(no subject)
... o hey, we don't really have any notes to put on this batch. Awesome. Just remember to make sure you have a working e-mail address on all your character profile pages!
Remember!
- Applicants, respond anonymously.
- If you're going to do the whole "ask me if I voted you out!" thing, please state who you voted out.
- No speculating about the identity of the applicants!
Now VOTE. The results look pretty solid. Closed!
Character: Maxine Gibson (a.k.a. "Max")
Series: Batman Beyond
Age: 17
Canon: Fifty years ago, Batman and his team of underage vigilantes fought to protect Gotham City from the criminals of the day. Now, Terry McGinnis is the new Batman, fighting a completely different breed of villain... but some things never change. Even a superhero with a high-tech suit needs a sidekick for support. Enter Max, Terry's best friend--and as she makes perfectly clear, not his Robin! Determined and inquisitive, Max's research into Batman revealed Terry's double life. To his surprise, she promises it’ll remain a secret, and takes it upon herself to help. From hacking into high security computers to listening to his problems, Max is Terry's closest, most valued friend. Besides, who else can make excuses for the guy whenever he's running late for school or a date?
In addition to her natural curiosity, Max is gutsy, strong-minded, and a quick thinker. During her nastier moods, she's been described as "rude","sarcastic" and "having absolutely no respect". She's always ready to aid Terry in his war against crime, with a smirk on her face and snark on her tongue. But eagerness can become recklessness, and Max has had plenty of close encounters with Gotham's most dangerous baddies. Not that she's let danger slow her down. No matter which criminals are targeting her, Max is never about to go down without a fight. Whenever she's not playing sidekick to Terry, Max is almost always found in front of a computer or playing a virtual reality game at the arcade.
Sample Post:
Okay, girl. Calm down and retrace your virtual reality steps. You put on the goggles and started playing "CFUD: The Last Frontier of Mankind." It sounded like a good idea. "Role play as a lost early twenty-first century camper and shoot your way to freedom against flesh-eating zombies and the dangerous Marcy." You thought from that description that it was a crossover between a RPG and a shooting game. You started out good. You shot down some zombies, made a left turn at a dirt path called Albuquerque and walked on. ...And then you encountered a boss.
Magnificent Max vs. the Giant Squid? Thanks but no thanks. Sushi does NOT go there. I haven't even figured out how to upgrade my equipment! All I got was an antique computer and a shotgun that’s practically archaic. The swamps are a nice touch, but the way the smell lingers on your clothes is totally unnecessary. In fact, this game needs to go back to the drawing board. What kind of dreg programmer leaves in the database errors?
...Unless those errors are just part of a puzzle and my computer’s the key. Ha! Who was I kidding? A real company wouldn't release a broken game to the public on purpose. Now let's get started. If I can get into a department of defense’s mainframe, then this should be a snap.
Ah ha! What have we here? "Welcome to Camp Fuck You Die: The Happiest Place on Earth." Charming name. "No shirt, no shoes, no escape. In CFUD, experience points acquire you." O...kay. That might not be useful. "Current number of users: three-hundred and forty-seven." What? That's impossible. There can't be that many people vidlinked at the same time. Slag it, this is lame. Just point me to the exit.
What the-? A cabin assignment? You've got to be kidding me. I'm not saving! I'm trying to access the menu screen! That's it. If this is part of the game, then I'll just have to break it. Watch out, CFUD! I'm in your database, hacking your server.
Poll Vote!
Character: Izark Kia Tarj
Series: Kanata Kara (translated: "From Far Away")
Age: 19
Canon: Once upon a time, there was a girl who went to another world and fell in love with the main male character, and through many trials and tribulations saved the world and lived happily ever after. (No, this isn't Fushigi Yuugi.) Blown into a fantastical world, Noriko discovers that she is part of a prophecy that will one day change the world. It is foretold that the Awakening will come from another world and will drive everything into chaos with the Sky Demon. Soon after arriving, she meets Izark Kia Tarj, a traveling warrior for hire. Only problem is, she doesn't know that he's there to kill her.
All his life, Izark has known that he is the prophesized Sky Demon. Even his own parents feared him, and when he was still a child his mother tried to kill him. After he caused his village's destruction, Izark has strived to keep his identity and powers hidden. When he heard of the Awakening's coming, he set out to kill her before she could cause him to turn into an evil monster. Since he is the Sky Demon, Izark has super-human powers: incredible strength and speed, heals ridiculously fast, and can control wind and fire at will. Because of his past, Izark is a quiet loner and very cautious around strangers, often being very stoic and using his powers only when absolutely necessary. Despite his inner turmoil and insecurity, Izark is a very kind and gentle person. He genuinely feels for other people's suffering and has enormous angst because he might one day cause their pain and death. It is because of his empathy for others that he eventually opens to Noriko to respond to her love and accepts himself for what he is.
Sample Post:
Well. This place is certainly... odd. I do not believe I have ever gotten lost before, which only increases my misgivings about this place. Granted, the sign just outside of the trees was not very helpful in giving directions. "Abandon hope, all who enter here" is not very encouraging. I have never seen something so foreboding written in bright colors and covered in flowers.
I do not wish to wish to ask for help and involve myself with others, but if it cannot be avoided--Ah, excuse me. I was wondering if you could direct me. ...No, I have no desire to fight you. If you could just show me the way, I... I see. None shall pass, you say. It seems I have no choice then.
While I have traveled to all manner of places, I have never met an opponent such as you before. Your stamina is certainly amazing, as is your determination. I respect your dedication to your duty of guarding the way through this forest, but you cannot tell me that is just a flesh wound. It seems your flesh is rotting, in any case. And please stop trying to bite my legs off, it simply will not work.
I... had not wanted to maim you any more than you already were. I certainly had not meant to decapitate you when I tried to kick you off, either. I should not have let my control slip like that. I am terribly sorry for your loss, but I need to keep moving to get back where I was before. I can at least help you gather your...pieces...before the wildlife gets to them. Most of the animals here are rather peculiar. The water foul are particularly interesting with their plumes of feathers. I mean flames. --wait, what.
But to be honest, I had not thought much of the purple--primates? Noriko told me about such creatures in her world, and several countries where I am from have purple and even pink mammals. It was actually their leader that caught me off guard. It looks fairly different from the others; it is taller, the belly is green, and has a scaly tail. It should not be too difficult to handle, should it be dangerous, but it is singing. That alone specifically would not bother me, but I really do not appreciate the way it keeps approaching me and hindering my passage.
For the last time, no, I would not like to be part of your happy family. Please. Stop hugging me.
Poll Vote!
Character: Mikoto Minagi
Series: Mai HiME
Age: 14
Canon: Mai HiME is a series about super-powered girls known as HiMEs, which stands for Highly-advanced Materialising Equipment. They are being gathered at Fuka Academy in order to fight monsters called Orphans which have begun regularly attacking the campus ("attacking" here meaning anything from assaulting students to stealing their panties). In order to use their powers, however, they have to wager the life of the person most precious to them. Mikoto is unusual as a HiME in that she keeps her weapon with her almost constantly, in a case strapped to her back. Her weapon is a sword called Miroku, which is capable of cutting practically anything in two (cruise ships, for example) and is about as long as its owner is tall.
Mikoto has the basic personality of an adolescent cat. She's curious, VERY easily distracted, energetic and tends to "adopt" people who feed her and give her shelter, although she insists that she's independent. In the series she forms an attachment to the main character Mai, especially her cooking. She loves food, and will collapse dramatically when not given enough of it for her liking or when the food she wants hasn't been available.
She wears around her neck a charm given to her by her older brother, who she has been raised to protect and is currently on a quest to find despite only having vague memories of him from when she was a small child.
Sample Post:
Been looking around and there's lotsa really weird people here but none of them are my brother. But he's in the land of Fuka, yep. And the pretty bird-thing said this was Camp Fuka Die. I let it go without eating it, so it better be right! Maybe I should've eaten it anyway, 'cause I'm hungry. Want Mai's cooking, but she's not here so I gotta manage myself. Pity those moany, shambly people didn't have anything. But people need food, so if there's people then there must be food around, yep.
Hey, this place might be good. Water looks a bit weird but I bet there's fish! Maybe if I go a bit closer I can wade in and grab something 'cause I don't have anything to WHAT WAS THAT?!
... That's gotta be a BIG octopus. Can't reach me here though! Ooooh, I know I'll catch it and make it a present for my brother when I find him, yep! Show him I've grown up strong so I can fight for him. But I gotta get a big stick or something to skewer it on like they did at that festival with the little ones cause those were tasty. Wonder if there's a big straight branch on any of these trees?
Whoa, the trees around here are weiiiird! Kinda fun to dodge them though. People here must be having trouble with an underwear-thief cause this tree's all covered with bait! Wanna stick around and wait to see it work cause last time was fun. Wonder whose these are though... So many of them! And all big and little and pretty colours, and even some of those bra-things too. Mai said that adults need them so maybe I should take one so my brother can see I'm all grown up now... But there'll be people watching to see if the thief comes. I'll find them first and see when they're not watching and then I'll grab one, yep!
Lots of places to hide around here but they can't be far... Oh! Another of those people from before. Maybe it's his stuff... but he's not looking at the tree. That's pretty dumb, he'll miss all the fun! And what's so interesting about this big purple thing anyway? Looks busy enough that he won't notice if I grab something though, so I better go back and get it before the thief comes, yep.
If they're just gonna get shredded by a thief anyway, maybe I'll take a few! Wonder what my brother's favourite colour is anyway...
Poll Vote!
Character: Violet Baudelaire
Series: "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (13 alliteratively titled books by Lemony Snicket)
Age: 14
Canon: When Violet's parents died in terrible fire, she and her siblings Klaus and Sunny were left in the care of the heinous Count Olaf. Although the Baudelaires quickly revealed his treachery - a word which here means "absurd but nearly effective plot to rob the them of their vast fortune" - Count Olaf escaped, along with his equally heinous and bizarre henchmen. Violet and her siblings were passed from the guardianship of one distant relative to the next, but in each new situation, tragedy - a word which here means "Count Olaf" - pursued them. Finally, after being subjected to leeches, lumber mills, pin-striped suits and boarding school, the Baudelaires ended up falsely accused of murder. I am taking Violet from this point in the series.
Violet is a great inventor, often using her skills to create such essentials as drag-chutes and staple-making devices out of unlikely materials in desperate situations. Being the oldest surviving Baudelaire, she feels extremely responsible for the welfare of her siblings and is more likely to speak to adults than the others. Her circumstances have left her with a by no means unreasonable mistrust of strangers, so she tends to be soft-spoken and understated. She's also kind, pretty, and capable of lighting a carnival on fire if she thinks it will help keep her siblings safe.
Sample Post:
Well, "Camp Fuck You Die" isn't the most inviting of names, and it certainly isn't the most grammatically unambiguous, but it looks like we'll be stopping here for the night anyway. At least there's probably a phone we can use to contact the authorities. We've got to clear our names and bring Count Olaf to justice, whether or not we do it from a pleasant location. Come on, Sunny. Come on, Klaus.
Sunny? Klaus?
Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you, but has anybody seen a young boy with glasses, carrying a baby with very sharp teeth? They're my siblings, and - yes, of course they have brains. They're very intelligent. They - oh!
...you know, if anybody had told me while my parents were still alive that I would soon be separated from my siblings, inventing zombie repellent on the run, I would have said they were crazy. In fact, I would have questioned their mental stability if they'd told me that zombies existed in the first place. I know the future holds surprises for everyone, but this is just ridiculous.
Speaking of surprises, I'm surprised to find that being chased through an unfamiliar forest by a pack of zombies is more annoying than terrifying. Maybe I'd feel more threatened if the zombies were faster, or if they weren't waving pamphlets at me in such a vague and nonviolent manner. Not to be rude, but I don't think I'm interested in things that zombies advertise. Not even if they're advertising the... "The Plucky Young Orphan's Club?"
Good grief.
Alright. To make things perfectly clear, I am no more interested in subscribing to your "Plucky Young Orphans Club" than I am in letting you gnaw on my central nervous system. I'm pretty sure my siblings won't be interested either. Just because we've faced adversity at a young age doesn't mean we belong in the same category as totally fictional children who have also been pursued by villains, so please stop attacking me with books and pamphlets!
"The Ludicrous Livejournal?" "The Crack Community?"
What kind of books are these, anyway?
Poll Vote!
Character: River Tam
Series: Firefly ( Official Website; Wikipedia article)
Age: 16
Canon: River Tam was a child prodigy; at the age of three she was correcting her older brothers spelling, because they couldn't both be prodigy's. Graceful and smart, at the age of 14 her parents determined that a private school would challenge her more, so they sent her to the Academy. Turns out, though, that the Academy was less interested in developing her mind and spent most of their time poking at it. Over the course of two years they scrambled her brain like it was an egg in those anti-drug commercials, all in an effort to create a perfect assassin. They succeeded, in a manner: River can kick some ass, but that's only when she's coherent enough to be of any help. Most of the time she's either staring off into space listening to the voices only she can hear (and the thoughts she shouldn't) or verging on a manic episode.
Her brother, Simon, managed to rescue her from the Academy and give her the Han Solo treatment, boarding them onto a Firefly-class vessel named "Serenity." Unfortunately, circumstances and plot twists abound, and River was unfrozen and left to wander the ship. Sometimes she's lucid and useful to the captain and crew; other times she's lost and wandering inside herself.
Sample Post:
There's a wall that isn't a wall. Walls are for keeping things out or keeping things in, but a wall can be climbed, can be broken, can fall and crumble and shatter. Ashes to dust. There are laws to walls, and walls that aren't walls defy the laws. Matter cannot be destroyed, only changed. Changed into something new. Different, but the same. The wall that isn't a wall breaks the law, it disappears for people. But not all people. There is a process, a rhyme, a reason.
Reason means nothing to the wall. It disappears and reappears and has a grip that pushes and pulls. A wall with arms and hands and holding. Two by two with hands of blue. No blue hands, but it's the same. Different and the same. Caged and walled and trapped. Does the caged bird sing?
I think I should know this place. The ground tells my feet I should know it, the wind has a story I think I've heard before, but I don't remember. The wall stands and pushes me away and pulls me back all at once. Familiar, alien, new and strange and known. It's in my head and I can't touch it. I think there should be a yellow brick road, a tin crow and a scaredy-cat and a switch with a broom.
…Switches don't have brooms. Switches grow on trees.
Poll Vote!
Character: Suzuna Taki
Series: Eyeshield 21 (manga)
Age: 15
Canon: Suzuna is the perky, loud, very energetic and always-in-rollerblades cheerleading captain for the Deimon Devil Bats, despite being from another school altogether. Preferring to be on casual terms with pretty much everyone, especially those her own age, Suzuna often makes up nicknames for her friends e.g. Hiruma is "You-nii" (making Suzuna one of about three people in the entire series to get away with using his first name). She loudly protests when people address her by her last name, although that's just her unique way of denying any association with "stupid big brother" Natsuhiko Taki. But she does care about him, really, and shows her irritation affection by violently grinding him on the back with her rollerblades whenever his stupidity arises. Suzuna is also incredibly nosey about people's love lives, but does know when to keep a secret.
Despite being captain, it is much to her chagrin that Suzuna lacks the height and, uh, busty nature of her fellow, all-American cheerleaders. However, she more than makes up for it with her creativity and enthusiasm to help the Devil Bats on and off the field: crying her classic cheer "Ya!", creating fan merchandise, carting players to school after an intense game and even wielding Hiruma's guns.
Sample Post:
YAAA! Here I am in America again! Thankfully not on a hunt for my idiot of a brother this time, but to round up more cheerleaders for You-nii for the next big game. Personally I don't think it's that much of a problem - I've been doing a good job with what we've got so far, if I do say so myself - but I thought, "Hey, America! It's not like I got to enjoy any sights last time, maybe it'll be more fun!" Besides, it's not like he can spare anyone from practice, so I said, "Yes sir, I'm on my way! One week is plenty of time!" He even paid for the air fare! Buuut I don't have much of my own money to spend, so I had to fall back on hitch-hiking. Ah, the nostalgia~! Waiting around with my arm and thumb getting sore 'til some good soul takes pity on me and drives me to the next city, town, insert-establishment-here or what have you.
The very first guy I flagged down? Was a not-so-good soul, although he had seemed nice enough at first - had a cute smile and I guess he was kind of charming. But not long after we entered these woods he just pushes me out of the car, smiles like the fox he really is and drives away laughing about me having fun at this "Camp Which-You'll-Hate." What a jerk! Had the decency to throw me my rollerblades as he left, yeah, but still a jerk! Especially since this weird place he dumped me actually seems have some agenda against rollerblading. There are roots ready to trip me everywhere! And I swear the squirrels are dropping nuts in my way on purpose.
But I'm not put down, oooh no. Being chased around has its advantages: I've seen so many things, and just look at the variety! Zombies, ghosts, ninjas, spirits, vampires, pirates - I think I'm only at the tip of the iceberg as to imagining all the routines we could do. Even the wildlife's potential is endless! The special effects that would be possible if I could somehow get some of those exploding shrews back home, and - oh, oh, those laser-shooting tulips! God, if we could balance getting the crowd wild and the fear-inducing factor, we'd be tons more spectacular than the other teams!
Now if the people here would just be more cooperative! It's not like I don't try: amidst the latest shower of acorns, I see a group - I skate up to them and attempt to have a civilised conversation about the possibility of them coming with me back to Japan to cheer for the Deimon Devil Bats. Simple, right? But no! As soon as I get near, they all disappear or run away. Or decide that I'm some tasty treat and try to eat me or do some other unspeakable act, at least until I have to resort to my rollerblades. Ugh, these fleshy bits are going to be hard to clean off. Maybe I can try this Liquid Universal Befoulment Eraser one of those leprechauns dropped earlie--
...My English isn't that good, I know, but I hope that doesn't read how I think it does.
Poll Vote!
Applicant #1
Character: Sohma Yuki
Series: Fruits Basket
Age: 16
Canon: Fruits Basket is the story of Honda Tohru and her experiences with the Sohmas -- a vast, affluential family whose history goes back for generations, and is shrouded in mystery. Eventually we learn that a handful of the family members are cursed. Thirteen of the "Juunishi" are possessed by the animal spirits of the Chinese zodiac, and when they are embraced by members of the opposite sex, or if their bodies undergo extreme physical stress or illness, they turn into the animals possessing them.
Yuki is the Rat of the zodiac and Sohma Ayame's younger brother. He is quiet and serious, and seldom laughs or exhibits any real emotion aside from exasperation, particularly regarding Shigure, Ayame (or the two of them combined). His aloof demeanor (which we learn later is shyness and insecurity) earns him the reputation of being the "prince" of Kaibara High School. Despite his standoffishness and impatience for foolishness, knowing Tohru has brought Yuki out of his shell somewhat. We discover that he's patient and helpful, and not the icy-cold "prince" everyone expects him to be.
Yuki's sense of humor is very dry, and he often plays the "straight-man" in humorous situations, usually quick to point out when someone (Shigure, Ayame, Kyou-- take your pick) is behaving like an idiot.
Sample Post:
It's a bad sign when you're stuck in the middle of swampland, with a lake that looks like it's straight out of a horro--
...
A lake and a tentacle monster. I see.
...When you're stuck in the middle of swampland, facing a lake (and tentacle monster, who I think might be offended if he -- she? it? -- got overlooked) that looks like it's straight out of a horror movie, and the only silver lining you can find is that you're relieved that you're not surrounded by family.
The whole thing sounded like a good idea in theory, it really did. A change of scenery, some peace and quiet, and some time away from that idiotic Cat. Someone neglected to mention, oh, everything. The zombies, for one, and all the rats. And they all wanted to say hello. All of them, at one time. I could have gone my entire life without seeing a zombie rat; I really could have. Especially zombie rats trying to eat rat-brains.
...I think I'm getting a headache. Or it could be that shrill squealing that I'm pretty sure means--
"Screeeeek!"
Yes, I understand. "Brains." Now get off of my head. My brains are not for you.
"Scree--"
OFF.
"Screek?"
Thank you. Oh, my god, wipe your mouth...
I guess in some ways this place is... almost reminiscent of Shigure's attempts at housekeeping, which makes it kind of familiar, in a way. It would probably seem more familiar if it weren't for the... everything. There's so much that's so weird here, I'm starting to wonder what it would take to surprise at all after some of the things I've seen. First I thought it would have been the vampire. Vampires, plural. In broad daylight. Then came this huge, red... uh, man. Thing. Were those supposed to be horns? I think so. They looked like they'd been ground down... After you've seen that, sentient plants fail to hold much shock value at all. I don't know, maybe I'm just desensiti--
...Wait. Is that tentacle waving at me? And... is it... is that a pin on it? I can't quite make out what it...
"Prince Yuki Fan Club." Great. Just great.
"Screeeeeek!"
Marcy, is it? Established the local chapter?
"Screeeek!"
Ah. Yes. I see. You have a pin too.
"Screek?" ♥
No, that does not give you permission to eat my brains.
Applicant #2
Character: Sohma Yuki
Series: Fruits Basket (manga)
Age: 16
Canon: Honda Tohru's got bitches. Adopted into the Sohma family after being discovered living like a hobo on their property, Tohru becomes a central figure in the alternately dark and wacky antics of the Sohmas - a family under a curse that causes them to turn into their respective Chinese Zodiac animal when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. While all of the Sohmas find themselves inevitably drawn into Tohru's sunny orbit, two in particular become rivals for Tohru's affection - and everything else: Sohma Kyou, the cat, and Sohma Yuki, the rat. However, the cat was told that applications open tomorrow and is unfortunately unable to appear in this app.
Sohma Yuki is the Ice Prince (and sometimes princess) of Tohru's class, as well as Sohma Ayame's younger brother - you may commence your pity now. Quiet, beautiful, and reserved, Yuki was taught (a word which here means "psychologically abused") to remain withdrawn from the world due to the burden of the rat's curse. Although his classmates admired him for being intelligent, talented, and smokin' hot, he was also as cold as his name and just as untouchable. However, when Honda Tohru comes stumbling into his life, Yuki slowly begins to let himself open up, revealing the sweeter, softer side of his personality. Although he can seem like an arrogant, emo little thing at times, Yuki is actually quite kind; and with Tohru's help, he's mending a broken psyche to become the strong and independent person he wants to be.
Note: Yuki is being apped from approximately mid-series, to line up with the rest of the Jyuunishi.
Sample Post:
... stupid cat!
Oh. I'm sorry, is this on? Ah, hello, everybody. My name is Sohma Yuki, and I've come here to find some people that are important to me. You might know Honda-san, or some of my cousins. I need to find them as soon as possible, so any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I've been separated from... the person I've been travelling with by an extremely persistent herd of robotic cows, so I would really like to find Honda-san and get out of here as soon as possible.
Please stop that, Cowbot-san. No, I-- that's my personal space.
Right. While I try to find my family, I suppose I might be able to look around, if only to see what sort of place it is Honda-san has been staying in for the past several weeks. From what I've managed to learn from-- some friends here, this is "Camp Fuck You Die," and apparently the happiest place on earth? While the cowbots do seem quite... gay, for lack of a better word, don't you think the state of perpetual confusion really detracts from the happiness aspect? The landscape is dizzying, and the zombies seem to have lost their heads altogether.
... I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to say that. To tell you the truth, I've been wandering through what I can only assume to be a giant maze for the past several hours, and my sense of reasoning is suffering a bit. I'm almost tempted to start asking if anybody's seen Ayame or Shigure, but I'm not sure I'm that desperate yet. Hungry, yes, but-- also not desperate enough to eat food just lying about, thank you very much, Very Persistent Cow-san. Especially not suspicious-looking cheese. Especially not-- is that a trap?
Very funny. As if I would fall for that, anyway -- I have a lot of experience with traps, you know. It runs in the family.
Which brings me back to my point. If anybody is looking for me, or has information about Honda-san or any of the Sohmas, I'll be over here. Sitting on the roof.
... that's a very sweet gift, Very Persistent Cowbot-san, but what is "Evanescence?"
Poll Vote!
Remember!
- Applicants, respond anonymously.
- If you're going to do the whole "ask me if I voted you out!" thing, please state who you voted out.
- No speculating about the identity of the applicants!
Now VOTE. The results look pretty solid. Closed!
Character: Maxine Gibson (a.k.a. "Max")
Series: Batman Beyond
Age: 17
Canon: Fifty years ago, Batman and his team of underage vigilantes fought to protect Gotham City from the criminals of the day. Now, Terry McGinnis is the new Batman, fighting a completely different breed of villain... but some things never change. Even a superhero with a high-tech suit needs a sidekick for support. Enter Max, Terry's best friend--and as she makes perfectly clear, not his Robin! Determined and inquisitive, Max's research into Batman revealed Terry's double life. To his surprise, she promises it’ll remain a secret, and takes it upon herself to help. From hacking into high security computers to listening to his problems, Max is Terry's closest, most valued friend. Besides, who else can make excuses for the guy whenever he's running late for school or a date?
In addition to her natural curiosity, Max is gutsy, strong-minded, and a quick thinker. During her nastier moods, she's been described as "rude","sarcastic" and "having absolutely no respect". She's always ready to aid Terry in his war against crime, with a smirk on her face and snark on her tongue. But eagerness can become recklessness, and Max has had plenty of close encounters with Gotham's most dangerous baddies. Not that she's let danger slow her down. No matter which criminals are targeting her, Max is never about to go down without a fight. Whenever she's not playing sidekick to Terry, Max is almost always found in front of a computer or playing a virtual reality game at the arcade.
Sample Post:
Okay, girl. Calm down and retrace your virtual reality steps. You put on the goggles and started playing "CFUD: The Last Frontier of Mankind." It sounded like a good idea. "Role play as a lost early twenty-first century camper and shoot your way to freedom against flesh-eating zombies and the dangerous Marcy." You thought from that description that it was a crossover between a RPG and a shooting game. You started out good. You shot down some zombies, made a left turn at a dirt path called Albuquerque and walked on. ...And then you encountered a boss.
Magnificent Max vs. the Giant Squid? Thanks but no thanks. Sushi does NOT go there. I haven't even figured out how to upgrade my equipment! All I got was an antique computer and a shotgun that’s practically archaic. The swamps are a nice touch, but the way the smell lingers on your clothes is totally unnecessary. In fact, this game needs to go back to the drawing board. What kind of dreg programmer leaves in the database errors?
...Unless those errors are just part of a puzzle and my computer’s the key. Ha! Who was I kidding? A real company wouldn't release a broken game to the public on purpose. Now let's get started. If I can get into a department of defense’s mainframe, then this should be a snap.
Ah ha! What have we here? "Welcome to Camp Fuck You Die: The Happiest Place on Earth." Charming name. "No shirt, no shoes, no escape. In CFUD, experience points acquire you." O...kay. That might not be useful. "Current number of users: three-hundred and forty-seven." What? That's impossible. There can't be that many people vidlinked at the same time. Slag it, this is lame. Just point me to the exit.
What the-? A cabin assignment? You've got to be kidding me. I'm not saving! I'm trying to access the menu screen! That's it. If this is part of the game, then I'll just have to break it. Watch out, CFUD! I'm in your database, hacking your server.
Poll Vote!
Character: Izark Kia Tarj
Series: Kanata Kara (translated: "From Far Away")
Age: 19
Canon: Once upon a time, there was a girl who went to another world and fell in love with the main male character, and through many trials and tribulations saved the world and lived happily ever after. (No, this isn't Fushigi Yuugi.) Blown into a fantastical world, Noriko discovers that she is part of a prophecy that will one day change the world. It is foretold that the Awakening will come from another world and will drive everything into chaos with the Sky Demon. Soon after arriving, she meets Izark Kia Tarj, a traveling warrior for hire. Only problem is, she doesn't know that he's there to kill her.
All his life, Izark has known that he is the prophesized Sky Demon. Even his own parents feared him, and when he was still a child his mother tried to kill him. After he caused his village's destruction, Izark has strived to keep his identity and powers hidden. When he heard of the Awakening's coming, he set out to kill her before she could cause him to turn into an evil monster. Since he is the Sky Demon, Izark has super-human powers: incredible strength and speed, heals ridiculously fast, and can control wind and fire at will. Because of his past, Izark is a quiet loner and very cautious around strangers, often being very stoic and using his powers only when absolutely necessary. Despite his inner turmoil and insecurity, Izark is a very kind and gentle person. He genuinely feels for other people's suffering and has enormous angst because he might one day cause their pain and death. It is because of his empathy for others that he eventually opens to Noriko to respond to her love and accepts himself for what he is.
Sample Post:
Well. This place is certainly... odd. I do not believe I have ever gotten lost before, which only increases my misgivings about this place. Granted, the sign just outside of the trees was not very helpful in giving directions. "Abandon hope, all who enter here" is not very encouraging. I have never seen something so foreboding written in bright colors and covered in flowers.
I do not wish to wish to ask for help and involve myself with others, but if it cannot be avoided--Ah, excuse me. I was wondering if you could direct me. ...No, I have no desire to fight you. If you could just show me the way, I... I see. None shall pass, you say. It seems I have no choice then.
While I have traveled to all manner of places, I have never met an opponent such as you before. Your stamina is certainly amazing, as is your determination. I respect your dedication to your duty of guarding the way through this forest, but you cannot tell me that is just a flesh wound. It seems your flesh is rotting, in any case. And please stop trying to bite my legs off, it simply will not work.
I... had not wanted to maim you any more than you already were. I certainly had not meant to decapitate you when I tried to kick you off, either. I should not have let my control slip like that. I am terribly sorry for your loss, but I need to keep moving to get back where I was before. I can at least help you gather your...pieces...before the wildlife gets to them. Most of the animals here are rather peculiar. The water foul are particularly interesting with their plumes of feathers. I mean flames. --wait, what.
But to be honest, I had not thought much of the purple--primates? Noriko told me about such creatures in her world, and several countries where I am from have purple and even pink mammals. It was actually their leader that caught me off guard. It looks fairly different from the others; it is taller, the belly is green, and has a scaly tail. It should not be too difficult to handle, should it be dangerous, but it is singing. That alone specifically would not bother me, but I really do not appreciate the way it keeps approaching me and hindering my passage.
For the last time, no, I would not like to be part of your happy family. Please. Stop hugging me.
Poll Vote!
Character: Mikoto Minagi
Series: Mai HiME
Age: 14
Canon: Mai HiME is a series about super-powered girls known as HiMEs, which stands for Highly-advanced Materialising Equipment. They are being gathered at Fuka Academy in order to fight monsters called Orphans which have begun regularly attacking the campus ("attacking" here meaning anything from assaulting students to stealing their panties). In order to use their powers, however, they have to wager the life of the person most precious to them. Mikoto is unusual as a HiME in that she keeps her weapon with her almost constantly, in a case strapped to her back. Her weapon is a sword called Miroku, which is capable of cutting practically anything in two (cruise ships, for example) and is about as long as its owner is tall.
Mikoto has the basic personality of an adolescent cat. She's curious, VERY easily distracted, energetic and tends to "adopt" people who feed her and give her shelter, although she insists that she's independent. In the series she forms an attachment to the main character Mai, especially her cooking. She loves food, and will collapse dramatically when not given enough of it for her liking or when the food she wants hasn't been available.
She wears around her neck a charm given to her by her older brother, who she has been raised to protect and is currently on a quest to find despite only having vague memories of him from when she was a small child.
Sample Post:
Been looking around and there's lotsa really weird people here but none of them are my brother. But he's in the land of Fuka, yep. And the pretty bird-thing said this was Camp Fuka Die. I let it go without eating it, so it better be right! Maybe I should've eaten it anyway, 'cause I'm hungry. Want Mai's cooking, but she's not here so I gotta manage myself. Pity those moany, shambly people didn't have anything. But people need food, so if there's people then there must be food around, yep.
Hey, this place might be good. Water looks a bit weird but I bet there's fish! Maybe if I go a bit closer I can wade in and grab something 'cause I don't have anything to WHAT WAS THAT?!
... That's gotta be a BIG octopus. Can't reach me here though! Ooooh, I know I'll catch it and make it a present for my brother when I find him, yep! Show him I've grown up strong so I can fight for him. But I gotta get a big stick or something to skewer it on like they did at that festival with the little ones cause those were tasty. Wonder if there's a big straight branch on any of these trees?
Whoa, the trees around here are weiiiird! Kinda fun to dodge them though. People here must be having trouble with an underwear-thief cause this tree's all covered with bait! Wanna stick around and wait to see it work cause last time was fun. Wonder whose these are though... So many of them! And all big and little and pretty colours, and even some of those bra-things too. Mai said that adults need them so maybe I should take one so my brother can see I'm all grown up now... But there'll be people watching to see if the thief comes. I'll find them first and see when they're not watching and then I'll grab one, yep!
Lots of places to hide around here but they can't be far... Oh! Another of those people from before. Maybe it's his stuff... but he's not looking at the tree. That's pretty dumb, he'll miss all the fun! And what's so interesting about this big purple thing anyway? Looks busy enough that he won't notice if I grab something though, so I better go back and get it before the thief comes, yep.
If they're just gonna get shredded by a thief anyway, maybe I'll take a few! Wonder what my brother's favourite colour is anyway...
Poll Vote!
Character: Violet Baudelaire
Series: "A Series of Unfortunate Events" (13 alliteratively titled books by Lemony Snicket)
Age: 14
Canon: When Violet's parents died in terrible fire, she and her siblings Klaus and Sunny were left in the care of the heinous Count Olaf. Although the Baudelaires quickly revealed his treachery - a word which here means "absurd but nearly effective plot to rob the them of their vast fortune" - Count Olaf escaped, along with his equally heinous and bizarre henchmen. Violet and her siblings were passed from the guardianship of one distant relative to the next, but in each new situation, tragedy - a word which here means "Count Olaf" - pursued them. Finally, after being subjected to leeches, lumber mills, pin-striped suits and boarding school, the Baudelaires ended up falsely accused of murder. I am taking Violet from this point in the series.
Violet is a great inventor, often using her skills to create such essentials as drag-chutes and staple-making devices out of unlikely materials in desperate situations. Being the oldest surviving Baudelaire, she feels extremely responsible for the welfare of her siblings and is more likely to speak to adults than the others. Her circumstances have left her with a by no means unreasonable mistrust of strangers, so she tends to be soft-spoken and understated. She's also kind, pretty, and capable of lighting a carnival on fire if she thinks it will help keep her siblings safe.
Sample Post:
Well, "Camp Fuck You Die" isn't the most inviting of names, and it certainly isn't the most grammatically unambiguous, but it looks like we'll be stopping here for the night anyway. At least there's probably a phone we can use to contact the authorities. We've got to clear our names and bring Count Olaf to justice, whether or not we do it from a pleasant location. Come on, Sunny. Come on, Klaus.
Sunny? Klaus?
Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother you, but has anybody seen a young boy with glasses, carrying a baby with very sharp teeth? They're my siblings, and - yes, of course they have brains. They're very intelligent. They - oh!
...you know, if anybody had told me while my parents were still alive that I would soon be separated from my siblings, inventing zombie repellent on the run, I would have said they were crazy. In fact, I would have questioned their mental stability if they'd told me that zombies existed in the first place. I know the future holds surprises for everyone, but this is just ridiculous.
Speaking of surprises, I'm surprised to find that being chased through an unfamiliar forest by a pack of zombies is more annoying than terrifying. Maybe I'd feel more threatened if the zombies were faster, or if they weren't waving pamphlets at me in such a vague and nonviolent manner. Not to be rude, but I don't think I'm interested in things that zombies advertise. Not even if they're advertising the... "The Plucky Young Orphan's Club?"
Good grief.
Alright. To make things perfectly clear, I am no more interested in subscribing to your "Plucky Young Orphans Club" than I am in letting you gnaw on my central nervous system. I'm pretty sure my siblings won't be interested either. Just because we've faced adversity at a young age doesn't mean we belong in the same category as totally fictional children who have also been pursued by villains, so please stop attacking me with books and pamphlets!
"The Ludicrous Livejournal?" "The Crack Community?"
What kind of books are these, anyway?
Poll Vote!
Character: River Tam
Series: Firefly ( Official Website; Wikipedia article)
Age: 16
Canon: River Tam was a child prodigy; at the age of three she was correcting her older brothers spelling, because they couldn't both be prodigy's. Graceful and smart, at the age of 14 her parents determined that a private school would challenge her more, so they sent her to the Academy. Turns out, though, that the Academy was less interested in developing her mind and spent most of their time poking at it. Over the course of two years they scrambled her brain like it was an egg in those anti-drug commercials, all in an effort to create a perfect assassin. They succeeded, in a manner: River can kick some ass, but that's only when she's coherent enough to be of any help. Most of the time she's either staring off into space listening to the voices only she can hear (and the thoughts she shouldn't) or verging on a manic episode.
Her brother, Simon, managed to rescue her from the Academy and give her the Han Solo treatment, boarding them onto a Firefly-class vessel named "Serenity." Unfortunately, circumstances and plot twists abound, and River was unfrozen and left to wander the ship. Sometimes she's lucid and useful to the captain and crew; other times she's lost and wandering inside herself.
Sample Post:
There's a wall that isn't a wall. Walls are for keeping things out or keeping things in, but a wall can be climbed, can be broken, can fall and crumble and shatter. Ashes to dust. There are laws to walls, and walls that aren't walls defy the laws. Matter cannot be destroyed, only changed. Changed into something new. Different, but the same. The wall that isn't a wall breaks the law, it disappears for people. But not all people. There is a process, a rhyme, a reason.
Reason means nothing to the wall. It disappears and reappears and has a grip that pushes and pulls. A wall with arms and hands and holding. Two by two with hands of blue. No blue hands, but it's the same. Different and the same. Caged and walled and trapped. Does the caged bird sing?
I think I should know this place. The ground tells my feet I should know it, the wind has a story I think I've heard before, but I don't remember. The wall stands and pushes me away and pulls me back all at once. Familiar, alien, new and strange and known. It's in my head and I can't touch it. I think there should be a yellow brick road, a tin crow and a scaredy-cat and a switch with a broom.
…Switches don't have brooms. Switches grow on trees.
Poll Vote!
Character: Suzuna Taki
Series: Eyeshield 21 (manga)
Age: 15
Canon: Suzuna is the perky, loud, very energetic and always-in-rollerblades cheerleading captain for the Deimon Devil Bats, despite being from another school altogether. Preferring to be on casual terms with pretty much everyone, especially those her own age, Suzuna often makes up nicknames for her friends e.g. Hiruma is "You-nii" (making Suzuna one of about three people in the entire series to get away with using his first name). She loudly protests when people address her by her last name, although that's just her unique way of denying any association with "stupid big brother" Natsuhiko Taki. But she does care about him, really, and shows her irritation affection by violently grinding him on the back with her rollerblades whenever his stupidity arises. Suzuna is also incredibly nosey about people's love lives, but does know when to keep a secret.
Despite being captain, it is much to her chagrin that Suzuna lacks the height and, uh, busty nature of her fellow, all-American cheerleaders. However, she more than makes up for it with her creativity and enthusiasm to help the Devil Bats on and off the field: crying her classic cheer "Ya!", creating fan merchandise, carting players to school after an intense game and even wielding Hiruma's guns.
Sample Post:
YAAA! Here I am in America again! Thankfully not on a hunt for my idiot of a brother this time, but to round up more cheerleaders for You-nii for the next big game. Personally I don't think it's that much of a problem - I've been doing a good job with what we've got so far, if I do say so myself - but I thought, "Hey, America! It's not like I got to enjoy any sights last time, maybe it'll be more fun!" Besides, it's not like he can spare anyone from practice, so I said, "Yes sir, I'm on my way! One week is plenty of time!" He even paid for the air fare! Buuut I don't have much of my own money to spend, so I had to fall back on hitch-hiking. Ah, the nostalgia~! Waiting around with my arm and thumb getting sore 'til some good soul takes pity on me and drives me to the next city, town, insert-establishment-here or what have you.
The very first guy I flagged down? Was a not-so-good soul, although he had seemed nice enough at first - had a cute smile and I guess he was kind of charming. But not long after we entered these woods he just pushes me out of the car, smiles like the fox he really is and drives away laughing about me having fun at this "Camp Which-You'll-Hate." What a jerk! Had the decency to throw me my rollerblades as he left, yeah, but still a jerk! Especially since this weird place he dumped me actually seems have some agenda against rollerblading. There are roots ready to trip me everywhere! And I swear the squirrels are dropping nuts in my way on purpose.
But I'm not put down, oooh no. Being chased around has its advantages: I've seen so many things, and just look at the variety! Zombies, ghosts, ninjas, spirits, vampires, pirates - I think I'm only at the tip of the iceberg as to imagining all the routines we could do. Even the wildlife's potential is endless! The special effects that would be possible if I could somehow get some of those exploding shrews back home, and - oh, oh, those laser-shooting tulips! God, if we could balance getting the crowd wild and the fear-inducing factor, we'd be tons more spectacular than the other teams!
Now if the people here would just be more cooperative! It's not like I don't try: amidst the latest shower of acorns, I see a group - I skate up to them and attempt to have a civilised conversation about the possibility of them coming with me back to Japan to cheer for the Deimon Devil Bats. Simple, right? But no! As soon as I get near, they all disappear or run away. Or decide that I'm some tasty treat and try to eat me or do some other unspeakable act, at least until I have to resort to my rollerblades. Ugh, these fleshy bits are going to be hard to clean off. Maybe I can try this Liquid Universal Befoulment Eraser one of those leprechauns dropped earlie--
...My English isn't that good, I know, but I hope that doesn't read how I think it does.
Poll Vote!
Applicant #1
Character: Sohma Yuki
Series: Fruits Basket
Age: 16
Canon: Fruits Basket is the story of Honda Tohru and her experiences with the Sohmas -- a vast, affluential family whose history goes back for generations, and is shrouded in mystery. Eventually we learn that a handful of the family members are cursed. Thirteen of the "Juunishi" are possessed by the animal spirits of the Chinese zodiac, and when they are embraced by members of the opposite sex, or if their bodies undergo extreme physical stress or illness, they turn into the animals possessing them.
Yuki is the Rat of the zodiac and Sohma Ayame's younger brother. He is quiet and serious, and seldom laughs or exhibits any real emotion aside from exasperation, particularly regarding Shigure, Ayame (or the two of them combined). His aloof demeanor (which we learn later is shyness and insecurity) earns him the reputation of being the "prince" of Kaibara High School. Despite his standoffishness and impatience for foolishness, knowing Tohru has brought Yuki out of his shell somewhat. We discover that he's patient and helpful, and not the icy-cold "prince" everyone expects him to be.
Yuki's sense of humor is very dry, and he often plays the "straight-man" in humorous situations, usually quick to point out when someone (Shigure, Ayame, Kyou-- take your pick) is behaving like an idiot.
Sample Post:
It's a bad sign when you're stuck in the middle of swampland, with a lake that looks like it's straight out of a horro--
...
A lake and a tentacle monster. I see.
...When you're stuck in the middle of swampland, facing a lake (and tentacle monster, who I think might be offended if he -- she? it? -- got overlooked) that looks like it's straight out of a horror movie, and the only silver lining you can find is that you're relieved that you're not surrounded by family.
The whole thing sounded like a good idea in theory, it really did. A change of scenery, some peace and quiet, and some time away from that idiotic Cat. Someone neglected to mention, oh, everything. The zombies, for one, and all the rats. And they all wanted to say hello. All of them, at one time. I could have gone my entire life without seeing a zombie rat; I really could have. Especially zombie rats trying to eat rat-brains.
...I think I'm getting a headache. Or it could be that shrill squealing that I'm pretty sure means--
"Screeeeek!"
Yes, I understand. "Brains." Now get off of my head. My brains are not for you.
"Scree--"
OFF.
"Screek?"
Thank you. Oh, my god, wipe your mouth...
I guess in some ways this place is... almost reminiscent of Shigure's attempts at housekeeping, which makes it kind of familiar, in a way. It would probably seem more familiar if it weren't for the... everything. There's so much that's so weird here, I'm starting to wonder what it would take to surprise at all after some of the things I've seen. First I thought it would have been the vampire. Vampires, plural. In broad daylight. Then came this huge, red... uh, man. Thing. Were those supposed to be horns? I think so. They looked like they'd been ground down... After you've seen that, sentient plants fail to hold much shock value at all. I don't know, maybe I'm just desensiti--
...Wait. Is that tentacle waving at me? And... is it... is that a pin on it? I can't quite make out what it...
"Prince Yuki Fan Club." Great. Just great.
"Screeeeeek!"
Marcy, is it? Established the local chapter?
"Screeeek!"
Ah. Yes. I see. You have a pin too.
"Screek?" ♥
No, that does not give you permission to eat my brains.
Applicant #2
Character: Sohma Yuki
Series: Fruits Basket (manga)
Age: 16
Canon: Honda Tohru's got bitches. Adopted into the Sohma family after being discovered living like a hobo on their property, Tohru becomes a central figure in the alternately dark and wacky antics of the Sohmas - a family under a curse that causes them to turn into their respective Chinese Zodiac animal when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. While all of the Sohmas find themselves inevitably drawn into Tohru's sunny orbit, two in particular become rivals for Tohru's affection - and everything else: Sohma Kyou, the cat, and Sohma Yuki, the rat. However, the cat was told that applications open tomorrow and is unfortunately unable to appear in this app.
Sohma Yuki is the Ice Prince (and sometimes princess) of Tohru's class, as well as Sohma Ayame's younger brother - you may commence your pity now. Quiet, beautiful, and reserved, Yuki was taught (a word which here means "psychologically abused") to remain withdrawn from the world due to the burden of the rat's curse. Although his classmates admired him for being intelligent, talented, and smokin' hot, he was also as cold as his name and just as untouchable. However, when Honda Tohru comes stumbling into his life, Yuki slowly begins to let himself open up, revealing the sweeter, softer side of his personality. Although he can seem like an arrogant, emo little thing at times, Yuki is actually quite kind; and with Tohru's help, he's mending a broken psyche to become the strong and independent person he wants to be.
Note: Yuki is being apped from approximately mid-series, to line up with the rest of the Jyuunishi.
Sample Post:
... stupid cat!
Oh. I'm sorry, is this on? Ah, hello, everybody. My name is Sohma Yuki, and I've come here to find some people that are important to me. You might know Honda-san, or some of my cousins. I need to find them as soon as possible, so any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I've been separated from... the person I've been travelling with by an extremely persistent herd of robotic cows, so I would really like to find Honda-san and get out of here as soon as possible.
Please stop that, Cowbot-san. No, I-- that's my personal space.
Right. While I try to find my family, I suppose I might be able to look around, if only to see what sort of place it is Honda-san has been staying in for the past several weeks. From what I've managed to learn from-- some friends here, this is "Camp Fuck You Die," and apparently the happiest place on earth? While the cowbots do seem quite... gay, for lack of a better word, don't you think the state of perpetual confusion really detracts from the happiness aspect? The landscape is dizzying, and the zombies seem to have lost their heads altogether.
... I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to say that. To tell you the truth, I've been wandering through what I can only assume to be a giant maze for the past several hours, and my sense of reasoning is suffering a bit. I'm almost tempted to start asking if anybody's seen Ayame or Shigure, but I'm not sure I'm that desperate yet. Hungry, yes, but-- also not desperate enough to eat food just lying about, thank you very much, Very Persistent Cow-san. Especially not suspicious-looking cheese. Especially not-- is that a trap?
Very funny. As if I would fall for that, anyway -- I have a lot of experience with traps, you know. It runs in the family.
Which brings me back to my point. If anybody is looking for me, or has information about Honda-san or any of the Sohmas, I'll be over here. Sitting on the roof.
... that's a very sweet gift, Very Persistent Cowbot-san, but what is "Evanescence?"
Poll Vote!