Shadow Fire

Soft whimpers came from under the covers. "This is way past uncool... still terrified of thunder and lightning... I'm not a little kid anymore... but..." Another whimper and the hedgehog peeked out from beneath the covers.

Link gave a shrug, unsure of what to do next. Reaching for his ocarina, he closed his eyes as he placed the instrument to his lips, and softly played out the song his friend had taught him. Saria... what should I do now?

The emerald-eyed hedgehog gave Nights a slight amused smile, which quickly faded as he saw the injuries on the Nightmaren. "Damn... you're lucky you made it... and there's no way in hell you're going back there any time soon! You have to recover." Eyes narrowing, Sonic stood up and searched around the room. It was a long-shot, but it paid off, the hedgehog finding what he was after; a first aid kit. Opening it up, he dug around inside, taking out a few things, before tending to the jester's wounds. "I know your world is under siege, but if you plan on going back to fight... in this condition, you'll..." Trailing off, the hedgehog continued to dress up the other male's wounds. Just as he finished, a bright flash of lightning came, followed by a deafening roar of thunder. Ears pointing straight up, Sonic darted onto the bed next to Nights and hid under the covers. Yep, still afraid of thunder and lightning.

Intriguing for a father to join the same site his son frequents. I am honoured to welcome you to The GCN, and if there's anything you need, simply send a message to one of our administrative team. I hope your stay here is pleasant.

Now they do. I thought I fixed them, but it seems I missed it. Many apologies. Oh, and I've also uploaded the Sky Backgrounds from mode7 onto our download system, just in case. Of course, I did what I always do and changed the upload author to Zeth.

It's happened with other games before. You have to remember, Sonic Team is a 3rd party developer... and since it's being done for both, it's only fair to expect that some screens were mixed up.

Director: Casey Hudson Producers: Ray Muzyka, Greg Zeschuk Music: Clint Mansell, Sam Hulick, Christopher Lennertz, Cris Velasco, Sascha Dikiciyan Starring: Mark Meer, Jennifer Hale, Kieth David, Seth Green, Tricia Helfer, Martin Sheen, Freddie Prinze Jr., Brandon Keener Rating: Plot Commander Shepard has been on Earth for some time now, on court-martial for causing the destruction of a batarian star system, resulting in the loss of over 300,000 batarians. The Alliance doesn't seem to believe the commander's claims of the impending Reaper invasion. However, when radio signals from Alliance bases go dark, Shepard is brought to face the Defence Committee. The Commander is briefed, and confirms the committee's fears: The Reapers are coming. The biggest fight of their lives is about to begin, but before the meeting can continue any further, the Reapers arrive, and waste no time in decimating the Vancouver headquarters. Commander Shepard survives, and with Admiral Anderson, before preparing to head towards the SSV Normandy. Fighting Husks and Cannibals along the way, the commander and admiral head through a building that had been devestated by a Reaper blast. Shepard hears a noise inside, and notices a young boy hiding in the air duct. The boy is frightened and tells the commander that he can't be helped. When Admiral Anderson calls out to Shepard, the commander looks back to see the boy is gone. On the way forward, the two find a pair of marines who survived crash-landing in a shuttle. When the shuttle's distress beacon is activated, they must fight an endless wave of Cannibals, but the Normandy makes it in time. Shepard jumps on board, but Anderson stays on Earth, stating that someone is needed to take charge of the human resistance movement. However, he reinstates the commander's Alliance commission, telling the Spectre to seek help from the Citadel Council. As the Normandy flies away, Shepard watches as people are evacuated. Suddenly, the commander notices the young boy from earlier, who climbs into a shuttle. As the shuttles fly away, a Reaper shoots them out of the sky, killing all the occupants. Shepard looks away in anguish, before the Normandy flies away, leaving Earth behind in order to seek aid for the planet. Commander Shepard receives an objection from Lieutenant James Vega, but explains Admiral Anderson's orders. Joker suddenly contacts the commander and explains that a distress call has been received from the Prothean Archives on Mars, so the Normandy sets course for the red planet. Upon arrival, it is discovered that Cerberus are executing the scientists stationed there, and are looking for something. After reuniting with Liara T'Soni, the asari revealing that there are plans for a powerful weapon to be used against the Reapers, it becomes evident that the attack on Mars was an inside job, instigated by a new scientist, Dr Eva Core. After proceeding through the base, Shepard finds the data, but it is being erased by Core, who is revealed to be an advanced synthetic. After a chase, she critically injures one of Shepard's squadmates, before being terminated by the commander. The Reapers approach Mars, forcing a hasty retreat. The Normandy heads for the Citadel, both to seek aid from the Council, as well as to help the critically injured crew-member. The final stand against the Reapers is only just beginning... Review Mass Effect 3 is the final game in the Mass Effect trilogy, bringing a close to the series. The entire engine was upgraded and extensively modified to bring a better experience. There is also an online multiplayer section, which can also have a big effect on how your single player campaign will end. Like with Mass Effect 2, if you're starting a new game, and have a save file from Mass Effect 2, in which Commander Shepard survives the final mission, you can import your character. The game remembers literally everything from the previous two installments, meaning your decisions in Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 will affect your Mass Effect 3 experience. Characters who survived the final mission on Mass Effect 2 will have cameos, all of which play an important role. With the Reapers wreaking havoc on most of the Milky Way galaxy, it has now become a little more dangerous when scanning through systems. The Reapers may detect your presence and proceed to give chase. Again, the Mako is no longer available, though it is referenced. The weapons system is somewhat similar to that of Mass Effect 2, with a few adjustments. Weapons can be upgraded, provided you have the appropriate credits. They can also be fitted with accessories that will help make them better suit your needs. The leveling system has also received an overhaul. When upgrading power bonuses, there are three single-tier bonuses, plus two split-decision powers. You must select which bonus you wish to activate for the final three bonuses on each power. Visually, the game supercedes Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2. There is more detail in facial expressions, and blood is even improved. The music fits well with the significantly more dire circumstances of the game. Additionally, Bioware finally saw fit to fix an issue that the previous games had with romance. Homosexual relationships are now able to be pursued. A male Commander Shepard can now romance Kaidan Alenko (provided he was saved on Virmire in Mass Effect), or Steve Cortez, the new shuttle pilot, while a female Commander Shepard can romance her new officer, Specialist Samantha Traynor, a woman who takes a similar role to Kelly Chambers from Mass Effect 2. There was only one problem with this game at launch, and that was the endings. Depending on your total accrued war assets, you will have a choice of endings. However, they left much to be desired, as too many plot holes were made, and it felt like many things were left unanswered. However, Bioware have released an Extended Cut DLC which adds additional information to the ending. Best of all, is that this DLC will be provided for free until 2014. I can safely say that the DLC definitely made the endings much more satisfying. Loose ends are tied up, and I felt satisfied... though my first attempt at the new ending saw me dooming galactic civilisation. Oops. Overall Mass Effect 3 is a must play game. If you're a sci-fi aficionado, it is definitely something to consider picking up. On second thought, don't consider, just get the game and enjoy it! Save the galaxy from the Reapers!

Since I'm being nice, I figured I'd show you guys an excerpt from a story I'm working on. This story will, upon completion, (assuming I can finish it, lol) be submitted for official publication. There's a lot of extra background information I need to put in before I can actually get most of it done, but this part is actually complete. The story currently has no name yet, but I will get one figured out at a later date. Anyway, enjoy this snippet: “Ethan…” the reptile choked out softly. “But… why would you…?” The human looked up at Sevoqi, his green eyes seeming to be shaking, golden-blond hair blowing in the gentle night breeze. A weak smile came to his lips and he shook his head. “You…’re… my friend…” was the coughed reply. “Couldn’t… let you be… hurt…” Sevoqi reached down, bringing his friend into his arms, his gaze quickly darting to the SERPENT agent who lay lifeless nearby, before glancing at Ethan once again. “Ts’essk res zhokh hazi!” hissed the Seracian, pulling Ethan closer, narrowed yellow eyes burning into fading green. “You’re dying… because of me. You’ll never be able… to show me your home…” The human’s smile widened slightly and he slowly reached a hand up to touch Sevoqi’s face, tears starting to form in his eyes. “I have a confession…” Ethan said softly, fingers carefully brushing over his friend’s cheek, before he continued with his admission. “I… love you… I have for a… long time.” Sevoqi’s eyes blinked in curiosity, before widening as his human friend weakly leaned his head up, warm lips pressing against the Seracian’s scaly maw. Shocked by the foreign action, he remained still, until Ethan pulled back ever so slightly. He watched as the human licked his lips for a moment, before giving a sad smile. “A… kiss…” he explained. “A symbol of… affection… of love…” Diverting his glance from his friend, the human coughed a few times, before looking back at Sevoqi. “Do you think…” he wheezed. “…that I… will go to… Ser-kraxts?” Yellow once again met green, and Sevoqi nodded, giving his own sad smile. “Yes,” he murmured. “You will, Ethan Palmer…” Ethan’s eyelids flickered, his smile slightly widening. In spite of his pain, he weakly continued to stroke the reptile’s face. Sevoqi knew Ethan’s time was almost up, so he gave the human a last moment of bliss, leaning his face down to capture his friend’s lips in a kiss. While still confused about the whole meaning behind human customs, he could feel the significance of this gesture. Eyes closing, he felt slight pressure being applied towards his mouth, figuring it to be a reciprocating custom. ‘This human act…’ he thought. ‘Is it supposed to bring such feelings of warmth?’ Feeling Ethan easing his pressure against his maw, the Seracian pulled away, opening his eyes. “Is this…” he began. “…how humans bond?” The young man never answered, a slight smile on his lips, eyes still closed. Sevoqi felt a strange moisture in his mouth, a strange taste on his maw. Reaching two fingers up, he dabbed them against his maw, before moving them away to look at them. His fingertips were stained red. Casting a glance at his friend, he finally noticed no movement at all. No flickering of the human’s eyes, no signs of breathing, no indication of life. It was at that moment, Sevoqi realised that his friend was no more. Cradling his best friend close, the Seracian, for the first time in his life, wept.

Not anymore. Thanks for pointing that out. I forgot to change the links.

Nice! Has he got/is he getting Sonic Adventure 2?

If you're a Sonic fan, like me, you may have been holding out some hope for an XBLA/SEN release of Sonic Adventure 2 for some time now. Rumours had been circulating over the internet for a few months now about the game coming to these medium, but that's all they were... rumours. However, it seems to be more than that now, as several hours ago, the game was shown on Xbox Live, with a release date of October 3rd. It was quickly noticed, and pulled down, but not before a few screenshots were snagged. With one of them showing a button cue for PS3's controls, it pretty much solidifies the thoughts that it will be released on SEN. * * * * * * * Credits go to Kokonoe, of NeoGAF. Here's the original thread. What are your thoughts on this news?

Casually shifting his glance, the blond gave a slight smirk. He hasn't changed at all. In fact, I'm the one who changed the most.

I own X-2, X-2 JP, and X-2 International + Last Mission... so it's safe to assume, yes. =P

After emerging back on the fields, Zidane blinked, before glancing towards North Gate. He was still holding onto Vivi's hand. The smell of blood and fire filled the air around them.

Eiri shrugged, before starting to eat. Truth was, he was starving, but he wouldn't admit that. However, he was unable to hide the fact that he was enjoying his food.

Umbra gave a sigh as his wounds began to close, before grinning at his lover. "This is different... I thought you got off on my scars..."

The soldier looked up at Freya and gave a weak smile. "Don't worry... about me..." he choked out. "Please... protect Bur...me..." Before he could finish, he drew his last breath, dying in Freya's arms. Though he still wore his smile, it was clear that something had him distressed, right up until his bitter end.

Eiri gave a sigh, took another drag of his cigarette, before placing it in the ashtray, reaching for the spoon. Casting a sideways glance to Touma, he maintained his stony expression. "Touma..." he muttered. "Tell me you don't plan on watching me eat?"

Nearby, a wounded Burmecian soldier lay on the ground, giving soft coughs every few seconds. Zidane noticed him and pointed him out to Freya. "Over there..." he murmured. "He looks... he might not make it..."

Blood was covering both of them, Umbra feeling a little weaker from their lovemaking, but a smirk was on his face. That, my descendant, is how you do it. Link, from within, was speechless. Chuckling inwardly, Umbra looked into his love's eyes. "My dear Dusk... did I satisfy you... my prince?"

The novelist looked away from his keyboard once more, giving Touma a cold stare, before finally sighing and reaching for a cigarette. Lighting it, he took a drag and exhaled. "Fine..." he mumbled. "Because you'll baby me otherwise..."

Quina looked at the serpent, before casting a spell he learned from a previous enemy. A spherical orb appeared around Gizamaluke, causing it to shriek in pain, before curling up and fading away. Zidane quickly joined Vivi to check on him. "Vivi..." he murmured, closely looking all over the mage to search for any injuries. "Are you okay?"

Umbra picked up his pace, fangs sinking in a little deeper, his tongue catching as much of the blood as he could, thrusting in and out of his beloved with reckless abandon. He felt himself getting close, and damned if he'd be denied his chance to finish. Dusk... I'm going to... The dark boy shuddered in pleasure with his next big thrust, releasing himself deep into the younger prince.

The thief gave a whistle as Vivi attacked the giant serpent. Having stunned it for long enough, Zidane used this time to attack. "Eat this!"

Eiri looked up from his keyboard, giving a soft grunt at Touma's cheerful greeting. "Shut up..." he muttered. "I told you not to call me that."