Gavin

[SIZE="1"]I actually agree with a lot of what Memphis has said in his post, as much as I hate [strike]Sasuke[/strike] the way in which Sasuke's powers have been built up, Naruto still irritates me in a lot of way. The comparison between Goku and Naruto comes up a lot, not only because of their originally weak strengths eventually giving way to lead character pwnage, but also because like Goku with Vegeta, Naruto has an undaunted belief in the inner-good of his friend/rival Sasuke. The biggest problem here is that we could actually see Vegeta turning good a heck of a lot sooner than we can see Sasuke. Sure Vegeta was pure evil when he was introduced, then had his priorities change until by the end of the Buu Saga, he was genuinely good. But Sasuke just doesn't have the potential for his redemption in my opinion, because what pushed Vegeta towards his redemption was that Goku was not only continually stronger than Vegeta, except for certain circumstances, but also that Goku achieved Vegeta's main goal, to kill Frieza for the murder of their people. Sound familiar ? And Goku beat Frieza at the peak of his strength, unlike the cripple-beater Sasuke. Really, even if Naruto is still young, he really needs to mature a heck of a lot to catch up with the other characters. He had three years away and came back a slightly taller, slightly more grown up version of himself, but only barely. Where was the Yondaime Junior we were expecting ? Yes he has shown himself more capable of deeper thought than before, but ultimately, aside from less orange in the jumpsuit, he's the same Naruto we've always known. Naruto is supposed to be like Jiraiya, but in all his fights, Jiraiya showed himself to be a very tactical, capable fighter as well as the joker of the Sannin. Naruto has yet to show this. So yeah, Sasuke's growth = Suck-assness. Naturo's lack of growth/maturity = Suck-assness.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Hopefully I've wrapped up everything I need to for Daedalus before the air-battle in the coming hours. Before anyone asks, yes, Air-General Litheway will turn out to be a traitor who helped the Underdogs get their hands on the cannon, as really, I saw no alternative to explain how their got passed the military guard and captured it. Unfortunately Daedalus does not know this and it seems it will come back to haunt him.[/SIZE]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/primas-avatar.jpg[/img][/CENTER] [indent][size=1]Perhaps it was age, but Daedalus couldn't help but compare Dynast King Primas to his recently departed father. Many aspects to the man were similar, physically very much so, but something about Primas had a hawkish edge to it that Mideus had seemed to lack, or maybe managed to mask better. Of the three heirs to the Dynast throne, Daedalus had had no preferred candidate, each of them had strength and faults, some far more obvious than others, perhaps of the three, Primas was the best. Still, the rumours which persisted the monarch could not be easily dispelled, particularly those involving his siblings. For a family with so little loyalty to it's members was, for the Almagest patriarch at least, deeply disconcerting, and did not bode well for his treatment of his future subjects. It was not an ideal situation, but then government rarely was. His concentration was broken as Air-General Von Heisenberg of the 2nd Fleet concluded his briefing. Of the eight Air-Fleet commanders, he was by far the youngest, a prodigy who'd risen through the ranks of the Air-Fleet faster than anyone in the last century. Despite being dogged by claims his position was as much due to his membership of the Czenovian elite as his military skills, after hearing his briefing, Daedalus made a mental note never to underestimate the thirty-seven year old. "[b]Air-General Almagest, if you please begin your own briefing.[/b]" "[b]Of course Highness. As you as well aware, the 1st Fleet is responsible for maintaining the internal security of Czenovia. With the recent surges of unrest among the lower populations, however we have found ourselves in an increasingly difficult position.[/b]" "[b]How so General ?[/b]" Primas steepled his fingers as his eyes scrutinised Daedalus for any sign of weakness or hesitancy. ?[b]Due to the somewhat tenuous relationship between the Fleet and the Royal Police Guard, at least in High and New Czenoble, where the latter have purview, we have mostly an observational role, acting only when we feel the Guard are not equipped to handle the threat presented. However, with the recent insurgency, military intelligence has come to believe that there is a dangerous sympathiser, if not out-right traitorous faction within the Guard which has compromised it in dealing with Underdogs.[/b]? ?[b]I see.[/b]? ?[b]Furthermore Highness, Commander Rosier?s tactics in dealing with insurgents has proven disastrous. Their heavy-handed nature, particularly his deployment of the Vigilant with lethal force proved to be a decisive factor in driving the undecided majority populace of New Czenoble directly into the hands of the Underdogs, because of which, our control over the city has been greatly diminished.[/b]? ?[b]Speaking of the Vigilant General, how goes your search to apprehend Jack Deacon ?[/b]? ?[b]As quickly as possible Highness, however, we believe that Mr Deacon has since joined the Underdogs in New Czenoble, which is making his arrest all the more difficult. Rest assured I will bring him to justice with all possible haste.[/b]? ?[b]I trust so General. Please continue your briefing.[/b]? ?[b]Of course. Projections of future Underdog activity is limited due to our relatively meagre knowledge of the group. Their kidnapping of prominent alchemists has lead me to authorise the guard of all major human assets of Czenovia by our most elite counter-terrorists troops, replacing their RPG protectors. As my own family has been the subject of several attacks, I believed it prudent to give them an equally strenuous guard.[/b]? ?[b]Quite so General. My condolences once again on the loss of your daughter Helen, my sister spoke very highly of her.[/b]? ?[b]Thank you Highness, she did her duty to it?s fullest, I could ask for no greater praise. To conclude my briefing, at this moment in time, I have mobilised the entirety of 1st Fleet around the border between High and New Czenoble, with orders to use force against any believed targets attempting to breach between the two cities. I have also several thousand troops positioned on the ground at various strategically advantageous points to accomplish the same goal.[/b]? ?[b]You believe the city to be secure from attack General ?[/b]? ?[b]I do Highness, at least, as secure as I believe it can be made by my troops and intelligence available to me.[/b]? ?[b]Thank you General. Gentlemen, your time has been most valued, I only ask that this is one of the few times you must come before me as a group. Your are all dismissed.[/b]? As the other Air-Generals continued to gather together their briefs, Daedalus continued to merely watch the Dynast King, it was exceptionally difficult to know what to make of the man, his political and strategic acumen was simply flawless. One by one his colleagues exited through the enormous golden doors of the throne room, until only Daedalus and King Primas remained. With an expression Daedalus would almost describe as lazy, but perhaps better described as unconcerned, Primas regarded him. ?[b]You have more to say Air-General Almagest. Something which could not be said in front of the other Air-Generals ?[/b]? ?[b]I do Highness, it is something which only the Dynast King is made aware of, and by responsibility of their position, the Air General of the 1st Fleet. As I know fulfil the latter role, it is my duty to inform you. Highness, you know of my reputation as Czenovia?s greatest weapon-smith, and that my most dangerous creations are sealed away within Mount Grail itself for use only in our most dire need.[/b]? ?[b]I am aware of this yes.[/b]? ?[b]What you do not know Highness, is that in addition to these armaments, there is something else. An immense, ancient magitechnological cannon, who?s strength I believe is unrivalled, not even remotely by my most destructive weapons. As a young man I discovered this weapon, and when I told your father about it, he ordered it moved to beneath Mount Grail in the most secret circumstances, and that it never be used, lest the entirety of the New Globe view Czenovia to be too great a threat.[/b]? For the first time, Primas genuinely looked surprised. ?[b]I see General... and this cannon ? How great a power do you believe it possesses ?[/b]? ?[b]I believe that it could easily obliterate the entire Mirror Palace, as well as a great deal of the surroundings. If it would to be fired on High Czenoble, the level of destruction would be the equivalent of several hours of bombardment from the Sentinel?s main guns.[/b]? ?[b]And the cannon itself is secure ?[/b]? ?[b]I believe so Highness. Air-General Litheway assured me that it was under constant guard, I do not believe the Underdogs would be capable of capturing it, and even then, would they be able to activate it.[/b]? ?[b]Thank you for your assurances General, believe me when I say, never in my wildest dreams did I consider something like this cannon existed.[/b]? ?[b]Of course Highness. However, in addition to this, I must inform you that recent knowledge has come to me to believe that my brother Leonhart was not killed in the explosion at Magitech as we previously believed, and that he is instead, a prisoner of the Underdogs along with the other missing alchemists.[/b]? Primas?s expression returned it?s previous look of contemplation as he studied Daedalus. ?[b]You must be very relieved General.[/b]? ?[b]As his brother, yes, I am. However, as the nations chief defender, I am very worried about what the Underdogs may be forcing the alchemists to do. Leonhart has been trained as a soldier, so I believe he is capable of resisting their instruction, but we must face the prospect that the Underdogs may employ magitechnological weapons against us.[/b]? ?[b]I will keep that in mind General, please, return to your flagship. I will need you to act swiftly in case anything happens.[/b]? ?[b]As always Highness, I will serve.[/b]? Saluting, Daedalus exited the grand throne room and headed towards his personal shuttle where Harrison would be waiting for him.[/size][/indent]

[quote name='Solo Tremaine'][COLOR=#503F86]I don't imagine he just woke up one day when these chapters were coming up and thought 'I know, I'll make Sasuke Lord of Everything'.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]You know, for some reason, I actually wouldn't be surprised if Kishi did. Heh. The weirdest thing about it is that Sasuke originally wasn't even one of the manga characters, I'd say Kishi has taken very much to him since then.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Solo Tremaine'][COLOR=#503F86]Oh, I really like Hitsugaya. I think he's cool; I was hoping he'd pop back in again soon. He has been absent for pretty much the entire Hueco Mundo arc, so it's not as if he's been as major a player as Renji, whom I don't like so much.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Jeez, Hugo, I'm struggling hard to retain the respect I've built up for you after that statement. ^_~ I've never really liked Toshirou, he's always come off as too damn arrogant and all-knowing when out of all the captains, he's been pwned the most in fights. Hell, if Luppi was the same strength as Grimmjow (and I severely doubt it), then Ichigo's definitely stronger than him now, and that's with less than a year as a Shinigami. That gaki had enough page time in Soul Society, I want to see what Unohana can do.[/SIZE]

[quote name='TwistedChick']I'm pretty sure we all went into this fight believing Sasuke would have a [I]much[/I] harder time defeating Itachi than he's had so far. At this point, since Itachi's purpose for this confrontation has been revealed, the only plausible way for Sasuke to survive this fight is if he defeats Itachi, and we know Sasuke won't die here without facing Naruto again, he [I]will win[/I], at least to the point of completely debilitating his brother. Gavin's comment just points out the obvious, that Itachi [I]should have been[/I] an extremely formidable opponent, but he sure hasn't been portrayed as such thus far. He still seemingly has displayed power, but his skill is near nonexistent. With Kishimoto taking such "artistic liberties" with his characters, we could see just about anything from just about anyone at this point. Having Tobi reveal the current state of affairs to Naruto and co. would be a dramatically fulfilling moment. Kishi will probably jump at the chance.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Pretty much sums up what I was going to say, thanks TC. Basically I assumed that Sasuke was going to get utterly pwned when he entered the fight, right now though it's looking increasingly likely that he will end up winning. Now I'm assuming (again) he's actually going to win, which is what the manga seems to be screaming at us every chapter, and that Tobi/Madara will be aware of it, and then pass that info on to the Konoha-nin/Naruto to either distract them away from the area, or make Naruto fight harder. Sorry if I made your head hurt, I didn't think I did that big of a 180, or at least one that didn't come about for obvious reasons.[/SIZE]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/primas-avatar.jpg[/img][/CENTER] [indent][size=1]Returning his face to it's previously steely expression, Daedalus continued to merely stare on at the gathering of dignitaries attending the formal coronation of the new Dynast King. To say it was a large would be something of an understatement, in attendance as well as Daedalus were the seven other Air-Generals of the Fleets, probably the first time the entire group had been in a room together since the previous coronation. Countless other members of High Czenoble's elite were also present, the poor showing of Almagests however could be forgiven, taking recent events into account. Harrison looking up at him again, his face still slightly red from failing to repress his laughter at losing "The Game", he wasn't quite as good as Dwalish had been, but then his eldest born son had been such a sombre soul, it had never been impossible to make him laugh under normal circumstances. Daedalus doubted that Harrison would believe him if he said that "The Game" had been taught to him by his father in law at a very similar event Gods' know how many beforehand. Leaning back down, he gave his son an owlish glance. "[b]I probably should have mentioned before we started Harrison, but there's a penalty for losing "The Game".[/b]" Instantly Harrison's face contorted from his carefree smile to one of mild concern. "[b]What do you mean Dad ?[/b]" "[b]It's nothing major. You simply have to do part of my paperwork for the next week. Obviously the stuff you can do.[/b]" "[b]What ?!![/b]" The gasp was barely audible, though Daedalus' expression did not change, he was fighting to contain his own laughter. He knew how much Harrison hated homework, so having to do paperwork must have seemed like a worse punishment than corporal punishment. "[b]Now now, you're actually lucky. When Dwalish first lost to me, I had him do all my paperwork because he'd gone through the academy and actually knew how to do it all.[/b]" If glowers could kill, Daedalus would probably have dropped dead on the spot. Clasping Harrison by the shoulder, he squeezed gently as his son merely dropped his head and chuckled at the predicament he found himself in. "[b]So, how many times have you lost Dad ?[/b]" To Harrison's great surprise, he saw his father visibly shudder at the question. "[b]Twenty four times...But then, the man I lost to all those times was probably the single best player of "The Game" ever. Even now, I'd lose.[/b]" Maybe he was exaggerating a bit at "best player ever", but the near half a year's worth of additional paperwork could be least described as a nightmare for someone like Daedalus with an abject phobia of red tape. It was probably what had caused his loathing for paperwork in the first place, and as a General, he certainly had no shortage of it, even now, he knew a fresh stack was awaiting him by the time they got back. "[b]Wow...you must really have sucked at "The Game" when you were younger.[/b]" If glowers could kill.... After what seemed like hours, which in reality was probably correct, Daedalus and the other Air-Generals were called away for their first formal briefing with the new Dynast King. He caught a brief nod from Litheway and returned it. Lead away from the main reception area of the Mirror Palace, they were escorted by the elite Sovereign Protectors... with enough time, he thought sadly, Helen would probably have joined their ranks. Despite his long years in the military, he'd never been involved in a formal briefing like this before. Even his dealings with Mideus had been mostly informal due to his low rank. The room itself was an odd half-moon shape, flanked by giant marble columns, a single semi-circular table with eight chairs faced the exquisite Dynast Throne on a higher level. Daedalus watched with a mild sense of trepidation as Primas quickly ascended the steps to take the throne, his throne, Daedalus corrected himself. "[b]Friends, thank you for attending this meeting. I look forward to your briefings as we work together to ensure the security of our glorious nation.[/b]"[/size][/indent]

[quote name='Memphis'][COLOR="Red"][SIZE="1"]More issues with this power thing in Bleach. That flashback has me baffled. If the vasto lordes are suppose to be the top form of a hollow, then why send some espadas to recruit them when they can be easily taken out? Or can the espadas actually hold their own against vasto lordes? If that's the case then they need to clear up Toshiro's explanation. (Hitsugaya.. [strike]You need to be relieved of your captain status[/strike] you fricken overexaggerator)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I know what you mean, Nnoitra was still only ranked 8th of the Espada at that point too, so I don't see him being able to take on a Vasto Lorde. That said, Neliel was probably a Vasto Lorde before she became an Espada, so she'd probably be able to defeat another one in combat, as we know becoming Arrancar increases the power available to a Hollow. As for Hitsugaya, I think we can just assume at this point he's an idiot who's comparing his own power to that of the Vasto Lordes and assuming it's the same for all Shinigami Captains. God that brat annoys me.[/SIZE] [quote name='Memphis'][COLOR="Red"][SIZE="1"]Also, I'm starting to think that there won't even be a winter arc. Unless Aizen finishes whatever he's doing with that thing, (forgot what it's called lol.) and retreats to another location. As Kenpachi told Ichigo, they were waiting till winter because they thought it would take that long for Urahara to do whatever when it only took a month. And with both Unohana (and her vice captain) and Orihime floating around, I don't see any point in retreating now.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]It's really hard to guess with Aizen, he's already shown himself capable of manipulating events ahead by decades, so whether or not this is all still aspects of his overall plan is hard to know. Looking at it straight-on however, he'd really want to send out Tousen and Gin to try and force some Shinigami loses before things turn completely against him. Hell, he's only facing three captains, what happens when the others arrive on ?[/SIZE]

[quote name='Solo Tremaine'][COLOR=#503F86]Maybe he and Snake get recruited to Akatsuki? That would be the only way to keep the plot interesting, as far as I see it.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I don't know, it would be interesting, and I could see it happening as Sasuke's way to get closer to Madara for his final vengeance except for one thing: Zetsu's there, and unless it was part of the genjutsu fight (I can't remember if it was) then he heard Sasuke claim he was going to kill Madara after Itachi. Meh, it would be interesting, especially in the highly unlikely event that Suigetsu beats Kisame. But then, it was also highly unlikely Sasuke would beat Itachi... Once the Itachi/Sasuke fight is over, I wonder if Tobi will reveal Jiraiya's death and Sasuke's victory, I don't imagine we'll see a fight between himself and the Leaf-nin just yet. Either way, I want to see more training for Naruto, with Eye of the Tiger playing in the background. ^_^;[/SIZE]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]3) In the evening, hours after that retaliation, there is a full-scale airship battle above High Czenoble, between the Underdogs fleet and the Royal Police Guard.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I thought that the air-battle was between the Underdogs fleet and the 1st Air-Fleet, at least if it's the same air-battle I'm thinking of. Is there more than one now Josh/Sandy ? Anyway, I'm not really sure when I'll get a chance to post as I've had very little time this weekend for a variety of reasons. It seems that we've gone passed the idea of having the Almagests working on the clue pieces for the moment, so really I imagine Daedalus will return to the Sentinel after going to the coronation, seeing as it'd probably part of his official duties.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Raiyuu']But does normal Sharingan + sibling Mangekyou Sharingan = any Mangekyou at all? (And do we care?)[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Not one bit. I doubt at this point Sasuke even needs the Mangekyou, let alone the permanent version. It's a possibility he may take his brother's eyes as his trophy for winning, or out of spite, seeing how much Itachi prized his Sharingan abilities. I imagine for any doujutsu based clan, the loss of the eyes after defeat/death is considered a mark of shame. Either way, he'll probably need the EMS for his fight against Madara. Just going back to Solo's list there earlier, I'd actually be interested to see the manga focussed on the eight-tailed host for a while, unless of course it's secretly ret-conned to reveal that Sasuke is said host...which would suck beyond the point of infinity.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Raiyuu']Well, he may well get a crack at number 4 in the next few chapters - it's been a good long while since Grimmjow teleported Ulquiorra away, and he could supposedly only be contained for an hour or so. Grimmjow didn't even seem sure he'd stay banished until he and Ichigo had finished, and we've had Nnoitra/Ichigo, Tesla/Ichigo and Nnoitra/Kenpachi since then.[/quote] [SIZE="1"]I don't know, as much as I like Kenpachi, I just see the person inevitably confronting him again to be Ichigo. It's sort of like Byakuya for him all over again, he's fought him and been utterly beaten, and now he's come back with even more of his power under control for the rematch. Really actually, it was a pity to waste Byakuya on Zommari, a fight between the former and Ulquiorra would definitely have been interesting to watch.[/SIZE] [quote name='Raiyuu']Next chapter we'll have some recuperation, some japery with Ichigo, Kenpachi and Yachiru (and maybe Nel, Ichigo's very own Yachiru-style accessory - all hardasses need a tiny cute girl riding around on their shoulder!), and then in the final couple of pages Ulquiorra will pop out of nowhere and it'll all be on again. Ichigo+Kenpachi+Nel+Yachiru(+Inoue+Neriel+Grimmjow?) all versus Ulquiorra. Please please please.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Yeah, I imagine the next chapter or two won't be fight centred, which isn't too bad, as we've had plenty already. I wonder if Inoue heals Nel, will she be able to return to her adult form permanently ? As for Grimmjow, I don't know, he's never had much loyalty to Aizen, at least in comparison to Ulquiorra, same for Tousen and Gin. It's a possibility he may switch sides, which is going to prompt a fight between him and Kenpachi over who gets the first rematch with Ichigo. ^_^;[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]While I agree that this fight is definitely going to be a treat to watch in the anime, though it probably won't be as good as the Pein/Jiraiya fight, it's still got to go down for me as one of the most god-modded, OOC fights in the material period. I mean seriously Kirin ? Kishi, why not just have Sasuke pull on a Superman suit and be done with it, or reveal his hollow mask, or whatever you're going to do that explains logically where his newly-displayed powers have come from. Is he going to pull out his sword and yell Bankai to finish the fight with Itachi ? Jeez... As for Itachi, well apparently Susano, the Mangekyou technique we all suspected existed exists, but using it has left him completely blind. Only question left is whether or not Sasuke fighting a blind, out-of-chakra opponent is still crippled enough for him to win against with no chakra left himself. I have to admit, as disappointing as this fight has been, what pisses me off the most if we have another year guaranteed of Super-Sasuke ahead of us as he plots vengeance against Madara. Uchihas Suck.[/SIZE]

[quote name='TwistedChick']And so he [I]finally[/I] fells him...but only after an attempt for a sympathy vote via flashback. Sorry, no sympathy here. I'm glad Kenpachi's attack was able to nearly remove his shoulder and arms from his body. At last we see something that's effective.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I have to admit, I was worried for just a brief second there that Nnoitra's flashback meant he was going to reveal yet another ace he's been holding in reserve. What amazed me though was that Kenpachi didn't have even a look of effort when he killed Nnoitra, God help the next Espada he decided to have a fight with, well, after he's healed up those scatches roach-boy managed to deal him. Heh, wonder if he'll take an interest in Nel if he learns she's the former 3rd Espada ?[/SIZE]

[quote name='Shy'][size=1]The raid on the Royal Guard headquarters in High Czenoble will be taking place at the exact same time as the coronation ceremony. Many of the Guard will be dispatched to protect the Mirror Palace, so it's the most logical time to attack. There are obviously Guard outposts in other cities in Czenovia, but by attacking the one in High Czenoble they aim to wipe out any leadership and lines of communication. In most of Czenovia there are not Underdog attacks, so it's likely that back-up forces will be called in. Of course, those forces won't be able to reach High Czenoble with the Underdogs controlling New Czenoble, so it's pretty useless. I'm not aware of any mass rebellion in New Czenoble. I know that following the attack on the RPG headquarters there will be a retaliatory strike against Camp Doberman (probably later in the 'afternoon.') I believe James and Malkav were going to write that up. The massive air battle over Mount Grail will be taking place during the late evening/early morning. Keep in mind that it is an overcast day in Czenovia. The weather is only going to get worse. -Shy[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Ah, alright that's cleared everything up for me, thanks Josh.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]I'm a little confused about what's going on at the moment, obviously we've got the official coronation of the new Dynast King, but it that going to occur at the same time or earlier than the mass rebellion in New Czenoble ?[/SIZE]

[quote name='Raiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]"This weapon shall bring an end to misery though only an Almagest can wield it." "But one must do it with pure intentions or everything will end in misery." -Al Bhed only referred to the fact that it was a letter replacement cipher system. And because you let that slip, I was able to whip out the faithful pencil and paper and start scribbling. Granted I'm now slightly less sane than I was five seconds ago, but who cares? HAH![/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [size=1]Guess that's that eh ? Heh. As I said over AIM, awesome job D'Ann, I just wish you'd given me that hint before posting the translation. ^_^;[/size]

[quote name='Sandy']Heh, I've done similar puzzles in my Survivor-games. ;D And if you need a hint, then [spoiler]perhaps Rikku could lead you to the right path.[/spoiler][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Well, it's not Al-Bhed, I've worked out that much already. Any chance of a slightly less vague/esoteric clue ?[/SIZE]

[quote name='Sandy']People will come asking for more soon enough, Gavs.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Heh, probably true, you know what they say, if it's available, someone somewhere wants it. Or something along those lines anyway. :animesmil Besides, this place would be so terribly dull without you Sandy. And no, before you ask, there was no sarcasm there.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Sandy'][B]Now, I hope your resident Drama Queer has provided enough drama for you to last another week[/B], so you can start pondering about the encrypted text in the landmark. ;D[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Try lifetime Sandy. ^_~[/SIZE]

[quote name='Raiyuu']I think the answer to this (and it's a 'plot hole' that's occurred to me, too) is that not everyone in Soul Society lives that long - it's just Shinigami, who, although a very large amount of them are shown, still make up a tiny minority of the population of Soul Society as a whole. Only 'those with power' require food, to feed that power; I think it makes sense that only 'those with power' have that incredible longevity, as well.[/quote] [SIZE="1"]That's actually a very good point Stu, I hadn't considered it at all, and it does make quite a bit of sense when you think about it.[/SIZE] [quote name='Raiyuu']I didn't see the use of kendo as anything to with respecting Nnoitra. He's realised that Nnoitra, though strong, is nothing like him; Nnoitra constantly declares the battle to be over, after every seeming deathblow, which shows he's not interested in prolonging and enjoying the fight, as Kenpachi is. All Nnoitra wants is to kill Kenpachi as quickly as possible, thus proving his strength. This does not sit well with Kenpachi - it makes for short, uninteresting battles! I see the resort to kendo as Kenpachi realising that his opponent is determined to deny him a long, enjoyable fight, and deciding he'd better just get it over with so a) he won't accidentally die and not be able to cut stuff any more, and b) he can move on and find someone more suitable to carve up.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Definitely b) is true there, I swear, Kenpachi is just at the wrong end of the spirit spectrum in reality, that or he's something that not even Hell could put up with. Either way you're right, he's realised that it's not a fight he can enjoy, at least not without the risk of dying first, and he probably see's Nnoitra as an opponent who's not worth having fun with.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Sandy']Don't take my words out of context, D'Ann. I'm not trying to play a victim here. I was referring to the problems we're experiencing with the fact that there are two hosts in this game (as pointed out by Kathy). But we'll sort it out with Josh tonight.[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Relax Sandy, she didn't take your words out of context, in fact she completely agreed with what you said. Plenty of us have created RPGs before too, so yes, we know how hard it is to try to mesh your own ideas in with those of your players, it's give and take on both sides. And nobody said anything about you playing the victim, I don't know where you got that idea.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Gone but not forgotten I'm sure. A great piece D, and I'm not just saying that because it was about us. It was filled with mood and drama. What a pair we make huh ? Half Romeo & Juliet, half Mister and Mrs Smith.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Ooh, I'll bet the little Princess is just fuming over this, a pity she's up against a man who's already eliminated two other [strike]rivals[/strike] siblings. All that plotting and scheming and treason for nothing. I imagine the whole Almagest clan will have to make some kind of appearance at the formal coronation, assuming what was there with Deacon was just the informal one. It'll be interesting to see how it affects the attempts to solve the clues.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Malkav']She's going onboard the Sentinel regardless, so it doesn't really matter. You can just say Jack didn't get a good look[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I just wasn't sure, as you said, it doesn't matter a whole pile. I'll just say something about her being transferred as part of Daedalus' orders to capture Jack. Going to be interesting to see how she reacts to seeing him, as he made it pretty clear he didn't want the deal to go ahead, although this might be a little too extreme. Heh.[/SIZE]