the facility, and were met by a volley of gunfire. Reverb ducked for cover as an explosive shell landed nearby, shaking the entire area. Thankfully, the new-type Reploid was unscathed. He looked over his shoulder, and saw that Iota and a few other Hunters were all with him. The Hunters had their Busters ready, and Iota had her Guns drawn. Nodding, Reverb formed his own Tr9 Flash Buster, and headed for the main door of the complex, Iota and the others following. Rocket Propelled Grenades from the Hunter's Artillery batallion slammed into the front wall of the Facility, tearing large gashes in the steel. That was their que. All the Hunters rushed foward, drawing their close range weapons, and storming into the Power Complex. Reverb was the first in, followed by Iota. They stood shoulder to shoulder, unloading their respective weapons at the enemy ahead. Every shot was dead-on, Mavericks falling left, right and centre. Reverb held his forearm upwards, and his Progressive Sabre flipped out of it, right into his palm. He grasped it tightly. One of Iota's ESMs opened, revealing a long Gold handle. She drew it, and a long beam-whip appeared. It made a loud metallic noise when it was cracked. Together, Reverb and Iota ran foward, Hunters spreading throughout the long maze of corridoors within the facility. After a few minutes of running, the pair of Hunters came to a locked door. With a swift crack of her Synth whip, the door shattered into several large chunks of metal, and Reverb barged through. Several Mavericks stood behind it at the ready, but weren't quick enough to react when Reverb burst into the room. He swung his Sabre around, decapitating one, and slicing another clean in half. Another two opened fire on him from a Catwalk above, but with one well aimed Buster shot, both of them were reduced to dust. He turned around, nodding to Iota, giving her the all clear. The two Reploids ran through the Storage area, and into another corridoor. At the end of it, there was a huge room. It was, no doubt, the main Power core. On their side of the room was a small fortified area, occupied with Hunters. They were having a fire fight with heavily armed Mavericks on the other side of the massive area. Iota and Reverb ducked and ran to the Hunter's makeshift bunker, filled to the brim with Trigger-happy Reploids. Ahead of them, Reverb noticed Demos. He ran foward, to meet up with the Elite Squadron's commander.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] Good to see you made it this far, Reverb. [B]Reverb:[/B] What's going on, Sir? [B]Demos:[/B] The Mavericks have barricaded themselves on the other side of the Power Core. They've got Cyborgs with them as well. [B]Reverb:[/B] Why fight them from here? [B]Demos:[/B] They're armed heavily--[i]Very[/i] heavily. [B]Iota:[/B] We need a Sniper. I'm up for it. [I]Demos pondered for a second. She was new to the squad, but he'd read her case file. She'd been a Squad Leader before, she knew what she was doing. Demos nodded.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] Alright. Be careful, they have sensors all over the place. Last Sniper we set out was shot. I hope you'll have more luck. [I]Iota grinned, and loaded the rifle. Taking her position, she lined up one of the Cyborgs in her scope. On closer inspection, the Cyborg had the ALED logo emblazoned on his chest. Iota blinked, but didn't let it phase her. She quickly went back to lining up the Shot. As she did, a massive voice boomed across the Facility's PA system. It was a Cyborg.[/I] [B]Cyborg:[/B] Maverick Hunters! This is Sergeant 2338 of the Armed Law Enforcement Division! Cease fire now! [I]The Hunters didn't stop. The barrage of fire continued.[/I] [B]Cyborg:[/B] What the hell is wrong with you?! Why are you attacking innocen-- [I]The Sergeant's words were cut off. A single bullet from Iota's rifle had hit the Cyborg in the head, through his Cybernetic left eye, and out the other side. He landed with a loud thud, blood trickling from the hole in his head. More Cyborgs and Reploids fell around him as Iota fired multiple shots at the barricaded Mavericks. Demos ordered the charge then and there. Hunters poured out of the Trench, and towards the other side of the Power Core. Firing as they charged, the Hunters easily overpowered the diminishing Maverick forces. The few that did survive the initial rush were quickly slain by the Sabres of the Maverick Hunters. At that moment, a large chunk of the roof collapsed, and more Hunters poured in, all using their dash systems to break their fall. More Hunters, it seemed. Their uniform was different, they were obviously from a different platoon. Their armour was all green, and they wore green berets. There were easily twice as many Green Hunters as there were Regular ones. One of these Green Hunters landed near Demos, saluting. He looked like their commander. Reverb decided to go over and see who they were. As he did, Reverb noticed a Reploid laying on the ground, spluttering. Crimson Coolant was leaking from several wounds on his chest. The Hunter approached, and crouched down over him.[/I] [B]Reverb:[/B] Who's in charge of this operation? [B]Reploid:[/B] ...Why... [B]Reverb:[/B] Why what? [B]Reploid:[/B] Why... did you... attack us? [B]Reverb:[/B] As a Hunter, I don't need to justify myself to a [i]Maverick[/i]. [B]Reploid:[/B] Me? M-Maver.. ick? [I]And with that, the figure stopped breathing, and their eyes closed. Reverb's eyes widened. He ripped the Reploid's shirt open, and was horrified at what he saw. This was no Reploid. This was a human. This was blood, not coolant. Reverb picked up an ID tag from the shirt of the dead body. It was an ID tag for the Power facility. His name was John Unwin. He was 28 years old. Reverb stood up, disoriented and shakey. He was confused, and most of all, he was scared. Had they just slaughtered hundreds of innocent factory workers? A Hunter ran out from a corridoor, and motioned for the Hunters to move in. They'd found the 'Mavericks' stronghold. Regular Hunters and Green Hunters alike stormed down the corridoor. Demos walked over to Reverb, who was still standing over the dead body of John Unwin.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] It seems we've got Reinforcements... Those Green Hunters are from Division Eleven. I've never heard of it. But they say they've been ordered by Duke to help us out. Not that we need it though, Heh heh. [B]Reverb:[/B] .... [B]Demos:[/B] What's wrong? [B]Reverb:[/B] Demos, Sir... These aren't Mavericks. [B]Demos:[/B] What are you talking about? [I]Reverb motioned to the body in front of him. Demos crouched down, and checked it. Sure enough, it was a human. Demos stood back up, covering his mouth and chin with his hand. He cussed, and went over to check the Cyborg that Iota had shot. Demos scanned him, and he checked out. He was no impostor. He was a real ALED officer. Demos shook his head despairingly.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] Christ... It doesn't make any sense.. [B]Reverb:[/B] Why? Why would Duke order us to attack a Civilian facility? [I]Iota walked up to them, still holding her rifle.[/I] [B]Iota:[/B] What's going on? [B]Demos:[/B] These aren't Mavericks. And these Cyborgs are ALED. [I]Iota was stunned, and dropped the rifle. She had killed at least seven from her nest. At once, she began to run for the corridoor where the other Hunters had left to destroy the rest of the Facility Staff. Before she could, Demos grabbed her upper-arm.[/I] [B]Iota:[/B] Let me go! If we don't tell the others, the rest of the workers will be slaughtered! They don't know any better! [B]Demos:[/B] I have feeling that Duke's squadron knows [i]exactly[/i] what they're doing. If we alert the Hunters to this, we'll be killed. [B]Reverb:[/B] So Duke wanted us to kill everyone here. And if we found out what's going on, his Green Hunters would destroy us. [B]Demos:[/B] Exactly. That's why so many of them were dispatched. [I]Demos sat down, swearing again. Even with his experience and leadership skills, he had no idea what to do next. They couldn't alert the Hunters to the situation without being killed. Duke was back at Maverick Hunter HQ, so escaping back there was a no go. Reverb leaned against a wall, glancing at the hole in the roof. Iota looked down, and held the Communications device on her ear. She was getting something, and judging by her level of concentration, it was a scrambled signal. She looked around, trying to locate the source of the Signal. It was somewhere in the same room as them.[/I] [B]Iota:[/B] ...We're not alone.. [I]Demos readied his buster, and Reverb did the same. They stood back to back, and surveyed the area. They saw nothing out of the ordinary for now. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, it appeared. Dressed in all white, face covered in a mask, stood the same figure who had met Reverb in the Communications tower, Phi. He stood on a ledge four or five metres above the group. He spoke, with a distorted voice, that sounded neither natural nor synthetic, robotic nor human.[/I] [B]Phi:[/B] We meet again, Reverb. Demos, Iota, we haven't met before, but I know you. [B]Demos:[/B] Who the hell are you? [B]Phi:[/B] The answers to your questions lay not in the skies above, but in the depths of the earth before you. That which is closest to you is not what it seems. [B]Demos:[/B] Answer me! Who are you? [B]Phi:[/B] I am Phi. [I]The figure dressed in white turned from the group, and disappeared into the darkness. Alone again, Demos, Reverb and Iota stood in silence momentarily. Demos turned to Reverb.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] You've met 'Phi' before? [B]Reverb:[/B] Yes... It was during our last mission, in the Comm tower. He gave me this.. [I]Reverb reached over his shoulder, and pulled out the High-Compression rifle. Demos nodded. He remembered that weapon alright. Reverb had used it against the Replimasters that had been encountered during the mission.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] [i]The answers to your questions lay not in the skies above, but in the depths of the earth before you...[/i] That makes no sense. [I]Iota pondered. 'In the depths of the earth before you... That which is closest to you is not what it seems.'. She remembered what she had seen in the lowest levels of Maverick Hunter HQ. The canyon, the shadow, the ocean of dead bodies... Could that be what Phi was talking about? They heard shots in the distance. Obviously Duke's Hunter faction had encountered the remaining Facility staff, and ALED officers.[/I] [B]Demos:[/B] For now... We'll head back to HQ--The long way. Via the City. We can't take any of the APCs. For the meantime... Hell, I suppose we should enjoy ourselves. This stroll through Downtown could be our last. [I]Reverb and Iota gulped, and nodded. Demos was right. Who knew what was in store for them back at MHHQ, now that they knew of Duke's agenda. Racked with Anxiety, the Hunters left the Facility, retreating in secret out into the open streets of Novus Concordia.[/I]

At the moment, my favourite song is 'Koochy' by Armand Van Helden. It's got a rockin' Music Video as well, heh heh.

There's already a thread about .hack//SIGN, just scroll down the page and post about it there.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Syk3 [/i] [B] Boondock Saints is a story of two Irish brothers in New York who go around killing mob bosses and evil people like that.[/B][/QUOTE] It's Boston, not New York. I've seen this movie, and (I'm sure NeoCactuar will agree with me) it's pretty bloody brilliant. Here's the family prayer, from the movie, if memory serves me; [i]"And shepherds we shall be, for thee my Lord for thee, Power hath descended forth from thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out thy command, we shall flow a river forth to thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine patrie, et fili [they cock their guns] et spiritu sancti."[/i] Good movie. I'd reccomend it to anyone who doesn't mind the violence/language.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Break [/i] [B][size=1][color=crimson]Unfortunatly, I'm having my doubts on that, since I think the Job System will just be a small part in FFX-2, because most of the gameplay will be directed to the task at hand (treasure hunting was it?). But I could be wrong. [/size][/color] [/B][/QUOTE] Heh heh, well, you could say FFV's gameplay was directed to saving the world from obilivion. Here's hoping.

Job system? Well, this certainly changes my view on the game, heh heh. Like Break, I loved (and still love!) the job system from FFV. I think they have yet to top it. I hope there's as much freedom as there was in FFV's system.

Butz, Leena, Faris, Galuf and Cara. [b]Question:[/b] [font=courier] [color=white]..[/color]9 [color=white].[/color]2 A [color=white]..[/color]4 [/font] What card from FFVIII has the above stats, what element is it (if elemental at all), and what does it refine into?

I heard it was being released on the PSX... Hm. I do know that FF1 was rereleased on the Wonderswan Colour. But seeing as the WSC is just a handheld console, there were only a few graphical improvements. Then again--Portable Final Fantasy? Yes please. I hope that they don't change much about FF1 when they make it for the PS2, apart from Graphics and Sound, stuff like that. I mean, the gameplay and length were great, especially for a NES game.

[I]Xy bolted upwards, breathing heavily. His shoulder nearly hit Sabir's chin. He brushed his chest, before turning to Sabir, a sarcastic smile covering his face.[/I] [B]Xy:[/B] ...May I ask why? [B]Sabir:[/B] You just looked so peaceful... And we couldn't have that now, could we? [I]Xy grinned, and stood up, grabbing a towel from his bedpost. He dryed his toned chest, and then grabbed his tanktop, and a shirt. He pulled them on, leaving the shirt unbuttoned, as per usual. He grabbed Sabir softly at the wrist, and pulled her towards the door.[/I] [B]Sabir:[/B] Where are we going? [B]Xy:[/B] Come on, I wanna show you something. [I]Xy and Sabir walked through the empty East Wing corridoor of the Sanctum. They reached the main door, and Xy led them outside. It was nearing dusk, and the entire forest was golden. Two dorms over, Tonberry lay on his bed, while Cactuar sat at a desk on the other side of the room, working on some new training device. Tonberry glanced over, and smiled. He admired Cactuar's dedication to his work. Tonberry got up, and walked over to the door.[/I] [B]Tonberry:[/B] I think I'll go train some more. It's far too early for bed. [B]Cactuar:[/B] Alright. [I]Tonberry pushed the three-and-a-half foot door open, and closed it quietly behind him. He noticed the main door closing, and caught a glimpse of Xy and Sabir walking outside. He chuckled, and strolled down the corridoor that led to the Colosseum. He felt like fighting some droids, and he certainly intended to.[/I]

[b]Name:[/b] 'Vincent' Murakumo [b]Age:[/b] 34 [b]Race:[/b] Human [b]Bio:[/b] Vincent comes from a long line of Demon Hunters. Even in Modern times, where believers are few to find, and mostly everyone scoffs the thought of 'Hunting Demons', Vincent remains stedfast in his efforts. Determined not to fail his forefathers, and to prove himself to them, Vincent hunts across the globe, tracking and killing any Demon he may come across. [b]Occupation:[/b] Demon Hunter [b]Appearance:[/b] Vincent has grey eyes, and wears a black beret on top of his long, unkempt charcol hair. His usual attire consists of jet-black trenchcoat, with a high-cut collar that covers his mouth when done up. Underneath that, he wears a pair of black jeans, low top black boots and a black tanktop. Take a guess at what his favourite colour is. [b]Alliance:[/b] Good. [b]Weapons:[/b] [i]Glaive of Omnus[/i] - A Multi-formed Glaive capable of transforming itself into many different weapons, similar to the sword of the Legendary Dark Knight 'Sparda'. It carries no elemental attributes. [i]Gauntlets of Verda[/i] - Wristguard-Gauntlets of the Blizzard lord, Verda. Wearing these enables Vincent to perform many Ice-elemental attacks. [i]Dual Semi-Auto Magnums[/i] - These powerful hanguns have never let Vincent down. With his excellent aim, he uses them to their full potential. [b]Powers:[/b] Aside from Martial Arts traning, above-average strength, and Generally good Marksmanship, Vincent is no different from any other Human being. [b]Special moves:[/b] [i]Cold Streak[/i] - A quick flurry of punches from the right fist, finished with a high kick. [i]Arctic Circle[/i] - A punch to the ground that surrounds the area in a large blast of permafrost and ice. The user is immune to the effects. [i]Frostbite[/i] - The arms of the user become entrapped within massive, sharp icicles, which can be used to attack with and also launched as projectiles. The icicles are permafrost, and will not break until the user wants them to. [i]Absolute Zero[/i] - A massive onslaught of ice, wind and blizzard that engulfs the area surrounding the user. This attack is devastating to the enemy, but also very draining on the user.

Heh. That's funny. American Idol came from Pop Idol, which came from Pop Stars (UK), which came from Pop Stars in Australia, which came Pop Stars in NZ. Of course, the idiots who thought it up over here sold the rights to the Australia company, who ended up tripling what they got it for. Bleh.

[B]Name:[/B] 'Flash' Parker [B]Affiliation:[/B] Feds--ATF division. [B]Default Car:[/B] Washington. [B]Weapons:[/B] Colt Python, two Pistols, plus a Chrome Shotgun and Colt M4 in the trunk of his car. [B]Personality Bio:[/B] Flash is an Agent for the ATF, and lives in Ocean Beach. He has recently come back for a vacation from a long Case in San Andreas, only to be thrown right back into a Gang-war he knows nothing about. Angrily and reluctantly, Flash joins the fight, but only because he has to.

[I]Tonberry tightened the belt securing his robe, and rushed at Cactuar. The Cactus also ran towards his opponent, but was knocked backwards when the two collided. It was in this moment that Tonberry managed to grab one of Cactuar's arms, picking him up and catapulting him over his shoulder, throwing him forcefully into the ground. The result was devastating, due to the added power of the 15x gravity setting. Cactuar lay still, and Tonberry brushed his hands off. He approached the grounded Cactus, but was met with a strong kick as Cactuar jumped up from the floor, and began to pummel Tonberry with punches. While Tonberry tried his best to block, Cactuar's impressive speed was too great, and Tonberry's weaker defensive power was no match. Cactuar delivered blow after blow, finally finishing the match with a well aimed kick to Tonberry's chest, which sent the green creature hurling backwards into a wall. As Tonberry slumped to the ground, Cactuar panted, and wiped the sweat from his brow.[/I] [B]Cactuar:[/B] I've got you in speed. [B]Tonberry:[/B] Ugh.. I need to work on my defensive strategies... [B]Cactuar:[/B] Again? [B]Tonberry:[/B] No, I think you've won this one. [B]Cactuar:[/B] Heh heh. Then it looks like we're at a complete draw. Next match'll have to be a big one, eh? [B]Tonberry:[/B] Heh. You know it. [I]Cactuar turned off the Gravity as Tonberry stood up. The room's colour returned to normal, and everything was clear again. The two warriors felt much more agile and unburdened at regular gravity. Cactuar breathed in, and jumped around a wee bit, whilst Tonberry cracked his knuckles and neck.[/I] [B]Tonberry:[/B] Next time. [B]Cactuar:[/B] Heh heh. We'll see. [I]The two walked out through the doorway of the Gravity chamber, taking notice of all their observers. Tonberry smiled, and walked over to a water cooler, getting a cup of it and splashing himself, before getting another and guzzling it down. He had a look at his PSM, wrapped around his wrist like a watch.[/I] TONBERRY ATK: 60 >>> 80 DEF: 20 >>> 40 SPD: 20 >>> 40 KI: 100 >>> 110 [I]He was glad to see that the spar had a positive affect on his stats. Cactuar walked up beside him, and also grabbed some water. As he drank it, Tonberry asked him a question.[/I] [B]Tonberry:[/B] How are your stats looking? [I]Cactuar pulled out his own PSM, and looked at it.[/I] CACTUAR ATK: 40 >>> 60 DEF: 20 >>> 40 SPD: 80 >>> 100 KI: 60 >>> 70 [I]Tonberry nodded. That was pretty intense--They hadn't had a spar in 15x for quite awhile now. He picked up his gear, and headed back to Dorm E to change.[/I]

[B]Tonberry:[/B] Time to step this up. [I]Tonberry concentrated intently, slipping into an almost trance-like state. A red Aura grew around him, until it formed a full ball. The transperant sphere of energy then rocketed inwards, shrinking, until it had focused in on Tonberry alone. His cloak now glowed with a crimson hue, and the runes around the edges were bright red. He smiled at Cactuar, who returned the smile, and answered with his own enhancement. In the blink of an eye, Cactuar was ready to fight. The tribal patterns on his pants shone brightly, and faint ribbons of energy could be seen trailing from his torso. Grinning, the two began to fight once more. It started with a double kick from Cactuar, one roundhouse following into a high straight kick directed at Tonberry's jaw. Tonberry took the first one, but managed to block the second, catching Cactuar's foot, and spun it around, sending the Cactus spinning to the ground. Just as Tonberry went in for the kill, Cactuar propped himself up on two hands, whirling his legs around in an effort to kick Tonberry--And it worked. Tonberry stumbled backwards, stopping and kneeling to regain his composure. With a graceful flip, Cactuar was ready to fight once more.[/I]

[I]Tonberry's fighting gear consisted of a heavy brown cloak. It looked rough and bulky, but the material felt suprisingly soft, and was hemmed with Tonberric symbols and runes. He tightened his fabric belt, slung on the left was his knife, and at his right, a Lantern. Cactuar's was a pair of baggy, lightweight pants, with tribal green patterns running from the bottoms up. He also wore black gloves and footguards. No shirt. Cactuar clenched his fists together, held them in a defensive position, kicking the air in front of him. Tonberry moved his hands around slowly, keeping his wrists pushed together. He paced around in a circle, constantly pivoting, and thrusting with his palms in all directions. The two were both highly knowledgeable in all forms of Martial arts. All they had to do was choose their favourite. Outside the Gravity chamber, Shin was the first to notice. His eyes widened, and he grinned. He called out to everyone else in the training area.[/I] [B]Shin:[/B] Tonberry's fightin' Cactuar! [I]Eager to see the two most experienced among them duke it out, everyone gathered around the viewing windows into the chamber. Even Yulaw and Arano, fresh out of their own Spar went to observe. They watched as the two small, green masters stood for what seemed like an eternity watching, and waiting. Without warning, the two launched. In a second, they were next to each other. Tonberry struck first, his first hitting nothing but air as Cactuar ducked left. Tonberry swung his other first around, Cactuar blocking it with his forearm. The Cactus flipped backwards, bringing his right foot up to kick Tonberry in the jaw. Tonberry quickly caught on though, jumping high into the air, and aiming his fist right at Cactuar's chest. Seconds before impact, Cactuar rolled out of the way, leaving Tonberry to hit nothing but the ground, which cracked under the force of Tonberry's sturdy punch. The green cloaked figure rose to his feet, and Cactuar jumped up, into a ready pose. The two looked at each other briefly, before locking horns once more.[/I]

[I]An uneasy look spread across Xy's face, which soon turned into one of Sympathy. He sat down on Sabir's bed, and placed his hands gently around her shoulders. He had no idea what she was going through, but was trying his best to comfort her.[/I] [B]Xy:[/B] Are you okay? [B]Sabir:[/B] Yeah... I'm fine. [B]Xy:[/B] Do you want something to eat, drink? Some tea, or something? [B]Sabir:[/B] Some tea would be nice. [I]Xy smiled, nodded, and stood up, walking to the kitchen. Thankfully, he'd brought some of his own. It was rare--Very rare. It had been given to him by his fathers. It was one of the last remaining things from the Old Universe. Xy spoke to Sabir as he proceeded to make the Tea.[/I] [B]Xy:[/B] You know, this tea is from the old universe. You won't find this anywhere. Ever. [B]Sabir:[/B] Oh? Been saving it for a special someone? [B]Xy:[/B] Hm. Maybe.

I finally saw this, I've been meaning to for quite sometime. First of all, I was really impressed by the Animation. I mean, 1988? It looks cleaner and better than most Animes you'd see today (It was the Special Edition DVD though--Enhanced picture quality). While the story was really confusing (I still don't quite get it), and there was ample violence (And it only fetched an MA15 rating?), I think the reviewers were right when they said it's 'a Masterpiece'. So, who else here shares my thoughts?

[I]The door to Dorm B opened swiftly, and Xy stepped in. He looked around, and finally spotted Sabir lying on her bed. Much to his surprise, she was fully clothed. He raised an eyebrow.[/I] [B]Xy:[/B] You're wearing clothes? Are you feeling alright? [I]Sabir tilted her head to glance at Xy and gave a wry smile. Xy grinned back at her, and walked over to his bed. He flopped down on it, hands behind his head. He stared at the ceiling, letting his thoughts wander. Xy rolled his head to the side, and looked at his roommate. There was something about her. Something mysterious, and Xy wanted to know what it was.[/I] [B]Xy:[/B] It's a bit early for bed, isn't it?

[I]Without reason, a faint beeping sound begins emitting from Tonberry's vest. He reaches in, grabbing hold of a small electronic-notebook. He flips it open, revealing a monitoring system of everyone's PSMs. Shin's PSM was flashing red.[/I] [B]Cactuar:[/B] What is it? [B]Tonberry:[/B] It's Shin! Fool, he'll be crushed like a bug at Fifty! [I]Acting with amazing speed, Tonberry rushed towards the Gravity chamber, grabbing the handle of the door, and pulling backwards with all his might. Straining himself to the limit, The door ripped from it's hinges, and a massive wave of Gravity hit the training room. Equipment was slammed against by the displacement effect of the Gravity wave. People struggled to stay on their feet--and some failed. Tonberry, on the other hand, trudged straight into the heart of the gravity well, grabbing Shin, and flinging him out of the chamber. The inverse gravity made it easy for the small green creature to pick up the large Shin. He landed outside the chamber, slamming into a wall next to Cactuar. Tonberry turned to face the gravity control device. He noticed the manual override box, and knew he had to destroy it to shut down the device. Bolts of energy began exploding out of the large cylindrical structure, and the gravity waves started intensifying. No time left. The mechanism would implode, and take the Sanctum with it. Acting on a whim, Tonberry whipped out his Chef's Knife, and threw it at the box with such force that gravity was no match for it. The blade spun and lodged itself into the manual override box, shutting down the Gravity chamber. All was soon quiet, and the displacement waves dispersed. Everyone stood shocked (aside from the people fighting, as the Arenas have their own gravity settings). Cactuar walked casually over to the chamber, frowning and shaking his head.[/I] [B]Cactuar:[/B] This'll take a good week to fix. Circuts are blown everywhere. [B]Tonberry:[/B] Just [i]Great[/i]. We're one G-Chamber short. [I]Tonberry walked over to Shin, a fustrated look on his face.[/I] [B]Tonberry:[/B] Perhaps next time, Master Shin, you'll just do away with the training and try to kill yourself in a more pleasant way, Hmm? Something that doesn't require an amazing amount of effort when I come to save you. [I]The small green figure moved away from Shin, picking up some buckled Equipment on the other side of the room, and shifting it back into it's rightful place. Cactuar chuckled, and began surveying the damage done to the Gravity Chamber.[/I]

[I]Tonberry stood at the side of the training room. He had just finished showing Satari the main training facility. Eager to begin his own training, he had already wandered off. The small, green creature was glad to see that everyone was settling into the training area well. From behind him, a metallic door slid upwards, opening. A figure about the same height as him walked out, a towel draped over around his shoulders. He dabbed at his forehead with it, sweating slightly.[/I] [B]Tonberry:[/B] You've been testing those things for days. [B]Cactuar:[/B] Yep, I finally worked all the bugs out as well. Right now the difficulty default is set at Level One. Maximum is Level 10. [B]Tonberry:[/B] Great. What's the range like? [B]Cactuar:[/B] It's good. They won't grow out of these for awhile. [B]Tonberry:[/B] And when they do? [B]Cactuar:[/B] Well, the number of droids is adjustable. Other than that, they'll just have to wait until we develop a new code. [B]Tonberry:[/B] Great, great. [I]The green pair walked over to observe Yulaw and Arano's fight. It was a good chance for them to see just what the true power of these Warriors was.[/I]