Drizzt Do'urden

I'm going to get my first tatoo here soon. And I thought maybe someone on here could give me a good sketch. What I want is a picture of a wolf pack. A male, female, and two cubs. (Going to symbolize my family. Though I don't have any children yet, I'm going to get th male and female wolf, and add the pups as my finance and i have our children.) I'd like more than one artist to participate and take full creative freedom. Backgrounds and the such. Nothing that would require it be too large, I'm just going to put it on my shoulder blade...so probably nothing that would require an 8X8 max area. Feel free to PM or post on here when you've agreed to help me. Thanks Zach

Name: Noah Billings Age: 300 Race: Elf Side: Rebel Specification: Assassin Bio: Noah grew up in the deepest regions of black forest. His particular clan of elves thrived on being the foul kings personal assassins. Noah was the pride and joy of his clan. Being selected personally by the king for countless high-level kills. It all changed when he was selected to kill a member of the rebellion. As Noah stalked his prey, a beautiful young elf, he saw how the rebels lived. Like rats, they lived in the masses as he had lived. Always fearing being captured, tortured, killed. Not knowing why, Noah discarded the name "Thatiot" which was his given name. And took on the name of his first kill "Noah Billings". He later met with the leader of the rebels, and joined forces. Vowing only to use his skills to aid in the destruction of the empire. Appearance: Will post tommorow morning Weapons: Noah's weapons are magically endowed thanks to some high-level rebel mages. He carries a short-sword and dirk. A throwing knive dispenser, and his bounty of poisons and their antidotes. Personality: Noah is often times backward and shy. From 290 years of watching his back for the knife of the "next great thing" he is slow to trust. He has done his best to cast off his former life and attempts to make friends among his new rebel brethren. But constant fear of an attempted assassination from his clan keeps him ever alert and afraid to keep people too close for fear they could be harmed.

hehe that's funny because a similar thing happened to me. I went out with some friends as the D.D. one night a couple years ago. I had went to a bar and had been ordering Virgin(manly) mai-tai's. Well as the night went on I had about 6 or so of them. And had been sitting for the whole night (bout 2 hrs.). Now anyone who drinks will tell you if you're drinking DO NOT sit down for a long time. Because when you get to your feet all that light-headedness will hit you at once. Well needless to say I landed on my butt when it was time to go....as I sat there trying to figure out what was wrong ith me (never been drunk before) the waitress brought me my tab and it was double what I should've been paying. I asked her why that was and she said. "Oh...you wanted virgin mai-tai's. OH your the DD?....I'll go call you a taxi my treat"

American born and bred. I live in Ohio right now, if you have the chance to visit...Pass. No not really we do have some good attractions here. Cedar Point (fantastic amusment park) rock and roll hall of fame, Pro football hall of fame, The reds, browns, indians, bengals, and the blue jackets. I've been around the country and the world through my military service and I have to say as far as the states go. I've had the most fun and seen the most in Texas, I was stationed at San Antonio (though didn't get to see much the first time around ) for boot camp. Then I came back to finish my Tech School in Wichita Falls (Great little town) If I had to pick one place to live though it would be England, I got to do a Tour of Duty their and it was fantastic. So much history, the sights, and anyone thats from their Bournmath(SP) Beach was the greatest.

I think it's different from men to women. My fiancee's the type of person that if she had 50K she'd buy a necklace. And I can't say I haven't went over board. I bought an Armani(sp) suit in S. Korea and a $500 dollar watch...but that's it. So I guess I would say from that bit of splurging that I'm the type of person to go overboard. But the suit and the watch were both to add some "power" to business meetings/interview and the like. As for walmart. Since I live at work and I have to dress "business casual" every day. I've bought my entire work wardrobe (minus the suit) at walmart. If you're not too picky you can find anything there. And as far as thirft stores, I'm hesitant about them because I'm a sort've germ-a-phobe thanks to my overly anal RN fiancee. So I don't buy from them unless the tags are still on them. (Even then I wash them a hundred time before I wear them)

This is an ongoing story that I've been working on. It stars (obviously) Jackson McGee. I'm going to post it on here as I go farther and farther with it. This post will be only the outline and I will add more and more in the days to come. Please feel free to leave your critiques on here, plus if you'd like to see me go another way with the story leave it on here as a post or PM me. The story begins on a modern day earth, where Jackson (at the age of 13) starts his first day at a new school. It will follow him as he grows up joins the military (it'll move very quickly through these parts). He will then learn of his "hidden talents" and be forced into servitude as a dimensional leaper...... [CENTER]* * * [B]Chapter One: Master Kwon[/B][/CENTER] "Jackson...Jackson wake up honey," Jackson groaned as his mother shook him in his bed, "honey, its time for your first day of school. Aren't you excited?" "Mom, honestly, why would I be excited to start at a new school. What was wrong with St. Marks? I had friends, I had great grades, and it was still in the same city. I just don't understand why you had to pull me out of there mid-year to go to P.S. 113. It doesn't make any sense" Jackson pulled himself up into a sitting position at the head of his bed. Drawing his knees to his chest not even trying to hide the fear from his face. "Honey you know with your dad passing away money's been tight. We just couldn't afford another semester at a private school. You should be happy though, with your test scores and past grades you got to skip 2 whole grades. You're ready to start your freshmen year after just turning 13." "Mom that's just going to make me a target. You know what we've been through this before so let's just say you win and I'll just go." Jackson slid out of bed as his mother excited the room. "There's no time for breakfast so we'll stop and get you something on the way" She called from down the hall. One mcmuffin and a half an hour later Jackson couldn't deny he was feeling better. [I]This won't be so bad,[/I] He thought to himself as they pulled up to the front of the school [I]I'm sure mom's right and I'll meet new friends as soon as I start. And if I don't I will...eventually[/I] with a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek Jackson got out of the car and looked at his new school. He felt dwarfed by its size and the number of students sitting in the grass talking. Skateboarding in the parking lot and on the front wall, jocks throwing footballs on the front lawn. It was going to be great. Jackson took one step from the car and suddenly a mountain of a man stepped in front of him. "Awe that was a cute moment in the car with your mommy," Jackson couldn't get over the sheer size of the student. He looked at least 30, "listen up new meat. I'm Claud, I run the show around here and you can start by telling me your name and how much you're willing to offer to keep me from kicking your ass!" Jackson realized at once who he was. Claud Vincent...Claud had a reputation around St. Marks as being a bully in the public school system who had broken a principal's nose over an expulsion, and then threatened to kill the man. The threat was taken seriously and Claud was never expelled...he was passed with straight A's. "I...I don't have any money. My mom packs my lunch but you're welcome to it." Jackson stammered as he handed his brown bagged lunch to the bully. "Lunch? Are you kidding me!?" Without another word and as quick as lightning Claud made a fist and slammed it into Jackson's face sending him sprawling to the ground. "You best have some real money for me tomorrow meat, and I don't mean lunch money. I mean at least 50 bucks. Jackson couldn't fight back his tears as Claud walked away. He couldn't figure out what he'd done wrong, but he wasn't going to wait around to find out. He turned opened the door to his mothers SUV still sitting and looked at her. Nose gushing blood eyes full of tears. His mother didn't even look at him. "I'm so sorry Jackson...maybe we'll try the home schooling thing for awhile." She put the vehicle into drive and drove off towards home without another word. As they drove Jackson's head never left the window. He just starred out watching building after building go by. Suddenly Jackson noticed an odd looking...but beautiful none the less girl staring directly at him from the doorway of an old broken down shack of a building. As he starred at her time seemed to stop...everything slowed down to a crawl as her bright oddly colored eyes fixed on him he seemed to be under someone else's control. "Mom STOP!" Jackson almost screamed. He could tell his mother was calling too him as he jumped out of the SUV before it even stopped. As soon as he hit the pavement he was in a run, he had too, as soon as he opened the door the girl turned and entered the building. He had to find her, had to look into those white glowing eyes, that looked like they had no pupils. Had to find out who she was. He entered the dilapidated, falling down building to find not what he expected. Outside it looked like some condemned old building, but inside it was a beautifully decorated room. Beautiful hard wood floors, ornately decorated walls with expensive looking Asian artifacts. And sitting cross-legged on a large pillow in the center of the room was a peculiar looking Asian man. He looked as though he was in his late 40's, and he had an air about him that said. Mess with me and I'll snap you in half...though he wasn't much bigger than Jackson himself. "What brings you here young leaper?" Jackson didn't even think he opened his eyes to look at him. "There was a girl...where did she go?" "Girl? There is only me, you, and the spirits that surround us." The old mans cryptic remark made him forget all about the girl. This man was much more intriguing than the girl was. "I think that you're possibly seeing one of those spirits. Sometimes they're attracted to the smell or sight of blood." The old man motioned to the gash on Jackson's nose, that he was thankful had stopped bleeding. He was still amazed by the old man, not only had he known Jackson was in there though the door made no noise, he knew he was bleeding. "It seems as though you may need my services young one." The man opened his eyes this time and was eyeballing Jackson from head too toes. "Let your mother know you are to start training at my dojo tomorrow as soon as you're done with your studies." As if still being pulled by an outside force, Jackson excited the dojo just as his mother came running up to the door. "Jackson Devin McGee! Where do you come off..." Jackson cut her off by throwing his arms around her and giving her a hug. "I'm sorry I worried you mom, there was...." The girl, the whole reason he jumped out of the vehicle vanished from his mind and he was left with nothing but the image of the old man with a sly grin on his face, [I]Sly grin? Where did that come from. He didn't even crack a smile at me...[/I]. "There was something about this old building. And I'm so glad I went in, there's this man in there that’s going to teach me karate or something like that. It's going to be awesome. He wants me here tomorrow as soon as we finish school. Isn't that great!?" Jackson's mom smiled, she seemed happy just knowing he was happy again. "Okay son, since you seem so excited I'll come check it out with you. Strange he doesn't have a sign or anything." The two piled in the SUV and, with a quick stop for some lunch, were on their way home. The only thoughts occupying Jackson's mind were of his "training" and how he was going to get Claud back one way or another. That's it for Chapter 1, I know it was a little dry. But tomorrow’s chapter is going to be a little more 'action' packed. I know my grammar isn't the best, but this story is coming straight from me. I'm not taking the time to edit and revise. [CENTER][B]Chapter 2: First Blood[/B][/CENTER] Jackson paid no attention to his lessons the next day. Everything his mom said about numerators, denominators, and the like went in one ear and out the other. The only thing he could think about was how excited he was about his karate lesson today. He knew from watching movies that karate was only supposed to be used in self defense, but he couldn't wait to show that bully Claud that he wasn't just some "meat" and he'd make sure Claud didn't treat anyone that way again. After a late lunch Jackson piled into the SUV with his mother and began the drive to the dojo. The silent anticipation was all that Jackson needed, except his mom had different ideas. "Now honey I don't want you getting your hopes up. Private lessons for anything are usually quite expensive, so if we can't afford it I don't want any whining okay." Jackson knew his mother was only concerned for him, he couldn't help being mad at the disappointment. "Mom, you don't even know if they're private lessons or not. He didn't say we would be doing one-on-one stuff. He said that "I may need his services" he might just be filling us in on the details of when his class meets." Jackson felt bad for snipping at his mom but there was no reason to think these lessons would be expensive. "Mom I'm sorry....I'm just so excited about taking karate. Especially if there are other students there, it'd be a chance for me to meet new students. In a safer environment than school. Jackson's heart skipped a beat as they pulled into the small parking lot beside the dojo. Jackson was the first to notice the change. The building was no longer dilapidated looking...it looked brand new. There was even a beautifully decorated sign hanging above the front entrance. "Master Kwon's School of Combat". "School of Combat!" Jackson’s mother yelped, "I'm not sure this is..." Jackson didn't even let her finish. "Common mom, let's just hear him out." Jackson grabbed his mother by the hand and dragged her into the dojo Inside the building looked the same, same hardwood floor room. Except there was not training equipment everywhere. A mat to spar, free weights, and all sorts of equipment that looked straight out of one of Jackson’s father's Rocky videos. There perched in the same spot as the day before was Master Kwon. The man honestly looked like he never moved. "Ahh young leaper, you have arrived. And what is this, you bring a beautiful woman with you. It will be hard to have her leave while we commence our first lesson." Jackson. Could hear his mother before she started talking. He knew the possibilities of him taking these lessons alone were non-existent. "Sir, I will not be going anywhere. Besides, I think this may be a little more expensive than we first thought. Come on Jackson we're going.... Master Kwon's voice didn't change from the melodic tone Jackson heard the first time he came. "Mother hen, do not worry. The cost for this first lesson is all taken care of. Besides, wouldn't you like to go get a nice manicure from the store across the street? Ask for Sun-Yu and tell her Kwon sent you. It's on the house Without even saying goodbye to Jackson, his mother shot out the door like a bat straight out of hell. Her one weakness in this world was being pampered. And apparently Master Kwon had her pegged from the get go. "Now young leaper, are you ready for your first lesson?" The tone in the Master's voice had changed and for some reason it filled Jackson with dread. After a very loud gulp Jackson only managed to nod his head. Master Kwon led Jackson up two flights of stairs to the roof of the building. As Jackson opened the door he almost fell to the ground in amazement. Outside was the most gorgeous garden he had ever seen. There were plants that he had read about only in books, and should not have been able to survive the cooler temperatures of Ohio. They should've been in South America. Master Kwon stepped around Jackson and motioned for him to follow him through the jungle of plants. "This garden is my pride and joy. I spend eight to ten hours a day milling around and caring for these plants. But that changes today, from now on these will be your responsibility. Follow the stairs into the basement. Down their you will find two pales attached by a rod. Your job is to gather the water from the spring down there and bring it back up here." Jackson nodded and hurried towards the door, he was anxious to get through this chore and learn some karate kicks. As he opened the door Master Kwon's voice boomed from behind him. "Make sure you fill the pales all the way to the top, and not a drop can be spilled." Jackson knew from his tone that he wasn't kidding. In the basement Jackson immediate ally found the pales and the spring. You couldn't miss them, in the dank old basement of the aging building was a beautiful spring...rather a beautiful stream running in one side and out the other. There were more tropical plants lining the stream. [I]Those plants down here?[/I] Jackson thought to himself as he filled the pales. He tested the weights and realized how difficult his task was going to be. [I]Two flights to the first floor and two more to the top. This might be a little harder than it looks.[/I] Not wanting to disappoint his master before he really got started. Jackson lifted the rod with his shoulders. He immediately dropped them after realizing the sheer weight. They had to weigh at least a hundred pounds a piece. He decided he could do it though. He would do anything to get to learn some fighting moves. The first set of stairs proved to be enough for Jackson. He figured he'd take a little break on the first floor and set his pales down. Upon doing so though he spilled almost half of one bucket onto the floor. "What were my instructions?" A voice boomed from behind. Jackson turned to see Master Kwon standing in the stairwell door. "I told you not to spill a drop did I not?" "Master I understand, I'm sorry I just....I just thought we'd be learning some fighting techniques or something. The look Master Kwon gave him could have turned stone into sand. "You wish to learn to fight. Then so be it, get into the sparing circle!" "Shouldn't I be putting on a suit or..." "Get in there NOW!" Master Kwon boomed at him "only warriors that are ready get to "suit" up. Now insolent whelps like you" Jackson couldn't get over the way the man was talking to him and let his rage get the better of him. He ran to the circle and turned to face his opponent. The only problem was the master was nowhere to be found. "Master Kwon...Master Kwon?" Jackson turned to examine the room and realized Master Kwon was standing right behind him. "First lesson young leaper, obey thine master or be punished." Before Jackson could stammer a reply the old man's fist imbedded itself into his chest. As the man raised Jackson into the air with what was apparently his off hand. Jackson caught a small glimpse of something moving as the other fist smashed him in the face. Before he even hit the ground Jackson could taste blood, and could feel the blackness surrounding him. And then...nothing [CENTER][B]Chapter 3: Staircase [/B][/CENTER] Jackson awoke several hours later in an unfamiliar bed. An alarm clock on a bedside stand indicated it was six in the afternoon, five hours after his mom had dropped him off. "Oh my god mom's going to be so mad at me!" Jackson exclaimed as he leapt out of the bed. His fear of angering his mom made him forget about the unrelenting headache he had, and the unmistakable taste of blood still on his lips. He burst through the door which led to the main room of the dojo, where Master Kwon sat in his usual position staring at the boy with a "have we learned anything?" grin upon his face. "This is the last you'll ever see of me, you're just a mean old man who wanted chores done!" Jackson barked as he headed for the door. As he attempted to leave he realized the handle on the door would not turn as if it were locked. "Hey what gives here? I need to..." Before he could finish Master Kwon cut him off. "Your mother is on the phone leaper." Master Kwon threw the phone at his feet, Jackson could not deny as he bent down to pick up the phone, that the old man had a peculiar look on his face. "Hey mom? When are you coming to pick me up? I'm sick of this guy already he.." Before he could say anything else, his mother chimed in with a mean tone in her voice Jackson had never in his life heard. "Listen to Master Kwon Jackson....we've discussed a few things and you're going to stay with him for a little while. I love you" And with that she hung up. After hanging up at the phone Jackson looked at Master Kwon, tears welling in his eyes. Why his own mother was doing this, why she was leaving him with this mad man, what did he tell her. He turned the phone on to dial his home number again, but there was no dial tone. Looking at Master Kwon who still had that smug grin on his face, he dropped his shoulders. "I guess...I'm staying with you." "Your mother thought it best you not give up because you don't like my methodology. Now I'm going for a walk, you have a chore to finish. Unless you want to wake up 5 days later, I suggest you get it done" Jackson knew he wasn't joking. If he hesitated even for a moment he would have been pummeled again. So Jackson threw the buckets of water on his shoulders and began the walk up the stairs.... It took Jackson over an hour, according to his watch, to make it up the two flights of stairs. His body ached, and with every step the buckets seemed to double in weight. "Finally," He exclaimed out loud. "Just have to take a few more steps to the....what the?" Jackson's jaw nearly hit the floor when he realized there was no door to the roof. Only a wall and another set of stairs...."I could've sworn this was only a two story building." Jackson tried peering up to see if he had just misjudged the amount of stairs. But he could only see to the next landing and then darkness. He looked down to see if he misjudged how far he'd gone but it was the same story. He could only see to the next landing. "Oh well, must just be one more to go" With that Jackson grabbed his bucket and began trucking it up the next set of stairs. OOC: I encourage any critiques of my story at all. Remember, as far as grammar goes I'm not the best and these stories are not being proofread. If I find there are many people reading and taking an interest I will start editing my work before I post it to make sure it's more enjoyable for everyone. ************************************************************************************** OOC: I decided to add my 4th chapter right along with my 3rd since Its been so long since I've added chapters. [B][CENTER]Chapter 4: First Lesson[/CENTER][/B] It had to be a dream. He had to still be unconscious on the floor of the dojo from Master Kwon's "first lesson". He'd counted and recounted in his head, 50 flights of stairs, and still no roof. He'd been at it for 16 hours now. Flight after flight, stair after stair. He'd paused for frequent breaks. One break even incorporated a nap that lasted for an hour. He was famished beyond belief, tired...no exhausted. The buckets that started out what he guessed to be around 100 pounds a piece now seemed to weigh 1000 pounds a piece. "Okay time for another nap I suppose" Jackson sat in a corner on the landing he was on and closed his eyes. Within seconds he was asleep, no dreams disturbed him, how could they he was dreaming and would any second wake up. Jackson awoke again to the same landing he'd fallen asleep on. He smelled something that smelled fantastic though. He quickly located the source, a plate of bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausage, and toast lay before him. A voice suddenly boomed over the intercom. "Time for some breakfast young one, you must keep your strength up your journey is not over yet." "Breakfast!?" Jackson exclaimed looking at his watch 8:00 in the morning. He'd slept an entire day away on the landing...."how is that possible?" He looked again to the feast of a breakfast lying before him. [I]"There's no way I'm going to let him get me to stop, I'll finish this faster If I just go"[/I] So instead of indulging himself he picked up the bucket and started on his quest to find the roof again... 15 hours later without another break Jackson had had it. He'd decided that Master Kwon had probably put him into a coma with how hard he hit him and he'd probably never wake up. Exhausted beyond anything he'd ever felt, sick of plates of goodies tempting him at every landing. Just wanting it to be over Jackson collapsed on his....estimated count of 200 flights of stairs. "Oh my god I can't take this any...." As he raised his head a giant smile creased his face. He found it....he found the roof. He picked up the buckets with a renewed sense of purpose...he'd finally found the roof. As he burst through the door he collapsed to his knees again. This time not due to the exhaustion in his bones, this time it was the sight that lie before him. The beautiful garden...the bounty of exotic plants that he'd never even heard of. It was all dead....everything. No birds chirping, no whistling wind through the leaves was heard. Only the dead calm...and the feeling of dread as he looked around. He didn't even flinch when he felt the hand on his shoulder..."master. Your garden I'm so sorry." He new sorry wouldn't cut it, it was probably time for punishment of some sort. Instead Master Kwon removed the buckets from Jackson's back and set them on the ground. The boy rose to his feet and faced the master, tears in his eyes he didn't even try to hold back. "You've learned your first lesson young leaper. If you delay for even a moment...no matter what task you're doing. If you hesitate when you're needed, faulter at a moment of decision. Everything could be lost....just as these plants have suffered for your refusal to help them earlier. And your decision to sleep instead of persevering....they have died and have withered away into nothing." "Yes master....I...I understand." and the truth was Jackson did. He understood exactly what the Master had been trying to teach him. What he did not understand was why this lesson had to be taught to someone taking karate lessons? Why did it matter if he was just going to learn self discipline and self defense? He had a feeling he would find out soon enough. "I am proud of you leaper. In resisting the temptation I set for you, you have earned the right to your second lesson." Jackson stared at his master with a bewildered look on his face. "Though you were wrong to allow yourself to be taken by sleep, you resisted the urge to eat, though I'm sure your body is begging for even the smallest morsel for energy. Because you choose your task before yourself...in one sense. The water has stayed pure and...Well I'll let you find out. Water the plants." Jackson didn't argue, he knew the water wouldn't do anything. The plants were completely withered. Brown, falling over. Watering them would only add weight and probably collapse them all the way. He did as he was told and watered everything in the garden. "I'm sorry I don't see what this is...." Jackson was cut off as the most amazing thing happened. The plants all began returning to life. Before his eyes every single leaf on every single plant, every flower, even the birds seemed to sense the return and perched themselves on the nearby ledge. "What is this?" "This is the spirit of the life water you brought to the plants." As the plants finished their "rebirth" Master Kwon walked to a particular bush with the largest red berries Jackson had ever seen and picked one. "You must try the berries of this bush." Jackson took it, he hadn't ever seen a berry like this before. It was so red it was almost glowing...actually he was sure it was glowing. It looked like a cherry, but was more the size of a strawberry. He ate it....and started to gag. It tasted horrible, something like garlic.... As the disgusting juice trickled down his throat Jackson felt revitalized. He suddenly felt as though he could run the 200 or so flights of stairs back down to the bottom in half a second. "Master what is this? I feel...feel so different." Master Kwon smiled and turned away. "In time...for now take the bucket to the basement and meet me in the dojo. There is something for you in your room. I'm expecting you in 15 minutes." With that the master disappeared into the door. Jackson's jaw was on the floor..."wait 15 minutes how’s that possible?" he ran out of the door and stopped in his tracks. It was broad daylight in the stairwell and he could see to the bottom...only two stories. Just as it had been two days before.. Jackson had a feeling training with Master Kwon was going to be different than anything he'd ever done. It was going to be hard...but he was going to like it... [B][CENTER]Chapter 5: No interuptions[/CENTER][/B] It had been 5 weeks since his training began with Master Kwon. Jackson smiled as he filled the buckets for the plants on the roof. After such a rough start, this quickly grew to be his favorite activity. In just 5 weeks he was able to do the 200 or so stairs in only 20 minutes. After watering the plants it was time for the real training. Master Kwon never sparred with Jackson directly, instead he would have other students from neighboring dojo's come in. At first the other students were way to much for Jackson, he had quickly learned to fight with them, and recently he'd been winning. Today Master Kwon said he had a surprise for him, a new technique that was sure to be a treat for Jackson. As Jackson washed up after his breakfast he entered the dojo where Master Kwon sat cross-legged in the center of the room. Without opening his eyes he motioned for Jackson to set across from him. Jackson dropped into the same position and waited attentively for the lesson to begin. After a few minutes though, Master Kwon did not say even one word. "Umm...Master...what are we doing?" Jackson stammered. He had never questioned anything that Master Kwon said, after the first time he knocked Jackson out for hours on end. Master Kwon did not open his eyes when he responded. "Young Leaper, have you ever felt so mad, you felt as if you could explode?" Jackson nodded remembering the time the school bully Claud beat him up on his first, and only, day of school. "Yes master." Jackson replied, he had learned quickly to make all his answers short and concise. "Have you also felt the need to defend someone? Defend their lives?" Jackson had never had an experience like that before. "No master I have not." Master Kwon opened his eyes and looked straight into Jackson's. "In such situations, the swelling up feeling you get is your chi rising with your emotions. It can happen at a time of anger, or a time of desperation. You must learn to harness your emotions in order to harness your chi. with it you can...." he was interrupted as the front door was swung open with such force it almost flew off it's hinges. A man stepped through. A bigger man than Jackson had ever seen, he was at least 7 feet tall and was made of all muscle. His long blonde hair ended just above his shoulders and covered half of a tattoo that appeared to be a skull and something else. The man had an air about him that made Jackson cringe, and want to run and hide. "Never forget that feeling young leaper. That is your chi clashing with his. You feel frightened because he is way above your level. After hearing the word Leaper, the man's ears perked up and he slowly made his way towards Jackson. "So this is your new Leaper aye Kwon? Still so young...too bad about him though. He looks like he could've been good." The man lunged at Jackson from over 20 feet away, clearing that distance in a single bound at a speed Jackson could hardly keep up with. As everything seemed to slow down and the mans huge fist barred down on Jackson, something amazing happened. He suddenly flew sideways and into a wall. Master Kwon was on his feet, already drawn back from the blow he gave the man. "Benjamin, just because you completed my training does not mean you are above your master." Jackson's jaw dropped when he heard that statement. The man quickly got to his feet and squared off with master Kwon. He bowed deeply and got into a fighting stance. "I've surpassed you long ago." He sprung at Master Kwon, moving so fast he was barley a blur to Jackson. Master Kwon jumped at the last second his foot driving home into Benjamin's face. As the big lummox dropped, Master Kwon leapt backwards with a flip and landed back on his feet still in the ready position. "Remember what I told you about your emotions leaper?" master Kwon asked shooting Jackson a look. "Yes Master, you said controlling emotions means controlling chi." Jackson bowed as he repeated what the Master said, he still didn't know what the significance was of this gesture. He just new he was supposed to do it whenever repeating a Lesson the Master taught him. "Good, now it's time for an example" Master Kwon closed his eyes and began grunting. Jackson's jaw hit the floor when he saw small lights appear on Master Kwon's skin and began making their way down his arms and joined at his fists, until it glowed so bright Jackson had to turn away. "Do not turn away Leaper, it is imperative you see how this is done." Jackson shielded his eyes the best he could as he looked back at master Kwon, whose fists were now completely enveloped in glowing light. "Ben, you know how I feel about interruptions to my training. Go back now and never return." Master Kwon leapt towards Ben at a speed Jackson could not even see. It almost appeared he teleported in front of the lummox. "I will find this place again Kwon." The man didn't even move as master Kwon's fists slammed into him. He emitted a small cry as what seemed like an explosion rocked the dojo, and a bright light washed everything to white. When his eyes readjusted, Jackson saw Master Kwon standing where both men had been moments before. "Leaper, I want 500 push-ups, 1000 sit-ups, and 500 chin-ups." By the time you're done. I'll have some tea that'll help you learn to harness your emotions. Master Kwon left Jackson alone, knowing that Jackson would oblige his request. Jackson couldn't help be a bit confused though, he hated tea, and how would it help him do what Master Kwon just did. [B][CENTER]Chapter 6: Final Lesson[/CENTER][/B] Today was the day of his 16th birthday. Jackson could think nothing more than this as he woke up in his little bed, in his little room, in Master Kwon's dojo. He couldn't believe it had been 3 years since he began his training...and 3 years since he'd heard from his mother. That thought sadden him deeply....how could his own mom abandon him the way she did. Jackson prepared to start his day as always, he exited the door to the training room of the dojo. Usually empty, Jackson couldn't believe he saw Master Kwon standing in the middle of the room. On occasion, when another student from another dojo came to spar with Jackson. Master Kwon would wait for Jackson to wake up so he could explain the day. It had been over a year since he'd had a sparing match with anyone. Master Kwon said it was because Jackson surpassed the other students, and they it was becoming harder to find participants. Jackson walked to the center of the mat and bowed deeply to his Master. He rose and waited for him to speak. Master Kwon let out a sigh and looked at Jackson. "It seems as though our training is to be cut short leaper. Though I do not think you to be ready, your final test will be today." Jackson new he looked dumbfounded. "But master, I haven't even learned the iron fist technique, Jackson referred to the attack Master Kwon hit Ben with. "Yes I know...I'd hoped you would've achieved that before it came to this. But it appears Ben has found us again and will be here moment..." As if by Queue the door flew open and there stood the mountain that was "Ben". Just as Ben remembered the hot headed ex-student of Master Kwon spoke with more of a yell than anything else. "Kwon, I told you I'd find you. You think you can hide from a Leaper?" "You're no leaper Benjamin, you utilize technology. You will never been real leaper." At that moment, Jackson realized there was more to this "leaper' business than just a name he was given. "Besides, you're going to be the final test for my young leaper here." Jackson immediately realized what his final test was. He slowly made his way to the center ring and waited for Ben. He knew he looked scared, because he was. Benjamin was 7 feet tall to Jackson’s 6. He weighed at least 250 pounds to Jackson’s 180. He didn't see any possible way he could do it...but he had Master Kwon's training at hand. "Are you kidding me? This...this is his final test? You are going to let him die right here in your ring. Find by me, one less of his kind in this world is a blessing." In a show of conceitedness Ben leapt the whole 30 ft. Span between him and Jackson in a single Jump. 3 years ago, Jackson would've thought this impossible, but training with master Kwon had given him new insight to the limits of the human body. Squaring off, Jackson bowed deeply, the arrogant Ben did not return the gesture. "Leaper...he will kill you. But trust me, you can beat him son....Ready...FIGHT." Not hesitating for a second Ben lunged at Jackson. Jackson however, did hesitate. He watched the man move, 3 years ago he couldn't even keep up with his movements. Now he seemed to be moving at a normal pace, Jackson dove to the side narrowly dodging an enormous fist. Rolling back to his feet he returned to his ready stance again, amazed at the brutes power, but more so amazed at how far he'd come in 3 years. Again Ben lunged, this time however he feinted with the fist. When Jackson came up from his roll this time Ben was waiting, with a right rolling kick to Jackson's ribs. The force of the kick launched Jackson into the air, he knew right then and their a rib was broken, and this was real. Jackson landed with a thud, rolling onto his stomach and coming up to his knees, he didn't even have time to react as Ben was beside him. Throwing another kick straight into his ribs. This one sent him to master Kwon's feet. "Leaper, harness your emotions, you can do this. Your mother is on her way, do you want Ben to get his hands on her? That's who he really wants." The thought of something happening to his mother gave Jackson new life. He rolled up onto his feet and stood strong as Ben charged again, as the big lummox threw a punch Jackson Dodged, gripped his wrist, and twisted his body. Hammering Ben down onto the mat with a sickening thud. He quickly reversed his grip and put the mammoth into an arm bar. The screams coming from Ben were sickening, Jackson didn't think he was putting much pressure, but you would've thought he broke the arm. Jackson raised his leg up and smashed it into Ben's ribs. Another cry left the big man, "Stop, oh my god please stop. You're going to kill me." Hearing this, Jackson felt a pang of compassion in his heart. He never wanted to hurt anyone this bad...He released the big man and sprang to his feet. "You fought well Ben." He bowed to the man...and was met with a kick to the face. The kick sent him sprawling on his back, Ben was on him in a moment. Punches raining down on Jackson, one right after the other in succession. After a few barrages, Jackson could feel the blackness creeping in on him, as he slipped from consciousness, he heard the big man gloating. "Your students are always so weak, that's why I left Kwon. After I finish him, I'm taking you and the bitch down too." Jackson felt a surge of anger like nothing he'd ever felt. He knew Ben was referring to his mother, and he was not about to let anything happen to her or Master Kwon. Jackson kicked his legs up making contact with the back of Ben's head. As he rolled over, Jackson gripped onto his arms rolling with him. As he came up on top of Ben, he put his feet on his chest and leapt back into a back roll. "I know now what you've been talking about Master. I can feel my emotions burning...." Jackson concentrated on his mother's face. He could feel the energy burning inside of him. He opened his eyes and saw his fists, glowing like Master Kwon's did years ago. "Ben, you will NEVER touch my mother." Jackson sprang at him, the energy that surged through his firsts, surged through the rest of his body, doubling his speed. He was on Ben before he even realized it, slamming the two glowing clubs into the mans chest. With a cry and a loud explosion the white light again enveloped the Dojo. When it settled, Ben was gone. Master Kwon was in his usual seat with a smile. "We must speak Leaper....but we must wait on one more." Again as if on Queue, the door came open. This time, however, it wasn't a large man at the door. Instead it was Ben's mom....he could only stand there. And start to cry. ********************************************* I do sort've agree I should've went the way I originally wrote the story DeLarge. I actually had thought about that after my 2nd or 3rd chapter. By then though it was too late to go back. Ironically, I thought this would answer a lot of questions. Any trust me, the Student/Wise Master thing hasn't even gotten started yet. I went back and spell checked my entire piece to date. Again thanks for the comments. I'm going to start posting every Tuesday and Friday, well I should say try because you never know what could happen. **************************************************** [B][CENTER]Chapter 7: Secrets revealed[/CENTER][/B] Jackson was overcome with so many different feelings all at once. The first he felt was surprise, he hadn’t seen or heard from his mother in 3 years. Secondly he felt angry; angry his mother hadn’t bothered to even call him. Lastly, the feeling that completely took over, was joy. Joy to know his mother hadn’t forgotten him, that she still cared for him Jackson ran to her and wrapped his arms around her in a big hug. After what seemed like an hour, but in reality was only a few seconds, he released his mother and let her have it. “Mom, why did you leave me? Why haven’t you…” She put a finger to his lips and wiped the tears from his eyes. “Honey, everything’s fine.” After another quick hug Jackson watched his mother walk to Master Kwon and give him a hug. “It’s good to see you Takashi-son.” “Wait, you two know each other?” In an instant, Jackson’s life had been sent into another spiral. “What the heck is going on here?” Jackson’s mom looked at Master Kwon and smiled. “Well Jackson, we have a LOT of explaining to do. How about we do it over lunch.” Master Kwon motioned the trio through a door Jackson had never seen before. In it was a dining room, the nicest one Jackson had ever seen. Three plates of steaming hot bulgogi, (One of Jackson’s favorite dishes), were already sat out. After dining, the time for explaining had come. “Okay, now you guys have to fill me in, what’s going on here. And why haven’t you tried to find me mom?” Jackson’s mother smiled as she swallowed her last bite. “I don’t know what you mean honey, it’s only been a few hours since I left.” The sly smile she had, indicated she had more to say. “I guess Takashi didn’t fill you in on our. . Little secret?” Picking up right where Jackson’s mom left off Master Kwon spoke up, “You see Leaper, my home is a gateway of sorts. It exists, and again it does not.” He paused to drink a bit of the tea he had sitting in front of him. Before he continued, Jackson’s mother picked up. “Jackson, do you remember when your father disappeared?” “Of course I do mom, how could I?” It was the truth too, Jackson was there. It all happened so quick, his father entered a building to save a young girl from a raging fire. The Building’s gas line ruptured from the heat and the whole building exploded. They never did find the bodies of his father, or the young girl. “The truth of that is, there wasn’t really a young girl in the fire. The voice was that of Corinth, the goddess of protection, and the spirit of the Leapers.” Jackson’s eyes widened as he thought of all the times Master Kwon spoke of him as a “leaper. “Leapers are very rare, and their powers are passed around sporadically down their gene pool. You and your father are the first ever to be passed down directly from one generation to the next.” Jackson smiled a bit, when he thought about being something special. Especially if it was a trait passed to him by his father. “Leapers, are the only beings able to withstand the forces of dimensional rifts. Corinth uses this “gift” and you to defend other worlds in peril.” “Peril?” Jackson had been so awestruck that he was a variable “superhero”, the word Peril though brought him straight back down to earth. “Yes, other worlds in distant parts of the universe. For one reason or another, such as a nuclear war, or a warlord on a path of destruction. Whatever the reason, Corinth summons you and you cannot refuse to respond.” Jackson could figure the rest out for himself. He was gitty as could be that his father could still be alive, out there some where battling evil. “ So where is my dad, how do I go and find him.” Jackson’s mother’s eyes went straight from his too the floor, “Unfortunately there’s no way for a Leaper to summon his powers himself. Corinth opens the portals and you “leap” through them. The odds of you ever seeing your father again are not good.” Jackson hated the feeling, again he had to go through the loss of his father. Just when there was the slightest chance he could see his father again, he lost it. “So, where do you fit in Master?” He looked away from his mother and towards Master Kwon. “Are you a leaper as well?” Master Kwon smiled when he answered. “At one time I was a young leaper. Corinth used me for many, many tasks. Finally she decided she wouldn’t get rid of me. She gave me this house, which exists in an alternate reality that only I control. Inside there is no time, like you, you have grown three years, but the outside world has not at all. And like that I will never grow old, Corinth also gave me an eternity to train leapers such as yourself.” For some reason, Jackson felt sorry for Master Kwon. Living forever, he would never be able to love. He is stuck in an endless cycle of training, over and over again. It had to have been lonely. Something then popped into Jackson’s mind. “Wait, Ben was your student right? You had mentioned something about him relying on technology?” Master Kwon ducked his head, and for the first time in 3 years Jackson saw him ashamed. “Ben was my student about 10 years ago. He was very adept at my training, but he never grew in power as quick as a normal leaper does, another gift you get from Corinth, you grow stronger much faster than a normal person. I quickly discovered Ben’s father, who was a leaper, had lied and made me think that Ben was one of us. Instead I discovered an evil young boy who only wanted my training for bad purposes. I took the only course of action I could and kicked him out of my dojo, and Corinth took Ben’s father’s powers away. Leaving him completely human. Ben and his father became so infuriated they began working on a machine to jump dimensions. Unfortunately with some help they succeeded. Do not worry about them my son, you’re “iron fist” technique sent Ben away. It will take him some time to return to his own world, let alone find my ever moving home.” As Jackson starred at his fists, Master Kwon spoke a warning, it a tone more serious than any Jackson had ever heard. “Know this Leaper, outside of this Dojo. That technique will not just expellee someone from a dimensional rift, it will cause them pain and, or possibly, kill them. It is not a tool for selfish use.” Jackson looked again at his fists with a new sense of respect, and fear. “We can talk more about this later honey. Takashi, thank you again for helping Jackson. But we need to get him back to school, it should be just after his lunch period and I think there’s someone he wants to talk to.” Jackson walked out of the room with his mother, and prepared to re-enter the world he left, with a new sense of purpose. He couldn’t deny, it was nice. ************************************************************************************ [B][CENTER]Chapter 8: First Leap[/CENTER][/B] Another explosion rocked the bunker; another scream pierced the night sky. Jackson was huddled with the other members of his squad. The latest air strike on his unit was the fiercest there had been since he’d been drafted. His squad was a special frontline attack force. It was full of the hardest, meanest, and best soldiers in the military. It was formed for the soul purpose of quelling the most recent of confrontations quickly. Even fitted with the best technology and the best men, the unit was slowly being decimated by enemy attacks. They were down to only twenty or so men, and things were looking dim. As the ground attack siren sounded, it seemed doom was all to near for the men. Until now it had just been air strikes, missiles, mortars and the like, but a ground attack signaled the enemies’ intent to wipe them out for good. The voice of Sergeant Jeremy Myers, Jackson’s squad leader and best friend, rang out above the commotion. “Men, this is it, our final stand. We can’t defend from inside this facility, instead we’re going to go out there and give them hell. McGee, you take point with me.” Jackson made his way through the packed group and stood beside his first real friend knowing full well this would probably be his last few moments alive, it was too bad too. All he could think about was how he never got the chance to leap, strange too seeing as he hadn’t thought of leaping in well over a year now. “You ready buddy?” Myers looks dead on into Jackson’s face. “Let’s do it Sarge.” All at once, every man in there succumbed to their most basic animal instincts, yelling and carrying on, revving themselves up for what was going to be their last day on earth. They were determined though, ready to take as many enemies out with them. Jackson gripped his rifle tight; he’d grown quite good with it over the past year of service, he was selected for advanced sniper training. Of course to start as soon as this most recent campaign came to an end. Jackson and Jeremy burst through the door to the bunker together, Jackson heard the shot as it was fired, unfortunately Jeremy didn’t. He fell to the ground, half of his head gone. Jackson was overwhelmed with sadness at first, and then a white hot rage like nothing he’d ever felt before. As he turned, everything around him seemed t slow to a crawl. He saw the man who shot his friend, and before that man could get another shot off Jackson buried a bullet between his eyes. Another man behind him, Jackson dove behind a wall of sandbags and heard a scream as a man behind where Jackson had just been took a bullet. Jackson came up firing, hitting his targets one after the other. He was possessed; the loss of Jeremy was more than he could take. He’d seen death before, but mostly it was people he barley knew. Every time he felt sorry for them, but this time something was taken from him. He dropped behind the bunker to reload; he’d gotten off all 60 shots in his clip with 60 kills. At the rate he was going he may survive, or so he thought. The whole time he’d been firing he hadn’t checked to see how many men were left. As he went down for his third reload he finally did. It was only him and the other man lucky enough to take refuge behind the same sandbags Jackson had. It was Franklin Mitchell or Frak to the group. He wasn’t much of a solder, hell wasn’t much of a human being. He was cowardly and selfish. Jackson was sure he only was near Jackson because of his skill. Hell the whole time Frak didn’t fire a single shot, just let Jackson do all the work. “If you aren’t going to help, give me your clips.” Jackson didn’t wait for an answer and grabbed Frak’s ammo pouch and reloaded again. Halfway through this clip Jackson quit firing, it was over. As he arose from behind the wall the most disgusting sound in the world rose over the air. It was the sound of an enemy attack helicopter, they were nasty. Bullet proof, fast, with hellfire missiles and Gatling guns there was no way an infantry unit could take one down. And one was peaking over the trees. The first missile crashed about a hundred yards from his position. The cries he heard told there were more survivors then he originally thought. Something had to be done, the helicopter settled about 20 yards from Jackson’s spot, and hovered about 50 feet in the air. He handed Frak his gun as he pulled him behind their makeshift bunker. “Listen, I need some help from you. Take this grenade, when I start running, pull the pin and toss it into the ammo tent.” Frak took it looking at him oddly. “You want me to blow up what’s left of our ammo?” Jackson felt that white hot surge again and grabbed the man by the collar, “Do it, and when this is over RUN back towards the main camp. You shouldn’t have any trouble making it back, besides backups on the way and will be here within a day or so. You’ll meet them halfway.” Frak, still looking confused as could be, nodded and took the grenade. Jackson watched intently as the helicopter made another pass by their position. Once it was facing the opposite direction he sprung, running at full steam. He made it halfway there when the explosion rang out behind him. Frak had done what he asked perfectly, the helicopter swung around facing Jackson. Everything was going to plan, that is until the one remaining enemy infantry soldier sprung up from his “playing possum” position. As he squeezed off his first shot, Jackson juked to the left and drew his knife. When he heard the second shot he began to turn his body in a spin to the right, the third shot almost made him deaf as it rang out in his ear. The man dropped, knife in throat, as Jackson finished his spin. Without missing a step he closed another ten yards and leapt upon the hummer the helicopter was hovering over. The pilot let loose a barrage with his Gatling gun, Jackson could feel the rocks being kicked up from the bullets impact sting his legs. He leapt from the hummer onto a mobile storage shed that was about 20 feet tall, he flexed his legs and called upon all his strength to make the jump. He soared about 5 feet above the helicopter, the pilot stopped firing, probably too dumbfounded by the man landing on his canopy 50 feet above the ground. Jackson recalled his bout with Ben 3 years previous. Calling upon all his chi, the pilot’s eyes became wide with terror as his fists began to glow. Jackson could feel the helicopter start to pitch underneath him as the pilot tried to throw him off, he didn’t wait to fully charge the attack, he was much stronger than he was back then, and had a lot more chi to harness. He willed all his energy into one fist and down it came onto the canopy. The helicopter exploded as the energy from the [I]Iron Fist [/I] came crashing into it sending Jackson flying. Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light. The next thing Jackson knew he was on his back, feeling sicker than ever before. He rolled over onto his stomach as all its contents from the past two days came pouring out of his mouth. He continued to gag and vomit for several moments. After he composed himself he looked up. Hovering over the mess he just made was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. He’d felt he’d seen her before, but where? The answer would have made him fall on his ass, if he wasn’t already on it. It was the same girl who he had seen go into Master Kwon’s dojo years ago, he’d forgotten all about her. He stood up and smiled, realizing at once who she must be. “Corinth?” the single word, the single question, he knew the answer. It was time for him to become the Leaper he was born to be. [CENTER][B]Chapter 9: Duty[/B][/CENTER] “Do not worry young one, the sickness passes quickly. You will get used to it with the more leaps you do.” Corinth said smiling. Jackson was captivated with her beauty; she had long, flowing white hair that emitted a slight golden glow. She wore a blue dress that belonged in the medieval ages, but yet had a modern appeal to it. Her eyes were an ice blue that Jackson could have starred into all day. He sobered up however when he realized she would have only summoned him for an important task. “The time has come, Jackson, time for you to fulfill your destiny as a leaper.” The smile on her face diminished, and her light hearted voice that seemed to ring out from all corners of the room now seemed as though it carried a heavy burden on it. “You are still young, so please tell me what your master and your mother have told you about being a leaper?” Jackson tried recalling all his lessons with Master Kwon after the last bout with Ben and the revelation that he was born for something great. Though he’d been taught numerous lessons in fighting, harnessing chi, mercy, and discipline; he’d never been told a single thing about leaping. He tried recalling his mother, telling his father’s stories, still nothing more. “Well, I’m not…not real sure” Jackson couldn’t fight back the stammer; the feeling of ignorance overwhelmed him. “I know with your help leapers can cross dimensions.” Corinth smiled and didn’t wait for him to say more, she knew exactly what he knew he realized. “That’s true to a point; leapers are the only creatures in the universe that can survive a dimensional leap with no technological assistance. That is why you and your kind are selected by me for missions to far away planets.” Jackson stared at her a confused look on his face. “I thought we crossed into dimensions, how do we go to planets?” Corinth’s smile only grew bigger, “Dimensional checkpoints, I open the rifts you cross into. These areas or checkpoints, allow you to cross to other checkpoints. Each checkpoint is a galaxy in the universe. My job, which was tasked to me by the high god, is to find a train people with your….unique genetic makeup. You then go to worlds in peril. They may be in danger of a warlord growing too powerful, unnatural destruction such as a techno, which are people who hunt leapers they use their technology to leap and cause as much destruction as possible. I believe you met one, Ben?” Jackson reared back; Master Kwon had said something about Ben leaping unnaturally, utilizing technology to do it. Without waiting on him to compose himself Corinth continued, “There are several other reasons this could come about. No matter where I send you, always remember that different planets breed different types of people. Some are much more powerful innately than you are, some have more advanced technology, and some are as primitive as your cavemen. Such as your first assignment, I am sending you to a small planet called Falconion 1. It’s located far away; they’re in your “medieval ages”. Jackson smiled at this; he’d always been interested in the medieval period in school. He couldn’t believe he was going to a place where he could really get to experience it first hand. Apparently not noticing his enthusiastic grin Corinth continued, “I won’t normally summon you hear or fill you in on your mission. I don’t even normally meet my leapers. I have taken special notice of you Jackson, make me proud. Oh and by the way, your goal for this mission will become apparent as soon as you land.” She waved her hand and Jackson could feel himself being pulled through another rift. “Oh before I forget, I want you to take this with you. I think it’ll come in handy; this is the blade Master Kwon first used. He knows you have this, make him proud.” As everything faded away, an ornately designed blade appeared in his hand. The pommel was golden, carved in the image of Corinth. The blade was about three-feet long and slightly curved. The cross-piece depicted a dragon’s wings, it was made of a silver looking metal, but when he touched it, it seemed much sturdier than any metal he’d ever felt. Whatever it was, the blade was made of the same metal. As Jackson rematerialized he once again collapsed, this time managing not to puke. He wasn’t sure if that was because he was growing at least used to it a little; or if it was contributed to the fact he’d lost his lunch already all over Corinth’s hall floor. He arose to his feet just in time to see a spear thrusting at his face; he dove and rolled to his feet blade in hand already facing his foe. Though he was obviously not interested in being friends with Jackson, he still was amazed to see the knight in shining armor right in front of him. “By order of King Garith, I demand you surrender your weapon and die like a man” Jackson had a feeling he knew what he was sent here to do.

This does seem interesting..... Name: Keith Johnson Age: 18 Gender:Male Occupation: None Personality: Very outgoing and loud. He see's good in everyone and everything, and has been labeled sometimes as a "prep". Even with that label he's tried to befriend everyone he can. Appearance: [url]http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm39/kyoko1992/Anime_Boy1.jpg[/url] Weapons: A Colt 45 and a ornately designed longsword. He also carries a hunting knife in his boot. BIO: Keith had no interest in actually discovering a new world. He was just interested in a girl from school. He figured doing this "ceremony" with her and her friends would be a good way to get her to like him. After the failed ceremony Keith was heartbroken to learn his crush was in love with someone else. He went home and went to bed. Fearing sleep would never come he took a couple of his moms sleeping pills and slowly drifted off. He never expected he'd wish he just would've stayed home.

[I] [COLOR="Red"]"I hate to say I told you so Damo...but"[/COLOR] [/I] [I]"Then don't say it...please Sin[/I] Damo had tried to sound like his normal self. But he knew Sin and he knew he wouldn't by the front. [I][COLOR="Cyan"]"Give it up Damo. He's not buying it"[/COLOR][/I] A sweet voice interupted If Damo hadn't been on the verge of unconsciousness he would have jumped off Nay's shoulder as the unfamiliar voice scared him to death. Damo glanced down to Symphony who seemed to be looking at him stangley. He realized at that moment who had invaded his and Sin's mindlink. [I]"So doesn't this just beat all...that's amazing you can tap into our mindlink...that'll really come in handy..." [/I] Damo tried hard but he knew his voice was shaky. [I][COLOR="Cyan"] "Relax Damo, It doesn't stay open 24 hours like you and Sin's. I have to turn it on. Sort've like a wiretap. I have to pick up the phone before I can take part."[/COLOR][/I] [I][COLOR="Red"]"Symphony? That's brilliant. Now we can all three have afternoon tea together."[/COLOR][/I] Damo smiled as Sin's sarcasm went over Symphony's head. If she'd have known him better she'd have caught it. Damo knew Sin really didn't mind her "breaking in" but he was sure he felt the same as Damo. A little nervous about what else she could do....even as far as reading their unconscious minds perhaps? or even manipulating ? Mindlinks were dangerous for numerous reasons. And everyone of them petrified Damo. "You guys got a little something going on I need to know about?" Nays voice shattered Damo's concentration. "You two have been staring at each other the entire way here" She emphasized the "entire" way by setting Damo down outside of the sickbay and pointing down the exceptionally long hallway. "Oh it's nothing like that Nayomi. I was just.." Symphony started "She was just making sure I was staying awake...you know making sure I didn't pass out and die while you were carrying me." "Huh.." she didn't by it "I'll go and grab the doctor, don't go wandering off....Damo." Damo smiled and then flinched from the pain in his leg. [I]"You can't tell her about this Symphony...not yet. I don't think I'd be able to take her "Why wasn't I invited to your little party Damo...am I not "special" like her" Or something like "Boy Damo that was fast, you find out your ex is a crazy vampire who would rather kill you as too look at you. And then you immediateally jump into bed with the next thing close to you." I'm not saying don't tell her, but she's already going to give me a hard time about "not thinking with my head...well the right one" And for her imformation I didn't sleep with Jinx....She put that crap in my drink and i passed out.[/I] Damo quit talking because Symphony was giving him an odd look he figured he'd probably ranted a little much....why did he tell her about not sleeping with Jinx? Why did he care if Nay teased him? Not like it would've been the first time The door opened up and there Nay stood. "Doctor said she's ready...and of course I have to carry your heavy ass in." She grabbed Damo up and began walking inside. Symphony followed and began to speak to Nay. The loss of blood was really setting in and he began to feel hot then cold and feel his body start to go limp. He prayed she didn't tell him about her ability to actually talk to damo and Sin...but if she did he'd be ready to wake up to the torment.

"Damo...Damo wake up!" The familiar sweet voice had a new undertone that broke damo's heart to no end. "You're new King wishes to see you." Damo opened his eyes dreading what he new he'd see. It wasn't all a bad dream...he really almost hurt Duke and Nayomi...he possibly ruined the only REAL friendship he'd ever had in Sin. "Guys..I'm so sorry" "Damo GET UP NOW!" Jinx barked again. [I]Wait...she said that inhibitor would only last a few maybe they forgot[/I] Damo lept up and immediateally launched a mental barrage at Jinx..The blast was barley visible to even Damo...but he had no problem seeing it bounce off Jinx and blast Damo into a corner of the room. "Oh silly boy, did you honestly think that I'd be so stupid? Now come rover!" Suddenly Damo's powers were activated again and he was floating behind Jinx. "You do realize that when Nay, Sin and the others figure out where I am they're going to be coming. And Nay won't bite nicely....Oh and by the way, I'm going to set your stuff out on the front lawn when I get back!" Damo's seat suddenly became unbearably hot. "Did you forget lover? I'm one of you too. And being turned allowed my powers to sore insurmountably. I'd like to see her try....back to business though. Since you won't be alive much more than a few more hours. I'll give you the skimmy. The Vampire King is going to use your powers to take control of both Covens and kill his bitch of a wife. This way we can rule one united coven together...." "How do you mean? I can't control minds....hell I can't control my own. And look where it got me, dhampire ex-girlfriend, Never going to have a chance with Symphony....And I have a headache this big." Jinx smiled as she opened an invisible door in the wall of the hallway. Inside was a magnificantally decorated room with a large throne...and a very imposing vampire sitting atop. [I]"Damo, do try and keep your mouth shut. I'd hate for him to cut your little tongue out.[/I] Damo didn't doubt her at all, he'd never heard of the "King" of the vampires. But he had a feeling even if he wasn't as strong as the queen. He'd pack quite a wallop...

"STOP THIS!" Damo cried "Duke get away from her. She hasn't given any of you a reason to mistrust her. She saved my life and all of yours countless times!" Seeing Duke refuse to pull his blood away Damo felt himself coming enraged. "Duke...Nayomi It's time for you to leave" Damo gritted his teeth and felt his powers begin to surge uncontrollably. [I]What's going on? I've never felt anything like this before...it's like my powers are...are being controlled.[/I] Without warning Damo launched Nayomi and Duke into a wall wrapping them inside shields of energy. "What's going on? Nayomi I...I'm not doing this!" "Nay the queen must've found a way to control Damo's powers...this isn't good" Damo could hear Duke tell Nayomi through the com link. "That's not right, I thought they would've wanted Sin before Damo...why spring a trap when he's not even here." Nayomi answered eyeing Jinx "Close but no cigar Nay. You always were a slow leader." Jinx said slyly. "First off you were right in figuring out I have been turned. But not by the queen or one of her dhampires. You see my King needs damo's powers for a special project..." She was suddenly cut short by a wave of dark energy shooting across the room. "Sin thank god...." damo was cut short by a wave of pain. "You speak when spoken too lover." Jinx had already recovered from Sin's blast and had something odd in her hand. "I'm giong to be taking Damo now...since your friends are waking up and heading this way." A wave of flame lept up seperating everyone from damo and Jinx.... Another wave of pain, and then blackness. He thought he heard Sin's voice echo through his head [I]Hang in their Damo, We'll be coming for ya...[/I] It was interupted with Jinx's voice [I]"Have you not figured out how this works yet boy? He's mine, his powers EVERYTHING until that inhibitor I placed in his drink passes..which shouldn't be for another day or so he's MINE. Oh and pass a message onto Nay. The Queen isn't all she seems...she has a plan for you boy...and I don't know if you're going to escape her this time....."[/I] A loud explosion rocked damo's body and suddenly he was thrown onto a stone floor...alone...

What it seems like these days are most younger people are only interested in growing up. They do it in different ways, some become sexually active too early. Some try to hard to get involved in relationships (not the same as sexually active) and they let them rule their lives. Others pursue knowledge and after gaining a bit of an edge on their peers they feel like they've "matured" and become bored with "young children" who are the same age as they are. It seems you are one of the few remaining that act like a "normal" 13 year old. It's fantastic that you're curious about things and no matter what people tell you. "Curiosity did not kill the cat, losing track of what's important and chasing the mouse into the road ,however, did" -Me about 5seconds ago So don't let yourself get caught up in things that won't be around forever, and always pursue that knowledge that drives you. It will take you places, whereas getting caught up in being "adult" will only slow you down.

Damo couldn't help feel guilty when he closed....rather slamed shut the mind link between Sin and himself. What did Sin know anyways? He didn't know Jinx the way Damo did....[I]I'll apologize to him in the morning. I've got to find her[/I] As Damo reopened his [B]mind's eye[/B] he worried sin would be able to feel it...luckily it didn't have to be open long, he quickly discovered she was standing at the end of the hallway their rooms were located on. Damo couldn't hide his excitement and ran to Jinx, she likewise did the same. As the too embraced Damo poured forth all the questions that had been brewing in his mind. "Jinx...what happened...I wasn't sure what I'd do when I heard...why haven't you conta.." She silenced him by putting her finger to his lips. "Damo, I've gotten one of the Dhampires to keep an eye on the queen tonight so we can..."Catch Up"." She grabbed Damo and led him back to his room. He opened his [B]mind's eye[/B] one last time out of worry someone would try to creep up into Sin's room....after scanning everything he entered the room with Jinx. "I've missed you Damo" Jinx said with a sly smile as she lept off the bed and headed to the mini bar in his room. "I assume you still enjoy a nice appletini right?" "Actually I quit soon after you dissapeared. I could never quite enjoy one the same..not until I...you still haven't answered my question about why you haven't tried getting ahold of me. I held the chapel all the way up until out wedding day..." Damo could feel himself start to tear up. "Relax hunny, we'll have time for all that. Now let's drink these and...get re acquanted." Jinx said with a smile. Not understanding why she didn't want to talk, Damo siped his drink slowly, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was as beautiful as he remembered. "Jinx...I still love you" Without a reply Jinx grabbed damo and kissed him deeply. She pushed him on the bed and said as she began undressing. "We'll have time for the sentimental later...right now I want to get reacquainted in other ways" As she used her pyrokienesis to put out the surrounding candles Sin's voice echoed into his head. [I]"Don't trust her Damo...somethings...[/I] Damo had enough, if Sin wasn't happy for him then he had to do it. Damo sent a wave of mental energy crashing into Sin. He'd been able to give Sin "mental slaps" in the past and he hoped this would keep him from trying to get into his head again.

Jaster watched the blustering group from other side of the pub. He knew that lady was the captain of the Black Swallow. The most feard and successful pirate ship...well in Jaster's eyes other than his father. [I]Got to play this cool Jaster...just like you practiced[/I] As the three settled down Jaster approached Lyuann. Not even pausing from their drinking the woman acknowledged Jaster. "What do you want?" "Let me introduce myself I'm.." "Here drink this" The man Jaster heard was named Zee interupted as he handed him a shot of whiskey. Jaster took it looking confident. He had never tasted whiskey before but he was sure he could handle it. Bringing the shot glass to his lips he smelled the brown brew. [I]Oh my god people actually drink this? Oh well I know what this "test" is.[/I] Jaster threw back the shot like he'd done it a million times before. "Oh my god that was awful" He couldn't believe he let that slip out as he felt his face contort. Zee frowned and looked at Jaster. "You're way to wet behind the ears for this crew son, why don't you go home to mommy and let her tell you a bedtime story and how good it was you tried." Lowering his head Jaster began to turn around when he had an idea...a risky one but an idea. "Lyuann I was sorry to hear about your father." As he expected the young woman flung herself out of her chain and pinned him down to a table...he didn't resist but he had the feeling she could've done it anyways. With her Colt under his chin Jaster couldn't hide the fear in his eyes. "You don't get to even mention my fathers name!" The anger pouring out of her. "You don't understand, our fathers knew each other....*cough cough* my father was Johnny 5 and I was hoping you'd help me find out how my father died...I know he worked with your father before..and could you please let me go." As she let him up the man they called Trace looked at him. "You can't be Johnny 5's son. Johnny was a mountain of a man, and you're just a skinny punk" Jaster withdrew his blade from his back to give the others a peek. "Well I'll be damned, this little man is telling the truth, that's sure as hell [B]Desert Claw[/B]. There might be something too him after all Lyuann. Jaster waited patientally to find out if his lifeblood carried enough weight to become a real pirate.

Hope its not to late to join up. Name: Jaster Bing Age: 23 Personality: Jaster is easy going and laid back. He can be a bit goofy at times, and sometimes these goofy spells comes at the most inopertune times. He believes friendship is a virture and you can never have enough allies in battle. Appearance: [url]http://ui14.gamespot.com/589/jaster2_2.jpg[/url] Weapons: His father's sword "Desert Claw" which is a long red scimitar. And a large desert eagle that was also his fathers. Bio: Jaster had always wanted to be a pirate like his father John "Johnny 5" bing. His father never wanted the "pirate life" for Jaster and refused him the chance to join his crew. Instead Jaster lived with his mother and enjoyed stories of fierce battles with machines, other pirates, and bounty hunters. The thrill of victory and the agony of a defeat. These stories only fulled Jasters love for piracy and his drive to become one. At age 22 he received a package from his father. His beloved blade and his signature sidearm. Knowing what this meant Jaster vowled to get revenge for his fathers death, no matter the cost.

Damo watched the others fighting in his minds-eye as he sent a werewolf through a nearby window. "Damo!" he heard Ken yell "You have to KILL them, you know he'll be back in half a second" Without saying a word Damo motioned to the window. Suddenly branches from a nearby tree splintered off and nailed the wolf to the ground. Damo smiled and looked toward Ken. "Think of him as....information." The wolf emmited an eerie howl that pierced the room as he tried ripping himself fromthe tree. Unfortunatelly Damo had ran the branches completly through the tree making that impossible. Suddenly a wolf burst through the window behind Symphony. [I]"L'anseny! Need some help[/I] Symphony turned at the last minute as the wolf slashed his wicked claws at her. Damo formed a nearly invisible shield around her as the wicked claws descended. "Not the best job of sneaking I've ever seen Mate." Sin scoffed at the werewolf. With a roar Nayomi came from nowhere and swiped the werewolf away from Symphony towards JB. Just like clockwork without a word JB turned with a spinkick into the flying beast straight towards Sin. "Sin heads up!" Someone shouted from behind Damo as the werewolf went into a tumble and regained his balance. Damo laughed to himself as Sin smiled and stepped out of the way, a black vortex behind him already formed. As the wolf dissapeared Damo telepathically called to Sin [I]"So where'd you send the bastard?"[/I] Sin smiled and motioned outside. Damo heard a short cry and a thud outside. Looking at the road he saw the werewolf lying quite motionless, and well over 500ft above a small black circle grew smaller and vanished. "Remind you of anything Nay?" Damo asked with a grin as she turned to pounce on another wolf. Nayomi smiled as she spoke "Our graduation mission...we were a perfect machine then...." The Damo turned as the others were still fighting valiantly. He couldn't take his eyes off Syphony for a moment...how bizarre she didn't even flinch....she couldn't have known about my sheild...Damo was interupted as Sin shouted. "DAMO!" Damo turned as he heard the growl, he had been so caught up in the moment he let his [B]mind's eye[/B] Relax and didn't see the wolf..."Stupid mutt!" Damo shouted as he caught the wolves arms. Sin had given him increased strength and speed when he had bitten him. This time it wasn't enough, the wolf cast his arms aside and dove in for the killing bite. As the wolfs maw neard his neck damo smelled the burnt hair immediatally. The wolf jumped back and suddenly burst into flames. The force of the combustion knocked Damo down on his ass. Looking around he noticed a new being on his "radar" a girl walked around from behind the burning carcus. Damo's jaw dropped as he saw the familiar beauty step around the very dead wolf...."Jinx!"

Name: Jackson Matthews Age: 23 History: Jackson was a drifter all his life. With nothing but his wits and his sword he roamed from town to town. Women, money, power; they meant nothing to him. The only reason to live was to survive. Doing odd jobs for the seadiest low lives, murder for hire, "collecting", intimidating. This was his life; Making many enemies it finally caught up with him. After learning about his last employers planned treachery. Jackson tried beating him to the punch...unfortunateally he failed. An unknown man bested Jackson in battle and cut his head off. Now his only purpose is to find the unknown man he only knows by one name...yuri. At Present: Jackson has heard the voice several tiems, but has yet to find the source. He is torn between the haunting call and his vengence. Abilities: Jackson has discovered he has been given the ability to conjure fire. In many forms, as a sheild, setting his weapons ablaze, and manipulating flames. Personality: A loner all his life Jackson rarely lets people in. Though women in his past life loved him and always confronted him. Jackson has never been interested. All he's cared about is surviving and this came with him into his new life. Though he is mystified by this strange world. His vengence rules all and noone gets in his way...no one.

Tall square sat outside the school waiting on Riyoshu to come out. [I] I'm going to get that SOB back and take back my Otakubob socks that he stole from me. [/I] Riyoshu immerged from school laughing with his friends. "Riyoshu! I challenge you to a DUEL for my socks" "Never Tall Square, you and your inferior Duel masters deck can take a hike, don't make me and my boys kick your ass" "I challenge you to a duel. There's no way the geek squad can beat me." Tall Square didn't call them the geek squad to make fun. They really were the geek squad from Best Buy. "Now take my socks off your hands and duel me!" Riyoshu looked at the socks and yanked them off his hands. "Grr I thought these were gloves dang it" After a quick laugh "hahahahahahahaha" Riyoshu pulled out his deck and walked towards Tall Square. "You know our rules square, we ALWAYS cut each others deck" As Riyoshu stood inches away from Tall Square he held his hand out with his deck in it. After cutting Tall Square reached in his pocket. And with the other hand punched Riyoshu in the face knocking him to the ground. Dropping the socks and his cell phone. "HAHA I am victorious....huh?" The phone rang. Wanting to tel the person on the phone how he beat the crap out of Riyoshu Tall Square answered the phone. "Hello?" "Is that you tall square?" "Nuck??? Oh my goodness. Wait how did you know I had Riyoshu's phone?" "I'm kufcing nuck chorris I know everything!" "That's true so what's up?" "Remember that fire I put out for you in college? Well I know a way you can repay me!" Nuck proceeded to tell Tall Square about everything that had happened at the convention and so on. "So are you in?" "Sure where do I meet you?" "At the Anti-4 kids airport." "But that's all the way across the country how do I get there?" "Look up fumb duck" Looking up Tall Square was cracked in the head by a falling piece of wood. Hovering above was Nuck in his super sonic onlyabletobepilotedbynuck harrier jet with optional dining car. The piece of wood was a ladder for Tall Square to climb. As he climbed the ladder he talked to Nuck on the phone still. "This is awesome Nuck, I see you got her repainted." "Yeah wanna see something really cool?" Without waiting on a response Nuck kicked in the superduper mega awesome engine 3000 and took off with Tall square on the ladder. But before Tall Square could Scream they stopped and hovered over the airport. "Wait here for me I have to go pick up someone else." Instead of waiting for Tall Square to climb down. Nuck chopped the ladder down with his karate chop of death. As he feel he screamed into the cell phone. "Don't you need that?" "No I got a million of them...litteraly a million ladders on board. Thats what's in the dining car." Tall square hit the ground with a thud and layed there. [I] Fucking Nuck Chorris [/I]

No reread Ober's post. His character is waiting on us at the airport. Starwind got a little ahead so the people on the plane by what I gather is. Marcus, Symphony, Duke, Nayomi, Damo, and Sin. By the way Takuuya I got carried away and moved Sin onto the plane. If you wanted to go a different way, let me know and I'll edit. Sorry about that.

We haven't gone to New York yet, so far the planes still at the air port. Unless you wanted to go to the apartment for something Red could always "Send someone for your things to meet you with in New York" Just an idea....not the best but I'm pressed for time.

Damo took his seat on the plane. In the second to last row way behind Nayomi and Duke. [I] I feel so bad for them. They finally tie the knot and look what happens...I couldn't imagine what they're going through.....[/I] The next person on was Sin. Sin sat right in front of Damo, and was turned around in his seat in no time. "This is going to be bloody brilliant don't you think?" Damo shuddered at the word "bloody" "It's going to be something Sin....Hey the new girl Symphony. Do you think she...... "NO!" Sin interupted. "You need to get her out of your head mate. Not only would you blunder your chances with her by just opening your mouth again. You're going to put us in danger by not keeping your mind on our mission" Damo dropped his head and became silent. He knew Sin was right. But there was just something about that girl. Sin finally turned around and Damo telepathically sent to him. [I] "Do you think she can read minds as a dreamseer? I know they say that Ken can. I would just hate to be near her and be thinking about her [/I] "Quit it damnit!" Sin yelled. Damo grinned as he turned his Ipod on shuffle all and rested his head on the window of the plane waiting for the others.

I've eaten everything from Octopus, sheep stomach, and even those snails you see that wash up on shores of lakes. (Anyone from Korea please help me out with a name) So I'd eat bugs. As far as an alternate meat source? Nay I couldn't say I'd trade anything for a big juicy medium rare steak.....Okay now I'm drooling.

Lunox, you can def. Say that Korean is the best between Chinese, Japanese, and korean. Also DeathKnight, you are the $hI! I am the onlyone I know who likes burittos/enchilladas verdes (Green Sauce) I fell in love with it in Texas and it's the only thing I'll get when I'm hankering for some mex. food.

Being in the NationalGuard I've had the chance to experiencecuisine from all over the world. Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Polynesian, and Chinese. There's a HUGE difference between what you get in the States. The "Americanized" versions of different cuisines don't compare to what you get in the host nations. I can't really say which is my favorite. I too like Italian food enough to eat every day. But I would have to say my FAVORITE foods would be a toss up between Miso Ramen soup, or the Korean Spicy Octopus (weird I know but its AWESOME)

"Damo" Sin whispered as he poked Damo in the shoulder. "Damo quit staring." He was poking damo because he had been staring at symphony ever since she walked in. "What I'm just....ummm....I'm going to go introduce myself" Sin grabbed Damo's arm as he started making his way to her. Trying poorly to be inconspicuous. "Damo don't make an idiot out ofyourself....wait better yet go ahead." Sin grinned as he let Damo's arm go. "I'm not gonna do anything stu...ahh." Damo finished with a startled cry as he tripped over his own feet, fell, and landed on his face. "Jackson! Anything you want to say before we get started?" Red barked as Damo rolled onto his back and maneuvered himself in a sittying position. [I] "Okay, I thought about what you said and I'm going to hold off on making an ass out of myself " [/I] he mentally told Sin. "You want some help?" The voice startled him as he looked up and saw that he fell right in front of Symphony. "Ummm....no I'm fine." He took her extended hand anyways as she helped him to his feet. "Nice to meet you I'm.....ummm..." "Damo!" Damo had never been so happy to hear Nay yell at him than at that moment. "Pay attention the briefings about to start, and I will NOT rebrief you." Damo didn't go back to Sin for fear that someone would catch on to the fact that he moved just to meet Symphony. "Sorry Nay...sorry Red. I'm listening."

"man, if nay doesn't kill me for being late with Duke, she's sure as hell going to kill me for getting lost!" Damo said, a note of frustration evident in his voice. "Yeah, too bad JB's not here. HE wouldn't forget the way to go." Sin said sarcastically. "Well I have an idea....one that I think'll work...if I just close my eyes I think I can...." Before Damo finished he punched Sin in the arm and took off running in the direction he saw Nayomi. "Last one there has to give up his slice of cake when we bust it open.!" Damo knew the exact way to go and weaved through the corridors. [I] One more turn and I got him [/I] Damo thought as he rounded the corner. Just as Duke came into site a black cloud appeared in the ceiling and Sin Dropped just in front of Damo. Damo slammed into him with full force and they both rolled into the center of the group. "I win!" Sin Exclaimed "No way I..." Damo didn't finish. He looked up and Red was staring down at him. "Hi Red.....Long time no" "Damnit Jackson get up and join the group. I can only imagine you and Sin had to stop and go to the bathroom together like a couple of girls. No offense Talon" Damo and Sin rose to their feet and made their way to the back of the group. Damo made a smile as he thought of Jinx...Damo finally told Jinx how he felt about her. They got engagged and were due to be married a couple weeks before Nay and Duke. But she had been called to a "special" assignment and contact with her team had been lost. No one was sure what the mission was, not even Damo received any news. "Damo pay attention..."Sin whispered "We don't want to get lost again...and besides. If Nay kills you, I won't get to enjoy the feeling of you watching me eat your piece of cake." Damo chuckeled under his breath as he tapped sin on the oppisite shoulder with his mental energy. Sin always feel for it. And damo smiled as he drifted off into memories of his lost love.