Psychosis of a Writer

Bittersweets

2011-10-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Warm sunshine filled the little amber bedroom. The sheets never felt better against his calloused, worn out skin. He lifted his comforter up a bit, to shield his eyes from the intense rays and the revelations of his reality. But he couldn't deny what is; it bites, but there was nothing else he could do. Right now, his only option is to get up and face the painful motions of the sunlit day.

The long walk to where he worked was filled with all sorts of awful. Canals filled to the brim with fetid spoiling refuses of society, pockmarked roads that rival his own downtrodden pimpled face; it makes his long walk a journey, and an unpleasant one at that. Jeepneys ply the roads, their drivers yelling their lungs out for their family's next meal; he could take them sure, but it would be a waste of his hard-earned money. They say life is a battle, thrift would be his battleaxe.

It wasn't even exactly morning yet on everybody's agenda, but to him, it might as well be night, when he could finally feel the warm embrace of his old, beaten comforter. If only the day would end right there and then, no, if only his life would end right there and then, so he can finally receive his promised eternal bliss with the Maker. He never cursed Him in his twenty-five year life, but if there would be one thing he'd curse about it, it'd be his life itself.

His coworkers greeted him with warm smiles, as warm as a bonfire in the Antarctic. Everyone was abuzz with the day's work, and no sooner had he entered the building, he was abuzz along with them. Papers rustled everywhere, pens blazed mad against the crisp morning breeze. The old fan in the middle of their shared office space hadn't worked in years, yet the December gale was enough to chill their coffees before they could even finish them. They won't throw them away though, that'd be a waste - they wouldn't even throw away the cups they used, at least until the end of the day.

There was no water in the dispenser, as it was every week of the month except the first; tap water would have to suffice. He'd need every help he could get, even if it meant risking ulcer, diarrhea, amoebiasis, leptospirosis or colon cancer. He'd welcome them if he could; his intestines have grown a level of immunity against such malefactors. Well, that or burning his throat out, and that'd add a level of misery to his already sad life - at least death would take him faster.

He knows his friends don't look down on him, but he can't help feeling like he's at the bottom rung of the proverbial ladder. They may not look down on him, but being as low as he thinks he is, it's not so difficult to look down on himself. And if he could look down on himself, what more other people, which is especially true about his family. Threatened out of his house, he bit the bullet anyways. His naivete got the better of him, youth and idealism is a cruel and deadly combination. He finds joy in what he do, sure, but that's what he says when he wants to convince himself to continue living whatever life he's living.

And what a life it is. What a life indeed.

The door gently groaned ajar. It would be what, the thousandth time now that the door has opened? It's a miracle its tattered face and loose hinges had managed to hold it in place for that long; it might have even exceeded the number of times it was tested to open and close. Sooner or later though, it would crumble, and he knew it with a degree of certainty equivalent to how certainly disdainful his day was going to be.

"Good morning sir! Kamusta po kayo?" smiled a little girl.

"Oy ser!" laughed a young boy.

"Sir!" beamed yet another.

Suddenly, he lost the urge to go back to bed just yet.

Because you chose her

2011-09-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

"You said you love her right? Then why are you here with me?!? Hehe..."

Oww oww oww! Too bright! Morning sunshine... Too bright!

Well, more like afternoon sunshine; it's around twelve in the afternoon already, far too late for a guy like me to be waking up.

Tak-tak-tak-tak...

Huh... must've been from last night. I probably drank myself to sleep or something; the guys probably left me once they figured I'm not gonna budge till late in the afternoon... Speaking of afternoon... Waaay to early to be waking up when you're having a hang-over... Or something...

"Hey, you're back! Have you made your decision yet? Well? Have you?"

Woah, must've dozed off... What time is it now... Quarter past two? Already?!? Damn! Shouldn't I be doing something right now?

Hmmm... Mmmhh... Mmmmhh... Yaaawn...

Getting up is such a pain though. Besides, the comforters feel exceptionally warm and comfy today. Fifteen minutes more...

"Hey, where did you disappear to? I was looking all over for you! So... Have you decided?"

"Huh... Wha- What are you talking about?"

"Hmf!"

"Ow! Not my shins! What the hell?!?"

"Oh... Sorry, did that hurt? So you must've really forgotten... Don't you remember who I am?"

"You... Wait... You are..."

"Yes! That's right!"

"Wait, I don't remember who you are..."

Owww! Damn it, that was my shin you dumb... Wha? My room? Wasn't I... Wasn't I at school or something? And damn it, next time I'm not putting my dumb bells where they could crash on my legs...

Wait a minute...

Three thirty in the afternoon?!? Wait, now I remember! Darn, I have to go pick her up, she must be waiting for me! Where's my stuff? Where's my stuff?!?

Darn it all!

Thud!

"Hmmhh... huh? Where am I?"

"With me... Isn't that enough?"

"He-hey wait! What are you doing? And why the hell are you naked?!? And what are you doing on top of me?!?"

"Hee hee... So you'll never have a reason to leave me anymore... See, aren't you being excited too? Your heart's thumping real quick, and I don't even have to feel your chest to figure that out..."

"Wait... That's not... That's not it! She- she's waiting for me! Get off me!"

"Tsk, too late... Ahhh... Damn... This is too good to be true...."

"Get off me!"

Gah! What the... What the heck?!? And crap, that hurt! Better tidy up later... Owwww... Damn it, no time for that, I told her we'd be meeting by four, and its now... What?!? Quarter to four already?!?

Must hurry! Must hurry! Damn it, where are my shoes?!?

Riiiiing! Riiiiing!

Hello?

Hey, where are you? Are you going to be late again? You promised to meet me by four!

Sorry! I'm really sorry! I just woke up! Had a strange dream too... Well, I'd tell you all about it later, I'm dashing right now, I'd be there in a jiffy!

Hmph... Whatever... I knew it... Well, take care then- Wha... What was that?!? Hello?!? Hello?!? Hey, are you still there? Hello?!?

"Wha... what's this?"

"Finally awake..."

"Why are all those people lined up like that? Mom! Dad! Hey! Hey! Wa-wait a minute... isn't that?"

"Yes, that's her."

"Hey, hey! Sorry I'm late! I'm here now..."

"You should've just chosen me when you got the chance. Now what do you have to say for yourself, making her cry like that?"

"Huh? Why can't I reach them?!? Why can't I come over to them, she's crying, I must... I must do something... She must be worried sick! I said I'd meet her by four, what time is it?"

"Well, it's too late now..."

"Hold on, aren't you that bitch who kicked my shin and tried to rape me?!?"

"Pfft, and you still don't know me don't you?!? Well, no matter, you've got the better part of eternity to know me now! Heehee... You're all mine starting today..."

"Hey... Enough already! This really isn't funny..."

"Haha, I know... I wouldn't be laughing at my own funeral wouldn't I?"

Truck?

2011-07-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

"You seriously aren't expecting me to jump this truck over this don't you?!?" Robert exclaimed, pointing frantically at a steep overhang. Apparently he had a truck, and he had to jump the truck over the crevasse. For an arbitrary reason he wasn't entirely sure either.

Rob was in his twenties, or at least, that's how old he thinks he is. He can't really tell, and neither can anyone around him. Nobody even knew the name of the place they were in, nor what time it was. All Rob knew is that he had a truck, a big freight trailer type truck (maroon; this is a fact he seemed to be very fond of), and he had to jump it over an overhang. Ever heard of the phrase "rhyme or reason"? Well, apparently, that phrase has long ceased to apply.

"But how are we gonna go home hun?" Charlotte goaded. Rob knew he had to listen.

Charlotte was Robert's girlfriend, or so they seem to posit. Both never knew each other really well, nor knew why they were in a relationship in the first place. All they knew was they're lovers, and as the girl in the relationship, Rob had to listen to Char, whatever it was she requested. And if charms, wiles and persistent goading won't work, she knew anyway that Rob wouldn't be able to resist anything she asks.

"Ugh, well, okay... Damn it, why do I even have to listen to you..." Rob muttered, the latter half trailing almost to the point of in-discern-ability. Of course, she heard; that's what girls are wont to do.

"Just drive!"

And drive he did. The old can that passed for a truck seemed too clunky and dilapidated to even be running, but he couldn't be picky. If he doesn't know the reason why they were there, he didn't have the right to complain about anything. He will jump the truck over the overhang, and he will do it, because he didn't have a semblance of a choice anyway. Like a slow motion highlight reel made real, the old hunker sped up and sailed past the cliff into the waiting road below. Or dropped.

Dropped seemed more appropriate. And yes, I forgot to tell you, they were in a road or street of some sort. And for no reason at all, there was an overhang on the road. I don't know either, it doesn't make any sense to me as well.

If you've ever ridden a roller coaster, then that's exactly how it felt for Robert and Charlotte. Pigs can't fly (no matter how many times broken romantics and Minecraft players insist they do) and neither can trucks. Metal crashed against metal crashed against rubber crashed against concrete as the truck came rumbling down the street below. Miraculously they survived, and so did the truck (but Robert didn't get to find out if indeed they did). By the way, in case you were wondering what kind of truck Rob and Char were in, it was one of those heavyweight freight trucks with a box like engine bay with a square radiator in front. Yes, it doesn't make sense, but really, does anything?

You know what happens though when people seem to fall aimlessly down a deep steep cliff, for no reason at all?

They wake up.

King's Queen

2011-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

His cloak felt heavy, his cowl was still warm. The slayer lies slain, but so is my dear King.

His might encompassed valleys, plains, gullies, rivers, oceans and tides; his domain reaching as far and vast as the rays of the sun. At his word - no, at his mere thought, wars are waged and won in his name, kingdoms are lost and lands are claimed. His contingents wore no vain extravagance nor fear or pity; no sooner would they draw blood as they raced to the battlefield on fleet footed steeds as they would plunder upon the vanquished and the fallen. Thus was his reign; thus was his power. Thus was the Ice King of the Hoarfrost North.

Flame touched, the traitor lies dead. He was burned, no, incinerated. He dared raise his dagger against the heart of the King, but he feared not the hands of the Queen.

My people are his people, joined to his in royal matrimony. His conquest of the Burning South almost led to the siege of the home town of my people. I had been the last among the line of the Fersaears, regarded as a princess but accursed as a woman in a land of blood-crazy barbarians. It was then an easy price that my people paid for their freedom under a foreigners reign. The Ice King, then a prince, accepted the gift quite delightedly, smitten by an uncommon face. The striking features of Kriev women, while neglected among their race, was a philter to the foreigners.

How long has it been since my hands last saw flame. How long has it been since my mouth last uttered the words: age-old, archaic, euphorically satisfying. Krieva would be pleased at the work of my hands today.

Worshiped and feared by the people of Kriev, Krieva is an enigma, a conundrum upon the barbaric and uninformed - characteristics of my people. Some say she was the last dragon, some the sun. The Old Mogul, the last of the true royalty of Kriev, further doomed the lore of Krieva to legends and myths; told around wartime bonfires to stoke the inner flames of Champions and Blood Seekers. He feared that knowledge would lead to complacency, and thus weakness.

I know better.

Krieva was more than the blazing orb that brought light in the passing of day. Krieva was more than the explosive force of Vulcan's fiery forge. Krieva was more than the surge of might and courage that flowed through the veins of Champions and Blood Seekers.

Krieva was, is and will always be Fire herself; her cries are mightier than any hand-made flame. The traitor would testify, had he the breath to speak.

The King's hold would soon diminish, his influence would pass along with his breath. Kings of Hoarfrost never wear crowns; what use is a crown in the biting cold of the North? No, his crown was his life and his inerrant authority was his scepter.

He would have no successors. He was like I was - last in the line of royalty, and yet it bothered him not nor did he bother me. This is why I have grown to admire him so much, even if his ways were vexatiously different from mine. While my ways are of burning, pillaging, warring and haste, his was of cold, infallible, overpowering calculation and strategy. Thus was the ways of Ice King; structured and latticed like the permafrost beneath his feet, and as unrelenting. Like fire in slow motion, he would overcome, conquer and consume, moving his troops in clockwork precision. His mind was a reflection of his rule; his icy machinations was matched only by his icy disposition.

Yet, despite his algid eyes and even more algid demeanor, his heart knows mine and I know his. For even the mightiest of glaciers melt in the face of the fiery sun, and the hottest of flames die out to the chill of winter.

This trespass today will not be forgiven, nor will it stand unpunished. Retribution would be served. May Krieva have mercy on the perpetrators of this revolt; may their blood boil faster than their lives would be extinguished. For only pain would provide them with company; reprieve has long since cowered behind my flames.

For my dear King now lies slain. He was the breeze that kept my flames in check.

Now my flames have none to stop them; now my flames can do nothing but burn and consume.

Long live the Fire Queen.

A Moment More

2011-06-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Hahaha! That's actually pretty funny! You'd make an awesome comedienne..."

"Haha really? Wait, wha-?"

The tree house wasn't quiet tonight, as it was ever other evening. Soft warm orange light painted the walls gloomy, but the laughter inside the lonely shack betrayed whatever sad atmosphere the little candle induced. It was a happy day for Antoinette and William.

"Your hand feels warm..."

"Yeah, it has been. You know how it is when I'm with you Toni."

"Haha, and here I was, thinking I'm the one with monthly visitors!"

William Sybill was born to a traditional family of five. The fact that he was two years older than his younger brother, who was two years older than the youngest, never fail to convey this fact. His father was always away for work; if they were fortunate, he'd come home after six months bearing toys and other fancy habiliments and ornaments. Chocolates too, which he loved to the death. His mother was a busybody, always involving herself with work somewhere else. She would push herself everyday, but Mrs Sybill was only doing it for her family; after all, she wouldn't bother firing and hiring maids at a regular basis if it weren't for the good of her sons.

"Ahh, Will, you're such a charmer..."

"What did you just say?"

"Hmmm... Sorry, you just missed the train. Either you wait for the next one or wait for it to come back!"

"Aww, but I hate waiting for trains, they take forever and they're almost always full every time, I never get to ride on one without having my lungs squeezed shut!"

"Haha, that's the point!"

Lithe Miss Antoinette lived not so very far from the Sybills, but just far enough that they don't meet very often. She was a spiffy teenager a week older than William; confident, strong and quite avante-garde. The older of two daughters born to the Marrions, her height betrays her maturity, or it might be the other way around. Her mother and father ran their own little confectionery, a bright cheery place about a train ride away from their residence. They too were quite liberal and out of the ordinary, as much as they were loving and protective of their daughters.

"Toni... Hey..."

"Hmmm? Was I falling asleep? Sorry..."

"Haha, no, don't worry, you had a rough day I can tell."

"Why? Am I an open book to you?"

He could never really tell what's in the mind of Miss Marrion. For his sixteenth (or maybe fifteenth, Sybills were gifted with spotty memory), she surprised him with a peck in the cheek (the first obscurely romantic gesture he's ever received). He remembered giving her a little stuffed animal a week before, and maybe a little saccharine letter to go along with it. At times she would completely ignore him, for weeks on end; other times she'd be absolutely delighted if they could spend some time together. He's gotten used to it though, if only because he's grown to like Toni in a way even he cannot explain. To him, he'd wait an eternity if, by the end of it all, he can have a minute with her.

"Hey, isn't about time for you to go? Your parents would be worried sick..."

"Shouldn't you tell that to yourself, overprotected little charming man?"

"Haha, so I guess the train's back huh?"

"Wha- oh, so it's like that now huh! Take that!"

"Hey what?!? Cut it out! You started it!"

The little tree house on 21st has been the silent witness to the young twain's excursion. By morning, sunlight flooded the warm little shack; evenings was either darkness or a brave little candle flame. It was surprisingly watertight and durable for its construction, though the creaking floors and grated walls gave away far too many evidences of weakness. It mattered not for Toni and Will; it gave them privacy and escape, and that was all they really wanted. It was a nice foil to what they shared; battered, beaten and worn out but exceptionally and unexpectedly strong and persistent. Stubbornness is something the three of them have in common.

The dimming light signaled the end of their borrowed time together.

Wordlessly, they stood up, Toni first, and then Will. Toni took the little exhausted candlestick, holding it close to Will. He took her hand, curling his fingers around hers. Her fingers felt warm around the faux metal taper holder, a sensation he's grown to love. They've done this countless of times in the past, a bittersweet parting ritual. They'd stare at each other, waiting for the candle to burn out, light fading from their faces. They knew it was time to go, but need was less than want. She would rest her head against his chest as the light faded into nothingness, and she herself would fade into his arms.

But it would be different tonight.

"Toni... I... Can I?"

"Aww Will, you just had to ruin the moment? Way to keep it spontaneous!"

"Sorry..."

"..."

"Well?"

"Fine..."

The first they say is always the best. There will be nothing quite like the first time; it was the first after all, and thus is unique from the second, or third, or the hundredth. People describe by comparison, how then would you describe something that you have nothing to compare with? People describe by contrast, but what if there was nothing you can contrast against?

The light dimmed, danced, faded and died. The two knew what they had to do. But as they melted into each other, intoxicated but not overwhelmed, they knew for one night they could risk admonition, if only for one more minute, one more ephemeral moment together. Their eyes were closed, it was dark, but for them both, it was as vivid and bright as daytime, and as warm too.

It hurt them both to say goodbye, but for now they couldn't care less. For what is a thousand goodbyes compared to a moment of dream.

Old Teapsie

2011-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Tic-tic-tic-tick...

Protests from a kettle of boiling water. The whistling spout has long since been deficient, from all the calcite deposits left after boiling liters upon liters of water. The incessant chattering would go on and on and on, stopping only when little Millie would take notice of the lonely pot, running and shouting excitedly at her mother.

"Mom! Mom! Old Teapsie is about to BLOOW!" she would say, her hands waving excitedly. Her mother, slightly annoyed, would pat her on the head to calm her down, then would take her time, fixing flower vases and piled bills before finally making her way over to the old steel gas range. Millie often kept watch, waiting vigilantly on Old Teapsie. Kitchenware has been an heirloom of sorts for the Wilkins; as new generations of Wilkins come and go, at least one would be left to take care of their old home. This generation, the title of keeper fell on Mrs. Fiona Grattam-Wilkins; by default as she was the youngest.

Mr. Steven Grattam was an huge bloke of a man; he definitely would've fit better in a football team than in a chic apparel shoppe, which he owned and ran. This was where he first met Fiona, fifteen years his junior. She was a teenager then, he thirty-two. She was the first to take a liking to him, much to his chagrin (he didn't want to be branded as a pedophile). Fiona would often visit; at first she made it such that her interest would seem to be eternally fixated on the trending clothes, secretly eyeing the then lonesome shopkeeper. As the years passed and the shop grew, she began having small talk with Steve. Slowly he warmed to her, until that fateful day.

Millie was born out of wedlock. Her mother raised her alone, as Mr. Grattam would often be away on business trips and on other business matters. She was a happy young lady, always full of energy, always a bundle of joy for the odd couple. She was a brave soul too, as whenever her mother would chastise her, she never cried. She bit her lip hard as her mother disciplined her, sometimes with a tailor's iron ruler, sometimes with a yard stick. Mrs. Grattam-Wilkins would regret it of course, but she knew it was her job. She hated harming little Millie, but Millie's bravery becomes her strength. She knew she has to, as does little Millie.

The old wood and clay bungalow in 24th East Westshire has been there for ages. No one exactly remembers when it was built, as it predates even Westshire itself, and thus predates its municipal records. One thing's for certain though, while it's definitely old, it's also very sturdy and stubborn, not unlike the Wilkins, who for ages have taken refuge within its quaint, semi-dilapidated walls. While appliances in the old home has been constantly replaced with each new generation, some old artifacts still remain.

One of which is Old Teapsie, the little iron tea kettle.

"Mom! Mom! She's gonna BLOW!"

Foooosh!

Steam rushed out from Old Teapsie. Scalding hot water flew like hot needles all over the kitchen space. Old Teapsie herself flew like a rocket, ricocheting off the walls before finally hitting little Millie in the head. Sensing what just happened, Fiona rushed with uncharacteristic alacrity, nimbly weaving through chairs and other furniture, as much as her petite frame could afford her. She found little Millie lying unconscious on the floor.

"Millie! Speak to me, Millie!" mother took daughter into her arms, shaking her, hoping for a response.

Little Millie struggled to open her eyes. She had a huge bloody wound on her forehead where Old Teapsie hit her. Parts of her exposed arms and legs were red, blisters breaking from the boiling heat. Her clothes were all wet, but it did little to protect her gentle skin. She was breathing heavily, as if her body was asking her to stop struggling.

"Mum... Is Old Teapsie going to be okay?" whispered little Millie.

"Yes... Yes Millie... She's going to be okay..." Fiona said in response, her voice breaking.

"Then don't cry anymore mom..." little Millie's breathing became more relaxed, and less often.

She didn't even scream, she didn't even cry. And with the passing of the last generation of Wilkins to reside in the old wood and clay bungalow in 24th East Westshire, will be the tale of brave little Millie Grattam-Wilkins, who wanted nothing more than her mother's happiness.

Ad Continuum Chapter 3 Episode 3

2011-04-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

So after years in the making, its finally here!

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So yeah, this took longer than how I wanted it to, but you'd have to forgive me. It's not because I'm running out of ideas or story-lines or whatever, it's just that I really don't have quite a lot of time to spare right now, given that it's almost the end of the term here. Although, I must admit, the jarred publication pattern of this comic is taking its toll a little. I plan ahead a good number of episodes, but sometimes, if I take too long to actually make a new one, chances are, either the old idea would have been forgotten or I'd have a new idea and I would try to squeeze it into the plot. I'm trying to avoid that though, and I don't think it's showing too much. Does it?

Anyways, I want to thank Kass, a really close friend of mine (really really close XD) for helping me out on this one. I know its a very tiny effect, but panel seven of the comic wouldn't have been possible without her help. She helped me extract BRS out of a photo I took, so I could do the whole "OOO Bash" effect there. Thanks a whole bunch hun! You should go and check out her page, she's a true blue artist, not like me who's a hodgepodge of aspirations and fairly-decent skills.

And with that, I guess I'd just see you all on the next ride! Thanks so much for still reading and following this comics. Come summer vacation, I hope I could publish new episodes more often and on a more regular schedule.

Pining of the Mind No. 1

2011-03-19T03:25:00.001-07:00

Darkness filled the room. Wafts of lavender and grime floated along streams of draft and silent still air. It would be long before the room knows someone again; in the meantime, grief and dank humidity became its faithful occupants. Every once in a while, a note or two from an unknown source would penetrate the stark silence, sometimes even words, lyric and tune; reminders of life that once was, but now wasn't.

There lies within the room a lamp that had once known light. The lamp had once shown a tenant the way around the remorseful little room, but now no there wasn't even a soul to light it back up. Where it once stood as a shining reminder of life there once was, now it stands forgotten, frozen in purposeless repose.

Within that little lamp, there lies a strip of charred cloth; once it had been the wick that brought lavender alcohol to bear and burn. Now, the lavender alcohol is all but gone, the lamp dried and empty. The wick that once bought life to the little lamp now stands dead, brittle and black.

At the terminus of the little wick cloth, there lie the burnt remains of what was once beautiful. Reddish yellow flames used to dance and sway from the little wick cloth, but now, only a faint glimmer of yellow stands in a sea of dark gloom, holding on, staying alight but barely so.

Hoping for its time. A time which has now come.

The little yellow spark broke off from the terminus of the little wick cloth. It wafted down slowly, ever so faint, dancing but unseen in the little empty lamp. It began to burn brightly, holding to whatever little vapours of alcohol remained. The spark ignited, exploding into a little orange flame. It was faint, tiny, but it was enough. Drafts blew, knocking the little lamp, awakening it from its stupor. The little orange flame raged inside the little lamp, yearning to break free. Inertia rolled the little lamp over the ledge where it once stood, sending it careening into the ground below. As it stood broken, the little orange flame leapt and burned, setting the once lifeless room on fire. Where there was once darkness, there now stands blinding, burning light.

Where there was once a drought, there now stands inspiration.

Ad Continuum Chapter 3 Episode 2

2011-03-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, without further ado, Episode 2. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes of you may.

So it finally arrives! After a very very long hiatus, the next episode in this (thrilling, epic, awesome) series by the (awesome, handsome, dashing) fifthStitch (please don't shoot me, I'm just a parenthetical annotator).

Anyways, not much to say about this one, although I did have a hard time making it dramatic. I wanted to convey some degree of drama in this comic, as it's a revisit to Mato and Yomi's past (Yomi has been murdered supposedly by Yuki). You may wanna read the previous episodes though, to "jog your memory" as Yomi said in the first panel.

Oh, and left to right takes priority here over up to down. This is especially true in the first panel of the bottom row of panels.

I really apologize for the delay in releasing new comics. Between Final Fantasy, thesis and work, I barely have time to release new episodes. Still, expect the next one to be made within two weeks, or maybe even less. I'd try to be more consistent with the comics, but I of course do not want to compromise its quality (however much it has).

See you all in the next ride!

Ad Continuum Chapter 3 Episode 1

2011-01-30T23:52:00.000-08:00

So we begin anew, a new Chapter that is! The first episode for Chapter 3, and the first episode of the year! How very exciting~

Anyways, full view here!

A little behind the scenes if you may.

If you're viewing this from my impeccable little blogger account I call My Psychosis (or the comparably impeccable but not quite as impeccable blog of Murakami Night), you would immediately notice how stuff have changed quite a bit, namely how you can now click on the image to bring you directly to the full view! Well, the full view link is still present if you're used to that, so yeah, it's not really much of a big deal I suppose. For the DA viewers out there, it's pretty much the same thing, so I guess this only directly affects a minute proportion of people who are actually interested about those sort of things...

Yeah...

Anyway, from now on, I'd be taking advantage of some of Blogger's new built in tools, primarily the Image Embed (Insert Image) tool and the Jump Break tool, which have become more and more user-friendly as of late. Gone are the days when I had to code these things manually, which strikes of another tedious list off of comic creation. Does that necessarily mean more comics? Not really. I'm still sticking to the one comic per week rule, seeing that now, more than ever, my time is on a very tight noose so to speak. Does this mean more regular comics? Hopefully so, since I won't be too lazy coding up the new blog post and I could focus completely on comic creation. I actually finished this comic late yesterday, but I was already so early in the morning that I wasn't able to post this up on time, seeing that I had to code stuff and make sure the Jump Break works and all that...

Anyways...

Yeahp! So enjoy the comic! Strictly speaking, this would be the first side-arc of my comic, but that doesn't mean the events are any less integral to the main plot. I'd rather think of it as a foil, an ominous little side-story that would speak volumes of the things to come. Hopefully we'd see more of Mato and Yomi's backstory, some more clues as to why the Riders are up and about, and why, if ever there is a reason, everything is. But for now, enjoy Ad Continuum's first face palm (frame 9). And if you feel like pointing something out, post a comment. I read and reply to all if not most of the comments, and it's nice to get feedback from people, especially those who are better at this than me!

I'd see you all in the next ride!

Words

2011-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

Eternity, such a heavy word;
Everlasting and untarnishing.
Sure as yesterday had come to pass;
But still uncertain if it will last.

Sincerity, such a lonely word.
Such commitment; whole-hearted devotion.
An intentional self-sacrifice;
A shedding of pretenses, of masks and lies.

Anxiety, the word of fear and of longingness;
Of the eternal wait between coming and going.
Never knowing, never fully certain;
Yet still holds on, faithful and trusting.

Distance, the word that seals and locks away.
It seals emotions and dampens hearts,
It shuts them tight, in fear of pain;
For who knows when, they'd meet again.

And then there's love, a comforting word.
That no distance can overcome, nor pain can destroy.
That which sweeps away anxiety, and drives away fear;
That of which can speak of eternity and remain sincere.

A word I vigilantly hold on to;
A word that describes what I have for you.

Overturn

2011-01-07T01:12:00.000-08:00

A boat that rides the tranquil waves;
A lake that sings melancholic hymns.
Afar, a shore that signals beckoning hope;
With huts that dot it with lights, beautiful homes.

There's fish to be had and a fire to stoke;
Coals red hot, steaming noisy pots.
There's rice to feast on, a leaf to eat from,
And tiny stools to take the solemn meal.

The net had been cast, the catch was plenty;
There were to be, a feast for everybody.
But the winds blew strong, the gust was angry;
The fishing lamp was nowhere to be seen.

The night was black and the stars a-shining;
The lake breeze sweeps, cool and refreshing.
A peaceful sight, a silent retreat;
For the fishermen, who never made it.

Ad Continuum Files Exhibit C, D and E

2010-12-29T05:41:00.000-08:00

Warning! This is going to be a very very long and image heavy update. After all, it IS the time of year, and I'm not talking about the holidays! It's a triple comic update! Wheeee! So... full views here: C, D and E

A little behind the scenes if you may.

This took a long time to come into fruition didn't it? Sorry for that, I was taking my customary chapter hiatus. This wouldn't mean though that I would be making the regular weekly updates, it IS the holidays after all, and I'm enjoying my super super short vacation. We shall see though, as the last time I went into hiatus, I created and released a couple of comedy comics to pass the time when I got bored. Don't expect it though, with Modern Warfare 2, Final Fantasy XIII and my thesis all just around the corner, waiting to pounce.

Anyways, so I decided to make a simple character dossier of all the characters that appeared or were mentioned thus far. It's going to be really really text-y so I hope you bear with it for now. The stats might get updated in the future too, and I don't only mean upgrades. Certain events may occur that could cause a downgrade or a decrease in the relative strengths of some if not all of the characters in the fiction (foreshadowing? maybe...). That said, I tried to keep the stats as "balanced" as possible, meaning if a character was introduced as strong, I give it its due stats. I may also improve on the five bar system; my brother said I could've included speed, but I thought that it might be skewed too much in Kabuto's favor. We shall see though.

As for the epilogue, it was a real pain to shoot, with all the activity in our house currently. I had to sneak the shoots when my folks leave or during the wee hours of the day, but I guess it turned out okay. What do you think?

I had been planning on making a side comic series project that is more involved production wise, but it never came to be. We shall see though, as I do have a script in mind already (but I haven't really gotten into typing it down, maybe sometime soon). It would include some never before seen FIGMAs from my collection, and some of the rather impressive array of in-scale or almost in-scale weapons I never thought I had lying around (due to my previous forays into GUNPLA). Anyways, I guess look forward to it sometime in the future.

And with that, I will see you all on the next ride! And this time on the next chapter for reals!

A Thousand Words Page 3

2010-12-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" While it is true that beauty is subjective, and that as there are infinite beholders, there are infinite ways to define beauty, let me have a stab at my own. Beauty is not defined by outer appearances, neither is it the sum of the parts. Beauty is more akin to the personality, to character. Beauty is more akin to how, beyond the individual merits, the individual parts, there is something that draws you in, that pulls you close and that piques your interest.

After all, something is beautiful only if it catches your attention.

Subject: Dead Master

Manufacturer: Good Smile Company

Line: FIGMA (weapons used in the pictures did not come from the figure)

Series: Black Rock Shooter

Camera: Fujifilm Finepix S1000fd

Programs used: Photoshop (post editing)

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 9

2010-11-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

Episode 9 yay! Again, full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Or maybe not... Too sleepy and dizzy... Effects on this got me all worked up...

After three somewhat frustrating days of work on this comic, this is what I ended up with. I'm kinda satisfied with it, what do you think? Normally I'm not an effects kind of person (yeah right) but I use them when appropriate (like, almost everytime). Anyway, yeah, there.

This would be the last episode for Chapter 2. This weekends comics would be the chapter enders, then I'd try to upload Episode 1 of Chapter 3 by Tuesday of next week (Tuesday, um, Hong Kong time?). Also, I made a little mistake with the numbering of the previous 2 episodes. Those episodes were actually episode 5, this one is episode 6.

See you all on the next ride! And on the next chapter!

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 8

2010-11-14T04:56:00.000-08:00

Episode 8! Again, full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

W pedo in frame 4!

Got nothing much to say actually, except maybe I'm planning to close this chapter in an episode or two. So yeah, I can still remember when I made my sentimental comments on ending chapter 1,and I feel like I'm inclined to do so again very very soon. I dunno. I'm babbling.

Some new stuff here, I've been testing out a new way of rendering electricity, which you would notice in frame 2. I'm not really sure if it works, so please leave a comment if you think it did or didn't and why. Also, I'm slowly drifting back to the more relaxed four or so frames per episode. I've been doing action packed multi-framed comics recently, and I don't really want it to get old real fast. Worry not, I'd use it again when the need arises!

That should be it, see you all on the next ride!

Disappearing Stars Yggdrasil City Level 10

2010-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

RECORDING OF INTERCELESTIAL CALL 1021
CALL RECEPIENT: SELENE BASE, LUNA 2
CALL SOURCE: GAIA TOWER, RUSSIA 2, YGGDRASIL CITY
IDENTITY OF RECEPIENT: SERRA KARKOV, HEREBY SERRA
CURRENT LOCATION: UNKNOWN, PROBABLY LOST DURING THE DELINEARITY EXPERIMENT
IDENTITY OF SOURCE: ANTON RUSCHEV, HEREBY ANTON
CURRENT LOCATION: HADAL ASSYLUM, LEVEL 0
TIME OF CALL: 1830 (24 HOUR SYSTEM), 1916 (REVISED 25 HOUR SYSTEM)
CALL LATENCY: 1.28 SECONDS
RECORDING DURATION: 14.34 MINUTES

- START RECORDING -

SERRA: Hello... Anton?

ANTON: Serra...

SERRA: Anton! I've been waiting for your call. I thought you'd never call me!

ANTON: Sorry...

SERRA: Hey, don't worry about it. It's not often we get to talk to each other anymore, so lets not waste it on apologies okay? How long have we got? I hope the praetors were a little more fair this time, you deserve a time off...

ANTON: They gave me until the intersect... Around until eighteen forty five... Fifteen minutes...

SERRA: Eighteen forty five... That's with a twenty four hour clock right? Haha, clocks here in the research facility all run the revised twenty five hour system. It makes me miss living back there in Yggdrasil... With you...

ANTON: Yeah...

SERRA: How long has it been since I left? I've lost track of the hours and days, time here runs so differently from there...

ANTON: About half a year now... Six or so months? Sorry, I forgot already... It's been a long time since, and I really don't get to talk about it with anyone... I'm sorry...

SERRA: Aww, don't stress yourself out over the details...

ANTON: Yeah, I guess...

SERRA: I can't blame you... We can only call during the perigee of Luna 2 and Yggdrasil. It only happens every three or so months after all...

ANTON: Yeah...

SERRA: ... Anton...

ANTON: Yes?

SERRA: It's been... Lonely here... Without you...

ANTON: Haven't you made any friends yet?

SERRA: Haha, I did, I did. I made quite a bunch, all from different regions of Yggdrasil... All of them were forced to separate from their families too, ever since the stratification. I don't really understand why they had to move us here. Sure, we probably have higher mental capacities or whatever special stuff the praetors claim we have, but couldn't we just have continued studying in Yggdrasil? They could've just made a new place for us or something like that... After all, we just passed a stupid examination, that shouldn't make us too different from the rest of the inhabitants of Yggdrasil, am I right?

ANTON: Haha, you're probably right...

SERRA: Hey, I missed that!

ANTON: Missed what?

SERRA: Hearing you laugh! People here are way to serious...

ANTON: Is that so?

SERRA: Yeah... Oh, by the way, how's your exam preparations going? You are going to take the exam right? I really wish we could be together again...

ANTON: Oh... Serra, about that... It's just... How do I say this...

SERRA: Hmm? Any problems?

ANTON: It's just... Agh, how do I even begin saying this...

SERRA: Hey, if it's bothering you, don't worry about it! It's not that important...

ANTON: But it is! I have to tell it to you now, it's just that... I can't...

SERRA: Anton...

ANTON: Agh.

SERRA: Anton...

ANTON: Yeah?

SERRA: Could you raise your hand up for me? Raise it towards where Luna 2 is right now...

ANTON: O-okay...

SERRA: It's about time for the intersect. I want to be as close to you as possible. I know, it's silly. Even if you raise your hand up like that, we'd still be miles and miles apart... It's just that... I really... Want to reach out and... And... And hold you...

ANTON: Serra...

SERRA: I'm... I'm sorry. I couldn't help it. It's just that I miss you... A lot...

ANTON: Serra, please...

SERRA: Yeah... Sorry...

ANTON: You're... Making it even harder for me... Please... Stop crying...

SERRA: Sorry...

ANTON: Serra, listen... I... I guess I'd just have to tell this to you blunty... Please do not hate me Serra, but we... We can't be anymore!

SERRA: Huh? What do you mean?

ANTON: Serra, it's just that... Five years... Would be way too long... I'm sorry, I couldn't wait for you... I moved on Serra... It's my fault, I gave up... I'm... I'm sorry...

- CONNECTION CUT OFF -

ANTON: Serra? Serra?!? Serra?!?

- VOLUME REDUCED, ENHANCING VOLUME -

ANTON: Whoah... What the... What in the world is that light?

- VOLUME INCREASED, RENORMALIZING -

ANTON: Hello? Serra? Serra?!? Answer me please! Are you still there? Serra? Serra!

- END RECORDING -

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 7

2010-11-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Episode 7! Buhhh... Anyway, full view here, as usual.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So here's to the 7th episode of Chapter 2 of Ad Continuum. Still steadily improving, still trying out new styles. It's been fruitful thus far I would think, but I still have a lot more bases to cover, both art-wise and story-wise.

Yes, that is a 1 after the chapter title. The astute (hey, I've been using that word a lot, hehe) would say that there would be a part 2, and truly there would be. After this multipart episode concludes, I intend to end Chapter 2.

Also, I've been experimenting with new planning styles; I used a storyboard style on this one. The dialogues were a bit impromptu, but I sort of already had an idea what the characters would say. If I feel like it, I might upload a scan of the storyboard some time, maybe on one of the chapter enders.

That should be it, see you all on the next ride!

A Thousand Words Page 2

2010-10-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

Each picture tells a story, in each, a thousand words. These are the only introductions you are going to need, and no, I do not say this out of pride, I say this because I wish for the images to take their own lives, without me having to explain or verbalize anything. May the pictures inspire you enough; enough for you to hear the stories they wish to share.

Subjects: Kamen Rider Double, Black Rock Shooter and Lelouch Lamperouge

Manufacturer: Bandai (Double) and Good Smile Company (BRS, Lelouch)

Line: S.H.Figuarts (Double) and FIGMA (BRS, Lelouch)

Series: Kamen Rider Double (Double), Black Rock Shooter (BRS), Code Geass (Lelouch)

Camera: Fujifilm Finepix S1000fd

Programs used: Photoshop (post editing)

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 6

2010-10-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

The sixth episode of Chapter 2!. I've got my numbering scheme sorted out and I found out that yes, this is indeed the sixth comic, and last week was the fifth. Anyway, full view here, as usual.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Nothing much to say here. I'm still experimenting on the battle scenes and so far, I've been mostly satisfied by the set-up you see above. I might adopt this for my other comics, but time will tell if I end up discovering something better.

I suppose you're interested (if ever you are) by the new SHF figure right about the fourth panel. Yeah, that's Kamen Rider W, as some of you may already know, and yes, he's quite rare. I got him for about 1800 PHP (about "I don't really know" in dollars) discounted; his original price is 2000 PHP, a testament to his "rareness" here. I suppose there are still some of this dude out there, but he is one of those toys which, either you get them now or suffer the consequences. I'd rather not.

I thought for sure W's joints and pose-ability would be better than Decade's (best SHF thus far). But to be honest, between his hard to swap hands and his freakishly scary scarf joint and rickety tight knee and hip joints, Decade's jointage is still miles ahead. I hope that opinion would change over time (maybe the joints would loosen up as I play with Double [and yes, I am playing with him now as I type this]), as Double is much better looking IMO than Decade. Anyway, I would see you all on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 5

2010-10-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

The fifth (?) episode of Chapter 2!. Sorry, I myself am kinda lost at my own episode numbering scheme. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So yeah, Black Rock Shooter! I've also been waiting for her to arrive, as I have big plans for the little girl that could. As some of you might have known already, she comes with a boatload of accessories, each more exciting than the last. I am actually looking forward to utilizing some of those accessories, as they are as fun to pose as to play with.

Anyway, I tried something new with today's comic. I reduced the font size again but this time, I used oblong speech bubbles and I actually pen tooled (yay, new verb! wut?!?) the little hook. Strangely enough, I think it didn't take as much time as before for some reason, which is a good indicator that it's bound to stick (lazy old me). What do you think? Does it work?

Anyway, this has been a tiring comic to make. My left shift key is busted (I have to press hard, thus straining my pinky), I got on the wrong end of my folks' wrath again and it's about 1 AM here already. With that, I suppose I have nothing else to say but to see you on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 4

2010-10-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Episode 4!. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

I have finally begun stabilizing the posting schedule of my comic. I'm still trying to get used to it, so expect some comics to be less at par (but hopefully not) with my previous works. I'm also experimenting with a different font size, and a different way of framing. Most of my old comics, I noticed, were framed up close. I'm trying to vary this framing, and it seemed to me that I had to adjust my font sizes as well.

Anyway, my girlfriend asked me recently how I plan for my comics. Well, today I give you a little tidbit. Basically I plan everything in notepad, describing the scenes within the frames with keywords that would make me recall the idea I had in mind for that frame. Then I follow it up with the dialogue I put in it, with comments in case I need to remember some other stuff. Call it a comic skeleton. Wouldn't you like to see one? Well, how's about I show you the comic plan for today's comic?

-------- FRAME 1 -------

Scene: Koizumi getting up, Nagato kneeling beside him.

Koizumi: I don't remember much... What happened? Why are you here?

Nagato: I found you unconscious. You were barely breathing. I brought you here.

------------------------

-------- FRAME 2A ------

Scene: Focus on Nagato about to sit down away from Koizumi

Koizumi: Ugh... My head hurts.

Nagato: It would be unwise to get up. Your level of injury was close to fatal.

------------------------

-------- FRAME 2B ------

Scene: Focus on Koizumi, looking down at his condition.

Nagato: I had to perform... Manipulations.

Koizumi: I see...

------------------------

-------- FRAME 3 -------

Scene: Koizumi talking with Nagato

Koizumi: You haven't answered my question. Why are you here?

Nagato: I do not have an answer to your inquiry.

Koizumi: I see...

Nagato: However

------------------------

-------- FRAME 4 -------

Scene: Koizumi, surprised.

Koizumi: However?

Nagato: There is only one plausible explanation.

Koizumi: And that is?

Nagato: She is probably here.

------------------------

Nice eh? Well, I must admit, its far less than how most other comic writers would, and this method of planning may evolve the more comics I create. Anyway, see you all on the next ride! And oh! I've created a comic reader for Ad Continuum, but it's in the alpha version, so don't expect much. Visit it here!

Dance

2010-10-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

The roles are cast, the stage is set
The music plays, there's no regret
It's time to dance, the dance of death

The masks we don, our faces obscured
Pretentious eyes are all that's spurred
The emotions race, it's time we purled

An exchange of glances, o maiden true
Our hearts they seem, to misconstrue
But then again, I do not know you

And when its time, to turn and dip
The masks we don, shall fall and slip
The time has come, we fall asleep

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 3

2010-10-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Third episode of Chapter 2!. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

This marks the end of the dream mini-arc of Ad Continuum. Hopefully you've been able to follow the story somehow, especially since I started off Chapter 2 with the said mini-arc. If in case you find something confusing, shoot me a comment below. You may also want to try rereading the last 3 comics, hopefully they would provide some sort of answer. I'd try to address any non-plot specific questions, hopefully in good form, as I know that comics and other forms of visual storytelling are not supposed to be explained.

Anyway, in case you were wondering what's up with the early update, well, actually... Everything else were just late XD. From here on in, I'd try to update on weekends, worse comes to worst on a Monday morning (+8 GMT). This is to make way for my other tasks, and a new little mini project that I want to create.

And as promised, we have a new character debut. Say hello to Nagato, more on her on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 2

2010-10-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Second episode of Chapter 2!. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

I think I'm getting more used to working in Photoshop effects in my comics, although not necessarily better. This one took a while still, but it took a relatively shorter amount of time I think in terms of the amount of effects I used and editing that I had to do. What took most of the time here is figuring out how I should lay-out the fight scenes in the middle panels. Not perfect yet by a long shot yet I think, I'd still try to figure out better ways of laying out fight scenes, but it's a start I guess. What do you think?

My updates are still off and skewed, but I'd really try to make it more regular. As for the new figure I promised, well, she didn't make it here, but she would very very soon, I hope...

Anyway, see you all on the next ride! And maybe, just maybe, someone new will see you!

PS: This BTW is obviously an homage to my favorite Kamen Rider Decade scene. Dimension punch FTW!

Ad Continuum Chapter 2 Episode 1

2010-09-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

As promised, I have a double update today. This is the first episode of Ad Continuum Chapter 2. Full view here. To see the other half of this double update, click here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So at last the time has finally come for me to pick up where I left off. Last time we saw Koizumi getting pummeled to the ground by a mysterious rider. Now we see him face off against the legendary Decade, at least in a dream anyway.

The effects again took forever, and my Photoshop and laptop slowing down doesn't help solve that problem. Still, I think I did a pretty okay job, what do you think? This is actually an homage to the very iconic scene in Decade where Kuuga Ultimate faces off against Decade. It's one of the first scene's you'd see in the series, and for me is the ultimate Decade scene (pardon the pun, if you noticed it).

Anyways, the S.H.Figuarts Decade is a new acquisition, but it's not alone. It came with something else. You'd see it hopefully in the next comic, if I indeed decide to put her in. Murakami Night probably knows what I'm talking about, hehe. Speaking of next comic, I'd try to make the comic updates more regular, maybe one new comic every weekends, Mondays in case the effects or Photoshop become a pain in the rear end again.

Anyway, see you all on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Files Exhibit B

2010-09-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Exhibit B at last! Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

After a not so long (I think) hiatus, fifthStitch is back babeh! And this time with a double update! I'd be uploading a new comic very soon so watch out for it. I also edited Exhibit A of the Ad Continuum Files. Upon closer inspection, I made a bunch of typographical errors, so I corrected them and made a bunch of other changes for consistency's sake. You can view Exhibit A here.

Anyways, nothing much to say here, except for the fact that this ends the first chapter of Ad Continuum. For all my readers out there, I know there aren't very plenty of you, but it was a fun run. I had to learn how to photograph, edit and layout, and doing so was a blast! I'm really seeing myself now collecting more FIGMAs and SHFs and making comics out of them, in fact, I've been having crazy ideas for some new comics! I would have to put all those on hold though, as I'd really like to focus on Ad Continuum.

I'm not setting any expectations for Chapter 2, except that I would put all that I have learned thus far into making it. Would you believe I've gone from automatic settings photography to manual settings photography over the course of Chapter 1? I didn't even think I could make it this far! Anyway, yeahp, that should be it, lest I count the chicks before they hatch. I'd try to make Ad Continuum more involved story-wise so I guess that's something to look forward to. So for now...

I'd see you all on the next ride... to Chapter 2!

A Thousand Words Page 1

2010-09-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Every image tells a story, and in every story is a soul that dances among the words, caressing the mind and eliciting thought. It weaves ideas, emotions and sensations that the story teller wishes to express; each tableau of colors is a window to another world.

Thus, A Thousand new Words are born with each click of the shutter.

Welcome to my new "literary" project. I call it literary because really, photography is simply an extension of the literary art that deals with the abstract. Literature for me, after all, is not limited to words or sentences but extends to all media that takes the beholder to a different world, a different dimension. Literature lies as much in the sight of butterfly as in a story about a butterfly, with each telling their own story only through a different medium.

Alright, enough of the literary pleasantries. A thousand words, if you can comprehend my excuse for an artsy introduction, is my excuse for a picspam. You see, I am as interested in photography as in literature (and as I said, I really cannot differentiate the two). While I can't say I have a talent for any of those (and besides, even if I did, they're not really mine, they're only on a temporary loan from God above), I do love taking and editing pictures, so bear with me if you find my techniques amateurish and novice. Still, a little loving would be much appreciated.

I would normally just post pictures of my growing Figma, Revoltech and SHFiguarts collection, but I could also post some other stuff I find scantly artistic. In case the photos are figure related (which they most would be), you'd probably find it in Murakami Night's blog too. Anyways, enough of that, you came here for the pictures, so pictures it would be. I've got three to show today, taken yesterday I think. I'd leave some stats below, comment me if you want to see some other stats.

Subjects: Kamen Rider Decade and Yuki Nagato
Manufacturer: Bandai (Decade) and Good Smile Company (Nagato)
Line: S.H.Figuarts (Decade) and FIGMA (Nagato)
Series: Kamen Rider Decade (Decade) and Haruhi Suzumiya no Yuutsu (Nagato)
Camera: Fujifilm Finepix S1000fd
Programs used: Photoshop (post editing)

Higher resolution pictures are available in my deviant art account.

Alternative: Null Memory

2010-08-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Null Memory you say?" a worried, albeit handsome voice exclaimed.

"Yes, the look-up says it should be possible, extant even." replied his quirky partner.

"That... Can't be. The driver requires two souls to operate... But the Null Memory..."

"Will negate the requirement of the second soul. In short, I don't have to participate in this pointless exercise, am I right Shoutaro?"

I would never have thought he would find it. While it's true that he did inherit all the knowledge on Earth in that quaint brain of his, this "Null Memory" shouldn't even be... Real.

It's just not possible...

"So Shoutaro, find it already..."

"Huh?"

"The Null Memory. Find it already."

"You can't be serious Philip." I said to him in reply, visibly annoyed from his persistence.

"Oh but I am. I never wanted to be part of this... Waste of energy. I should be concentrating on harnessing the Planet's Bookshelf. Did you know that once the Spaniards discovered that the Earth itself is round, the prices of transportation to areas of significant distance from Europe diminished greatly? The mere knowledge itself triggered a worldwide revolution!"

"Eh?" I replied, more out of exasperation than out of the fact that I didn't understand a word of what he just said.

"Knowledge is all there is Shoutaro. Nothing more, nothing else."

Philip, as genius as he is already, is the inheritor of the Planet's Bookshelf, a library of literally all the knowledge there is on the planet. History, Geography, even the individual biographies of everyone who had ever lived or is currently living could be found in the bookshelves, and Philip has access to all of them. His mind of course would not be able to handle all this information, and he has to perform look-ups on specific topics to harness the infinite knowledge found in the library. This is invaluably useful, but look-ups could get very addictive to knowledge-hungry Philip, which in turn annoys me to no end.

"Shoutaro. Please. I'm serious..." he said, opening the door to his secret room behind our excuse for a detective agency headquarters.

"Huh?"

"I don't want to fight anymore." he continued, slamming the door as he finished the sentence.

"Find the Null Memory Shoutaro. Please."

His voice sounded hollow coming from the other side of the door. Was he merely consumed by his addiction, or was this what he wanted all along?

Antagonist

2010-08-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

"Shiine, I would so love to have our old family back..."

"Yes mistress, so would I. Unfortunately..."

"Unfortunately that bitch Riiya seems to think otherwise!"

"Ye-yes mistress..."

"Shiine, will you kindly show our guest the way out."

"Yes mistress Chacha."

That dream again. It's been haunting me ever since Aiushtha saved me from certain death. She says she isn't in her full capacity, but her healing is remarkably potent. I shudder at how effective she would be when she's at "full capacity" as she claimed she used to be. It's been only three days and I already feel like I could take down an army of city dwellers!

She has graciously allowed me to live with her in her desolate hut. I don't recognize any of the surroundings, except maybe the river that runs right through the city she has chose to live in. To be honest though, I think I could sympathize with her. I too am a stranger in a city made of stone, or once was and twice now. Naivety made me think that I could be a guardian, a protector. Reality brought me down, especially that of Chacha and Shiine.

They have both grown up, but something did not feel right with them now that I think about it. It's as if, they haven't aged as much as I expected they would have. Ten years may not be much, but from the looks of them, they seemed younger than expected. Maybe it's just me; I hope it's just me.

Be that correct or not, one thing's for sure. Dark magick had corrupted both of them, thriving on the souls of the living to extend their own lives and their own potentials. It would explain the many disappearances in Mochi Mochi before the eventual disappearance of my master and caretaker, but I cannot help but doubt. They are my friends after all, or at least they used to be. Now, I just... Don't know...

What should I do...

"RIIYA!"

"So he's here, huh?"

Aiushtha?

"So our precious Riiya is here? Bitch! How dare you steal him from us?!?"

Chacha?

"Mistress, shall we end her life?"

Shiine?

Bastards!

Of Pertaining to Comedy: Episode 5

2010-08-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

I understand completely...

Click here for the full view.

Sorry. I couldn't help it. The photographs were asking for it. I merely answered the call. Photos are from Murakami Night

Alternative: Death Note Interlude - Synesthesia

2010-07-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

"Have you heard of that cursed MP3 floating around the Internets lately?"

"Eh? I've heard of it. Message boards everywhere are abuzz with it, but I don't really think it's real..."

"Well, I think you might just change your opinion after what I found out last night..."

"I bet it's just rumors..."

"Somebody just died. A friend of an internet acquaintance."

"And let me guess. Heart attack?"

"Yes."

"Hahaha!"

"Eh? Why are you laughing? Someone just died. Of a heart attack. While listening to the cursed MP3!"

"Haha, but that's what all the rumors are saying. You aren't seriously believing that shit now are you?"

"Huh? But it's real! I mean, my friend wouldn't lie to me, and why lie about the death of another friend?"

"Suuuuuure"

"No no no, it's for real, I'm sure of it!"

"Hahaha, whatever man!"

"But there's evidence! This friend of mine uploaded a recording of their last conversation. They were playing some MMO, chatting via VoIP. About a few minutes in, his friend just suddenly made grunting noises, followed by the faint sound of someone falling over. My friend naturally joked about it but all he got were what seemed to be distressed breaths. It was creepy..."

"Hahaha, well, whatever, I still don't believe that shit. I mean, there's no way someone could get a heart attack from listening to a cursed MP3, and besides, wouldn't the police or at least the media find out about this? It's all bull shit man!"

"But..."

"Bull shit! And I'm having none of it, now come on, we have a class in five minutes."

Disappearing Stars Level 4

2010-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

START RECORDING

In compliance with District Governor Shuhei Smith’s directive, and as my account to the events that happened at around 600 hours today, this is District B resident Dan Manson’s report.

Would that do sir?

Okay sir. As mentioned it happened at 600 hours today. It’s really hard to describe. The beginning sir? Okay sir. I was in my apartment at District B. Pardon sir? Ah, yes sir, I’m a scholar sir, as are everyone in District B. Wh-where do I practice? Um… In… Grand Central University sir… Yes sir! I know the rule sir! Only those from District A can atten- Yes sir, yes sir… I will forfeit sir…

Of course sir, I would continue right away sir. As I was saying, I was in my apartment at District B, studying and preparing for tomorrow’s classes. I was in one of the upper rooms sir, so I had a clear view of the city. Anyway, I was actually reading when the incident happened. I wasn’t able to witness how it begun, but it was hard not to notice. The law prohibits regulars from being involved in the affairs outside our daily course of actions, but I just couldn’t contain my interest. Yes, I know that is what the walls are for, but as a scholar…

Yes, I know sir. It wouldn’t happen again sir. I’ll take better caution next time sir.

Describe it? Well, I can only call what I saw as a very bright column of light. It seemed to come from a hole in the sky, which in itself is hardly even believable. I’ve heard of rogue planes encountering invisible barriers in the sky, but those are all urban legends told by crazy fear-mongers. But I couldn’t mistake what I saw, and what I saw was a hole in the sky, probably punctured by the column of light. It was very brief though sir; it ended no sooner than it had begun.

And it happened very close to where I was sir! It was weird though that I never felt any shockwave. I was braced for impact, or at least I thought I was, but none came; it was the most peculiar thing! After the column disappeared, I resisted taking a peek at the damage zone, knowing full well that I already broke the law once that day and I won’t break it a second time. But again sir, my curiosity took hold of me, and I just couldn’t resist.

What did I saw? Well, it seemed as if… The column of light punched through the ground, leaving a gaping wide hole. All the gas pipes and supply lines were broken, with substances leaking and screeching with a fury. But it wasn’t just that sir. Beneath those layers of broken pipes, I saw… Well, I cannot really understand why but… There seemed to be… people.

Yes sir, I’m sorry sir, I would hurry up sir. Anyway, as I was saying, there were people. They were all in a panicked fit, running off from where the column of light seemed to have punctured a similar hole in their ground. I tried peering in deeper, but that’s when the mop-ups showed up, cordoning off the site and covering it up. I know it was futile, but I didn’t want to further incarcerate myself, so I decided against peering any further.

And that’s about it sir. Around three hours later, your people showed up and brought me here.

Yes sir, I understand sir. I wouldn’t te-

SEDATION: SUCCESSFUL

CONSCIOUSNESS: 50% AND DROPPING

TERMINATION: UNECESSARY

COURSE OF ACTION: RECOMMENDED MEMORY SWIPE AND RESTART AT LOWER LEVEL

END RECORDING

Ad Continuum Files Exhibit A

2010-07-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Episode 6? Full view here. Not!

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So after my one week hiatus, I only was able to whip up a filler comic. This comic has truly gone downhill... Not! In case you weren't tuned in to my personal blog, I am currently unable to move the plot forward until I get my hands on something I've been wanting to obtain for a long time now. So for now, and I guess for the next two weeks, I'd just be making a little comic dossier of sorts, beginning with the part 1 of the story thus far.

It's not all that bad though. I'm also working in new effects into old shots, like the new esper fireball effect seen here. I must admit, looking at the shots and panels I made before, I might have indeed improved, but I give credit to where it's due. I have to thank some good friends of mine who put up with my constant pestering, asking for help on rendering effects and such. Thanks Teters, Patrick and of course, my love, Kass!

So there. That should be it for today. See you again on the next ride!

Mobile Attraction

2010-07-11T02:47:00.000-07:00

“Quick, make a left! Now dodge that car! Oh no, we’re gonna crash!”

“Aww man, could you please just keep quiet? I’m trying to concentrate here!”

“Hmmp, fine. Just ‘cuz I’m better at you doesn’t mean you get to bitch about it!”

Then we’d argue for hours, well, until she left anyway. She’d go to her home right across ours, we’d eat dinner, maybe do some homework, then we’d find ourselves chatting over the phone like we haven’t met in years. Of course, those phone chats would always end up with us arguing as to who is better at this game or that.

Back then, I always thought of her as annoying and boyish. She’s about as tall as me, and just about a little thinner. She’s not much of a looker, but she does have her good angles; although, being as she would almost always wear boy clothes, it wouldn’t be as apparent. Either that or the fact that she had also kicked the ass of every major bully in town, at least to my recollection.

“Hey! I demand a rematch!”

“Aren’t you tired of getting your ass handed to you? Hahaha!”

“Bug off, this time I’d win for sure…”

But I won’t. It’s funny now that I think about it; I never really won any serious games against her back then. She’d do just that, hand me my ass, but that didn’t deter me from trying. And I’d keep on losing and losing until my thumbs grew tired.

It’d go on like this from elementary through high school. She’d come over, we’d play some games, she’d beat me in every one of them, then she’d go home. We still had our phone chats, but we outgrew our landline phones in favour of mobile ones. That’s when we’d chat till past midnight in hushed tones so we won’t get caught. We tried SMS, but it just wasn’t the same, and we’d always end up calling each other anyway.

“Hey, you’re not going to sleep yet?”

“I dunno. I still wanna talk with you…”

“Haha, but we’ve talked about everything!”

And yes, we would. We’d invent games and ask silly questions just so we could talk on and on over our mobiles. This became especially true on rainy days or on very busy days when she couldn’t come over. Sometimes, when we really couldn’t think of anything to talk about, we’d just lie down in our bedrooms and breathe ourselves to sleep.

“Wow, it’s getting rainy outside…”

“Yeah… Do you mind if… I stay with you here for a while? I don’t… Really want to go home yet…”

“Um, I guess it’s fine…”

I still remember how her soft skin felt that time. Nobody was home except for the two of us; my mom and dad were still at work, stranded by the rain. Her parents were also at work, and after calling her on her mobile to check whether she’s safe, they just told her to stay over till the rain stopped. We really didn’t know how it ended up that way, but it felt so natural being with each other the way we did.

We found ourselves going up to my second floor bedroom, sharing a bed meant for one. The rain muffled our voices, our hushed breaths betraying the emotions and sensations we were sharing. It wasn’t about the ruffled sheets or the mind numbing pleasure, but it was about something else, something words cannot even begin to describe. It was pure emotion, pure sensation, a pure and innocent union of souls.

“Hey, the rain stopped…”

“Yeah…”

“Aren’t you… Going home yet?”

The following morning, she didn’t come over to visit. At first I thought maybe she’s just busy with something, but the memories of the previous day lingered in my mind. I was torn between pleasure and guilt, between bliss and regret. I got worried but I had chores to do, so I fought through my day, eager for evening -and the opportunity to talk to her- to arrive.

I tried calling her landline number, but no one picked up. I tried several times, but seeing that the results wouldn’t be any different, I tried her mobile instead.

“The number you dialled is out of coverage area.”

I tried again. I received the same pre-recorded message. I kept trying and trying, but I kept receiving the same pre-recorded message.

Alternative: In Due Time Finale

2010-07-10T02:10:00.000-07:00

The earth around them danced, painting streaks of colours across the once empty cove. Flashes of the past spun and weaved about, reminding Kagome of the memories she would never have.

“We have arrived.”

Inu No Taishou, the father of both Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru, was once a powerful demon lord known throughout all of Feudal Japan; it stands to reason that his power is coveted by his elder son and heir, Sesshoumaru. But fate wouldn’t be kind to the silver-haired demon, as for some reason unbeknownst to him; it would be his brother, Inu Yasha the half-demon, who would inherit his father’s “greatest” treasure.

Today was the day he did.

“How dare you defile the tomb of my father!” shouted the younger of the two.

The full demon grinned. He knew his plan had worked, and was moments away from taking revenge on both his insolent half-brother and his equally insolent partner. Immediately he pressed an all out attack, catching Inu Yasha off guard.

“I’ve waited so many years for this…” said the elder demon.

“If you’re referring to me kicking your ass, then me too!” yelled his brother, completely unaware if what was about to unfold.

The pair traded blows, with Sesshoumaru easily outmatching and outclassing Inu Yasha. The former dodged the latter’s every blow, while connecting blows of his own, drawing blood. With surgical precision, the elder hacked at his younger brother’s body, eschewing swift death for slow, painful agony.

Of course Inu Yasha was unfazed.

“You bastard!” panted Inu Yasha, his breath short and shallow. For a moment the fighting seized, both warriors catching their breaths, but mostly just Inu Yasha.

“As much as I enjoy toying with you, little brother, I have other things to attend to here. I would have to put your slaughter on hold for a while.”

“Don’t you dare!”

Inu Yasha charged at his elder brother, claws at the ready. Sesshoumaru mirrored his brother’s move, but as soon as the two collided, the elder swerved deftly to one side, sending Inu Yasha flying through the force of his own attack. Sesshoumaru continued charging, aiming for a different target.

“Kagome!” shouted the half-demon, pulling himself up, blood dripping from his wounds.

Too late. Sesshoumaru was already inches away from Kagome.

“Pesky little girl. If you hadn’t drawn the sword, I wouldn’t have been in a perpetual state of misery. Now I’m going to remove you from history to prevent that event from ever happening. Die!”

“Kagome!”

Claw met layers of sinew and flesh. Ribbons of blood danced in the air, as Sesshoumaru’s attack found its mark.

“Ka- Kagome…”

“Inu Yasha!” Kagome coughed. Blood spilled from her mouth.

The elder demon’s strike unexpectedly found not one but two targets. At the very last moment, Inu Yasha used his body to shield the young girl. Unfortunately…

“I’m sorry… Kagome…” said the bloodied half-demon, his weakness betraying his sincerity.

“No… Inu Yasha… Why… I don’t understand…” replied Kagome, equally weak.

Sesshoumaru shrugged, drawing his claws back from the two of them, sending both plummeting to the ground. The half-demon took hold of Kagome; a futile attempt to safeguard her from the fall. He fell back first, catching Kagome on top of him.

For a while, the injured pair didn’t move. They both felt the elder demon’s poison seeping through their veins, worsening their already terrible states.

“Somehow…” Inu Yasha broke the silence.

He limply placed his arm around Kagome.

“I don’t know why… I don’t even give a damn about you… But somehow…”

“Inu Yasha…” beads of tears began to form on Kagome’s eyes, pushing herself off from him.

“It feels like… If we’ve spent… Some more time together…”

“Inu Yasha… Please… No more…” Kagome used the last of her strength to crawl herself forward, resting her hand on her beloved half-demon’s cheek.

“Kagome…”

Their lips met. She’d say it felt nice and he would have scolded her for it if they could.

Alternative: In Due Time Part 2

2010-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

“Whe- where am I?” she asked.

“So you’re awake.” replied the silver-haired demon.

Immediately the girl began to struggle, which of course did not sit well with her captor. Immediately he drew in close, so close she can feel his breath against her face, sending her body in a state of frozen panic.

“You do bear an uncanny resemblance to her don’t you? No wonder Inu Yasha has fallen head over heels for you…”

She couldn’t say anything. She tried but no word came out. Every muscle of her paralyzed body opposed her, fearing for dear life.

The silver-haired demon stepped away.

“You shouldn’t struggle Kagome; it’s only going to make the journey much more difficult for you.”

Sesshoumaru pulled the accursed hourglass out from his kimono, holding it in front of Kagome.

“I don’t suppose you know what this is? This artefact used to belong to Jikan, the demon of time. Many times he was able to escape death by using this artefact, which gave him the ability to travel back in time.”

Kagome didn’t really give a damn. As soon as she could, she began struggling again against her bindings. Sesshoumaru simply smiled; after all, it wasn’t like she was going anywhere anytime soon.

“Indulge me for a minute, I just love the hopeless expressions humans make when they know they cannot do anything to stop something that’s right in front of them…” he said, stepping closer towards Kagome once again.

“The moment I turn this hourglass, we go back in time to any point I wish to. We immediately take the place of our former selves back then, continuing to live from that point on. In short, it would be as if the future didn’t happen at all, but the memory of your unlived future would still linger.”

Kagome’s eyes widened at the thought. Sango, Miroku, Shippo, even that perverted flea demon Myouga; all the time they shared and spent together would disappear. What if she never gets to meet them again this time around? What if…

A wave of fear and panic struck her.

“Yes, that’s right. Even the time you spent with your beloved Inu Yasha.” he said, turning the hourglass over.

Alternative: In Due Time Part 1

2010-07-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

The silver-haired demon raised the possessed hourglass triumphantly. His lips formed a subtle smile; a sadistic, gleeful, almost dangerous smile.

“Jikan, demon of time, your power is mine at last. Now my revenge would be complete. I only need one more piece…”

Feudal era Japan is rife with myths and legends; of demons ruling vast territories and of shrine maidens protecting villagers against them. It was a peculiar time indeed, but amongst all these peculiarities lay a peculiarity most peculiar of all.

“Give her back you scumbag!” yelled the younger half-demon.

“And why would I do that little brother?” mocked the elder full-demon.

The weight of the half-demon’s sword made the ground shake, but it found nothing else to hit. The elder sibling deftly dodged the demonic blade.

The younger half-demon was not deterred. He kept on striking and striking, each slash coming dangerously close against his under matched adversary. It was as if the elder demon was playing a dangerous game of tag against his younger brother; ever teasing but never really allowing his blade to touch. Not even a strand of his flowing silver hair was disturbed. All this while carrying his unconscious female captive over his shoulder.

Then he stopped playing.

“Foolish little brother.” he said, blocking the sword with his bare hand. “How many times must you experience defeat before surrendering to it?”

The younger half-demon was sent flying with one powerful swing, heavy sword and all.

“Do not worry; I do not intend to kill her yet.”

“Sesshoumaru, you basta-“ he was stopped in mid-sentence. Slowly the lights faded out on him.

Sesshoumaru drew his fist from his brother’s gut, now a few inches deeper than where it was supposed to be.

“Farewell, Inu Yasha…”

Ad Continuum Episode 5

2010-07-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Episode 5! Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Just who the hell is Kabuto? Well, you'd have to wait and see. This concludes the Kabuto mini-arc, next comic we'll visit an old realm, where we'll see Itsuki get his ass handed to him. Or will we?

Again, all the effects took a lot of time, so I apologize for posting this late. I also had a hard time coming up with a good enough Rider Kick pose. Doing this and last week's comic was a big learning process for me, since it's the first time I posed my figures into action poses (and dynamic ones too).

So there. I've got nothing much to say, and I'm already incredibly tired so see you on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Episode 4 Part 2

2010-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Here goes part 2 as promised! Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

I apologize this came out a little later than expected. The Kabuto Rider Kick effect took FOREVER to research and make! It's not the best effect, I must admit (my favorite is still the RX henshin) but I think it gets the job done quite well. What do you think?

Here's a video for reference:

So there. I've got nothing much to say, and I'm already incredibly tired so see you on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Episode 4 Part 1

2010-06-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Move over, here comes episode 4! Full view here.

And as mentioned, this is just part 1!

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So this one's a little late right? Well, it's cuz I went to Toycon 2010, and let me tell you, was it a blast. Not as great as I was expecting, probably I hyped myself up too much, but it was still okay. I'd have to be honest though, I didn't come for the toys as much as I did for the cosplay. Ironically enough, there weren't much great cosplay anyway, though I did see all of my female Tekken Army (Lili, Asuka and Alisa) so I guess it's not really that bad.

Anyways, I did pay 100 pesos for the entrance fee, so I was hell bent on making the most out of it. How you may ask? Why, by making comics of course! They're all in vernacular though, so if I have any foreign readers, I hope you don't mind.

That's wolverine down there BTW

The busts were kinda creepy, but not as creepy as the dismembered flash head...

In a previous pic, his eyes were somehow still lit up

This sunflower was the cutest fig from Toycon 2010

Well, there you go! Part 2 comes out tomorrow. See you on the next ride!

Of Pertaining to Comedy: Episode 4

2010-06-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

So here comes Episode 4. I think. Click here for the full view.

Before you hack me to death with a baseball bat, let me explain.

So today was a really really special day for me, since I got to spend some quality time with a person who is very near and dear to me. And while I try to think of anything to build up the suspense before I finally reveal where we went, I fail, so let me just put it straight. We went to the Manila Ocean Park. Manila friggin' Ocean Park!

It was the most fun I ever had in ages! I'm sure there's probably something wrong with me if the most fun I had in ages involved watching fish swim in a tank, but well, yeah... The most fun I had in ages involved watching fish (and jellyfish!) swim inside a bunch of tanks. I also got to see a crocodile, and some crabs eating shreds of shrimp, so I guess I'm not really that dysfunctional. Am I? (Of course you are, you made a comic out of a photo of some jellyfishes you idiot!)

All kidding aside, the Manila Ocean Park visit was pretty fun! I have so much to say but I can't capture them in words that aren't "OOOOOH" and "AAAAAH" right now, so I would probably let the feeling simmer before I blog anything. Then I would forget to or refuse to because I'm too lazy, so the blog would never get written anyway. But it seriously was boatloads of fun! I especially like the gigantic aquarium with a tunnel you cross under. Those friggin manta rays are awesum! And creepy, to be honest.

The jellyfish you see in the comic were part of the Jellies, Dancing Sea Faeries exhibit, which would actually cost you extra just to see (apart from the admission cost of the Oceanarium, the main attraction of the Manila Ocean Park). I suppose this comic is just me making the most out of that extra cost, but it was all worth it. I dunno if you can call it Zen or whatever, but watching jellies loll about in some wall mounted or pillar shaped tank while listening to classical music really busts away stress, and I will tell you, I've got loads of stress to bust.

Anyway, for those who cannot understand the native vernacular of my country (Filipino), "Pangit" is an adjective which means anything from plain old "Ugly" or hideously "Vile" (yeah, Filipino words are like that, although I'm pretty sure there's a better Filipino word for vile). It can also serve as an insult when hurled at someone. Which would be kind of an unfortunate thing in Jellyfish world since, you know, you tend to all look alike, being the product of asexual reproduction. Here's just me saying, I'm sorry for all the jellyfishes I might have hurt with that statement.

There, anyway, see you in the next ride!

Ad Continuum Episode 3

2010-06-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

Episode 3 at last! Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

The light effects on this was a PAIN! My laptop was lagging a lot, merely opening a picture took the best of forever! Each painful nudge, each tedious opacity adjustment, it takes a little out of yourself you know? Meh, but I guess I'm just over dramatizing here. I think it did the job well though, what do you think?

I have to give credit to where credit is due though, I asked helped from a friend who goes by the name of mutated*insert cute/weird animal name in all caps here* in plurk, otherwise known as Teters. The rainbow-like color of the light emanating from the kingstone? Yeahp, she was the one who came up with how to do that! All of the light effects in this strip were based from the RX henshin sequence from Kamen Rider Decade. I was amazed that by simply showing her the short and extremely pixelated video clip in youtube, she was able to come up with an idea on how to do that rainbow color effect. Thanks Tetets!

Anyways, so there, see you on the next ride! Which hopefully would be every Wednesdays and Fridays. Just me hoping.

Alternative: Death Note chapter 1

2010-06-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

To say the "clatter of keys" would be terribly offensive to the brown-haired youth. To him, it's not clatter...

It's conquest, the promise of another silent victory in the making.

It’s been barely an hour since the official worldwide release of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 9. Filled with all the features you'd need from an operating system (and a bucket load of unnecessary ones) “Nine”, as the OS had been affectionately nicknamed, certainly is the next big thing from Microsoft. Practically everyone in the planet had been waiting for its release, with not a few die-hard fans spending nights camping on the streets just to ensure that they would be one of the first in the world to nab themselves a copy. Of course, there is always an exception to the rule.

For Light, "Nine" is just another victim.

"Impressive... The level of security on this thing is better than anything I've ever laid my hands on. Although..." Light snarled. "Nothing truly original... Boring to say the least…"

Not unknown to many, there exists an underground community of software hackers loosely referred to as the “warez” community. Members of these community attempt to bypass the security features of commercial software and release them as a free alternative to the real thing. Whilst some would call this activity piracy; members of the community prefer calling it "software sharing".

The holy grail of this community is the "0 day", a complete software hack on the same day of the software's official release. Sometimes, the hacked version can also be released simultaneously with the software, with some members having obtained leaked post production but pre distribution copies by hacking into FTP servers, SVN services or by the use of insiders or moles. This can only be accomplished, of course, by those extremely skilled in the craft, and quite a few people have made a name for themselves by achieving a 0 day.

One such name is Light.

The clatter of keys continued, pausing every once in a while just to have it start again with a fury.

Software hacking, at its core, is not that difficult of a concept to understand. Anybody with background knowledge on software development and software security could in theory hack into a program. It's just a matter of locating security locks and developing bypasses for them. This is accomplished by using de-compilation programs to reverse engineering the binary or executable file of the program itself.

Think of a program as a tree, with many branches leading to more branches, eventually leading to an end somewhere. Each decision point during the lifetime of the program’s execution is a branch of this tree. A common example would be a dialog box with an Ok and a Cancel button. Clicking on one button will lead you to one branch in the tree, which will trigger an action that could lead to more branches, eventually leading you somewhere.

Among all of these branches though, there exist a few special ones that handles security. These branches prevent the program from running if it was obtained illegitimately. An example of these special branches would be Serial Key inputs or the need for an original CD to run. By trimming off these branches and grafting in new specially crafted ones, a hacker can bypass the program’s security and thus disable them, allowing anyone to run the software without the need to purchase an original.

Light just so happens to be especially good at spotting and trimming these branches, and grafting in new ones. Exceptionally good.

The clatter of keys was interrupted by three sharp knocks on the door of the otherwise ordinary room. This was followed by an equally interrupting eager voice of a little girl.

"Light? Light? Are you there?"

"Sayu, not now, I’m kinda busy."

"But you promised you'd help me study for my exams tomorrow..."

"Did I?"

"Well... I remember you-"

The opening door caught little Sayu unawares.

"I'd help you study in a minute, but not now please, I have a project that I need to finish."

"Hmph, fine, but if you don't I'm telling mom."

When he's not busy cracking software and sharing them in his own FTP download server equipped with security that would make the mainframe of the US Department of Defence look like a child's playpen, Light is busy being the nation’s top student. An exemplar in all aspects, he is skilled in everything you put him in, be it academics or athletics; to call him a genius would be an understatement. Incidentally, not a few women have shown interest in him; intelligence, athleticism and the looks to match does have its perks.

Sayu is Light’s little sister. Though she often annoys Light with her constant pleas and whines, she is extremely proud of her brother. She looks up to him as an example and as far as she can remember, had always shared a strong bond with him; with their father often away due to his work as the local Chief of Police and their mother almost always busy with household chores, he is the often the only one she could talk to at home.

The clattering of keys had stopped. A few quick clicks were followed by a triumphant albeit nonchalant yawn. The brown-haired youth checked his wristwatch.

"Still have a few minutes before dinner…” Light sighed, no more excitedly, “Better check on Sayu."

Ad Continuum Episode 2

2010-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Ah, the wonders of over-productivity, today you get not one but two comic pages!. Click here for the full view of the first one, and here for the full view of the second one.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Fans of the komikos timeline, don't despair. I also have a comic outlined already for komikos (actually around 2 or 3) but I felt the need to advance the ad continuum plot for now, since the first episode left so many unanswered questions (like these two episodes won't [angry]). I hope these two comic pages help answer some of those!

The reason why I made two (apart from my laziness to actually do anything else) is because if I only showed the first page, the second might come out in maybe Wednesday of the following week. That would create a three to four day lag, which could make the plot confusing. Cliffhangers are good devices for keeping people interested, but there exists a fine line between interest and confusion. I do not want to cross that line. No sir.

The yellow hazy atmosphere of RX' realm is supposed to be a tribute to him being "the child of the sun". I hope it did it's job, and not leave everyone's eyes aching and complaining about how the background is too bright (and making jokes about now being able to see Black RX clearly, since, you know, he's black... and the background is... bright... whatever). What do you think?

Anyway, so there you have it! I'm trying to stabilize and regularize the publishing schedule of these comics, but that would have to wait at least for another week, when my other activity schedules begin stabilizing and regularizing as well.

See you all on the next ride!

Ad Continuum Episode 1

2010-06-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

So here comes Episode 1 of the story I've been cooking up for a while now. Full view here.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Like I said in the previous post, I've been thinking of starting a more cohesive comic story, one with a universe, fixed character roles and a more solid continuity from one chapter to the next. I've been itching to try it out for a while now, but I've been busy with a lot of stuff, recently being the first week of class and all.(I do part time work as a teacher by the way, just so you can get an idea how hectic the first week of classes for me can become)

Anyways, so there. Expect the next comic to be from the komikos timeline (the name I gave to the original 3 episodes), followed by another from Ad Continuum. Or it could go the other way around. Depends on how lazy or inspired I become.

Oh, and a little P.S. of sorts. There's a shoutout to a friend in this comic right about in the middle center of the first panel. It's more of an unintentional shoutout really, and I didn't quite notice it until when I was already in the process of shooting. He's the guy I'm buying my next FIGMA from! (and hopefully some others, the Eva FIGMA line looks pretty tempting)

So there, see you on the next ride!

Of Pertaining to Comedy: Episode 3

2010-05-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

So here comes Episode 3. Click here for the full view.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

This would be the third installment to my semi-cohesive comic story. Witness the awesum power of The Machine Porkator's Hambuster! Now all we need is a grill and some choice cuts and we can have ourselves a barbecue. Which is odd since the Machine Porkator is pig.

Anyway, the next episode would actually not be Episode 4. Rather, I'm planning on making it Episode 1 of Ad Continuum, a little comic story I've been planning to make. It's not really going to be comic in the sense that it's not going to be funny (as if the first three were funny anyway), but it would still follow the five panel format, maybe stretching to five every once in a while. In case you've been gullible enough to be a fan after three not-really-funny episodes of this comic, don't worry. I do not intend to abandon this style, but I'm really more of a storyteller than a comedian, so my focus would be on Ad Continuum.

That or my fickleness kicks in and I begin spurting out more of these comics anyway. See you in the next ride!

Of Pertaining to Comedy: Episode 2

2010-05-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

So here comes Episode 2. Click here for the full view.

A little behind the scenes if you may.

So the first one got a little views, and I decided, what the heck let's make another. So here it is. The SHF Kabuto figure used here was lent to me by a good friend.

And The Machine Porkator is back! This time with his buddy the Machine Baconator, which is a heck of a lot more efficient in terms of fat mileage. The same may not go with RX's brain.

See you in the next ride!

Of Pertaining to Comedy: Episode 1

2010-05-27T03:13:00.000-07:00

Read more to see the first of its kind. Or click here for the full view

A little behind the scenes if you may.

Kamen Rider Black RX is an SHF action figure given to me by a good friend. I was bored so I decided to take a spin at writing and making comics again, this time using pose-able figures instead of, you know, actual art. I guess it turned out okay for the most part, besides being devoid of all comedy.

Anyway, the title is actually from the meaning of the Greek etymology of the word comics, komikos. Until I find a new home for these comics, they will reside here, and will have their own category.

Until then, see you in the next Ride! Hopefully not in a Machine Porkator. (Which is now trademarked by they way, by me.)

From An Other's Eyes: Dark Corridors

2010-05-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Where the trail ends, the music stops. Where the music stops, life ceases. Survival is the name of the game; not getting caught is the only rule. It's either you complete your mission, or "they" get you, the choice is entirely on your hands.

Every corner you navigate, every turn you make, makes you feel a sense of urgency, a sense of unknowing certainty. Each dead end you come across and each long corridor terrifies you to death but urges you to go on. Fear becomes adrenalin, adrenalin that fuels you to go further. The farther you go, the more dangerous the turns become, the more unpredictable the peril. Insinuating more fear. Restarting the madness.

Urging you. Consuming you.

Until finally, there would be nothing left.

Ghosts of insanity haunt you, taking your life, stealing your breath. Their perceived absence entices you to move forward, their ubiquitous presence drives you back. Running is futile; you know they will get you somehow. But running is all you could do.

Running. For your life.

While the ghosts taunt you and drive you insane.

The game ends once you've gathered all the fragments of your broken self. Each fragment gets you closer to your goal; each piece gets you closer to your final destination. Every once in a while you come upon a shred of your former glorious self, and for a second, you get the urge to fight back. To fight back the ghosts and drive them away; a few minutes of rest to gather back your broken sanity. But once that reprieve is over, you would be driven back.

Back to running. Back to insanity. Back to fear.

Back to the addicting adrenaline that draws you further in.

Deeper and deeper the game calls on to you, drawing forth your very last breath, your very last ounce of strength. It calls on to you. It asks you. It demands you to collect every last fragment, every last shred. And when each one has been collected, each tiny fragment accounted for, the music stops.

And the game starts anew.

This is my life. This is my game. I am...

Pac Man.

Deus Ex Machina

2010-04-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to have survived that fall.

First Shiine, now Chacha as well; just what is going on here? It's been the better part of a decade since I last saw them; I had resigned myself to never see them again. But like a cruel cosmic joke, there they were! Or at least, there was Shiine and Chacha, but not how I remembered them.

It's all happening way too fast...

"Are you awake?" I heard a voice ask.

"Yes, I think I am, unless I'm hearing strange voices in my dreams. What happened?"

"Most of your bones are broken, your skin has been fried and torn up, you lost half the blood in your body and still you manage to be cynical huh? Well, I saw you unconscious on the shore so I brought you here." The voice answered.

"Here? Where is here?" I said, trying to get up. The pain wouldn't let me.

"Don't try to get up yet, you're ribs got badly beaten up and broken. It should take you a month, maybe two to heal."

"And you plan on keeping me here until then? What do you want in return?"

"Depends, I could just probably rip you open and examine your organs, maybe sell them to scalpers. I heard shape shifters like you are a rare breed. You heart would fetch a handsome amount..."

"Why you..." was my pathetic attempt at a reply. I heard her chuckle in response.

"I'm just kidding! Give me a little credit here; I did save your life! By the way, I haven't formally introduced myself. I'm Aiushtha, a forest dryad. Or at least I once was. And to answer your previous question, you are now in Crying Eagle. I've been living here ever since those stonedwellers destroyed my former home."

"Crying Eagle huh..."

"Yup! Legend has it that they got the name from the weird noise the birds made when they tore their way through the woods where they built this city. It sort of sounded like eagles crying, or at least, that was what the legend said. Still, the thought of it kind of makes you sad huh?"

"Yeah..."

"I'm sorry to be bothering you with these useless sentiments. Those woods... Was actually where I used to live. I won't be able to forgive those greedy stonedwellers, but there really isn't much I could do then and now."

"I see..." was all I could muster. It's been forever since I last talked to someone, never mind having to comfort them at the same time.

"Well, anyway, don't worry about it. Make yourself at home until your injuries heal. That should be in about a week or so."

"I thought you said it'd take a month!"

"Nah, it would but you're gravely underestimating me. You see, I specialize in healing magic. It's been a while though since I last used them, so I might have grown a little rusty. If I were in my prime, you'd be up and running in no time!"

"I see, thank you- Aiushtha was it?"

"Yup! But it's unfair that you know my name and I don't know yours."

I couldn't help but grin.

"I'm Riiya, the White Wolf. Pleasure to meet you... If I wasn't hurting like hell right now."

From An Other's Eyes Episode 2: Raven Hair

2010-04-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

Those crazed, panicked words kept playing over and over in my head; angry words that are terrified and at the same time devastated, calling on a name whose owner did not respond. I still cannot believe what had just happened. He must have been playing us for a fool all this time! That name and face, bullshit. He could've easily wiped us all out; he didn't need a name or a face!

All he needed was a reason.

"He's dead."

Those words were the final nail to the coffin. Come to think of it, we might all end up in one very soon. I wished I had heard wrong, but the image of him falling over, eyes blanking out, fingers gingerly clutching cutlery; there's just no denying it. And we would most likely be next. The murderer who did this must be laughing his ass out right now! Shit shit shit...

"Reaper! Where are you?!? Show yourself! You must know something about this!"

That's right! He- it must know what had happened. It's been missing for some time now; certainly it must have had something to do with all this. I may not be all that sharp, but looking back, that thing disappeared just prior to his death. Has he been in cahoots with that demented murderer? In any case, he- it must be found. For our sake, it must be found.

"Everyone look at this!"

What the hell is this? Sand? How could there have been sand here, and this much? This could have easily destroyed all the sensitive electronic devices we've been using in this investigation, so how could there be this much sand in here? Has this been lying around here all this time? It just doesn't add up!

"Whoever did this... I will avenge his death."

Cold. His words, no, his entire being is cold. As cold as death.

"Only by solving this case will I bid him farewell."

Is he nuts? Is this kid trying to get us all killed? I don't care if he's the director's son, but putting all our lives in danger, he must be out of his mind!

"Mister Matsuda, if you are afraid of getting killed, I suggest that you leave..."

"No of course not! I'm not quitting of course... Please Light, you're starting to sound like Ryuuzaki!"

Looks like I'm going to be part of this shit after all. That son-of-a-bitch Light, I swear one day I'm gonna shoot him dead.

Of Corianders and Forget-Me-Nots

2010-04-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

"Why did you come back?" she said, a smoke tucked expertly between slender fingers.

Silence mostly occupied the dank room. She had been sitting quietly, having lit her first cigarette. The first of many.

"Why shouldn't I?" he said, reclining.

"Is it love?"

"You put it too bluntly."

The night had been filled with sensations and delights, as was the custom. No subtle words are needed to describe this room of pleasure, it is as it is: a brothel room. A room for sex.

She had been employed as a vagina for hire. While it is natural to hate the job, she draws pleasure from what little she can get from it. After all, being paid for sex is awesome right? Why mope over your pitiful existence if there's nothing you can do about it? Why cry if you can enjoy? Isn't that what sex is for anyway?

He had been her patron. While she has locked genitals with many others, his in particular had been the most familiar. He works by day as a small-scale businessman, nothing illegal or anything. After all, his meager income does brings food to the table; and with his wife and kids away, the only mouth he has to feed is his own.

"You know that I do..." he said coyly, rolling over and facing her, gazing at her sultry body.

She took a long hard sip. Menthol quickly filled her breath.

"Honey... I love you... There I said it..." nudging himself toward her. The bed groaned and creaked in protest.

Grey wisps of tobacco vapor filled the void immediately in front of her. The wisps swayed and danced like sprites in a frenzy.

Silence once again.

"I've had that shit so many times. I'm a whore you know, I've heard that phrase all too many times. I love you this, I love you that. Do you honestly think I even give those words any value?" she said, her moving lips being the only hint that the words indeed came from her.

He remained silent. Out of words or out of will, he couldn't even figure out.

A knock on the door signalled their borrowed time of bliss is over. Rising up, he headed for the shower to freshen up. She was about finished with her third stick.

As he headed for the exit, he left quite a sum of money on a plate atop a bedside drawer. The rolled notes slowly unraveled as he turned the knob on the door. The old pins and pinions inside the knob made a distinct noise metallic noise as he slowly inched the door ajar.

"Will... You be back tomorrow?" she asked, her eyes still locked in oblivion, slender fingers still clutching a smoke.

"Maybe..."

Much like everything inside that room of sensations, the door made painful noises as it opened. He took a step forward, toward the hall leading back to the reception counter where other patrons were waiting for their turn. Toward the road that leads back to his small townhouse unit. Toward reality.

"Take care then..." she said.

The stick slipped through her slender fingers. She headed for the shower to freshen up.

Invitation

2010-02-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

If there was one thing you wanted to have, anything at all, what would it be?

For me, well, I already know what I want to have, it's just that, there is no way anyone or anything would be able to fulfill it.

After all, the opportunity just passed me by, even as I tried to grab it.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not being arrogant. If anything, I'm not one to be arrogant. I wasn't much of a bright nugget in my short stint in school. Not very athletic either. You could say I'm one of the hundreds of students that do not stand out at all, and I'd really rather not. I'm not one to pick a fight either; never was I the bully, and only occasionally was I ever bullied. Not to say I didn't have friends or the sort, I do of course. After all, I am a normal student, but I guess I took normal to a whole new level. Hey, maybe because of that I'm actually something else! But meh, whatever.

Well, either way, school wasn't that enjoyable for me. It became even less enjoyable (and somehow awkward) upon my entry to secondary education. See, in our school, virgin graduates are an urban legend. Somehow, before one graduates from the High school I'm attending, everyone gets screwed, if you know what I mean. That aside, High School was, what they say, the golden age of students. This is where first loves are met, first dates are set and the first *ehem* in bed.

I'd kill to bring back those years.

But like they say, a wasted day is a spent day (or something like that, I'm no sage); there's just no turning back the clock. So I graduated from high school, had my first love, broke up just before graduation but not without the last tirade. I got honors and a few medals here and there, a fitting reward for my diligence.

Except, all that didn't actually happen.

I never had a first tirade, heck, never even made it to first base (wherever that is). I tried dating a few girls from my level, but not one of them was really my type (or vice versa... I think it's more vice versa). So I dumped all of them (but not before dumping me first, meh whatever).

So I graduated, not with flying colors or anything, just in a normal and unremarkable fashion. I saw my previous girlfriends marching and obtaining their diplomas, grading them in my head how many times they have probably dunnit. Seven. Five. Three. Certainly a two for her. Don't get me wrong, I'm not really the vengeful type, it's just that, it was so boring! The march seemed to drag on forever, but like all good things, it all comes to an end sooner or later.

After the ceremony, my parents prepared a simple feast, supposedly for me. I really should remember to thank them sometime, as I've never really gotten to do so. I was too tired and sleepy to bother, and to bed I immediately went. I probably dozed off through the entire party (good thing my folks didn't ground me for not showing up), as it was already dark when I woke up.

I decided to make a quick stroll round the streets outside the house, to shake the cobwebs of sleep. The sun wasn't fully down yet, and the sky was wonderfully orange purple; quite a magnificent sight really. I stopped by the park just across my village, sat on one of the seats and stared aimlessly at the sky.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

I turned my head. Whatever was there, certainly was beautiful.

"Too bad, things like these don't really last."

"Pardo-"

"Shhhh, there isn't much time left."

She leaned against my shoulder, placing her hand on my chest.

"Let's just enjoy the view, and pretend we know each other."

I placed my hand on top of hers, expecting her to pull it back. To my surprise, she didn't even move.

The sun took its time setting, but it still felt so fast. Too fast.

I heard the sound of a car rushing to a stop, a door opening and footsteps shuffling in our direction.

"Miss, we must go back, the young master, your fiancee, is waiting for you."

Without a word, she stood from where she was sitting. I instinctively held on to her hand; for the first time in my life, I felt like not letting go. I have let all opportunities pass me by, living a normal and unremarkable life. Opportunities that could have turned into something beautiful if I had grabbed hold of them. Now, I just can't. I will not let opportunities pass me by anymore. Not this.

"Please, let go of the mistress. Did you not hear that she is already engaged? Don't make me resort to using force."

This was the first time I got a good look at her face. It was fleeting, but it was beautiful. A smiling and reassuring face. I let her hand go, as if as a regretful response to an honest, sincere and unspoken request.

"Young mistress, I will be waiting in the car. Please say your goodbyes to your... acquaintance."

Her chaperon left, his movements graceful but imposing, as if telling me that one wrong move and I die. Completely opposite of her body language.

Her lips felt soft and tender, catching me off guard.

"I'm sorry for all of this, consider that my compensation."

She turned away. I was too shocked to even move.

"We may probably never meet anymore, so I wouldn't even bother giving you my name, if to save you from longing for me. I had the greatest time, perhaps the greatest I will ever be having."

"Thank you. Please continue enjoying your life while you can."

Her car took off faster than I could react. It was pointless to chase after it, perhaps her chaperon was making sure I'd never even get a chance to catch a passing glimpse of her. I stood frozen where I was, still quite unsure of what just happened. I can still feel her warmth permeating through my skin, through my entire body.

True enough, I never met her again. Nobody knew who she was, not even the village security. It was as if she never existed, and I'm beginning to think maybe everything was just a dream. But it couldn't be, I can still feel the softness of her lips against mine; no way that could be just a dream! Whoever she was though, I'd probably never find out.

Hard as it is, I resigned myself to that.

Cruel isn't it, how the one and only time you became determined to hold on, it just had to be in that one impossible situation. Her last words still continue to ring in my ears, an invitation I could never ever accept.

But in her memory, I will.

Anata wa Hitori Ja Nai

2010-01-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

She skipped class again. Stupid Japanese phrase book.

"She's really into those things, weird huh?"

"Yeah, really weird, and good riddance."

You can't really blame the girls from our class. I would go as far as saying "I thought so too." if it weren't so painful.

Staring at her empty seat felt like an accusation. How could I have known? Nobody would have predicted this would happen. Who knows what's cooking in that crazy brain of hers. For all I know, she's reading her mangas or watching her animes at home or something, completely absorbed at a new series to even remember attending classes. I mean, this wasn't really the first time this has happened!

I remember during our freshmen year in High School, she allegedly skipped exams just to watch the premiere of the new B-rate anime movie. Luckily she got a make-up exam from the Subject Coordinator, feigning sickness as an excuse, or so the rumors say. Incidentally, I was sick the day of the exams too so I had to also obtain a make-up exam, but not without a lot of tribulations and pain. She however, seemed to have obtained hers quite easily. They said she seduced the Subject Coordinator, with stories ranging from innocent flirtations to outright vulgarity. Doesn't help that the following year, the Coordinator got fired from cases of perversion.

After the exam, she approached me (which freaked me out, honestly) and began to introduce herself. I couldn't really remember what she told me, other than the introduction sounding like an odd cross between a formal presidential speech and random otaku ramblings. Quite bizarre if you ask me.

Call me crazy though, but the awkward conversation that followed sparked something inside me. It wasn't like a huge wildfire that consumed me in passion, love and lust or anything of that sort (I didn't want to get kicked out of school for cases of perversion); but the desire to make the spark brighter was there. Part of me though, sought to extinguish the spark; didn't want to have anything to do with her sort. I thought maybe befriending her was the right way to go; perhaps friendship will douse this weird spark of whatever.

Strangely enough, she never talked to me ever again. After that shy, awkward and odd introduction, the only time I ever heard from her was when she raised her hand to recite in class. I never happened to be in the same group as her in group activities, partly due to the fact that she always ends up sitting beside me in class (thus screwing the chances that we end up in the same group via a count-off), so I didn't get to hear from her in those activities either. And did I say I always end up sitting beside her for some reason? Might as well sit beside the wall; they offer the same amount of interaction and the same amount of noise.

So the spark really never got doused. In fact, it continued to glow, like a cigarette butt at the point of being extinguished, but extinguish it never did. I could say that the next months that followed were filled with anxiety, or perhaps just misplaced curiosity. She was quite pretty after all, and by Second Year, I heard rumors that she's been going out. Unfortunately, the stories weren't as much about her as being about the poor sap who ended getting barraged by anime, manga and anything Japanese. If she could go out with Japanese culture itself, she would; so the rumors told.

Every three months, the teacher would ask us to rearrange our seating positions, and by the middle of Second Year, the time of reckoning had come once again. Who will I be seating beside with this time? While hoping to be seated at least one seat apart from any one of my friends (didn't have very many, I say around three, five maximum), part of me was already expecting to be seated beside her again. This is not to say I like seating beside her. Who likes sitting beside a wall of otakuness anyway? Not me.

Or so I thought. They say, be careful what you wish for or something along that vein. Well, I did get what I wished for, and ended up sitting not beside my three-maximum-of-five friends, no! I just happened to be placed in the seat beside the cutest girl in class. A stereotype exists for these kinds of ladies, but I suppose stereotypes are okay if they come with a cute face and a demure personality.

Alas, no more than a week after, I already miss Miss Brick Wall. I think I now know what soldiers in the battlefield must have felt. Miss Cute and Demure turned out to be, you guessed it, Miss Bitchy Noisypants. As if the use of stereotypes wasn't enough! Never had I gotten the chance to talk to her, but unlike Miss Japan, never did she stop talking. She just kept chatting and chatting with her other girl friends, and it would go on and on. You'd think at one point they'd snap their vocal cords and go mute, but that never happened. Must be made of steel or something.

Plus, it felt like something was missing. Something I've grown accustomed to, and dare I say, comfortable with. While nary a word was spoken, I strangely longed for her presence. She wasn't so very far from where I seated, but it felt like she was miles away. Call me a crazy, but I think you already called me that.

It was February of next year that I finally came to. For months I've been debating with myself, holding open forums with me, me and me as my audience and panel. You'd think after that long a time, and another seating arrangement change, I'd forget about her. I suppose the spark was just being too insistent. I just might as well give it a shot, I thought.

While I still couldn't decide how I truly felt, I thought maybe something that tickled her fancy would get her talking. Maybe a bear plushie with a flower and a note, or maybe just the flower and a note, or skip all the romantic mushy stuff altogether and just give her a note. Besides, at least if I had mistaken about all this, she wouldn't hate me right? I mean, it will just be a note!

I did a quick phrase book search of the Japanese translations of some common words and expressions. Aishiteru, daisuke des... What? No! Not that! Something a little more ambiguous, something that would be least likely to be misinterpreted.

Hitori. Alone

Ja nai. Negation. Not.

Anata. You.

Anata wa hitori ja nai. You are not alone.

Perfect. It's too ambiguous to mean anything else, just like how I feel about her.

The next part is getting the note to her. That's when I realized just how flawed my plan was. A note? Perfect! An ambiguous Japanese phrase? Twenty over twenty! Giving the note to her? Uh... If I give it to her personally, the world could explode right there and then (at least it will that way). If I just leave it on her desk, people might see; and you know what they say about rumors. Maybe I'd do it after class? While it's a risky proposition, as janitors might throw it away, it's the least dangerous of my options, and besides, that must mean it wasn't meant to be or something like that in the first place.

The following day, I got so sick in the stomach, I didn't bother going to school. Psychological? Who knows really. The following day, she didn't come to class. Not the following day either. In fact, a week had passed and she hadn't come to class at all. Which brings us to today, and my incredibly lengthy lamentation.

The ring of the school bell filled the halls as the last period teacher dismissed the class. After saying the dismissal prayers, I headed immediately out the classroom door. While the thought of her still bothered me a little, the volume of the day's homework was surprisingly off the chart, and so I almost forgot about her for a moment.

Apparently not enough to make me completely forget.

As I made my way out the school and through the streets that led to my little house, something made me remember. Something warm and wrapped tightly around me.

I stood still, completely taken off guard.

Completely taken.

I never really got to finish my homework that night. After all, we had almost two years of catching up to do.

Doodle Faces

2009-12-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

One silent night...

When there was no light...

I doodled in YM, faces so bright...

Some were T.T, others were o.O

Others were Lol'ing while others were \(oAo)/

And while the whole world slept, I drew a smile with a heart...

And everybody LOL'D and Super Lol'd till they all went (x_x)

Cosmic

2009-12-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

The magic words had been uttered, the cosmic powers had been invoked.

Melodies of triumph had now begun to ring.

And as the cliche says, justice is now about to be served.

The medallion had begun to glow as light streamed and enveloped my body. Wisps of cosmic energy surged and filled every artery and every vein. Warmth replaced the cold reality and inevitability of defeat as the power of the moon heard my desperate plea.

I began to feel the floor below me disappear. It wasn't like levitation, it was instantaneous, like the floor itself chose to vanish, leaving me floating in mid-air. But it wasn't as if I was hanging either; it was as if some cosmic hand held me gently aloft.

Up became down and down became up as the transformation begun.

Streams of luminescent cloth-like projections spiraled around me, and as if by magic, the torn clothes I was wearing were restored, or more accurately, transformed. Luna's healing touch repaired any damage I had from the battle that had ensued. Beginning with the smaller injuries, one by one every broken bone in my body, every tear of my flesh, restored itself, closed up and healed. Literally I felt like I am a whole new me.

As more and more cosmic energy began to fill me and envelop me, the intensity of the transformation increased. Even my worn morale began to heighten up; all blessings be had anybody who dare oppose me now. No longer was I weary, no longer was I broken. I am revived, I am revitalized.

I am reborn.

Now the real battle has begun. Now, evil will fear the light of the moon. Luna shines upon both malevolence and benevolence, and treats each with what they justly deserve. You who crawl in the darkness, terrorizing innocent hearts stand no chance.

For it is I, the soft crimson light of serenity.

It is I.

Sailor Moon!

Conflict

2009-10-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Where… am I?

“Mistress, the guest awaits. Shall we give him a warm welcome?”

I hear footsteps in the distance.

“Mistress… Will we be together again? Like how we used to?”

Slowly I snapped out of unconsciousness, only to find myself chained. It’s never easy isn’t it?

“We can be a family again, right mistress?”

As soon as I regained feeling over my arms and legs, I found myself involuntarily flailing against the chains, trying desperately to break free only to fail miserably. Guess the easy plan never works.

“Right here mistress, the white wolf had been dying to see you…”

An unseen door screeched open. A strong draft wafted into what now seemed to be my jail cell.

It’s been a number of years since I last saw her face, or should I say their faces. The young blue mage and the little red witch; I can’t even recall their faces anymore! But as if fate hadn’t been cruel enough, there they are now right in front of me.

The blue mage spoke first.

“Riiya, have our accommodations suited your tastes? Wolves were meant to be chained you know…”

Tch.

“But enough about that, I know you’ve been dying to see the mistress. It’s been... Ten years? Twenty? I can’t even recall how you looked like until I found you. Hasn’t fate been cruel huh?”

“Shiine! Enough!” the red witch interjected.

She approached me, with the caution and grace of a young child. You could suppose the ten or so years hadn’t changed her attitude that much; at least that’s the façade she’s showing me right now.

“Riiya right?” she said, her tone gentle and warm; almost as warm as the touch of her hand against my face.

“It’s been a long time now… How are you? I’ve missed you so much Riiya… So very much…” her smile was angelic, almost making the chains feel comfortable.

“Riiya… Let’s be... A family again… With my magic and Shiine’s magic... We can live forever! We can be happy for the rest of our immortal lives, just the three of us adventuring like we used to… It would be like Mochi mochi again; you, me and Shiine prancing around without a care for the world, only this time, the adventure never has to end!”

I turned my head in disgust. What magic? Magic that requires a payment of blood and life? Disgusting…

The slap that followed resounded like thunder in the mountains.

“Bastard wolf!”

Talk about moody…

“Shiine, dispose of him.”

“But mistress…”

“I do not want a trace of him anywhere in my mansion. The stench of his animal fur sickens me…”

She turned towards me, her face once again a visage of grace with a beautiful smile to boot.

“Oh, and Riiya, it was really nice meeting you again!”

From An Other's Eyes Episode 1

2009-09-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

I wonder why they had me sent here?

Everything here seems normal. You can say the only thing unique about this school is it being atop a small hill. The facilities are complete, the computers and other equipment are par at best; nothing hints of any unwanted malefactors. Clearly those who sent me here must be in the wrong.

And I suppose they did not send me here to study, that would be a joke I won't be able to forgive.

I suppose I should better just enjoy the scenery. The view from up a hill is simply astonishing; you can see for miles on end! The endless sky stretches as far as the eye can see, punctuated occasional white clouds floating nonchalantly, without a damn about the events transpiring below. Quite beautiful, on many layers.

The students here are about as normal as the clouds in the sky. The girls are quite unextraordinarily beautiful, though one can argue the concentration of beautiful girls in this school surpasses normal schools to a certain degree. The guys, well, let's just say I'm not really into them; though for the sake of observation, let's just say they're not really as par with the girls.

Still, jokes and quips aside, this school is quite fairly normal. Maybe this assignment was a mistake after all.

The requisite class introduction went as smooth as it can be. I've been "transferred" into this school about around two months into the academic year, so my introduction was rather brief. The agency gave me all the fake information I needed, even to the extent of giving me a staged family rest house in an island somewhere. Unnecessary in my opinion, but the agency I suppose knows best.

First and second periods went smoothly as well, although I'm only barely able to feign interest. They were not subjects alien to me; in fact I am quite familiar with them already. The teachers would ask me if I could keep up and replying affirmatively gets annoying and redundant. That said, first break was a much welcome respite, not that I do anything much during breaks except sit down and fake a smile. Agency orders, don't get me wrong.

It was of particular interest though that I saw this strange girl pacing along the corridor outside our classroom. She's not from my class, but she seems to be waiting for someone; her boyfriend perhaps? A shame really, she is quite a sight.

"Yo! Will you like to join us for lunch or something? You didn't leave the room during the first break so we thought you might not have got any friends, so you know, you could hang out with us if you want..."

Nosy kid. The next two periods went smoothly as well, lunch break has just about begun.

"H-Hey... Y-You're the new student right? I-I'm Aya... I-It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Pleasure to meet you too!"

Didn't imagine that I'd attract this much attention so soon.

"Transfer student! You may have seen me pacing around your classroom during first break. Meet me at the front gate after class."

And with that and a loud thud on my desk, the pretty girl left. Quite the energetic kid, and quite a surprise. Everyone stood still, frozen as if an apparition showed up in front of them. I can hear people murmuring her name; I infer she must be quite popular. And the invitation piqued my curiosity, as anyone would be. Still, she seemed oddly different, like there is something about her I cannot ascertain.

Things just might start to get interesting.

The rest of the class neither interested me nor gave me a reason to actually bother. Of course, it's not as if the teachers were incompetent, it's just that the subjects weren't really of much interest to me. Plus, I have an invitation I need to answer to, and I'm curious as to why it got my attention so much.

The next moment I found myself being pulled by the hand into a rather decrepit but still decent looking school building. The girl who gave me the rather extravagant invitation explained to me what the facility was for, saying that it was a building dedicated to school clubs and other extra-curricular activities and how she started a club of her own. In between she would ask me about my family, what my parents did for a living, if I know of any mysterious event with regards to my family. I answered with as much fake honesty and interest as I could, which did not help her incessant interrogation.

We finally stopped in front of what seems to be an old clubroom. The sign did not seem to fit her vibrant personality, but I digress. She went in ahead and began introducing everybody, me to them and them to me. Though I couldn't care less who they are.

What bothers me is how they have all assembled here. Coincidence perhaps?

They regarded me as I regarded them, with the exception of one who seemed irritated by my presence. They must have realized it as well; after all, what kind of happenstance would bring together an alien, a time traveller and an esper. After leading me in and locking the door shut, my host finally introduced herself, with her face glowing immaculate. Her introduction answered all the questions forming in my mind.

"... and I am Haruhi Suzumiya and this is the S.O.S Brigade! "

Seems like the agency was correct after all.

Waiting: A LaMB Fanfiction

2009-09-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

She worked for a hundred years, sentenced to forced labour on account of theft of a major degree; falsely accused by the way. Her crime? Stealing company secrets and selling them to the highest bidder. Her job? Executive Market Analyst for Serra’s second largest market consultancy firm, Serra:ONE or Serra OperatioNs Enterprise. Ironically named if you didn’t notice.

Her name was almost non-existent before her deed and eventual trial. Katherine Ross exposed Serra:ONE’s corrupt under the table transactions with the big-wigs of Serra’s Economics and Marketing Board. Serra:ONE evaded taxes and other government mandated expenses by bribing high officials huge sums of money whose source escapes even Ms. Ross. Her move earned her the ire of her company, and a laminated suit.

She worked as Eve 1401 under the jurisdiction of Sector 890 Shepherd Max Law, controversial for reports of LaMB molestation and abuse. After all, no man can resist the beauty of a laminated woman, not even a shepherd. LaMBs neither have feelings nor emotions, though they do have consciousness; a fetish that men find hard to resist. She would not remember a thing after they remove her from lamination; furthering LaMBs as a sex symbol for the underground pornography trade.

Still, she worked for a hundred years. Now marks her day of release; the day the lamination suit finally comes off. She would be wiped clean of any recollection she would have of the service she rendered, except the memory that she did render service as a LaMB. The higher ups believe that would be enough of a punishment for the crimes of LaMBs. Her body would be restored to how she was before lamination, stripping her of any beauty retaining nano-tech implanted into her skin. It would be as if the hundred years of service did not have any physical effect on her, and the only way for her to tell it had been a hundred years would be to check the year on her calendar.

September 26, 2507; exactly a hundred years after she was laminated. Walking out of the Sector 890 Constabulary Office, she immediately felt the crushing gravity of the one hundred years unspent. The roads are different, the buildings are different, the fashion, the cars; every single thing was different. But she knew deep inside that one thing would be constant. She fished out a small locket from under her clothes, slipping it right between her ample breasts, a passé to the current fad. Pushing a button, the locket opened revealing a hologram of a lady and a guy; he would be waiting.

One hundred years is a long time, and yet she knew he would be waiting. It was a promise they made a hundred years ago, before she was caught in a tangle of lies and deceit surrounding Serra:ONE and her fixed trial. He would wait for her, even if it takes a century. They knew deep in their hearts that it was impossible, and yet somehow they clung to the deeper truth behind the impossible promise.

Dan Schubert was a promising business man. At age 18, he already owned and ran two companies, with his business empire growing through the years. He acquired 50% stock ownership of most of his competitor’s businesses, enacting a monopoly of the trade, not too uncommon in the thrifty planet of Serra. He expanded further and further, and by age 24, he was already one of the leading business tycoons of his time, loved and hated for whatever he was. It was in the same year that he met Katherine. Then 22, she was also making little waves in the puddle that is Serra:ONE. He and she had a promising life together; raising a family wouldn’t be out of the question. It wasn’t long before she inevitably bore the fruit of their love. They could never have been happier.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck. Three years into their wonderfully engaged life, Katherine caught wind of the illegal trade happening behind the closed doors of higher ups of Serra:ONE. This led her to a trail of underhanded and despicable truths, each worse than the last. At last, she couldn’t take it any longer; silence wasn’t one of her best traits. She exposed Serra:ONE to the authorities but alas, one person, let alone a lady, cannot win a war against a nation. Serra:ONE had in it’s arsenal most of the government officials of Serra; in summary, she enticed the ire of Serra herself. Her trial was swift and her sentence was made: a hundred years in a laminated suit, serving as Eve 1401 in Sector 890, under the shepherd Meagan Law, mother of Max Law.

But before she was laminated, she and Dan made a promise. And now, a hundred years later, Katherine was hoping for the fulfilment of that promise.

Travelling the streets she thought she was familiar with, she made her way across various establishments, buildings, houses, condominium towers and various other structures littering Serra for miles on end. She passed by the old and now abandoned Serra:ONE tower; they had since merged with Skyline, the once top marketing consultancy firm of Serra. The buyout resulted in the biggest monopolies in Serra as of late, with Skyline:ONE owning 95% of the marketing consultancy industry market share. As if fate wasn’t cruel enough.

After some time her hazy memory made her way to the old residential lot she and Dan shared. It remained largely unchanged in the one hundred years; the garden even bore the flowers she used to love. The walls bear the same color as she remembered them from a century ago, only some wall panels were changed and even then they were made to look as close to the original as possible. She almost burst into tears. She already knew he wasn’t to be found here; she wasn’t naïve, she knew he was dead. And yet by the way the house was maintained, the garden cared for, the memories kept; she knew it was his doing. The promise wasn’t broken.

She walked up the garden walkway up to the front door. She tried to hold back her tears as she reached for the door handle, realizing there that this wasn’t her house anymore. She let go of the spindle, and was almost about to knock when somebody spoke from behind her. Turning around, she thought she was dreaming.

The man was visibly surprised. She ran to him, hugging him and sobbing, mentioning names familiar to him. Slowly she came to, pushing herself away from him. She calmed down eventually. She was first to break the silence.

“I’m sorry, I mistook you for Dan. You must be William then. Your dad must have told you, I bore you a year before I was laminated. You’ve grown so tall I almost mistook you for him!”

His surprise slowly turned into understanding. “So this must be Katherine”, he thought.

“Miss Ross was it? Actually, Dan was my grandfather. The William you were talking about was my father. He died twenty years ago, and twenty years before that, my grandfather passed away. I’m truly sorry…”

“Is that so? I see… So it has been that long. Well, its okay, I already knew this would happen. Can you take me to where he’s been buried? I would really like to visit him…”

The gravity of one hundred years had just begun to dawn on her. Their love child William was now a father and now in front of her is her grandchild. And yet, one could mistake them for a couple, if their looks would be the basis. She’ll just take this one step at a time, starting with Dan, then with William, then maybe she and her grandchild can spend some time together, to make up for lost time.

“We’re here Ms. Ross…”

Katherine burst into tears. She knew all about this already, that Dan wouldn’t be alive anymore. She knew that sad truth, still she couldn’t help but hope. Well, at least now she can begin to heal. She knelt in front of his headstone, pulling away the vines that have overgrown Dan’s tomb. Tears once again welled in her eyes when she read the inscription written on the headstone…

Dan F. Schubert

2380 to 2467

Ever dearest, I hope I did not make you wait, I love you

Katherine bit her lips, trying to stop herself from crying. She continued to pull the weeds away from the headstone, distracting herself and keeping herself from bursting. As she pulled the last few tendrils away, what she saw lashed against her like a cracking whip…

Dan F. Schubert

2380 to 2467

Ever dearest, I hope I did not make you wait, I love you

Melissa Schubert

A hundred years will not be enough to keep us apart

Recollection

2009-09-02T01:54:00.000-07:00

“Who- who are you?” but I already knew.

“You forgot? Aww, Mistress Chacha will be so sad if she finds that out…” he replied.

It’s been now ten years since I left Mochi Mochi. Not so long before I did, they left too, and not so long before that, my caretaker disappeared as well. I was saddened beyond comprehension because of their disappearances; I thought it was best to just forget about them completely.

Now he’s back.

“Are you sure you don’t remember me Riiya? Or are you just surprised…”

“You… Cannot be Shiine… Are you?”

“Aww, you remembered! Good dog…”

He’s taunting me. Confused beyond my wits, I stood frozen, afraid to move. Here is a figment of my memory, a long gone and long forgotten memory, standing right in front of me, talking to me; a shred of a long gone past now clearly in plain sight and in the flesh.

How do you suppose I should feel?

“Heh, come now Riiya, Mistress Chacha is waiting for you…”

He extended his hand towards me one more, beckoning me to follow him. Hesitantly I rose from my crouched position, still in shock at what has just transpired.

“What did you do to those poor souls?” I finally managed to ask.

Shiine, who was just about to turn his back, stopped for a moment feinting surprise. He turned to me and said

“Them? Mere fodder for my magic. Plus I didn’t know of any other way I could attract your attention…”

I could feel my fists clenching.

“… Besides, just what are you thinking? Becoming the self-proclaimed protector of life in this city? Trivial nonsense if you ask me…”

This guy…

“Trivial nonsense? You just killed someone…”

“Kill, murder, sacrifice, consume, mere technicalities of the term. I am a magician Riiya, a practitioner of the arts. It just so happened that in my line of specialization, I’m required to feed on a soul or two every now and then. Failure to do so would lead to my weakening and eventual death. I’m sure you’ll understand-“

“Shut up!” I growled, launching myself forward, catching him off guard, mounting him and grabbing his neck.

“Hey hey, there’s no need for violence. It’s just two measly people; they had their time coming anyway…”

“How can you be saying this? You… You are not the Shiine I knew…”

“Riiya, you’re still naïve as ever. Didn’t you realize why we left Mochi Mochi?”

I tried to talk but nothing came out.

“Simply put, Mochi Mochi was getting too nice, too cute. Me and my mistress wanted something else… Some excitement…”

“And you found this excitement in killing people? Are you insane?”

“Heh, killing people is an inevitable cost we had to pay…”

“Cost?!? For what?!? What would compel you to take life so indiscriminately?!?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Power, Riiya, power makes the world go round. If you have power, you can have everything.”

“Monster…” I spat out, tightening my grip on his neck.

“In due time I know you will understand…”

Ooof… What the hell was that? One moment I was on him, the next I was sent flying across the rooftop. Lifting himself up, he began to walk towards me, relishing each step as if he had just won a war.

“Did you like that Riiya? That’s not even a fraction of my power…”

He placed two fingers on my forehead.

“Don’t resist, this is going to hurt only for a little while.”

As soon as he pressed his fingers into my forehead, I felt a sudden and painful stream of electricity jolting up and down my body. My muscles began to twitch on it’s own in painful succession. It felt as if my blood vessels were going to burst open. I let out a scream, but even that was painful.

Just before everything went black, I heard him say.

“Sleep tight Riiya… Soon we would be together again… You, me and mistress Chacha…”

Exposition

2009-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

"White wolf huh? Nah, I don't believe that kind of crap."

"But some people claim they've seen him, it, whatever..."

"Aww, come on girl! Don't tell me you're into that sort of thing?!? Major turn off..."

"Sheesh, I was only asking!"

Such were the rumors about the legend of the white wolf. Truth be told, I'm not really that much interested about what people think about me. I'm just careful not to develop any close connections with anybody, here in this city or anywhere else.

You could say I learned my lesson.

Many years had gone since I last saw them. I don't know if I'm even interested in seeing them anymore. I would rather live my remaining days not hearing from them, if only to not reopen wounds that have only just begun to heal.

It still hurts a little when I try to remember.

"It's getting dark... Honey, should we go back now?"

"What? But it's just getting fun!"

"Erm... Fine, but I have to be home by ten in the evening, or else pops would be really mad..."

"Aww, don't worry about your old man, I'm sure he'd understand or somethin'! You're her Prima Donna after all!"

"Eww! Don't call me that!"

"Woah, ow ow ow! You don't have to be so harsh!"

Nightfall is fast approaching. The howl of the wolf is only ever heard at night; it's too noisy in the morning. Buzzing cars, people marching by; when there is light, people can see and people can work, but when darkness covers the sky, life stops.

That's the time the wolf feasts.

The city reeks of evil at night. From petty thieves to murderers, the city doesn't seem to have enough of them. Every time you take one down, another takes its place. But I'm not really interested in stopping them. After all, it's not that they have a choice. The city is a punishing place; you have to literally lose yourself to survive. It's no wonder criminals are so prevalent. But there are some who do it not for survival nor for self-sustenance.

That's my cue.

"Hun... Where are you taking me?"

"Hehe, just trust me alright... I know where we are going..."

"O-okay... But it's so dark in here... Are you really sure? I'm getting creeped out..."

"Don't worry honey... We're here!"

"Huh? Where? But it's all dark and -"

A scream. The shrill sound of an innocent life being defiled is to me an inexorable cry. Quickly I make my way through the maze of city walls. Each daring leap, each dangerous step brings me closer to the source of the sound. I care not if I fall or if I trip; life must be protected at all costs.

I do the city a favor by being its guardian of life.

I can feel that I'm almost there. The smell of life being crushed is getting stronger and stronger. I draw my staff for the judgement that lay ahead; whoever is doing this will most definitely get his or her just desserts. No one has ever the right to defile and destroy life-

Wait, what just happened? The sound... It's... Gone...

I stood frozen for a short while. My hair stood on end as I realized what just happened. The smell of life, both from the victim and the attacker are both gone. In it's place lie the cold emptiness of death. But I can't smell the trail of whoever did it, it's as if they both died just on their own. But somehow, I can sense the offender is still close by, very close by. Whoever or whatever is doing this... Is taunting me...

"Hello Riiya, it's been a while!"

That voice! I turned around to see where it was coming from.

"Did you miss us?"

It's unmistakable. Only those magically conscious can seal away their existence completely. And the way he did it, it's as if he knew me from long ago. He masked his existence in such a way that I will recognize it but only ever so subtly; with such a terrifying aura too.

He extended his hand towards me.

"Come now, White Wolf, Mistress Chacha would be very pleased!"

Orange world

2009-08-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

"May I be excused?"

Mom did not even budge. Both she and dad were eating dinner. I wasn't really that hungry, and I had something else to do.

Quietly I slipped out of their sight and went away.

The elevator door opened to reveal a strange world.

"At seven in the evening sharp okay? Don't forget." that was what he said.

Noiselessly I walked past the protocol lobby clerk. These days, PLC's don't really do much. Things would have been different just a year ago. Everybody who entered or left must go through at least three PLC's before they could successfully pass. Now, you just walk past them without them even batting an eyelash.

The world outside was steeped in vivid yellow and orange, as if stuck in perpetual sunset. As I stepped out of the building, I can spy for miles on end endless roads going nowhere in particular. Building walls glowing in shades of yellow, red and orange adorn the roadsides. I wonder how many of them are real?

Across the corner would be the intended meeting place. I had very fond memories of that place; that was the place where we first met! It was also the place where we would always agree to meet, and always at seven in the evening sharp. We would share some fond memories there: the first time I held his hand, the first time we watched the perpetually setting sun aimlessly, our first hug, our first kiss. If there was one place on Earth where I would like to be, that place would be it.

We would often meet every other day, sometimes skipping a day or sometimes meeting two consecutive days. He would almost always initiate the former while I would initiate the latter. You can say I just can't get enough of him really, every moment I spend with him was truly enjoyable. Of course he would leave at eight P.M. sharp, I dread the hour but what can I do?

Slowly I made my way across the bright orange streets, walking past empty building facades and virtuals. You can tell real humans from virtuals by the unique tags they are wearing. Each one is marked with a number unique to the human. Virtuals are merely empty shells created for the humans of this world: doing labor, calling attention, sometimes even becoming their partners. While I always laugh at people with a virtual hanging on their arms like a real person, I guess some people are just not that gifted with attracting mates. Not like him I guess.

Still, even with the tags on, its often very hard to distinguish people from people. Humans can change their appearance anytime they want. They can change their clothes, shoes, accessories, faces, bodies; their limited to just their imagination to use the cliche. As for me, I just go as myself, I don't really mind being myself here.

From where I am right now, I can see the orange sun that gives the world its distinctive red orange glow. I don't know who wished for it to be this way, but it sure is beautiful. It's an acquired taste though, so it's not like everybody likes it this way.

"Hi! How are you?" chimed a familiar female voice.

"Oh, I was just about to meet him, you know, the usual." I cheerfully replied.

"I see, well take care then! Be careful around him though, who knows what he might do to someone like you!"

"It's not like he's like that, and besides, it's not like I don't want him to do anything" I laughed.

After the customary goodbyes, I continued my walk to that place. People and virtuals pass me by, some of them unique, most of them funny. I walked past a couple of girls making out in a corner, a guy clinging to another guy. There was a mother and son couple who seem to be getting a little too intimate with how they hold each other's hands and how they exchange glances every now and then. I saw people in extravagant clothes, clothes no one in their right minds would wear. Every possible combination of people, fashion and relationships can be found in this world, and I have not even mentioned rule 34.

No sooner had I started walking when I got to where he told me to meet up with him. I was about to sit where I used to sit, but I decided to give him a little surprise. The cafe where we were supposed to meet had low walls with a few plants on top, obviously wake. I figured I'd wait and hide behind one of those low walls and give him a surprise hug grope.

Excitedly, I snuck behind one of the low walls and waited. It was six fifty five, five minutes and he'd be here. Peeking only ever so slightly, I waited for his arrival.

Ten minutes later and still he wasn't there. I thought maybe he was just late, probably something happened that held him up for some time. Still, I decided to give him more time, and the thought of his surprised face still made me tingle a little bit.

Fifteen minutes later and the tingling feeling was gone. It's annoying when people hold you up for long, but well, something big must have been up. I left the place where I was hiding and proceeded to walk aimlessly out of the cafe after paying the kind waiter who had been entertaining me with light banter every time he passes by my little hiding place.

I sat on one of the hand railings beside a road crossing, surveying the walkways around for any signs of him. The railing where I sat wasn't that much too far from the cafe and it gives me a good vantage point. Wherever he may be coming from, I can see perfectly from where I am sitting.

It was a good five minutes when I saw a familiar person walking. He wasn't wearing his usual clothes, and he looked slightly different, but I knew it was him. No matter how much people try to hide their identities here, some mannerisms are really hard to get rid off. I stood up to meet him, he would probably be surprised I knew who he was. What I saw next though made me stop dead on my tracks.

There was a girl. Clinging to him.

I can't tell if she's a human or a virtual. I really didn't care either which way.

And to make it worse, they...

Kissed.

And the world stopped right there.

I could hear my mom's voice repeatedly calling my name, I wonder why...

Closer (a conversation with myself from a time long gone)

2009-07-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it

Me neither, who knew it'd come to this?

How far we've come

Five years is not a short time

How close we are

We've known each other more since then...

With each passing moment

It had been so long, and still we count in moments

With each daring step

I made a lot of mistakes from then

We take on destiny

No, it's no longer destiny. It's providence.

With each push of will

Will alone cannot account for it, it's because we still choose to be

We traverse an everlasting journey

I was naive... But I still pray our journey together would last a lifetime

Fighting the urge to stop

Yes, there had been times, but I regret each one of them

Battling the will to give up

Each painful sin I commit, each offense I inadvertently did...

Unleashing all energies

I ask you for forgiveness, I know I've been unreasonable

Exhausting all available means

I tried as hard as I could, I really only wanted you to feel

But it doesn't matter

It does. The difficulties we faced, the hardships we endured

I don't care how hard

I still do not care

For us to be closer

For us to be closer

I'd give everything up

Everything is a heavy word...

Everything up...

Everything is not enough anyway, to express how I truly feel inside

Five years have passed. You've changed, I changed. The relationship we shared have changed. Still, three words would never change. And you know very well those three words.

I love you.

And I still do, and if you allow me, I would even more...

Closer

2009-07-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it

How far we've come

How close we are

With each passing moment

With each daring step

We take on destiny

With each push of will

We traverse an everlasting journey

Fighting the urge to stop

Battling the will to give up

Unleashing all energies

Exhausting all available means

But it doesn't matter

I don't care how hard

For us to be closer

I'd give everything up

Everything up...

Then till now

2009-07-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

"Must you be always so disagreeable?" he asks.

"You're the one disagreeing with me!" she claims.

"Geez..."

At least there was one thing they had agreed about.

"So you're not even gonna apologize huh?" he quips.

"Of course! What's there to apologize about?!? Shouldn't you be the one apologizing?" she retorts.

"Fine fine fine, geez... But I won't apologize, why should I?"

"Okay then, don't apologize. You and your stupid pride..."

You might be wondering, what was it that they had agreed about?

"Look who's taking now!" he answered in disgust.

"Oh please, will you just shut up?" she replied.

Well, in truth, it's really hard to believe really. Even if I tell you, you wouldn't believe it at all.

"Fine then! I will!"

"You better do ass-face, quiet is better than hearing your pathetic whining!"

It was about, well, maybe one year ago. Prior to that, well, let's just say they've been like this for the rest of there short lives. Eighteen years to be exact.

"Oh will you just shut up too, nagger-pants!"

"So now you're name calling clever-ass, why don't we just change your name to whiny while you're at it!"

One year ago, they both found themselves stranded in their school. It was raining hard, the sky was dark and all the buses home have left for their their first rounds. Serendipitously, they both ended up being last in line for their own bus services home.

"Nagger!"

"Whiny!"

They both had to wait for the next round of buses to arrive. Since it was raining really hard, commuting home wasn't a possibility. I know, I know, it was the perfect stage for some romantic lovey-dovey, maybe even steamy hot you know what. Well, yeah, you can say it was and even stereotypically so, but you might have forgotten who we are talking about here.

"Witch!"

"Ass-face!"

Yes. So what happened then? Did they just serendipitously parted ways too? Quite the contrary actually. And no, there wasn't any steamy hot you know what either. Things still got steamy though; at least their heads were.

"Oh would you just pipe down lady, this is getting too old."

"Then for once in your life, just swallow up your damn pride and apologize!"

It was the same, then till now.

"Fine fine, I apologize, are you happy now?"

"Hmph!"

"What did I do now?"

"HMPH!"

Still dreadfully, delightfully the same, then till now.

"Fine, I apologize, seriously."

"I'm sorry too."

Do I have to repeat myself? Then till now!

"Geez, this again? Come here you!"

"Hey!"

Then till now!

Simply because

2009-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

The heart of mine might be weak
But the love it gives is strong
That when we part or you're away
For your soul it misses, it longs

I had wished for us to be as one
Till the day my flesh lasts alive
It was folly to think, naive even
That I thought without you I won't survive

It's true perhaps, my heart is frail
That when you're gone I'm as in death
But I found it isn't true, merely an illusion
I've created, for my own continued breath

It was an excess of human love
That my heart had come to express
I boxed you in, trapped you shut
And forced myself in excess

I feared you'd be gone, you'd fly away
One of the only true family I've found
I treasured you, held you tight
But in the end, I only got you bound

Please do not think I'm in regret
That my life I lived for you alone
But now I'm wiser, I have thought more
And now I'm but no longer forlorn

For in human love I found one stronger
A perfect love that isn't mine
And this I give to you, with devotion true
Love that is patterned from the divine

A patient love, a kind love, a love that never envies
Nor does it boast, nor is it proud, nor rude or close to anger
A love that isn't self seeking nor remembers any fault
One that rejoices in truth and in evil it does not wander

A love that will forever protect
A love that will always persevere
A love that lasts and will always be true
A love that had never known failure

It's hard, be it so, it still stings a little
But obsession stepping into foolishness is not love
And though I may make the same mistakes from before
I'll try and promise to root my love from up above

If this all statements pressure you
I beg of you, just please be still
Don't worry, I ask you not to reciprocate
Just do things as you will

Because for you I will always be waiting
With a patient heart, be it weak
But the love it gives for you is strong
It's still more than I can speak

Just that today I think true love I've known
Though I can't deny I might still be lacking
But nonetheless, I still give to you my all
Just shut up and keep on living

For I told you before, still I'm telling you now
And I will always be telling you so
Be in proficiency and kind it had evolved;
Not a measure will it change

I love you dearest, I love you true
And till I can, my frail heart will always be for you

Prologue

2009-07-05T02:59:00.000-07:00

While the city sleeps, the wolf watches.

He stands guard amongst the tall spires and high towers, watching vigilantly as life slept below. With the moon as his only companion, he watches over the thankless world. Patiently he'd scan the horizon, observing intently every motion, every disturbance in the city below. Nothing escapes his senses. And when he finds something amiss, nothing escapes his claws.

His shiny blue hair contrasts against the darkness of the night; he covers it so he wont be noticed. If he passes by you, you're lucky to even see his shadow; no one has ever seen him. Very few acknowledged his existence anyway; to the waking world he is nothing more than a night-time shiver. He changes forms as he sees fit, man or wolf. He was from a clan of werewolves after all.

And when the day breaks, he leaves.

He once lived in a place of happiness. There, he enjoyed the companionship of his friends, his little so-called family. He never knew of his mother or father; he grew up an orphan, being taken care of by the most powerful wizard the world has ever seen. He would play everyday with his small group of rather clueless friends: a young witch in a red cowl and a young wizard under the tutelage of his caretaker's rival. He would go on adventures with them, strengthening their bonds and making them really close friends. He loved every minute of it.

But happiness cannot be forever. As they grew more mature, the young witch and wizard grew closer and closer together. He sensed he was becoming a third wheel, but the couple wouldn't want to push him away. So he hanged out with them still, going in lesser and lesser adventures as the couple furthered their magical arts, and their relationship. There was awkwardness of course, but they kept reassuring him that it was OK, he would always be their friend. They didn't know for him it was more than awkwardness, it was heartbreak.

With a broken heart he trudged on. He joined the couple wherever they went, loving their company but growing ever more distant. The couple fell so much into each other, it began to irritate him. So the white wolf moved on, accepting the fact that their group would never be the same.

Then one day, darkness struck.

The first wave came in the form of the disappearance of his caretaker. Nobody knew where he went, not even his rival turned wife. It came as a surprise to him and to the rest of the people who knew and recognized the power of his caretaker. Some asked "Why would he leave? He was very happy here?" Others asked "Who could have done this to him? How could anyone match his peerless wizardry?" The latter were the wiser.

To this day, no one can answer those questions.

But perhaps his so-called friends knew. A few days later they too disappeared without a trace. This was the second wave of darkness and confusion for him. His lupine senses told him something was up, yet his conscience could not accept what it was telling him. Racked with emotional pressure, he left Mochi mochi.

He left his home.

He took residence in a nearby city, adopting it as his new home. He never grew any new emotional attachments, not even to his new city home. He took on the role of protector, as a distraction more than as a commitment. Thus begins his story, my story.

I am Riiya, the White Wolf.

Fiona Clyde

2009-06-20T00:53:00.002-07:00

"Come on... Come on..." mumbled the sniper. Not too far, wild applause and uproar filled the open stadium.

"...And so I present our beacon of hope, the stalwart of peace and the light of our futures and the future of communism, Kayne Obama!"

"I see you know bi-"

The sniper did not even get the chance to put his finger on the trigger.

"Sir, the target has been taken care of. Mission accomplished" spoke Shawn through the intercom. Not so far away, Martin, assuming the role of Overseer, had a sigh of relief.

"Good, now you have 30 seconds to get your ass back here before I kick it. You obviously did not read the manual." shouted Martin.

"Okay, okay, sheesh. I already told you if the manual hadn't been long..."

"Yada yada, just get your ass back here. We have to get back soon or else the chrono plane would become unstable and God knows what would happen to us."

Chrono-folding is not without flaws. By sending something or someone back in time, it creates a something out of nothing effect. Matter cannot be created nor completely destroyed; it can only be transformed into energy. As the famous equation of Einstein puts it, energy produced by transforming matter is equal to the mass of the matter in question multiplied by the square of the speed of light; the inverse had also been proven to be true. This means that at any point in time, there exists a finite and unchanging amount of energy and matter; disturbing this could lead to catastrophic circumstances.

The chrono plane tries to remain stable even after infractions on it have occurred. This is the reason why changing something in the past would not have very major consequences in the present, depending of course on the amount and time of infraction. If a significant amount of matter is introduced anytime where it shouldn't be, the chrono plane tries to adapt by converting matter into energy, an effect known as the Tristan's effect named after its discoverer, chronologist Marco Tristan. Energy doesn't take up space like matter does, and so causes the conversion.

This conversion though leads to more instability, and even more conversion; the longer the foreign matter remains displaced in time, the more matter is converted to energy in the chrono plane's desperate attempt to remain stable. By Einstein's equation, this conversion could result in cataclysmic explosions of energy, although often it's too far away in space to be felt in any degree. Cosmic phenomenon like supernovaes and black holes had been attributed to the Tristan effect, but nobody knows for sure.

"Yo Shawn, what happened to your mission? You got kicked in the ass again haven't you?" Jonathan sneered as he sat down beside Shawn.

"Fuck off assface" Shawn replied, stuffing a mouthful of burger into his mouth.

"No seriously man, you should be more responsible about your duties as part of Chronos. It's not everyday a man jumps back in time you know..."

"Eh, I know... It's just that, I dunno... I'm probably just tired of the constant drills..." said Shawn.

"Tell me about it. But you shouldn't be getting too much of those, I mean, it's not like there had been many missions recently, right?"

"Whatever... I still don't have the drive anymore... I don't know really..."

Shawn took another mouthful of burger, Jonathan sipped from his cup of sparkling water.

"Hey man, is this about Fiona?" Jonathan said, trying to comfort Shawn.

"What?!? Now where did you get that idea?" exclaimed Shawn, knocking Jonathan off his seat and spilling his food all over him.

Fiona Clyde was the youngest High Captain General in the entire military. She was also a favorite contender to the position of High General in Command, the highest position in the hierarchy of Chronos. She excels in everything she does, from History to Time and Space studies; she knows the ins and outs of chrono-folding and the principles and theories behind the chrono plane. Plus she's terribly good looking.

She's graduated from the same school as Shawn and was a year his senior. She was a year younger though, because she was accelerated twice, first in Lower Education Level 4 then in Higher Education Level 3 from the Unified Education System. She was 20 when she graduated Advanced Education; it has been 5 years now since she entered the Chronos Division. She flew her way through the ranks, getting promotion after promotion. And it wasn't over yet.

"Speaking of Fiona, any news about her?" asked Shawn, food in his mouth.

"First you knock me off the chair when I reminded you of her, now you ask me how she's doing?" complained Jonathan.

Shawn simply stared at him.

"Fine... The higher ups are formalizing her promotion. Won't be soon they say before she becomes GC. The election process they say is only a formality now..."

"I see... Wow... To think she entered the division only a year before us..."

"I don't really think about it. I'm just glad I became part of this division. Keeps bread on the table, and its kinda fun at times too."

Fiona Clyde was rumored to be backed by currently the strongest party in the United Congress, the Naturalists. Since they were given representation in the United Congress, they have slowly amassed power and wealth. It has been said that if you seek election into the United Government, whether as a lowly Regions Governor or as the Supreme Sovereign, all you need is backing from the Naturalists.

It wasn't unnatural though for people like Fiona to rise through the ranks quickly. In previous years, similar incidents have happened where people fresh from graduation acquire notable and powerful positions in the United Government. By the turn of the century, it wasn't too uncommon to see a 20 something High Senate Representative, or a 30 something Supreme Sovereign. There seems to be a clamor for younger, more blue-blooded individuals to take up powerful offices, probably in the hopes of ending corruption. It's still not the norm though, but Fiona certainly wasn't an exception.

"Hey man, I better go, still got 'missions' in the morning, if you know what I mean. You better take a rest too, and begin thinking about taking the division seriously" Jonathan reminded Shawn.

"Yeah, says the guy who has 'missions' in the morning" Shawn objected.

Jonathan and Shawn deposited their food trays into the conveyor and parted ways as they headed for their bunks.

Shawn plunked immediately on his bed and picked up his kinetic phone, spinning it a few times before dialing a familiar number. An answering machine picked up on the other side.

"Hello... This is Shawn, if ever you're there, please call me back."

He didn't hang up for a while, thinking of something else to say. Then unexpectedly, a female voice answered.

"Shawn, it's me. I'm sorry if I haven't been answering you back, it's complicated. Anyway, for your sake and for mine, I'm really sorry but please..."

There was a short pause.

"Please..."

"... Don't call me anymore."

Chronos division

2009-06-20T00:53:00.001-07:00

"So tell me again, why are we doing this?" Shawn asked, hustling to catch up with his mentor.

Martin eyed him, half-irritated.

"Didn't you read the manual before you went here? It's part of a Chronos Division's responsibility to do that you know?"

"Well, if the manual weren't so long then maybe I could get to reading them..." Shawn complained.

Chronos Division is part of the United Government's military, directly under the Armed Guards. Members of this division are tasked to correct errors in the time line, caused by the tampering of previous generations.

"Fine... I wonder how you could not read the manual and still manage to be part of this division..." Martin said, obviously exasperated at the ignorance of his pupil.

Each year, the Chronos Division recruits fresh graduates from various academies that have shown proficiency in Time and History studies. It's of utmost importance that recruits know history like that back of their hand. One false move could mean the failure of a mission; an unwanted alteration in history that could call for numerous additional missions, which means additional unwanted expense.

"The first time Chrono-folding was achieved, our ancestors were of course very excited, so excited that they began causing alterations in the time line. But contrary to pop knowledge in that era, 'tampering with the time line' doesn't really cause much of a difference to how time flows..."

Chrono-folding is term coined in the early part of the 21st century. It's a fancy term for time travel, but not completely unfounded. Chrono-folding is done by literary bending the so-called "time-space continuum", or the "Chrono plane". Time and space had always been conventionally considered four dimensional: the first three dimensions (i.e. height, width and depth) serve to define space, and the fourth dimension (time) serves to define the constant passing of moments.

By the turn of the decade though, chronologists (scientists who study time) began to think of time and space as a plane; a 2-dimensional plane similar to a movie reel. It wasn't long before a team chronologists in the Integrated University of New Harvard were able to literally bend this 2-dimensional plane, which then became know as the Chrono plane. They did it by shooting photons at a target exponentially faster than the speed of light. This causes a phenomenon similar to the sonic boom, called the "phosphic boom". The tremendous amount of explosive energy forces the chrono plane to warp and fold, sending the target back into time. The energy and speed of the photons determine how far back in time the target would be sent to.

"... The chrono plane is immensely vast and the current by which it moves is extremely strong. 'Tampering' with it would be similar to dipping your finger into the ocean and watching the ripples flow. Sooner or later, something would replace whatever event that was "tampered" with, which means history would remain relatively unaltered." explained Martin.

"Wait, you mean even if we did things in the past to "alter" history, aside from probably a change in surname, nothing really large would change?" asked Shawn.

"No." answered Martin.

"So the grandfather anomaly is..." Shawn continued.

"Bullshit..." Martin interjected.

After chronologists were able to successfully develop Chrono-folding technology, it was of course natural for them to send people back into time. The first Chrono-walkers were uncertain about how "tampering" with space and time would affect history at large. They performed "controlled" experiments on history, going even as far as slaughtering lab animals to see whether the grandfather anomaly and other anomalies like it were real. They discovered that the further you travel back in time, the lesser of an effect tampering with something would have.

Suppose somebody kills on of your distant ancestors. Chances are you would still be born, with the same parents, same physical characteristics, and even lead the same life. Somebody would replace the killed ancestor, and the effect of the replacement would mitigate in due time. This is opposed to killing, say, a parent. There is still a chance you would be born, but from a different parent. Your appearance could remain unaltered and you could still live a relatively unchanged life, but there is also a chance you would never be born at all.

"So why then are we still chrono-folding if we aren't even going to be able to change anything that much?" asked Shawn.

"Well, for one, our ancestors did so many alterations into the past. Experiment after experiment made the public more and more uneasy about chrono-folding. Soon, the public uproar was on such a high level that chronologists were forced to perform experiments underground. For a while all seemed well, until somebody leaked information to the public about the underground experimentations. Feeding on the rage of the people, opposition politicians began including 'Stop chrono-experimentations' as part of their propaganda..."

In the middle of the 22nd century, an opposition candidate was sworn into the highest office of the United Government, the Supreme Sovereign of the Flags or Supreme Sovereign for short. And of course, part of her platform was to outlaw chrono-experimentation for good. This was not enough however to quell the public. A group, calling themselves the "Naturalists" began heckling the government to perform counter-measures to correct the "unnaturalism" caused by chrono-experimentation.

The Naturalists were at first ignored by the United Government. For them, sending people back in time to correct the mistakes were a waste of money; sending a single person to a two-way trip back in time through chrono-folding costs millions, especially since the technology to chrono-fold had to be carried back in time with the chrono-walkers.

This all changed when a string of skyscraper bombings and hostage takings were performed by the New Army, the militaristic wing of the Naturalists. The current supreme sovereign was impeached; her Vice Sovereign being sworn into office in lieu of her. He played to the whims of the Naturalists, even giving them a seat in the United Congress of Flag Representatives. And as part of the administrative switch, the Chronos Division was organized.

"I see..." said Shawn in a partly convinced, partly dubious tone.

The elevator door opened as they walked in. It would take about five minutes to get to the 35th level deep underground, where chrono-folding missions were briefed and held.

As the elevator door closed, Shawn asked something that caught Martin off-guard.

"So, if we are part of the 'unnaturalism' caused by previous chrono-foldings, and as such have no knowledge whatsoever of how things should've gone given that no previous chrono-foldings were performed; how then could we know how things should've naturally proceeded? Who calls the shots?"

For a few minutes, only the silent hum of the elevator could be heard. Shawn patiently waited for the answer as the elevator went further and further underground.

Just as the elevator door was about to open, Martin answered in a hushed, equally perplexed tone:

"It's... Classified..."

The knife, the sword, the throne and the cross

2009-06-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

The tunnel was dark and the corners were blind. I didn’t know where I was, nor did I know where I was heading. All I know is that I’m heading somewhere; expecting something that I feel very familiar yet escapes me at the same time.

The floors were damp, the air humid. With each corner turn, I feel myself going deeper and deeper into a maze I desperately try to find my bearings in. I struggle to know where I am – the place looks so familiar, like I have always been here. And yet, no matter how much I try to find out, the thoughts just muddle themselves all on their own. It feels like the more I try to find out where I was, the more I block my memory of the place. But amidst all this, every footstep sure, every footstep leading me to one sure destination.

The tunnel began to widen as I continued to tread along. The air suddenly felt cool, a slow steady breeze blowing towards me. It wasn’t long till I found myself inside a huge chamber that stretched seemingly infinitely in all directions and yet it still felt closed, bounded by walls I cannot see but I know exists. Light channeled from crags on the invisible ceiling, shining like soft fabric stretched from the ground to nowhere. The floor was damp, somewhere out in the distance I can hear what seemed like a small stream trickling.

“My guest has arrived.”

I instantly recognized the voice – there was no mistaken it. It was mine, but it did not come from me.

“Ah, a knife. A knife symbolizes hatred… Contempt… An attempt to appear courageous amidst adversity while inside you, you know you’re trembling. You’re no stranger to fear, but still you act courageous.”

A knife was in my hand. I did not know where it came from, I couldn’t even remember if I wasn’t carrying one in the first place. But now it was, and the hand that holds it was trembling.

“See? You tremble. You mask your fear with courage, yet within you, you are taken by fear. You do not have to be afraid of me you know…” the voice taunted.

I gripped the knife to stop myself from trembling, scanning the chamber for where the voice came from.

“I’m here…” he said knowingly.

As my eyes got accustomed to the low light, I begin to make out a silhouette not so far away. It was of a man standing in front of a throne. I can’t make out how he looked like but he seemed to be no different in height or form to me. He looked like he was wearing some form of cloak, which appeared to be parted neatly to his left side.

He took a few steps, moving closer into one of the light rays. I recognized his face instantly.

“There, is that better? Can you see me clearly now?” he said grinning.

I turned and faced him.

“I’m you! Well, I’m not really you, I’m what you can say the potential you. I’m everything you could be, everything you could possibly achieve. You can say I’m the perfect you, the ideal you. Genius beyond compare, good physique; I’m all you ever wanted to be. All you’d never ever be…” he chuckled.

Inside me, I felt anger swell up; anger I’ve never felt, anger I never knew I would ever feel. The knife in my hand felt more a part of me. It’s handle felt more comfortable in my hand, like it was really meant to be there, meant to sink into flesh and gouge out ribbons of blood.

“Ha, cute. You want to kill me now? Go ahead and try! You can never get rid of me, I’m a part of you! A part of you you’d never be able to reach. Come on, face the facts! You are never ever going to be like me! No matter how much you try, you can never be able to be what I am and yet you would never be able to get rid of me. You want me, you want to be like me, so you hold on to whatever hope you have and try all your hardest but in the end, you fail horribly.”

I felt my heart sink. The knife in my hand disintegrated, turned into dust and disappeared.

“See? Haha, I am you’re ambition, a hurdle you’d never ever be able to reach. You would try and try and try until you’re consumed by me. You’re desire to be like me would eat you, gnaw unto your very life. You would begin to hurt others, shove everybody away from you. You’re desire to be like me would burn you slowly away until you’re nothing more than dust, just like you’re measly courage… Why don’t we just speed things up and face the inevitable? It would be so much less painful…”

A sword materialized in his hand. It’s blade glinted so beautifully in the light, encrusted in gems and precious stones yet sharp as razor. He held the blade close to his face.

“You’ve seen a rapier before haven’t you? Did you know that although rapiers were the favorite dress weapon, it still took many lives in the days when it was in service? It’s tip is so well suited to thrusting, I can send it through your heart like you were made of paper…”

He snapped his sword forward, feinting a thrust into my heart.

“So, are you ready to accept your fate?”

My knees buckled. My death was right in front of me but it felt so right. If ambition would only cause me to hurt others then maybe… Maybe death was the right way…

He drew his sword back, ran at me, lunging and thrusting his sword straight at me in one smooth graceful motion; one I could only imagine I would be doing.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I said as I pulled my knee from his gut. “I’ve had enough of you.”

He fell to the ground, doubling over from the knee I landed squarely on his stomach.

“You’ve poisoned my mind long enough. Let the world do as it pleases. I have my own path now, and you are not part of it.”

Like the knife, he disintegrated into dust and disappeared. I sat on his throne – my throne. I felt my chest and felt at ease.

“Thank you” I said, as I held the cross hanging from my neck.

Vis (part 2 of 2)

2009-06-20T00:51:00.000-07:00

Vithia is no longer. Now there is only Grixis.

Now there is only undeath.

The fear the living has to bear grows and grows with each lost life; and as vis weakens, so too our ranks. The remaining life mages can only defend our strongholds with wards and repulsion magic, but in the absence of the mana of life, we can only delay the advance of this unstoppable epidemic.

“I am sorry sir, about the girl…”

“No. I was not strong enough. I could have saved her if we only had access to the mana of life…”

“We all know how futile are efforts are si-”

“Do not say that! We may be fighting a losing battle, but you as well as I know that this is a battle we chose to fight. We have sworn ourselves as guardians of whatever vis has been left. We as life mages are duty bound to protect whatever life is left in Sedraxis…”

“I am deeply sorry sir…”

“No, I understand, the weight of our duty is… Overwhelming”

“Sir, I have to tell you something… I must take my leave… For good sir… My family needs me; my heart is not… as strong as yours sir. I am deeply sorry.”

“My child, its difficult – almost impossible even – to bear the responsibilities of a life mage. It takes a noble heart and an unwavering courage. I do not blame you for your lack of strength; and I am not stopping you from leaving… Go, may good fortune be with you and your family…”

He didn’t have a family.

But I do not blame him for lying, for finding a way out. The weight we life mages bear on our shoulders is unimaginable. Undeath spreads exponentially while we work round the clock to suppress it using the only mana we have available. Cases like him isn’t new and isn’t uncommon.

We life mages constantly fight the urge to quit our cause; to give up, leave our mission behind and run. Or worse, turn over and submit to our enemies, joining them in their vile necromancy.

Suddenly, a light…

My psyche instantly attuned itself to the sudden outpouring of vis energy, my dying soul feeding, devouring it all. My legs moved on its own, following the source of this mysterious energy. Before I realized it, I was standing in front of a visage of awe.

He stared into my eyes; the fierce eyes of a hunter. He carries with him a twin headed axe, wielding it proudly in front of his chest. His head resembled that of a leotau, although I have never seen one as alive. His body frame bursts of untethered life and will. I hesitantly broke the silence.

“Sir… Tell me… Who are you? How are you… Where are you drawing this much mana? It’s so alien to me, yet it feels so… invigorating…”

“Human, I am Ajani. I am a planeswalker. From where I came, there is an abundance of this mana, the mana of the wild and the mana of life.”

Ajani? Planeswalker? Mana of the wild and mana of life?

“I have come here as a visitor, but I have an inkling I will not leave here alone…”

“Sir… From where you came… It’s hard to believe, but if it does truly exist, can I possibly draw this mana of life from there? My people… the remaining numbers in Sedraxis… long for this mana…”

“I assure you, my land exists. It exists outside your own, and yet it once existed as one with it. If your soul wants so bad to leave this place and seek out my land, you can go there. You yourself would be able to draw this mana, and possibly even call upon it in this death ridden plane…”

I can draw out mana of life? But to do that, I must leave Sedraxis?

I am a life mage, duty bound to protect whatever vis is left in my land. I have sworn to fight for this cause; I will not leave Sedraxis. But if what this… planeswalker says is true, I might find this mana of life and possibly save Sedraxis from the spreading undeath.

Sedraxis…

I have served my purpose here as a life mage… I do not wish to leave you behind, but…

Forgive me…

Someday, I will see you again…

Vis (part 1 of 2)

2009-06-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

“Quick, bring him into the healing pools…”

“Take him to the infirmary right now…”

“Help me! Anybody, please! Help me!”

Their shouts, the shouts of dying vis, is too hard, too painful to ignore.

People losing hope, losing life, surrendering life… Death rampant like an uncontrollable epidemic.

Screams, maddening screams of life sundering away, being consumed by horrors unimaginable.

If only we could do something. If only we could treat them all.

“Sir, we’ve got a patient awaiting your care. Other life mages are doing all they could to suppress the ebbing of vis, but its a losing battle. Sir, we really need your help.”

“Quick, take me to him now!”

This is one of the last bastions of life left alive. Others have mercilessly fallen to the uncontrollable hoard of undeath, constantly ebbing away at the life forces of our numbers in an unstoppable, exponential rate. We can only suppress them in vain. It’s painful to watch vis slip out of an innocent.

“My child, hold on…”

I took the child’s hand. His… Her… body has been reduced to a skeletal state, you can barely tell he or she was once human, or was once alive. The young innocent floated in one of our suppression pools, pure sources of the mana we have closest to that of life and healing. It’s below par, but its the only option we’ve got.

I rushed in beside the pool. The pool was filled with fresh water from an aquifer. Soon it too would drain up, and we have to find new source of mana to fuel our healings, or more aptly, suppressions. After a suppression has been done, the water that once filled the suppression pool would be so contaminated with death, it can no longer be used. This only adds to the gravity of the battle we cannot hope to win.

“Hold on my child”

A light blue glow emanated from my hands. I touched the child, channeling away undeath and holding back vis. She must survive…

The vis from her body was being pulled away, sucked out uncontrollably. I pressed my hand harder into her forehead, sending her into a fit of spasms. Her frail skeletal frame rocked violently, splashing water around her. Its as if undeath itself is fighting our efforts; and unfortunately, undeath is winning.

“My child, you will not die today!”

I pressed on harder, sealing off whatever vis she had left. She will survive this, she has too.

“Undeath, leave this innocent girl at once!”

Her frail frame jerked more violently than ever in all directions.

“My child, hold on! Be strong!”

Then she stopped moving.

I fell back first into the water, feeling part of my own vis draining away. At once I stepped away from the contaminated pool.

I drew as much pure blue mana from the pool, enough to allow me to check how much vis the young girl has left.

I turned my back. She was the fourth one today.

Sedraxis took another from our number. The land that once teemed with life now claimed one more.

Ang kwento ni Florante Sibuyas

2009-06-20T00:49:00.000-07:00

Si Florante Sibuyas ay isang malungkot na bata, emo sa makabagong salita.

Parati syang inaasar, pinagtatawanan at iniiwan ng kanyang mga kaibigan.

Sa paglalaro, s’ya parati ang huli, sa iskwela naman parating napagiiwanan.

Wala s’ya halos kaibigan, kaya ganun na lang ang lungkot n’ya.

Parati s’yang nagmumukmok, nagkukulong sa kwarto na nakakandado ang pinto.

Mahaba rin ang buhok nya, natatakpan pa ang isa n’yang mata.

Ganyan si Florante Sibuyas, isang emo na bata.

Pero masisisi mo ba si Florante Sibuyas? Ang baho nga naman daw ng pangalan n’ya.

Wala naman s’yang kaso sa Florante, yung apelydo nga lang daw nya eh!

Mabaho pa daw sa mabaho, as in parang pinagsakluban ng langit at ng mundo.

Pati mga bitwin sa langit nagtatago, s’ya rin siguro ang dahilan kaya may mga Solar Eclipse tayo.

“Hindi siguro ako magpapaka emo kung hindi lang sana Sibuyas nag apelydo ko” ani Sibuyas.

Kaya ganun na lang ang tuwa ni Sibuyas ng isang gabi, dinalaw s’ya ng isang fairy.

“Ako si Grasya Paraluman, at isa akong ilegal recruiter!”, sabi ng lalaki.

“Narinig ko ang kahilingan mo Sibuyas, kaya naman ipapadala kita ngaun sa Big Mansanas!”

“Saan po Kuya? Big Mansanas po Kuya? Saan po yun Kuya Grasya?”

“Gusto mong magahasa bata? Kung gusto mo pang mamaintain ang virginity mo, Ate, Ate Grasya!”

“Anyway Sibuyas, how would you like to change your life hmm? Malay mo, baka dun ka pa makahanap ng magandang wife!”

“Opo! Opo Kuya este Ate Grasya po pala! Sasama po ako sa inyo! Ayoko na dito!”

At ayun na nga. Sumama si Florante Sibuyas sa isang kidnapper na nagpapangap na ilegal recruiter.

Pero para kay Sibuyas, si Kuya, este, Ate Grasya ang hinihintay nyang himala…

At nang tumanda na si Florante, (mga eighteen years old, matanda na yun sa Amekrika eh)

Nagpalit sya ng pangalan, at ang buhay n’ya ay gumaan.

At makalipas ang ilan pang taon, binalikan nya ang bayan nya ng kahapon.

Pagtapak ng paa nya sa bansang sinilangan, sabay n’yang sinumbatan sa salitang dahuyan.

“Shame you mother country of my own, I never felt cared for at all!”

“In the Philippines, my name is felt with betrayal, in America, there I finded love!”

“And now, Florante Sibuyas is no more, I shall be called…”

“Fluorescent Bulb!!!”

- The End -

Goodnight

2009-06-20T00:48:00.000-07:00

To Lexan,

The days had been fun with you around. Gone were the days when I’d sit all alone in the park bench where I used to wait for my folks to pick me up. The days where I’d pore my nose on a book, acting like a total nerd. The days where I’d walk to school alone, with other students passing me by whispering among themselves in a language only they understood. I hated those days. It made me feel like all alone in my struggles. You know me, I’m not the type who’d talk to others and befriend them. I’m not exactly the social type…

But when you came into my life, you changed all that. The first time I saw you pass me by, it felt different. It felt great. It felt warm. When I see you walk passed me in the mornings, and then when I wait for you to go home, it made my day complete. It made my day worth living. It may seem like I’m blowing things out of proportion, but it’s very true! Without you knowing it, I might have… fallen in love with you…

I thought of you night and day, dreamed that one day you’d take notice. I’m not the prettiest of girls, and maybe I’m not your type. But still, I pray each night that at least our eyes would cross paths; just that and I’d be content. If only I could not be so shy when you are there, just maybe…

I love you Lexan, I would give the world to be with you. But every time I tried to make myself brave, each time I forced myself to swallow my fear and at least greet you with a smile, I failed. I failed horribly. I can only stare at you from afar, from a safe distance. Watch you walk, watch you smile, marvel at you, gave at you.

Only from afar can I dream that you and me were together. And then today came. I saw you. I swallowed all my fear, all my doubt. I swallowed all the negativity inside me, lifted my chin up and looked at you. How I wished now our glances would meet. How I wished for one moment I could smile and say hi. How I wished you’d look at me, just this one time.

And you did. With that girl tightly clutching your arm.

Good bye Lexan. Only in my dreams would I ever see you again, if I can dream wherever I’m going.

Bidding you goodnight,

Shiela

Breaking waves

2009-06-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

The sea waves crashing against the rocky shore, the breeze wafting cool against my skin, the sun hidden just right under a cloudy but not overcast sky; I really couldn’t care less.

But I do. I do care. Because 3000 miles into the sea, I know you’re there. Floating aimlessly on your self-made raft. You told me you wanted to rule the sea; it had been your dream, you said.

Idiot.

Why did you have to do that? Why did you have to let your selfish pride get the better of you? Were you not contented with our little strip of beach? Were you not contented with our simple lifestyle? Were you not contented… with me?

Did I not treat you nicely enough? Everything that made you smile I did. Everything. Every single thing.

That damned ambition of yours. Why couldn’t you just give it up? Isn’t it a lot easier if you just gave it all up? Did you really want to “conquer the sea” so badly? We could have been together if you didn’t!

We could have been together…

That day, when you took to the sea; nobody told me. Nobody knew, or at least that was what everybody told me. Liars. I know they were hiding the truth from me. I know they knew I would be sad if they told me. They knew it would hurt me a lot. At least they knew.

Did you?

That day, I was supposed to tell you… It was the day I had gathered up the courage. I was going to confess my feelings for you, hoping you’d sweep me off my feet and take me away, make me the happiest person alive. Did you know how much I valued you? Did you ever consider how much I liked you? Loved you?

But you didn’t know, did you?

The sea waves crashing against the rocky shore, the breeze wafting cool against my skin, the sun hidden just right under a cloudy but not overcast sky; I really couldn’t care less.

A voice out in the sea, a shout of excitement.

I stood up and gazed into the distance. That voice, that familiar voice, I know it couldn’t have come from anybody else…

First I saw the waves breaking.

Then I saw the raft.

Then I saw a dark figure standing on it. I couldn’t have mistaken; it was you!

You looked stupid waving frantically like that, but it didn’t matter.

You’re back!

You’re really back!

Then I saw somebody else. Somebody else on your self-made raft.

She took your hand… Kissed you in the cheek and waved like an idiot with you.

I knelt; looked down on what was once our rocky beach. Before my eyes, the waves were breaking.

Disappearing Stars Level 0

2009-06-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

I think saw one, through a clear patch of sky through a hole in the dome.

Were they called stars? I think that’s what the textbooks say. I mean, I haven’t seen one and really confirm it is one. Nobody knows anymore for sure, so I would suppose it was what I saw.

Let me describe it.

It was about half an inch wide in the sky, yeah, and it was glowing orange. It kind of made the dark sky look a little warm colored, though I am not even sure it was the ’sky’ I am seeing. It seemed so pretty right up there, and it seemed so high too.

No no no, I know it’s not the sun that I saw. I know the sun, its being reflected to level zero through the light shaft right? How should I say this. It was different from the sun that I see reflected on the dome. It’s not… flat… It looked as if though it was floating up on the sky.

How do I know it’s the ’sky’? I don’t know really… It’s one of the reasons I’m turning myself over to this unit. If there are people I know who can tell me, I think its you guys…

Sorry sir… Yes sir, understood sir…

Anyway sir, the sky that I saw, it was orange in color, I think it was because of that ’star’.

Yes sir, through a hole on the dome sir. I think it was from one of the breaches from level one. They have been pretty noisy these days sir.

Yes sir, I know its not part of my business sir, I apologize sir…

Yes sir, moving on. Before I saw the light sir, I was inside my shelter. Shelter number eight three one sir. I felt the ground shake and everything seemed to brighten up sir. It’s the reason why I decided to go out of my shelter sir. It was quite a deal actually sir, seeing as I’m disabled and this wheel chair unit is pretty old.

So I went out sir. As I said, I thought it was a breach on level one, then I looked up from the hole and saw the ’star’…

Yes sir, I think I remember seeing other levels sir. Aren’t they just part of level one sir? I mean, from what the scribes teach us, there are only two levels right? Level zero, our level, and level one right?

Sorry sir! I’m only recalling what the scribes taught us!

Yes sir, I would forget everything about it sir.

Yes sir, I did not see any star, or feel any quake or see any bright light. Yes sir, I did not see any hole. Yes sir, understood sir.

Yes sir, reporting out si-

- END OF RECORDING, AWAITING FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS -