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A woman looking about the age of twenty, tired, her long dirty-blonde hair all a mess, answers the door. She smiles sweetly, however, and calls for Inwar.

Inwar is still a young dragon, but she is almost six feet tall. She notices you and yells with delight, "Mommmmy!" She runs to greet you but topples you over in the process. You land on the wet ground, with the ecstatic dragon sitting on top of you.

[x]Welcome to my Pet Page, Nin! [x]

Minna-san Konnichiwa! Everyone welcome to my page, nin! A special welcome to my mommy, Steph. No matter who adopts me, you are the person who hatched me and raised me! I will love you forever, nin! Iaka Oma-chan (my other mommy) has worked very hard on this application - and I have to say, every day when she woke up in the morning after working, she looked like a sloth (just don't tell her I said that! <3).

In this application (all about me! ;3), I will talk about myself, introduce my friends, show you pictures I have drawn, dedications, fan art and my diary! I love to write and read, so I am a very smart little dragon! Oh wait - I'm not supposed to be talking about myself here yet, nin xP. Iaka is very longwinded and likes to talk a lot, but so do I, nin! So, I hope you enjoy reading this very loooooong application, Mommy!

[x] Personality [x]

Konnichiwa! Welcome to my Petpage, Nin!! This Petpage is dedicated to me and all of my future dreams! My name is Inwardly, or Inwar if you'd prefer, or In for short. ^w^ I was named by my father, Onryu, because I take after him. He isn’t alive anymore. He died a long time ago - before I was born, actually. I’m not really sure how he died, because Oma-chan said that I'm too young to know right now. I wish I could have met him. She says he was really handsome, but had a very stubborn personality, just like me, nin! Oddly enough, I share the same birthday as my father too! My birthday is Sept. 21st! I am only about a month old, but Oma says I’m so smart for my age!

I am 159 cm (5.16 feet) tall, and I weigh 130 lbs! I have Mom measure me every night before I go to bed. Oma is 177 cm tall (5.74 feet) so I am almost as tall as her! When I was an egg, Oma used to carry me around and take me everywhere. I even slept with her at night, so she could keep me warm. Now, because I'm so big, she can’t do those things anymore. I kick her off the bed when I’m sleeping at night, and she ends up sleeping on the floor. So usually I end up sleeping in my own room, by myself.
I am much stronger than Oma-chan is, nin! ^w^ I can pick her up now and carry her around! Also, I can’t fly yet because my wings are still developing, but in about a year, I'll be able to! I can’t wait to fly with all of my friends, and I really want to take Oma out flying. She tells me stories all the time about Father, and how they used to fly together all the time. She says when she is flying, she forgets about everything else. Oma is always so busy; I want her to fly again someday, nin!

Oh, I’m sorry! Here I am, rambling away, and you're probably thinking, “What the heck is 'nin'?”...! ‘Nin’ is short for "Ninjin" (Japanese), which means "carrot" - it was the first word I learned! I luuuuve carrots~! They are my favorite food! I don’t eat meat, by the way. I'm a vegetarian. Why, you ask? Because meat is made from my animal friends, and I hate the taste! Oma says it’s not healthy for me not to eat meat because I’m a dragon, a carnivore, and I need all the iron and protein I can get. So instead she has me take lots of pills and vitamins to keep me healthy and strong! She makes really good spaghetti and meatballs too…I feel really bad, though, 'cause I won't eat it. ^o^;

Every weekend my family and I go out to eat dinner and do karaoke! I always get the highest score, too! My big sister, Ia, always teases me though, because all I can sing are songs in lower octaves. I can't help it if I have a low voice, can I? My favorite song of all time is “1000 Words” by Jade and Sweetbox. Nin, I love singing that song to Dask - he hates it, though, because I put him to sleep every time! <3 Oh! Dask is my best friend, I’ll tell you about him later, nin. Well, that’s enough about me now, nin, I'll talk about me some more! On to the next section, let me introduce my real mom, nin!

[x] Meet Oma-chan[x]

In: I would like to introduce you to my Oma-chan, Iaka! *She waits for Iaka to say something.* ...Omaaaaa-chan, introduce yourself!

Iaka: But this page isn't about me, In...

In: Yes, I know, but you still have to introduce yourself!

Iaka: Oh! Right! Where should I start...Let's see... Well first off, I am very pleased to meet you, Steph, and thank you for visiting Inward's page.

[x] Oma-chan's Real Life [x]

My name is Arisha (Ah-rii-sha) in real life, but on the Internet (for security reasons) I use my character's name, Iaka (Ai-eh-kah). I am very excited to be applying for In. I am seventeen years old and my birthday is on January 15, 1989. I am a very friendly person - an active and hard worker, who always sets high goals for myself. I have graduated from high school already, in only three years.

I am currently living in Japan for one year, as an exchange student. I have been living here for almost 3 months now. My real home is actually in New York State (not NYC). I don't like the city too much; I like the fresh, clean air of the open outdoors. At home, I have two dogs and a cat. They mean everything to me, especially my border collie, Soren, and my cat, Tibbies. They are my best friends and I do everything with them. I'm definitely an animal person (especially a dog person).

An average day for me here in Japan is going to school in the morning (I wear a uniform), and kendo practice (wooden swords) after school almost every day. After school and Kendo, I usually study for a little while, and then maybe draw for the rest of the night. Although lately, I have to admit I've been focusing most of my time on Inwar. I will be physically (and mentally) relieved after I finish this application! ^_^

My hobbies include drawing, walking/running, drawing, playing video games (sometimes), singing, reading, drawing, watching anime and old samurai dramas, and my favorite, drawing. I usually sketch every day, just random things, but usually involving my comic. I do indeed have a comic, untitled at the moment, about dragons - but I think In will talk about that later. My best friend is Miyu or jjquil , whom I have known for about five years now. I owe her so much. She is the one who showed me I could fly. :D

My future is uncertain, and I only have a couple ideas about what I want to do. I want to travel the world; climb Mt. Everest; become the first female president; go to China; help fight poverty; and I particularly want to become a public speaker - to inspire people to love the differences in each other. I like to help people and talk about their problems, so I would enjoy being a psychiatrist. Like I said, I love animals - especially animals of the sea - so I have thought about becoming a marine biologist.

And of course, I absolutely love to draw, so someday I want to become a manga artist (to make japanese-style comics). My role model is Miyazaki Hayao (of Studio Ghibli films). Someday I want to help people through my art and inspire them, like he does. I know I can, I just have to try hard enough. I might even become a mom in the future. I hope so, at least - I love children! ~^_^:~

I have many dreams, I know, but I also know that some day I will get to do some of them, if not all. I didn't think I would get to go to Japan, and yet here I am. Miracles happen. So that's pretty much my life, in all its glory! ^w^ If you'd like to know anything else, feel free to ask! :3

[x] Oma-chan's Neopet life and history [x]

I have been playing Neopets for something like 6 years. I have 3 accounts, superqtsaiyanbulma, _Iaka_ , and hanabiozora, listed from oldest to youngest. None of my accounts have ever been banned, warned or frozen, because I play by all the NeoRules. HanabiOzora, my youngest account I just made, is not yet 4 months old. _Iaka_ is my main account, although I use my other two accounts quite often to care for all of my pets.

Counting all of my accounts I have a total of 7 pets, but only 6 of them are mine. I am currently fostering Mr. Kitty, who is Miyu's and probably will be under my care for a few months. First off, my oldest pets are Howli (whom I adopted, trained and painted) and Domon (whom I created, painted and trained). I recently adopted Mal, and Spongegobbi too! They are new to our family, but they are fitting in really well and enjoying it! My other two pets, who are very special to me, are Ia, who Kai made for me, and Kekoa-kun, whom I created myself.

I'd have to say Kekoa is the one who's gone through the most with me. I have a very special connection with him. I created him originally, and named him after one of my comic characters (as well as one of my dear friends in real life). I trained him every day, drew pictures of him, and even kept a diary of the things we did daily. I would log how much he'd grown, what he ate, what he said, or how strong he'd gotten, every day.

((Note: Prepare for a long, sordid tale!)) One day, I asked Kai if he could lab Kekoa and maybe turn him into something painted. Kekoa was born a red Lupe, but something told me that he wanted to be out of the ordinary, and I didn't have the NPs at that point to purchase a paintbrush for him. Fortunately, we did successfully transfer him to Kai's account, but a couple of days later, his account was hacked. The person that hacked his account pounded of all of his pets, except his strongest and rarest. Kekoa-kun went to a different owner through the pound. I was devastated. Completely. He was my life and he was gone.

I politely asked the person (whose username I will not disclose) if I could have him back, and I explained my situation to her. She said she would only give him back if I would give her 80,000 neopoints or a rare item. I explained to her that I didn't have that much, but I could get it if I had to, no matter how long it would take me. She didn't like the idea, because she said it would take too long. She blocked me and never talked to me again. I cried so hard...and I am not someone who cries often, believe me. At that point, I made up my mind. I asked Miyu to look after my pets, because I would never play again.

She begged me not to give up, and asked what would happen to all of my other pets - after all, Kekoa wasn't the only one I was giving up on. I didn't listen and I quit for two years. One day, about a month and a half ago, I logged in to Neopets. I don't really know why, I guess I just missed it so much... I checked up on Kekoa. He wasn't any stronger since the day I'd lost him, and he had no description or petpage, but he was a starry Lupe now. I neomailed the owner, who I guess had unblocked my address, thinking she would never hear from me again. I asked how he was and what she had been doing with him these past two years. She said "nothing much, but hes good".

I was a bit annoyed. I asked if she would be willing to give him back to me now, since she hadn't been taking care of him. She told me if I gave her another rare pet of my own in exchange, or if one of her other pets turned into something she liked with the lab ray, then she'd return Kekoa to me. He was a trophy pet to her.

I sat down and wrote a lengthy letter to her about my feelings and how much I love Kekoa and that I would take very good care of him. I waited for a few days and she sent me a neomail saying that her other pet was successfully labbed into something that pleased her, so she would give me Kekoa-kun. I was so happy and relieved! We set up a time, (which ended up being 4 AM for me in Japan) and went to adopt him. Just before the agreed time, however, I got a curt message from her saying that she had decided to keep him. I was so confused and disgruntled, to say the least! I didn't lose my temper, but I calmly asked why. Her reply was, "I like him and I turned him starry and I don't know that you will take care of him". Then she blocked me again.

I never lost my temper with her, I was always polite when asking things, I explained how important Kekoa was to me - again - and I made sure never to bug her with more than one neomail at a time. I couldn't believe it. I had lost him again. One day, while I was playing with Ia, a neomail popped up and it was from her. She wrote that she was sorry that she had gone back on her word and that she might consider giving him back if her other pet changed into a nice color as well, and then added, "you love him more than me".

Again I waited anxiously - would she really follow through with it? Or would it be another disappointment...? This time she actually did return him. I thanked her, and I promised to take the best care of him as possible. I was so happy I was jumping up and down and screaming! I e-mailed Miyu and told her as soon as I could! I still can't believe it. After two years, Kekoa-kun was home again!!

Miracles really do come to those who wait. There were three things I learned from that experience:

One: I will never again transfer a pet to an account that is not mine.

Two: I will never quit Neopets again, because I have other pets than just one, and they are all just as important to me.

Three: I hate anyone who keeps their pets as trophies, caring only for their "rarity".

I was a different person then. I was young and stupid. Now, I'm almost an adult, and I think far more rationally that I did as a child. Now I'm on Neopets every day (usually for about 2 hours). I play with my pets, play games, work on their pages, work on my shop/gallery, and work on my Neohome. Sometimes we roleplay (through Neomail or on the Boards), and sometime in the near future I intend to draw BC entries for all of them. I am very devoted to my pets. At the moment, of course, I'm devoting a lot of my internet time to working on Inwar's application. She is very special to me already, and I know she'd fit in wonderfully.

I am so sorry that I ever quit Neopets. I never should have, but I am so glad that I started playing again. I will never ever quit again. All of my pets are my precious friends. We live, we make mistakes in our lives, but we always learn from them.

In: Omaaaa, I think you talked long enough, nin xD!

Iaka: Oooooh M'GOSH, Steph, I am so sorry! This always happens - I start talking and I just keep talking. I am soooo sorry! ^o^;;;;

Inwar: Ok! Now that Oma-chan has introduced herself, I'll introduce the rest of my new family!

[x] Meet my Family [x]

In:Now that Mom talked her head off, I'll let Onii-chan (big brother) and Onee-chan (big sister) talk their heads off, nin.

Ia: It's about time! In, all you ever talk about is yourself! You're so selfish!

In: I am not! And this application isn't about you is it, nin!?

Iaka: Come now, please stop arguing, you two------

Ia: You're so self-centered!!! Uhhhh, I don't understand why Oma kept such a brainless, spineless, carrot-loving pathetic excuse of a dragon like you. Why do you even----

In: That's not true! Take it back! I am not-- u_u Omaaaaaa!

Iaka: Come now Ia, what did I tell you!? And we have a guest, too! Now please stop arguing and introduce yourself!!!

Ia: Allrighty then, I will. Hi, I am Iaka's Essence, or just call me Ia, nin! I was raised by Kai, Mom's friend, nin. I am over 1000 days old now and I am the eldest in the family - well, except Oma of course, nin! I like to take walks, paint pictures and I love photography, nin. Things I hate - broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, any vegetables, reading, battling, and MY LITTLE SISTER, NIN, NIN, NIN, NIN---

In: That's not true!!!! You do not!!! ._. And stop saying nin!! That's my word!

Iaka: ALL RIGHT, THAT'S ENOUGH, I SAID!!! Kekoa! Where is Kekoa!?

In: Uhh. I don't know.

Kekoa: I'm right here. :D

In: This is Kekoa onii-chan, my big brother! ^w^ He is very smart and very kind to me. I love my big brother! We do everything together, nin!

Kekoa: Pleased to meet you, Miss Steph. My name is Kekoa-kun, but you may call me Kekoa, if you wish. I am one of Miss Iaka's dearest friends but - I'm not a dragon like In-chan or Ia-chan, as you can tell. Ia isn't so bad either - she seems tough and self-centered, but she does care for In. She is just a little jealous sometimes...

Ia: Why would I be jealous of that little carrot-loving punk? Huh, Kekoa!?

Kekoa: You should watch what you say, Ia. One, we have a guest, you are being rude to her - and two, In is bigger than you already. She isn't that little anymore...

Ia: ......Pfft. Whatever...

Kekoa: Steph, please forgive my sister's rudeness. I shall speak for both myself and Ia, since she can't seem to be polite today... ^.^; Lady Inwar is Miss Iaka's only child. It was very hard on her after Onryu died, and she then she lost In...

Iaka: Um, Kekoa, dear, please don't go into---

Kekoa : But she is so happy that she found her lost daughter again! Miss Iaka, Ia and myself would all be honored if you would let In be part of our family. She is such a baby sometimes, and her repetitive "nin" interjections can occasionally grow annoying, but we all love her very much. So please, let me be her big brother.

In: Keeeeekoaaaa~ I loooove you, nin!~

Kekoa: I know you do, nin xD I love you too, In. ^___^

Ia: ...Ugghhh, this is pathetic. I'm going to my room.

Kekoa: I, too, must depart, for my piano lesson. Please excuse me. It was nice meeting you, Miss Steph.

In: ...Well... I guess that's my family! We are a bit crazy, and sometimes argue, but we love each other very much!

[x] Meet my Friends [x]

Yaaay! Nin, it's time for you to meet my friends! ^w^ Dask is my best friend in the entire world! =^w^= He is kinda like a big brother to me, and we go back a long time...well, for the most part, nin. He found me lying in a pile of snow...and, well, that's how we met, nin! Dask is very gruff and rugged, and pretty stubborn sometimes, but that's only on the outside. Don't let his frightening appearance spook you, either! For most people, his face is scary, but...he's really quite nice - he talks sometimes, and he is very caring, nin. He has saved my life many times, and is really fun to play tricks on. :D I love Dask! He visits here often and I am always so happy to see him! He travels a lot (I'm not even sure why...Oma-chan says I'm too young to understand), but Oma-chan always insists that he stops by to stay when he passes. I'm not sure why, but Oma and Dask get along really well. ^w^ She says he reminds her of Dad... She said something to me once: "Hearts can be easily confused, In. Sometimes people wander, searching to organize that confusion...but they usually return to the one place they feel at home at...You're a very lucky girl, In...do you know that?"
I have no idea what Oma meant by that. She was crying when she said it, but she looked really happy and was smiling. I don't understand grownups sometimes... I think it had something to do with Dask, but I'm not sure! ^o^;;

 
Next is my carrot friend Alpeaha, the carrot Chia! I met her one day, when I was in the neighbor’s garden (Oh! Don’t tell Mom I was in there again, I'll get in trouble!). She was sleeping amongst the other carrots in the garden… Well, it just so happened that she was the one I decided to chomp down on, and she let out a terrifying scream! After that I decided to check the carrots before I ate them! I apologized, but she gave me a really long lecture of what being a carrot Chia means… I didn’t even know carrot Chias existed! O_____0
But ever since then she has forgiven me and we are friends now! …She still looks tasty though, nin! -^w^-
 

 
Last is my mortal enemy… “Prince Vergo Carro”, or just VERGO.
I met him once when I was playing tag with Kekoa-onii-chan, in the forest, nin. I have no idea what Vergo was doing, but it sure was funny! He is so clumsy. He claims he was “training”, but it looked more like he was trying to do a pas de deux. He was jumping and twirling like a ballerina, and then fell flat on his face, nin! I laughed at his clumsiness, and the blank expression on his face when he saw me standing in front of him. He immediately pounced on me…so naturally, I defended myself. By the time Kekoa-onii-chan found me, I was laying on the ground and tussling with the little “prince”.
Ever since then we've been mortal enemies. Currently, I am trying to beat Punchbag Bob before he does, nin. I know I can! He is just a weak little puppy! XD

 
Iaka: Oh, come now, In... You know Vergo isn't that bad. You two have so much in common, that you don't realize it!

In: I do NOT! He is the exact opposite of me!

Iaka: Sure... but I still think he likes you, my little nin!

In: Ooooomaaaaa!!!

Iaka: *laughs* Come on, In, you're young and pretty, lots of doggies like you!

In: What is that supposed to mean!? HMM? I only attract dogs!?

Sometimes I think Oma sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong. My friends are my friends, and my enemies are my enemies. That's how it is and that's how it will stay 'til the day I die, nin!

[x] Statistics [x]

This section is about me currently! My size, name, weight ( -hey, wait, you’re not suppose to ask a girl that!) etc… Also a little bit about my custom design and how I became so pretty, nin :3

Currently, I am an orange and green, nin. Oma-chan picks on me and says it’s from eating too many carrots! I don’t think so, but if it is, that’s fine with me! ^w^ I like the way I am and I wouldn’t change anything about me, nin! I have many orange stripes and markings all over my body. They look kind of like scars, I am not sure why. I don’t know where they came from; I just know I was born with them. I have a crescent moon shape around my eye, which is kind of weird… I don’t know why that's there, either. I do know, however, that the two dots under my eye came from my Mom. She has the same markings, and I guess I inherited it from her. Another strange marking is the stripe across the bridge of my nose that splits in two on the right side of my face. My father apparently had a marking similar to that on his face.

Oma says she sees a lot of my father in me. There is a giant painting of him in his dusty room that Oma painted, both as his dragon form and human form. From what I can see, I don’t think I look anything like him. He is very tall and muscular, and he only has one arm. His color as a dragon is a very strange mix - I can’t even describe it, I've never seen that color before. Also there's a stripe of fur from his head to his tail, which for a dragon is kind of odd, I think. My father is a very unique dragon indeed, nin. Although...Oma says that he didn’t originally look like that.

She says that over time, dragons change - their appearance, attitude and everything. It's only when they discover who they truly are, that they become their true form. She says in time, if I am able to discover myself, I too will “bloom”, nin. I am not entirely sure what that means, but I guess in the future, I won't be the same dragon I am now. Oma-chan also says that most dragons are never able to do this. Though they live very long lives, most dragons are content for things to stay the way they are, never changing. I don’t know what all of this means; I in fact don’t know very much about dragons at all, or what they are capable of, because I have never met one other than myself, nin.

Oma told me that me I am a "unique dragon", though. I don't know what that means either! But I found out that I can change into a human! There is something like a tattoo on my back, of a pair of dragon wings. My father also had the same tattoo; if it is a tattoo, or a birthmark. I don’t know what it is, nin. I think it's what allows me to change into a human, though I'm not certain. I often stay in my human form so I don’t scare people, and also so I can fit in to society a little more. I cannot, however, conceal my horns - so I just let my hair grow long and messy to hide them. Oma laughs at me because of my poofy hair, but I laugh because I get it from her :D

I wear an earring on my left ear all of the time. It's brightly colored, and maybe a bit tacky, but I like it. I don’t know where it came from, oddly enough, and I don’t know why there's only one. Somehow it's important to me, though, so I always wear it.
Now, lastly about my name - Inwar, nin. Inwar in dragon tongues means “silver wings”. My Father named me that before I was born. I don’t know what it means exactly - I mean, why did he name me that - but I think it has an important meaning. Oma says that in the future I will know what it means and that I will be worthy of such a title. Why is my name a title, anyways? I don’t understand, nin.

[x] Why Inwar? [x]

In: Okay - if you're done teasing me now, Oma - your turn to talk.

Iaka: *still laughing* All right, sorry... *giggle*...Let's see...I first found Little In, in the Beauty Contest. (( I'm always looking through the BC and voting, talking to people about their artwork, making friends, etc.)) I really liked her picture because it was drawn nicely – and I can be quite picky when it comes to artwork. I also found the sad expression on her face interesting (Her eyes were lovely by the way!). I clicked on her and voted, but when I visited her lookup, I was amazed.

She was up for adoption.

I was interested, but I didn't think too much about it at first. I thought it was rare for a Mutant Draik to be up for adoption, but to tell the truth, I didn't think about applying right away. After I got off the computer, I abandoned the thought and went to finish a picture I was drawing of Onryu and Iaka. Right now, I have most of my storyline and characters set, but I still have a few glitches in my plot, so I haven't started the actual manga yet. On top of that, I didn't really have the inspiration to make a lengthy, time-consuming application - at least, not yet. While I was drawing, my mind wandered, and for some reason, an idea popped into my head.

I had planned for a long time that, in my story, Iaka and Onryu would eventually have a child. That was my main problem. I didn’t know any details after that - what would the child be like? (Male/female, dragon/human, what name, ect.)

For some reason, while I was brainstorming names, I came across “Inwar”. At that moment, I remembered the little dragon I had come across earlier that morning, by the name of "Inwardly". I logged back on to Neopets and looked her up again. I looked more closely at her physical stats - she was literally a baby, only a month old! At that point, I honestly fell in love with her.

Ever since then, I have become completely involved with her in everything I do. I really love her. Some people say that Neopets is just a game with pixelated images, but to me, it’s much more than that. Through my comics, drawings, and things I do in everyday life, I live with my Neopets. I'm giving my all for Inwar because she truly calls to me, and I wish to care for her. She may be just a pixelated animal on my monitor, or a sketch in my notebook, but she lives in my heart.

Perhaps in the future, when my work becomes published into an anime or manga, the spunky little Inwar will have other people who love her like I do...! So in short, In is very special to me on many levels. Yes, she is a Mutant Draik - a very rare color indeed - but that’s not at all why I'm applying for her. I don’t have any lines like “I've always wanted a Mutant Draik but never had the Neopoints to afford one”, because I never really cared much about colors or species. Granted, there are some pets that I fancy, but it's just that - a fancy, a whim, nothing that I would seriously act upon. I would never “give up everything” for the sake of a pet's particular species/color. I am applying for Inwardly because to me, it's personal. It's almost like destiny that I found her.

Here I was, looking for inspiration and a solution for my precious comic, and I found the perfect answer in Inwar. Ever since I discovered her, I have had so many ideas, and drawing her has been so easy (which is usually hard for me because I am a perfectionist xP). When I draw her, it's like instinct now, and I never have what I refer to as “drawing block”. Even if I am not the owner you choose, I will continue to love In. I won't ever forget her as long as I have these hands of mine to draw her and my heart to remember her by.

 
[x] Why Me [x]

 
This section is very difficult to write. It’s hard for me not to talk too much, or sound overly confident. I know that there are so many people applying for Inwar, and it would be unfair for me to say that I am any better than all of those potential adoptees.

I can’t say that I worked harder than everyone else. I believe every applicant has a fair chance and has worked their hardest. But despite that, I wanted to try harder, try to stand out the most, but I think everyone has tried to do that. I counted up and tried to think how many collective hours I have spent on this application… With all of the art, inking, coloring, dedications, layout, and typing, I estimate that over a period of thirty days, I've spent almost two hundred hours working on this application. (What!? 200? Yes...and yes I have a life outside of neopets, I managed to balance it somehow xD)

I am not trying to exaggerate my efforts, or brag that I worked harder than anyone else did. I'm simply trying to prove the lengths I’ve gone to prove my love for her. A condensed answer to the question “why me” would be that I literally love her like a daughter, and will do whatever it takes to adopt her.

Even if it means I have to spend every waking moment drawing, typing etc., it's all for Inwar. I'm happy to do it. There was a point at the beginning of this journey, where I thought “What the heck am I doing? I'm obsessing over a game to the point of losing sleep over it”.
I quickly put an end to that thought. The beginning of this journey was the hardest, because I was at the point where I wasn’t sure what I was doing do or put in this application. On top of that, there is huuuuge competition, over a hundred people! (A hundred? Well I guess I have to try even harder) But now that I am almost at the end, I'm so pleased that I never gave up and kept going. I knew that if I didn’t try my very hardest, I would regret it.

The usual sayings apply, of course: “I'll feed and play with her every day, roleplay, draw, etc…”, but in this application, I tried to go beyond that and show my dedication to her on a new level. I am online a lot - not 24/7, but I will care for the very best that I can, because that is what she deserves. I want to spread my love for Inwar everywhere - to the BC, the Battledome, all over Neopia, all over the world if possible.

This task seems daunting, but I am very head-strong and ambitious - if I start something, I will finish it - and I honestly believe I can do anything if I try hard enough. I may doubt myself sometimes, because after all, no one is perfect - but I try my very hardest with everything I do.
Inwar is no exception. For her, I have tried my very hardest and then some.

Some may call my ambitions silly or trivial, but they don’t know me or what I am capable of.
Some may see In as just a “uncommon pixelated critter”, but they don’t know what she could become outside of Neopets. It only starts at Neopets. Eventually, I truly believe, she will become much more than that.

If I am chosen, I, Iaka , pledge to be the best owner I can be for my new Neopet, Inwardly . I understand that her mom is leaving Neopets and can no longer take care of her, and so I will provide everything she needs to be happy. I promise to be a friend to my new Neopet and never ever ever put her through the pain of neglect or abandonment.

[x] Recommendations [x]

Nin, these are some recomendations of people who think Oma would be a great Mommy! Thank you for writing recommendations everyone!! ^w^

[x] Future plans [x]

These are all of my plans and dreams for the future, nin! They may not happen right away, but with my charm and Oma's brains, we will get where we want to go!
First off is my biggest dream, to beat that Punch Bag Bob! That is going to happen no matter how long it takes me! I will beat the stuffing out of him - shred him to pieces! >w< I may not be very strong right now, but Oma has over 20 codestones and doubloons already bought for me ^w^. I want to be really strong! My goal is by my next birthday to have all of my stats up to 55! I will visit Coltzan's shrine everyday and hope he will help me become stronger. I will also visit Mystery Island's training center, just about everyday to train with Techo-sensei. I want to become really involved with the story plots and fight off evil as well! I like to battle, but I only battle other pets for fun - not to hurt them.

I love to read, too, so I can become very smart. We dragons are naturally smart, but like to expand our horizons by reading, nin. I already have a huge collection of books in my gallery, and will buy even more than that! I will bug Oma to read me a book everyday ^w^. I am going to be waaaaaay smarter than all my friends, nin! I am so excited! Once I get my hands on some books, I will start my quest for knowledge!

Iaka: You know you get that from your dad, In? He loved to read... In fact, he was the one who taught me how to read. *giggles*

In: You always say that, Oma, that I get it from my dad... Wait, you couldn't read, nin!?

Iaka: No--- Well, what did you expect... I wasn't exactly the richest girl, and I was always traveling...

In: So if you hadn't met Dad, you would be a middle-aged woman with no literacy whatsoever---

Iaka: Yep! That's why I'm giving you as many books as I can, so you can have the chance I didn't have.

In: ...So can I read Dad's books?

Iaka: Some of them... Others you'll have to wait until you're older, little nin.

In: I can wait! Until then I will read as much as I can, nin!

Oh! I almost forgot, right now I am decorating my room and garden! I like to garden, and in the future - when we have more neopoints - Mom promised she would buy me a carrot garden of my very own, nin! Then I won't have to go into the neighbor’s garden. :D
Mom complains about my tacky design in my room, but I like it! It is sort of a Mystery Island theme, nin.

Nin, I love role-playing too~! Especially with Dask <3. Oma says we will do lots of role-playing and make many new friends. I want to meet some other dragons! I've heard Mom talking about some of the other Draiks in the Beauty Contest, Pet Spotlight and Battledome. Maybe I can see if I can roleplay with them. I don’t have any dragon friends yet, but I really want to meet some, nin! Roleplaying with Dask is the most fun though. Our roleplays always turn out to be like stories! Through roleplaying I will definitely meet new friends and possibly some enemies, nin! =^.^=

Oma plans to do BC entries at least once a month too! I am a wonderful model, and Oma can draw me so well, nin. The BC is hard to win sometimes, but if we do win, Mom can buy me more books, codestones and toys! ~^w^~ Plus, we can meet other Draiks through the BC! If I win in the BC a lot, I will become pretty famous. I will be one step closer to my ultimate goal.

Last, other than becoming completely immersed in the events of Neopia, Oma still has more plans for me outside of Neopets! Since I am her daughter, I am to star in her manga, the one she's working on. She told me it’s a long time from now when I come in, possibly years. It takes a long time to do a comic, but I can wait - it's worth it, nin. And when she's done editing, in the future she will submit it to be published. After my saga becomes famous, it could even be made into an anime and movie! *starry eyes* I'll be famous, nin!
Also, Oma makes plushies from scratch! No pre-made pattern, she makes them herself. They are completely hand-sewn. Kekoa has already been made into a plushie! I want to be made into a plushie too! I would be so cute as a plushie! As soon as she comes back from Japan, that is one of the projects she wants to work on most, nin :D

Oma is very creative and is always thinking of new projects to work on - most of them including me, now that I'm the star of her life ^w^. I know I will never get bored, because Mom loves me so much, she'll do everything she can to make my dreams come true.

[x] PetPet and PetPetPet [x]

I have a petpet and petpetpet too, nin! My friends Unwardly the Ukali and Onwardly the Moach are always tagging along behind me.

When I first met Un, he was being chased by a sewer rat, half the size of him. Unwardly is a bit of a trouble maker sometimes - he can be a chicken too - and he is so clingy, nin! If I go somewhere he always has to tag along, nin. He attracts all kinds of trouble though, and usually the trouble comes in only a fraction of his size…so I have to chase them off, like I chased off the sewer rat.

Un is useful though, because he has a great sense of smell and is my little carrot-finder ;D. I love him, even if I have to watch him constantly. His favorite thing to do is reading, as well! I recently found out he could talk too, nin! I was so surprised. He can’t speak very well, but he knows certain words. Unwardly is a handful, even more so then On. On clings to me so I know where to find him, but Un is always going off and doing things by herself, nin. The problem is she is so small that sometimes I can't find her! She is an adventurer and loves to do crazy things. Did I mention she likes shiny or brightly colored objects? That’s how I met her, in fact. She stole my earring one day while I was sleeping, the little devil! >:D She didn’t get very far, because she had no place to hide, so eventually I caught her. She gave back my earring, nin, and she has been following me since. She has a big heart, though she is so small, nin.

Both of them are a pain sometimes, because I always have to watch them, but they always manage to be of help to me somehow. If I am ever in a bad mood, they always manage to cheer me up, nin! =^w^= I would never trade them for any other petpet or petpetpet!


[x] History [x]

A long time ago, dragons and humans were the fiercest of enemies. Both were so different, each with their flaws. For these imperfections, both races held an immense hatred toward each other. There is a story, however, of two beings - a male dragon and a human woman - who fell in love. The dragon, a fierce and stubborn gladiator, was the last of his kind. The humans, clearly the inferior species by physical and mental strength, had somehow managed to kill off almost the entire dragon race. This last dragon was almost never seen in the light of day, so most thought that he, too, was dead.
Although... On rare occasions, a remote farmer might catch a glimpse of him, gorging himself on the last of their livestock. No one would believe them, of course, but...It was at one of these rare occasions that a young shepherdess was honored by the dragon’s presence, as well as his appetite. Though he did not eat her, he had his fill of her precious sheep. Yet the young shepherdess did not sit idly by and watch. There was a fierce struggle between the two, and the dragon’s right arm was lost, forever crippling him. The young shepherdess did not go unscathed either, as she suffered many life-threatening wounds.
The legend goes, though, that these two enemies- drawn together by fate, time and time again- somehow fell in love despite their differences. Eventually the two had a child. She was a child of a new era, a new hope for the future generations. Her name was... Inwar. In dragon tongues, her name means "Silver Wings".

[x] My Story [x]

This is my story/roleplay section, nin! Sometimes Oma just sits here, typing on her computer - typing my story, and sometimes role-playing parts of it with Miyu! You can tell who writes what because the color changes, nin. x3 Oma loves to role-play, but as you can see, she isn't an advanced lit yet... Miyu is quite skilled at role-playing, though, so Oma picks up a lot of things from her. But here is the start of my story! Please enjoy reading it, nin!

-Chapter 0-

The sound of gunfire and cannons could clearly be heard in the distance. The sky, now dark, was lit every now and then by a stray projectile.

"This war, what is it for? Why are they doing this? ...How long will it be before they reach here?"
- these were just some of the thoughts going through a young mother's mind. Her pale figure, messy blonde hair, and slender body trembled in fear. Once, she was a wife. Once, she was a friend. Once, she lived happily --- but that's all gone now. Those hazel eyes of hers, watching out the window, longing for that which she could not have. One cannot bring back the dead. She had seen so much in her life, her knowledge far surpassing that of the elders.

"This war is all over ---" She held her precious dragon's egg - thought to have been only a legend. Its silky, scaly shell, colorfully painted with shades of green and orange. "--- Her?” She is the only thing I have left. They can keep searching, but as long as I live, these arms of mine will hold you and protect you, little one", she said, reassuring herself. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the soldiers marching proudly across the landscape.

They would be here any minute now...

Iaka carefully placed the egg among several animal skins and prepared, arming herself swiftly. Reaching for her quiver and arrows, she swung them on her back and tied her sword to her belt. Lastly, she picked up Onryu's fur cloak and through it about her shoulders. She stroked the white fur tenderly, and drew a little comfort in its warmth. "He is here with me. I can do this", she thought with a slight smile on her face. Wrapping the egg in the animal furs, she stared out the window one final time. The soldiers were nowhere in sight.

Iaka clasped the furry bundle - egg carefully arranged within it - to her chest. For a brief moment, she stared at his large portrait, above his bed. Once, she remembered painting that.
"Onryu ---", she murmured reflectively. His wild yellow eyes glared silently back at her.

"OPEN UP! OI! IS ANYONE HERE!?" came the soldiers, pounding on the door.

Iaka tore herself from the painting - her hazel eyes remembering his face one last time - and flung herself down the stairs, along the corridor, and out the back door.

The long legs that usually carried her silently and swiftly to her destination were now burdened with weight. She pressed her body against the castle wall, trying to hide in its shadow. Her eyes scanned the distant scenery calculatively, judging the long sprint to the forest. Loud voices bellowing, crashes and a cacophony of other sounds were heard coming from inside the castle.
"NO ONE'S HERE! SEARCH OUTSIDE AGAIN!"

Iaka pushed off the wall, her legs carrying her as fast as they could through the meadow and into the forest.

The trees provided her shade and cover, but did not provide her any comfort. Surely the army had concealed their archers here to pick off stragglers and runaways, and there were always thieves and brigands familiar with the forest's routes. Iaka's mind raced with thoughts of the potential dangers here.
She would not let this one, the last of its kind, come to any harm. With that thought, she ran hurriedly through the woods.

The air was damp and chilled, paining her burning lungs, every breath excruciating. She couldn't swallow. The saliva had built up in the back of her throat, clogging her breathing. She sprinted in panic throughout the night, ignoring the fatigue. There wasn't any time to rest right now.

By the time the trees had started to collect frost, the sun began peeking over the mountains. Dawn. The light and warmth slowly filtered through the tree's barrier to warm her chilled body. There was better visibility now, but less cover. She decided to play it safe and run for about an hour more - perhaps by then she would make it to the next territory.
"Maybe the people of that land are not affected by this madness", she thought...or at least hoped.

When the sun had fully risen, and the birds were breaking into song, she came to a dead halt. Her legs wouldn't, couldn't, carry her any further. She was far enough away now - even if by chance they came across her trail, even on horseback they would take about three hours to get here. They didn't know the forest like she did. She staggered over to a tree next to the great lake, shimmering with the morning sunlight. She took a deep breath of air and sighed in relief. She clenched her aching chest, breathing heavily, and collapsed next to the tree.

After a few minutes of gasping the sweet morning air, Iaka finally placed the egg on a soft patch of moss. She started to take off of her weapons and cloak, freeing herself from some of the cumbersome weight. She felt free for a moment, allowing the sun to warm her chilled body from head to toe. She placed the white fur cloak atop the bundle of fur, to conceal it from any curious onlookers. Feeling safe, she started removing her coat and boots.

-Chapter 1-

"Look, Kealoha. This is interesting."

The moss and cool grass felt soft and silky against her sore, throbbing feet. She set her boots next to the cloak, and her coat on top of it.

"Oh, I see... What is it that she's trying so hard to conceal?"

Iaka strolled over to the lake, kneeling beside the water's edge.

"How should I know? ...But it is suspicious...Wanna check it out?"

She cupped her hands, and dipped them in the water. Bringing the liquid to her cracked and parched lips, she glanced across the lake's shimmering surface and noticed two horses, fully clad in the royal army attire.

"No, but I have a feeling you're going to, anyway ---"
She stood instantly in alarm and ran to her belongings.
"EHHH!" She wailed in dismay. "NO, I PUT THEM RIGHT ---!!"
She whirled in circles, looking for any trace to where her possessions and child would have gone to. She paused and looked in the distance - those horses were still there! The thieves couldn't have gotten far!

She heard laughter echoing from the trees above her. Whipping around, she saw a dark figure jumping from branch to branch. Her vision was so blurry, she couldn't tell if it was animal or human. She followed the shadow, legs once again running, much to her exhausted body's dismay.
She began to shout, "Hey, you give ---!" But her voice cracked into a dry squeak in her parched throat. Feeling like a blinded fool, she kept stumbling forward, attempting to yell threats, but to no avail. Then everything became a spinning blur and she felt her legs collapse beneath her.
Her head in a whirl, Iaka felt the world fall upon her. In a dazed, detatched manner, she regarded the blades of grass in front of her, from an ant's point of view. She heard the clanking of armor and saw a pair of boots sauntering toward her. She heard the distant sounds of talking...but it, too, started...fading...as did her vision... Iaka lay there helplessly, unable to move, body pinned firmly to the ground by gravity. She felt the gentle touch of someone's wide, strong hands underneath her heavy body, and the sensation of being lifted.
Then everything went black.
"Don't you think you took it a little too far this time, Saro?" A strong voice whirled in her head.
"Oh come on, Kekoa, I was just having a little fun...Oh, wait, she's waking up - Hey there, gorgeous, would you mind ---UMF!" another male voice said.
"Shut up, Saro, and go away! You've done enough, don't you think?...Go make yourself useful and fetch water or something." The first voice snapped, but not in an angry tone. "Fine, fine, just don't do ---"
"SAAARRO!"
The second voice wasn't heard again for a while.

"Uhhhhhwaaa..." Iaka groaned and raised her hand to her face. She still couldn't see a thing, and strained to open her eyes - everything was black - or was that a shadow? She felt his warm fingers touch her hand, removing it gently from her face, as his other hand slid beneath her head and touched the middle of her shoulders. She forced her stubborn eyelids open, and found herself staring into a pair of the bluest eyes she'd ever seen - "Miss, are you ---"
- her hazel-green eyes widened in alarm. She sat up quickly, knocking her head into his. "OWWW!!" she yelped.
"You know - you really have a lot of nerve to ---" But he paused, and watched Iaka. She clutched her head with her left hand and crawled on her knees, her fingers searching desperately for...
He kneeled in front of her, placing the bundle of fur within her reach. Her questing fingers soon brushed up against it. Hissing at him, she snatched the egg and sat up, staring wildly at him.

His blue eyes gazed back at her, catching her eyes, and wondered who she was. He stared steadily, as though she were a wild animal to be tamed. He was a bit confused, as expected, but nevertheless curious. His face was kind and gentle, and he didn't appear to be of any threat. His smooth, concerned voice cajoled an apology to her. "Miss, look, I am sorry that we took your belongings...most of all, your egg...I understand that she is very important to you, and therefore I regret having caused---" Iaka interrupted him. "How do you know that she's a dragon - or that she is a she? ...does -?"
He suddenly laughed. "No, no. Saro, my idiot friend, doesn't know...I just told him it was food rations... As for me...I have knowledge of such things, because I am the Royal Guard's top hunter."
He smiled and laughed lightly, as though he were joking - but he wasn't. "I believe this find will result in an excellent reward for me...you know, of course, that everyone is searching for this egg. If I am incorrect in my assumption, please be sure to correct me, but...I believe your name is Miss Iaka, is it not?"
Iaka felt the tension rise in her body. Her body had not yet fully recovered, but her weakened legs now had the pent-up urge to run. His face was kind, but his intentions were threatening to her. Her body trembled in fear - she was unable to fight him. His expression had changed from that smiling, joking face to a worried look again. She turned quickly from him and fled instinctively, turning tail like a frightened beast, clutching the egg as she ran once more.
Only this time, she didn't get far at all. He was just as fast as she - possibly even faster - and the weight of his steel armor had no apparent effect on him whatsoever.

He stretched out his long, muscular arms and embraced her, pulling her tightly against his chest. Iaka, frustrated and terrified, twisted and writhed desperately to try and free herself from his powerful grip. He only held her tighter. This man, with his long fox-red hair and his intense sky-blue eyes, he was far stronger than her. She was trapped.

He whispered in her ear.
"Listen to me for a moment, Miss Iaka."
She froze. Maybe it was out of sheer terror, or perhaps out of a fond memory she once had held dear, she dared not move as he continued.
"I am not Onryu, nor will I try to be...but he made me promise him to look after you, and his child. I am currently only a hunter so that I could find you and fulfill that promise. I have no intention of hurting you, or...Inwar."

"Inwar...?" she repeated softly, tears running in rivulets down her cheeks. Her manner, characteristics, and expression had all instantly changed. There was now no sign of that wild, animalistic side of hers.

"He told me, that if I were to find you, that this is the name he has chosen for her..."

"I see..."
Her head slumped forward, staring down at the egg between her arms. He released her from his grip, but settled his hands firmly on her shoulders, in case she decided to escape again. His voice now trembled, and his hands shook where they rested atop her.
"I saw him before he died. ...I...was --- the one who..." The hunter paused. He couldn't go any further. He couldn't say any more. Iaka didn't know what this man was trying to say, but she didn't wish him to try if it caused him such pain. She turned to look at his face, but he fell to his knees and clutched the ground as if he was...was he sobbing?

Iaka kneeled down to his level. She put Inwar suggestively in front of him. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his. She smiled, and with a cheery tone of voice, said: "I think I may have hit your head a little too hard," and laughed.
He slowly met her eyes, those hazel-green eyes that looked so sad, and that now had a glint of silver in them. "I am sorry I misjudged you. If - my love, if he - he told you to protect this one, then I will trust you to do so." She placed her hand on his cheek, wiping away the salty tears. "My name is Iaka...I am but a broken, widowed mother of a hated creature".
Her words were sad, but she said them in such away that intoned a painfully hopeful pride.

He rose to his feet, pulling her up with him. This man, she wondered as she stared into his sky-blue eyes, what had made her trust him all of the sudden? Was it because he showed her kindness, or was it the fact that he mentioned Onryu...?
Or maybe it was both? Or something else completely?
She watched as he bent down and scooped up the dragon child, Inwar.
"I am Kekoa...a wandering, hopeless swordsman, seeking redemption." He smiled at her, this time not sad, joking, or confused. This was his true smile.
"It is nice to meet you, Miss Iaka... Inwar."

"Haaaaay!" A voice shouted in the distance.

"And this is my idiot friend, Saro." Kekoa laughed, his eyes reflecting the cool blue waters of the lake.

"I looked all over for you!! Where have you two been!? And what exactly were you doing together?!" cried a slim young man Iaka took to be Saro, Kekoa's soldier companion. He had a funny, whining voice. He, too, had a very striking appearance - very tall and slender, long silken white hair with black tips, and purple - no, lavender - eyes.

This whole event was strange. The people she thought were her enemies were now her friends...

"Wouldn't you like to know," Kekoa replied with a slight grin - his raised eyebrow alluding to something far worse that what had actually occured. Saro's jaw dropped. Iaka started to giggle at his stupidity - his overreactions were quite funny!
"Eehhh!? That is so unlike you --- you - you just met her!" he spluttered indignantly. Iaka and Kekoa looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

Iaka hugged the egg to her chest. "Maybe, little Inwar, we can start over again..."

-Chapters 2, 3, 4-

Not finished yet! Coming soon, hopefully, nin!
Spoilers - what to expect in the next chapter: The Royal Guard (the bad guys xP) find Oma and the egg-me (oh noes!)...What will happen to us, nin!? Keep reading! *Guest star next chapter*: I meet Mommy Steph!

Currently, we also have a couple chapters ahead:
This chapter was written mostly by Miyu, and features how I met Dask, nin! Miyu writes so well... :3 Also, I have a fateful encounter with Oma! x3 This is so exciting, nin!

-Chapter 5-

The wind was bitingly cold, sending sharp needles of ice and blinding flurries of snow whirling about the landscape of pure white. It was always brisk weather in the mountains, but in winter, the base was uninhabitable. Stunted trees had long since lost their leaves - now their bare branches stretched hopefully upwards, as though praying for relief - all they'd garnered were icicles. Trudging doggedly through the blizzard, a dark figure inexorably pressed onwards. He stumbled, briefly - but pulled himself painfully to his feet, wandering ever-forwards. Daskalfern raised a trembling hand to his numb face, scrubbing the snow from his dark golden eyes. He hissed in annoyance, as the white usurped his vision again within seconds.

"I can't see a thing," he growled irritably. His deep voice matched the broad chest, the wide shoulders, the bulky figure. His raven-black hair was long and shaggy; it completely obscured the right half of his noble profile. There were scars...
His face was transversed with score marks, deep scratches that were the result of a terrible fall, off of this very mountain. His right eye was blind; that entire half of his face was frozen dead, damaged beyond repair. Those shaggy bangs that framed his dark gaze served a double purpose, to conceal his frightening appearance.

The fall... Daskal was visited by an unwanted flashback, a recollection of the tragic events that had led him to that cliff's edge. He had always been very traditional in his views, and yet - he had been the one to break the tribe's edicts. He was the guilty one, he was at fault... That mantra had been running through his mind throughout his lonely wandering.
He did not deserve companionship. Not after what he had done. He could not, would not, ever return to civilization...

"...Eh?" he grunted, kneeling in the snowdrift. His boot had stubbed against something firm, buried beneath the surface. Perhaps it would be something he could use for shelter... His wide, calloused hands scrabbled away the snow, flinging it into the howling wind, which took its cue to lash across the bridge of his nose.
Snarling in a bad-tempered manner, he thrust his long arms into the snow... ...and pulled out a girl. She was young - pretty, in a wild sort of way - and clad in gaudily-coloured clothing, bright oranges and greens which stood out starkly against the blank white of their surroundings.
Clearly, she was a foreigner. Daskal gripped the girl's shoulders roughly in his hands, turning her over to inspect her fully. She hadn't cried out, or moved at all - if she's alive, she must be deeply unconscious, he thought unconcernedly. Her mussy hair had many shades of green streaked throughout it - perhaps she dyes it, he concluded. Then his searching fingers brushed against something hard. Horns...

His dark eyes widened. A dragon's child. Here. On these mountains. There were legends, of course - superstitions, if you will, but - he'd never considered the possibility of them actually existing. No wonder the cold didn't bother her - dragons were impervious to the elements, or so the mythos lets on. The child was as cold as ice, even to Daskal's wind-chapped hands.

"Hey," he rumbled, deep in his chest. "You. You alive?"
Daskalfern gave her a brief shake, trying to awaken the enigmatic girl. Her head slumped forward, the sleeve of her thin shirt slipping down her arm. Annoyed, Daskal moved to fix her shirt, when he paused. Now visible on the girl's shoulderblades was a dark marking... of dragon wings.

"...So. Not just any dragon, then...You had to be a legendary one..."

...He heaved a deep sigh, trying to relieve his frustration. He could just leave her. The kid was fine on her own, right? No one would be stupid enough to fall asleep on the ground when a blizzard was on its way, unless they knew they could handle it...right? Something about the girl's colourful attire made him think otherwise, though. Growling unhappily, he bodily lifted her - she was heavier than she looked - and wrapped his greatcoat around her.

"I guess I'm carrying you, fuzzball. Maybe for a while."

Perhaps it was the shrieking wind playing tricks on him, or the relentless cold had taken its toll, but... Daskal could've sworn he saw a faint smile play on her lips. And that he heard, barely audible, a faint "nin" come from the girl. But surely, it was just the wind.

* He found himself grumbling at the wind's callous humour and frigid bite. It wouldn't be long before the elements and this wretched mountain would get the best of him, and the young child, too. He looked inquisitively up at the sky. How long would it be before dawn? He had been in a daze for so many days, he couldn't recall how much time had passed - much less what time it was now.

He clutched the child to his chest, his rugged hands grasping her as if she were a valuable treasure. His gaze drifted from the sky to the ground. He blinked a few times, eyes burning from the bitter wind and needles of ice. His vision was somewhat blurred, and now he had the added pleasure of a piercing headache.
"If we keep this up, fluffy, we'll both be dead out here... I'll end up just like you. A frozen morsel for some hungry passing scavenger".

He trudged on forward, the extra weight pulling his feet deeper and deeper into the snow, his mind heavy with thought. How he wished it was summer. Spending days running secretively through the dark forests with the other youth of his tribe, playing, seeking for each other, all in fun. Coming accross a patch of warmth and sunlight through a gap in the trees to warm your body. It was like a sacred treasure, buried, waiting to be discovered. In the summer, no matter how old you were, you felt young.
He hated the winter. He hated this mountain. But he could not leave it behind.

While his thoughts and newfound burden occupied him at the time, he heard a faint howl coming from behind him in the distance. Pausing for a moment, he glanced at the white, monstrous peak behind him.
"So they are looking for me... how... pitiful."
He dismissed the howls and continued on. They weren't of any concern to him anymore. He held the frozen girl tighter.
*

Daskal dropped to his knees. It was no use. His long eyelashes were rimed with frost, his bare hands were chapped red from the blustering wind, and he could no longer feel his extremities. In short, hypothermia was setting in quickly.

"Sorry, fluffy," he whispered to the girl in his arms, drawing her closely to his broad chest. "It looks like this is the end of the road for both of us...?"

His failing mind wandered to happier times - playing in the forest with his special friend, shy little Larudo. He remembered the others teasing her for her silver gaze and pale, wispy hair - calling her a naiad, a forest spirit, a ghost - and him, just "Das" back then, standing up for her...
As they got older, they had drifted apart - but Aniketos had brought them back together again. Ani was a mischevious runaway from a nearby tribe, with bright blue eyes and bright orange hair - she was a cheerful and likeable girl, with great skills at hunting and tracking. She was soon invaluable to their tribe - Larudo's friend, and his partner. But then...

Daskal looked up blearily. He was hallucinating in the frigid cold. "I swear, I see someone..." he grumbled weakly, clawing at his half-shut eyes with a numbed hand. He swore softly under his breath, realizing he couldn't move if he wanted to. His kneeling legs were chilled to the bone, trembling with the effort of living. No...perhaps it was not some death-inspired vision. There was a figure approaching - or at least, a light. Raising his stiff arms to shield the dragon child from any threat, Daskal bared his teeth in a fierce, but desperate, gesture.
Cornered, there was no greater fighter than he.

"Waah!"

A woman's cry, carried but muffled by the wind. The light swung wildly, and was soon extinguished in the blinding snow. Daskalfern was still crouched stiffly, suspicious gaze landing on the lantern that had mysteriously dropped at his feet. He picked it up with unfeeling fingers, brushing the snow off of it. Miraculously, it was still lit - he raised it cautiously above his head.

The aura of warm light that spread from the lantern revealed a young woman, face-down in the snow. A rather wind-swept horse was shuddering beside her, eyes rolling wildly, its glossy black fur coated liberally in ice. Poor thing needs to warm up soon, he thought distractedly. But a wolfish grin broke across his face as he realized why the creature was shaking - it was afraid of him.

"Heh... Clever beast, aren't you."

Roughly he grabbed the woman's coat collar, hoisting her indignantly from the snowdrift. "What are you doing here, and where did you come from?" he snarled viciously, dark golden gaze riveted to her features.
She stared back, unafraid - and not so young, he realized. Her sharp face was lined with worry, and her tired hazel-green eyes had seen many things, it seemed. "None of your business!" she snapped furiously - or perhaps it was out of embarrassment?
After all, her horse had just thrown her in front of a complete stranger... She wriggled angrily, trying to free herself from Daskal's firm grip. "Let go of me!" she finally exclaimed. "Unless you want me to stab you!"
"Hmph," was his grunted reply. "Not likely, seeing as how your sword is strapped to the horse." But he dropped her all the same, letting her fall back into the snowdrift. He scooped up the dragon girl again, holding her protectively. "Tell me where you came from. Is there shelter nearby?"

Struggling stubbornly to her feet, the woman eyed him over. "I have no reason to help a pathetic wretch like you...but I guess I don't have any reason not to, either. Apologize for grabbing me, and you can follow behind us." Her eyes had fallen curiously on the wrapped bundle he was clutching.
A dark bulky cloak had been wrapped around...a body? Was that a child he was carrying...? His gruff mannerisms had reminded her of -
"...Feh. Sorry for saving you," he spat. That was as low as he would stoop, even for the enigmatic dragon-girl's sake. "Now show me the way."

((...Wow! That was really long, nin! Like I said, Mom, my story is a long one. It isn't finished yet. This is just the beginning! Oma is currently working on the next part, but it might take her a while...but I promise, when she is finished, it will be awesome! She wants to add pictures too! :D))

[x] Poems [x]

Yaaaa~ Nin, loves poetry! These were written by Oma and Miyu! I am not sure, exactly what they refer to....Oma said, both apply to me and the one I am destined to, wait who am I destined to, nin!? Dask? Is this poem about me and Dask, nin!? Im so confused!
Anyways, here is some poetry. Its kind of sad, I am not sure why... and oh, Aile d'Argent is french for "silver wings", nin! :3

Aile d' Argent

this one is sad …

lying broken on that cliff again
ragged wings, so recently healed, broken, crushed.

this one knew
the signs, knew the day drew nearer
knew it all along.
knew it was worth it.
wanted to see the Silverwings fly, to pick them up off the ground
dust them off, give them courage.

this one, the sinner, the outcast, had found a purpose – to save
those
shining feathers with the scent of ninjin.

this one knew
knew the sacrifice required -
knew that he would lose his own wings forever.
that he would never fly if he could save the Silverwing.

this one touches the chains
that he himself forged, to bind the contract –
earthbound for eternity, his last sight –
the elegant Silver One flying away from him
into the light

this one
will cherish that memory.
he knew all along it would be this way.

***

this one is thankful...

flying away into the sun
sturdy wings, so carefully mended, soaring again.

this one knows
the pain, knows the kindness he gave
knows the extent of that one's sacrifice
knows that one is trampled
wants to give that one wings, to unbind the chains that bind
to repay him, give him her strength to ascend.

this one, the keeper, the sheath, has found gratitude -
to remember the compassion given to a fallen Silverwing.

this one knows
knows how she will be missed -
knows how she will transcend the limits of the sky
the scent of ninjin left on that one's cheek.

this one admires the things
that that one will never have -
looking back on the one earthbound
the Lonely One's eyes watching this one
flying away

that one
needs to learn.
memories, dwelling on the past, will not grow him wings.

this one awaits the day
when that one flies free.

[x] My likes and dislikes [x]

Here is a short list of things I like, my favorite toys, colors, ect… And things I don't like, like Punch Bag Bob, selfish people, etc.…

Likes:
- CARROTS!!!
- My Ukali balloon
- My Moach Plushie
- My Red Lupe Plushie (although it was a present from Vergo)
- Singing!
- Exploring Mystery Island, where we live, nin.
- Learning from the Techo Master (I'm currently studying how to use random objects as weapons)
- The tale of the Ghost Lupe! I swear I saw him while I was exploring one time! Ever since then, I sometimes go on explorations looking for him. I haven't had any luck yet, though, nin.
- Swimming - the beaches on Mystery Island are clean, warm and relaxing.
- "1000 Words" by Jade and Sweetbox
- Reading - it makes me smarter, and I enjoy getting into the story.
- Golden carrot - someday, I am going to eat one! (I just have to find one first, nin!)

Dislikes:
x PUNCH BAG BOB! Ever since I met him in the Battle Dome, he has been taunting me!
x Meat, it is made from my friends, and I am not a cannibal, nin.
x The Jelly Chia from the Book of Evil. Oma told me that scary story and ever since then I have nightmares sometimes, nin!
x Selfish/Greedy people. They get on my nerves, end of story.
x Last of all, n00bs...People that act like n00bs irritate me, nin.

[x] My diary [x]

Dear Diary, nin

Well, this is nin's first time writing in a diary. My first entry is about Halloween! Today was my first Halloween, nin! I didn't know what to dress up as. Oma said I could just go as myself, because being a dragon is pretty original. But I wanted to go as something else for once, nin. So Oma came up with a whole bunch of costume ideas. First I tried Sponge Bob, but I looked more scary than cute! I looked like a demonic Sponge Bob, nin!


Then we tried Batman. I don't like Batman so much, but I thought it would be funny to dress up as him… Well, as you can see, that didn't work either, nin.



After that we tried a Ninja turtle! That was a really funny costume; I actually looked like one, nin! ^w^ But, the shell was too heavy, so I dint like that one either…



After that, we tried The Little Mermaid! I looked really cute, but the problem was, I couldn't walk with the fins! If I can't walk, I can't trick or treat.



The last one we tried was a bunny. Oma thought because I like carrots so much, I should be a bunny! I didn't like the idea so much, but she made me a big carrot plushie and I went along with it, nin. Every time I knocked on someone's door and said "trick or treat", they said "Aww, how cute, a Bunny Dragon, that's original! Have some candy!"



So I ended up getting an entire bag full of candy! I still haven't eaten it all… Oma had to put it up, though, because I ate too much, nin. She says I am addicted to candy corn - maybe I am, but it's so yummy, nin! Well, I had lots of fun and I want to do it again soon, nin! I think next year I want to dress up as ninja…or maybe a pirate, nin! -^w^-

Dear Diary,

Today is my first day of school! Oma came out with me to the bus stop and waited for the bus with me. There was another Mom and a baby Quiggle waiting with us. Oma was talking to the other lady while the baby Quiggle was staring at me. I said hello, but it just kept staring at me. I don't think he/she could talk, but the staring-at-me part was a little uncomfortable, nin.

The bus finally came, nin. The bus is fun to ride, because it's like a coach. The Light Faerie - who I found out is my teacher - drives the coach, and there are about ten Unis that pull the coach, one of which you can choose to ride to school. Oma picked me up and put me on a Halloween Uni. I waved bye to Oma and the coach pulled away.
I talked with the Halloween Uni for a while, I found out his name was Mar D'ant. I ride with him everyday now, and he tells me a lot of scary stories on my way to school, nin! I love scary stories! :D

When I got to school, our teacher introduced herself and told us to go and introduce ourselves to all the other students. When we walked into the class room, the first thing I saw was VERGO! I paused and gave him an evil stare. He was just as surprised to see me, but he just smiled. Why was he smiling at me!? I am his enemy, nin! Luckily I wasn't in his class, he was in the 3rd grade.

The rest of the day, we learned basic things like the ABC's, how to add numbers, and colors. Come on, nin! I am not that daft! I may be young, but I already knew all that… The teacher laughed at my frustration when we were doing math, because I just sat there waiting for everyone else to finish. She laughed and said, "I should have known, you're a dragon after all, come with me…we will go to the other class."

So we went to the 3rd grade class, Vergo's class. Everyone is older than me in that class, but I'm still smarter than most of them. As soon as I'm shown something, I usually pick it up in an instant. :D My favorite subjects in school are Math and Language. Currently we're learning how to speak Geraptiku and Tyrranian.

When I came home I told Oma all about it! She was really happy, nin! I have school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I like school a lot :D After school and usually on Wednesdays, I go to the Training School. Oma is so happy that I am eager to learn things, nin!

Dear Diary,

Today is Thanksgiving, nin! Yesterday, we learned the story of Thanksgiving, and how the Pilgrims met the Indians. It was interesting, but I don't like the part of eating the turkey. Oma and Kekoa made a big feast for dinner! It included a big turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, ham, cucumber salad, chicken, some French foods I can't pronounce the names of, stuffing, cranberry jam, biscuits and banana bread! And guess what!

Oma invited Miyu and all of her Neopets! She also invited Dask! He was late, but he came! I was so happy. I sat next to him at dinner and watched him wolf down his food, nin! He eats so fast! ^o^ I ate everything except for the meat... I think Dask and Kekoa ate most of the turkey, nin. We were all talking and having a good time. I like Thanksgiving because we get to have many friends over! Oma said she will have Christmas feast too! I can't wait, nin! ^w^

After dinner, Oma asked Dask to help her with something in the kitchen. When Dask came back out, he was carrying a giant carrot cake!!!!!!!! 0______O
It was gigantic! He set it down on the table, and Oma came out with a giant knife. She handed it to Dask and he cut the first piece. He put it on a plate and walked over to me. He held it above my head and started taunting me - he said, "Does Fluffy reeaally want this piece of cake...?"
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. "YESSSS! NIN!"
Before I could think, I reacted first. I jumped on him out of all of the excitement, and he landed on the floor, with me on top of him and the cake in his face.

Everyone started laughing hysterically. He didn't move at all and just let out a "Mmm-FRUUUFFYY!"
I think he was trying to say something along the lines of "fluffy", but I couldn't hear him with all the cake in his face. So, I started licking the cake off his face. Everyone started laughing harder. Miyu said, "See, this is what happens when you're teasing a girl with a piece of cake!"

...I eventually had all of the cake cleaned off of him. He sat up and just stared at me for a moment, with a blank stare… "Fluffy! Go get me a towel," he said angrily, but he was smiling. I laughed and said "Okay, nin!" We all ate of that cake, telling stories, and laughing some more. Thanksgiving dinner was so much fun! I can't wait 'til Christmas, nin!

[x] Toy box [x]

This is my toy box nin! There are a whole bunch of adoptables and other random things in here. :D They are a lot of fun! Oma did not make any of these, they are all done by other people, so she is not taking credit for them, nin ^w^

Adoptables from Pittys Glitters, click here to get your own!

Other Adoptys:

[x] Fanart [x]

This is a whole bunch of fan art done for me, nin! Thank you for everyone that drew me fan art! I look so cute in all of them!

Thanks, Jess!

Thanks, nascarhero!

Thanks, Olivia!

Thanks, Zania!

Arigato, Mika-chan! ^w^

[x] My Dedications [x]

This is my dedication section! Below are all the things dedicated to me, nin! Oma worked hard on all of these! Thank you, Oma!

My Dedicated Pet Lookup: This is what my pet lookup is going to be like! Currently, though, it's on Spongegobbi's Pet Lookup - thanks, Gobbi!

My Dedicated Shop: This is the shop dedicated to me, nin! This is how Oma has made so many neopoints, selling all of her of valuables in her deposit box. Currently she has made over 200,000 neopoints in this shop, just for me, nin! I know that we may not be the richest family, but Mom works hard to buy me things, nin!

Dedicated Gallery: This is the gallery of all of the things Mom has bought for me. Not everything that she has bought for me is currently there, because she doesn't have enough neopoints to expand the size any further. But right now there are books, toys, beauty items, training items, my Ukali and Moach, and a bunch of carrot items! Please check it out - Oma worked so hard on it! I can't wait to sink my teeth into all those carrots, nin!~

Sweatshirt: This is a sweatshirt Mom made. The back of it has my logo and also my father's logo, the dragon wings. Whenever she wears it, people always ask, "What is the meaning of the wings?"

Clock: Currently Oma is making a clock in art class. It features my face, nin! I look so cute <3! It will probably take her about two months to complete it, but here is a picture of my clock at its current stage!


Wallpaper: On Oma's laptop desktop, she created a wallpaper for me! Actually, she did a few of them, nin! Take a look! (original BG by neo-luv.com)




Plushies: In the future, Oma is planning to make a plushie of me! It takes her usually about 4 months to complete one, since they're so detailed. She's planning on doing it sometime next year, in the summer, but she is going to work on the designs sometime soon.
Here are pictures of Kekoa and Zare, two plushies she made about a year ago! Kekoa is her plushie - a custom design of Kekoa-nii's character design. He's the white one!

Zare-chan was a present for Miyu, and was the first plushie she ever made.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with for me! Hopefully she'll submit some sketches here soon, nin! ^w^

[x] Contact [x]

Oh, this is how you can contact Oma!

Neopets accounts: _iaka_, superqtsaiyanbulma,and hanabiozora.
Neomail: _iaka_ (this is her main account so please neomail her there.)

E-mail: bandigurl@yahoo.com (she checks her mail every day, so you can mail her here also.)

Instant Messenger: She uses YIM and her screenname is bandigurl. If you wish to use something else, she will download it (MSN, AIM, whatever, nin!)

[Some last notes from Oma:]

Iaka: Well, we're almost at the end! I just want to quickly tell you about my transfer history. I am experienced with using both the Quick Adopt Link and the search box. I prefer the Quick Adopt Link though, because it's faster and easier. I have successfully used the QAL a total of 5 times. I have never lost a pet in the pound, and I don’t intend to either
If I'm chosen to be Inwar's new Oma, I would use the QAL and maybe Instant Messenger, though Neomail works too. Just tell me what you would like to do or what's easiest for you!

[x] Thank You [x]

Iaka and In: In this section, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us along our journey!

Iaka:Thank you everyone for reading this application! We hope you had fun - we know we did!

In: Thank you to my friends and family, for supporting me, nin!

Iaka: A HUUUUUUUUGE thanks to my best friend Miyu, for helping me so much with this application! I luv you! x3

In: Thank you for all the people who did fanart, nin!

Iaka: Thank you for all of the people who supported me, and had the patience to wait for me to finish this application!

Iaka and In: We owe so much to everyone for their help! SO THANK YOU ALL!!!

[x] Ending [x]

In: Well! This is the end, Mommy! Thank you for taking the time to come and read this application, and to meet everyone, nin!

Iaka:Yes, thank you very much for reading! I'm sorry it's so long, but I really wanted to prove how much I love In!

In:Yup, Oma talks too much, but I really don't think I could be happier anywhere else but here!

Iaka: I hope you enjoyed reading through this adventure with me and In. It has taken us so long to work on it, but it was worth it! I love In so much and want the very best for her!

In: Mommy! Last of all, thank you for raising me these two months –

Iaka: - If it wasn't for you, Steph, I wouldn't have fallen in love with this crazy little carrot-loving monster! XD Even if I'm not the one chosen as her new mother, I've had so much fun making this application and I will always keep her in my heart.

In: Even though sometimes we were stuck and didn't know where to go --
Iaka: --- This journey was worth every last second.

Iaka and In: Thank you, Steph/Mommy! We wish you luck for wherever this journey of yours takes you! Take care, and choose wisely! Thank you! Sayonara!

You close the large wooden doors.
"Well, that was strange", you think. You're not sure what to think of it, but go back to reading the other applications. Now comes your decision for the finalists. Next, the final decision.
Your journey is a very hard and time-consuming one.

May you find comfort in a good mother for this special little dragon.