My motto: I don't classify myself as anything. I'm just unique. I was born original, and I won't die a copy.

Gender: Male

Birthday: 5 February 1988

Residence: North Carolina

Nationality: African-American/West Indian (Who would've thought?)

Hobbies: writing poetry and short stories, creative writing, sketching (although, not very good)

I am currently attending college. So far, I am enjoying it. I can't complain. I am double-majoring in Spanish and International and Global Studies, with a concentration in Asian Studies. Yeah, that is a mouthful. With this degree, I hope to obtain my ultimate goal: interpreting/translation. I would like to work as a diplomat among the United Nations and countries abroad, but if it doesn't pan out, then I can always try for the job as an interpreter on the local or national level. They are in high demand nowadays. I am now currently learning three languages: Spanish (my primary focus), Chinese (secondary) and Japanese (tertiary). I know a little bit of other languages to boot--some French (long ago, in high school) and some Italian. Consider me a polyglot; I love to learn and speak different languages as effectively as I possibly can.

E-mail: darkheroorion10@yahoo.com

The aforementioned e-mail account is for anyone who is in need of an English-speaking beta reader. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to e-mail me at this e-mail address, should you need to personally seek me.

Fics in the Making: They will see eventual completion. In no way, shape or form am I abandoning my stories. It'll take some time to get up the chapters, so please be patient.

Birth of a Legend: The Fox Druid (in progress)
Summary: A true force of nature arises from the lowly roots of Konoha. This child, a scion of noble birthright, is ironically shunned by his deep-seated burden. Follow along as our coming-of-age noble grows through the test of adversity and new challenges.
Rating: T (Teen) for violence, language and suggestive themes
Current progress: Can't say for the moment, except that the Chuunin trials are under way...Update speed will be sporadic and vary from time to time...Chapter 17: 0 percent
Genres: Action/Adventure/Romance
Pairing(s): Naru/Hina, with potential one-sided Femme!Haku, Sasu/Saku, and other pairings

Hit Count Tallies: Thanks to those who made it possible.

25 April 2008: 100,000 hits

8 January 2009: 200,000 hits

Alerts Tallies: Thanks to those who made it possible.

29 November 2009: 1000 alerts

The Fox Druid: Are no Rekidaishi (R&D phase); roughly translates to "Annals of the Tempest"
Summary: To keep under the radar of the Akatsuki organization, Jiraiya and Naruto journey far and wide to get the young lad stronger. From finding new allies and old friends to making new enemies, what kinds of things are in store for our coming-of-age hero?
Rating: T (Teen) for violence, language and suggestive themes (may be bumped up to M for more mature themes)
Current Progress: Research and Development, Brainstorming
Genres: Action/Adventure/Romance
Pairing(s): Naru/Hina/Femme!Haku, Sasu/Saku, one-sided OC (original characters...plural)

The Fox Druid: Kyuuten no Sansenku (R&D phase); roughly translates to "The Three Sky Heralds"
Summary: Sequel that takes place three years after Birth of a Legend: The Fox Druid and three months after the events in Are no Rekidaishi. Naruto returns to Konoha after an extended three-year training trip with Jiraiya. Sporting a rugged new look and surprising skills, what is the spill-over effect from the events prior to his return?
Rating: T (Teen) for violence, language and suggestive themes (may be bumped to M for coarser language and more mature themes)
Current Progress: Research and Development, Brainstorming
Genres: Action/Adventure/Romance
Pairing(s): Naru/Hina/Femme!Haku, Sasu/Saku, and other pairings, along with one-sided OC

To those that are confused about the title, the elements within these fics are based upon various sources; however, that does not mean that it is a crossover. Here are some of the sources that are included into this fictitious trilogy: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, Mortal Kombat, Samurai Deeper Kyo and (quite obviously) Naruto.

If anyone is willing to draw any fan-art for this trilogy, then it would be highly appreciative for me. I will be sure to include your artwork with links on my profile page underneath this bold printing.

Limit Breaker: Fûjin no Ôdachi (in progress with complementary R&D Phase); roughly translates to "Great Sword of the Wind God"
Summary: The Uchiha genocide was scheduled sooner than what Sarutobi expected. Some particular events go unnoticed, and some blossom into fruition, leaving alternate effects to the causes from thereafter. The elemental deities involve themselves into human affairs, which had been against proper protocol. And the end result...? (AU, Strong Naruto)
Rating: Rated M (Mature) for violence, adult/suggestive themes
Genres: Action/Adventure/Supernatural
Current Progress: Further R&D, Brainstorming, Outlining; Chapter 3: 3 percent (This is not a main project, yet, so bear with the slow update schedule for this fic in the making.)
Pairing(s): Currently undecided on romance for the moment, but I will make the final decision

Elements Included: Naruto with concepts incorporated from Mortal Kombat, Final Fantasy and Ninja Gaiden.

Chapter Titles (and references, if any)

Chapter One: Night of Regret, Night of Discovery; reference: none
Chapter Two: Flawed Legacy; reference: Halo 2, Vol. 1 Original Soundtrack, Track #7: Flawed Legacy
Chapter Three: Infiltrate the Jashin Cult; reference: allusion to Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, Mission 6: Infiltrate the Manji Cult
Interlude One: The Natural Order of Things; reference: none
Chapter Four: Seals, High Heels, and G-Strings; reference: none--credit goes to pudgypudge for the chapter name
Chapter Five: ??

With credit from timetenshi from deviantArt, I was permitted to host his graphic on my profile. This is his "Templo del Cielo" (that's "Sky Temple" for all you non-Spanish speakers out there). I got inspired from his artwork, and it was a big influence as to how Fûjin's Sky Pagoda looks like for Limit Breaker: http://timetenshi.deviantart.com/art/Templo-del-Cielo-Sky-Temple-80199167

Potential Fics in the Making (dressed with uncertainty--tentative): These may be worked on after I'm finished with the projects that are currently up. It depends on my erring mood.

Under A Sky So Blue
Naruto/Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover (pilot chapter in the works)

Rolling Thunder
Naruto fic where Naruto gains some legendary vulpine characteristics (my take on it) (R&D-Research & Development)

Thirteen Shades of Gray
Naruto/Bleach crossover (very tentative) (R&D Phase, skeleton of an outline in the works, too)

Favorite Naruto Pairings (in no particular order):

Uzumaki Naruto/Hyuuga Hinata (cute couple; that and Hinata is too nice to have her little heart broken--she already has enough with confidence issues as it stands)

Uzumaki Naruto/Tayuya (very intriguing when pulled off, as I've seen beforehand--in past chemistry lessons, like solutions dissolve other like solutions)

Uchiha Sasuke/Haruno Sakura (it is best for Sakura to be the underdog in this one-sided pairing; like Naru/Saku and Naru/Hina, she strives to reach the unattainable)

Uzumaki Naruto/Haruno Sakura (not really favored to NaruHina, but the relationship will work if she overcomes the childish past, fawning for Sasuke; here, it pains me to see Naruto to go above and beyond for the sake of her happiness, at the cost of his own--or worse, his life--while he does not get much else in return)

Hyuuga Neji/Tenten (more along the lines of a serious relationship; stern, authoritarian Neji and ditsy Tenten to complement his shortcomings with humorous antics)

Rock Lee/Tenten (this couple, to me, can be rather off-handed, light-hearted and goofy)

Hatake Kakashi/Rin (...No real reason)

Uchiha Obito/Rin (...Kind of on par with Naru/Saku)

Kakashi Harem (harem usually includes most of the female Jounin, Special Jounin and ANBU--that is, whenever you see underneath his mask)

Naruto Harem (He could use some lovin' from the ladies, as well as add to the hilarity--hmm...I think that Naruto is rather flexible)

Naruto/OC (This is only if she is not the typical, generic, static character. She needs to have some quirks and character flaw; otherwise, that falls into the loosely applied term of "Mary Sue.")

Pairings can be alternated throughout the fic, if at all possible. You do not have to rely on the head pairing.

Pairings in Naruto that I Tolerate/Feel Neutral to:

Uzumaki Naruto/Sabaku no Temari (you have to show the fellow wind-users some love)

Uzumaki Naruto/Yamanaka Ino (the Mind Mistress has no one to love in canon; the rest of the Ino-Shika-Chou is more like family, in my honest opinion)

Uzumaki Naruto/Tenten (supporting character should at least get some bit of air time)

Uzumaki Naruto/Femme Haku (had the character lived and had been a girl...)

Uzumaki Naruto/Nii Yugito (I guess the similar spiel about them being jinchuuriki and all...)

Matsuri/Sabaku no Gaara (Eh, what can you say? There is obviously admiration...or fanboy worship on her part...)

Rock Lee/Haruno Sakura (I stand in favor, but more so neutral to this particular pairing, once Sakura is liberated of her 'ideal' love)

Hyuuga Hinata/Team 8 member (if the plot development calls for it)

Uchiha Sasuke/Tenten (once again, due to plot development)

Nara Shikamaru/Sabaku no Temari (there is an obvious chemistry there, even though they both don't admit it)

Yuuhi Kurenai/Sarutobi Asuma (it's canon, so I'll grin and bear it)

Pairings in Naruto that I Don't Really Favor:

Uchiha Sasuke/Hyuuga Hinata (It's a definite no-go in my book. It just will NOT happen, unless maybe Naruto gets killed for some apparent reason; otherwise, I see the Hinata/Team 8 member pairing and even marrying her cousin before this abomination can happen)

Hyuuga Neji/Hyuuga Hinata (they are first cousins, more specifically, genetic half-siblings--enough said of incestuous relationships and inbreeding)

Sabaku no Gaara/Hyuuga Hinata (very strange, and that will most likely not happen at all, unless the circumstances of Naruto getting killed happens--which is not likely, since Naruto is the protagonist and the manga is named after him)

Naruto/OC (when she IS a "Mary Sue," a "perfect" girl with no character flaw, whatsoever)

All yaoi (shounen-ai) and yuri (shoujo-ai) (From most of what I've seen in summaries and glancing at them, they are a waste of time! Well, more so of the former than the latter. Now, if there were some character development and a genuine storyline included within it, and not putting it out as beat-off material, then I might read it. I'm still uncertain with regard to this subject, especially regarding the fandom for which I write, which mainly has heterosexual pairings.)

More will be listed...

Some pet peeves regarding Naruto-based fics or general gripes regarding grammar (among other things):

1. Giving Naruto a doujutsu is (more than likely) a bad idea, unless it actually calls for it. I think it detracts from Naruto's unwavering and dedicated work ethic. Having a doujutsu like the Sharingan will just make the story a bit one-sided and it would hinder Naruto more so than help (copying techniques is something that is un-Naruto-like, save for the Uzumaki Naruto Combo). Creative ones (meaning doujutsu) are all right, as long as they do not provide some cheap shots at trumping any other doujutsu. With regards to other abilities, that's fine, as long as it does not detract from the story (unless you alter it completely, hence making it an alternate universe).

1a. Corollary to Pet Peeve Number One. There is one potential parameter in regards to all fan fiction in general. In the rehashed words of a reviewer of mine (Iseriad), any character who is so powered up as to make him or her a literal god in comparison to other characters in the story should not exist as it unbalances the story as a whole.

2. I absolutely despise unfinished fan fics. If you have taken the time to write it, then it would be crucial to notify those who follow it that it is discontinued or placed on indefinite hiatus. Worse case scenario: let someone adopt it if you haven't updated in over four or five months or so (or ran out of ideas). To me, six months (or, at most, a year) would be the absolute cut-off point for an author if he or she does not get his or her act together and finish the story. It should then go to someone else for re-modification (unless you're going to be away from a computer for more than six months, then that would be valid).

3. If you don't have anything else to say other than "update soon," then move right along. Even though I am past the newbie stage when it comes to writing, I need to read what it is that you liked or didn't like and what I can do to improve or expound upon in certain details (they aren't considered reviews for no apparent reason, ladies and gentlemen). Some of the suggestions may go out of my realm of possibility, so I won't be taking all criticism.

3a. This is a follow-up of Pet Peeve Number Three. Authors should decide on how they want to set the pace and tone for the story, and not have anyone else tell them otherwise. If you don't like the way it's progressing, then find another one more befitting to your tastes. Some like long-winded details; others want action and fast-paced work. I find myself alternating between the two to create a "roller coaster" effect to hold everyone's interest. With that said, reviewers are just that--reviewers, for they have absolutely no say, whatsoever, regarding your story.

4. I'm not a fan of homosexual erotica (yaoi/shounen-ai and yuri/shoujo-ai fall right into this category--see above for more details), and I don't write that kind of material. It's not like I have anything against it, it's just that if you're willing to write that kind of material, then switch over to a more adult fan fiction site, okay?

5. Some say that the Naruto/Hinata pairing is overused and underdeveloped in fan fiction, but I say otherwise in the defense of said pairing. It's just been abused to the point that it isn't viable anymore (words courtesy of pudgypudge). It's been abused and bruised to the point where you have to call in Domestic Services to help. That and it rushes faster than a fourth-down blitz play. That's about it, really, in all honesty.

6. I despise flaming with a passion. If you do not have any positive, constructive criticism (that is, avoid writing in your review about the material as 'a joke,' 'crap,' or 'blah,' among other things), then do not post any review at all. It is best to keep those particular comments to yourself. Did your parents teach you one of the Golden Rules? If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. What the author does with the story is his or her own initiative.

7. I hate anonymous reviews that trash and belittle other good literature. They give you absolutely no say in the matter in which you want to defend. Plus, only a pansy would have the gall to hide behind and write an unsigned flame, and even then, it shows how horrible in grammar he or she can be.

8. When writing fan fiction, be sure to check spelling (especially with character names), grammar, punctuation and word usage. It adds more coherence into the story.

8a. Corollary to Number Eight. I can't stand it when authors misuse homophones (to those that need a definition, homophones--derived from Greek homos (same) and phonos (sound)--are words that sound the same but are spelled differently, like to, two, too, they're, their, there, your, you're, hour, our, it's, its, etc.). This includes the blatant disregard to the context in which they are used.

8b. Secondary Corollary to Number Eight. I also cannot stomach the disregard to using "than" and "then." Folks, than is a comparative word, whereas then is a word that indicates an event in a point in time, whether it may be in the past or future. There is a common error in word usage with these two words, as stated by MSN Encarta.

Than (a conjunction and a preposition) and then (an adverb and an adjective) are used differently and have different meanings even though they may sound similar when pronounced.

Do not use than when then is called for, as in:
If the meal is ready, then (not than) you should sit at the table.

She was the then-president (not than-president) of the society.

Conversely, do not use then when than is called for, as in:
The hole was no deeper than (not then) 12 feet.

8c. There is no anywho in the English language. The actual word for it is anyhow.

8d. Anyway is an adverb, and all adverbs are, for the most part, not pluralized. With that said, anyways is a nonstandard and regional (colloquial) word that needs to be kept out of formal writing (as it is not regarded as Standard English).

9. I have read some fiction stories (as well as reviews) and some authors/reviewers mistake the word definitely with defiantly. My advice with this is to not rely on Microsoft Word spell check when it comes to these terms, especially if you had written it with an "a." News flash: there are only two "i"s and two "e"s in DEFINITELY. Definitely means that you are certain to do the action, whereas being defiant means that you will not do so with said action.

10. Nothing is original anymore, so it is hard to come up with different scenarios when writing fan fiction and blending it into your own way. Furthermore, in the words of a friend and fellow author, one bleachedserenity, we have all lost originality when writing based upon the work of someone else. That's just a gripe, not a pet peeve.

11. If I want Naruto and Kyuubi to be in communion with one another, then so shall it be. If I want Naruto to be highly intellectual, then I will make it so through proper development. IF you have a problem with it, then let me know personally.

12. I'm at odds with the manga nowadays, and I'm reading the newest updates with a grain of salt. Let us hope that Kishimoto-san finally ties up the loose ends that need explanation, instead of further introducing more quizzical plot twists. Adding along with that, I have never seen a manga (Naruto) with a protagonist with so many odds stacked against him. It certainly isn't fair, in my honest opinion. Kishimoto-san, please remove your cranium from out of your backside (read: get your head out of your ass) and get your act together.

(Well, those are a couple of pet peeves and/or gripes of mine, but I will be sure to add more later.)

Random Rant: For all fan fiction, I feel that if you have a multi-chapter story, then it would be paramount to just leave a disclaimer on the first chapter, and leave it at that. The same applies with the text legend as well.

Important Rant, So Please Read: You cannot appease everyone's satisfaction on this site. Writing on this site is like a double-edged sword. You want to express your thoughts and imagination in your own way, but some just won't let you accomplish that task. To those that do that...

STOP IT.

You're ruining the fun in writing for free entertainment. This also goes to abusing the privilege of reviewing. Suggestions, by how some "reviewers" come across, can be easily interpreted as "I want you to put this into your fic." This also encompasses phrases like the following:

"Have (insert BS here...)"
"I'd say have (insert drivel here...)"
"Would it be a cool idea if (put nonsense here)...?"
"I'd suggest that/I think that you should (insert diatribe/half-assed explanation here)..." (This really translates to "Put this into your fic," or "I demand that you write this." At least, to me, that is. I don't know about anyone else, though, but it is really frustrating by reading the inherent demanding, albeit unspoken and implied superficially.)

Now, if one were to phrase his or her thoughts in the form of a question, and then give sufficient backing to the claim, then that would be okay by my standards. Here is a skeleton review as a base for an example:

"Have you ever considered (insert particular point of focus for the future..., or "doing this" here...)? If you go that route, then (insert justification, along with a counter-argument here...)."

This should be after a reviewer expresses his or her thoughts in divisions of likes and dislikes. One can also go above and beyond and ask questions like "Will (insert event here) happen?" Sure, I won't answer them, but I'll give just enough of an answer to make the reviewer want to find out later in future updates. One can also call out if grammar becomes too much of an issue. If it's minor, then let the author worry about that. The same should go for plot holes the size of the Grand Canyon.

All in all, the admins should take heed to what I say pertaining to reviews. If you agree with me on this, then leave me a PM and tell me what you think. Like most authors, I like correspondence/making debates. Just...Be sure to have proper spelling and coherence when getting across your point. If you don't, then I will tell you to rewrite it again, if the argument fails...along with your awful grammar.

Moment of Clarity: A Look into Characterization

It has come to my attention as an epiphany. It is a matter that we, as fan fiction authors, must learn to deal with this "reality." What I am referring to is this:

No matter how closely we portray a character or characters credited from someone else's work, and no matter how well we research the universe upon which our fiction is based, said characters will never truly be "in-character."

Here is my rationale. We're not the creators, so the only points of interest that we follow are the brief overviews of personality traits and quirks/mannerisms. We won't know how the characters will react to a given situation and know their thinking patterns.

PERIOD!

In lieu of this moment of distinct clarity, Canon Fascists and critics need to get a grip on saying that a character is IC (in-character) or OOC (out-of-character). In a sense, they already are OOC when we write them in the first place, in some way, shape or form. We, the authors, already have our tweaks added to the characters due to our biased interests and where we want the story to progress. If you want 'in-character' characters, then watch the anime (or cartoon) or read the manga upon which the anime is based. Since this is fan fiction, OOC can potentially happen, were it up to chance. That's all I'm saying on this issue.

Miniature Rant: Pairings and Preferences

There is the issue regarding pairings. I believe that we add our own self-imposed beliefs on how a pairing should be (in short, an indirect self-insertion due to one's own personal preferences). The fact of the matter is that, depending on how the characterization develops, an author has to take into account on whose personality meshes well with another character within the same realm. In the Naruto canon, I think that Naruto should be with Hinata; however, in the realm of fan fiction, I let go of my preferences regarding who Naruto will be paired with. Anyone is fair game, depending on how an author sculpts his or her character; more so the story than anything.

In any case, one should read a story for what it is, and not tell an author that a story stinks because of a pairing that he or she innately loathes. Learn to be objective, and not subjective. If you don't know the meaning behind those words, then look it up.

This once again goes out to pudgypudge and his stories. You should definitely check them out. Be sure to leave a kind word for him.

I have decided to move my challenges onto my forum (that has yet to get off the ground), entitled Orion's Utility Belt, mainly due to the fact that my profile page is getting a bit lengthy. Feel free to take a gander. Along in the forum is a more accurate detail on my updating progress. Once again, feel free to take a look.