Onix

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Click. Key in a lock. Gun trigger pulled. New way open. No turning back. Nothing would ever be the same. The touch of skin to skin, an electric spark, and then...an explosion in his head. Xander was stunned from the moment she touched him, to the moment she mumbled a sorry. She turned to walk away. His hand shot out...and for a brief, fluttering second, the world around was gone, replaced. Time slowed as he was locked into the painting. He knew now...he had to reach out...he had to grab her. He grabbed her hand out of the air, pulling slightly. She turned to face him, that single tear in her gorgeous eyes. The painting-woman had the most vivid green eyes Xander had ever seen or drawn, but Imogen's were even more beautiful, with a depth and pain one couldn't capture in art. He held her hand, a word forming on his lips. He pushed it aside, and used another. "Wait..." he nearly cried. "It...it's fine." They stood there for a moment, until Xander let her hand drop. The spark faded. "Maybe...maybe we should try a different staircase. To, um, get out," he muttered. [I]This is the longest conversation I've ever had...I can talk to her...it's crazy![/I] She nodded, smiling weakly. Her cheeks were still flushed, and Xander imagined his were as well. Which was crazy, considering he hadn't blushed since the fourth grade. The two started walking down the hall, when Xander heard a click. Audible, like a lock snapping open. The creaking that followed denoted a door swinging open. Xander turned, and sure enough, a door had opened behind them. "That was closed, right?" he asked. Imogen nodded. "Just making sure I'm not insane...well, more than usual." He stepped towards the open door and peered in the room. It was nothing special, a bit bare and empty. A huge window was the main feature, letting golden light filter in across the rich red carpet. The only other major feature was an old, black piano sitting in the middle of the room. It looked dusty, but in good repair. "Why did this room open...?" Xander mused aloud. He stepped slowly into the spacious room, taking in the atmosphere. It was a lovely room, if a bit musty. The window peered out into a gorgeous garden, and Xander pushed it open, taking a deep breath of fresh air. The air here smelled...different than the air in California. Cleaner. Crisper. "Well, I did want fresh air," he sighed, taking another deep breath. He looked back at Imogen, who was standing just outside the doorway. "I assure you, the room is perfectly safe." His eyes flicked to the piano, and he had to ask, "You play?"[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The crisp smell of paint filled the air. Xander's hand flickered and dashed across the wall. The image flew from his fingertips, slowly taking shape in ways he couldn't imagine. He had never worked this fast, and it had never looked this good. He swapped pencil for paint brush effortlessly. The picture was new to him, the characters and sceneries things he'd never seen before. It captivated him as his imagination took him to far flung corners. A cliff side, swept by salty spray. Sunset, golden and crimson and violet and colors never seen before. A looming castle of cobalt stone, casting hatch-mark shadows over the scene. Snowy gulls in the distance. A satin blue gown fluttering above the waves. Fierce red hair trailing in long tresses, caressed by an unseen wind. A single glittering tear in the shining green eye. Jet black suit topped by raven hair. Gray eyes filled with pain. A pale, trembling hand reaching out. At last, he stepped back, and took in the glorious vision. The people in it were foreign to him. He had never seen them before. Wait. The man, he looked so familiar...but Xander couldn't place him. And the woman...vague in his memory, so close he could almost touch it. Maybe fresh air would clear his head. He stepped out, and nearly crashed into someone. A woman, alone, wandering the halls. He caught himself on the doorhandle, staggering to the side. She watched in horror as he nearly crashed to the ground, changing to awe as he twirled back onto his feet. With a quick flick of his head, a lock of raven hair flipped out of his eyes. He stared at the woman. She stared back. "Sorry," they said together. "My fault..." Xander began. "Should've been watching the door..." she stammered. They paused, staring again. A light clicked in Xander's head. He leaned back into the room. He felt her lean in next to him, and gasp slightly. "Who did that...?" "Me," he said quickly, darting his eyes from the painting to her and back again. Yup, save the length of hair and clothes, it was the same woman. He had painted near perfectly a woman he'd only seen once, briefly. "It looks like...me..." she said, stepping into the room. "I noticed." She turned quickly, eyes flashing hotly. "Who are you? Do I know you?" Xander was struck briefly by her accent, but it flittered away in his brain. "I think I might've seen you, briefly, earlier today. But no, I don't know you." "Then why did you paint me...and you?" Xander stared at the man. He narrowed his eyes, and was suddenly struck by why the man looked so familiar. His hair might have blue streaks in the real world, but the man in the painting was otherwise the same. In Xander's defense, it had been months since he'd looked in a mirror. He didn't own one. "I don't know. I just...did." She stared at him, eyeing him carefully. "Xander, if you were wondering, is my name." "I...I'm Imogen. Imogen Nesbitt." "Interesting name...haven't heard it before." "I don't think I know many Xanders." "Well, I guess we're even then." The two paused yet again. It was a heavy silence, a thousand questions bustling in Xander's mind. At last, he picked one to ask. "Care for a walk?"[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Kuroichi leaned against Sumiyaka as she caressed his features. The pain faded from his body, and was replaced by an overpowering exhaustion. The rage had opened something in him...it drained him. He couldn't control the power...he couldn't hold it back...and it nearly cost him his life. Sleep was about to claim him when he felt it. A familiar scent on the air...a jolt that flew through his nerves. A feeling, an ungodly feeling of power. And an itching on his chest, right along the scar. There was only one thing it could be, only one person. It had to be...couldn't be coincidence. Tetsuya was in Tokyo. "He's here..." Kuroichi growled. "What? Who?" Sumiyaka asked, staring down at him. Kuroichi pulled himself up, gripping the door handle to steady his aching body. He looked at the beautiful woman, and his eyes sparkled. Joy, fear, and hatred mingled in his voice as he spoke the single word, "Tetsuya."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Nojima Tetsuya stepped into the bustling airport, golden eyes shielded by flimsy sunglasses. He peered around, watching the crowd for...something. A spy, an assassin...or maybe even the Demon himself. He saw nothing, and strode out into the mass of people, trenchcoat billowing around his ankles. "Oy, Tetsuya! Slow your ass down!" Tetsuya winced and growled, turning to face his...employees. They were a strange assortment, and he was embarrassed to be seen with the lot. From Aneko's long, dyed-green hair to Peter's chain-smoking to Aly's pentagram necklace, all of them were out of place, even himself. Aly strode forward to jab him sharply in the chest, mismatched eyes narrowed. "You trying to get rid of us, captain pompous?" she snarled. "Me? Try and lose you? Never," Tetsuya scoffed. "What about that time in Dublin?" asked Peter, lighting a fresh cigarette. "That was an acci - " "Or that time in Havana?" "We got separa - " "Or that time in Pyongyang?" "There was a bomb!" "A likely story!" "It nearly took of your leg!" Tetsuya snarled, grabbing Peter's shirt collar. The brunette computer technician smirked and batted Tetsuya's hand away, blowing a puff of smoke in his face. Tetsuya felt a muscle tic near his eye. "Let's just go, [I]boys[/I]," Aly growled. The sorceress was always treating the two men like lessers. It was no surprise that they had dubbed her the Wicked Witch of the PMS. "I'll get the car!" Aneko cheered, grinning brightly. The college student worked as an intern at Tetsuya's business, mainly because she knew too damn much. He'd always regretted taking her in as a part-timer. "No!" the rest cried. Aneko's driving was legendary. She had crashed three times in a single day during a trip to Topika. How she crashed in Topika was a mystery. "There'll be no need for that," boomed a voice. Tetsuya whirled, hand straying to his concealed katana. As he turned, his eyes widened. Three figures stood to meet him. Naoto, Yukiko, and Akio. "Welcome back home, Tetsuya-san," Naoto said. "We'll be supplying your ride. We'll take you and your friends back to our base of operations." "Wait!" Akio barked. "Where...where is Mochiko?" "Dead. By my own hand."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][I]Dream scape. Cryptic color chain reaction. Exploding from the dark recesses of recess long since passed. Mysterious mysteries mingled with mythical melodrama. Woah...too much alliteration.[/I] Xander Blake liked being poetic from time to time. This generally involved alliteration, bad grammer, and the multiple usage of words in a sentence. No one had the heart to tell him he was a bad poet. Of course, he wasn't a poet by trade, so it didn't really matter. Xander was an artist and a writer. A Graphic Novelist, as he liked to say. Most of the people he knew, however, just called him the Comic Book guy. Xander was good at what he did, and was well payed for it. He always had enough money for food, rent, and the occasional splurge. He was quite comfortable in his life, never having to dress up or act fancy to impress people. He did things his way and no one complained. His landlord like him as long as he payed the bills. His friends ignored his eccentricites because he was generous and always payed for lunch. His publisher didn't mind him wearing t-shirts to meetings because he was so damn good. So, no one really minded when he decided to go on "vacation". He got the e-mail, sent a response in the form of a haiku, and packed his things. Three days later, here he was. Surrounded by new people, new opportunites, and beautiful scenes to spark his creativity. And his creativity could go wild, he realized, as he walked into his room. Covering every square inch of the walls in the room was paper. Blank, crisp, white paper. There was a rack of paints and pencils. An antique typewriter, just like the one that belonged to his grandfather, sat on a massive mahogany desk. There was a bed, a desk, and space to go wild with his art. It was everything he ever dreamed. He set his two small bags down, and opened the first. It was filled to the brim with papers, steno pads, notebooks, binders, and a few napkins. They were his notes, over ten years of collected ideas, plot lines, characters, and miscellanious poems. Ten years of notes, scribbled in chicken-scratch handwriting. Everything he hadn't used yet was there, waiting. He opened another pocket, pulling out his own art supplies. While the ones provided were great, he was far more comfortable with his own. And the final pocket on the small black bag was full of his works. The published volumes, the partially completed pages and typed up dialogues. He carried all these things around everywhere, lest creativity strike. The other bag, filled with clothes, lay forgotten at the foot of his bed. There were more important things. The paper...it had to be covered. Blank space was the natural enemy of the artist. Xander was at war with the space. It had to be destroyed. The pen wavered in his hand slightly. He licked his lips and put the tip of the pen to paper. And with precision, he drew the first line, deep and black against the pale background. Beauty.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Pain. Pain is what drives all men to greatness. And what drives them to evil. To escape it, to avenge it, to deliver it. Pain is the driving force in the world. Pain is what makes you do what you do. Pain sent Kuroichi on his current path. The pain of the death of his father sent him into the army. The pain of the death of his family made him a madman. The pain of death made him a shell. The pain of seeing his world destroyed made him want to change it himself. The pain of failure made him want to try harder. And the pain of that single sword...well, that was a personal vendetta. What would this new pain bring? As Kuroichi lay bruised, trapped under rubble, drained of power. Numb enough to be immobile, but feeling more than enough pain. Head swimming. Eyes bleary. Legs limp. Body beaten. Shards of plaster digging in like knives. The stench of death and blood all around him, smothering, taunting, reeking. It had been years since he felt like this. That cold satisfaction, tinged with shame. How long...20 years, maybe? Since he destroyed the Hunters. Since he tore the Project apart. He killed nearly every damn Hunter, but five. And they escaped because of one. The damn swordsman... Itching. That's just what he needed. The old scar to start itching. Fucking perfect. That long, thin, discolored mark right along his chest. Itching like crazy. And he couldn't move a muscle to do a damn thing about it. Just think about it, that's all the great Demon could do.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Corpses littered the ground at his feet. Government officials, soldiers, all slaughtered mercilessly. Krilat Zmaj streamed in, cutting down all in their path. And Kuroichi stood at their head, easily killing two Hunters at a time. "Pathetic," he laughed, dispatching another. "[I]Kisama![/I]" Kuroichi turned to the source of the voice. A young man with dark hair and golden eyes, just like the rest. But different; handsome, lean, tall, and wielding a sword. Not like the rest, who used the Power. He was a swordsman. "Ah, want a duel, little boy?" Kuroichi sneered, flicking blood from the edge of his sword. "I'll kill you, you son of a bitch!" Kuroichi ducked the powerful swing, stepping back swiftly to avoid follow through. The swordsman was good. Very good. Even in a blinding rage, he was excellent. Kuroichi blocked and dodged, parried and struck, but not a thing could hit the swordsman. And not a thing could hit the Demon. "You're good, boy," Kuroichi admitted, stepping back. "What is your name?" "Testuya." "Well, Testuya-kun, I am Kuroichi. Glad to meet a competant warrior amongst these Hunters." "[I]Shinei![/I]" Kuroichi ducked the flying chunk of stone that whistled behind him and returned fire with a sharp piece of metal, decapitating the Hunter. "Now, where were we?" Chaos writhed around them. Stone and metal, flesh and bone. Death, bloodshed, screams, pain, hatred, fury. And still, the two warriors clashed. An even fight. Both were equally skilled. And Kuroichi refused to pull his ace until Tetsuya flashed his hand. That was the mistake. The golden bolt of energy ripped loose from Testuya, twisting Kuroichi's shoulder to the side. He staggered back, and the swordsman lunged, cutting a deep gash along Kuroichi's chest. The vampire roared and sent a hail of blood darts flying at the Hunters, but the five that stood there were shielded. Kuroichi had been beaten for now. And so he left.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Testsuya. Mochiko. Naoto. Yukiko. Akio. They escaped the slaughter. They escaped Kuroichi's wrath. But he would bring them into the fold. The Hunters were his. Even now, they were being tracked by some of his best agents. Tetsuya was proving the most difficult to keep tabs on...but it was more than worth it to know just what he was doing. Kuroichi knew that Testuya and Mochiko got married a few months after the attack. He knew that they fought Vampires across asia for a few years. He knew that Tetsuya left Mochiko, moving to the Pacific Northwest in America. He knew that Tetsuya had started up a business, employing a few...strange people. And he knew that Mochiko was out for his hide, with a legion of Knubrap at her heels. "Kuroichi-sama!" yelled a voice from afar. Kuroichi groaned. Feeling had returned to his limbs. [I]Reminiscing - it does a body good.[/I] With the last shreds of his strength, he pushed himself up, shaking rubble from his body. He could feel the blood and plaster in his hair. "Kuroichi-sama! [I] Daijoubu?[/I]" "[I]Hai...hai...[/I]" Kuroichi murmured. Then, everything was black.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Panic. It hits your system like a quart of alcohol. Like a pound of sodium powder in water. Like a bullet to the skull. Gunshot in a crowd. Crumpled white lillies. Piss color street lights. Velvet sky. Magnesium magnum flash. Crimson rain clouds. Thud. Swish. Scream. Cry. Die. Huddled close. Weeping. Salty blood stains. Ruined dreams etched in silk embroidery. Rubber cries. The piercing yell of flash lights. Harsh murmurs in another world. A single thought on repeat. [I]Please, I'll do anything...just give her back...[/I] Searing pain. Heart ripped down the middle. Tears like needles. Taste of death. Smell of blood and pain. Suffering in the air. [I]Please...give her back...[/I] Then, like every fairy tale miracle...her eyes fluttered open. Clear and beautiful and full of life. Fragile and soft, her hand reached up. It caressed his cheek, and her voice rang out like a bell. "Eric..." "I'm here, love, I'm here."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Eric Drake is a man in love. So in love, he'd give everything to save his girlfriends life. She was struck down by a crazed gunman, shot dead in a crowd. She died for no more than a minute...but it was long enough for one man to sell his soul. Eric Drake promised everything to let her live, bring her back from heaven. And the devil took him up on the offer. Eric's soul belongs to hell, and hers was stolen away from above. Hell wants to collect his soul. Heaven wants theirs back. Eric just wants to live, but that is not an option. Because a bet has been placed. A game has started, with the rights to Armageddon as the prize. Whoever gets their soul back first, Heaven or Hell, is going to end the world and make it again. Whether by hellfire of the swords of angels. There are no rules, save that the Seven Archangels and Seven Lords of Sin cannot interefere. Just their emissaries. Demons, angels, ghosts, and men. Its all out war for the souls of two young people. And they'll have to give everything to get out alive.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Name: This takes place in modern London, so be logical. Gender: Age: Appearance: Personality: Bio: There are a few roles to play. Basically, we have Eric, his girlfriend, their friends, and one or two people acting as emissaries of Heaven and Hell. No special powers, just an overwhelming desire towards the greater good...or evil, as the case may be. I'll be playing Eric, and the Girlfriend is reserved for now. I'll be posting my sign-up soon. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Rumbling like the belly of a great beast. Flashing like bursting stars. Growling, shaking, pulsing. A fierce stench. A bitter taste that hung in the air. Acrid like smoke. Sweet like bad wine. Coppery like blood. Foul like shit. The club was a tumour on the surface of Japan. Cancerous. Toxic and vile. Sucking the life from the city like a parasite. Killing it like a disease. Spreading like a drug. Inviting passer-bys to death and debauchery. Kuroichi strode elegantly foreward. The four Dragon Kings behind him. Chin was hunched and smiling, hands in his pockets. Jun scowled at the velvet sky, arms crossed, back straight, head held high. Shun was smiling as well, a cold grin of hatred. Kuang moved ethereally along the ground, pale hair billowing behind her. The heavy bass beat of the club grew louder and more tactile as the five drew close. The stench was heavier. The taste more vile. The whispers of power growing. Flickering crimson neon proclaimed it to be [I]the Hyena's Den[/I]. Kuroichi felt the comparison was a good one. The Knubrap were filthy, ravenous dogs. And they would die like dogs. A hulking man stepped in front of the illuminated door. He towered over Kuroichi, bald and glaring with dark eyes. A scar traced wickedly along his chin, and a gun was strapped to his side. His tight shirt bore the insignia of the club, and a badge informed Kuroichi that his name was Cole. "Where d'you think you're goin', slick?" Cole said, voice lower than the earth's core. "In there," Kuroichi said, matching Cole's harsh stare. "Got a problem with that?" "As a matter of fact, I do. Club's full. You ain't goin' in 'til someone comes out, got it?" Kuroichi smiled politely and turned briefly, swinging back around to plow his fist into's Cole's fact. The glamour faded and the Silver Forge appeared just in time for Cole to see it destroy his face. His nose exploded in blood and teeth clattered to the ground. Kuroichi pulled his fist back and brought the other one up, lifting Cole up by his sternum. There was a cracking noise like breaking glass before Cole hit the ground again. He didn't move. Kuroichi turned to the Dragon Kings and spoke slowly and clearly. "Make sure no one leaves. Mingle with the crowd, don't draw attention, but don't be afraid to kill on sight. We're tearing this place down, and everyone dies. Everyone." "Gotcha, chief?" Chin said, grinning wickedly. "Heh...time to taste of blood once more," Shun growled.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The club was filled with people writhing and dancing. A human corpse lay upon the bar, Knubrap tearing into it like animals. Lights pulsed and flashed over the dance floor as the dancers contorted their bodies, grinding against eachother. In darker corners, some injected themselves with chemicals, others smoking various substances. And all around was the stench of sweat, blood, and sex. Kuroichi and the Dragon Kings stood near the door, watching. It was fascinating in a horrible way, like a train wreck. At last, the music stopped, and Kuroichi turned to face them again. "Remember, no one leaves. Everyone dies." And with that, he was gone. The music began again, a song only recognized by Chin, a regular club goer. "Oy, I love this song!" he said. "The Prodigy fucking rocks!" "Vulgar fool," Jun sneered. "Kuroichi did say to blend in, didn't he? Well, I'm gonna go blend, mate!" "Wait..." was Kuang's flat cry. Her pale brown eyes opened wide and she stared into space. "I have a vision."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Kuroichi stepped towards the VIP room. As he did, two guards stepped in his way. Each towered over him much like Cole, the bouncer. "Sorry, punk, but nobody gets in without an appointment," one said. His hair was long, greasy, and a pale straw yellow. "And you don't look like you've got one," sneered the other. He had yellow, dirty teeth and short graying brown hair. "I have no time for this!" [I]Change my picture, smack my bitch up.[/I] Kuroichi stepped forward, bringing his elbow out to slam into the first man's gut. He choked and buckled, face lurching forward. Kuroichi brough his forearm up, hand shattering his jaw. With a savage, whip-like motion, the man's head wrenched back and he collapsed to the ground. [I]Change my picture, smack my bitch up.[/I] "Hey!" Kuroichi whirled and lashed out with a flat hand, fingers spearing into the guards windpipe. The demon pulled his hand loose and blood spurted forth. The dieing man slumped to the ground, wheezing and gurgling. [I]Change my picture, smack my bitch up.[/I] With a single kick, the metal door burst off its hinges. There was a foul crunch as it crushed a man standing behind. A clamour arose, and several guns pointed at Kuroichi's skull. [I]Change my picture, smack my bitch up.[/I] "Don't move!" "I don't need to..." Energy ripped through the room, flashing in crimson bolts that tore apart metal and flesh. The gunmen fell in pieces. Kuroichi stepped around the corpses, not wishing to dirty his shoes. He walked calmly through the halls. Guards stepped out to block him, but he struck them down easily. Kicks to the side. Punches to the sternum. Axe kick to the neck. Uppercut to the jaw. Eyes gouged. Knee caps shattered. The music slowed behind him as he opened the door. He was vaguely aware of an ethereal female voice. "Come in, Kuroichi-san," came the growling voice of the man inside. Kuroichi stepped in, and saw a fairly well-dressed man sitting behind a massive mahogany desk. His hair was black with frosted tips, short and well managed. "Toshio, I think it's time to end this." "Whatever do you mean, Kuroichi-san." "Cut the shit!" [I]Smack my bitch up![/I] Kuroichi brought his leg up, kicking through the desk. It exploded into shards, two chunks flying to the side. "I like that desk you piece of shit!" Kuroichi was on him in a second, fist flying out to plow into his face. Toshio flew from his chair, rolling to the ground. He brought his head up to glare at Kuroichi, blood dribbling from his mouth.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"Kuroichi knows not the gravity of the situation. The world is changing. Nothing will ever be the same."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"Things are changing, Kuroichi-san," Toshio yelled. "The war is going to tear this world apart, and in the end, the Knubrap will be all that's left! We will survive because we have cast off the foolish old ways! No one will stop us!" "I will."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]"A demon will make the world anew. A phoenix rises from the ashes the fight him. The Titans break the chains of hell to forge a new path. The shadows are blinded by the light, but fight back to victory. And a new wind shall heal the broken ground."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Guards streamed in around Kuroichi. The beat was changing. The world was changing. So, he figured, the fight will change. Shinku no Umi slid from its sheath. [I]Your body move...your body move...your body move...your body move...[/I] He slid into a ready stance, and eyed his opponents. [I]If this don't make your body move, you're dead![/I] Kuroichi moved.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The doors burst open. Men flew through the doorway, crashing onto the catwalk. Toshio scrambled out, followed by guards and, last, Kuroichi. They stepped onto the steel surface high above the crowd. "It's time to end this, Toshio!" Kuroichi growled. Around him, the sound of J-Rock swelled, and the people writhed below. It was a paradise of impurity. A haven for hellions. And Kuroichi was going to bring it down, brick by brick. A fist dashed by his skull, nearly clipping him. He stepped to the side and brought up the hilt of his sword to the man's skull. The assailant staggered and tripped over the railing of the catwalk, plummeting to the ground below. He went unnoticed by the dancers. Men rushed him, but he just dodged them, occasionally pausing to cut in. Blood dripped down from the sky like a demonic rain. [I]Feve, a fever oh yeahr![/I] His foot spun up to meet a man's face, sending his skull wrenching to side. He collapsed upon the steel of the surface, and Kuroichi stepped over the corpse. "Give up, Toshio!" "Never!" Toshio reached behind him and pulled out a silver cylinder. A quick press of a button, and it quadrupled in length, becoming a long metal staff. "It ends now, old one! The new shall slay the old!" Toshio bellowed. "The Krilat Zmaj is the new!" Kuroichi darted forward, swinging Shinku no Umi down. Toshio blocked swiftly with his staff, pushing up with the weapon. Kuroichi took an agile step back, and brought up his leg to plant his foot in Toshio's gut. The beat morphed again, and Kuroichi used the pause to clear his head. [I]A full threesixty a complete return With no excuses and no concerns The ultra-heavy-beat is going strong If it feels this good then it can't be wrong[/I] Kuroichi darted forward. His sword cut swiftly, moving almost too fast to be seen. Toshio was barely able to parry each swing. He was easily outmatched. But he pushed forward. [I]Karma echo eternity What's good for you is still good for me And after all we're not looking back We manipulate the future to stay on track[/I] Kuroichi let lose a loud cry and cut hard, pushing the staff out of Toshio's hands. He pressed in, swinging up his leg to kick Toshio in the side. The club owner staggered back, and Kuroichi cut through the staff, taking off a piece. "Looks like I have the edge, Toshio," Kuroichi growled. [I]Damned if you do and damned if you don't You better seize the moment before it's gone The ulra-heavy-beat goes on and on When it's all said and done this is what you want[/I] Toshio tapped a button on the staff, and electricity hummed around it. "Not hardly!" [I]The vision direction reflecting perfection The manifesto translates post mortem Buried alive and left for dead One step back is two steps ahead[/I] Kuroichi stepped back as the electrified weapon nearly struck him in the head. It crackled through the air, and he ducked and dodged each blow easily. Sparks flashed as it touched the catwalk. Kuroichi leapt aside, and readied his blade. "Enough playing." [I]Rise from the ashes and decay[/I] Blood floated from the corpses into Kuroichi's hand. [I]Rise from the prison of your grave[/I] I slowly floated into the form of an orb. He pointed the hand at Toshio. [I]Rise above the standard and the norm[/I] "This ends, fool!" [I]Rise into the eye of the storm[/I] Thousands of blood daggers exploded out, cutting through Toshio. He collapsed to one knee. "[I]Chikusho[/I]..." [I]Rise![/I] He rose back on his feet, gripping the pole tightly. "Get out of my club!" Fury flashed in Kuroichi's eyes. "I am King of this country!" [I]Raise the flag carry the flame The more things change the more they stay the same[/I] Toshi and Kuroichi locked weapons, pressing close together. They glared into eachothers eyes. "The king is dead!" "Long live the king!" [I] Mayhem riot uprising[/I] Kuroichi swung forth will all his power, sending Toshio flying back. The club owner crashed to the ground, and Kuroichi let the glamour drop, revealing his wings. "Angel..." "No," Kuroichi sneered. "Demon!" [I]A small step for mankind A giant leap for rock 'n' roll[/i] Toshi lunged forward, swinging his pole. Kuroichi jumped back, parrying with his katana. [i]We control the rhythm The beat cops are on patrol[/i] With a quick turn, Kuroichi flipped behind Toshio and sliced through his back. Toshio screamed in pain. [i]Wake up people Get on your feet[/i] The club owner fell to his knees, breathing heavily. Kuroichi stood over him, grinning viciously. "The King is dead, eh?" [i]It's time to do your part For the ultra-heavy-beat[/I] "He will be!" [I]Rise from the ashes and decay Rise from the prison of your grave Rise above the standard and the norm Rise into the eye of the storm[/I] Toshio jumped up, the pole crashing into Kuroichi's leg. He staggered to the side, roaring fiercly. "[I]Kono baka na![/I]" [I]Shoulder to shoulder Back to back[/I] Toshio staggered back, tripping over a corpse. [I]All guns ablaze Systematic attak[/I] Kuroichi stepped forward, pulling Toshio up with one hand. [I]Strong and rigid Bold and vivid[/I] "I have no pity for fools, Toshio. You and every filthy piece of shit in your club is about to die!" [I]Spread the news the ego has landed[/I] "You don't have the power! You don't have the fucking balls!" "I have more than you could ever dream!" [I]Metal detectors Drugtests Curfews[/I] Toshio dropped to the steel catwalk, and Kuroichi glared down at him. With a single, swift movement. He cut through the chain holding up the catwalk. It lurched to one side. "What the fuck are you doing!?" [I]Don't let the systems continue to rape you[/I] "Tearing this place apart!" [I]Vodka and benzene Destroy the machine The glorious end justifies the means[/I] The second chain shattered, and the catwalk dropped beneath Kuroichi's feet. Toshio stared in horror as he stayed aloft, lifted up by his wings. The Silver Haired Demon smiled coldly. It was the last thing Toshio saw before he died. [I]Rise from the ashes and decay Rise from the prison of your grave Rise above the standard and the norm Rise into the eye of the storm[/I] Power crackled around the winged warrior. Green, red, purple, silver. It flashed and coursed like lightening. The screams below let him know that it had begun. The smell of burning flesh informed him that Chin had begun the crowd control. [I]Rise from the ashes and decay Rise from the prison of your grave Rise above the standard and the norm Rise into the eye of the storm[/I] A sphere slowly began to form in the palms of his hands as the energy focused to one point. The screams grew louder. The catwalk fell to the ground, crushing several. The satisfying stench of blood and death filled the air. [I]Rise![/I] Below, Blood Spawn slowly began to rise from the ground. They lashed out, killing everything in sight. [I]Rise![/I] The energy in Kuroichi's hand grew brighter and brighter. The screams and blood made him work harder. Blood flowed up to his hands. The corpses fueled his power. Darkness and night crackled around. [I]Rise![/I] Chin set fire to a crowd of bar-goers. The alcohol and bodies burst into flames around him. It was a satisfying sight. [I]Rise![/I] Jun sent a pair flying with a crack of his whip. Blood sprayed from the strike. He stared out flatly, cutting through the crowd like a scythe in wheat. [I]Rise![/I] Kuang swung out with her Iron Wishing Staff. Many Vampires flew through the air. The landed with thuds and splats, groans and shrieks of pain filling the air. She dispatched two Blood Spawn that got too close, then ten more Knubrap. [I]Rise![/I] Shun cut through with his ornate sword, hacking through the crowd like they were paper. The Cloud Stepped Shoes on his feet let him dance above the ground, striking from on high like a deranged Angel of Vengeance. And he did it all with a smile. [I]Rise![/I] The Blood Spawn ate through the opposition, tearing them apart limb by limb. Death was rampant. Kuroichi's creations were unstoppable. The Knubrap were doomed. [I]Rise![/I] "Dragon Kings! Leave and bar the doors! NOW!" The Kings did not argue, fleeing the scene as soon as Kuroichi spoke. [I]Rise![/I] The screams were deafening. The stench was mind-numbing. The power was immense. A star in between his hands. He glared down at the crowed. "This is the fate of all who oppose the Krilat Zmaj! This is the fate of all who dare mock me! This is the fate of my enemies!" [I]Rise![/I] A flash of light, and the world was gone from view.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Smoke. Noise. Lights. Stench. Filth. Grime. Such was the way of the Knubrap club. The Bloody Moon had opened in Tokyo, catering to the new arrivals. The Knubrap invasion of Japan had been heralded by a series of dank, noisy clubs opening all across the country. The Knubrap congregated. They fed on curious humans. They rutted like dogs. The engaged in debauchery too dismal for Kuroichi to ever imagine. The whispering cries of power filtered around Kuroichi, and he turned to face Senji. "We are being followed?" "Aye, m'lord." "Then they die." His eyes scanned the darkness. The Amethyst of the Night made it clear where the darkness was interrupted. His senses made it clear where the Knubrap lay huddled, filthy and breathing hard. And his soul ached with the thought of a fight. "Stay down," he murmured. "This one is mine. They enter my city, build filthy clubs, engage in such foul activies I had never dared encounter, and they made my people theirs. They die for these crimes." His eyes flashed, and those around him stepped back. Power crackled around him. The Silver Forge shone, and the gems embedded in it flashed. His wings broke free of their bindings. "You hear me, Knubrap!" he roared, face twisting with rage. "You against me. I fight alone. I fight for honor." "What is honor, but the dream of a fevered madman..." hissed a cold, slick voice. "An old belief...like sickness caused by demons...heaven...God...foolish beliefs of the past. A new time is coming. And we shall make it so, by cleansing the old." Kuroichi's eyes narrowed, and he gripped the hilt of his katana. "You are no ordinary Knubrap. Even they still know the old laws, and even they wouldn't say such foolish things." "No, I am not ordinary," was the silmy reply. "I am the knight at the head of the army of the new. A messanger. A herald. A harbinger of your doom. And, tonight, your death!" They streamed in all around, lunging out of the gloom like animals. Feral, snarling, screeching. Using their long, strong fingers to pierce the walls and rain down like demons. Glaring with shining purple eyes. Licking blood-stained yellow fangs. And standing at the front, like a man, was their leader. "Kuroichi...you deserve to know Death's name, do you not? I am Kharalik," he sneered. Everything that Kuroichi was, Kharalik was not. Were Kuroichi was elegant, Kharalik was grimy and deranged. His black hair hung in thick, greasy strands. His wide mouth was smeared with gore, and Kuroichi could see flesh between his teeth as he spoke. He was clad in old rags and leather, grungy and stained with piss, bile, and blood. He twitched long, gnarled fingers. Blue veins pulsed in his skin. Kuroichi was a demon, but Kharalik was a monster. Kuroichi could hear his men drawing their weapons. His eyes flickered to Jarrah and Sumiyaka. Jarrah had his arms raised, blocking her from the Knubrap. He needn't waste his energy. Kuroichi smiled grimly as he saw her hold the South Wind. "Before we tear you to shreds, any last requests?" Kharalik said, smiling evilly. "[I]Hai. Shinei![/I]" Hell tore loose.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Blood was everywhere. Gore splattered the streets. Limbs and entrails, bones and flesh. The small spot of land haloed by street-lamp light was awash in red. Kuroichi stood in the center, coated from head to toe. He was untouched. Kharalik did not fare as well. All his men were dead. His left arm was gone; all that was left was a ragged, bleeding stump and a jutting, broken bone. He was covered in gashes and nothing else, bare skin stained with his own dark ochre. One eye was stretched wide in terror. The other dangled from his shattered eye socket. The skin was torn loose around it, hanging in limp strips. Pale bone glittered across the side of his face. His mouth was full of shattered teeth. His hair was matted with blood, half of it carved loose from his scalp. One leg was useless, knee-cap torn clear off. Kuroichi's men stood, stalwart. They had not moved, save to dodge the flying corpses. The horde had gone untouched by them. Kuroichi was the lone killer. "How...how...?" rasped Kharalik. His voice was slurred and wracked with pain. Kuroichi leaned in, eyes flashing dangerously. He grabbed Kharalik's mangled face and pulled it close, hissing his words. "I am not to be mocked by fools. You dared to even [I]think[/I] that you could match me? That is the greatest mistake made by any man." "N...no!" choked the dying Vampire. "You can't be this strong! It...it's impo - " Kuroichi drove his fist through Kharalik's sternum, the crunch of bone mingled with Kharalik's shriek of agony. "I am a god, you fucking whelp!" Kuroichi snapped. "You invade my home, kill my people, and dare to think you are my better?" He twisted his arm, garnering more whimpers. "You are nothing but filth. And now, you're a corpse." With a savage twist, Kuroichi wrenched Kharalik's head loose from his neck. His skull dangled limply, flesh and tendon the only anchors to his body. Kuroichi slid his arm out of Kharalik's torso and let the body fall. A wet thud, and it was over. Kuroichi turned to face his allies. His eyes still burned. His face was sharp and steely. The blood sizzled on his skin. No one dared make a move. "We return home. There all shall stay but I and you, my Dragon Kings. It's time we took back our city. But first...I need a shower. This blood is filth," he spat.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]I thought briefly about making Kharalik a recurring character. Then I decided that he was scum, and not worthy of living. However, he did serve a purpose...he has made the Knubrap Kuroichi's foe. Kuroichi shall stop at nothing from destroying every last one in Japan. And anyone who tries to stop him. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Name: Alexander "Xander" Blake Age: 27 Sex: Male Location: Northern California Appearance: Xander is a lanky young man, towering over most, adding to his strange air. He can ingest mass quantities of food without gaining a pound, leaving him in extremely enviable physical condition. He never even has to work out. Although his oddly pale skin does leave one feeling uneasy, he manages to pull off the gaunt, pale look without seeming depressing or gothic. Mixing with his towering height is his long dark hair, a shimmering raven black that seems to exude its own radience. Maybe the neon-blue streaks make it seem that way. His eyes are a maelstrom of color, shifting from vivid green to icy blue to steel gray to deepest brown in seconds. Only one thing about his eyes never changes, and that's his utterly piercing stare. It seems like his eyes can dig right into your soul. He never wears anything special; usually just jeans and a t-shirt. However, it's how he wears things that makes them special. He can, somehow, make everything feel as if it cost ten times what it actually did. Maybe its his attitude, or maybe its just how he picks his clothes. Its especially strange since most of his shirts herald concerts or bear sardonic slogans. Some of his own invention. Personality: Xander is a man with his head in the clouds. He seemingly exists on a whole other plane than the rest of humanity, often times populated with no-longer-aging rockstars and characters from his latest venture. He's dreamy, absent-minded, and has an etheral quality about him that draws women and women alike, leaving him the center of attention, giving none of it back. But when Xander (rarely) reaches the same wavelength as another human being, he is clever, witty, charming, and utterly brilliant. Nothing escapes his keen perception, from emotion to ulterior motive. Perhaps his almost zen-like state of spaciness has led him to this unnatural state of empathy. Or maybe he's just lucky. Bio: Greatest Desire: To find true love. Greatest Fear: To die alone.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Looks great, kairi. You're becoming quite the awesome RPer. Great things here, great things in War of the Blood. (couldn't resist a plug). -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=Red][B][CENTER]War of the Blood[/CENTER][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Sky. Clouds. Clear. Endless. Boundless. The sky was vast and empty around the small, private aircraft. Darkness crept at the edges of the wide space, enveloping the shuttle in a velvet glove. Soft, black, pure. Endless. Endless life, endless shadow. Boundless space, boundless power. Beautiful, haunting, majestic. Kuroichi smiled. His hand rested gently on Sumiyaka's thigh as the plane arced across the fading azure expanse. A simple glamour (and careful binding) hid his wings from human eyes. The glamour was something he picked up in his first stay in Croatia. A Nyroma sorceress taught it to him. He learned much through those years. The aircraft was small, but comfortable. The beings within were each different, dealing with the flight in different ways. The four generals were calm, used to it. Dokeshi smiled oddly, as always, coddling the Seiryuu; Yurei was silent and brooding, Byakko in his lap; Doppo polished the Genbu shield gently; Yaiba pricked her finger on the tip of the Suzaku's "talons". Jarrah was agitated in a far corner, surrounded by other, equally agitated Zugai. They were not used to flight. Jarrah's last great travel had been by boat. Jawbone was leaning in the aisle, blocking the back of the plane. The Gods were clustered away. Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu were side by side, faces clouded and mysterious. The gleaming katanas Taiyo and Tsuki were lain out properly. Orochi eyed Susanoo warily. He fingered the dark gauntlet Hydra, and Susanoo gripped his massive blade Kusanagi carefully. Amatsu Mikaboshi was oblivious to the other four, smiling sadistically out the window, the Aku at his side. The Dragon Kings were scattered to the far edges of the craft. Kuang and Ping were side-by-side, of course, being mother and son. Kuang held her great Iron Wishing Staff. Further, Jun sat regally in his golden chain-mail. Chin held his crimson pheonix-feather cap in one hand, not daring to muss his wild red hair. Shun was calm, the Cloud-Stepping Shoes upon his feet. Ping held no mystic weapon, pleased to be in the company of the great warriors. Kuroichi scanned the remaining passengers. The five Night Blades. Gargoyle, Cockatrice, Ring Leader, Temptress, and Cobalt. Gargoyle was regal in his twisted black armor, spiky hair hanging wildly about his beautiful face. Cockatrice was hunched in the back, the Kamen Kabushi upon his face. The strange mask covered his sharp, handsome features, leaving only his gleaming silver eyes. Cobalt was grinning calmly in the center, quite possibly oblivious to the fact that his sword was staring back at him. Shiryoku, a strange dark sword, eyed the cabin with its massive red iris. Elsewhere, Temptress was no doubt flirting with the crew, flaunting her body in a revealing black dress, leaving the Kage Kaze fans behind. Ring Leader held a glass of wine, thin black cloak hanging about him, tophat tipped jauntily to the side. Kuroichi was in strong company. He looked over to his lover, taking in her gorgeous features, admiring her radience in the dimming sun. Her large eyes flickered over, partly concealed behind her dainty glasses. She set a small hand atop his, smiling lightly. Her mission of his death had long bin forgotten. Now, she was his. And he was hers, though he would never admit so. "This is your captain speaking," rang the voice. "We're drawing close to Japan. We should have touch down in under an hour." There was a low gasp in the background and a devious giggling laugh. Temptress was, quite obviously, in the cockpit with the crew. Kuroichi knew exactly how the oversexed Vampire worked. He smiled. He knew how they all worked. They were his minions, soldiers, allies. "I cannot wait to reach home once more," growling Susanoo. "I though the beer was superior in Australia, but it does not compare to sake." "You and your vile drinks," hissed Orochi. "Hey, just because I may have tricked you when you were drunk before doesn't mean we should despise drinks entirely," Susanoo laughed. "Though, you gotta admit, I got you pretty out of it in that pub in London. Oh, and how about that little cafe outside of Venice? That was a real good time!" "Silence, you oaf!" Orochi snarled. His pale lips twisted in a foul sneer, and his pale green eyes flashed. "Sorry, Oro," Susanoo grumbled, flicking a lock of long dark hair out of his face. "I wonder if there'll be any lovely new murders when we get back..." Amatsu said distantly. His brilliant blue eyes lit up, and he smiled wider. "I do hope so." "If there's not, then we shall make some," laughed Dokeshi. He lifted his wicked scythe, eyeing his reflection in the shining black metal. "I'd love a good massacre. Woudln't you, Yaiba? Yurei?" "Death comes when it is deigned by fate," was Yurei's curt reply. "As long as I get to test my dear Suzaku," Yaiba cooed, gazing lovingly at the bladed weapon. The wicked curve of it's blade would chill the soul of any normal man. Yaiba was neither normal, nor a man. "It cries for sweet blood..." "You shall do as the Master orders and nothing else," barked Doppo. He glared up, pausing his polishing to gaze about the cabin with bottomless eyes. "Kuroichi-dono's word is law." "Yeah, yeah. S'long as nuffink gets borin', right?" Chin growled. He took another sip of beer, sliding further down in his chair. "Vile drunkard," growled Jun. "Aw, nobody asked you, ya ol' poof," Chin sneered back. "We must refrain ourselves from such foolishness in the presence of the master," Ping said curtly. His finely coiffed hair and severe green eyes mixed well with his stiff posture and crisp voice. "Lest we bring him shame, or ourselves dishonor." "I assure you, dear friends," Kuroichi began. The cabin fell dead silent as he spoke. "There will be much excitement to be had when we return home. I hear tell that the Knubrap have been encroaching upon our land. This cannot be allowed." "Lets kill 'em all!" Dokeshi yelled, following by a tittering laugh. "Not yet...perhaps there is an alliance to forge," said Kuroichi, face illegible. His impassive glare silenced the General at once. "We must prepare for the rising storm. The Gwyar and Myrkur Aniol will not go down easily. We must make sure they do not gain an edge." He stroked the Silver Forge gently, before returning his hand to Sumiyaka's leg. "As long as we, and we alone, hold the power of the Night Blades, they cannot win. We must make sure they do not learn the secrets. And without the book and Forge, they cannot." "I will guard them with my life, my Lord," Doppo said, bowing his head. "But first..." Kuroichi said, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. "We must pay our resident Knubrap a little visit."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]So begins Of Blades and Hunters. With the humans joining the War, a new weapon posing a possible end to the opposition, and a mounting threat in the form of the Knubrap, it is going to be a whole new war. So, hold tight, drink deep, and the let fun begin. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Name: Alexander "Xander" Blake Age: 27 Gender: Male Appearance: Xander is a lanky young man, towering over most, adding to his strange air. He can ingest mass quantities of food without gaining a pound, leaving him in extremely enviable physical condition. He never even has to work out. Although his oddly pale skin does leave one feeling uneasy, he manages to pull off the gaunt, pale look without seeming depressing or gothic. Mixing with his towering height is his long dark hair, a shimmering raven black that seems to exude its own radience. Maybe the neon-blue streaks make it seem that way. His eyes are a maelstrom of color, shifting from vivid green to icy blue to steel gray to deepest brown in seconds. Only one thing about his eyes never changes, and that's his utterly piercing stare. It seems like his eyes can dig right into your soul. He never wears anything special; usually just jeans and a t-shirt. However, it's how he wears things that makes them special. He can, somehow, make everything feel as if it cost ten times what it actually did. Maybe its his attitude, or maybe its just how he picks his clothes. Its especially strange since most of his shirts herald concerts or bear sardonic slogans. Some of his own invention. Occupation: "Graphic Novelist" (or, as most will tell you, Cartoonist) Personality: Xander is a man with his head in the clouds. He seemingly exists on a whole other plane than the rest of humanity, often times populated with no-longer-aging rockstars and characters from his latest venture. He's dreamy, absent-minded, and has an etheral quality about him that draws women and women alike, leaving him the center of attention, giving none of it back. But when Xander (rarely) reaches the same wavelength as another human being, he is clever, witty, charming, and utterly brilliant. Nothing escapes his keen perception, from emotion to ulterior motive. Perhaps his almost zen-like state of spaciness has led him to this unnatural state of empathy. Or maybe he's just lucky. Bio: Xander wasn't always Captain Elsewhere. There was a time he was a normal, average young man. He was a grumpy big brother, and a devoted son. He loved playing catch in the park with dad, and he loved helping mom make brownies. Until the leukemia hit. It was then that he drifted off. He hasn't been the same since. While Ryan was quiet for a few days, Xander never stopped being quiet. He stopped playing catch. He hates the taste of chocolate. All he wanted to do was draw. No, not draw. Create. Xander became fascinated with the world he made with his own mind. There, he made the rules. Everything was his to make as he wants it. He fell into his world, and he doesn't want out. Xander left home for college. He couldn't stand the same house. Same room. Same life. He left his father and sister. He left everything behind for New York. And there, he began anew. Now, he's a successful Graphic Novelist. He key work, Fair Play, is selling as quickly as he can draw it. And it's his world, with his people. His own reality. Maybe he came to New York to escape his pain further. Maybe that's why he left his house. Too many memories. Too many hurtful nights. But maybe...he wants out of his shadow land. Wants to feel pain. Love. Sadness. Joy. Maybe, just maybe, he wants out of his world. Maybe he wants reality back. Just maybe.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Well, Xander is certainly taking an interesting turn. Thanks for the creative shove, Rhian. I hope that Xander will still prove very...interesting. -ULX[/SIZE] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]I've got a couple nicknames, some that I despise, others that I like. [U][B]Trev[/B][/U]: I know a few people that call me it. It's just a shortening of my first name, and I've been called it for ages. [U][B]Treeber-Beeber[/B][/U]: Something from early childhood. Someone said something similar in 6th grade, causing me to repeat it...and damning myself until I removed their teeth. Not literally, but I tried. Call me it and die. [U][B]James[/B][/U]: My middle name. I've gone by it in the past. [U][B]Damien[/B][/U]: My nickname as a kid, affectionately given to me by my parents. No, really, it was affectionate. I love it. Son of Satan, if you didn't know. [U][B]Hippy[/B][/U]: I have extremely long, thick hair, so a freind has taken to calling me a hippy. [U][B]Goth-Boy[/B][/U]: I'm not a Goth, but another friend uses it in a taunting fashion due to my LJ lay-out. I keep trying to just ignore him. [U][B]Squinty[/B][/U]: My eyes are unusually narrow, especially considering I am of Germanic descent, so the guy who calls me Goth-Boy also calls me Squinty. He's even yelled it across a courtyard at me. Took him two yells. [U][B]ULX[/B][/U]: I came up with it, but my friends have even taken to calling me it now. It's awesome. [U][B]Oni Meijin[/B][/U]: Me and my friend attempted to start the Washington-Yakuza. Long story. I took the name Oni Meijin, as an attempt to strike fear into the hearts of my enemies. It didn't strike me at first that very few people I know speak Japanese. Bit of a mistake, that. [U][B]Diablo[/B][/U]: Another nickname I gave myself that carried for about a year. I dubbed me and my circle of friends the Diablo Union. They were my minions. A fact that I still need to impress upon them. [U][B]Bob[/B][/U]: Well, technically it's not [I]my[/I] nickname, per se, but I guy I know has taken to calling every guy Bob. And every girl Steve. I have no hope for him. [U][B]Grube[/B][/U]: I am occasionally referred to by my last name. It's annoying, more than any thing. [U][B]Troutie[/B][/U]: The origins of this nickname are long and contrived, so I won't bore you with the details. It's just a nickname that I was given, and possibly is still carried by, my crush at the time. I wasn't about to tell her not to call me it. [U][B]Mr. Pink-Cheeks[/B][/U]: My friend will stop at nothing to irritate me. This has led her to devise a series of annoying nick-names, the cardinal of all Mr. Pink-Cheeks. Several times, she has been told by her best friend not to call me it. She still does, of course. Just not as frequently. I think that's about it. I've had a lot of nicknames. I have a lot of nicknames, actually. Cool. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Glad to see you back, Sole, kairiKIce2, demonchild781, amgoddess, Blayze, lil kitsune boy, and Methuselah. Your characters just keep getting more and more interesting, and I can't wait to see where things go now. Tash, Neuvoxetere, you're in. However, gotta say no to ultratheone. While your character does seem cool, I'm not to keen on the Dampeel idea. Plus, if he wants to kill all Vampires, it doesn't make much sense for him to be a Gyshram. Especially since almost all of them are dead. I'm keeping this open until Methuselah finishes hers, and to see if Midnytsun wants back in. Oh, and to see if I get a Hunter from the Project. I might have to go find someone to play the role, since at least one is kind of necessary. If none of these things happen by Friday, it's opening anyway. So, just wait 'til then, all right? -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]What am I reading, eh? Well, I just finished [I]Good Omens[/I] by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman a few days ago. For those of you not familiar with it, it's basically the tale of the apocolypse, which is about to take place in a small town in Brittain. In it, the Antichrist is misplaced by an order of Satanic Nuns, an angel (guardian of the gates of Eden) and a devil (the snake that tempted Eve) form a pact and decide they like humanity, and the Horsemen of the Apocalypse are the Motorcyclists of the Apocalypse. It's incredibly funny, and you should read it at your earliest convinience. As if being told my own writing is similar to Pratchett's wasn't enough, reading this will definately give me cause to read more of his works. At this moment, however, I am reading Dante's [I]Divine Comedy[/I]. Specifically, [I]Purgatorio[/I]. While just about everyone is familiar with Dante's harrowing journey through hell in the [I]Inferno[/I], there are actually two more books that follow it. First, Dante climbs the mountain of Purgatory which is peaked by Eden, and then he ascends into heaven, guided first by the Greek Poet Virgil, then by his angelic lost love. It's a hard book to read, especially with his unique rhyme scheme, but it is more than worth it to read this epic classic. The [I]Inferno[/I] is captivating, and I'm sure I'll be held through [I]Purgatorio[/I] and [I]Paradiso[/I]. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=Red][U][B][CENTER]HISTORY OF VAMPIRES[/CENTER][/B][/U] Blood. Blood is life. Blood is a necessity that all are granted upon birth. Blood is a given, blood is a constant. Until you fall into Death's sweet embrace. Then, Blood is never taken for granted. We call those that have died and returned many names; Ghouls, Revenants, Zombies, the Undead. But when they seek blood, that purest source of life, we call them Vampires. Though they have permeated our culture, we see them as little more than fairy tales. The stuff of gothic romance novels, cheesy horror movies, and occasionally nightmares. But they exist, they walk, and they hunt. For eons they have walked among us, slowly stealing away our essence in the form of that rich, dark liquid. As they grew in number and power, evolved beyond the simple blood-suckers, they split apart. They formed the Clans. The Clans lived together in peace for centuries, millennia. Save the occasional squabble, things were calm among the Vampires. But when the one known as Kuroichi, the Dark Blood, rose to the world of the Vampire, he decided that things should not be this way. He started his own Clan, the first to start in a thousand years, and slowly he swept across the globe, calling to his brethren. They called him mad when he went the way of peace, so he decided to go the way of war. Thousands fell to Kuroichi's Clan. His bloodthirsty nature, demonic power, and trademark silver hair earned him his nickname...Demon of the Silver Hair. The Clans fought back, and he was pushed back to his homeland of Japan. His Clan dominated the island country, and he was pleased for a time. Unfortunately, the Japanese government finally decided to lash out against the Vampires. They started a secret project, seeking out a few hundred children born with a strange power. These children were trained in the martial arts of the world, becoming expert warriors. They were the Hunters, deigned to slay the Vampires once and for all. Kuroichi was intrigued by these warriors, and decided to test them. There was a great massacre, and many of the Hunters died at the hands of Kuroichi. However, still many lived on, to fight against the Vampires with greater fervor. Suddenly, the now-seasoned Hunters began to disappear. And at the same time, Kuroichi's Clan began to rise in power. The Hunters were becoming his Clansmen, and something had to be done before he became to great a threat. This began what would be known in the future as the War of the Blood. Soon, Kuroichi's campaign swept across Europe as he stole the mighty Gems of the Ijuuj. With the Gyshram as his allies, he struck against the great clan, quickly taking the Emerald and Ruby. Along the way, he joined and fell out with Abaddon, Angel of the Abyss, and fought a former pupil...Goryuu Zokusai. With Three Gems in his possession, Kuroichi was viewed as a horrific threat by the Gwyar. Some of the Elders, Dracula, LeStat, decided to overthrow the Great Elder himself, Cain. They would strike against the Krilat Zmaj and all who joined them. Thanks to Zoku's hatred of Kuroichi, they gained two of the gems, Zoku keeping one himself. The last gem is lost, along with Night Rider of the Ijuuj. *NEW* On his trip to Australia, Kuroichi struck apart the elements themselves with his power. All of the world traveled there to battle for the future of Vampire kind, from the mysterious Zoku to the vengeful Sumiyaka to the Myrkur Aniol Zuriel. Axosiel, puppet king of the Myrkur Aniol died shortly after Zuriel arrived, prompting Zuriel to take the throne. Sole searched for Sumiyaka while she sought out Kuroichi. And when she found him...she joined him. Shortly there after, so did Zoku and Sole. Keitha had joined him before hand, swearing alligance to the Krilat Zmaj in the name of the Gyshram. Tragedy struck as the Gyshram lord, David, and his wife were slain by Zoku. Zoku also killed the Gyshram lord Caine, and apparently did away with Night Rider. Keitha, in a blind rage, attempted to kill the titan Zoku, drinking of his blood and suffering his curse. In her madness she nearly killed the Gyshram heir, Nye, who was saved by Lana, Keitha's former assistant. Zuriel clashed with the true leaders of the Myrkur Aniol, the Seraphic Legions, and eventually took the crown of the Angels. However, there is murmurs of rebellion from other legions, especially the Fallen. How long Zuriel can hold the throne is anyone's guess. Dracula and Zuriel forged an alliance, prompting a confrontation with Zoku and Sole, who transformed into Dusk. Before the battle ended, Dusk and Zoku rejoined the Gwyar, turning against Kuroichi. Zoku handed over all of his gems but the Moonstone, still locked in his heart. Kuroichi, before his meeting with the Zugai, underwent a transformation of his own. He crafted a new weapon, a new Gem, the Silver Forge. It has bound itself to his left arm and brought about the Wings of the Dark Angels, a true sign of Myrkur Aniol blood. At his meeting with the Zugai, he gained their trust after slaying five might warriors. The Zugai put a false front to Zuriel when he arrived, but Kuroichi quickly gave the call to attack. Zuriel's skeleton army, called by the Sapphire given to him by Zoku, were no match for the Silver Haired Demon. Zuriel was struck down, but used the power of the Sapphire to become powerful once again. Kuroichi made to attack the Angel King, but instead left him two gifts - the Night Blade (a new weapon in the War of the Blood) Harbinger, and the Blood Spawn, a creation forged by the Ruby and Emerald working together. Zuriel used the Harbinger to strike down the Blood Spawn, making sure to hinder its destructive power. Kuroichi has sent Night Blades to the Greatest Eight Fighters: Zoku, Keitha, Dusk, Jinsei, Dracula, LeStat, The Archangels, and the Fallen Angels. Zuriel holds the Harbinger, and Kuroichi's greatest warriors hold even more. The Night Blades shall prove the balance breaker in the fight to come, with only Kuroichi having access to the mystical source of their power. As the Silver Haired Demon returns to Japan, new threats loom on the horizon. A long distant threat has returned, and the Krilat Zmaj are about to be menaced by a Clan seeking refuge in the grimy streets of Tokyo. The Knubrap are about to enter the fight. [/COLOR] [CENTER]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray]It is your job to find out who gets the crown in the War of the Blood. One Clan must win, and your warriors will decide who. The Clans are: Nyroma - The Nyroma own the lands of Eastern-Europe, governing the Vampires there with their great magical skill. Their illusions and spells are responsible for many of the myths surrounding Vampire lore. While the Nyroma aren't known for their physical prowess, they draw great fear in their knowledge and magic. Members: Knubrap - The Knubrap are the second newest Clan, existing wherever there is corruption, filth, and darkness. They are predominant in major American cities. The Knubrap are the basic Vampires, drawn together into their Clan out of necessity, rather than want. Though they have little power, their numbers are overwhelming, and they always know the terrain. They are currently moving into Asia, attempting to push the Krilat Zmaj out of Tokyo. However, they shall have to contend with Kuroichi before they can do that. Members: Zugai - Also known as the Skulls, the Zugai are violent, physically powerful, and deadly in numbers. They hate the Ijuuj above all others, seeing them as holier-than-thou scum that needs to be destroyed. The Zugai are resilient, strong, and have a never-may-die attitude that gives them an army of suicide soldiers to hurl against their foes. They are mostly found in the harsh terrain of Australia. The leaders of the Zugai have taken an interest in Kuroichi, mainly due to his mostly single-handed annihilation of the Ijuuj. The Zugai, led by King Jarrah, have joined Kuroichi in the fight against the Gwyar and Myrkur Aniol. Only one thing puts doubt in their minds...the Skull Sapphire, held by Zuriel. Members: King Jarrah - Neuvoxetere Ijuuj - The Ijuuj may be the most formal and strict of all the Vampire Clans. Acting as a religious order for Vampires, they fight against the reckless Anarchists of the Zugai Clan. The Ijuuj follow their leaders (called the Kerlek) with fanatical devotion comparable to human fantasists but their greatest asset is their resistance to holy objects, a usual weakness for Vampires. They exist mostly in Western Europe. They have been almost decimated by Kuroichi and the Krilat Zmaj, and all seven of the mystical gems that gave them their holy resistence have been taken. It seems as though the Ijuuj are doomed. The Ijuuj are gone, slain by the Gyshram and Kuroichi. Members: Mirichai - Militaristic and bloodthirsty, the Mirichai seek power amongst the Vampire community, their desire for one great Clan preempting Kuroichi's. They utilize advanced human weaponry, mainly guns, in their conquest for power. They make their home in the Southern US and Mexico. Members: Gyshram - Shadowy assassins, the Gyshram hire themselves out to anyone who can pay well enough. They are well known for never failing to kill a target. Their exceptional speed and agility, as well as the power to manipulate shadows, gives them an edge in this secret war. They generally hide out in the World's deserts. They are in league with Kuroichi, but no one is sure how long, or even why. Unfortunately, due to Zoku's madness, the Ijuuj's vengeance, and Keitha's bloodlust, very few remain. It is up to the young Prince Nye to rebuild, alongside the assassin Lana. Members: Lana - amgoddess Senji - Tash Keitha - demonchild781 Labareda - A Central American Clan of Vampires that routinely dip their hands into human (and criminal) affairs. Drug trafficking, assassination (often aided by the Gyshram), political takeovers, extortion, and murder are just a few of their daily activities. With coffers full and weapons a plenty, they might be a hard force to stop. Members: Myrkur Aniol - Though small, the Myrkur Aniol is by far one of the most dangerous of the Clans. Taking the names of Angels (Fallen or otherwise) upon their "creation?, the Myrkur use the power of name to strike fear into the hearts of others. And if that doesn't work, their inhuman power will. While one of their members, Abaddon, is disgusted by Kuroichi, the Silver-Haired Demon himself is the second-spawn of the mighty Gabriel himself. They are lead by Zuriel, an incredible feat due to his status as Angel in the Hierarchy. The Seraphic Legions have pleged alligance to him, but the other Choirs may not join so steadily...especially the Fallen. Members: Zuriel - Blayze Krilat Zmaj - The powerful Clan lead by the Silver Haired Demon himself, Kuroichi. With the mysterious Power, a telekinetic energy, at the disposal of many a Krilat, and the use of near all Asia's Vampires, Kuroichi may be too great a force to defeat. The Krilat Zmaj have grown immensly in power due to Kuroichi's secret powers. He wields three of the Seven Gems of the Ijuuj, and it seems as though his higher-ups have other mysterious abilities. Since his transformation, he now wields the Silver Forge, giving him the power to create the deadly Night Blades. His people are tied strongly to the Gyshram and Myrkur Aniol, and are allied with the Zugai. However, they face a threat at home from the Knubrap. Members: Takeda Kana, alias Kuroichi - ULX Gwyar - The most ancient, wise, and powerful Vampires form the hallowed clan of the Gwyar. They show that Vampires truly are immortal, many of them present at the Crucifixion. It is rumored that their numbers include Dracula himself, and they are rumored to be lead by the very first Vampire. The Gwyar were led by Cain, the first Vampire, though he was killed by Zoku. While it seems they are led by Dracula, this is yet unclear. They vehemently oppose Kuroichi, forming an alliance with the Myrkur Aniol to help strike him down. Members: Zoku - kairiKIce2 Dusk - Sole-Energia Neutral- Sumiyaka - Methuselah Humans- Gene Colville - lil kitsune boy Shimagawa Yukiko - JJRiddler In Of Blades and Hunters, the Humans are going to play a much greater role as the five remaining members of the Project lash out at the Vampires of Japan. Any who wish to play as them need only PM me for information. However, any who wish to do so must have dedication and be a good RPer. These are important roles, and will not be handed out to just anyone. --SIGN-UP SHEET-- Name: It should fit your region of origin. Remember that the Myrkur Aniol must have the name of an Angel. Nickname: If you have one. Age: From 20-2000. Gender: Male or Female. Species: While most will be Vampires, this is in case there's a human or two. Clan: Not necessary for human players. Appearance: Either a picture or a fairly detailed description. Weapons: Keep it basic unless you are a Mirichai or Labareda. Powers: Telekinesis, magic, Chi techniques, shadow control...keep it under control, let's say five powers/techniques each, and don't have too much power. Remember, Knubrap don't have much in the way of power, Zugai are reletively weak when it comes to energy and magic, and the Nyroma are incredible sorcerors. Personality: Bio: Not too long, but give me some info. Other: Anything else you feel necessary to include. Here's me: Name: Kuroichi (Takeda Kana) Nickname: Ginkami no Akuma or the Silver Haired Demon Age: Around 500 years old Gender: Male Species: Vampire Clan: Krilat Zmaj Appearance: I have a picture somewhere, but until I find it... Kuroichi is of average height, with a lean, muscular build, kept from years of martial arts. He has silver hair that reaches around shoulder length. His eyes are a deep gray that changes color based on his moods (or so he says). He is pale (he is a Vampire, after all), and his body is laced with scars, the most prominent a large gash across his chest. Despite this, he is quite handsome, known for seducing his female victims. He now has two large black angel wings sprouting from his back, and the Silver Forge attached to his arm. This makes it hard for him to find good clothes, unfortunately for him. He wears a pair of rich black pants, a silver chain around his neck with a ruby-studded cross, and a fish-net tanktop that he has managed to pull over his wings. Weapons: A katana that he calls Shinku no Umi (Crimson Sea), the Ruby of Blood, the Amethyst of the Night, the Emerald of Corpses, and the Silver Forge. Powers: Kuroichi has the unique power to manipulate blood, be it his or another?s. He can change it into a very strong material, with which he crafts weapons, armor, and other structures. His favorite use for it is the Blood Mist, a cloud of incredibly small blood daggers that slowly cut anyone inside the mist to ribbons. He also seems to command the Power, though instead of its usual Gold color, it is a dark red. Thanks to the three Gems he holds, he has three more powers: the Ruby gives him the ability not only to manipulate blood ( apower he already had), but to create it, as well. The Amethyst gives him mysterious powers during the night hours, but so far it seems to manifest as an energy force much like the Power. The Emerald of Corpses can animate the bodies of the dead, as long as there is enough intact to animate. Thanks to the Silver Forge, he also has the power to create the Night Blades. It has also given him more mysterious abilities, with shards of the three other gems studding it. This includes the creation of the Blood Spawn. What other powers may it hold? Personality: Kuroichi is suave, cool, and in control no matter what the situation. He is incredibly wise, as well, a quick thinker and a devious planner. He can be very manipulative at times, leading people into thinking exactly what he wants. When not conversing with pretty women or his equals, he can be very smug and cocky. He treats those he sees as inferior as inferiors, making his opinions of them known quite well. It takes a lot to earn his respect. When in a fight, Kuroichi is condescending to his foes, trading witty banter and leading his opponent into stupid mistakes. He is sadistic, cold, calculating, and merciless. Bio: Kuroichi (born Takeda Kana) was born during the Sengoku Period of Japan in the Kai province, shortly before Portuguese sailors reached Japan. He was trained in swordsmanship and the martial arts by his father, a high-ranking Samurai in Takeda Shingen's army. However, his father was killed in one of the Battles of Kawanakajima, the Battle of 1564. Kana was only in his early 20s. Kana left his home in the Kai province, seeking fortune elsewhere. While walking out near Kawanakajima itself, he was accosted by a filthy soldier. Kana nearly defeated the man, but he lashed out with unnatural strength, and bit Kana's neck. Days later, Kana awoke late at night, and found himself a Vampire. Kana was at first disgusted by his fate, casting off his name in favor of Kuroichi, meaning Black Blood. The name carried, but the disgust rapidly faded. He began to embrace his nature, learning to control his powers. His latent Power, a red energy force that could manipulate matter with no visible cause, was awoken during a fierce battle, the Siege of Osaka. Kuroichi had seen many empires fall. At the beginning of the Meiji Era, he scorned the modernization and the destruction of the Samurai Class, aiding in a few attacks against the new government. But as the country finally settled down, Kuroichi took flight, seeking powerful warriors. It was during a stay in Croatia, just before it?s becoming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, Kuroichi met a powerful Vampire of the Nyroma Clan. The Vampire taught Kuroichi about the Vampire's existence, and their various Clans and past battles. Kuroichi did not believe that the Clans could last forever, and he and his teacher parted ways. It was during World War II, in the puppet state that Croatia had become, that Kuroichi decided to attack the Clans and form a new government. He decided that the current system had been in power far too long, and that a new system needed to replace it. He returned to Japan and rallied the Japanese Vampires to form the Krilat Zmaj (a word learned during his stays in Croatia). After his first attack on the Clans failed, Kuroichi decided to make the best of the situation, making the Krilat Zmaj the predominant Asian Clan. When the Japanese Government began the Project, he had to see what the "graduates" were capable of. He slaughtered many, turning some into Vampires, and left the others to hone their skills. Now, he is sweeping across the globe, gathering the Hunters into his Clan. Soon, he will bring an end to the Clans. And he will be around to see the final results. Other: Nothing, really. If you read through the first part ([URL=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=43821]here[/URL]) or the second part ([URL=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=45026]here[/URL]) and see an NPC you want to be, feel free to sign up as them. Just PM me before-hand for the OK. Some Knubrap would be nice, as well as at least one of the Hunters. And for reference, here's the alliances in an easy to read chart: [B][U]With Kuroichi[/U]: [/B] Krilat Zmaj Gyshram Zugai [B][U]Against Kuroichi[/U]: [/B] Gwyar Myrkur Aniol Ijuuj - Destroyed [B][U]Neutral[/U]: [/B] Nyroma Knubrap Mirichai Labareda Have fun, hold tight, and drink deep. -ULX[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The Four Generals. The Dragon Kings. The Gods. Jarrah of the Zugai. Sumiyaka. Five shadowy figures. They stood around Kuroichi, slowly watching him craft the weapons that would deliver the Krilat Zmaj to greatness. The weapons that would rend the fabric of reality. The Night Blades were being forged. Slowly but surely, Kuroichi forged a weapon for each of his allies. The Generals took up their arms, the Dragon Kings clutched the Treasures of Legend, and the Gods wielded divine powers. The Jawbone resonated power in Jarrah's hands, and Sumiyaka was handed the South Wind. "Master Kuroichi, I humbly thank you for this great treasure," Dokeshi said, a sadistic grin upon his face. He traced his thumb across the Lion-Tamer's blade, the wicked scythe drawing blood from the tip of his finger. Kuroichi ignored him, crafting more gifts. "My fried, why do you continue?" Jarrah asked. Kuroichi looked up with a strange smile. "The game is no fun if we hold all the cards, dear Jarrah," he said stroking the Silver Forge gently. "I've got to trade out a few Aces to draw the Joker. I must let my enemies know that I am watching, and I must let them know that this is no small battle. And perhaps my generosity can turn a few hearts..." His eyes flickered briefly to the shadowy figures. The five held Night Blades, standing just outside the light the others were bathed in. "And you, my dear warriors," he said. "Are you ready to join the inner circle of the Krilat Zmaj?" "Yes, my lord," they chorused. "Good, my Night Blades. Good."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Eight packages went out that night. Eight gifts, delivered to foreign friends and enemies. Eight gifts that would turn the tide, or merely stem the flow. A hulk would grasp the Oblivion X. The Shadow would draw upon the Assassin's Heart. Twilight would come to the phoenix, and his comrade would wield Satsujin. The Gwyar lords took Nosferatu and Lioncourt. The seven archangels took up the weapons that would guide them to glory. And the Adversary took the sins to his six great comrades. The benefactor neither knew or cared where alligences lay. He merely handed out weapons to those who deserved them. The seven recipients would know of great power with the Night Blades, could they use them. Or they would be consumed by them if their hearts knew weakness and fear. They would be tested. They would be judged. And the worthy would rise up to be kings. And fall to the truest King of all.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]And that, ladie's and gentlemen, marks the end of Skulls and Crosses. I must admit, HTDD has gone places I never thought it would. With great RPers by my side, plot twists a plenty, and enough creative spark to power NY, it may reach the end of the War. Of course the ones who recieved the gifts are Zoku, Dusk, Jinsei, Keitha, Dracula, LeStat, the Seven Archangels of the Myrkur Aniol (Michale, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, Chamuel, Jophiel, and Zadkiel), and the Demons of Sin (Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub, Behemoth, Leviathan, Mammon, and Belphagor). What these weapons are is for you to decide. If your character didn't get one, it isn't a slight to you, it's just that these are the Eight that Kuroichi views as powerful. These are the ones he trusts to rule, even if he loses. He doesn't want absolute power, he wants greatness for the Vampires. Even if it means he dies. Part Three will be up soon, with a new threat to the Krilat Zmaj, and all Vampire kind. The game has begun, the pieces are set, but not all are on the table quite yet. It is only a matter of time, however, before the game reaches full swing. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Kuroichi stood there, victorious, until a thought struck him. [I]Zuriel still holds the Sapphire! Why didn't I take it?[/I] He whirled to finish the job, and was met by the sight of a renewed Zuriel drawing his swords. The Sapphire glittered brightly on his chest. And a fire burned in his cold eyes. "Kuroichi!" he roared. "This is your end!" Kuroichi stared at the Myrkur Aniol king for a moment, then took his face in his hands and laughed. It was a deep, frightening laugh that rang out across the outback for miles. The Zugai around him edged slowlyaway, terrified of the deranged lord. The Krilat Zmaj merely stood there and smiled. "Dear Zuriel...you hold but the Sapphire," Kuroichi chuckled. "And while the Sapphire has the power to...persuade [I]weak[/I] minds to its cause, it is nothing compared to the powers I command." Kuroichi lifted up his silver arm once more. And for the first time that anyone there could recall...something glittered on the back of his hand. Something red. Something green. And something purple. Shards of the three gems. "The Silver Forge is a brilliant thing I discovered," Kuroichi said grinning. He paused for thought, then continued. "Well, not so much [I]discovered[/I] as [I]invented[/I]. You see, I took the spells and the legends and made them real. The Silver Forge is the key to an entirely new level of battle. The most deadly weapons any man can wield. The Night Blades." Kuroichi clenched his fist and the gems began to glow fiercly, as did the silver itself. His wings flapped once, kicking up dust. "Not necessarily 'blades,' the Night Blades are weapons of untold power. With only one, you could kill an entire metropolitan city. So image what [I]I[/I] could do with one," he sneered. With a fierce cry he lifted his palm to the sky. A beam of light shot up into the clouds, and lightning arced across the heavens, splitting them with a rumble of thunder. The light slowly began to change, melding into a strange shape. At last, it formed a great blade. The hilt "dropped" into Kuroichi's hand, and it became solid. The blade was made of thick black metal, shining and strange. It curved along the edge with a wicked gleam, and spokes emerged from the back of the blade, a massive one forming a hand guard just in front of the unusually long hilt. It was the most terrifying sword any had ever seen. And that was just with one glance. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat, dear Zuriel, I must go," Kuroichi said, a false look of sadness upon his face. "But I leave you with a gift. The first Night Blade - Harbinger. Use it well. Who knows what powers it contains?" Kuroichi gently tossed the sword to Zuriel, and it landed at the king's feet. Kuroichi turned to the Zugai and bellowed, "We must go!" They began to march out, but Kuroichi paused again, turning to stare at Zuriel with a mocking smile. "One last parting gift, dear King," Kuroichi sneered. "Another little invention of mine. I call them Blood Spawn." Pools of blood formed across the field, and slowly things began to rise out of them. Hulking, vaguely humanoid, and with a feral green gleam in their gaping eye-sockets, they leered at Zuriel, holding twitsted, rusty weapons in their bony hands. Blood dripped from their skeletal bodies and limp, decayed flesh. What little clothes they had were long since reduced to moldy rags. About 30 rose from the ground, just standing there, staring at Zuriel. "Hope you enjoy!" The horde charged.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]I know it may seem like I'm making Kuroichi too powerful, and I probably am to tell the truth, but it needs to happen. If he's going to pose a plausible threat to the future of Vampire-kind he needs to be a border-line God. And besides, he gave the Harbinger to Zuriel. What it does...I don't know. That's for Zuriel to find out. Since the main goal of this "arc" has pretty much been completed, I'm thinking of ending it and moving on to the next one. And I assure you, I've got something special planned for Round 3. Let me know if you think this should end. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The sand. Blazing shards of tiny glass, whiping around endlessly in the desert. So hot it burns...cold enough to freeze you solid. Extremes that rock the world. The sand blanketed the land of the Zugai. The sand freed them from normal concern of law. The sand stood in Kuroichi's path. The wind screamed around him, begging him to stop this path of death. It threw sand about, ripping through clothes with biting cold. It scoured Kuroichi's bare chest, and shrieked in his ears. But he ignored it. The cloaked figures that flanked him were silent. They did not question the orders of the Silver Haired Demon. Now more than ever they respected and feared his power. The Silver Forge and Black Wings were more than proof of his greatness to them. But would the Zugai listen...? Slowly but surely they approached the home of the Zugai. Torchlight flickered in the distance, and much roaring laughter could be heard. The delectable aroma of food wafted through the air. It was a feast. A feast of the Zugai...a feast to feed a nation. "Kuroichi-dono," said Doppo. "Are you certain you wish to do this?" "If I talk to the Zugai, I must do it alone," Kuroichi growled. "Stay out of the torch-light unless I call for you. No exceptions." "[I]Yosh[/I], Kuroichi-dono." The crowd reached the circle of fire-light and stopped. The laughter was silenced. The joy subsided as the Zugai watched the outsiders draw near. And Kuroichi stepped into the light, Silver Forge glittering on his arm, wings nearly absorbing all traces of light. There was a great clamor, and many a Zugai stepped forward to bar Kuroichi's path. "Please, let me through," Kuroichi said, his voice like a velvet covered sword. "I wish only to speak with your master." "That would be me," was the bass reply. The crowd parted in front of the demon, and he stepped towards the speaker. A hulking man, dark skinned and wearing the few rags taht would cover his unbelievable musculature. His bald head shone, as did his glittering green eyes. Scars wound across his chest and arms, a wicked gash across his face. "You are Kuroichi, the Silver Haired Demon, yes?" asked the Zugai. "I am." "You come to beg our alligance, do you not?" Several Zugai chuckled darkly. The mocking laughter rang out but was quickly quelled by a single look of Kuroichi's steely eyes. "I do not. I come not to ask, but to demand you join my cause." "You dare demand the great Zugai!?" howled one from the crowd. "Who d'ya think you are?" "Stupid bastard!" "Ye must be bloody crazy, mate!" Kuroichi merely ignored the cries till they died away. The silver on his left arm creaked ominously as he flexed his fingers, while his wings flapped a few times. "I am not a fool, and I am not crazy. The Zugai will not listen to pleas or whining. You are far too powerful and proud. So I have come to demand you join me, or I shall kill every last one of you." "Really?" asked the Zugai leader, chuckling. "Kill 'im!" Five Zugai stepped forward immediately to challange Kuroichi. Each could dwarf even the heartiest linebacker. Kuroichi didn't bat an eyelash as the first fist swung his way. He closed his eyes and stepped to the side, reaching up to grab the vampire's arm and send him flying to the ground. He didn't even open his eyes as he swung the silver arm towards another Zugai, blood spikes covering it to tear open his opponents chest. His eyes finally eased open as he drew his katana and sliced open a third Zugai's face. The giant man screamed in agony and brough his hands to his eyes, trying to stem the blood from a gash that split from chin to forehead. It wasn't until his eyes burst open and blood streamed to Kuroichi's hand that the Zugai truly began to take notice. And when Kuroichi held out the floating sphere of blood in his silver-coated arm and fired a torrent of blood-metal daggers...the Zugai were in fear of the demon. Five men dead in an instant. Five giants slain by a single man. Kuroichi turned and stared into the Zugai leader's shining emerald eyes, his own flashing a dangerous cobalt blue. Fear was etched into the kings features, and the demon could only smile. "So, shall you join me? Or do I have to crush the Zugai like I crushed the Ijuuj?" That was the magic phrase. The accomplishment that stopped the Zugai from killing Kuroichi on sight. He had brought about the downfall of the Ijuuj. He had slain their enemy. He wielded their weapons. He had done what the entire Zugai clan could only dream of doing. And he had done it himself. "I, King Jarrah of the Zugai, humbly offer the services of my clan to the Krilat Zmaj." "Then we have a deal, Jarrah."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Fire burned. Water flowed. Earth rumbled. Wind howled. Lightning flashed. Darkness swelled. Light shone. The elements gathered, called by the arcane powers. The powers, summoned by Kuroichi. The powers to make him God...or destroy him in an instant. He sat, naked and humble in the lotus position, eyes shut tight, hair pulled back. His pale skin was etched with a thousand symbols, mysterious markings that were intricately copied from an aged tome. The very same that lay at Kuroichi's feet. He sat in peace, surrounded by the elements, freeing his mind in preparation. Only five other things sat in the cleared room. The gems, sitting in a small triangle drawn in chalk, surrounded by a pale chalk circle; the chunk of raw silver that sat in the center; and the knife that sat, gleaming like a slice of moonlight. At last he eased his eyes open, and he sucked in a great breath of air. His hands glided out over the circle, hovering above it like pale spiders in the gloom. The only light came from the pale moon, the crackling fire, and the occasional flash of lightning. He paused to lick his lips, and began the ritual in full. The memorized words flowed from his mind like a spring, echoing through the room. "To make this world great, I offer my blood. To make this world great, I offer my body. To make this world great, I offer my heart. To make this world great, I offer all I have. Oh Great Gods, hear my plea. Let me lead my people, free from pain and fear of death from man. Let me cleanse the way for a future. Let me make them see." He slowly reached down, picking up the knife with barely trembling hands. He brought the finely honed blade to his wrist, and pulled it along his flesh. Blood welled up from the punctured vein. "With this blood as my sacrifice, let a new era be forged. An era of power amongst my kind. An era were we can rule, not live in fear and obscurity. Let me forge this new way...let me forge a new power!" He quickly brought the bleeding arm over the circle, and let the blood drip into it. Energy began to surge from the gems. It cast a strange new glow over Kuroichi. "Let the power come unto me! Let me wield the gems...not as a tool, like the Kerlek...not be controlled, like Zoku...not be feared, like Sole...let me embrace them and make them one with me! Let my blood forge them anew...and let my power resound in the the new!" The silver slowly began to warp and flux, energy from the gems channeling towards it. The tattoos on Kuroichi's body began to shine and flicker, like fire in his flesh. They writhed and coiled, moved across his body to the wound. He lifted the now-glowing Silver from the ground. "Let this be the new power with which I take the world. Let this guide me to greatness. With the elements as awed witnesses to my power, I craft this gem...the Silver Forge!" There was a blinding flash of light, and a collumn erupted from the three gems, spiraling into the sky. Kuroichi could feel something inside him...writhing, burning, begging to be free. He felt it tearing loose...the birth of something new inside him. He was being made again...like a Pheonix from the ashes, he would rise and take the crown. The lights faded. The tattoos were gone, burned off his skin. The gems sat dark amidst the charcoal that was once chalk. Kuroichi was leaning down, breath ragged. The door was flung open, and Sumiyaka stepped in. "Kuro - " she stopped with a gasp. The moonlight was just enough to show Kuroichi's transformation. Light shimmered off his arm, the cut arm, as silver crept up it. Bound with his flesh, infused with the arcane symbols...the silver was the new Gem, the Silver Forge. He held it gingerly with his other hand, the metallic weapon slowly flexing with his muscles. He looked up, something gleaming in his eyes. Blood. Night. Corpses. His eyes flickered brightly and then dimmed to their usual color. He rose slowly, arm twitching lightly. Slowly, he turned to Sumiyaka. "Sumiyaka-chan...bring me some clothes. I must meet with the Zugai." "But Kuro-kun..." she began. It was then the Kuroichi noticed. Something else was different. The bloody, satin black feathers the lay around his feet told him so. He tilted his head back lightly, and was shocked. Kuroichi, the Silver Haired Demon, heir of Gabriel...had sprouted black wings. "I need clothes, Sumiyaka-chan...something." "I'll see what I can do." "[I]Domo arigatou, watashi no ai,[/i]" he said smoothly. "After all, it is best not to keep the Zugai waiting."[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Kuroichi's goals have become more clear, I hope. He wants to unite the world under one leader, bring about what man can only dream of. And he will do anything to unite his kind and save them from war with one final conflict. His ambitions have brought about his new weapon, the Silver Forge. What does it do? You'll have to wait. But I assure you, the new Kuroichi will be more than capable of handling himself against the rising storm. Lest his ambitions get the better of him, that is. And I figure, if everyone else is going through transformations and rebirths, why not the "main character". Kuroichi has absorbed the gems he holds, and has awoken a part of him that ties directly to the Myrkur Aniol. The wings of the Dark Angels, something rarely seen and only held by the most powerful of the Clan. So, who will reach the Zugai first? And who will earn their respect and trust...? -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]I've got a good one - My Bloody Valentine by Good Charleotte. That transcends stalker into murder. So it should fit nicely. [I] Oh my love, please don't cry I'll wash my bloody hands and we'll start a new life I ripped out his throat And called you on the telephone to take off my disguise Just in time to hear you cry When you mourn the death of your bloody valentine The night he died You mourned the death of your bloody valentine One last time Oh my love please don't cry I'll wash my bloody hands And we'll start a new life I don't know much at all, I don't know wrong from right All I know is that I love you tonight There was... Police and flasing lights The rain came down so hard that night The headlines read "A Lover Died" No tell-tale heart was left to find When you mourn the death of your bloody valentine The night he died You mourned the death of you bloody valentine One last time Oh my love please don't cry I'll wash my bloody hands And we'll start a new life I don't know much at all, I don't know wrong from right All I know is that I love you tonight Tonight... He dropped you off I followed him home Then I stood outsid his bedroom window Standing over him he begged me not to do What I knew I had to do 'cause I'm so in love with you Oh my love please don't cry I wash my bloody hands And we'll start a new life I don't know much at all, I don't know wrong from right All I know is that I love you tonight[/I] Yeah, creepy. One of my favorites of theirs, actually. I wonder what that says about me... -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]I have no problem with vegetarianism or veganism. I have eaten entire vegetarian on a few occasions. But I am a carnivore. I can't survive without a stead influx of beef in my diet. Heck, I wouldn't mind a burger right about now. I'm not going to stop eating meat, but I'm not about to stop you either. Like Gravy Train said, the only vegetarians/vegans I have a problem with are the aggresive ones. You can eat tofu to your heart's content, but I'm not gonna touch the stuff, so stop trying. If I decide I want to eat vegan, I'm going to make that decision on my own. Not with your "help". Humans are designed to eat meat, grains, veggies, and all the rest. True, you can get your proten from vegetables and soy, but there are a lot more of the essential amino acids in meat than in a bean. We need protein, we need dairy, we need fat, we need carbohydrates. No getting around it. But if you want to take the initiative and cut out meat in favor of tofu, power to you. More work in the long run, really. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Curses! Siren stole my initial idea...[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Adventurer: Here's your son, ma'm. Found him wandering in the woods. Woman: Oh thank you! He ran off just as I started to cook him for dinner. Adventurer: Yeah, well I...wait, what now? Woman: He ran off as I was making dinner. Adventurer: But I thought you said - Woman: *points and feigns fright* Look! An evil wizard, capturing a...a...Princess...thing! Adventurer: *turns* Where!? Woman: He just went to his...evil...stronghold...of DOOM! Adventurer: *races out* Child: Hewp me...[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]That started off a lot funnier in my head. Aw, well. And before anyone asks, no, I haven't played this game before. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]What's here in scenic Shoreline, WA?...*thinks*. Actually, I think everything is in Seattle...No, there's nothing in Shoreline. I must live in one of the most boring cities on earth. So instead, I'll just describe bustling Seattle, alright? Seattle is the birthplace of Grunge, the first place you could get a latte outside of Italy, and is home of the Space Needle. We've got big buildings, big traffic jams, and big cups of coffee. It's a breeding ground for artists, tech-heads, and people in desparate need of caffine. It's smattered with forests, cities, and beaches, including Puget Sound, Green Lake, Lake Washington, and Richmond Beach. Though none of those are particularly good. There are pleanty of parks and good places to hike. And if you hate nature, just dive into downtown Seattle, breath in the sweet stink of exhaust fumes, and sip on your double-shot mocha frappuchino with no foam and sprinkles. And a muffin, if you're not on a diet. Yup, Seattle's pretty interesting. But not Shoreline. Small, uninteresting Shoreline. Lousy peaceful suburb... -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]A tentative title for a recent manga idea I had. It all came from a single character design that has since evolved into an (I think) interesting story. The main character is Sonzai (meaning Existence), a mysterious amnesiac man who is covered from head to toe in tattoos. He finds himself inexplicably drawn to certain people...people baring the strange marks and kanji tattoos that he has as well. And everytime he meets one, they die. Sonzai is hunting them, not by choice, but by fate. In addition to his strange tattoos, Sonzai stands out because of his dress. He stays covered at all times, save in battle. The marks on his skin can overwhelm him, especially the kanji for Evil (his left hand) and Blood (his mouth). If either of those is released, he can barely contain it. Sonzai is lost, violent, and confused, seeking knowledge, a past, and a home. And he'll destroy, kill, and save anything he needs to to get there. Other characters include Kajiya (Blacksmith), a man with the kanji for Metal and Strength on his arms; Megumi, a young woman with Sight enscribed on her eye; Akira, a genius who happens to have Bear on his hands, giving him unnatural strength; Kaida, a mysterious woman with a large dragon winding on her back, and the kanji resting in its mouth. Comments? Criticisms? Confusion? Share, please. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The Sengoku era. An era of death, violence, and chaos. A time where the sword was law, and all bowed to it. A time where you were only worth your name or your skills. A time of feude, of strife, and of war. A time where all feared death at any moment. A time where you would die for honor. And the era of the Samurai. The Samurai were Gods. They were revered as masters of the blade, and commanders of the whirlwind. A great Samurai was like a king. A weak one was worthless. Soldiers, commanders, leaders, oppressors. Call them what you will. But what they had was honor. The code of Bushido, that guided them to glory and victory, or shame and death. Some were not given the choice of death. Some were made Ronin. Cast out from their families and rulers, they were left to wander. Their names, honor, and all they held dear...gone. The ronin were nothing but shadows. Wraiths traveling the land, seeking what shreds of life they had left. But what if...what if a ronin took back his honor. Or, at the very least, tried. What if he gave himself a name. Took back his possessions. Fought those that disowned him. Became a God once more. Takeda Kana was this ronin. Cast out from his clan for his bloodlust and candor, he was sent out. The Atsukamashii no Ronin. The Brash Ronin. He was sent out to die. But he refused. He formed a Clan...the Atsukamashii, named to spite his foes. And he took a new name. No longer was he Takeda Kana. No longer was he even Kana. To strike fear in the hearts of men, to bring his soldiers power and awe, he took a name that would echo on the battlefield til the last man died. Oni Meijin, the Demon Lord.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The Oni-Ichizoku (literally translated: the Demon Clan) is a historical-fiction RPG. A what-if tale about a ronin who stood up against the oppressive atmosphere of the Sengoku period, railing against his opponents. Most notable, the Takeda clan that spurned him. There are no superpowers. No demons, no monsters. Just the best-trained men and women ever to wield a katana/yari/shinobi-zue/ono. To play, all you need is a rather basic knowledge of the Sengoku era. It's going to work in a semi-chapter system. How will it work? Well, instead of posting the chapter outline and naming the characters involved, instead I'll post a key event of the Sengoku period. Your characters interact with the event how they will. Should they be key players, then be ready for a post-fest. If they're on another island of Japan, they shouldn't really be showing up. I don't want a lot of people signing up as major players in the Sengoku period unless they are ready to make a big commitment. Playing as Uesugi Kenshin or Tokugawa Ieyasu will give you a lot to deal with. Whereas playing as a minor, fictional warrior will give you a lot of room for creativity. I'm going to be very strict with real-people sign-ups, so make sure to work hard on them. Feel free to play as any range of person, from high-ranking samurai to ninja to peasent. But keep it as realistic as possible. Peasents aren't going to be master swordsmen. Ninja will [B][I]NOT[/I][/B] have magic powers. Get Naruto out of your head. The real ninja were middle-age spies and assassins that were better prepared and a little more devious than your average person. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get on to the sign-up. Name: Family Name, Given Name. Age: Gender: There were female Samurai and such, in case you were wondering. Samurai-ko is the term. Then we've got the Kunoichi, female ninja so...don't worry. Weapons: Special Skills: Not special moves, special skills. As in tracking, hunting, spying, swordsmanship, agriculture...etc. Appearance: Personality: Bio: Name: Oni Meijin (Oni is the Family name of the Atsukamashii) Age: 27 Gender: Male Weapons: His katana, Shinku no Umi (Sea of Crimson) and his Wakizashi, Shinku no Tamashii (Soul of Crimson). Special Skills: Master of Swordsmanship, an excellent public speaker, and an extremely intelligent man. Appearance: [URL=http://hyung-taekim.org/displayimage.php?album=15&pos=10.jpg]Oni Meijin[/URL] Personality: Oni Meijin, despite his name, is a charming and well-spoken man. Clever and wise beyond his years, he trusts no one but his closest warriors. His name belies a warm public air. His face as leader is bathed in warmth and joy, and his charmisma and honesty bring him great loyalty from his allies. But duality is the true nature of this young man. But in battle, he truly earns the name Demon Lord. Brutal, merciless, and ruthless, he leads his men in a bloody fury against the world around him. Any who does not join him dies, he will make sure of that. His occasionally brash tactics in battle, and his blinding rages make him a lethal opponent. Bio: Oni Meijin was born into the Takeda Clan. A fairly distant relative of Takeda Shingen, Kana was nonetheless given prestiege and privelige growing up. The member of a powerful household, he was trained from early age in the art of the sword. From the day he could hold a sword, he could use one. Kenjutsu was burned into his soul, and mingled with his blood. While training in swordsmanship one day, Kana took offense at a fellow trainee who said he had only reached such a rank because of "Uncle Shingen". Kana challenged him to a duel to protect his honor, using real swords. He nearly took the boys life. It was then that he earned the nickname Astukamashii, or brash. Kana quickly climbed the ranks, an excellent swordsman and a charismatic man. He shmoosed with dignitaries, earned praise from teachers, and eventually became a high-ranking Samurai. It was when fighting bandits in the Takeda lands that Kana made his second blind move. He lashed out against a soldier who question his methods, striking the man dead. That man was a close relative of a dinitary that Shingen was trying to impress. Neadless to say, Kana was fiercly reprimanded for his lack of a cool head. The third time it happened was when Kana was in battle with a rival army, the Tokugawa. He killed nearly all the men that came his way, carving through until he met the general. The man fell to him, and Kana was cast out of the Takeda the next day. The general was a spy in the Tokugawa army who was trying to get close to Ieyasu. Kana had unwittingly cost the Takeda clan months and months of work in his fenzy. Cast out as a ronin, he adopted the name Shinku no Ronin, the Crimson Ronin. With a past rich in blood, it was a fitting name. With the last of his money left from the Takeda clan, he bought himself a new Daisho. The swords he wields today. He used them to cut his way across the Takeda lands. And in a quiet village, free from the growing turbulence of the Sengoku, he forged the Astukamashii. Alongside his trusted aid and general, Oni Taisho (position temporarily held), Oni Meijin gathered the ronin of the area into his new clan. Now, with revenge and honor driving him, he strives to destroy the Takeda, the Tokugawa, the Uesugi, the Nobunaga, and all others in his way. From Kyushu to Honshu, Japan will know the name Oni Meijin. And they will fear it.[/SIZE][/COLOR] [CENTER]*****[/CENTER] [COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Are you ready to fight the war against the Atsukamashii, or will you fight alongside them? Will you take the name Oni...or kill the demons that lash out at your clan. Do you fight for honor, for glory, or for death. Are you worthy of the name Samurai, the name given to you? Or will you be a great ronin...and take back your name. -ULX[/SIZE][/COLOR]