A Visit in Seclusion [Okinawa]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; vertical-align: top;][STYLE=width: 266px; padding: 17px 17px; text-align: justify; font: 11px tahoma; background: #e8edd5; border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px; color: #55574e; float: left; -moz-border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px;] The flight had been very long and as monotonous as one would expect of a seventeen and half hour trip. Most of the empty time was used working—penning in documents and dialing a few important numbers, even late into the night when most of the other passengers had nodded off to sleep. Work was never lacking, especially in this global economy. The real reason for this new enthusiasm for finishing early was so that he could be free from it for the next day or so. His boss had given him leave to ‘reestablish foreign relationships.’ For their kind, that would be the same as a social visit or complying with formerly accepted conditions regarding the ‘relationship.’ Everything was political. By the time he had arrived after switching in-between locations for a second flight, he was relieved. It always felt good to be on land once more. With that being noted, Arthur wasn’t much for traveling by air. However, it was nice to see this side of the world. It had been so long. One thing that he had noticed and continued to notice was the higher than usual ghostly or spiritual activity. It was somewhat entertaining to see entities going about their business or simply being in a part of the world where their presence was generally more accepted. The relationships between the living, the dead, and the spirits of the natural world here were respected or at least acknowledged. Far different from most of the West, he thought grudgingly. As he was accustomed to doing, so as not to cause any discomfort to those back at home, he only offered passing glances whenever he spotted one. If an entity was blatantly trying to get his attention, he would politely acknowledge it, but not in any way that would cause others to take notice of him “acting strangely.” After leaving the airport, he sent Hourai a message, alerting her that he would be there relatively soon. Arthur had always been oddly fascinated by the Ryukyu Islands, more specifically with their indigenous beliefs and practices. Something a bit more corporeal (for him at least) was also the captivation brought on by his personal sightings of magical creatures around the islands. He could see them… but he really didn’t know much about them… or what they could do… or why they were there. One in particular was an entity that he could remember seeing near Hourai’s home; something resembling a young boy with a shock of red hair—wearing an abnormally wide mischievous grin. At the moment it was quiet as he made his way up the path. Toting his luggage as well as a gift of packaged sweets, he peered about for her bell, barely remembering that knocking was rarely standard here. After finding it, he waited at her doorstep, and couldn’t help but to wonder what type of reception he would receive. - - - - - - - - - - NOTES: Managed to get this up sooner than I expected. I know it’s not the best, but hopefully it’s somewhat acceptable. xD [/style] [STYLE=font: 35px impact; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-top: -415px; line-height: 35px; -o-transform: rotate(90deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); -moz-transform: rotate(90deg); margin-left: -10px; float: right; color: #8DA4AC;][STYLE=letter-spacing: 2px;]HARD TO[/style]BREATHE[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background: #8DA4AC; width: 100px; padding: 5px; margin-top: -310px; margin-right: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; font: 10px orator std; text-align: justify; line-height: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #000;] There's someone inside me that softly kills everyone around. They don't know they're dead to me because intent never makes a sound. All along they found I strangled lovers who've learned from slower hands. With these eleven minutes I could teach you what I am. [/style]

[STYLE=font-family: ms gothic; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;]MADE BY jumpstart! of btn, ote and ls[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 450px; padding: 10px;][bg=121212][style=font-family: arial narrow; color: #00BBFF; font-weight: bold; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 16px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 320px solid #00BBFF;]THIS IS A GAME.[/style] [style=text-align: left; color: #e4e4e4; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; font-family: arial;]DO NOT TRUST YOUR EARS. WHAT YOU HEAR ARE LIES.[/style] [style=margin-top: 5px; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #e4e4e4; background-color: #212121; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #222222;] [style=zoom: 1; filter: alpha(opacity=70); opacity: 0.7; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; width: 100px; height: 100px; border-radius: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/JFnQc.png); float: left;] [/style] It was a complete surprise when, yesterday, the maids noticed that the room's empty and she was nowhere to be found. Japan or his boss did not arrived to check on her well-being so it would be impossible that she was 'dragged out' once again. If they looked hard enough, they should also noticed that the expensive china set she have received from said nation (he mentioned it came from another country in the west) was outside and cleaned up and that the gate outside was open. So where in the world is Okinawa? It was uncommon- but not beyond surprising or a miracle- to see the prefecture holding at the edge of the door frame in a store, debating if she was going to enter or not like a child unsure if their parents are inside. Still, it was a complete surprise that the prefecture decided to come out of her shell of a home, though as of what forced her to come out asides being persuaded by her brother or her boss is definitely not the reason since she wouldn't be so agitated as to wanted inside the store for something. Still, to see her in the nearby town on her own will instead of being forced to interact with everyone else, it was something. Hence we come to the present time- AKA today- where she just received a message that England has finally arrived at the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. It was too bad Japan-niisama wasn't around, she thought, he could have visited as well and the two would get to talk with each othe- "Itai!" Wincing from the pain, the raven-haired prefecture placed her thumb in her mouth to cool it down as she quickly closed the stove so that the water pot would stop whistling, it just so happened that because of the ringtone of her phone that she was taking out of surprise and accidentally touched the hot material of the pot. Well, the water's finally hot and the tea set was ready so all she needed was to await for his arrival and she could prepare the foreign tea that he likes- the sole reason why she went out in the first place. "Ojou-sama," One of the maids called, rushing towards the prefecture inside the kitchen where she was working. "You have visitor." And, indeed, she could hear the ringing of the doorbell which usually answered by anyone but her. Okinawa sighed though a mild smile appeared on her face, excited for her visitor who would even bother to drop by to visit. Still too bad Japan wasn't here to join with them, but she wishes he would understand. "I shall get it." Immediately, Hourai Aragaki straighten her attire while removing her white apron and handling it to one of the maids as she went towards the oak door of her old-style manor. And, to think, inside (especially her bedroom) are filled with equipment any hardcore gamers and otakus would die for. Some prefecture she was. Since she only have a handful of maids here and there considering how she rarely even goes out beyond her bedroom (and there's little to clean), it was a bit unnatural for her to be the one answering the door as she peek to see the mop of blonde hair and the tall stature of a dignified nation her 'brother' knew so well. "Yokoso irasshai mashita, England-san~" With a polite bow, the raven-haired prefecture greeted the nation as she gestured him to enter. "I have received your message, it is a pleasure of you visiting me." Okinawa greeted with a mild smile, gesturing if he woul need someone to help him with the luggage for her to call one of her maids to assist him. "I was just finished heating up the water for tea. I assume trip was delightful, hai? Please, come in and follow me to the living room." Another gesture for him to hand the heavy luggage to the maid who arrived shortly, the Japanese woman awaited for the blonde-haired European nation before leading him inside her home, hopefully to catch up and inform him about Kiku's current situation. Perhaps he would be more relaxed if he knew of his current news despite his somewhat silent status as of late. [style=color: #00BBFF; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #121212; padding: 2px;]TAGGING: ENGLAND | TIMELINE: PRESENT | NOTES: Baw, 'tis alright, 'tis good! XD[/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 10px; font-family: georiga; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px;]TEMPLATE BY SAMARECARM OF OTE[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; vertical-align: top;][STYLE=width: 266px; padding: 17px 17px; text-align: justify; font: 11px tahoma; background: #e8edd5; border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px; color: #55574e; float: left; -moz-border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px;]It was a little surprising, though it was a pleasant sort of surprise, to see Okinawa answer the door herself. It had been a very long time since he had been a guest in her home, so he couldn’t properly remember, but he did know enough of her nature to know that this wasn’t the usual way her door was answered. The corners of his mouth curved into a small, respectful smile toward the dark-haired prefecture as she greeted him in the usual courteous manner. Soon after, he reflected the polite bow, light pink dusting his cheeks as it had been a while since he had greeted anyone like that. He briefly wondered if he looked as silly as he felt, but it quickly dissipated when she gestured for him to enter. "Hello, Okinawa. You’re looking well.” England shook his head slightly with a smile at her unspoken inquiry about the luggage. He was generally a light packer and was able to bring just his two-piece set for the trip. He tugged the larger one inside as he unslung the carry-on bag from his shoulder, containing mostly work as well as his laptop that had helped to ease the passage of time during the long trip. Travelling by air had never been Arthur’s favourite mode of transportation, but it had become so commonplace and frequent in the last half of the century, that he had grown numbingly used to it. He barely even thought about it anymore. ”It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me over,” he said once he was inside, following her prompts to cautiously hand over his two pieces of luggage to the maid, taking them away to wherever he was going to be staying, no doubt. ”It really is… The islands are as beautiful as I remember them from the last time.” After a moment, he smiled a little sheepishly. He barely remembered to remove his shoes before entering; something that Kiku had been insistent in reminding him whenever he visited the other nation. ”—though I can’t quite remember when that was. Time goes so quickly.” England followed Okinawa deeper into her home, his eyes travelling along the walls, the floors, and the fixtures whenever he spotted them. It was always interesting to see how a nation, prefecture, or city lived and the type of home that they had fashioned for themselves over the years. England’s home was sometimes described as a bit stuffy by other nations with his collection of knickknacks, old trinkets, and nostalgic reminders of the past—much of which he kept hidden away, either to keep them from the eyes of others or to bury away the memory itself. ”The trip was fine—perhaps a bit long. I’m not partial to travelling by air, but it’s so common these days, it doesn’t bother me like it used to.” he spoke, dragging his gaze from their surroundings back to the prefecture as she led him to the living room. He paused, shuffling a little when they reached the living room, mild warmth filling his cheeks. ”I brought you something… It’s not much… but I wanted to thank you for inviting me into your home.” He held out a nicely parcelled package. It held sweets—ranging from individually wrapped chocolates to other small creations from a higher-end confectionery that he sometimes enjoyed back at home. He hoped that it had escaped any damage during the trip. On the outside, at least, it still looked attractive. It was difficult trying to think of something small and appropriate, nothing too grand, to give for her hospitality. He wasn’t sure if Hourai even liked sweets. - - - - - - - - - - NOTES: Sorry this took so long. I blame Uni-stuff. (: [/style] [STYLE=font: 35px impact; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-top: -415px; line-height: 35px; -o-transform: rotate(90deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); -moz-transform: rotate(90deg); margin-left: -10px; float: right; color: #8DA4AC;][STYLE=letter-spacing: 2px;]HARD TO[/style]BREATHE[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background: #8DA4AC; width: 100px; padding: 5px; margin-top: -310px; margin-right: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; font: 10px orator std; text-align: justify; line-height: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #000;] There's someone inside me that softly kills everyone around. They don't know they're dead to me because intent never makes a sound. All along they found I strangled lovers who've learned from slower hands. With these eleven minutes I could teach you what I am. [/style]

[STYLE=font-family: ms gothic; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;]MADE BY jumpstart! of btn, ote and ls[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 450px; padding: 10px;][bg=121212][style=font-family: arial narrow; color: #00BBFF; font-weight: bold; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 16px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 320px solid #00BBFF;]THIS IS A GAME.[/style] [style=text-align: left; color: #e4e4e4; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; font-family: arial;]DO NOT TRUST YOUR EARS. WHAT YOU HEAR ARE LIES.[/style] [style=margin-top: 5px; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #e4e4e4; background-color: #212121; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #222222;] [style=zoom: 1; filter: alpha(opacity=70); opacity: 0.7; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; width: 100px; height: 100px; border-radius: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/JFnQc.png); float: left;] [/style] "Arigato Gozaimasu, England-san." Okinawa gave another nod of gratitude at his statement, not exactly the most vocal of the Prefectures under Japan though she manage to put her point across without saying too much, as it was the case with England. She doesn't have to speak any more unecessary words or dally on with the conversation; her gestures alone tells that the raven-haired Prefecture was more than happy to have someone around to talk to instead of the norm of her getting out of the house to do so. Then again, sometimes little conversations can't be helped so she tends to just listen and speak when necessary. "I am glad that you do," The raven-haired female smiled with a mild delight at his relaxed figure, something she rarely see (then again, she rarely comes out and interact with anyone so she wouldn't know). "I tried my best to preserve everything, though modernization isn't that bad sometimes," She spoke, her sleeve-covered hand placed under her chin as she pondered. "Indeed, it has been a long time." She added with a mild sigh, removing her slippers and changing to her own, woolen slippers that she have been wearing inside. "That last time you were here were.... really a long time ago." Indeed, she do recall when she first saw him in her own household while Kiku was introducing him to his Prefectures and insisting about the 'westernization'. Unlike the most, she insisted to do it slowly and gradually instead of immediately, letting her retain her natural beauty of the nature and the cultures held here. Of course, that was before the dreaded event... Back then, she is as active outside compared to now, unfortunately. While touring the nation inside her adobe, compared to most hers would be a bit more old-fashioned though with a little modern touches here and there; there are still futons and floor tables here and there, paper screen doors, a heater especially on Christmas time, but there are also some modern stuff like the kitchen or the television in the Living room along with assortments of memorabilia from the old times in Edo period like a display of samurai katanas and old armor to name the few. There's even a garden in the back with a koi pond and bamboo fence facing the forest behind her home but that's to expect to a Prefecture who rather do well in the nature than most, nobody will even be surprised if an onsen is located somewhere in her backyard for all they know. She listened once more as England told her about his trip and she made a hum of understanding, not daring to interrupt him with his tale. It wasn't until he's finish talking that she started to talk. "Indeed," Hourai said with melancholy in her tone. "I, as much, prefer walking by land, if possible. Then again, I only go out when necessary." By necessary means either she was told by her boss to get out of her home and start doing something like hang out with anyone or when she needs to buy something she only know, like a certain game cartridge. Upon reaching the living room, she blinked in curiosity as the Western nation spoke once more and handed her a package, her delicate hands finally revealed through the long sleeves of her gown-like attire (she actually sleeps with it, but nobody knows about it) and taking the box. For a few seconds, the female prefecture doesn't know what to do with it or how to react since she rarely receives gifts from foreigners unless it has something to do with trading resources but it didn't took her too long before she smiled once more- a bit wider than before, if anything- and took the parcel with great gratitude, careful as to not upturning its content as if it was made of glass. "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu, that is very thoughtful of you, England-san!" She said with another bow as the female placed the present onto the coffee table. "This will go well with tea I'm preparing!" Only then she realized about what she was doing before Arthur arrived as she gave a small nod to excuse herself before heading towards the kitchen to fetch the pot of water and the tea. Normally, she would have ordered the maids to do it, but since she insisted that she wants to be the one preparing the tea, it mildly piqued their interest as how she will handle her guest with relying only to herself to do most of the tedious tasks, something she rarely do with all the free time of her locking herself up in the room and doing God-knows-what. With the porcelain kettle, two western teacups and a small box containing tea bags in a silver tray, the raven-haired Prefecture returned to the living room where her guest assumed to wait, placing the tray down beside the box of sweets as she sat down on the sofa. "Sumimasen, I never manage to know how to actually make your kind of tea," Okinawa spoke once more but with sincere apology, opening the box to pull out a teabag inside its paper package. "I thought it would have been like our green tea, I suppose the store-owner was surprised that I requested it compared to my normal order." She paused for a bit, giving a thought about a mild, trivial thing she have overlook about the tea, before the maiden continued. "But, in honesty, I am surprised that you have managed to get some time from your work to visit someone like me. My humble apologies if I haven't informed Kiku-niisama about your arrival though, if it helps, he said he will be very busy with his work as well." [style=color: #00BBFF; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #121212; padding: 2px;]TAGGING: ENGLAND | TIMELINE: PRESENT | NOTES: Tis alright, I'm in the middle of Uni Finals here as well. *shot*[/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 10px; font-family: georiga; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px;]TEMPLATE BY SAMARECARM OF OTE[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; vertical-align: top;][STYLE=width: 266px; padding: 17px 17px; text-align: justify; font: 11px tahoma; background: #e8edd5; border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px; color: #55574e; float: left; -moz-border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px;]Arthur noticed her nod and understood what she meant. A small thing that he respected of the Eastern nations was that they were of fewer words and seemed to place more emphasis on their actions. This—he could appreciate, especially when he could think of a select few in the western world that spoke far more often than was necessary. In some cases, more loudly than was necessary, if only to drown out all the others. He fell silent when she spoke a little of when they had first met. Everything was so painstakingly formal, but it was a kind of formality that Arthur was very much used to and had an easier time adjusting. The small, dark-haired prefecture piqued his interest after their formal introductions. He was intrigued by her culture and the unique beauty that it held. Of course, that was probably just the nostalgic side of him showing. Retaining roots, especially cultural ones, have always held an important place for him. It was something personal and deep for any representative and he could understand her desire to change at a slower pace than most others. Even today, England still kept a firm hold over his own origins, which probably explains… a few of his oddities. Well, odd in today’s world apparently. Really, he admired the old-fashioned style of her home. Then again, he respected memories of the past. His gaze was instantly drawn to some of the old weaponry and armour. His desire to see them more closely grew, but he kept his composure and followed Hourai. Her back garden also drew his attention, though it was with a calmer interest as opposed to the more avid one he held for some of the memorabilia he spied throughout. He turned his eyes back toward Hourai when she began to speak. He wondered about the melancholy in her tone, though couldn’t think of a polite, unobtrusive way to question further about it, so he only nodded slightly in understanding. Arthur wasn’t sure of how to take Hourai’s silence at first when he gave her the small gift, but could breathe a bit in relief when she smiled. He wasn’t exactly sure what she had said to him, but it wasn’t difficult to guess. He lowered his head slightly in return to her bow. When she excused herself from the room, probably to bring everything in, he couldn’t help but to look just a little more closely at some of her memorabilia in the living room. Glancing toward where she had gone, he moved closer to one that looked particularly old. When Hourai returned, he moved back to where he had been before, though took his seat when Okinawa took hers. ”I’m sure it’s not too different from the way you prepare yours,” Arthur offered with a courteous smile. Really, making tea was a matter of taste and he wasn’t going to criticise her for it. It was just a matter of heating water to draw the taste and scent from an arrangement of herbs. Some of it came down to preferences—such as how long to seep the leaves or what to pour in it later. He was only a tad bit disappointed that they were using teabags instead of loose leaf, but to be honest, he used both. Being busy has made him adjust, so he wasn’t too selective. ”I’m flattered that you went through the trouble. I do enjoy your tea as well.” The corners of his mouth quirked slightly. Arthur couldn’t remember the last time that anyone wanted to drink tea with him; either because of his less than desirable company (according to most) or because of his preference in company... That probably went hand in hand. He tried not to think of that as he began to seep his own teabag. ”That’s all right. I understand. This visit is specifically for you in any case.” He smiled a little as he pressed the tea bag against the side of his cup with the edge of his spoon. ”Likewise, I am surprised that you were eager to open your home to me, given your usual preference for solitude.“ - - - - - - - - - - NOTES: XD [/style] [STYLE=font: 35px impact; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-top: -415px; line-height: 35px; -o-transform: rotate(90deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); -moz-transform: rotate(90deg); margin-left: -10px; float: right; color: #8DA4AC;][STYLE=letter-spacing: 2px;]HARD TO[/style]BREATHE[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background: #8DA4AC; width: 100px; padding: 5px; margin-top: -310px; margin-right: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; font: 10px orator std; text-align: justify; line-height: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #000;] There's someone inside me that softly kills everyone around. They don't know they're dead to me because intent never makes a sound. All along they found I strangled lovers who've learned from slower hands. With these eleven minutes I could teach you what I am. [/style]

[STYLE=font-family: ms gothic; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;]MADE BY jumpstart! of btn, ote and ls[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 450px; padding: 10px;][bg=121212][style=font-family: arial narrow; color: #00BBFF; font-weight: bold; font-size: 20px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 16px; padding-left: 5px; border-left: 320px solid #00BBFF;]THIS IS A GAME.[/style] [style=text-align: left; color: #e4e4e4; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 3px; font-family: arial;]DO NOT TRUST YOUR EARS. WHAT YOU HEAR ARE LIES.[/style] [style=margin-top: 5px; font-size: 10px; text-align: justify; color: #e4e4e4; background-color: #212121; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #222222;] [style=zoom: 1; filter: alpha(opacity=70); opacity: 0.7; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; width: 100px; height: 100px; border-radius: 10px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/JFnQc.png); float: left;] [/style] Okinawa tilted her head a bit, watching the nation make his own tea but not staring at him directly as she took the hint and gave a small nod of understanding. So, it means it is like everything else? She did try the teabags for a change and she finds it a bit odd compared to the usual methods. She watched his facial expression change a bit, earning a more-curious look from the prefecture but nevertheless started to mimic his manner of making tea, poking the bag ever so often with the tip of the teaspoon. "I haven't tried this method, to be honest," She spoke in a slow, careful manner while her attention is still at her own teabag submerged in the hot water inside the cup, poking the bag as if it was some odd creature worthy of her attention. "Although the owner thought I must have mistaken my tea preference since I chose something different." The raven-haired prefecture paused, retreating her teaspoon and placed them on the saucer as she began opening the sweets that England gave to her. "Then again, the last time I went out and visited the store was a few months ago." The last part she mumbled loud enough for him to hear, partly ashamed for her lack of 'sightings' outside her home. "But I believe that you deserve to have a small break and having tea is a delight on itself." Looking at the delectable sweets as soon as she lifted the lid, Okinawa seems delightful at their different shapes and sizes but refrain from actually showing it- instead showing a mild smile on her face- as the maiden picked up one piece and took a small bite out of it, chewing slowly as she looked once more to her visitor as he replied to her statement about him visiting on such short notice. "Oh, I suppose you can say that I was bored," Hourai explained as soon as she finished with the chocolate she was eating a while ago. "Japan-niisama is currently busy and as for the rest..." The female went silent, a small, twitchy smile came out involuntary as she recalled the thought before she straighten herself once more with a small cough, covering her mouth with her sleeved hand. "It's actually quite a change to have visitors once in a while who actually announce their visit." Pause. "Unlike someone we know." The last part was said with a mild annoyance especially with an emphasis with a certain word. "Nevertheless, usually nobody wouldn't be able to pull me out of my room while I content myself in front of the computer unless you are Japan-niisama, our boss or if you decide to just barge in without warning." Realizing that her voice was getting a bit more steely the more she talks about it, Okinawa quickly stopped herself, took a deep breath before returning her attention to the tea, probably to keep her from just locking herself back into her own bedroom in both shame and anger desperation. "But I'm suppose things are doing fare in your place, England-sama?" She asked innocently, shifting her gaze at the blonde-haired male before her. [style=color: #00BBFF; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #121212; padding: 2px;]TAGGING: ENGLAND | TIMELINE: PRESENT | NOTES: For the record, she's talking about America.[/style][/style]

[style=font-size: 10px; font-family: georiga; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 3px;]TEMPLATE BY SAMARECARM OF OTE[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; vertical-align: top;][STYLE=width: 266px; padding: 17px 17px; text-align: justify; font: 11px tahoma; background: #e8edd5; border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px; color: #55574e; float: left; -moz-border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px;]Though he concentrated on seeping his teabag, he occasionally glanced at Okinawa as she mimicked his actions. The movement made him smile a little. A moment passed before it looked about ready. He reached over to drop in two sugars. It was his usual preference for pleasure drinking. Otherwise, he normally would have seeped his leaves a bit longer for a stronger blend. His eyes passed over her once more as she tended to hers. ”I take it that you’ve never tried this brand before?” He knew what her answer was based on her curious glances, but he was interested in hearing her answer. His smile grew in slight amusement when he noticed her poking at her teabag and concentrating on it as if a great deal depended on watching the oddly shaped bag of herbs. ”It’s common, but most that I know of don’t prefer it over the traditional way of making tea. It’s good for busy schedules.” He said as he removed the spoon from his cup. He paused when he heard her speaking about buying the tea from a certain shop. ”A few months ago?” Usually he had to make weekly trips at best to refill his supplies. Then again, he never bought overtly large quantities to begin with. ”Do you order a couple of months-worth at a time? Or do you drink sparingly?” ”Indeed. If I had enough time in the day, I would indulge in it more often.” He managed a small sip of the brew. It was strong and hot with just a hint of sweetness. Normally, it was the way that he prepared his morning cuppa before a business meeting while on the run. England caught Okinawa’s mild smile and was secretly delighted with her reaction. He knew they were reserved, so seeing her smile felt a bit like a grand compliment. ”I can imagine that you haven’t had much to fill your hours…” England couldn’t help an expression of mild amusement cross his face at her involuntary reaction when speaking of the others. Yes, he got her point. He probably looked somewhat similar whenever he was forced to comment on anyone else in the bloody European continent. Sometimes it cooled his irritation to think of himself as a little distant from them. At least he wasn’t part of the mainland. That was only sometimes, though. ”Oh, really?” England was a little bit surprised that more wouldn’t be falling over the other to visit a stunning island like hers. Most in the west would consider it to be a pleasant little getaway. ”Well, I hope it’s a pleasant change.” England snorted with amusement when she made a very small slight towards a certain someone that they both knew. ”Yes, true. He can be… incorrigible.” The boy did make it an annoying habit of his to intrude wherever he deemed himself needed. Drinking a bit more tea, he listened to her next words. ”I understand how valuable solitude must be to you. It feels… safe. No one can bring harm if your doors remain closed.” To a certain extent, he could understand that, but he wasn’t one to shut everyone out, no matter how much they may have hurt him in the past. The world continued its way, insensitive to those that ran into a bit of a stumble. ”Nonetheless, I’m honoured that you received me as a guest. If I may speak freely, you are too lovely to remain locked away.” He smiled a little, now a little embarrassed that those words actually came out. His cheeks coloured just a little, not really used to giving compliments. England was definitely not a flatterer by nature, but he did give compliments whenever he felt they were merited. In short, they were honest. He cleared his throat a little before taking another sip, averting his eyes from hers. There was a small pause before he answered. His face had cooled somewhat. ”Everything is as fine as it can be. I’m sure you can imagine the chaos outside my borders. I have the misfortune of having neighbors that are of questionable sanity.” His words were directed mainly at his brothers, his at times bipolar sister, and the flamboyant idiot Francis. Sometimes he wondered if they conspired to give him hell just for the sheer purpose of irritating him. England knew that was vain to think, but sometimes he couldn’t help but wonder… the level of annoyance he reached with them was monumental at times. - - - - - - - - - - NOTES: [/style] [STYLE=font: 35px impact; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-top: -415px; line-height: 35px; -o-transform: rotate(90deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); -moz-transform: rotate(90deg); margin-left: -10px; float: right; color: #8DA4AC;][STYLE=letter-spacing: 2px;]HARD TO[/style]BREATHE[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background: #8DA4AC; width: 100px; padding: 5px; margin-top: -310px; margin-right: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; font: 10px orator std; text-align: justify; line-height: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #000;] There's someone inside me that softly kills everyone around. They don't know they're dead to me because intent never makes a sound. All along they found I strangled lovers who've learned from slower hands. With these eleven minutes I could teach you what I am. [/style]

[STYLE=font-family: ms gothic; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;]MADE BY jumpstart! of btn, ote and ls[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i51.tinypic.com/f0uus9.jpg); border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #101010; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#101010; border-top:5px solid #101010;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #101010; height:6px; font-size:30px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#F83E3F; text-shadow:#000000 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]❧ I'll gather a thought[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #F83E3F; border-bottom: 1px dotted #F83E3F; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#69644f; background-color:#202020; letter-spacing: 1]that seems like a prayer up to the sky[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 101010; color: 4d4a3d; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Listening while doing something else is one of things Okinawa does and when she does things, she always make sure to put an effort into it. Maybe it's because she got nothing else to do at home that she tend to harness listening (or interacting) with someone (preferably the maids or her brother) while staring in front of the PC/TV/anywhere else and, suppose, she just managed to do so without her actually knowing how in the world she does it. It appears that she is doing exactly that, listening to the British gentleman while- all in while- parroting a bit of his actions with her own tea. Only when he asked her about it did she perked up and gave a shake of a head, making her look like an innocent child caught in the act of sneaking out cookies from the cookie jar before dinner. "Not at all," She spoke, still fascinated about how the bag would seep out inside her cup every time she presses it a bit with her spoon. "I'm used with having the maids making me my usual green tea." Until back then, she muttered mentally, when she used to do it by herself. Ah, those good ol' days... "Perhaps I should have bought the other one..." Hourai was mildly curious; there are other kinds of tea asides the one using tea bags? And she didn't know about it? Well, she may be aware of the world outside her own territory, but the raven-haired female wasn't exactly too keen getting too much involved with them, with all the involvement she's already handling with her siblings at distant relatives, but it was also probably because of her being a shut-in that made her a bit too oblivious, perhaps slow on the uptake. It wasn't until she realize that her method of tea-making is one of it that she muttered a curse in her own dialect (Okinawa-go, or Uchina Guchi as it was called by her people) at her mild moment of stupidity before realizing that she have a visitor. It was one of those reasons why Okinawa rarely goes out; she barely used with visitors (other people from across Japan does not count since she's used to them) since she spends most of her time inside her own room, and her dialect can make people who are used to common Nihongo (Yamatoguchi, she calls it) not understand her much more than needed. Instead, the raven-haired female listened once more, nodding again when he asked her about her trips and then shook her head twice at his follow-up question. "No, I mean he commented it was a few months ago since he last saw me outside. I'm used to have my maids go buy the tea in my stead and the owner seems to be well aware of my preference of brand." She spoke, mildly ashamed that she even rarely go out herself and show up to her fellow Uchinanchu (Okinawan people). For compensation, she was a tad busy with a current video game she purchased not long ago, but there could be other reasons. She watched as England began drinking his tea, looking at her own before concluding that hers are done as well and, with the teaspoon out, took a sip. It was a bit bitter than the Green tea variety (or maybe because she didn't put milk on it like the usual or sugar like the blonde-haired man did) but it wasn't that bad to her. It's like drinking tea and eating dango (without the dango), so there's nothing wrong to it. Maybe getting a little get-to-used-to-it feel but otherwise it was nice. For a change. The female looked up, blinking once again in curiosity and wonder at why he is smiling about, sipping her own tea slowly as she holds the cup with both hands (the sleeves have uses after all) and probably try to eat another one of those delectable treats while she's at it. As much as Hourai likes her video games and online interaction, eating something with someone instead of just munching off on some stuff while staring in the screen seems quite nice for a change. Another sip and a quick chew on another chocolate at the thought of America before she realized she was mumbling words to herself, mostly in the same Okinawan dialect ("Uumaku.... Wakaya bidan to warabu... yanakaagii... yuntaku... Yagui...") before she looked up, blinked, and coughed as if she was hoping nobody noticed that. Well, Hourai IS Okinawa, so she is more entitled to speak her tongue than outside though she try to speak in proper language just for the sake of formal understanding. Teaching isn't really that far off, but she might have to ask him to get used to it at some point. Of course, she thought with a sigh. Normally, any woman out there being complimented that they are beautiful would start to blush, gush, and pretty much feel self-conscious about themselves... probably trying to get some more flattery about it. Not Okinawa, though, since she only smiled pleasantly and gave a nod. It seems he is not used to give compliments but she respects him for that as she gave a bow of thanks. "Nifee Deebiru!" Of course, she was flattered but it is better off shown by the fact that she deliberately spoke in Uchinaguchi instead of the Yamatoguchi/Nihongo, but the tone of her voice would pretty much gesture that she was thankful or grateful about his statement. To hear how Okinawa said it would pretty much render it by most Okinawans as cute, at some point. "I wish I could visit to your place someday so I can say the same thing, England-san." She said, this time taking careful note on slipping a language or two out from her mouth."I suppose someday, when I decided to take a fresh air, I would try to visit you and bring some sweets for you." The female added with a soft chuckle. "Ah, that seems a bit more bothersome compared to mine," Okinawa spoke, giving a nod of understanding while sipping through her tea. It wasn't as hot as it was before, so she can hold it with one hand now. "I only hear stuff from Japan-niisama about it, so perhaps my understanding towards them compared to yours would be a bit... skewered." By 'skewered' she means something related to most platonic relationships she have encountered inside the video game, namely Role-playing games. "They must be a really lively bunch, then," She added, looking up a bit while lingering the cup on her mouth as she began imagining what would life be like if she were in England's shoes. Thinking about it made her realize that she pretty much might loose it in less than 24 hours before she shook that thought out and hope that she would never think about it ever again. "Maybe it's best if you just ignore them for a while longer and focus on what's more important..." She said out loud after her musing. Well, she doesn't experience that since she spends most of her time inside, but, surely, she understands his sentiment well enough. "I suppose I should try to be in your shoes for a day and see how will I fare." Already, she was regretting thinking about it again, but she doesn't seem to show it. Nope, the twitching of her eyes have nothing to do with it. [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #101010; height:6px; font-size:32px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#F83E3F; text-shadow:#000000 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]❧ The everlasting scenery[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #F83E3F; border-bottom: 1px dotted #F83E3F; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#69644f; background-color:#202020; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY GHOSTNOTE.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 101010; color: 4d4a3d; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]TAGS: England TIMELINE: Present LOCATION: Okinawa NOTES: Bam! Complete with Okinawa references and language![/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; vertical-align: top;][STYLE=width: 266px; padding: 17px 17px; text-align: justify; font: 11px tahoma; background: #e8edd5; border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px; color: #55574e; float: left; -moz-border-radius: 50px 0px 0px 50px;]Arthur was pleasantly amused by Hourai, catching small glimpses of her various, curious expressions as she prepared her tea. When she mentioned that maids normally made her tea, he glanced over towards the kitchen area, wondering and feeling a bit humoured that she apparently decided to try her own hand at this. ”This is fine.” Any sort of tea really was fine. Arthur wasn’t about to make any remarks otherwise. Really, he was simply grateful to be having tea with anyone. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had invited him over to their home… At least purely for the sake of visiting. Most others avoided him if they could; much less actually go out of their way to accommodate him. Like Hourai, England wasn’t used to visitors (that French bastard didn’t count… he was just a nauseatingly persistent neighbour that had a habit of randomly appearing on his doorstep for the sole purpose of irritating him…) His family members didn’t count either. Arthur both abhorred and couldn’t live without them. It was a twisted situation. Then again, dysfunctional families usually were. Unlike the prefecture; however, Arthur desired company, even if he would never admit to that. He was lonely. Especially in today’s time where nations used electronics and telecommunication to get their business done or to somewhat ‘visit’. He missed the old way of doing things, actually being physically present with another when sharing news or being social. Technology in that sense wasn’t Arthur’s favourite modern development. He listened to Hourai as he sipped at his tea. ”I’m curious… You mentioned that it had been a few months since he’d last seen you… well, venture out. What do you do in your spare time, then?” Arthur had some idea of what the prefecture did in her spare time, but he wanted to hear it from her instead of what others said. It was always best to get information at the source as opposed to listening to rumours flitting about. Noticing that she was trying the tea, he smiled briefly. “How is it?” He was satisfied with it. Although he preferred other methods of making it, this was passable for moments where his preferred method was unavailable or there simply wasn’t enough time to sit down to have proper tea. The taste was bitter compared to other varieties, but Arthur liked it that way. It was a clean palate for later add-ins, depending on his mood or time of day. Arthur glanced at Hourai when she started mumbling in what was probably her own dialect. Blinking and completely silent, he was unsure if he was even supposed to be hearing that. A moment later, Hourai seemed to break away from her own thoughts… whatever those were… He would have asked, but that would seem intrusive, so he simply pretended that he hadn’t noticed the… odd display. In either case, she didn’t seem like she was going to do it again, so he let it drop. It was a nice change for compliments to be simply taken as compliments. Arthur hadn’t really meant anything more out of it than being honest and polite. He smiled at her show of thanks. He was more flattered by her statement about visiting him someday. That was an even rarer request than being asked to visit someone. “You’d be willing to leave your room to visit me?” He paused for a moment as he sipped more tea. “I don’t… receive many visitors, but I’d be honoured if you ever did come by.” The nation wondered what her sorts of sweets tasted like—or at least what Hourai would think to bring him if she ever did find the time or desire to see him. England laughed quietly at Okinawa’s statement that his situation sounded bothersome. That was one way to put it… “Yes, bothersome is a good descriptor,” he quickly agreed with her. Hearing her next supposition, he thought about that a bit more. “Lively is one way to put it… yes.” Completely unhinged more like it. No, he wasn't sure if Hourai would be able to retain her own sanity if she ever did have to walk in his shoes. Arthur sometimes felt a little cracked at times--then again, most Europeans were a little crazy. Having a string of major wars within the last century in particular would do that to any group of nations... not to mention most of them were quite old. "I try my best to ignore them. Unfortunately some of them refuse to be ignored." He smiled his cynical, dry smile as he tasted his barely sweetened tea once more. Some of them would literally be pounding at his door. He noticed the Okinawa's expressions when she made the statement about imagining what it would be like to be in his shoes. "It's probably best not to even imagine," he said, slightly amused. "It's funny... sometimes I do envy your seclusion, but then, of course, there are other moments when I'd do anything just to hear certain others talk to me. It doesn't even have to be about something important... just to say 'hello' or to talk about something stupid..." he stopped himself, taking another sip of tea, slightly embarrassed that he had let that slip. There was nothing that Arthur hated more than letting others know these small, seemingly inane thoughts that he had. "That... probably made little sense, didn't it?" He made a small sound of forced amusement, staring distractedly into his drink while brushing cooled fingers against the warm porcelain of his cup. - - - - - - - - - - NOTES: finally got this up x'D [/style] [STYLE=font: 35px impact; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-top: -415px; line-height: 35px; -o-transform: rotate(90deg); -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); -moz-transform: rotate(90deg); margin-left: -10px; float: right; color: #8DA4AC;][STYLE=letter-spacing: 2px;]HARD TO[/style]BREATHE[/style] [STYLE=float: right; background: #8DA4AC; width: 100px; padding: 5px; margin-top: -310px; margin-right: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; font: 10px orator std; text-align: justify; line-height: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; color: #000;] There's someone inside me that softly kills everyone around. They don't know they're dead to me because intent never makes a sound. All along they found I strangled lovers who've learned from slower hands. With these eleven minutes I could teach you what I am. [/style]

[STYLE=font-family: ms gothic; font-size: 12px; text-transform: uppercase;]MADE BY jumpstart! of btn, ote and ls[/style]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i51.tinypic.com/f0uus9.jpg); border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #101010; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#101010; border-top:5px solid #101010;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #101010; height:6px; font-size:30px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#F83E3F; text-shadow:#000000 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]❧ I'll gather a thought[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #F83E3F; border-bottom: 1px dotted #F83E3F; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#69644f; background-color:#202020; letter-spacing: 1]that seems like a prayer up to the sky[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 101010; color: 4d4a3d; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]"I... see." She looked at her own brew, then took a quick glimpse on the gentleman's own, before she took another sip. Still doesn't taste as what she expected, but she can't complain. There was a certain 'tang' on it that was not found on the normal, green tea she drinks but Hourai would probably consider this option anytime soon, maybe when she feels a need of a minor 'change'. Once again, she doesn't mind change as long as it's gradual and not instantaneous. Surely, people are getting into modernization but still uphold their tradition here in Okinawa, right? Blinking, Hourai looked at Arthur as if someone asked her a stupid question (of course, she was too polite to do that, she she ended up like she was looking at him because there's something on his face) nodding at the fact that she, DID, mentioned that before she replied in a solid, blank tone. "I was busy finishing off the latest game I bought sometime ago." Amongst other things, but he doesn't need to hear the minor details; it was obvious that when the prefecture would say such statement, it pretty much means she spent most of her time holed up in her own home (in her own room, no less), doing God-knows-what until she got bored and wanted to stretch her legs, someone tries to drag her out of her own room or she needs to go to the bathroom for a quick break.... and probably if there are visitors, but she rarely gets anyone outside Japan so the latter was pretty much rarer compared to the former two. "It..." Okinawa wasn't too sure how to say about the tea, but she didn't dislike it. It compliment the treats well, like Matcha to Dango, but she wouldn't say she like it either. "Maybe I forgot to add some milk on it." She mused out loud, taking another sip. It was one way for her to say that 'she doesn't hate it, but she doesn't like it either so I'll only drink this when I feel like it'. Vague, but that's how Okinawa pretty much ticks this time around, it appears. Another blink at Arthur- she was starting to wonder if most English gentlemen are like that, but she doesn't tease them for that- as the raven-haired female tilted her head, processing his statement before giving him an odd look. "Of course," she said with a mild tone, not sure if she had said something to bring the usually stern man into a smile. "It is more appropriate if I repay my thanks to you," Hourai said while taking another bite of her sweet and sipping her tea afterwards. "I don't mind going out from my room, if it is your place. I'm sure nobody would mind." In fact, they'll pretty much be more than delighted by it, the Okinawan thought with a mental sigh, knowing how her boss would definitely be more than delighted whenever she DO venture out of her own home on her own consent. Not a bit deal, she's not entirely a hermit, but she do like her room (amongst other things) so they can't blame her for not going out. Still, she replied his gratitude in a smile and a nod, knowing that though it'll be hard (for her) to do such a thing on her own will, it'll be worth it; It's not everyday anyone can see her actually going somewhere outside Japan so it's also a good thing. Somewhat. The female listened intently, nodding a bit in understanding as she continued with her snack and tea. This is sorta like watching TV (of the Daytime drama variety) but with a real person... er... nation in front of her (she wouldn't say that out loud, though), and hearing someone talk to her about something is already a delight of hers. She was patient enough to let him finish, taking time to understand the situation. The female might not fully relate herself to his problems concerning the other European neighbors, or his daily-life in general, but it was enough for her to comprehend what he meant and what she wanted to say. "I feel for you on that part." Cue the mental image of how America suddenly barged to her and used her place as a strategic point for the war (WWII and Vietnam War) without her consent. But, no, she won't let that thought damper her discussion, that's another thing! Shaking her head, there was a faint smile and laughter coming out from her mouth as it only took her a while before covering her mouth, though she couldn't hide the fact that she was giggling on something. No, she wasn't mocking him- or anyone- for that matter, she is merely amused at such thought about seclusion. "Don't be," Hourai said with a mild tone of delight on her voice. "It is better not to envy of one's seclusion." She stated, finally calmed down after her brief stifle of laughter. "It is alright to have one a few times, I admit, but- forgive me if I may offend you- I believe it is best if you, or anyone else, would not do the same way as I do." True, the technology and other factor made by human beings these days would bring anyone to the same habit as Okinawa does, but it was not because of them that she decided on her present fate. No, it was all on her own, because on her refusal to change and open up to the rest of the world, and it was too late when she realize about it, how it seems to be inevitable and valuable. She took a ponder on her own reason for a while, a deep sigh escaping her lips as she gave it a thought. "I should be the one envying you," The female finally spoke, giving a quick glance outside at the forest-like scenery before returning her attention to the blonde-haired European. "I should be the one envying on your power and freedom. I may not know your hardship compared to mine, but if I could bring back time, I would have wished to be someone... different." She shook her head, a wry smile appearing on her face. "No, I don't believe your statement made little sense. It makes a lot of sense, if you ask me." She took the brief silence to contemplate on her fate as a Prefecture, all in while taking another drink of her tea, as she closed her eyes for a bit, taking in the conversation in thought. Okinawa do have friends and family, but she decided to shun herself inside. She wasn't like that before (not to the extreme, of course, but still enough for her to render still amiable and open) but she couldn't help but to look back at it. Her people aren't like that, so why can't her as well? Is it because, out of all the prefectures under Japan, she was the farthest of them? Or, was it because of her experience where almost all of her people (specifically females) died because of the war? Or, was it because of her silent involvement in the Vietnam war and she can't do anything about it? There were many reasons, many factors, many excuses, and she willingly took it all as a fact. It was, as if, she was doing this just to preserve what little she has left of her own self. Would if change if she were like Hokkaido, or Osaka, or Nagasaki, or basically anyone else not her? Maybe she was contemplating things a little too much, something she still haven't out-grown yet. The female only shook her head at herself, clearing any thoughts knowing that she have a visitor to attend with, as she focused once more into that sole thing she was suppose to do for this day; try not to be a hermit. Hopefully it'll entertain her and prevent her from thinking more mind-provocative thoughts. "Do you suppose, should I bring a raincoat when I visit your place?" [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #101010; height:6px; font-size:32px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#F83E3F; text-shadow:#000000 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]❧ The everlasting scenery[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #F83E3F; border-bottom: 1px dotted #F83E3F; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#69644f; background-color:#202020; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. I, AI, AI BY GHOSTNOTE.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 101010; color: 4d4a3d; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]TAGS: England TIMELINE: Present LOCATION: Okinawa NOTES: Forgiveness for the feels! *bows* I blame the mind-provoking flash games that make you think about life. Namely the 'I can hold my Breath Forever' flash game[/style]