Genkai

Beyond a Fire's Embers

The woman was only vaguely aware of her prominent potential as a symbol of hope. When she and Peeta did their Victory Tour, she could see she had been somewhat influential among the other Districts. Even so, she didn't think that had carried over, now that she and everyone else had been thrown into the pits of Hell again. Needless to say, her mind was nowhere near the notion of her getting out alive and becoming some symbol of rebellion. If Haymitch had considered her as such, she would have liked some heads up or even a say in the matter. As far as she was concerned, she enjoyed living a quiet life where she could be on her own, hunt and explore.

Of course now, she had the addition of Haymitch. And the renewed relationships both her sister and her childhood companion, Gale and even her friend Peeta. Those were the people who mattered to her and aside from them, she didn't want anything else out of life, no matter how much of it she had left. Once her pack was down and she got into the mindset of foraging, she found hands upon her face. Ordinarily, she would put up a fight to rid herself of human contact but she knew it was Haymitch and instead of make a joke or push him away, she simply relaxed into the touch and allowed him to do as he liked.

His lips met hers and she smiled. Katniss closed her eyes and curled her hands around his arms as they kissed. For a moment, she was worried but then that slipped away from her as she enjoyed what she she had in front of her, which was love. Haymitch inevitably broke the kiss and parted only a bit to tell her to use their signal. He was right. Her eyes fluttered open when he continued to touch her face and for a few seconds, she wasn't in the arena with Haymitch, but instead were alone in their own perfect world. "Okay. I'll be right back then." She told him as her hands dropped to her side as he went off to go make camp and get the fire going as planned.

Her smile still remained genuine as she turned and walked around the perimeter of their designated area. She softly sang the song, going deliberately slow in case Prim or Gale were singing it back to her. She heard nothing. She hadn't seen anything to eat and knew if they went without food tonight, that they needed to make food a priority the following day. They would be useless without fuel inside of them. Chocolate wouldn't have any real nutrient value but it was a last resort to consider if they had to go two days without food. She picked a few spots to lay some traps for animals or other Tributes and then picked up her bow to get back to Haymitch, having used an arrow's tip to cut vines and sharpen rocks as needed for said traps.

Upon her return, she smelled smoke and sat down beside Haymitch. "Maybe we'll have something come morning." She considered and leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling like a weigh had been lifted when they had kissed. She didn't have to hide anymore. Katniss looked at the fire, having not seen such a wonder in weeks. "We should take two hour shifts for sleep." She considered and prodded his fire with a nearby stick, wishing there was something eatable at the end of it. As much as she wanted to openly worry about the others, she knew she couldn't. The sun was beginning to set and peered up, knowing they'd soon see all the faces of the unfortunate lives lost. "They're making the days short it seems."

Katniss wished they had caught something though, it would have really boosted their spirits. But she knew it was times like these, that she could use the happy memories she and Haymitch had created, to get her through the anxiety and pressure. "You still make me nervous." She commented. "I feel like myself when I'm with you but...there are still times you make me nervous." She laughed a little.

Gale knew their time would be better spent if they did in fact split up duties and go their separate ways to accomplish the things that needed to get done. Of course he knew food and making an area secure were more important than personal feelings but he didn't like the idea. He didn't have to like it though. And he knew Katniss had done things the year before, things she didn't like doing in order to get things done and to come out on top. Gale bit down on his lower lip and chewed it before looking back to Prim, knowing she was right and it had to be done, whether he liked it or not. It was the best choice for them.

If trouble happened to find either of them, it would at least ensure the other would be away and safe. Gale didn't want to think like that though. Either way, he just gave her a sigh and a nod. "Alright, just be careful and only look around the buildings you want, don't bother with all them. Watch out for traps too. If I were looking to have an easy Game, I'd sit back here, trap the surrounding area and wait until the ranks thinned out." He told her and got up. He saw outside the sun was beginning to set. Gale scowled and turned back to Prim, knowing his own advice to her, applied to him as well.

"Getting back safe is important, don't be reckless." He said and then flashed Prim a small smile smile before leaning down to kiss her softly. He then reached down for his supplies and heaved them over his shoulder, determined to start a quick fire and cook the food and be back before the anthem was even finished. "I'll meet you back here soon." He said and kissed her quickly again before he stuck his head out of the opening. Once it looked all clear, he made a sprint back towards where they had come from. He made sure his steps were light so he didn't leave too many tracks to show where he had come from.

After ten minutes, the dark haired male finally stopped jogging and looked around. He decided to go a bit further east and make a fire even further away, just to give them space between the fire and where they were actually camped out for their first night. As Gale began to gather for his fire, he softly sang the song and listened. He was almost thankful no one had heard him sing but he also knew it meant Katniss nor Haymitch were around. Gale shook his head and finally got the fire lit and went to work on the meat, trying not to think about Prim checking the building without him.

It wasn't that he didn't trust her or her abilities. That wasn't it at all. He knew she was a capable woman, able to defend herself but he didn't trust the others. It was everyone else he questioned and he was sure they might want to use Prim against him or her sister in some way. If he were them, he'd use every advantage to win. Gale wasn't them though. He knew there was a plan in motion and he had to be careful, as opposed to reckless and wild. Sadly, Katniss didn't know and he hoped she was keeping her head on straight. He was sure she and the other returning Tributes weren't enjoying the bloody trip down memory lane. Finally skinning the animal and putting it on the fire, supported by sticks, he heard a beeping noise and looked around.

The shiny metal caught his eye as the object landed a few feet away from him. Gale hurried over and opened the gift and saw a long coil of wire, as well as some cutters. He knew what it was for and quickly put them away. He then went back to the fire and turned the meat, knowing it would only be a few more minutes before he could hurry back to Prim.

Corrected and Connected

That's fine! Posting order is easily flexible so hey, post rather than pack~!

Corrected and Connected

It was apparent that such a place was meticulously created for them, for a reason.

Crystal was also curious as to why no harm had come to them yet.

Letting down their guards would be suicidal and she wanted to make sure she and the other four got back home together. Most importantly however, she wanted them all to get back alive. When Atomik and BreGle added their own comments and observations, the woman in shining armor took another careful look around. It seemed peaceful and she knew that was surely part of the plan, whatever it was. "I'm not sure where we are or why we're here...maybe this was their plan, maybe the guy was a real Gvn official or maybe he wasn't." She shrugged. Dwelling on the details was only going to make them more unsettled and distracted. They needed to focus and keep moving with careful direction. "I don't know if they messed up because we have our weapons...maybe they want to play a game and it wouldn't be any fun if we were unarmed." She finally set her eyes back on their target.

"We shouldn't keep in one place though." Crystal told them and began to walk again, the gold under her hardened metal feet allowed a light sound to echo from under her weight as she moved. "Be careful, there's no guard or rail between here and that water and something tells me we shouldn't try going for a swim right now." She said as they neared the stairs leading into the building. The others could be further inward or even inside a building for all they knew. It may be possible to survey the area before moving to the large building, just in case the other two were in trouble. That was a risk, as was just going straight for the top of the building in front of them. As a leader, she had to weigh the options, their possible outcomes as well as their risks and rewards.

In her mind, the vantage point would be a little more of a reward, giving their separation as a functioning team. If they could spot them somewhere down below, it would be easier to navigate the ground and its delicate streets. As BreGle pointed out, there could be monsters and she also believed there could be traps, just to liven things up a bit. "Once inside, you two will flank around the perimeter of the room. It looks large and we need to make sure we know where the possible entrances and exits are." She told them as they went up the stairs. There was a patch of greenery they walked over before they stood in front of the darkened circular room. They had no idea how it worked or how things may be activated. With any luck, there would be physical stairs rather than some moronic code or puzzle. "Atomik, take the left, BreGle, take the right and meet in the middle on the other side. I will take the center." Crystal directed as they stood outside, eyes savoring the bright light before having to enter into the unknown darkness.

Her heart wasn't racing as much anymore.

They had a new mission to take care of which was to find a way out for them. But in the back of her mind, she also knew they needed to find out who was pulling the strings and why. Finally stepping inside, the room lit up. Along the walls of the round room, hung candles and upon the entry of a heartbeat, they lit themselves and revealed two entryways in the back, as well as a golden spiral staircase in the middle leaded up, except the stairs went nowhere, straight into the ceiling. Looking to the other two, she motioned for them to check the room as planned while she approached the stairwell and ran her hand along the thin rounded railing. It felt cool but not dusty. How odd. In the back of the room, BreGle and Atomik would find a small wooden bookshelf, adorned with red drapes containing a single thick leather bound book. Their view would also be an endless sea of green trees and hints of golden huts mixed between the emerald bliss.

The book itself would be without a name or symbol. Inside, there would be a message for any visitors who needed sanctuary:

Travelers of near and far,

You have almost reached Destiny but you're not there yet. Time is not to be raced against or cheated, it is a companion throughout everyone's lives, rich or poor. Time is the only constant that keeps people alive and protected. In this cherished book, you will find the clues in which effort, sacrifice, courage, affection, people and everyone can make anything possible. The world as one knows it, may not be the world of their neighbor. Answers and questions do not define Destiny, but instead lead you to it. Only the clever may advance upwards toward Destiny.

Your first challenge is to solve the riddle and carve it in the first step.

I am protected
like a child.
I am spread
like a disease.
People spend lifetimes
chasing me.
I will set you free.

Crystal paced around the five steps leading up, coiling like a sinister snake. "Did you guys find anything? Or see anyone?" She looked over her shoulder toward them before bending down to tap on the ground under her, just in case something was hidden. There was nothing. "Damn." She stood up and let out a sigh as the candles continued to burn around them while the music continued to play though now it was softer. "We should try breaking the stone but I don't think it's a good idea." She said aloud and tapped the tip of her weapon against the floor above them which was at present, acting as an impenetrable ceiling.

Three Cyberpunk Selections

It is a shame that polls haven't returned yet but I don't think that should prevent GMs from being able to test the waters of interest by casting a large net and seeing where the most fish end up flinging themselves.

Hello fishes!

My name is Genkai and below are three general ideas I'd love to start and as its summer, means people have more time to cement themselves to a RP before school and work start rearing their ugly heads. These general ideas are not set in stone so if you favor one aspect but not another, tell me what irks you and we may be able to work something out if a solution sounds reasonable to me. The first two are part of a RP trilogy I have been honing for the past five or so years on the old guild, as well as through short stories and novelizations. The third is a concept taken from a one on one that I thik could do well in a group setting (if my one on one partner feels up to being co-GM, that's icing on the cake).

Should you find yourself interested in one (or more) of the ideas, please raise your hand and I'll add you to the list of possible players. If you later find yourself no longer interested or kidnapped or something, I can remove you without any harm done. The point of making a list of possible players is just so I can keep things organized when one of them becomes a full fledged OOC/IC and merging players becomes less chaotic. Should you want to know more information prior to saying yay or nay, that is also doable but as I said, some concepts or plots mentioned can be taken away, just as directions can be added. Writing is about feeling comfortable, interested and communicating the wants/needs of yourself.

So...without further ado, take a look and see if anything tickles your fancy, if any bait looks good enough to eat.

Idea 1 - - -

- Hackers For a Better Tomorrow

- - Part two of my Digital World series. The first one, Corrected and Connected, can be played/read alongside Hackers For a Better Tomorrow. Hackers follows the same timeline of events in which Earth has finally stopped fighting with each other and in doing so, has eliminated homelessness, diseases, poverty and war. The entire globe is now one massive happy population of people.

- - Along with the invention of peace on earth, microchips have also been invented and streamlined into everyone's lives. These microchips now connect a person to their cell phone, their bank accounts and even their vital signs. In other words, science has been able to hack into health and as such, without their microchip on the back of their neck, someone would be unable to live. The microchips are highly secured and are used to sync up to someone's car, music playlist and even the internet which now is truly a world wide right that everyone can use for escaping their dulls lives.

- - It's the beginning of the 2020s and it's been a decade and a half since the world went from hell to heaven. The history books don't give any specifics as to how such a feat was accomplished and the people of the world don't care, their concerns are left to what they'll make for dinner or what they'll watch after work. Unbeknownst to these docile people, online their information and lives aren't as protected as believed so Governments have had to enlist the aid of secret fighters who can physically enter the Digital World and stop the onslaught of viruses and hackers who threaten to steal, kill and blackmail people through their microchips.

- - We will be playing as New Age Hackers, a division of hackers who don't see their inventions and codes as evil, but as a way to open people's eyes. The world is losing its identity and natural beauty. Buildings and cities are now where meadows, forests and desserts used to be. People are ignoring the beauty and clinging to lifeless objects and becoming lifeless zombies who no longer remember how real grass feels between their toes, or that extinct lions aren't meant to be hated and feared. New Age Hackers are seen as enemies by Correctors hired by the country's governments and even fellow hackers who are just in it for themselves, also consider New Age Hackers to be jokes, to be something stupid and infantile.

- - However, New Age Hackers, are determined to show people the dangers that the government is hiding, that the peace everyone is immersed in, is just a facade to hide the genocide that the three major countries committed (The UK, The USA and Japan) in order to still have the invisible upper hand in controlling the world and how it now focuses on medicine, space exploration and cybertechnology. Our plot will revolve around espionage, online action/fighting against hackers and Correctors, offline slice-of-life gatherings, going on the run from said governments after meddling around, etc.

- Age range of characters: 24-32.

- Average post size: 4-6 paragraphs.

- Will take place in London.

- Interested: Briza and Hexaflexagon and Ehkru

Idea 2 - - -

- Dazzlers

- - The last part of the Digital series and it combines Correctors and Hackers and pushes it towards it final event. This takes place roughly in the late 2030s and follows the lives of Dazzlers. While all Correctors and most hackers (new age, non, etc) were to stay out of the spotlight, Dazzlers were meant to be the exact opposite. Dazzlers are seen as celebrity hackers and defenders of the Digital World. They are always in the public eye and treated as idols.

- - Dazzlers, unlike Correctors, are meant to be hired with knowledge of coding and computer science. Dazzlers are seen as the best of both worlds: smart and sociable. After the world found out about the dangers kept from them, governments decided to show off those who worked for them, by making them as appealing as possible so the world could focus on them and start to forget about the lies and deception that was brought into the media only a few years ago. Now there is little crime, even less than ten years ago thanks to the reception of Dazzlers.

- - What gives the Dazzlers their name is their online ability to create static and light thanks to their programs. In doing so, they're able to dazzle through the air, using the electric currents to move like superheros. Some Dazzlers have even been able to make this work offline. Dazzlers are able to add more flair to their online avatars and weapons, making them a real force to be reckoned with.

- In the meantime, a new invention has been completed which will bring forth another change for the world, time travel. The ones selected for the maiden voyage are Dazzlers who have the intellect to ensure the experiment is properly executed. Some people believe however, the particular group of Dazzlers have been picked because of their hand in exposing the secrets, year prior. Some people are going as far as to accuse those in power, to be shutting the truth up by sending it into the unknown.

- - We will be playing Dazzlers. Some are old Correctors or old New Age Hackers. We will generally be kicking things right off with sending out group into the future. The future itself, well be very steeped in fantasy like that of say Dragon Age. The Dazzlers are told of a massive war unlike anything ever before which ends up sending the world back beyond their shiny inventions and devices. The Dazzlers are tasked with getting home, but also deciding if they find a way to avoid the massive catastrophe or helping it happen.

- - Expect post-apoc, fantasy, cyberpunk shenanigans online, intrigue, mystery and slice-of-life.

- Age range of characters: 22-32

- Average post size: 4-6 paragraphs.

- Will take place in San Francisco.

Interested:

Idea 3 - - -

- Endless Realms

- - There has been much fighting and the world has finally settled down. Alliances have shifted and people are slowly becoming familiar with the political alterations. In the wake of people needing to escape life as it still may feel unsettled to some, an online game has rising in popularity and it's called Endless Realms.

- - In the game, players can pick between two Main Classes. A Mechanic is a player who uses lasers guns, devices that mimic zero gravity, jetpacks and other science fiction gadgets. And then a Mythic is a player who deals with magical runes, summoning beasts, making potions and dabbling in the history and lore of Endless Realms, where a Mechanic would focus on the future and new innovations. A player is allowed a Sub Class once they reach level 5 and then again at level 25. Sub Classes only apply to their Main Class, as Endless Realms is a world divided right down the middle.

- - Mechanics and Mythics stay on their side of the world as the other is off-limits. There are four locations where both classes are able to mingle, trade and enter into combat tournaments together. There are also ways for players to secretly infiltrate the other's part of the world but it's tricky and often frowned upon.

- - Some Mythics accuse Mechanics of being stubborn and selfish, while some Mechanics can accuse Mythics of being arrogant and boring. Either way, the game has grown popular around the world and the Admins and Moderators are now able to hold multiple Quests in which both classes can finally come together and try to sort out their differences. Many new quests require a Mythic and a Mechanic to team up which gives the duo the ability to cross into areas otherwise off limits to them, in order to fight certain monsters, find certain items and such, to gain the most points.

- - Overall, E.R. is a bustling game where you can focus on learning about the history, explore millions of unique areas and landscapes, learn potions and new recipes, invent new weapons, trade and hunt down rare items. Anytime someone wishes to log in, they need to just slip on their virtual goggles and their mind can immerse itself in the vast world. It works on any platform, be it PC, Mac, XBOX, cell phone, etc. Most players stick to controllers but some enjoy a mouse and keyboard.

- - Our adventures will center around a select group of players who know each other online but offline, are unaware that they're interacting with friends and possible real life enemies. Our setting will likely be decided upon but I'm thinking it should be somewhere all players are comfortable writing about. Our online adventures will consist of quests and the like, some of them big, some of them small. Not everyone will need to know everyone in the RP, but eventually paths should cross to create some interesting development and interaction.

- - Think of it slightly like dot hack. I could compare it to Sword Art Online but as I have no interest in it, I can't. I would say we'd be 65% of our time online and the other percent offline. I'd like us to be able to adjust how real relationships are formed online and offline and how keeping things a secret alters a plot and characters.

- Age range of characters: 23-26.

- Average post size: 4-6 paragraphs.

- Location is to be discussed.

Interested:

Seeking Passionate Casual/Advanced Writers

Edited.

Death wasn't a dream?

No worries, I think once we intro Yusuke and get back to main setting, it won't be too much of an issue. *laughs*

I'll get you something within the next day or two!

Corrected and Connected

Good posts everyone! I'm glad you got something up @vietmyke which means I should be getting my post up within the next or two as well. :)

Digital or Real?

I figured there would be a lot of chaos depending on certain people wanting to take laws into their own hands, etc. I'm not thinking it's a BIG issue (like when you mentioned players ganging up to take down a dickish player when he's alone or something) but I do expect it would be happening but just not as out in the open or as rampant. I guess I like to assume that most players will go through the right channels to report people to Mods/Admins or other lower support players as you mentioned. Others could go their own route, cause more trouble, be hired to protect or attack other players. That does work for me, granted it isn't like some infested underground collection of people who are trying to overthrow the gamers themselves, that might a little much haha.

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Humidity all summer really blows. Speaking of, is there at least a decent breeze? I bet going outside usually seems like a big chore, at least that's how I'd see it. Heat makes me grumpy for sure. I'm sorry the pain and weather are against you. It's a shame you can't use a pool either, supposedly that sort of circulation may help.

Speaking of, my mom ended up having a nasty fall at work yesterday. It came up at soon as I was going to pick a friend up for movies, board games and baking. She ended up falling onto a cactus (why someone put that in a break room at a VA is beyond me...very random and hazardous) so she ended up calling me to have dad go pick her up and take her to the emergency room. Now her arm is in a sling as she has to take plenty of pills to deal with the pain of falling on it and having a cactus go through her arm. If I were her, I'd consider suing but it wouldn't do much good...*sighs* So yesterday was filled with that big mess but I am here all day today to write and finish Pacific Rim. *loading it again now* :3

I'm taking a look at the post now, it's fine if it's not too long. You're a good writer so long or short, I'm always happy to get something from you. I'll be writing a lot during this weekend too so I hope we can get things moving again. I hope you're feeling a little better, or at least keeping a very low stress day-to-day thingy.

My mind is much haha sorry. >__<'

Beyond a Fire's Embers

Yes, exactly. Make sure you show up in black and white too, keep it classy.

The humidity? The rain is gone for the summer at least right? Would stretching or yoga help at all? I know it helps some people but if you're in pain, I know it might not be feasible either. Or like water aerobics, that's helped my mom at times. I sometimes get joint pain when I wake up in my fingers, I can't imagine what you must be going through. I'd be pretty damn grumpy I'm sure. If there's anything I can do, let me know~ I like helping if I can~