Friday, March 25, 2005

   *cleans cat hair out of optical mouse sensor area*

Ah...that's better. As our boat sinks slowly in the West and the sun drifts off to sea.... that must mean it's the end of Thursday.

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In a change from yesterday's really nice, sunny 58 degrees, today was cold and wet. Not as warm, but not cold enough to make the rain turn to ice or snow. Yay. I'm tired of snow...and we hardly got any this year!

I had to take my Mom to WalMart to get some more fabric for my sister's quilt. So, I didn't get any studying done during the afternoon.

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I studied for about two hours this evening. I have come to the conclusion that a person that has had a good night of sleep and is 100% charged would be put to sleep by this stuff! Networking is so boring.

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Kenshin: *pokes head in door* What is wrong now, Kitsune-dono?

Me: I hate Networking!!!

Kenshin: This one has no idea what that means. Why are you studying that?

Me: 'Cause I gotta have it to get my certificates. Maybe I should give up on networking and just have you teach me that cool stuff you do with the sakabato.

Kenshin: Oro? So sorry, Kitsune-dono, this one will not teach you that.

Me: Vash!!!! Kenshin isn't being nice!

Kenshin: Oro!

Vash: *wakes up from nap* Huh?

Me: Never mind. *sticks tongue out at Kenshin*

Kenshin: You're acting like Yahiko! So you don't get a cookie.

Me: *glomps cookie* MINE!!!

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Well... that's it for tonight.

Laters!

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Thursday, March 24, 2005

   I've seen Elvis! He's sneaking up behind you!

Wednesday comes to a sticky end, and I realize I have lost my marbles. They were here a minute ago and now I just can't find them!

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Sorry you had to see that. My brain cell rebelled on me there. I've got it under control again.

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I didn't study today! Nyah! I went to Sioux City with the parentals. Ate at Culver's... yum.... *drools on keyboard* Ieuu! Sorry again.

We wandered around WalMart for a little while after that & then hit the mall. In the Younkers store we had to walk through the cosmetics department to get to the clothes. All I could think of was the Spongebob episode where he & Patrick have to escape the Flying Dutchman by going through the perfume department. Mom & I didn't get any clothes. We saw some stuff we liked, but gave up 'cause none of it was on sale. Then we went to Barnes & Noble for coffee. I had a frappuccino. It's not easy to suck ice chunks up through a straw and I kept getting brain freeze! It was all rather entertaining.

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So... that was my excitement. I leave you with a quiz I took after seeing it on Katocool's site:


You're Kyou - the cat.


Which Fruits Basket Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

And a picture I found of Squall being dragged off by a giant rabbit:



Oh no! How's he going to get away? That rabbit is huge!

Laters!

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Wednesday, March 23, 2005

   I'm feeling much better now!

So Tuesday folds into itself, creating an anomoly in the space-time continuum.

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I'm feeling much better than I did yesterday, thank you. My sinuses are still a bit stuffy, but I didn't have the headache that I did yesterday. I actually got through that chapter that I was trying to read yesterday in my Networking Fundamentals book. Yay me!

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I did do something incredibly stupid yesterday in my sinus-pressure-induced haze. I accidentally deleted a folder entitled "hikaru files" from the computer. Yep! I deleted the MSWord file where I had my story about Hikaru! Luckily, it's all on my website so I don't have to completely type the thing over again. I still can't figure out how I managed to delete it.

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Well... I think I may go work on that for a bit. Gee, I love cut & paste!!!

Laters!

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Monday, March 21, 2005

   Rare, pre-11 p.m. sighting of a KitsuneTsuki

Yep...it's a rare early post from me.

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My Monday was spent not doing all the things I was going to do. Woke up with a massive headache that hasn't quite gone away yet. Stupid sinuses hurt so bad that it hurt to move my eyes. So, the headache meant I didn't get the lady at the learning center called about the practice tests, I didn't get to the library to try something out, and I didn't get very far in studying. I made it through about 9 pages in the chapter before I almost fell asleep here in the chair in front of the computer. I did take a nap around 11:30 this morning while watching a show about the coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea. It was really interesting, too!

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Well, I've got something like 1.5 songs left on my Beatles CD and then I'm going to stagger across the hall to my bedroom and read manga until my eyes fall out.

Laters!

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   Sunday... I'd rather have a Sundae!!!

Yes...I'm thinking about ice cream.

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My thrill-a-minute day was filled with writing (the results will be down a ways), studying (#$%*#@ networking is so boring!), and eating (mmmm....food!).

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Yep... my current studying is Networking Fundamentals. It was so amazinly boring when I had the class. It isn't much better in review. Which reminds me, I better give the center a call tomorrow again and see if Tara found anything out for me.

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I got bored with TV around 8 pm tonight. So I came up here to do stuff on the computer. I was going to work on Kohaku's site, but ended up doing the following instead. Yep! It's time for more story!!! Sam's in this part!

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Running. Hikaru was running. He was in a city unfamiliar to him. He didn’t know why he was running or from what. Snow was flying all around him. And on he ran. Up one street, down another. Getting farther away from anything that he may have known. Getting farther away from himself.

Hikaru sat up suddenly, gasping for breath. It had been a dream. He looked around at where he was. He was in the guesthouse His plan had worked and he was in his body again.

Outside it was light. Daytime had arrived. Hikaru tried to stand. Slowly he made it to his feet. How many days had passed? Four? Five? He didn’t care. He wanted to go outside. A few steps were all he needed to make it to the door. After what seemed like an eternity, Hikaru was at the door. He slid it open and stood there, breathing in the fresh air. Another step and his legs gave out. He sat by the door, just happy to be outside.

Takeda was coming to the guesthouse with breakfast when he saw Hikaru fall. He dropped the tray and ran to his young master’s side. “Hikaru-kun! Are you all right? What are you doing here?” he said as he lifted the boy and carried him back inside the guesthouse.

“I saw it was daylight,” Hikaru said. “I wanted to go outside.”

“You should have waited,” Takeda said as he set Hikaru down. “You’re not strong enough to move yet. The doctor will be here to see you soon.”

Hikaru was quiet as Takeda set him down. Once back in the bed, he sighed. “Could you leave the door open?” he asked.

“Of course,” Takeda said. “I must apologize. I dropped your breakfast when I saw you fall. Just lay back, I will be back shortly.”

“Yes, sensei,” Hikaru said automatically.

A few minutes later, Takeda was back with breakfast. He waited as Hikaru sat up. Breakfast was spent talking about what had happened.
Hikaru was saddened by the news of his father’s death, but somehow was not surprised by it. “I was in a way expecting it,” he said. “Father seemed so distant the day before he left. It was almost as if he knew he wouldn’t return.”

“You’re right. Master Yoshihiro was preoccupied that day. He spent much time alone. I can only assume that is when he wrote this letter.” He took the letter out of his sleeve. “I’ve been carrying this since the night I read it. I am sorry that I read the letter without your permission.” Takeda bowed his head.

“It’s all right,” Hikaru said. “You didn’t know what was written there, so you need not be ashamed.” He took the letter from Takeda and read it for himself. When finished, he spoke, “When I am strong enough, I will find Shizuyo—my mother.”

Takeda looked at his young master and nodded in agreement. He was about to speak when a shout from the garden caught his attention. The two looked and the doctor appeared at the door.

“Ah, here you are,” the doctor said. “It’s nice to see you’ve awakened, Nakamura-san. Now, to see what damage has been done.” He shooed Takeda to one side and began his examination. A while later he declared no lasting harm had been done and prescribed much fresh air and short walks about to regain strength. “But no kenjustu until you can walk unassisted, and even then, you must not overexert yourself. You were hit fairly hard and spent too long sleeping. You need to gradually regain your strength.” The doctor stayed long enough to help Takeda walk Hikaru to the garden and then took his leave.
* * *
Three days into the voyage to Yokohama, Sam got sick. She had been all right for the first two days, but on the third, something went bad. She was working with the other cabin boys on deck when Captain Harding came along and began to quiz them on some of the operations of the ship. When he asked her what navigation aids were available, she hesitated and stammered out the first thing that came to mind. The other cabin boys laughed and Captain Harding berated them all. Sam, however, was taken aside and told the answer. “Thank you, sir,” was all she said before she was sick on the captain’s shoes.

She was sent below decks to the cabin she shared with her brother and told to clean up and then see the ship’s doctor. Captain Harding did not seem upset, but rather was mildly amused that it had taken three days for O’Riley’s young brother to become seasick.

Sam cleaned up and went to see Doctor Murphy. “Captain Harding sent me, sir,” she said.

Doctor Murphy looked up from his book and smiled, “Yes, he said you’d be coming. Have a seat, O’Riley, and let me take a look.”

Sam hesitated, and then sat down.
Murphy went about his business. “Everything seems to be fine,” he said. “You may have a touch of food poisoning, though. You had the stew last night, didn’t you?”

Sam nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Well, you’re not alone. I’ve seen three others with the same symptoms. Here, drink this down and you’ll be better in no time at all.” He held out a glass of white liquid.

Sam took the glass and drank. As she finished, she spotted a photograph on the doctor’s desk. It was the same photograph she had in her belongings in her cabin. It was a photograph of her parents.

Murphy noticed her reaction to the picture and laughed. “Don’t worry Samantha,” he said. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Sam looked at him. “Who are you? How do you know me?” Fear was mingling with the knot in her stomach.

“I’m your uncle Patrick,” he said. “Your mother is my oldest sister. Andrew told me all about you after your grandmother talked to him about your mission.”

“But…he never said anything to me.”

“I know. We didn’t want you to get frightened any more than you already are, but he decided it was best that I know. Just in case,” he said with a wink. “Now, get back to work, O’Riley, and tell Captain Harding that I want to talk to him.” He pointed at the door.

“Yes, sir,” Sam said and went to find the captain. She felt somewhat better from the medicine and from knowing she had another ally on board the Athene.
* * *
“When I awoke the next morning, I didn’t realize that I had slept for five days,” Hikaru said. “But I don’t know why I was in the guesthouse. Takeda-sensei moved me there.”

Satsuo had come to visit Hikaru as usual in the afternoon. He was happy to find Hikaru sitting in the garden, and was content to sit and talk with his friend. He still apologized for his clumsiness that caused the injury. “I’m sorry, Hikaru-kun, I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know. Takeda-sensei told me what happened. Don’t worry anymore. It was an accident and I don’t blame you.” Hikaru looked up and saw Takeda bringing a tray with tea out to the boys. “Let’s have some tea and you can tell me what the other students have been doing.”

Satsuo took the tray from Takeda and handed a cup to Hikaru. “Many of them have gone to other dojos to continue training, but some are waiting to return here.”

The two sat silently for a moment, drinking their tea. Hikaru looked up at a tree and sighed. “That may not be possible, Satsuo-kun,” he said. “My father will not be coming back, and I cannot run the dojo myself. Takeda-sensei has been sorting through my father’s papers.”

Satsuo looked at his friend and thought about what he had just said. “Your father?” he asked.

“Killed in battle,” Hikaru answered. “He died with honor, yet…”

“What?”

“Yet he left the affairs of the dojo in disarray. It may be that we never reopen. However nothing will be decided until I am stronger.”

“That is true. You must regain your strength first, but I hope that the dojo will open again.” Satsuo finished his tea.

“I don’t know, Satsuo-kun. It is something that I need to consider at length.” Hikaru set his tea down. He noticed his hand turning silver. He pulled it back quickly and tucked his arm into his kimono sleeve. He glanced at Satsuo, but his friend had not seen. “I… I think I need to lie down for a while,” he stammered.

“Should I get Takeda-sensei?” There was a tone of worry in Satsuo’s voice.

“Yes, please. I’m sorry, Satsuo-kun, but I’m very tired now. I need to rest.” His other hand had turned silver as well. He tucked it inside his kimono.

Satsuo went to look for Takeda and returned shortly with the teacher. “He was talking about the dojo and his father, then said he was very tired.”

Takeda nodded. He could see by the look on Hikaru’s face that something was wrong. “Thank you, Satsuo-kun. I can take care of him. Would you please open the door to the guesthouse?” He helped Hikaru to his feet and began to take him back inside.

Satsuo waited by the door. He made sure that Takeda got Hikaru into bed. “I will say goodbye for now, Hikaru-kun. Sleep well.” He bowed and then left.

Takeda turned to his young master. “What is wrong? You don’t seem over-tired. Did Satsuo say something to upset you?”

“No, sensei.” Hikaru pulled his hands out of his sleeves. “Satsuo-kun said nothing. It’s just…. this.” He held his hands out so Takeda could see. The silver seemed to have crept farther up his arms almost to his elbows. On the inside of each forearm, a mark had appeared. On the left was the glyph for fire; the right, metal. Those had not been there before. “What is happening to me?”

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Oooh... a cliffhanger! Haha!

Laters!

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Sunday, March 20, 2005

   Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody....

Well... the week is winding down now. How was it for all of you? It was okay for me. I got to see a hockey game. I got to see a movie. I spent a couple hours working on Kohaku's Cosplay. It's still a way from being networthy, but it now has cool graphics! Kohaku's even been helping!

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I went to see Robots today. It's a fun movie! Lots of little things make it great.

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Oh...I was watching Cartoon Network the other night because I could! I don't get it at home, so in the motel I took advantage of the cable system and watched it all night!

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Now...what should I do?

Laters!

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Saturday, March 19, 2005

   Can you say "Spanked" ?

Friday night's score: Musketeers 7; Blackhawks 2! Wheee!!!

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I didn't go to the game at all, but found that score online. I like that score! That means we won our game.

We didn't go because the weather was bizarre today. It was raining after last night's game and this morning. We also had some hail and snow. Bizarre.

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I'm tired tonight. Didn't sleep too well at the motel, but that could be partly from staying up watching Cartoon Network until 1:00 am and then getting a wakeup call at 7:00 am.

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In closing, here's an extreme closeup the right sleeve of my brother's Musketeers jersey.



Laters!

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Friday, March 18, 2005

   Shoot out.... WIN!!!

Thursday winds to a close, and my hockey team won their game in a shootout! w00t! Go Musketeers!

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Oh...the joys of dialup! I'm in Sioux City tonight staying at the motel where my brother works. I have the laptop and had to put a string in to keep the modem connected.... so.... I'm connected even slower than usual! And that also means I may not get to all sites tonight.

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Laters!

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Thursday, March 17, 2005

   What's green, has six legs, and would kill you if it fell out of a tree on you?

A billiard table!

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Okay... enough with the bad jokes.

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Wednesday is screeching to a halt here. My day consisted of going to Sioux City with the parentals and changing the address on my drivers license. Hit Culver's for lunch... mmm, Culver's... and then the mall. Had a Raspberry Mocha at B&N. Yummy!!!! I did look at a few Javascript books, but didn't get anything. They didn't have the one I really want. I'll have to order that one. Blah. Then grocery shopping and back home again. Whee!
I lead such an exciting life, don't I?

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As this thing will be dated on the 17th, I have a treat for you! Someone found the Pot of Gold!!

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Oh...Miasma Moon, yesterday's subject line is the opening lyrics for the song Swan Swan H by R.E.M. And with some perserverance I hope to have Kohaku's Cosplay back up sometime this century!

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Laters!

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Additional: Before I forget AGAIN... I broke 2000 hits the other day. w00t!

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Wednesday, March 16, 2005

   Swan, swan, hummingbird...Hurrah, we are all free now...What noisy cats are we

Tuesday night... and I realize I am an idiot!

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Well... I discovered that I left a really vital part of my story out. I'll post it shortly, but first I gotta show you these pictures.

Here's the tattoo so far:


Cool, ain't it? If you haven't seen the original design, go check my fanart section. The full color picture is there. And for those of you who are just tuning in... this is on my brother-in-law, not me.

And my car:

See? It's white with a black thing on it. That's why I renamed it Onigiri! And if it acts up, I can call it Oni for short!

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Now for the part of the story that I forgot to post. This takes place before Takeda sees Hikaru's spirit in the garden. Sorry I didn't get it where it was supposed to be. If I get my arse in gear, I'll have it in the right place on the website.

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It wasn’t long after the messenger had brought the news of Master Yoshihiro’s death that Takeda learned of the truth about Shizuyo, Hikaru’s mother. Three days had passed since the monk had sat praying over the boy, and still Hikaru slept. There was that disturbing moment when the boy had sat up and the lamps flared brightly. That still weighed upon Takeda’s mind.

With the death of Yoshihiro and the illness of Hikaru, the duty of managing the dojo fell to Takeda. It was not possible for him to continue lessons at this time, so he reluctantly dismissed the students, giving them recommendations for other dojos in town. Satsuo still came by every day for news of Hikaru’s health. This had affected him greatly and he felt a great deal of guilt for having done harm to his friend and instructor. Takeda would allow him to sit with Hikaru for short periods of time.

Late in the evening, Takeda was sorting through the papers dealing with the accounts of the dojo when he came across something that did not refer to the dojo. It was a letter written by Master Yoshihiro to his son just before he had gone to battle. He sat staring at the letter for a few minutes, then began to read:

“My son, it is with heavy heart that I write these words. I am called to battle and wish that I did not have to go. I have a fear that we will never see each other after this. Battle is a terrible thing, yet I am honor bound to go. Do not be sad at my departure, but be proud that your father is serving his lord with honor.

“If my fears are realized, I feel it is vital that you know the truth about your mother. Fair Shizuyo did not die when you were small, as I had told you. Forgive me my untruth, it was told for your protection at the time. You were very young and the truth was beyond your understanding. Your mother returned to her people against her will.

“If you travel to the north and west past the new capital of Tokyo, you will come to the place where I grew up. My father’s estate is near some cliffs where a clan of demons dwells. The demon clan is you mother’s family.”

Takeda stopped reading. He was not sure what to make of this. He thought back to when he had left the estate with Yoshihiro and Shizuyo. There had been a great disagreement within the family. The argument was over Shizuyo. She had not been accepted by Yoshihiro’s parents.

Takeda let the letter fall to the floor as he realized what this meant. Hikaru’s mother was a demon. He remembered her eyes. Shizuyo had green eyes. Hikaru’s eyes were green as well.

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Well.... there you go. That explains a lot of stuff that happens in the next part after Hikaru's awakening.

Now.. to fix the website! I'm still working at Kohaku's Cosplay... I discovered that I have to add two pages to what was there originally. That's gonna wait a bit.

Laters!

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