Musings of an Otaku

The Black Hole Continues...

2008-06-22T23:46:26Z

Dear Sulsie-chan,

May your curse go into effect soon.

Sincerely, Jav-chan

I am currently cursing the entire existence of the Naruto fandom. It has consumed my soul. I spent the last 48 hours doing nothing but eat, sleep, and read SilverShine's Duty Before Honor and The Window fanfics. I am currently on my second reread of Duty Before Honor. T_T

It has been next to impossible to pull myself away. Both the past two morning I stayed up until three reading. If I didn't put my laptop on my battery at two I wouldn't get any sleep. I was fortunate enough to be able to write a portion of a paragraph of KRL and the original version of DGL.

That's not to mention the fact that someone I am co-writing a story with is badgering me to read Team 8, and I am determined to read all of the manga scans currently out on Onemanga.com before I do that. Currently on Chapter 13 out of 405. T_T

Of course, he managed to convince me to read the first chapter later tonight.

Fortunately, at this point I am able to pull away from both of SilverShine's fics for roughly a half an hour. So it's enough to get a page written, and do some job hunting.

Boy am I going to be in trouble tomorrow.

To make matters worse, unless I can once more leech some gas money off of my mom, I will not be able to go until Volunteer at the hospital until much later in the week. Eep.

Well, I promise that because it's already been roughly a week since the last update that I'm going to hold back on the updates until I have a good portion too update, about roughly 10+ pages or a double update.

And one of these days I will do two double update. Or at least try to.

CURSE YOU, NARUTO!

jav_chan @ 2008-06-15T23:04:00

2008-06-16T03:09:02Z

Ugh, it 'been a few days since the last update. I was hoping to have the next chapter out tomorrow, but even though it's a short one it is being a bitch. I'm just having such a difficult time writing it. I'm going to try and get something post tomorrow.

I still have an hour before I need to be in bed so if I'm lucky and get through that damn block then maybe I'll have the chapter up tonight...err...very early tomorrow.

None of this helped by the fact that I'm still stressing over the whole job thing.

Got to think positive, positive.

jav_chan @ 2008-06-10T23:55:00

2008-06-11T03:58:18Z

Ok, looks like no update today either. I had a bit of a difficulty getting this chapter started, and in order to break my habit of getting up ten minutes before I'm supposed to be at the hospital I need to stop writing at midnight. So it looks like the updates are going to start being further apart. I'll try my best to update daily, but if I get that job that may stop.

The frequency shouldn't be any less then every other day with the occasional exception.

Gomen ne.

A Brief Hault

2008-05-28T02:40:06Z

Well, it looks like I've encountered another one of those ever annoying writer's block. That and I'm tired. I'll try to work on it, but I can't be for certain if there will be an update tonight or not.

I know where I want to go. It's just a matter of getting there.

Gomen nasai.

jav_chan @ 2008-05-24T02:12:00

2008-05-24T06:14:19Z

Ok, another day without an update. The chapter was almost completed, but I am just too tired to finish it properly. I'll post it tomorrow morning and try to get another one up tomorrow night. There would have been such a huge delay, but I was at a friend's last night.

*yawn*

Time for bed.

FFN Is Crap - Here is the next update

2008-05-20T05:28:13Z

For those who bother to check this LJ here's the next chapter of The King's Reluctant Lover. Please comment

Part XIV

Despair

“So you were born in Fanelia.” The only other country in Gaea to be condemned for it’s ‘Heathenist’ religion; yet, Asturia always treated it with a respect that Mother was never able to obtain.

“Yes, in the mountains.”

They were trailing behind Millerna and Dryden by a significant amount, yet Hitomi could not honestly say that she cared. The slower they walked, the more time she got to spend with a man she hardly knew and the less time she would have to spend alone with Dilandu before dinner.

“I’ve heard that the capital of Fanelia is surrounded by the Crimson Dragon range. Mother said it was a sight to behold, especially during sunset.”

She watched him out of the corner of her eyes and was surprised to see such a wistful expression on his face when he answered.

“Yes, the Crimson Dragon is said to be one of the Four Wonders of Gaea. I wasn’t born in the capital, but I did spend a lot of time in the capital before I started my training.” He spoke in such a soft tone that it caused Hitomi’s heart muscles to twinge queerly. Suddenly, she found herself fascinated with the ground. She watched her booted feet peek out from under the sway of her dress as they walked over the dusty street. She tried to think about how foolish she was being, trusting Van to guide her towards the palace and not let her bump anything. She tried to concentrate on the chatter of the bazaar.

It was impossible to concentrate on his words without hearing the emotion that laced them, and she couldn’t let herself hear that emotion—by the Goddess she couldn’t. Already memories of the way the sinking sun would cast a rich spinel-red hue over the calm waters of the Celestial Cove of Veshrane had tears pricking the corner of her eyes. She remembered how captivating the waters had been that day, when she stood on the cliff while she waited for Dilandu’s soldiers to take her. So deep and rich, just like the spinel stones that were set in the circlet she had worn as crown princess.

“Lady Hitomi?”

A salty, metallic tang touched her tongue when she bit the inside of her cheek hard enough to draw blood.

“Sorry, my thoughts wandered. Tell me, what is the Crimson Dragon Range like?”

Van stared at her in a way that unnerved her, but she refused to avert her gaze. Whatever conclusions he came to were not of her concern. No matter what he thought about her, he would quickly realize that she could rip those conclusions to shreds and stomp on them for good measure, and Hitomi had a feeling he new it.

“The Range is very special and very dear to everyone in Fanelia. It is the pride of the royal family. Legend has it that, long ago, before Fanelia had even been established as a country that a race of golden dragons lived in the valley. At that time the valley was flat and wild. An earthquake upheaveled the land to start the beginnings of the mountain range.”

Van’s voice had changed, and Hitomi found herself almost hypnotized by the deep, almost sensuous way he told the story.

“It’s said that many dragons died that day. The hides of the dead turned to stone, and their bones formed the ridges. Something about that quake had upset the delicate balance of the wildlife in that valley and it wasn’t long before the golden dragons disappeared completely. They died off, one by one, becoming a part of the mountains until only one was left.” He glanced over at her and shook his head when he took notice of her expression. She hoped she didn’t look too dazed/ “I’m sorry. This must be boring.”

Hitomi smiled. “Not at all. I always wanted to see those mountains and hear the stories behind them ever since I was a little girl. Before she took up her responsibilities my mother used to travel all over the world. Time and time again she always returned to Fanelia. She used to say it reminded her of where she grew up.”

It occurred to her that it would be wise to censure her words. After all, according to Millerna she was supposed to be a lady of some minor nobility, a bumpkin that was visiting the city for the first time. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to care enough to watch her words. Whatever she said wouldn’t matter. Besides would it really be so horrible if he discovered that she was from Veshrane? It would be simple to fabricate a story that her mother had migrated to Asturia and married a duke of little importance before Zaibach’s invasion. For the time being she would relish in the time that she had. This was one of the few times that she would be free enough to be herself. Why should she waste it?

“Mother always refused to tell me the stories behind the Crimson Dragon. She said it was something that one could not fully appreciate unless they were in Fanelia.”

“She was right.” Van helped her sidestep a stack of overripe melons that had tumbled to the street. For a moment her eyes were riveted to that spot, her soul crying as she recalled the sensation of ripe fruit hitting her skin. Fruit that had been thrown by her own people. Then he was speaking again and the pain faded. “I don’t know what it is, but there is something about the mountains. I suppose there are some who would call it magical. Maybe it is. You certainly can’t appreciate the rest of the legend without seeing the mountains.”

“The rest?”

“The tale of Fanelia’s hero that came and slew the remaining dragon so that the people who had moved into the dragon’s territory could build a rich city. The hero and the dragon fought for thirty days and thirty nights. It was only when the dragon fled to the mountain, his blood dripping onto the bone and stone flesh of his brethren that the hero was able to remove the energist at the dragon’s heart. Not long afterwards the hero became king, and cultivated the land that we now call home.”

“I wish I could see it someday.”

“I would take you there myself. The princess said you are from the country. Where is your estate? After I finish the business I have here it would be my pleasure to show you the wonders of my country.”

Hitomi snorted to hide the brief well of panic. “I don’t you would have heard of the province that I call home.”

“Try me. You will find, Lady, that I have done more then my fair share of traveling. I am quite familiar with even the smallest providences in this country.”

“Who says I wished to go to Fanelia with you.” Hitomi was hardly aware that she was skirting the fine line that often came of banter that was more mocking than friendly.

“My Lady, you seemed quite eager to have me accompany you back to the palace, and you have been listening quite intently. You hardly noticed the fruit you almost stepped on that fruit or the fact that Dryden and Princess Millerna are nearly at the palace while we still have a ways to go. I know that my country’s legends couldn’t have interested you that much.” He sounded almost defensive.

The green eyes woman was able to do much more than gawk at him and his arrogance. That oh-so-lovely temper of hers roared to life at the fact she had begged him to accompany her. The nerve! She tried, rather unsuccessfully to get him to release her arm, which only helped to goad her outrage. She didn’t hesitate to give voice to the words that were threatening to spill out.

“I do not beg, sir! You were the only other male in the room, and I highly doubted that Millerna’s insufferable fiancé would have allowed me to go back without a proper escort. I certainly had no intention of waiting for my escort from the palace to come. I’ve had more then my share of fools for the day.”

“Fools? Hitomi before—“

“It’s Lady to you!” she snarled.

The slight amusement that had lightened his cinnamon eyes at what had been a light argument disappeared to be replaced with annoyance. She was well aware of the distance there was between them and the palace, but enough was enough! She had dealt with enough foolishness, and she still had to deal with Dilandu. Hitomi would rather drink a whole pitcher of the Sorcerers’ vile tonic before she allowed this…this… arrogant fool to think she would just idly stand by while he presumed to know her!

The sardonic side of her wondered how much time it would take to whip him into the handsome, agreeable man that her visions had fooled her into thinking he was. The thought was highly appealing.

“Lady.” He spoke slowly, as if in warning that she was trying his patience. “Who’s the fool who let herself be molested? Gods, you were almost raped!”

“Wouldn’t have been the first time it almost happened.” The warm, gentle feeling that had filled her was gone, leaving a feral anger. It wasn’t his fault. Not really.

She knew he didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve to bear the brunt of her rage, simply because she didn’t dare direct it at the one person that did. She ignored his shock at her simple admission. She knew that this could only end in hurt, but there was no going back. Her next words were probably going to destroy the one hope she had of obtaining any type of distraction as the day grew closer that she would be expected to act upon. As she looked for a chance to get close to Dryden.

It was almost amusing, the way she had nearly forgotten her mission in the midst of everything.

Does it really matter? It’s not like that is my only purpose here.

She looked up at him then, her green eyes flashing as she held his angry gaze. “If I had known that you were as insufferable as nearly every other male I have come across in this damn country then I would have been better off asking the tigre child to accompany me!”

His cinnamon eyes darkened dangerously. “You will not speak of Merle in such a manner, Lady.”

“Manner, what manner?” She poked him hard in the chest, and finally succeeded in ripping her arm from his grasp. “All I’m saying is that I would have rather gone back to the palace with someone who obviously can’t stand me then to go with some overbearing fool! You act as if you are some sort of royal!” She bowed mockingly. “I apologize, oh dear sir, that I had to force you to walk with me.” People were starting to stare at the two of them, but she personally didn’t care. In fact she rather liked the way Van looked so uncomfortable at the sudden attention. Out of the corner of her eye she caught something that looked like fair hair, but ignored it. Millerna would have the sense to let things be.

“Van, Lady Hitomi!”

By the seven hells! Of course, it was him. Who else could it possibly be?

The sudden appearance of a Knight Caeli was enough to satisfy the populace that had stopped to watch what they assumed was some sort of lover’s spat, and they continued with their business.

The gloved hand that wrapped around Hitomi’s elbow was gentle, but firm. Viciously pleased with the thought of another target she turned her rage on him.

“Stay out of this, Allen Schezar.” Her body was starting to shake with the force of the fire that burned inside of her. By the Goddess if she didn’t hit something soon! “You are the king of fools if he is the prince.”

“Lady Hitomi.” She growled at the way he refused to take the bait. “I understand that you are frustrated, but please think of where you are.”

“Like hell, you understand! Why should I give a damn?!” Satisfaction settled in the pit of her belly at the shock that entered those crystal blue eyes at her coarse words.

“Forgive me, Lady.” He murmured. The fair-haired knight now gripped her elbow hard, all gentleness gone, which suited her just fine.

Hitomi was prepared to tense her body and act every bit the undignified hell cat when Allen brought his face close to her shoulder. An involuntary shudder snaked down her spine when his lips brushed her lips as he whispered,

“Princess, it would be best if you just leave him now. I understand your anger—more so than you realize— but you must get a hold of yourself. Lord Dilandu is waiting to meet you by the palace. He has things that he is most urgent to talk to you about in private.”

Dilandu. The name was like being dropped into the Northern Seas in the middle of winter. The fire of her rage suddenly left her. “I’m sure he does.” She whispered. Suddenly Hitomi felt weak and so very, very tired. Closing her eyes she let her head fall onto Allen’s shoulder.

She felt like she was hanging on a precipice by a thread thanks to the emotions that churned and boiled her blood. How she hated herself for this damnable weakness!

“Sir Allen.” Hitomi whispered softly, fighting back the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes. Can I do this? “Please take me to…” Goddess, what was she supposed to call him? She certainly couldn’t say the name that so many people feared. Only one word came to mind and it made a tear slide down her cheek.

“Yes, Lady Hitomi. I will be happy to escort you back to your guardian.”

For once, she was willing to be weak and feminine around the arrogant knight, and took the security that he offered. She even allowed him to slip his arm around her waist. Dilandu would probably raise hell when he saw them, but she could easily blame it on the headaches as long as Millerna made no mention about the medication that was tucked in her bodice.

The two began the weary trek to the palace gates. Van was forgotten, left among the crowded throng of people. The hurt and jealousy that glittered in his dark eyes went unnoticed. The way he spit on the ground and cursed under his breath went unheard. Hitomi didn’t turn around to see him disappear as he headed back to the tavern, but for a while she was quite certain that she could feel someone watching her. She ignored it even as a part of her wondered who could possibly be watching her. How she wanted nothing more then to crawl into the comfort of her bed and curl into a fetal position.

Guardian. Captor would be more appropriate for that bastard. Oh, Goddess, I need help.

Not Amused

2008-05-20T05:23:03Z

Well, if the FFN website wasn't such a piece of crap I would have updated yesterday/today. But they keep having the same message that there are some technical issues. They apologize for the minor inconvenience and it should be fixed in a few minutes.

I've been getting the message all fuckin' day.

Not amused.

jav_chan @ 2008-05-16T00:42:00

2008-05-16T04:46:16Z

Ok, that last post was lie. I just can't find a place where I want to cut off and update. I'm either going to expand my updates to once a week or every day. The only problem is the daily updates would most likely be on a short side that would drive most everyone crazy....

Ah, screw it! I'll just write and see where my evil muse tells me to stop.

Zel no Miko: Cliffhangers are good for the soul.

jav_chan @ 2008-05-15T13:27:00

2008-05-16T00:42:48Z

Ok, I was really hoping to have an update much sooner, but it looks like that it's not working out like I hope. I have about five something pages and they just keep on flowing. I blame it on the fact that I like to get inside of EVERYONE's head. Currently in middle of the fight scene, and just switched from Hitomi to Van. I'm not really happy with how it is turning out, but I do have difficulties writing these sort of scenes.

Another page finished.

I have no idea how many pages it's going to take. Since it's taking so long I've decided to just go ahead and finish everything that I had originally planned for the chapter.

This is my problem! I can never keep with short, constant updates. Even short flashbacks take longer then intended. I wouldn't be surprised if this chapter ends up being at least ten pages. *sigh*

So tired....

I really wish I was having such a hard time with this chapter. I'll definately update by tomorrow. Of course, it doesn't help that my muses have gone ahead and insisted that I write a fanfiction for Wanted. T.T

They don't leave me alone.

I swear! There will be some sort of update before I go to be tonight! And then I will try to update the rest of it tomorrow.

Question: does anyone know how to go about doing that thing where you only let people who are 21 and over read certain sections? I can't really remember what it's called. I'm going to need to do it for the Wanted one-shot. Closest I've ever gotten to writing a lemon and it doesn't help that I get giggly and red when I write it. ><

Update on The King's Reluctant Lover

2008-05-14T00:15:44Z

Was really hoping to have the next part up by now. ><

Took a little longer then expected. Blame it on Merle. She just won't be quiet and Naria and Eriya aren't helping. I'll try to have something up tonight. It's just a matter of a fight scene and some plotting.

I really need to get back to my novel.

jav_chan @ 2008-05-08T01:20:00

2008-05-08T05:22:23Z

Well, at this point it looks like I won't beupdating for a bit. I am having seriously a;;ergy issues and constant watery eyes make updating very diffiuclt.

Hope for something soon.

Why Do Things Get Worse Before They Get Better?

2008-05-07T04:26:31Z

Ok, this is just a quick little upade for the people who come here (if anyone does) to check out on the status of fic updates. The interview which was supossed to make my world a little brighter didn't go so well. Damn debitors had to call in the middle, and of course Cingular phones don't have a silent mode that is actually silent. Under 20 minutes is never a good sign.

So between today and yesterday I have been dealing with depression issues. Sometimes working on fics helps, but I've been having trouble with motivation. I porbably won't have something out tonight although I am trying very hard to. There's a fair amount of action in this chapter, although I may just update the first scene here before I go to bed so that there is something.

Sorry, but until I have some form of a steady job things are going to be difficult and it will be hard to contantly update.

Remember, reviews always help.

Still Hanging on the Precipice...

2008-05-06T00:26:10Z

I really love how impossible it is to find a job. I just want a part time job. Ok, well actually I want a full time job, but I could make do with a part time. Why the hell is it so impossible. I have fuckin' degree! Was the past seven years nothing but a waste.

What's the point of me even existing?

I can't get a job. I have a hard time motivating myself to work on that novel, and I can't get any volunteer work at the hospital!

It's pathetic! I'm going to be 25 and I still live at home. I just want a job so that I can move the hell out!

I'm having a hard enough time with the depression as it is.

........

Ok, time to go uber ansty in my fic. If someone is in a worse situation then me I might feel a little better. Definately need to rewatch Ouran tonight or read Hana-Kimi before I feel better.

To Corporate Godiva: Bite Me

2008-05-05T23:25:34Z

Dear Jim Goldman - CEO of Godiva,

Why is it that, if your company prides itself on superior customer service, that you continue to royally fuck with the customer care representatives of Old Saybrook, CT who have to deal with such complete bull shit from Godiva's customers. Customer who, not surprisingly, have difficulties using the brains that were given to them.

We don't care about the damn benefits package. All we want are a set amount of hours that can be guaranteed. For the people who come back season after season it shouldn't be too much to ask. Especially considering the ways you love to royally fuck us over. Especially with standard shipping around Christmas. Standard shipping is 5-7 business days for a fucking reason. Why do you think we have to give so many damn refunds because the morons at GSI can't get the stuff sent out?

Is it too much to ask you and your fucking staff to go and buy a damn brain?

Oh, and Brenda? You are not amusing. Go to the fuckin' store already you stupid bitch.

Borders Is Evil

2008-04-25T02:43:51Z

Gagh! So, so evil! They had to give me thaat coupon so that I would have to by all the volumes of Meru Puri they have! They only had three and of course the third one had to end on a cliffhanger!!!!

Thank onemanga for give me what I needed.

Kyaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully, I'll be able to get an update for the King's Reluctant Lover tomorrow. I've actually been working a bit, and I was having difficulty getting Van and Hitomi to meet.

Saw the movie 21 today. I really enjoyed it. Choi was so bishie! I <3 Asian Men.!!

Well, I hear Joe is single again. I really would like to get together with him.....too bad I haven't seen him in ages. ><

Ugh, I am babling. Head hurts.

Writing Challenge #3

2008-03-28T18:38:41Z

Sci's Writing Challange #3

Fandom: Black Jewels Trilogy

Word Count:

Warning: I have never actually looked at any of the Black Jewels fandom so I'm sorry if this violates any of the reqs for this challenge. This one has had me stumped and even though I did have some ideas for Pretear and Chrno Crusade the plot bunnies for this one have been screaming at me. Probably will do a short one shot of the Chrno Crusade one though. Some of the names and stuff probably aren't spelt right which I blame solely on the fact that I am writing this at work and do not have the book with me.

Summary: After 500 years Daemonar finally returns home to Kaeleer...

Jewel Rank (from lightest to darkest):

Remnants of the Heart

Daemonar had to lift his hand up to block the bright sunlight as he emerged from the Dark Gate and onto the soft soil of his birth. It had been centuries since he had last gone through the Dark Gate to Terreille, to escape from a life that had become suffocating. Feeling the cool wind against his tanned skin felt so good, that he almost wondered why he had ever left Kaeleer. Everything here was so much sweeter, the stale psychic scent of decay of Terreille was completely absent from here. There were still people that were trying to get into Kaeleer, trying to escape the taint of Dorothea and Hekatah that still stained the land.

When he had first gone to Terreille, despite his mother's warning, the ravaged that had been the result of the greed of those two red- jewelled priestesses had horrified him. The fearful looks that many witches had given him had hurt. He had also finally understood why his mother would never talk about her family and why he was never shown to his maternal grandfather.

Protect and Serve. The duties of the Blood males that had been ingrained into him were nothing but mockeries in Terreille. The scent of fear that came from the light-jewelled females-- and there were so many, too many-- honed the temper that he had inherited from his father, the great Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih, and had been the reason that he had defied his parents and spent the last five centuries in the land that they had been so desperate to get away from.

He didn't remember much on the day that Aunt Janelle had unleashed the full power of her Ebony jewells on all of the Blood of the three Realms. He had been young, barely old enough to start attending the Eyrien hunting camp that Hallevar had started in Ebon Rih. What he did remember was the fear when the Eyrien warrior had come to their eyrie with a glazed look in his eyes and had taken him and his mother to Dorothea. While in Kaeleer he had never fully understood the consequences of the witchstorm that had encased the Realms. Only those who had come in contact with the taint from Little Terreille had been destroyed. It hadn't affected anyone that he knew.

Terreille had been utterly devistated.

Entire cities had been turned into ghost towns. Some of the populations of the island Territories, like Challiot, had been reduced to only a handfull, all of them unable to do much besides basic Craft. Those were the lucky territories. They were some, especially the ones close to Dragea, Hayll's capitol, were the only Blood that existed were the half-breeds and the kindred. It was a testament to just how far the corruption of Hayll's High Priestess had spread.

By the time Daemonar had been old enough to travel through the gates, the short lived races that had existed in Terreille when Aunt Jaenelle was growing up no longer existed. New races had taken their place, and the long-lived race of Hayllians were endangered. The devastion of the land and the fear that lurked in the survivors had gnawed at his heart until he couldn't stand it anymore. Taking the few items that were precious to him, the young Eyrien warrior left behind all that he loved so that he could help the less fortunate rebuild their lives. Any contact that he had with his family came through messages that he would retrieve during the yearly visits to the Keep. Not once did he write back. The only time he returned to Kaeleer was for Aunt Jaenelle and Uncle Daemon's funeral. His favorite aunt had lived to a ripe old age, 130 years, unheard of for her people. She died in comfort and among loved ones, her husband following shortly after.

His father was the only only one who had been unsurprised that Daemon had died much earlier then was expected of the Hayllians. After all, Lucivar said, Daemon always said that he was born to be Witch's lover. When she died, so did his reason for living. After the small ceremony that consisted only of what had once been the First Circle of the Dark Court and their families Daemonar had kissed his mother goodbye, nodded to his father and stepped through the Dark Gate once more.

Now, he was finally home. He had done what he could in Terreille, given the people hope and protected the dark-jewelled Queens that were born and helped them take their places in the Provincal and Territorial Courts. It was up to those women to heal the land and help their people find the strength to restore Terreille to the glory and wealth it had known before Hekatah and Dorothea.

Now it was his turn to find his way. It was his turn to mend the broken bonds of family and discover how much this Kaeleer had changed from the one that he remembered.

Unfurling his dark membranous wings, he caught the Green Wind and headed towards the Hall.

*****

Daemonar could only stare in disbelief. Panic along with a tiny slice of fear welled up in him as he stared at the crumbled and rotten remains of SaDiablo Hall. He had to bite his check to stop himself from turning toward Ebon Askavi. What happened if he went to Ebon Rih? Would find nothing but dusty remains of the eyrie that he had grown up in? Where his mother and father....

No, he couldn't afford to think these thoughts. The Hall hadn't been abandoned there was still life here. He could detect the psychic scents of the kindred. The Scelts, the unicorns, wolves, and tigers. He was quite positive that there was even an Arcerian cat or two prowling behing the crumbling wall of what had been the Hall's kitchen. Taking a deep breath, observant for any type of traps that the kindred would lay for unwelcome guests Daemonar walked closer to the Hall, trying to see it through the haze of panic.

*Prince.* A soft, hesitant voice brushed against his mind. Uncertain, but not scared or alarmed.

He clung to the concentration that was required to make that mental side step to speak to the kindred. He had always had a harder time then others doing it, and the scant amount of contact that he had with the kindred in Terreille had made him rusty. It was easy to push back the panic if he concentrated on it.

*Lady.* He kept his tone respectful, falling back on Protocol to help hide his fear. A fear that was completely unwarrented. After all he had been in contact with Grandpa Saetan since the Guardian had declared the Keep as his home. Since his yearly visits had always been fairly routine he usually ended up spending some time with his grandfather over a glass of yarbarah. Wouldn't he have mentioned it if something had gone terribly wrong?

Unless, he wanted to teach Daemonar a lesson for abandoning everyone...

*Prince Daemonar?* The clip, clop of delicate hooves crunching over the ruined gravel of the Hall's path, helped to dull the fine edge of panic, and the way the voice was sounding less hesitant and more like a Queen demanding attention helped keep the storm of emotions at bay just a bit longer. *You are Prince Daemonar, kin to the High Lord, yes?*

*Prince Lucivar is my fath--sire, Lady...* He trailed off hopping she would supply a name-- after all names was something that were more common for humans, unless this Queen had been bequethed one by a kindred Priestess-- and hoping that he looked respectful enough. His experienced with the kindred had never moved beyond the lower ranked females and males. Despite Protocol and having spent the past centuries around high ranking witches, he wasn't quite sure how to deal with her.

*I am Luna. My great, great grandsire was a foal to Lady Moonshadow.*

Despite himself Daemonar's throat tightened.

jav_chan @ 2008-03-02T12:46:00

2008-03-02T22:18:17Z

Title: Mountain Lion

Challange #2: ~~Words, words, words~~

Length: 856

Source: One of the many moments out of the life of Kaiyla, one of the main characters out of a two part series. This should be book 2: The Hunted. We'll see if I ever get book one finished....

Emotion: Unease and stalling.

The crisp air and the crunch of the snow as she darted over the frozen landscape lessened the warmth of the sun as it filtered through the barren branches of the maple trees and the needles of the pines, causing the crusted powder to sparkle like diamonds. If she could be bothered to stop and look at the ground it was almost dazzling. He had always loved mornings like these. Personally, she wondered what in the seven hells anyone could possibly like about the North. It was times like these that she really missed the little apartment she and Keith had in South Miami.

What the hell had possessed her to move up here?

And in the middle of winter?!

It was highly unusual for Kaiyla to follow any of Sera’s orders—if they could even be called that. The woman claimed that she was under no obligations, as was stated in the contract, to follow any orders. After all, a woman such as her was above giving orders. She was, of course, not above giving suggestion. Still it was there, signed in blood and wrought in black ink: as long as there no problems in completing her assignments, Kaiyla could do as she pleased.

That’s how things appeared to be on the surface. She was very thankful that she had been one of the agents that had not been required to be present at the base when the last one had failed to consider one of Sera’s suggestions. It was bad enough that she had been one of those who had seen the lacerated corpse that had been pulled from the Hudson on her way out of the city after completing an assignment.

There was a noise, a crack of a brittle branch, to her left. A small curse passed through her lips before she stopped in the shadow of a tree. Senses on high alert she leapt onto the closest branch and waited.

This is why she hated the daylight meetings! It was so easier to disappear when the moon was high and the shadows were deep. She preferred the comfort of knowing that it would be impossible for anyone from town to notice as she crossed the rotted bridge towards the island that birthed screams and howls. It was almost pathetically cliché, the base of operations for the Northern Groupe. Clichéd as a haunted island was…it worked. There were just enough traps to occupy the locals and the tourists that were foolish enough to cross the bridge. No one had ever died.

At least no one that anyone cared about.

Of course, the only way to get to the haunted island was to skirt the edges of town until she could reach the bridge. Which was why she was wearing her day clothes, just in case.

Biting her lip, Kaiyla pushed back the memories that surfaced at the reminder of just in case. Those were places that were best off left alone. Heavy steps came closer, and her stomach rolled. Silently she unsheathed the dagger under her leather jacket and waited.

Dark, intelligent eyes set deep in a golden-complexed face poked out from the thorny underbelly of a nearby bush before the rest of the body followed. She took a moment to brush the indigo lock of hair that had an annoying habit of obstructing her vision at the worse possible moment, before dropping down to the ground below.

For a moment to the two merely stared at each other. Warm and dark met soft gold.

“Well, aren’t you a sweetie?” Her voice was soft, so as not to frighten him. He only looked at her in silent surprise, looking around uneasily. Her silver dagger glinted in the sun, drawing away his attention.

Kaiyla smiled at him easily and knelt down next to him. The forest was surprisingly silent, void even of the occasional chatter of birds. The absence of the flapping of wings as she dug the dagger into the back of his, through the coarse fur, and drove it through deep breaking the bone of the skull and piercing the brain.

He emitted a strangle cry when the blade broke through the flesh and blood trickled down and then went still.

The pristine snow was stained a sparkling ruby as she cleaned her blade against the frozen snow. Standing up, she studied the still form of the young cougar. It was small, too small to be wandering through these woods by itself.

A normal person probably would have been making post haste right at the moment, but then she wasn’t exactly normal, was she?

Sheathing her blade Kaiyla continued through the woods, her walk at a more leisurely pace. Raising her finger she sniffed at the blood on her fingertips. Her tongue darted out to taste it. Strange, it was so strange. Animal blood smelled no different then human, but the taste…

It was like the difference in between a sterile Thanksgiving dinner and a meal at a Mexican restaurant. The spice, the fat…it gave the blood so much more flavor then the crimson liquid of humanity.

Strange…so very, very strange.

OMG! A Fic Blurb!

2008-02-24T01:35:13Z

This quick piece was originally for the writing group started by Scithian File. The first exercise was to do the voice of an inanimate object and I jumped at the chance to give voice to Venya's (the original counterpart to Kikyou in DGL) swords. I never got to post it because I didn't see it until after the date so I couldn't post it. I'm hoping that they'll give us more time for the next exercise.

For those of you who actually read this - enjoy!

I wonder if she even bothered to place hand on my hilt if I would be thrumming with anger. I believe that’s human word for it…or is it jealousy? The words and their meanings all blur and become this thing, emotions that I’m not supposed to feel. How can cold steel have feelings?

The little voices above me mock me for my pain. How would they know? The four damned, petty, woe-is-me dragons of the Zodiac Blade.

They don’t know what its like. Before this pitiful woman that claimed me as her own I had a purpose. My tip would break through the flesh and the blood would run hot. It would stain me crimson as I tore through the flesh when the Great One wielded me. The Witch fears what I can do, the need for that crimson liquid that can scald with its purity. The pathetic, simpering dragons of the Zodiac Blade get blood crusted under their silver scales, bickering at how unclean and oh, won’t she hurry up and round up the polish and the water so they will gleam like the palace silver.

We are swords. We do not exist to be pretty pieces for display.

Forged from the flame we were. The flame that consumes and destroys. We exist to cut through bone, and bring pain. We exist for to execute justice for the strong who believe themselves to be right. We exist to defend and smite the weak. If we had mouths we would drink deeply the crimson source of life. We would drink all that a being could offer and still never be sated.

I have drunk and nearly drowned in blood when the Great One used me to cut through the legions of her enemies. I have been crusted and stained with the crimson liquid. It has flood ever inch of my steel form and I have yet to come close to having that thirst sated.

I know it will never come, and the stupid Witch does not do a damn thing to ease my frustration.

It’s times like this when I curse the smith that reforged me for that pathetic woman.

This is proof that I am writing again, I'm just having difficulties finding motivation. Inspiration and plot bunnies are rapid and abound. It's that pesky motivation that is hard to come by when you are unemployed and depressed.

Hopefully I'll be able to do some volunteer work at L&M. It would be a great help for getting out of the house part of my depression.

Out of Gas

2008-02-21T23:17:04Z

I just don't no how much longer that I'll be able to put up with this farce called life right now. I don't want much, just a job so that I can actually pay for bills and not have to worry about asking my parents for money anymore. Something that would actually let me to start putting money into savings so that I can put a couple of grand in the bank so that I can start job hunting out of state and getting ready to move.

I had two job interviews yesterday and both were failures.

What's the point anymore?

At least that's how I feel right now.....

Fortunately, Anime Boston is in a couple of weeks and the money that I got from graduation will be enough. Things wouldn't be so bad if I actually knew people that lived nearby so that I would be able to get out of the house instead of having no choice but to do anything but to watch anime and stay at home.

The worse part is that this us the perfect time for me to get more fanfiction out and write a couple of chapters for my book, but I just don't have the damn motivation!

ARGH!

If I could just up a couple of grand then I could move out and up to New Hampshire and not have to worry money.

................

*sigh* If I could just find a legit work at home program then things would definately start looking up.

Curse You Link!

2008-01-31T05:08:05Z

I have to say that the Wind Waker is probably one of the most frustrating video games that I have played, and if it weren't for the fact that I am addicted to Phantom Hourglass I would just say futz it.

Come on, damn it! You are suppossed to run, I'm tilting the damn stick! Move damn you!

Actually the fact that it's a Legend of Zelda game will never let me get rid of it...that and the fact that I can be stubbornly as hell with stuff I'm obsessed with.

I recently came across a trailer for the fan movie Hero of Time, and have been lurking in the forum section for Legends and Adventures for info. I just spent a bunch of time reading a thread that brought up contraversal topic on whether or not the movie is a scam considering there is still not a release or update. The lost post was by the composer of the movie with a link to his account that has some of the music available for listening and this music is gorgeous. I highly recommend going there and listening to the music that has LOZ in the title. Even if you aren't really familiar with the franchise. It's just really pretty music.

http://setu-firestorm.newgrounds.com/audio/

There should be a link to his my space account so that if you want you can take a peak at the trailer.

I really enjoy my temp job right now, but I'm having second thoughts about the sub teacher thing. Completely my father's fault. I think I'll try doing it one day, and if it's hell then no harm done. My current assignment is throught Accountemps and is a temp to hire job for a woman's substance abuse counseling clinic. It's technically a billing position, even if I don't have any usernames or passwords or have been shown how to do the billing stuff. Right now, I'm just an office assistant, but it's good experience. It's a small office, and all the women that I work with are great. I'm usually out of stuff do by 1pm, so if it gives me some time to work on some fanfics. I've started really getting back into my inu fics, even if it's a new one that I've only posted pieces of here. I'm going to try really hard to get enough work done on Choices (formerly MSHL) so that I can post on FFN within the next month or so. I really wish I had an Alphasmart. I would be able to get so much more writing done.

I should probably go to bed soon so that I can get up ....later this morning... with enough time to do laundry. The only thing that sucks about working from 10-2 is the fact that it's only 20 hours a week. ><

In Need of a Serious Life

2008-01-28T03:48:27Z

I have gone on a serious Zelda-fest lately. Been playing 1,2,3,4...6.....six Zelda games at the same time. Now I've also started dabbling in the fanfiction and getting really into it. The Inuyasha fics I have yet to get back to are weeping in the small abandoned corner of my hard drive. I am currently watching the animated tv series.

In the meantime I am impatiently awaiting for volume 25 of Basara to arrive so that I can finally finish reading the series.

As far as writing goes, I hope to have an update of some sorts next Sunday. I'm going to start actually forcing myself to write to get the creative juices flowing.

DGL

2008-01-16T23:01:19Z

Once, during a time that is wraught with strife and war-- as these things usually are--, a princess was born to the kingdom of Veshrane. She was good and sweet, everything that is expected from a child born into her position, even if she wasn't loved by all. After all, Veshrane was a large and prosperous kingdom and it is hard for the peasantry to love that which they do not see. They loved the idea of the little princess, a daughter of their good-hearted King and beautiful Queen, who would marry a man just as good and continue the Golden Era that the country had been graced with.

But such prosperity only lasts for an eternity in fairy tales and legends of old, and although her life was happier then most, the young princess was most decidedly not a heroine of ease and predictability. The princess was quite young, no more then seven when she lost her mother to greed and death. The unfortunate daughter happen to stumble into the Queen’s private chambers one cold, winter day looking for a mother’s warmth and finding a cold lump of flesh, blood, and broken bone.

Princess Javeska didn’t quite understand it. What was that strange thing that was making the cream-colored carpet red and why was it wearing her mother’s clothes? Why did the Inner Guard pull her away from it when she screamed because it smelt bad and wrong? Why did her father hold her close and cry saying that everything was going to be all right and that God had taken her mother to a better place? Why did he only cry harder when she asked if God would be letting her mother back anytime soon, because Mother had promised that they would go for a ride tomorrow and Mother never lied. If she didn’t take her new pony out it might get sick.

Queen Megumi’s death was a tragic blow to the kingdom. The daughter of the bluest noble blood from the East, it had been her marriage that had secured favorable trade with the silks and spices that were in high demand on the continent. After her death, Veshranean merchants once again had to compete with foreign merchants for the best goods. The King’s Counsul was unsuccessful in getting King Leonard to rise out of his grief enough to handle the affairs of State and for several months it was left in the hands of the Court.

For the first years after her mother’s death, the princess was fine, living her life as normal. She continued to go on adventures with Kei, a young squire from her mother’s homeland who served under the Captain of the Royal Guard and Venya, a girl of unknown origin with an affinity for magicks. It was the help of these two children and the Royal Healer that Princess Javeska was spared her grief, until her sixteenth birthday. It was on that day, a day that is of such importance to all young girls, be they of noble or common blood, that her mother was never coming back. Her mother would not be able to guide and prepare her for all the things that a young princess must be ready for.

Venya was the only one that she could turn to while she suffered through the whispered cruelities of the daughters of the Court or at the strange way the boys would treat her.

Javeska quickly learned that it was best to go to Venya with the problems that involved the court only if Aya was unavailable for consul.

For most of her young life, the copper-haired princess spent her time among Venya and Kei until Life forced them to part ways for a while. As the princess approached the proper marriable age of eighteen years, her dark-haired friend disappeared to the country side to train and learn the teachings of her heritage. Her heritage was something that was only whispered in the darkest corners of the kingdom, and Javeska knew that her mother had saved the girl from a horrible fate when she had taken in the foundling. It scared her, during those two years that her friend trained. There were no letters to reassure her of Venya’s safety.

Kei, the squire from the East, disappeared from her side as well. He was knighted and given a position of honor in assistance to the Inner Guard that protected the royal family. He trained with the hope of joining their ranks one day, and no longer had the time to spend with a foolish princess and the intrigue of the court.

For two long years the princess was alone, with only her father and Aya for companionship. She didn’t care much for the younger ladies of the court, and did not anitcipate the day she was crowned and they became a part of her life with much entuasism. To spare herself from boredom, and the dark thoughts that plagued her when she thought of Venya, she devoted herself to her studies: the sunlight hours spent devoting herself to etiquette and embroidery; the twilight hours spent with Aya, absorbing everything she could about the Healer’s trade.

The years passed slowly for the blossoming princess, but pass they did and she soon found the two people she treasured most back in her life. Kei had done surprisingly well for a squire with no pedigree to speak of. He advanced swiftly through the ranks of the Inner Guard, and when the aging captain retired, the almond-eyed Easterner took his place.

As for Venya…almost no one at Court recognized the mysterious woman who returned to the palace. Dark hair, once as black as the night sky and cropped as short as any boy’s, were replaced with long, luxurious locks that were streaked with crimson. Emerald eyes had lightened into an unearthly silver, and she moved with the most unnatural grace. Gone where the soft dresses made for palace life. These were replaced with tight fitting trousers and tunics, which did much to empathize how much she had grown over the years. A long, golden, sleeveless coat that fell past her knees made of nearly transparent silk did little to hide the wicked looking mithrodin that were strapped to her hip. Dark leather curved around her breast and stomach to keep a dragon-hilted broadsword strapped to her back. The young lords hated the way she flaunted her weapons so brazenly, and she was challenged many times to prove that she had earned the right to carry them. The combination of destructive magicks and deadly swordplay soon earned her the title of Sword Witch, a being to watch with caution.

She became Princess Javeska’s personally bodyguard, her guardian. Whatever training she had undergone had changed her. It was only the privacy of Javeska’s rooms of private gardens that Venya allowed her self to act like a girl, happy and carefree. To the eyes of everyone but the royal family and their healer, she was a woman of ice. Even Kei could no longer feel comfort in her presence.

It seemed that the Golden Era of the kingdom of Veshrane was coming to a close. The Council of Lords became more insistent in their demands that the king find a suitable husband for his daughter. The king, kind-hearted as he was, could not bring himself to force his only heir to marry a man that she could not love. He wanted her to be as happy as his Megumi had been when they wed, and each month he continued to delay the Council, finding one feeble excuse or another to delay a wedding. It was only when he proposed that Veshrane participate in the Summit that took place every five years on the island country of Flerush that the Council seceded their demands. They would accept the request of their neighbors that the crown princess join the sons and daughters of rulers throughout the world in hopes that alliances and courtships would arise. With luck the Summit would allow Veshrane to form a powerful alliance with a country from across the sea.

The poor king never got to see what type of man his daughter would have chosen at the Summit. A dark and sinister power had gripped members of the Council and those that served in the palace. It was on this day, the forth night of the last month of the season of fire, the King Leonard IV had has life stolen from him, and it was on the fifth day that his daughter walked into to find the what remains his assassins had left. Like that day so many years ago, the kingdom mourned and the crown princess lapsed into a feverish fit as the Council made arrangement for all of the elgible men in the kingdom to come and duel for the Princess Javeska’s hand.

Some say that it was Fate that urged Lord Venkal to look at kingdoms across the sea and beyond theorders and to send out immediate invitations to the unwed kings, dukes, and men of acceptable status and offer them a chance at a lasting alliance with one of the most powerful countries on the Northern continent.

Ok, I got the rewrite for the prologue finished a couple of days ago and now I'm finally posting it.

I swear I'll get back to posting on Sunday. I mean it this time.....

after it's not like I have a job....or a life.

Gagh! I'm getting depressed again.

jav_chan @ 2008-01-16T17:37:00

2008-01-16T22:48:43Z

Joss does creepy good.

.........

I really was hoping to never encounter another anime that ended like Spiral, but damnit then I got into Loveless. ><

From the point of view of a writer it's good. No ending, no closure, but on the other hand WTF?!?!?!!!

I want more! Loveless is so good.

Although not enough to hunt for fanfiction. I't's good, but I don't obsess over it like I do with Ouran and Inuyasha and others.

What the hell is with that ending?!

.....................

Well, I got a call for a job interview for a full time temp to perm data entry job. There is also a receptionist temp job until November that starts in Febuary that I may get. Now I just need to hold and see if I get the library assistant job.

I swear it's not doing a damn thing for my depression. I'm getting to the point where I'm near tears and there is no one for me to talk to. I need to get over it, and the lack of job really isn't helping. I hope I can get over it soon.

Think positive! Positive!

.....not really helping.

--------------

Now for a completely random:

Kyaaa!!! I love it when Giles sings!

jav_chan @ 2008-01-14T23:50:00

2008-01-15T04:55:31Z

So, I am surfing imdb.com for info on some minor actors on Buffy when I stumble across James Marsters filmography. O.o He's going to be Piccolo in the Dragon Ball movie?! Sugoi!

Currently, watching Loveless and damn, that series is just pulling me in. The music and animation is really beautiful. It's amusing and everyone has cat ears. At least everyone who - and I'm taking a guess - is still a virgin. That's my guess anyways.

Takanori-sama!?

2008-01-14T01:20:46Z

Ok, so watching the third economy box of Ruro Ken, and color me shocked when I saw the credits and that Takanori (TM Revolution) did a voice for a minor villian.

Didn't know he did voices. O.o