-Possible Spoilers for those who have yet to defeat this game or even play it. Read at own risk-

The story of FFVII continues in a prequel called Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- and takes place seven years prior to the original game.

The story, follows a potential and energetic SOLDIER 1st class candidate, Zack Fair. The same Zack, who died while protecting Cloud from the Shin-Ra army in the storyline of the original FFVII and who's personality Cloud adopted throughout the game.

Many things are revealed in this game such as the the origin of the Buster Sword and who its original owner was. Sephiroth's mental breakdown is also further explored and brought to light.

The game's battle engine is action based and Materia has made a comeback. there is also a slot that rotates continuously and if you meet certain requirements, you can perform a limit break or if you get three sevens you level up. Summons are also random and somewhat disappointing and what I mean by that, is some familiar favorites are missing. Most notably, shiva. A new form of Bahamut is introduced.

There are also a few new characters to the FFVII universe. One is a man named Angeal, who is the one responsible for training Zack. Then there is Lazard, the director of SOLDIER and a Turk known as Cessnei who is mysterious in many ways.

The game starts out when Zack is around 16 and ends when he is 23. During this time, Zack also meets Aerith and eventually they begin dating. He tries to call and see her anytime he is able to and also helps her come up with the idea of selling her flowers. It is also revealed, that the pink hair ribbon that she wears was bought by Zack as a present, before he went away.

The storyline, in this game is sad and tragic and the "Advent Children" quality cinemas help to tell the story. In truth, the graphics in the whole game are simply beautiful in my opinion. the story also has many emotions wrapped up inside of it and can be very emotional at some points. Especially when Zack finds out the truth about certain things and has to come to grips with reality.

Currently I am at the end of the game, and I am already hesitant on defeating it, BECAUSE of the ending lol. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but, even though I know what happens, its still kind of sad, that the story has such a tragic ending.

Only one other game has ever made me cry, and that was the ending to Xenosaga III.

If I had to rate this game, I would rate it an 8 our of 10. The reason for this, is because of the battles. They become repetitive and all you basically do is button smashing. it can also get aggravating, when using materia and items. The only way you can switch between them, is by using the "R" button.

Eventually, I will have a more comprehensive review, until then, this will have to do. I know, its kind of sloppy, but, I am half asleep lol.

Until then, keep on gaming!

Okay, So, I have heard a lot about this movie and was curious, how many of you, who visit my blog, are planning on seeing this? 

The very first teaser, for this movie was released in theaters, along with the film Transformers.  The trailer starts out, a going a way party for a young man.  It isn't long before mayhem breaks out and someone, who is recording the party runs out and aims the camera towards the horizon and we see a rather large explosion.  Shortly afterwards, the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty, plunges through a forest of buildings and lands on the streets just outside of the place of the going away party.

It isn't long, before chaos insues and everyone is placed into a total panic and unaware at what has just invaded their city.  During the trailer, you catch fleeting glimpses of the huge monster, but not its head or face. 

I have heard several people say, that if you look at  the poster image of the movie, you can make out what the monster is supposed to look like.  I have seen the area, that people have been talking about and it could either be a hint, or just a trick of the lighting or graphics that has been placed on the image.

Anyway, what I want to know, is if any of you, who read this, are going to go and see it, or do you think that all the hype that is going on about it, isn't even worth paying seven bux for a ticket?

I personally don't know if I will see it in theaters.  More than likely, I'll just wait and see it on dvd.  Normally i'm not one who likes movies filmed as if they are home movies.  They just don't work for me, plus, I would probably be too distracted by the shaking of the camera, to even notice what is going on in the film.

anyway, comments and opinions are greatly welcome on this entry. 

I just want to wish each and every one of you a happy New Year! it is hard to believe, that the year 2007 came and went like a flash of light. 

anyway, heres to wishing for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008!  Not only, is it the start of a new year, but it has been 10 years, since I graduated from Gillespie High School, in Gillespie, Illinois.

This year, in July also marks my 29th birthday.  Good lord! Only one year left, and I will be thirty! why, oh why, can't our ages remain fixed in the twenties or something like that lol!

I also have a neice and nephew, who will be celebrating their thirteenth birthdays this year as well.  I am hoping, that by the time their special days have arrived, I will be living back home in  good ol' Illinois. 

Anyway, for those who are interested,  I have posted a small excerpt from my Mikayla's Wrath chapter three, as a sneek peak at the bottem of this post. 

I have also added a sneak peak to my Naruto Fan fic, titled Sasuke's Return.

Once again, happy New Year everyone!

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Mikayla's Wrath

Chapter 3: The Nightmare's Beginning

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Aura walked out onto the balcony, of Capsule Corp. She walked over to the railing and leaned on it, immediately she felt the cold sting of the metal pierce her skin. Looking up into the sky, she could sense, that something wasn't right.

Ever since she arrived in the past, it felt as if there was a sudden shift. A shift either in time, space or possibly both. Perhaps, it wasn't the best idea to travel into the past. Just maybe, she would start a chain of events, that could very well lead to the downfall of this time as well. She no longer wanted to hurt those that she cared about and loved.

However, she found herself thinking about 'him'. she wasn't sure why, but instead of an intense hatred, she could sense a horrible sadness about him. She felt, that he had seen horrors in his life, that matched hers, or worse. She had noticed, that within that split second they had met, that he was a very handsome and attractive young man. Unfortunately, she had no idea who this "princess" was, that he was speaking of.

She closed her eyes and her thoughts had drifted back to the words he had spoken to her. But, before she could even think about those words, a sudden grip took a hold of her and she seen her self standing in torrential down pour of rain. Lightining lit up the sky and the smell of death was hanging heavily in the air. Walking around, within this vision, Aura watched as two dark figures battled against one another, with a burning intensity. One had a burning red aura and the other, a pure, blue aura. Both fighters, appeared to be exhausted, at first, it seemed like nothing could keep them from battling one another. but then, it happend, a transformation, that Aura recognized all to well, a transformation, that once again brought forth the horror she experienced in the future.

In that instant, a swell of pain arose within her head. A pain, she had never felt until now. Before she could finish the vision, everything around her went dark and then...there was nothing but silence.

===================================================

Naruto: Sasuke's Return

Chapter I: Uzumaki Naruto, The Sixth Hokage

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It was a cool clear day, as Naruto awakened to the sounds of the wildlife outside. Getting out of bed, Naruto changed his clothes and walked out onto the balcony just off of his bedroom. Leaning over the rail, he watched as the citizens of Konoha began to exit thier homes one by one and begin the new day.

closing his eyes, the young man took a deep breath and sighed. The sounds of the village, alerted his every sense. It wasn't until a little, tiny, cry in his own home, made him take one last look at the scenes unfolding around him and turn and walk inside.

heading out of his bedroom, and into a tiny nursery, Naruto walked silently over to a wooden crib. reaching into the crib, Naruto grabbed his son and craddled him gently in his arms. "What's the matter, Minato?"

While Naruto continued to talk to his 2 week old son, he wasn't aware, that Hinata had sneaked in behind him. She smiled as she watched Naruto, who appeared to be oblivious to anything and everything, except for the tiny miracle in his arms. It was only fitting, that Naruto would want to name his son, after a father he never knew, but, he also wanted to name him after the greatest Hokage and Shinobi, the village had ever seen.

However, a soft knock had alerted Naruto and Hinata, that there were things that needed to be done. Most importantly, was a meeting with the other village's leaders. Walking into the nursery, the young and beautiful kunoichi walked over and gave her husband a kiss on the cheek and took the yawning, stretching infant from him.

"Well, I guess that is probably the messenger, letting me know about today's agenda. I suppose, I should answer it and see what he wants."

Hinata could only look on, and watch, as Naruto changed and prepared to leave. she couldn't belive, that after so long, she and Naruto finally got married and had their first child, Minato. She never knew, just how much, Naruto made her happy and just how happy she made Naruto. Even though, when they were still teenagers, Naruto would recognize her but, he seemed distant when it came to acknowleding feelings.

 after the last war, and during the celebrations, Naruto and Hinata, had embraced for the first time. when they had realized what had happend, they quickly seperated and looked around, hoping that no one had seen them. In that instant, Naruto did a double-take and could have sworn, that he had seen Sasuke standing on top of a nearby building and smiling, before disappearing.

Back in the real world, Hinata watched as Naruto opened the door and let in the messenger, who bowed politely and handed a scroll to him. the young man opend the parchment and read what was on it. he then closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In reality, he was happy that it wasn't the whole nations leaders, instead, it was the leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand, the Fifth Kazekage, Gaara.

"What is the matter, Naruto?"

Naruto smiled. "Nothing. I thought I was meeting with all the other villages' clan leaders, but only the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand village, wishes to see me."

"That doesn't sound so bad." Hinata said, placing the baby back in to his crib. "Gaara has done an excellent job, at establishing relations, between his village and all the others. As a matter of fact, he too, has just become a father. At least, that is what my brother, Neji has said."

Naruto chuckles. "Gaara, a daddy? I never would have pictured that!"

"So, its that amusing is it? How would you like it if I said the same thing about you being a father? Who ever would have thought, that the one who carried the Nine-tailed fox, would ever have a family?" said a familiar voice. just then, the ninja who delivered the letter stepped out of the way and bowed as Gaara, the fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure, came around the corner and faced a stunned Naruto and a shocked Hinata.

=================================================

And there you have them.  Two sneek peeks of my upcoming fan fic chapters and stories.  There are several errors in both, but I'll go through and fix them later.

Take care every one!

 

..

(yeah I know lol the image at the top has nothing to do with any of the shows mentioned here lol! I just thought the picture was cool! ^^)

Wow! I must say, that I am EXTREMELY happy! My fave couple, the Helio an Julianne won! I only wish, that I could have seen it for myself, instead of having to log online to find out the results, but, oh well, I guess that is the way the ball rolls.

I had to be in at work at 9pm last night and only got to see Marie and Maks get eliminated. (No offense to Marie osmond fans, but her free-style dance on Monday night, was a TOTAL disaster! It made no sense and she looked like a clown who forgot to put on her make-up, then again, the one male judge on the end, summed it up best when he said she reminded him of Baby Jane. especially with those "eyelashes") So, in reality, I'm glad she wasn't voted to stay and possibly go on to win the mirror ball trophy.

The next thing that I want to see, is Dance wars with that Carrie ann and Bruno? is that his name? the thin guy who sits at the end of the table LOL! not the one in the middle. anyway, That looks like its will be a good show and I can't wait to see it take place.

Another favorite show of mine (and kind of Disgusting), is Kitchen Nightmares, with chef Gordon Ramsey. He is best known for his Hell's Kitchen tv series. To me, that show, is really good, though I think Chef Ramsey, can be just a little strict on the ones he is evaluating.

Another show, I watch, is Kid Nation. Granted, this show probably has ALOT of controversy, but it is still interesting to watch. However, if I was going to make a reality show, I don't think I would use kids to do it. It just isn't right, and kids, aren't as Mature as adults. Even though I like watching the show, it DOES make me wonder, if any or all of the kids have nightmares when they go home and sleep. To me, if I was a kid doing this, it would be fun at first, but then it would get old fast. Children, shouldn't have to worry about things that in reality, should be the focus of an adult.

but, these are only my opinions. However, I am open to what you guys all think about some of these shows.

~RKOD

Dragonball Z: Mikayla's Wrath

Chapter 1: Arrival! Mysterious Girl of a Destroyed Future! & New Friend Or Fearsome Foe?
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"GOHAN!! Breakfast!!" Videl hollared. 

"Okay, honey! I'm coming!"  Gohan yelled back.  "Now, just stay like that for a few minutes, until you can feel the energy rising within you.  Once done, release it up into the air towards space, so that it doesn't hit anyone or anything....like this!" Gohan paused and put his arms to his side.  Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and then called out his attack. "Kame.....Hame....HA!!!!" the gargantuan blast went forth from his hands and his daughter looked on in amazment.  Now standing straight again, Gohan looked over at Pan, placed his hands on his hips and smiled.  "And that, is how you do the Kamehameha! Pretty cool huh?"

Pan smiled and nodded. "sure is dad!"

"now, why don't you try!"  before Pan could do so, Videl walked over, unknowingly to Gohan and hit him upside the head with a frying pan, causing him to fall to the ground.  Sitting up really fast, Gohan rubbed the back of his head and smiled. "what in the world was THAT for!?"

"I already called you once for breakfast you idiot! what makes you think I was going to hollar it again!?  You saiyans are all the same!" Videl said with her arms crossed, eyes closed and her eyebrows twitching.  Even though Gohan, could sometimes upset her, she just couldn't help but love him.  After all, it was her, that got up the nerve to stick around him when the going got tough.  It was she, who was persistant enough to find out who Gohan REALLY was.  And if not for that persistance, she never would have fell in love with him, married him and had their daughter.  It was like a blessing in a way.  There are somedays, that she goes back to that time, when she had seen a 13 year-old Gohan fighting that monster known as Cell. It was like love at first sight.  now tuning back in to reality, Videl looked up and watched as Gohan and Pan were finally walking back to the house.  Uncrossing her arms Videl began to walk back too, but something caught her attention up in the sky. shaking her head, she turned around and walked back into the house.

Meanwhile over at Son Goku's house....

"997...998...999...1000!"  Goku took a deep breath and plopped down on the grass in a spread-eagle fashion.  After 1000 push ups, who WOULDN'T be exhausted.  closing his eyes, he began to drift off to sleep, when a sudden pang in his stomach caused him to sit in an upright position really fast.  Grabbing his chest, he plopped back down onto the grass and went into the spread-eagle again.  "Well, I guess that means I should eat something.  But, I'm so exhausted now!  man, Chi Chi is going to be upset.  I haven't eaten in 2 hours! ah well...guess I should get up."  Standing up, Goku started walking towards his home.  But, something caught his attention up in the sky.  closing his eyes, Goku tried to sense who or what it was, but, nothing came to mind. The energy that was coming from it was pretty faint anyway.  Most likely a bird or some other animal that could fly. Shrugging his shoulders he walked into his house and sat down.

At Capsule Corp......

"Oh, come off of it Vegeta! You have always been stubborn about your clothes!"

"Well, don't I have the right to be! after all, I'm the one who is wearing them, not you woman!"

Bulma's face began to turn purple.  She had no idea why, after all this time on earth, that Vegeta was suddenly being more stubborn than usual.  She understood, that he didn't like his pink shirt much, and only wore it when he had nothing else to wear.  But, lately, he seemed to take a particular liking to his saiyan battle uniforms.  "Look, all i'm saying, is that you need to wear something a little better than that to Bra's teacher conference! A nice suit and tie, that is all that I am asking for!"

"Why do I, a prince of the Saiyan race, have to go to something so trivial.  your the mother, why don't you go!  I'm not the one who gave birth to her!"

Now Bulma was getting really ticked off.  She was to the point of a personality breakdown, but, she took it in stride, took a deep breath and crossed her arms.  "Fine! I'll go alone, BUT you have to do all the chores around here then!"

Vegeta openend his eyes and stood up in shock."But..."

"No buts! I'm tired of you not doing anything around here.  If your not going to be there for our children, then you can at least stay home and do some work!"

"Look here Bulma! I'm not a maid! I'm a Saiyan prince!  the only thing I have known all of my life, is how to fight, not once, was I ever told to clean or anything.  my father and the entire royal court had slaves for such jobs as those."

"Well then your Highness.  I think its time you learned.  Trunks is going to be 17 here soon and Bra is going to be 5.  I look for Trunks, to be taking over the company within the next 4 years and so, he is going to be busy with that.  he won't be thinking about chores!"

"Do whatever you want! I'm going to train!" With those words, Vegeta stood up and walked away.  Leaving a bewildered Bulma standing in the kitchen.

Meanwhile, outside, Trunks and Goten arrive at Capsule Corp, when something catches their senses and eyes.  Both boys, look up into the sky and stare at a strange figure.  looking at one another both boys nodded and went into the air.  However, when they get to the location of the faint power of whoever or whatever was there, they find the area void of anything.  Touching back down both boys look at one another again, shrug their shoulders and walk into capsule corp.

At the Lookout above Korin Tower.....

"Hey, Piccolo?" 

"What is it Dende?"

"Do you feel something...."

Piccolo walks over to the edge of the Lookout and closes his eyes. suddenly, out of nowhere, a small flux in power appears  and Piccolo runs over to the opposite side of the suspended building.  Narrowing his eyes, Piccolo looked in the direction the flux came from, but seen nothing.  sweat began to bead on his face as he continued to look out into the endless sky.  He didn't budge until Dende walked over and began to speak.

"What is it? did you find out what it was Piccolo?"

"I...I don't know what it was....It was strange.  It was there only for a second and then it disappeared! I have a terrible feeling about all this..."

Dende looked up at Piccolo and then back out into the vast blue sky.  he too, felt a certain forboding about what he felt.  He just hoped that the forebording was just his nerves.

Kame House....

"Come on Krillin! Your never going to get better if you can't block an attack like that!"

Getting up out of the water, Krillin walked back up to the beach and wasn't aware that his wife, Eighteen appeared behind him, until it was too late.

"Your still to slow!"

But, Krillin was able to dodge this time.  Turning around he fired a blast right towards Eighteen, who had dodged just in time.  Smiling, Eighteen stopped and stood still. 

"Now, that, was much better...." But, before she could finish, Eighteen looked up into the sky, Krilling walked over and asked her what was wrong.  But, before she could answer he too felt it and understood what she was looking at.  Both stared into the sky and narrowed their eyes, then they looked at each other and took to the air, but, when they got to the location, nothing was there.  It was as if it just disappeared. 

Touching back down the two ran into the house and turned to find Master Roshi staring out the window and into the endless blue himself.  He then looked over and seen Eighteen and Krillin standing there.

"I don't know how to say this kids, but...I think we are about to have another war...."

Somewhere within the forests of Mt. Paozu....

A strange breeze began to blow in a clearing not far from the center of the forest, as a medium sized ball of light appeared out of nowhere.  all the animals in the area ran and took cover, as a strange and foreign object began to materialize within the light.  The machine began to hum to a stop as Aura uncrossed her arms and took a deep breath.  She couldn't belive that she decided to leave everything she had ever known in the future.  She had hoped, that the future could be changed, if she came back to the past. 

Opening the time machine, Aura climbed out, with her backpack in tow.  she turned to the time machine and pushed a button on its side, which caused the machine to turn into a compact capsule, that she could carry with her.  standing up and putting the backpack on her shoulder, Aura felt something strange and looked up into the sky.  This energy signature felt familiar and when she closed her eyes, and concentrated, it was confirmed that it was what she had feared most.  The power of something other than a saiyan.  Surely it couldn't be Mikayla.  For Mikayla was killed in her final assault. 

Closing her eyes and shaking her head, Aura took a deep breath and then looked back up in the sky.  Whatever was there a minute ago, was gone now.  She couldn't understand what could have given off such a frightening power.   looking back up into the sky, Aura decided to ascend and head off in the direction of Son Goku and Son Gohan's homes.  But, it wasn't long, before something caught her attention.  she thought, for an instant, that she heard a voice upon the wind.  But all she did was shake her head and continue onward.  She then began to think about a place that her father had talked about one time.  A place, where all the Z-fighters could meet in secret.  A place called Korin Tower.  stopping, Aura closed her eyes and concentrated really hard and located the Lookout.  Powering up, she took off towards the sanctuary, hoping that all the Z-fighters noticed her, and began to take action.

After a couple of hours, Aura began to come upon the Tower.  She also felt a few power levels coming up behind her, powering up a little further, narrowing her eyes and smirking, Aura arrived and landed at the lookout at the exact same time, that all the Z-fighters surrounded her and got into fighting stances.  All Aura did was stand there, cross her arms and close her eyes.  It was Goku who broke the silence first.  "Who are you and what do you want here on planet Earth?"

A long pause followed.  "Hey! Woman!! Kakarott asked you a question!"

"Perhaps, if you asked me nicely, then maybe I will answer your question." Aura said finally, her arms still crossed and her eyes still closed.

"WHY YOU......"

"Easy, Vegeta.  I don't think this girl means us any harm...."  Goku then looked back over at the young girl. "Or, am I wrong?"

"You are not wrong.  I have not come here to fight any of you.  I come from a crippled and dead future.  A future that was once saved by two young twins named Aura and Gohan.  In truth, I am the young woman named Aura.  My future, as well as my friends and family, were killed by a woman named Mikayla.  She was a Doragon who discovered her true powers when she turned sixteen."

"And how do we know your telling the truth, huh?  How do we know, that your not doing this to try and gain trust and then when we trust you, you decided to attack the planet!"

Goku narrows his eyes and turns towards Vegeta. "Hey! Thats enough, Vegeta!"

"I don't think so Kakarott! This woman, she looks nothing like the girl we seen in the future! As a matter of fact, they don't even resemble one another at all." Vegeta then smirks and steps forward.  "I say we take her out now, before she kills us all!"

"Vegeta! Don't do anything stupid! This girl appears to be telling the truth!"

"So you say, Kakarott." Vegeta then shoves Goku to the side and turns Super saiyan 2.  "Why don't we see what you've got little girl! Or are you afraid to face the prince of all Saiyans!"

Aura sighed and shook her head from side to side. "I was hoping to avoid such a conflict, but if your arrogance runs so deep as to cloud your judgement, then so be it.  But, I guarantee, you don't know what your getting yourself in to."

Vegeta Scoffs. "We'll see. I'm not going to let a woman, who claims to come from a future that was devastated by another woman, defeat me! You will see! then you will bow to me and BEG for your miserable, pathetic life!"

With those words, Vegeta dodges forth and just before his lands a hit on Aura, she disappears.  Everyone stares in shock as the prince just misses. "What the!?  Where the hell did you go!?"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, an iridescent energy blast comes for Vegeta who dodges just in time. He watches as the attack heads up and towards outer space, when out of the blue, he hears a whisper in his ear.  "Come on, I thought you were the prince of the Saiyan race?  Not the mouse of the Saiyan Race."

With those words, Vegeta turns around and sees a totally different woman standing before him.  His face begins to twist with both shock and fear.  "Wh-what the hell are you!?"

Aura Smirked. "You want to face a TRUE super saiyan, then face me and you'll know the meaning of true fear!"

On the sidelines, Goku and the rest of the gang, stare in utter shock.  standing before them, was a woman with tanned skin, pure white/silver hair, piercing blue eyes and an amazing and regal outfit.  The bottom half has slits on each side all the way up to the hip, the top half of the outfit, was much like a chinese shirt and both shimmered with the brilliance of a great rainbow.  On her head, rested a circlet with a brilliant blue stone in the center, on her feet were a pair of sandles that  were criss-crossed all the way up to her knees, wrappeed around her waist, was that of a saiyan tail.  The final touch was the twin swords strapped to her back that were ornately decorated.

Looking back over at Vegeta, Goku watched as he powered up even further, causing his muscle mass to expand.  Screaming, the former Saiyan Prince dodged forth and began a barrage on Aura, which apparently, didn't phaze her in the least.  the whole time, she kept a serious expression on face and finally, when she seen an opening, she ducked down onto her knees and with a fierce uppercut, sent Vegeta out into the endless blue sky, plummeting towards the earth.

Turning around, the now transformed woman, powered up her iridescent aura and took off down towards earth, to try and stop Vegeta from hitting the ground.  But, before she can get to him, he returns to consciousness and stops himself, wiping blood from his face.  spitting into the air, he takes off back up towards the tower. But smirks, when he notices the young woman heading for him.  "hahahahaha!!! I  haven't had this much fun since I destroyed the Arlia! NOW DIE!!!! RRRRAAAAA!!! FINAL FLASH!!!"

Aura hears the attack and watches as a huge ball of light heads in her direction.  Narrowing her eyes, she performs the hand signs nescessary for her attack and then unleashes her own.  Luckily the area where they are at, isn't inhabited by anyone or anything.  It was also a good think, that she knew how to control these newly awakened powers of hers, or the the entire earth, would crumble to nothing but space dust.  "YOU ARE AN IDIOT, VEGETA! CHALLENGING ME, WAS THE WORST MISTAKE YOU COULD HAVE MADE! BURNING FINAL NOVA!!!!"

with her scream, the attack came forward and immediately cancelled out Vegeta's attack and headed toward him at such, speed, that he wouldn't be able to get out of the way on time. However, something caught the two warriors attention and using her strength and ability to control her attack, she aimed the glowing sphere into space and powered down.  Vegeta, sensing the same thing, flew up to meet here, just as they seen 4 unknown warriors approaching from the south. 

"I think our battle will have to wait. Your fortunate, that you never got to see my true power!"

"give it up Vegeta! one of these days, your arrogance, is going to cost you more than a scratch on the face!"

"Shut up! here they come"

without warning, for powerful blasts headed towards the two saiyans and both dodged them just in time.  But, before Aura could power up to the original super saiyan, one of the warriors appeared behind Aura and  held her in such a tight bind, that she couldn't escape. 

"Its no use."  the one holding her said.  "You will not get away from us, until you tell us where your hiding the princess!"

Aura struggled and finally said, "What Princess? What the hell are you talking about!?"

At that moment, Aura gazed as a handsome, yet fearsome man appeared and floated towards her.  she noticed that this young man Standing before them was dressed in a most regal and elegant fashion.  His hair was dark as midnight and pulled back into a ponytail at the base of his neck, on his face, elaborate-looking markings.  The bangs of his hair, are that of a deep scarlet red, a feature, which Aura recognised as the same as Mikayla's.  both ears were pierced  with small, silver hoops that were close to the ear lobes.  His clothing looked somewhat like a type of silk and appeared to be very comfortable looking.  Aura stared at his eyes and found them to be a bright shade of green and he had the distinct appearence of fangs in his mouth.  Though, not as pronounced as say a vampire's. 

 Grabbing her chin, he thrust her face up to look at him.  ""My name is Kayle.  I am the last remaining crown prince of the Doragon Race.  I have come to this planet, seeking a fugitive who is also the last remaining crown princess of our race.  We have been seeking her for a long time and finally tracked her to this planet, where we belive she is recooperating, after we had fought with her on the planet of Allera." 

Aura couldn't help but hear a coldness and hate in his voice.  She kept trying to struggle and break free, but it was as if something was restraining her power.  She could barely move at all.  Finall the warrior holding her, jerked her body and leaned in close to her ear.  "Answer him!"

"What do you want me to say!? I don't know anything!"

The young Prince, then took his hand and began to caress her cheek, but Aura noticed, that the prince, was also cutting her cheek at the same time.  "You will not tell me?"

"Tell you what? I already told you, I don't know of anything of a fugitive princess! I just arrived here myself! Maybe if you asked nicely, and weren't so rude."

With those words, the prince, Khayle, slapped Aura across the face rather hard, causing her lip to split and bleed. "You need to know, when to hold your tongue, Saiyan! You and your race....It disgusts me!"

Vegeta, who had been knocked unconscious by another warrior, finally comes to.  "wh-what happend?  I feel like I was just slammed into a mountain."

"Ah, the Prince of Saiyan's awakens at last!"

hearing that voice, made vegeta's eyes grow wide, looking up he watched as the prince headed for him.  "Its been a while Vegeta.  That is, since you took out nearly all of warriors during the battle of Mephisto."

"Khayle! you, foul Doragon! its your fault that we couldn't transform into our Oozaru!"

"Indeed. But, I'm not here about that.  You knew of my sister, did you not?"

"You mean that wench, who had the eyes of the devil himself?  Yes, I remember her.  She took out the majority of our elite!"

"Yes.  Well, it seems, that my sister has arrived on this planet.  I figured she knew you were here and decided to come and destroy you.  But, It appears I was mistaken."

At that moment Goku, Gohan, Trunks, Goten, Piccolo, Eighteen & Krillin arrive and notice that this girl claiming to be from the future and Vegeta, were now prisoners of a group of unknown warriors. "Come on guys, we have to hurry."

"Looks like we have company, my lord." one of the Doragon's said nodding in the direction of the Z-Fighters. 

"Then It is time for us to go.  Shadak & Manut lets go, you can release the Saiyans."

"But sire!"

Khayle raises his hand, silencing Shadak "We will meet these warriors again. Only then, I hope they decided to cooperate more than what they have today."

"As you wish, my lord."  Manut answered.

Just as they were leaving, Aura, could have sworn that Khayle turned to look at her, albeit with defiance in his eyes.

"Are you guys alright?  We seen you had disappeared below the tower." Goku said looking from one to the other.  "You took too long, so, we came looking for you."

Vegeta powered down and started to fly off. "We were fine Kakarott.  But, what would you know, you were nice and safe at the top of the tower." The Prince then looked over at his son. "Come on, Trunks, we're leaving!" With those words, both father and son took off without saying another word.

"Well, that was entertaining. Anyway, are YOU alright Aura?"

Aura nodded and then turned back in the direction that Kayle went in.  "I have a feeling, that something horrible is going to happen.  Its no coincedince, that Kayle was here looking for a Doragon Princess.  Besides, I could have sworn that Mikayla said she was the last of her race...." Suddenly Aura lowered her head and whispered. "Gohan, my brother, I sure wish you were here with me.  I really miss you, now, more than ever."

"Don't worry.  If they are here to start trouble, We'll stop them, no matter what!"

~END

A Dragonball Z Fan Fiction:
============================================
Mikayla's Wrath:  Prelude
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COPYRIGHTS: 
DBZ Copyright Akira Toriyama
Aura & Her Twin, Gohan Are of my own creation
Mikayla was Created By A friend named Neko-Sempai and was used with permission.
=============================================

It was a calm, clear day, as Aura sat up and stared at the sky.  she couldn't belive, that it was finally over.  In all her life, she never realized that her destiny, would lead her to this point in time.  A point, to where the earth, was nothing but a dead, desolate place, where nothing was left alive.  she couldn't belive that the battle between her and her childhood friend, Mikayla would last for nearly seven days.  She was hot, tired, hungry, ready for a shower and most of all, needed some moderate medical attention.  

closing her eyes, and lowering her head, Aura finally began to cry.  She soon realized, that everything she loved, everything she cherished, was gone forever.  Her mother, father, brother, grandmother.  All sacrificed their lives to help defeat Mikayla.  but, it wasn't until that pivitol moment, that Aura changed into something more fierce than any Super Saiyan before her.  She called it the Divine Super Saiyan.  

This form, until recently was unknown.  The form, enables the user to take on a regal appearance as if they were that of Saiyan royalty.  Aura's appearance was thus:  Her hair, turned a beautiful shade of deep lavender, a jewel encrusted circlet was upon her forehead, her battle dress was one of shear beauty and had an opal-look to it. She even had a tail that matched her elegant hair and finally on her feet, were golden sandles with jewels placed on the arch strap.

Opening her eyes once again, Aura landed on what used to be Capsule Corp.  Taking a deep breath, she lifted up a huge piece of rubble off of the caved in dome and threw it aside, like it was nothing.  Her new found strength, was fading rapidly as she walked in a daze to a rejuvination chamber so that she could rest and recooperate.  Opening the chamber, she got in and pushed the right combination of buttons on the outside of the chamber so that it would activate once she got inside.  After that, the chamber would automatically shut off and drain, after she was fully healed.  Taking a deep breath, Aura stripped down to her undergarments, and got inside.  the door closed and she attached the respirator over her mouth and then closed her eyes. Not long after, her mind began to wander back to when this battle became a reality.

How much, she missed the sounds of the city rushing by outside.  How much, she missed the life and laughter of her family.  She remembered, very clearly the day that Satyre and Satyra appeared and were there to take over the earth and to defeat its saviors.  She remembered the day that not only her, but her brother came to the rescue of a young girl, named Mikayla Shima.  A girl, who showed extrodinary potential for being a hero of the Earth.  In just 3 short years, Aura's twin, Gohan, fell in love with Mikayla and the two started dating.  Even though Aura thought 13 was a young age to be dating, she couldn't help but smile at her younger sibling.  It wouldn't be until three more years, at the age of 16 that everything started to go horribly wrong.  

Aura and her brother Gohan, began noticing a strange change in behavior from their friend.  Although, Gohan couldn't see it because when Mikayla seen him, her attitude changed back to normal.  But, when Mikayla and Aura were alone together, Aura could sense a strange malice coming from the young woman.  

It wouldn't be until school started, that Mikayla's frequent personality changes would be almost fatal.  While Gohan and Mikayla were both lying in bed with one another (stop thinking dirty thoughts people!!! >_< lol!) cuddling and giving a kiss here and there.  Gohan decided to try and tickle Mikayla.  Aura, of course was in her room studying for a big History test that was coming up for school.   While the two lovers were wrestling around, Mikayla's eyes suddenly changed and began to glow a strangely.  Gohan, who was engrossed in a passionate kiss with his girlfriend, never noticed that Mikayla was becoming more agressive rapidly.  He never noticed her reaching for a pair of scissors, until he heard her talk in a language he had never heard before, until now.  Opening his eyes, he watched as Mikayla placed her hands above her head, clasping a pair of scissors in them.  

 eyes wide with shock, he watched as the scissors were coming towards his face...but then again  they were aimed right at his heart!  Grabbing her hands and trying to stop the scissors from going any farther, Gohan hollared at his sister, who was in her room.  Hearing this, Aura got up as fast as she could, ran towards her brother's room, which, was suspiciously locked,  She tried as hard as she could, pounding on the door and trying to open it. she could hear constant struggling in her brother's room and couldn't hollar for help, because it was only those three in the house at the time.

Finally, Aura and Gohan, both powered up at the same time, one on the outside of the room and the other on the inside.  With this power up, Gohan found that he could now subdue Mikayla and rolled over and got on top of her (again!!! STOP with the dirty thinking lol!!! ^_-)  He yanked the scissors from her hand and threw them across the room.  He then pinned a fighting Mikayla to the bed.  At the same time, Aura was able to get the door open.  powering back down, she ran over to Gohan, who had clearly gone to super saiyan.  

"What's going on!?" she asked looking from one to the other.  

"I..I don't know!" Gohan answered. "We were fine and then all the sudden, I opened my eyes and Mikayla was trying to kill me with a pair of scissors!  Her eyes had changed too!! I've never seen anything like it before!"

finally, after what seemed like forever, Mikayla began to calm down, but before she did, one word could be heard hissing from her mouth.  "Saiyan!" and then, she was silent, as if the tantram had never happend.  Neither brother nor sister, knew what had just taken place.   Gohan powered back down and looked at his now uncertain girlfriend and sighed.   he climbed over her and sat on the edge of his bed.  Aura walked over and embraced a shocked Gohan, who embraced his sister back.  

"I thought you were dead!" she said sniffing back tears.

"So did I." he said looking back over at Mikayla, who was now clearly asleep on the bed.  "I just can't belive that I had to actually go super saiyan, just to stop her from killing me! when her eyes were glowing red, it was like she was a totally different person!  Aura, when Mikayla wakes up, we need to find out who she is and where she came from.  I have a feeling, that there is more going on in her head than she is letting on."

"But, why did it take so long for this part of her personality to come to the surface? Why now?" Aura sighed.

"You know, i never noticed this until now.  But, didn't she just turn sixteen?  If that is the case, then maybe her true powers just awakened."

"I don't know, its possible I guess." Aura crossed her arms.  "I have a strange forboding about all this.  I have a feeling that Mikayla is more than she seems."

"Don't be silly, sis!  I think, that once we find out what is going on here, we might be able to help her.  I am hoping, that after we graduate from school, that Mikayla will want to be my wife."

Aura stood up shocked. she couldn't belive this. "WHAT!? After what just happend, and you still love her! Gohan, She just tried to kill you!"

Gohan stood up now and looked his sister in the eyes.  Oh, how he hated her eyes.  They were so cold and lifeless, yet they did have a sense of understanding behind them.  He also knew, that Aura had this strange habit of predicting the future, which he found creepy in all honesty.  Finally he closed his eyes and began to speak.  "Okay, fine, tell me then, Aura.  What do you see within the future, that you don't think that I should entrust the rest of my life to her?"

Aura took a deep breath and turned her head away from her brother.  "you want to know the truth?"

Gohan nodded.  "Yes."

With her head still turned away, she looked at her brother from the corner of her eyes.  "I see nothing but death."

Looking disappointed, Gohan looked over at Mikayla and then back at his sister.  "Well, I'm going to prove to you, that nothing will happen.  I plan on helping Mikayla with whatever is bother her, and your not going to stop me!"

Shaking her head, Aura said "I figured you would say that. And I know, that once you have made up your mind, there is no way to change it."

At that exact same moment, Mikayla began to stir.  Looking over, both brother and sister watched as the girl sat up and held her head with both hands.  "What...What the hell happend?"

Gohan then narrowed his eyes, looked at his sister and then walked over to Mikayla and kneeled.  "What do you mean, what happened? Don't you remember?"

"Remember what?"

Aura couldn't resist.  she had to say something.  Her conscience just wouldn't let her NOT say anything. She uncrossed her arms and walked over and stood behind her twin.  "that you nearly killed my own brother!"

Mikayla looked at Aura in shock.  "Why would I kill Gohan? I love him!"

"YOU almost killed him! I watched! And if he won't admit it, then I will!  Mikayla we have been friends going on 6 years and not ONCE have you told us about you or your background!  I have done my best to help you out, and I have yet, to hear a thank you!"

All the sudden a huge rage began to fill Mikayla.  Ever since she has known Aura, it seemed that Aura tried to run her life, tried to tell her what to do how to do it, what to wear, how to act and how she should live.  At first, Mikayla never would have thought Aura capable of being so heartless.  After all, it was Aura who saved Mikayla from being picked on by the kids at school, it was Aura who always acted like a big sister to her.  But now, Now Mikayla seen nothing but a coldness in Aura's personality, a change, that could not have been forseen until now and it was this sudden and almost unprecidented change, that Mikayla could suddenly feel the darkness coming back into her mind.  However, this time she had partial control and subdued it before it came to the surface.  she stood up and got into Aura's face, with her fists clenched at her sides.

"How DARE you!!" Mikayla was more enraged than she thought she could ever get. "Why should I thank you for anything, when all you did was run my life! Its as if you knew that something like this was going to happen!  All these years, I have held this in and perhaps that is why I did what I did, then again, you wouldn't know what its like being teased, all because you are different than those around you! Hell, your the daughter of the savior of the world for crying out loud, why should you EVER feel pity on someone like me! You always, ALWAYS told me how to act, how I should treat your brother, How to dress, how to do this, that and everything else under the sun! Well, now its payback for all the things you have done to me..."

While Mikayla was still yelling, Aura narrowed her eyes and watched as a sudden blast of power formed around Mikayla, her eyes glowing that deep shade of red again. The breeze that was being generated caused the Doragon's hair to fly up into the air and wave as if it was a banner blowing outside.  Aura noticed this and so did her brother.  Both looked at Mikayla as the raw and untamed power came back again.

"What would you know, about waking up on a planet, that you knew wasn't your own! Didn't know where you came from or who you were! Found out, that you were abandoned on some godforsaken piece of rock, that had no way of telling you if you were someone special or just another piece of trash that was thrown to the side!"  Mikayla began to cry and collapsed onto the floor.  "But, now I know who i am! I am the last remaining Doragon in the universe! my home, my planet, all destroyed!   All gone, because of one single race, A race that had no thought or feelings for anyone else!"

Gohan kneeled down to Mikayla and placed his hand on her cheek caressing it softly, removing the tears. "If only, we could understand your pain...."

At those words, Mikayla suddenly went into a blind rage and stood up, looking Gohan in the eyes. "Understand me?  you will NEVER understand who I am! neither one of you!  But one day, the world will know my name and will fear me! They will either live by my name or they will die!  And the race that destroyed my planet, my family, will also die! The rest of the Saiyan race will be destroyed!"  

With those words, the wall of Gohan's bedroom suddenly exploded outward and onto the lawn.  Mikayla powered up and took off into the starlit sky, while two bewildered souls looked on and watched as she disappeared.  both were shocked at the events, but moreso Gohan than his sister.  Aura had forseen something like this, but didn't know when it would take place.

Walking over to her brother, Aura placed her hand on his shoulder.  "We will go out and look for her tomorrow.  I shouldn't have said the things I did and....I'm sorry."

Gohan looked at his sister, narrowed his eyes and then grabbed his sisters arm and threw it to the side.  "You never stop and think before you talk!  You don't care if what you say hurts anyone! No, I'll look for her tomorrow, on my own!"

"But!"

Gohan then pushed his sister out of his room and then went outside, used his limitless strength and replaced the wall to his room.  using his power, he was able to have the room fixed in no time, but, his sadness still lingerd.  The last words of Mikayla stayed with him until he fell asleep..."The rest of the Saiyan race will be destroyed!"  

The next day came and once the morning sun rose far enough in the sky, Gohan left to search for Mikayla.  he searched all over and any place that he could remember where they used to hang out together.  Even where they met for their first official date.  But no luck.  

On the other side of town, Aura searched as well, she had seen her brother leave and waited until he took off in the direction he was going, before starting a search of her own.  It wasn't until 5pm that the twins returned home, albeit at the same time.  Gohan, taking a deep breath looked at his sister and sighed.  Neither one had any luck and neither one, would talk to the other.

That night, a giant explosion rocked the northern part of West City.   Gohan ran into his sisters room and looked out her window.  Aura was already up and standing by the window before her brother.  "I knew something like this would happen...."

"what?"  Gohan said looking over at his serious looking sister.  

"I felt her...just before she made her presence known, Mikayla sent out an energy burst...I think only I could feel it...she wanted me to know...."

Gohan rolled his eyes. "don't be rediculous!  Maybe she was just wanting to let us know where she is."

"I don't think so...that was a populated part of the city.  I think she means business this time." With those words, Aura began to change into her fighting attire.  once done, she placed her dark lavender hair up into a ponytail and fastened the sword her father gave her as a gift, around her chest.  "I'm going.  She has to be stopped and if no one else will do it, then I will!"

"What about mother and father?"

"What about them?  They aren't due home until tomorrow.  If I don't stop her, will you?"

"Wait!  how do we even know its her? I mean, I don't feel her power level, Do you?"

"Yes."  With that one, single word, Aura opened her bedroom window and jumped out, flying off into the night.

  once she got there, Mikayla was no where to be found and her power signature had faded before she even arrived at the location.  Returning home, Aura sighed and walked up to her bedroom, her brother opened the door to his room and looked hopefully at his sister.  

"Did you find her?"

Aura closed her eyes and shook her head.  "no.  She was gone by the time I got there.  We were fortunate this time.  she just destroyed an uninhabited building. It was a warning."

Gohan looked saddened.  Aura raised her eyebrows and then embraced her brother.  "I promise.  Tomorrow morning, we will try and find her again.  We will look first thing."

Looking into his sister's eyes, Gohan nodded.  "okay.  First thing tomorrow."

The next day, wasn't the best weather to go looking for a friend.  The air, was actually kind of stale and the scent of rain was hanging heavily in the atmosphere.  Gohan and Aura had agreed the night before to go off in two different directions.  Aura to the east and Gohan to the west.  if one found Mikayla then a signal would be released for the other to see.  The signal would be the raising of one or the others power level.  

Just as Aura was about to land on a building, a sudden rise of power came from the direction that her brother went.  powering up, Aura took off towards the energy, something wasn't right.  Just as she crossed the half-way point, it began to rain and storm.  To Aura, this was a very bad omen.  As she was continuing in the same direction, she seen a ball of light heading towards her, stopping she powered up and just as the ball got closer, Aura realized that there was no way she could deflect it, the power was so immense that it would have killed her instantly or seriously wounded her.  the explosion from the blast caused her to plummet to the ground, but luckily she gained her composure enough and landed on the ground and then catapulted back up into the air and continued heading for her brother.  

Just as she rounded some tall buildings, she watched as an epic battle was taking place.  Gohan was transformed into his SSJ2 state and was battling a completely berserk Mikayla who, had appeared to have changed her attire.  her hair was much shorter than before and her outfit was much more elaborate.  Her power, seemed limitless, but, just as Aura began to get closer to her brother, she watched as a huge burst of energy erupted from Mikayla's hands and watched in horror as her brother stayed within the path of the blast, he wasn't moving.  instead he was powering up an attack all his own, but, what he didn't realize, is that the blast was a decoy.  Aura noticed this and dodged forth all the while, yelling at her brother to dodge and turn around, but, the words reached him too late.  

As he started to turn around, He felt a sudden stab come from behind him and looked down as he seen a knife emerge from his chest.  At that point, Mikayla wispered into his ear.  "now, you will die Saiyan...and you will pay for what you did to my home planet and its people!"  With those words, Mikayla got out of the way of the blast and allowed it to consume Gohan.  

All Aura could do, was stand there and watch in complete and udder horror as her brother was killed in front of her.  Dodging forth once again, Aura landed next to her brother and cradled him in her arms, tears pouring from her ice-blue eyes.  She watched as her brother reached for her face, but, before his hand touched her, he took his last breath and fell limp.  she held on to his hand and lowered her head.  her tears flowing more freely now than they ever did before.  she placed the hands of her, now peaceful looking brother upon his chest and moved him to a safer location.  once done with that task, she walked back over to Mikayla, keeping her head lowered and said "why...why have you done this!  I thought you loved my brother!"

Mikayla laughed maliciously. "loved?  why would I EVER love a Saiyan!  They destroyed my home, My people!  it was their fault that I got stuck on this rock! its their fault that I no longer know who or what I am!"

"but you loved him!  I could understand if it was just me you hated! I realize now, that what I did was wrong! I never should have said and done the things I did. but why...of all things, why did you have to turn on us?  I thought we were your friends, Mikayla!?"

"friends? I have no friends!  If you were a true friend, then you wouldn't have tried to run my life! Its YOUR fault this has all happend, Aura.  If anyone should feel guilty for this, then it should be you!"

"ME!? Do you take me for some kind of idiot! your the one who lost control, your the one who just killed my brother, your boyfriend!"

"then I have done him a service, didn't I?"

"what!?"

"your brother admited to me, that he was tired of living under your shadow.  He told me how much he hated you for telling him how to act and do things. He told me alot of things, that he never told you!"

"your lying! My brother isn't like that, and he has told me plenty of times to back off from his personal business and I obliged.  My brother....nothing can replace him and nothing can bring him back!  You will pay for your actions Mikayla and I will be the one to whom you will answer to!"  Suddenly Aura began to power up, Mikayla did nothing but smirk.  Who did this saiyan think she was? surely she couldn't hope to defeat her.  Especially being one of the most powerful races remaining alive.  

Mikayla, decided to power up too and then once both were ready, dodged forth for one another causing a huge explosion.  


With that last memory, Aura woke up, the liquid draining from the tank.  taking off the respirator, Aura stood up and the door opened.  getting out, she went and took a shower, changed and started packing.  once done she laid down and had a dreamless sleep for 2 days.  Getting up, Aura decided it was time.  she went outside and ascended into the air and looked at the battered and broken earth.  this would be the last time she would ever see this time.  no longer would she see death and destruction, no longer would the past come back to haunt her.  closing her eyes, she began to sing a lament for the earth and its people and its heros.  she had hoped that wherever they were, they would hear this song and would know, that they will never be forgotten, that she would carry on her life and work to protecting what she could in the past.  she would help her ancestors there and hope that she could be of some use and that her mistakes would never be repeated again.

landing inside Capsule Corp., Aura walked into the well protected basement and entered a room that contained a large capsule-looking ship.  A ship, that was modeled after her father's legendary time machine.  getting inside, Aura took a deep breath, pushed the controls and watched as the machine roared to life.  punching in the time coordinates, Aura closed her eyes and braced herself.  in just 60 seconds, she would be arriving into the past....a past, where all the z-fighters were alive and well, where life is still abundant and a hope, that she can be apart of their past, present and future.

~End Prologue

========================================================
Back, when I was a little kid, I used to watch some pretty cool shows.  Or at least, I thought they were cool and they were, during the time period.  However, I realized, that I had been obsessed with the show, Voltron, for quite some time and had been looking for the show, ever since I was able to buy my own things and not too long ago, I was able to buy 3 of the collections.  

The collections, are packaged in metal tins and feature the lion artwork on the front and on the back, the character art and their lion's full-body in a constellation form.  The three volumes that are currently out are the following:  

Collection I: Blue Lion (Episodes 1-15)
Collection II: Yellow Lion (Episodes 16-29?)
Collection III: Green Lion (Episodes 30-45)

Each collection, is 3 discs and has bonus features as well.  For instance, one of the bonus features, talks about how the show came to be here in the U.S. What it was,  it was a show that was sent over here by mistake (it was supposed to be some other show, but the people who were looking into properties and animation at the time, didn't get exactly what they were hoping for.)  Instead, they got a show titled  "Hundred-Beast King Golion" After they received the show and looked at it, they were interested and eventually got the rights, to a certain number of episodes.  They said, that they tried several networks and licensing companies and they all said pretty much the same thing,  They basically said, that a show such as "Golion" wouldn't do well, it wouldn't sell merchandise, etc.  They figured, that the american market wasn't ready for a show that hailed all the way from Japan.  

Also on one of the discs, it has a discussion how they came up with the name.  They had started out with various names containing "vol", and other variations until finally, someone came up with VolTRON.  The guy, who came up with the name, said that he put that on the end of of the "Vol" because at the time, a disney movie called Tron was about to be released or was released.

To be honest, for its time, the american dialogue fit the show well. But, as I rewatched the episodes, I noticed, that some of the guys who did the pilots of the Lions, played the voices of female characters.  I forgot, over the years, just how cheesy some of the voices were on that show.  However, Keith, Lance, Pidge, Sven, Hunk, Princess Allura, Nanny, Coran, Lotor, Hagar the Witch and King Zarkon were definately rememberable.

Out of all the characters, Keith, Pidge and Princess Allura were my faves.  As for the Lions, they went Black, Blue, Green and then the mighty robot itself.  

The show, which aired in 1984, became really popular and spawned many different kinds of merchandise. for instance, Matchbox (who also creates die-cast cars), created a series of die-cast metal lions, but, many if not all, were recalled, because of lead-based paint that was present on the toys.  they, the toyline passed to another company who made the lions in plastic, instead of metal.  Other products that were introduced, was apparel, hats, pajamas, the Castle of Lions playset as well as many other interesting products.  

anyway, lets get on with the characters, plot and the other two not-so-well-known voltron series'.

===============
CHARACTERS
===============
The characters of the show, is what makes the show interesting.  in the Show Voltron: Defender of the Universe, there are several who have their own ideas, goals and personalities.  Down below, is a list of the characters in the Lion Voltron (or Voltron of the Far Universe).

American Name: Keith Akira Kogane
Original Name: Akira Kogane
Age: 20's (?)
Rank: Commander
color (uniform): Red
Lion: Black Lion (Forms Head & Torso) (Pilots Blue Lion until Key is found for Black Lion)
Commander Keith is the leader of the Voltron Force, who was sent, by Galaxy Garrison to help out the planet Arus and to free the Far Universe from King Zarkon's oppression. Keith is a balanced leader and tends to speak his mind on almost anything. Keith also has a known hobby for reading books either in the pilots' lounge or in his room.  He also likes to ponder on strategies and ideas in order to win against King Zarkon and his minions.   During the series, it appears, that Keith, has deep feelings for Princess Allura, though, as far as I know, the feelings are only shown by facial expressions.  the pair never confess their feelings to one another.

American Name: Lance Charles McClain
Original Name: Kurogane Isamu
Age: around 21-23 years of age.
Rank: 2nd in Command
Color (Uniform): Blue
Lion: Red Lion (Forms Right Arm) (Pilots Blue Lion once)
Lance, is the second in command to Keith. He also loves to joke around and give sly comments and he is the only one, with enough guts to stand up to what Keith has to say. Lance can be quite daring and is also seen, to be a ladies man.     

American Name: Darrell "Pidge" Stoker
Original Name:  Suzuishi "Chibi" Hiroshi
Age: Around 12-13 years of age.
Rank: N/A
color (Uniform): Green
Lion: Green Lion (Forms Left Arm)
Pidge is the smallest and youngest member of the Voltron Force.  Because of his size, he uses his speed and agility fully.  Like all the other pilots, he is also well trained in Martial Arts and he graduated from the space academy at a very early age.  His actual specialty, is in the field of science.  He is also good friends with the space mice, and many children on Planet Arus.

American Name: Sven Holgersson
Original Name: Shirogane Takashi
Age: 20's
Ranks: Original 2nd in Command before Lance
Color (Uniform): Black
Lion:  Blue Lion (original Pilot)
Sven is the a Norwegian Pilot.  he was the one to take the original pilot of the Blue Lion.  Not long after becoming a member of the Voltron team, Sven was injured, by Haggar the witch and sent to a planet called Ebb (However, in the original Japanese version, Sven was killed.) After the planet is attacked, Sven is thrown into prison and spends time with Allura's cousin, Romelle.  After escaping, Sven was reassigned to live with Romelle and her younger brother, Prince Bandor on Planet Pollux. Sven is a very quite person, and even though he doesn't show it much, he is very emotional and his heart, is always in the right place.

American Name: Princess Allura
Original Name:  Princess Farla
Age:  18-20
Rank: Princess of the Planet Arus
Color (Uniform):  Pink
Lion:  Blue Lion (Takes over for Sven)
Princess Allura is the only heir to the throne of the Planet Arus.  She is beautiful and regal, but also, likes to spend time with the other four Pilots of the lions. (as seen when they all go swimming and she wears a Bikini, which promps Nanny and Coran to pretty much freak out.  More so Nanny though lol). Allura can also be a bit Naive, especially when romance is involved.    She never hesitates to speak her mind and is a strong-willed person, she is also fully capable of ruling her kingdom of Altair and the planet Arus, though Nanny and Coran don't think so as much. Princess Allura is also capable of Invoking the dead.  Particularly her deceased father King Alfor, who offers the princess much wisdom and council in times of need.  

American Name: Tsuyoshi "Hunk" Garett
Original name: Seido Tsuyoshi
Age: 24-26
Rank: N/A
Color (Uniform):  Orange
Lion: Yellow Lion
Hunk is the muscle of the group, and pilots the Yellow Lion, which forms the Right leg of the mighty robot.  This pilot, may look tough and mean, but, deep down inside, he is a big softie (especially for children) and He is never late for a meal.  even though his friends tease him about his appetite, most of Hunk's bulk, is actually muscle.  
 
That does it for the Pilots.  As for the Allies, I won't go much in to detail, but some of their allies include the following people:

Nanny, Coran, Princess Romelle, Prince Bandor, Space Mice, King Alfor

Also, the people of the Planet Arus and the Kingdom of Altair are willing to fight for their Princess and the Defender of the Universe, Voltron.  However, it takes a little time for them to finally come out of hiding and to trust those around them, as well as the five pilots of the robot lions.   When they finally begin to trust again, they are willing to sacrifice their lives for what they belive in and to protect their princess, planet, homes and family. 
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STORYLINE
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At the beginning of the series, Keith and the rest of the Space Explorers from Galaxy Garrison are on their way, to planet Arus, in hopes of helping out the planet against King Zarkon and his minions, son (Prince Lotor), and a demented witch, named Haggar and her pet, a blue cat that can be a total pain in the ass. 

During the first episode, Keith and the team, are captured thrown into the dungeons on planet Doom.  During this whole time, they are trying to get to planet Arus and to find out about the legendary robot, Voltron, in hopes to activate it and use it to defend the universe from Zarkon and his minions, as well as protecting the planet, Arus. 

During the first episode, the team is able to escape and crash land's on the Planet Arus and they eventually, make their way to what appears, to be a ruined castle on a hill.  The  castle, appears to be deserted, until they meet the caretaker, Coran, who tells them a little about the castle and so on and so forth.  It isn't until the Princess Allura arrives, that Coran finally allows them inside.

After a time, they tell the team of Space Explorers about Voltron and that Haggar had disguised herself as a beautiful Goddess and lured Voltron to her (Voltron, at this time, was one whole Sentient Being :::Meaning, it had intelligence of its own:::) and with her dark magic, broke Voltron up into five pieces.  Each piece forming a different colored Lion and each Lion also landed in a specific location, surrounding the Castle:

BLACK LION = Sleeps as a statue infront of the castle and formed a Winged Lion arch.

BLUE LION = Sleeps in the Lake next to the castle

RED LION = Sleeps in a Volcano

GREEN LION = Sleeps Under a tree in the deep forest

YELLOW LION = Sleeps in the desert underneath the harsh sands.

After explaining many things, Coran tells the would-be Pilots, that they are out of luck, because the Keys to activate the Lions had been lost and were not yet found.  But, soon, familiar face and voice to Coran and especially Princess Allura appeared and told them, where to find the keys. 

This voice and face, belonged to none other than King Alfor, Princess Allura's desceased father.  He told the team, that the Keys were located in his crypt deep underneath the castle.  Once there, they opened the coffin and found four of the keys to activate the Lions, but the Fifth key, the one to activate the Black Lion and the Head and body, was missing. 

It wasn't long however, that the Planet Arus was soon under attack by Zarkon's forces to recapture the Space Explorer's who escaped his planet.  Having no other choice, the team goes out in four lions instead of five.  Somehow, they were able to pilot the lions and come back victorious. 

But, the victory was short-lived, for Zarkon and Haggar unleashed a robeast upon the planet and now, the team, needed the fifth key more than ever.  After some persuasion, Pidge was able to locate the fifth key to activate the Black Lion.  Come to find out, the Space mice had taken it to their nest.  It was supposedly a gift from King Alfor before he died.   Now, with the fifth key, the team, could form Voltron and defend the planet, its Princess and her kingdom.   It is also during this time, that the new Castle of Lions is born and rises from the ashes and rubble of the old castle.  The new castle is a complete fortified building that is built from steal and is fully equipped with weapons and armarments to help defend the planet and to back up voltron.  The castle also helps with the training of the pilots, by firing on them and attacking them as if they are the enemy.

It isn't until episode 6 that the team faces their first loss.  Sven is severely injured and is thus, unable to be a part of the team again.  He is sent off to a planet called Ebb to heal.  It is at this time, that the Princess decides that as the leader of her people, she should be the one to pilot the Blue Lion.  Much to Coran's dismay, that is EXACTLY what she does. 

Now, that Voltron is once again awakened, the planet and the universe will be a safe and peaceful place to live once more.

The Storyline is a really good one.  though, I wish they would have included the original Japanese version too.  But, supposedly, those are to be released later on this year.  Anyway, this storyline is classic and is one of my fave shows the from 80's
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SHOW DIFFERENCES
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Back in the 80's cartoons had to be clean.  and what I mean by clean, is that characters weren't supposed to die, blood and gore had to be kept out, and intense torture situations, so on and so forth. down below is a small listing of things that were changed to fit our standards over here in the United states
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It was a Goddess who divided Voltron because of his arrogance, not Haggar.

However, some things were left in, if they were in small quantity.  For instance, there are some parts, where blood is still shown.  (trickling down the forehead, etc.) But, that is about it. 

In the original Japanese version, There were EXTREME images of violence, torture as well as other things.  For instance things such as beheading were most DEFFINATELY left out.

The violence in the original was alot worse than what we seen here in the states.  I also think, that language was changed too. 

Planet doom Soldiers (Grunts) were refered to as "robots" when they were killed or blown up in their space craft.  the same goes for armada fleets.

Characters such as Shirogane (aka Sven), he was originally killed in the Japanese version, but, because of restrictions here in America at the time, deaths weren't allowed to be shown.  So, scenes of Shirogane's funeral, as well as the tearful good-byes were cut from our version and was instead replaced with him being injured and sent off to another planet to heal. 

Another case of a character getting killed in the original Japanese version, was Nanny.  Nanny was killed in an episode called "Coran's Son Runs Amok", Nanny is shot and mortally wounded by a character named Garret while protecting Coran.  It is after this, that the scenes of Coran and Allura visiting her grave are cut from the show as well. 

I know, I didn't do a good job of explaining things in this part, but I hope to revise this and make it sound much more presentable at a little bit later date.  Until then, this will have to do. ^^()

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EPISODE GOOFS
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During the series, and while watching the newely released Collections, I came across several things I never noticed in the series before until now. 

Down below is a small list of what I have discovered so far.

1. THE QUICK CHANGE KID =  In one episode, Pidge does a quick-change routine.  In the episode he is wearing his Lion flight suit when he is rescued. but, during a quick frame change, Pidge is in his normal outfit and then the next frame appears and Pidge is back in his Pilot Uniform.

2. LOOKS LIKE YOU MISSED A SPOT = There are a couple of episodes where this happens.  If you look closely at the lions, there seems to be some color/s missing. 

3.  WHITE BADGE OF NOTHINGNESS = This is a small goof and can be easy to miss.  In some episodes, Keith's badge (the one that looks like an upside down "V") is missing the background color to it.

4. IDENTITY CRISIS:  In one episode, I caught this little goof.  They showed a picture of Keith and instead of Keith's voice, it was Hunk's instead.  Talk about an identity crisis lol!

So far, these are the only ones I have found.  There are others, but I haven't documented anymore at this time.  I will post more as they come.

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FINAL THOUGHTS
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For it being an old 80's cartoon, Voltron: Defender of the Universe is still one of those classic cartoons, that fans will want to see again and again, or at least I think so. 

I really like the newly released collections and look forward to more installments.  One of the interesting things about the pakaging, is the artwork and the unique Lion tins that contain the three disc sets, each.  Inside the tins are fold-outs that show artwork that was done by the crew at World Events Produtions, because they were unable to find media that featured the original artwork from that time period and so the artwork was redone from scratch, and captures the atmosphere and intensity of the original artwork in my opinion. 

Each set, contains bonus features from the produces, directors, music composers, commercials, featurettes and more.  One of my favorite bonus features, is the Robot Chicken episode, "You got Robo-Served' in which Voltron is in a dance contest with a Robeast and then continues to take him down after the fight.  it is a hilarious episode, that I watch over and over.

altogether, I give the sets and the rerelease of the series a 9/10.  Now, I can't wait for the release of the rest of the series.  However, I won't get the Vehicle Voltron or the Gladiator voltron.  I am a Lion Voltron fan only, through and through!

Until Next time....

Activate interlock! Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Mega thrusters are go! LET'S GO VOLTRON FORCE!  Take care and feel free to let me know what you think of this classice 80's cartoon)


 

Coming soon, are 2 reviews.  The first one will be of the DVD release of the 1984 classic anime, Voltron.  Which, is currently out in three volumes:

Collection I = Blue Lion
Collection II = Yellow Lion
Collection III = Green Lion

And, coming later this year, Collection IV = Red Lion.  The review for Voltron, is nearly complete.  currently, I am talking about the characters.  Once the review is done and completely typed out, I will post it here. 

The next review, will be on Spider-Man 3 Which, I thought was the best one out of them all.  The reviews should be up here sometime next week and on my next days off.

Until then, take care everyone and I hope you enjoy visiting my page.

~RKOD