The Ninthlobby - Girlfriends, Dreams, and Aliens

Chaotic love is so sweet

2010-07-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

I was frozen when I woke up this morning. Something was missing... my name. Nothings changed, my life is still the same. The door opened and you creeped up into my heart. I locked you out of my life and you keep coming back. Despite my ignorance to your calls, I do not hate you. I want you. Why do I cry in the darkness of the night for a love such as you? The door knocks again and again. The tears fall down and soothe my aching heart. I love you. I want you. I hate you. I know life could be different with you. Our beautiful world is so close to completion. Please leave me alone. I do not want this dream anymore. I do not want you! I feel your temptations, my vibrations are out of control. Everyday I wait for your call. I hate you. I love you. I want you. We are complete. Leave me alone. Hit me, hate me. Love me. Can you help me? I am crying. I am dying.

Living for Face

2010-07-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Living for Face

I cannot live until I see your face.

I know.

I cannot change my ways.

Show me who you are.

Take me to another please.

Please, my lady.

I am sorry for who I am.

I am sorry for what I have become.

One look at you is all I need.

Take me away to another place.

I know I cannot change.

It is all my fault.

Just show me your face,

And you shall have my heart.

Whatever you have become,

Whatever you have chosen,

No monster will I see.

You are the one I have chosen.

Can you not see this?

You are for me,

And I for you.

........

She speaks and my mind goes blank.

I would not trade this moment for all the gold in the world.

I know it to be true.

The stars, they shine bright and carry you.

Fate carries you away from me and I fall.

Falling down and before I am gone you speak.

Oblivious to it all I am anchored by our presence.

Baby, I need you.

Don't stop, don't move, don't shutter. Just breathe

Every breathe made takes a bit away from my own.

Do I mind? No.

All my time, my time is for you.

Will you be mine?

Dating MMORPG or Video Games

2010-06-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Do we date MMORPG or spend time with an overrated Video Game?
MMORPG are like someone you date. They are Social Games giving playersa roller coaster of high's and low's as they work their way up tosuccess. Video games are all about the...

Continue this article.

The Perfect Stranger

2010-06-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

\\The Perfect Stranger//

Original story by EQ

Adaption by SH

Art by EQ

Chapter 1 The Stranger

   Warm summers bring in gray storm clouds from the north as the sunset cools this green land. The cabin by the icy lake was a twenty-three acre world of solitude. It was here next to the grassy meadows and easy going winds that they met...

   He was some kind of drifter, stepping into my life with an unbelievable aura. I glared up at him as he spoke, "Heaven was not easy to reach." Then he touched my hand to say hello.

   His words were just so comforting and his touch was so gentle. I came out here to be alone and so did he. He did not ruin my fun, instead he brought it to another level. I am still unaware of what brought him to my doorstep other than a lost soul passing through. He invited himself into my life and I happily agreed. Out here we were alone with just the icy lake to mirror our emotions and events. At first, I did not know what to think, although it was obvious; I liked him instantly.
   The first full moon came that day and so suddenly. Everything was so flawless as if destiny because I was with him and he was with me. Rest assured, we were an inseparable piece to this place. It was by the lake that we stood next to the calm water, damp mud, and sand between our toes. We looked at our reflection in the blue depths but only saw the gleaming moon light. I am not sure if it was him or me who made the first move, but it was the wind that lightly blew us together. He hugged me, keeping our warmth strong and I was afraid to let go. A hint of rain started above us, but I was locked in his aura now. In a way, he was familiar, yet so strange, so unknown. I looked back at the water and our image was fizzled by the rain drops; it started to pour stronger. We stood motionless as I gazed into his big encompassing eyes. I was longing to wake up from this dream but he just stared back at me intently keeping the feeling alive. Soon enough, I lost all will power and my mind wiped clean. Lost in the moment, I was absorbed right into his arms and straight into his chest. We melted into one and the rain continued to pour. About this time, the last thing running through my mind was a calm sense of warmth. It was a strange moment and it was all mine.

Chapter 2 The Man

   Daydreams are the shelter for our present to remind us of a cherished past. My dream, never came true, but I like to think fantasies are just delayed. Mentally, I was bleeding with hope for the future to bring me a dose of reality. I could still remember the dream and all it took was a little silence in my day to bring me back to heaven. The story had not ended with the rain, but we did get quite wet...

   At the lake, just as the rain began to fall, I could see him leaning in for a kiss. A bit of laughter emerged from us both, a simple plight to help ignore the rain. Our minds set into action and the lips focused on one another. Naked hearts against the night sky, we dared not fight this pleasantry to lay somewhere warmer. Instead, he kissed me in the rain, lips far from gentle. It was hard to fathom at first, but we continued as he lusted for more. A taste of lighting crackled as he leaned back to gaze at me and the stars. We were wet, in all meaning of the sense, and in the middle of a raging storm. Our hearts sparked and minds quarreled to the thought of more.
   Quietly, he dragged me away, back up to the cabin. Gently, he laid me down next to a warm blanket and lit a nice fire. My heart was pounding with passion and the weather outside filled the silence around us. Next to the fire our bodies touched as one and this time we both melted into each others embrace. This is where the dream came to an end, this is how it happened. The pain of waking up to a wish unfulfilled is nothing short of tragic. I did not fret or whine, my dream was destiny and the wait was worth the pain today. Some day I will meet him. My perfect stranger, my perfect man.

….

Please Walk Away

2010-06-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

*This is not original, but it did come from the heart. I was listening to various easy-listening songs when I wrote it such as Sarah McLachlan and Coldplay.

Please Walk Away

I would be the one,

To hold you down,

Please walk away,

And close your eyes.

Tears will drop from my face,

Because I stumble so many times in this world,

To find this heart,

Face-to-face.

My body aches,

Because you keep me alive,

And for that I'll take your breath away.

So close your eyes,

And feel the sunrise,

I know I am not the right one for you,

And that this is not the right time,

But you can't help what you feel.

And so I digress,

I can't control my feelings,

But I can make them control you,

I will be the one to be with you.

So please,

Walk away,

And leave me to my river of tears,

Just close your eyes.

- This could be a poem or song lyrics, I sang it as I wrote it, because I am crazy.

A letter to the Elder

2010-05-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Elder,

I get it... I really do. Time is up for your kind. You are all alone, at least you feel that way. What we feel can usually define who we are today... et cetera, et cetera. Man, who cares? Who really does? Keep in mind, life is not easy, life is terribly difficult. If it gives you any satisfaction to hear also note that people will always be the same, even those in their prime.

Slowly, we are fading into the history books.

You must first find your happiness within yourself before you start rejecting the cruel world for your twisted fate. This is of course if your goal is to no longer be alone, to live. I mean, you are probably crazier than a peach at this moment writing to the darkness, talking to the shadows, living in complete denial of the zero progression you have sewn into your heart to move forwards. So I say again, who cares? Get out of that dungeon in your head and look outside. I am sure the first sight will be the fresh air and pleasant nature of life. Live Elder! Use every muscle you have inside of you, rip apart these subconscious walls and be free. Smile and be happy. Cry and be sad. Breathe in that fresh air and be mad. The time of day has no affect on the beat of your heart or the swagger in your stroll. Walk to freedom and bring happiness to us all! Balance comes from within as an impossible task. The only person who feels they are truly alone is the one who dares not question or ask.

We are all slowly withering away.

So Elder, my dear, dear Elder, be happy and proud about the life you live. You have the chance to choose to continue your life in dreary contempt or eternal satisfaction. Illuminate the skies with your eyes of wisdom.

Choose your path, walk your path, do not look back.

Sincerely,

Ancient History

10 years ago today

2010-04-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

It was 10 years ago today that I had a vision of the future

I was finally a mature adult. Growth at this point onward was a declining slope of weekly pills and Doctor visits. Being an old man sucks, but the mind stays about the same.
...People knew me in this world as a professional student or hobbiyst. We have to stay busy some way...
My wife, yes I get married, was dominating everyone she knew in conversations with a smile and a quick wink of the eye. One day at a time, our love grew for each other.
...My world had settled into a honeymoon of happy postures and strangers...

Of course, none of this was meant to be. I push and push myself towards my fate, except I have no direction. My self-progression is a revolving door of Hell. Slowly, I get closer to being all alone. So, the depression kicks in and my journey becomes a personal one.

The wild me wants to run away for a new fix. A new life. Maybe my subconcsious has some sick goal to see family and life another way, even though, old wounds lie in a deep sleep causing me to live in repeat.

The agressor inside, probably the most prominent part of me, still gives the world a smile with every challenge, question, and doubt. Finally, my younger hopeful side is drifting around. A little soul searching through space and time. Somehow, I feel a frown emerge from my wrinkly skin as I reflect on the pieces of me now. I dare not gaze an additional 10 years from now. Emotions run deep and passions linger unguided as much as my willingness to absorb knowledge sustains me to the next day.

When the vision is over, my heat beats a bit more and my mind goes blank. What does it all mean? One thing is for sure, 10 years from now:

The Earth will still spin.
Dreams will shatter.
Paths will open and close.

My eye shut firmly and the dreams crumble...time is on my side. I think.

How to tell a girl she is ugly...

2010-03-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Bat Cave

2010-02-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Dateless

2010-01-18T01:49:00.000-08:00

Dateless

I remember hating fairs, carnivals, and Carnies. So... one night I goto a 'Funfair' with some friends. I was the only dateless guy there,basically single, with a troupe of couples. I do not remember muchexcept arriving in a long line for some spinning ride to Hell, it wasnot the dipper. When it was my turn to get into the rusty cage I failedto realize the two person requirement. I tried to calmly back away butthe Carny said, "Come on son get in! You waited for this." I bravelyreplied, "No, its cool" and tried to walk to the exit where I couldmeet my friends later. Suddenly, a group of girls behind me stalled mewith their aura, "Where are you going vanilla chocolate" one blondsaid. Keep in mind, my friends along with several other people werealready on the ride waiting for me to make up my damn mind. "Hes good,"the blond said to the Carny as she grabbed my arm and forced me intothe rusty trap.

The doors locked and I swallowed my resistance, she wasbeing kind right? We went up high into the sky and she stared into myeyes. I think she wanted to share a deep gaze of wonder and that iswhen I thought to myself, "I'm getting laid tonight." She really onlysaid one thing that has still stuck in my mind to this day, "Don't throw up onme, OK babe?" This was about the time I felt a spiking pain in mystomach, was it love? I resisted any contact with her during the wholeride as I gripped my stomach with my weak little hands. She had cursedme with those words "OK Babe?" Although, it was probably not those two. Thisshared moment was hopeless, me dateless, and she... she seemed cool.

Asthe ride came to a close and the Carny slowly let couples outone-by-one, I tried not to swallow the puke that had surfaced. I wasgoing to break the bond I had shared with this blond. I bravely heldthe horror creeping out of my mouth as best I could. Each couple thatleft the ride tilted the cage and my stomach. I felt thepurge from within and the demon was quickly released from the depths ofdespair. I held my it in my mouth as best I could, but that seemed toonly make it worse. It was our turn to exit and I could see the Carnygive a little smile as he slowly opened the gate. I still do not knowwhy, but it was at this moment, I turned towards the blond and threw upon her.

"It was not meant to be," a friend later told me as I threw upsome more in the back of the Funfair. In all honesty, I probably madeher night. After the fire from within was extinguished and the blondlong gone, I walked away proudly... to the nearest bathroom. Inaturally had to freshen up.

Dante the Lonely Twin (7) Finale

2009-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Now: Chapter 7 Disruption of a Dream

Next: Chapter 1 The Abduction

Chapter 7 Disruption of a Dream

Darkness surrounded this new world of Dante's; he was within a canvas of black. At the moment, trapped in this puddle of nothingness, his mind was slowly being stripped...of everything. Heedlessly, some light bounced off in the distance and his cage of emptiness took shape. He was surrounded by all sides with a large mass of dark goo, although below him was an endless pit. Above him, in this small world, was a skyless abyss and no more than a gaze away. A cold breeze hit him and his mind slowly lifted up towards this beautiful darkness. A true spectacle was embarking around his body that could not be seen, but only felt. His heart could feel the damp touch of the breeze slowly ripping the warmth from his soul. Higher and higher, Dante continued upwards with the breeze. If he did not react soon, he would be doomed. Short on time, Dante gathered the first thought that came to mind. A horrible feeling hit him and he saw the image of his twin walking off in the distance. He tried to change this thought to something more positive, but he was quickly losing himself. The breeze was growing stronger as he was lifted further up towards the abyss. An aching spike attacked his heart and went throughout his body. Unable to control the sensation, Dante's mind screamed in horror, "Ahhhh!" At first, he tried to use the growing pain as a push to restrain himself, but this made it worse. "What was all this training for?" Dante crudely thought, it was then, when he saw one last image barely shine through the darkness. He saw a vague outline of his twin, slowly fading away. Suddenly, his heart came to a stern halt and his eyes saw a simple white light. The world he was encased in began to dimmish as he withered away. He had barely begun his journey to the abyss and his life would end in a space of empty bliss. Dante's eyelid grew heavy and began to close, but the light grew stronger. Peaks of the light corroded his sight and his eyelids were forced wide open. Dante's heart took to a new tune and he let in a small breath of cool air. Very quickly, the world returned to cage him along with the breeze to constrict and persuade him. Now, the light in his eyes began to expand across his entire body. The breeze returned and tried to finish the job pulling him up and away, but this light resisted. The breeze twisted and pulled, but his mind stayed intact and his heart rose to a tune of calming. Finally, the breeze began to dissolve freeing Dante from the horror above; a place reality could not touch. The light expanded further around Dante and this world quickly began to shatter. His pain slowly dispersed and transformed into a guide for the strong light to rampage through the darkness and set him free. Not much was left untouched by light, but the brightness continued onward and this world of black disappeared. Dante took in a deep breath and closed his eyes to the accepting aura. Moments later, maybe two, he opened his eyes to the incandescent light of the library that grazed his body once more. The dark being had released Dante and he found himself next to a wall only a few feet from his terminal. The being carried itself to his terminal where the whining window of black was still open. Dante noticed the dark figure slowly inch itself back inside the window and disappear. The being was done with him, and Dante laid triumphant and quite shaken. The dark window gave out one more whine and slowly faded away. He looked up to notice the lights come back on in full blast, as if they had returned from a dead stop in time.

"Free, I am..." Dante passed out on the floor.

Dante opened his eyes to the sight of Jasmine looking over him. He was back at home and in his bed, quite startled to this surprise. Jasmine was amused by this moment of panic and wonder exhibited across his face. The questions stirring up in his mind right now might have even equaled hers. "Jasmine, how much, what do you know?" Dante stared at her but looked straight through, burning a hole into the wall. "Enough to follow you one of these days. Relax. I brought you back and you have been out for a while." She looked up and down his body as if expecting some sign of a battle or fatigue. "Thanks, really, thank you" Relief swept Dante ten times over. Jasmine paced around the room a bit and stopped at a window by Dante's feet, "Well?" Jasmine looked out the window, stalling for an answer. "I'll tell you everything. Just take a seat because it is heavy." Dante pushed himself up a bit and opened up to her. It took some time but he told her everything: the abduction, the mysterious man, the training, and the battle in darkness. It was hard to swallow, but for now, she accepted it.

Three days had passed and Jasmine had been coming by religiously for questions as well as to comfort. "So what now? Is it over just because you haven't heard from this entity or whatever?" Jasmine's eyes glazed up. "I don't know, I cannot define what will happen next." Dante, now up and about, was changing his shirt as Jasmine continued to wonder in thought for words of encouragement. Outside, a harsh wind was passing through the bright sky and a windless night was sure to follow. Back inside, Jasmine was brewing a guiding thought, "Remember where we were headed on the night of the abduction?" "Yea, Devil's Peak for that show." They both looked at each other and their chests felt a heavy weight of accomplishment. Almost in unison they both agreed, "Let's go!" No words were spoken on the long windy drive uphill into the forest. The only forest in their town laid on top of the highest hill away from any city. They had arrived at the top with a thin crop of trees dressing the main hillside. On the edge of hill you could see the industrial side of their hometown. It was here- right next to the edge and shadowing a small stretch of trees- Jasmine and Dante came to rest. They both sat down on the dry Earth and a light breeze hit them as the sun slowly began to set. She took in a deep breath, "What now Dante?" "Just be here for me, its all I need." Jasmine rested her head on his lap. She stared off into the distance as he closed his eyes. "I will call for them this once." A minute, two minutes, five minutes, ten minutes passed, and still nothing. Jasmine looked up and watched as his face fidgeted left and right. She grew concerned and did the only thing she could, giving a strong hug full of a heart's content. Dante felt a warm embrace surround him and he calmed down instantly. His body froze and and the image of the mysterious man appeared. A channel was now open and he began the chant he had used once before. "I am you," His mind began to lift up and drift away. "You are me," He drifted further away. "We are one together," Far, far, away he traveled. "The Creator is good," Dante felt a strange sensation around him, but kept his eyes closed. A cool warmth was surrounding him, but he could no longer feel his body, only sense it. He opened his eyes to a room of darkness except for three bright orbs of light focused around him. He saw the great fiery eyed mysterious man standing in the first orb. In the second orb he saw the giant feminine being with her purplish skin and engrossing smile. Finally, he saw the man who was nothing more than a mask that spun around in fire and a shady robe in the third orb. The fiery eyed man spoke, "We have waited for you Dante. Do you understand what has brought you here?" Dante rose up and shouted at the top of his lungs for all to hear, "Rhea." Fire burst from the mysterious mans eyes, "Do you know why?" Dante hesitated for only a moment,

"I am her and she is me. We are one together. She is no longer here, and yet she is with me. The Creator, the good, has tested my will. I was never alone and yet I am. This is my test"

The mysterious man smiled and he beckoned to a fourth orb behind Dante. He turned around and fell to the ground along with tears heavier than life itself. A woman in a full black attire stood before him. She walked over and placed her hand on Dante's face to wipe his tears. Dante began to shake slightly as an unexplainable sensation was causing his eyes to burn and his mind to blur. She smiled at his uneasiness and carried herself past him. She motioned herself in front of the mysterious man. "Do you understand what happens next?" The mysterious man's smile turned into a serious pause of excitement. Dante rose once more and turned to the direction of the four orbs. "No and I don't care. I know I will be ready for what comes next." The lights from each of these entity's slowly began to fade and a strong light shined on Dante. He pictured his twin once more and the light engulfed his mind, body, and heart. His soul slowly rose from within him and his destination was marked. A beautiful sky was shining up above and a guiding light was aiming to a specific sight in mind. Dante let out a simple smile as his soul carried him away to the unknown. It was in this moment of beauty, that the light slowly began to unravel.

Now: Chapter 7 Disruption of a Dream

Next: Chapter 1 Change The Abduction

Dante the Lonely Twin (6)

2009-12-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

Now: Chapter 6 Change Comes with A Choice

Next: Chapter 7 Disruption of a Dream

Chapter 6 Change Comes with A Choice

The next day Dante was scrolling through the library for any material of interest. Although, he found himself constantly reading only the books aged like a fine wine. Environmental studies across the globe were of particular value, over everything else. The changes the environment went through had a pattern and it almost always related to time. Time, something Dante seemed to get lost in these days. His mind was becoming a complex maze of time that slowly winded down and around like a crazy meadow kids seem to be fond of. Rather, nothing was connecting in his mind like a terribly difficult and intriguing puzzle. For now, he could accept anything as a sign or twist of fate; even if it meant a moments bliss.

Finally, Dante arrived at his terminal and awaited for the window to appear again. Yet, nothing appeared and nothing happened. The lights dimmed and all around him people were moving about checking their emails as they quietly read about the latest gossip. Dante's mind was cluttered from the massive energy of thought that surrounded him and no doubt stressed in his current situation. In an attempt to concentrate he closed his eyes as his mind opened. Everything slowly drifted further away as he went deeper inside himself. He could hear the voice of the mysterious man calling him, and it felt like a warning. "Dante, Dan-te, a choice must be..." the mysterious man's voice vanished. Dante opened his eyes and noticed the power to his terminal was gone. In fact, like a bulb had blown out, the light all-around him was fairly dimmer than normal. He looked up and the lights were fine, but something was different. Something had changed as he looked around; but like always, nobody seemed to notice. "What's going on, a choice must be what?" Dante said abruptly.

Suddenly, in front of the computer screen, a warped window appeared with a wrangling sound of an electrical misfire. "What the," Dante said towards the activity which gave his heart an alarming beat. As his eyes slowly pulled into the fascination before him a completely thin and black window appeared. He looked into this new window, which was opposite from his usual electrically clean and clear one. The window was so purely black he could see his very own reflection mutter an unknown expression. Dante peered in for a closer look and then the window began to ripple... something was slowly oozing out. He fell back as a strange dark shaded blob of a thin two-dimensional and very simplistic geometric shape popped out. This thing waved and flapped around like a new body getting use to the world. This blob had a creamy dark texture, similar to the window, and as it grew into full form seven feet of glory was to behold. The blob slithered out of the window and glared at the only thing of interest while a white strip appeared like a flat half crescent symbol straight on its now oval shaped body. Dante was laying directly in front of this beings presence which had now fully matured to its surroundings. He stood up firmly and faced this being with a calm grin, "What are you? What, what do you want? Do you have a test for me? Wait... this is the test!" Dante thought to himself for a moment, but he was ready for the challenge. He calmed his thoughts and said the first thing that came to mind, "Hey you! Give it to me, whatever the challenge is, lets do this! Hello stupid?" Dante shouted. Not the smartest collection of statements, but he needed to get the dark figure's attention.

As if taken in by his aura, the being leaned in and went no more than a breath's distance away from Dante. Rest assured, his eyes quickly felt the full enclosure of the beings gaze. A cold chill rose up his spine as the being extended and wriggled behind Dante with enough stride and distance to be his reflection. "Shit." Dante felt a hot flash go through his mind. He new danger was imminent and quickly turned his body just as the being smashed into his feet. Like a tree taking the full impact of a strong wind, Dante was being absorbed, by a cool metallic liquid no less. With only his head left untouched, as the river of darkness consumed him, time slowed down for an instant. Dante took one look up and closed his eyes in acceptance. Only a moments notice before everything went black he took two deep breaths. As day becomes night, not even a speck of light remained in the dark puddle that had pulled and encased him.

Now: Chapter 6 Change Comes with A Choice
Next: Chapter 7 Disruption of a Dream

Dante the Lonely Twin (5)

2009-11-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

Now: Chapter 5 A Passage of Acceptance

Next: Chapter 6 Change Comes with A Choice

Chapter 5 A Passage of Acceptance

For a little bit, life went back to normal for Dante. He had not received another call from them, but it was just a matter of time. His life was a simple cycle, in-which he kept mostly to himself. At night, he took care at his folks place and quickly carried himself back into his room to meditate. A calming method his father had taught him long ago. He did not dare speak to his parents or anyone for that matter about prior events. Keeping the big burden to himself was not too much of a hassle. For sport, he would have a morning jog before going to his classes everyday. Dante, although he didn't look the type, was a college student for one of the local abstract universities. Not focusing on much, he took any kind of class that didn't get too much in the way of his life. Mainly, philosophy and communication studies, not to say they were not challenging. During the process of coming and going he tended to stare into absolute nothingness for solitude. In class, a professor's lecture became an ambient chant. At home, he would lay in his bed while watching the life outside of his small window carry on. Outside, children are laughing, teasing, and playing. At certain times he would even digress into an immature carefree nature. Anything to prolong the concerns contained deep within him. It would appear as if everything in his life was acceptable, as though he accepted his passage in life, for now.

But it was just a matter of time. He would receive another call...from them.

"The preparations have already been arranged. Go now.” The voice spoke at last. Dante awoke from a slight morning dream. "I guess...I guess it makes sense." Dante said as he got out of bed. An image was already placed in his thoughts and he had a location clear in his mind.

---

Just a few cities outside of his, he arrived in a strange old town full of a chilly Autumn weather. "This is the place." Dante said as he hopped off the local train which carries through a dozen cities near him. Where he arrived was a whole new world. A complete contrast to the fast city life he was surrounded in most of the time. It was cold and he carried himself forward as he hugged the heavy jacket on his back. Straight ahead was his destination and something was starting to feel familiar about this place. There was no snow but the place had odd similarties to his dream. His destination was the large aged building in front of him. An old library, which lit up in Dante's eyes. "The old building from my dream, Rhea... What is the connection?” Dante sighed as he continued his trek. Just as it was when he first met the mysterious three, this place was full of all the kinds of weary eyed drifters. All around him he noticed men, women, and children full of little life. The kinds of looks they gave itched a chill onto his very soul; but he had to ignore all this. He had a mission, a destiny to fulfill. So, Dante continued onward ignoring everything and everyone else as the future presented itself before him. He noticed the entrance immediately, but was distracted by a long line to his right. A lady from the line caught his attention for a brief moment. She had curly hair and a jagged like figure tall enough for a model from a retirement home of hunchebacks. Just then, a fight broke out behind him and the lady came near to watch the fight. Dante moved back and away from the scene. The lady looked to her left for a second glance, but he was gone. “Where to go,” Dante thought to himself inside the library. He shuffled about and continued to where his heart skipped a beat, where he felt he should go by instinct. "Was this part of the training?" He thought and he walked around for a feeling or sensation from his body. He was being guided about these days. On the second floor, he noticed a computer terminal uninhabited and it lit up for him, in his head at least. He went straight to it.

...

For almost three months Dante had been coming to this library and sitting at the same empty terminal. Each day he would find the time to spend an hour or two for a special window to pop up and continue his out-of-body training. What exactly he went through was hard to pinpoint, although, it was identical to his experience at home. One thing was clear, no one else noticed what was going on, maybe he was crazy. Dante logged off to end another night. Lately he had been juggling an exhausting schedule between school and training. Nearly half of a day was now spent to what could possibly be the most important thing in his life.
"Weird, I feel, weird." Dante wandered in his thoughts as he exited the library. He noticed an argument going on over by the food line across the street from him. For some reason he could hear the people talking clearly from the distance he was at and could feel something about to erupt. Dante rushed over. "Hey everyone keep your cool while we get the food out." One of the men serving the food said. "We're all cranky, but nothing is going to make this go faster, you hear?" A lady near the front of the line said. Two men who were arguing minuscule words, earlier, now erupted into shouting threats and began to throw fists. Dante looked on eagerly but felt nothing of interest in the fight, not even worth stopping. Suddenly a bright sensation, a hot sensation, came about in his head and he turned around. An oddly bearded man walked by him slowly and collapsed. No one else seemed to care too much about it. "Crap, you OK buddy?" The man did not respond to Dante's call, he just laid there motionless. Dante went over to him and put two fingers on his temples. He began to chant to himself and the man woke up. People from the line began to notice. "Hey what are you doing. Just go leave em alone," A lady shouted. "He fell!" Dante yelled back, but he knew he was only making things worse. The man ignored him and continued on. Dante stared blankly at the ground and walked away. "What have I done?"

Back at home, Dante tried to get as much rest as he could, but found it harder to sleep. His body was full of more energy than he ever had before. He felt like running at one o'clock in the morning. His mind was full of thoughts, but just as quickly he could cancel it all out and focus on nothing. He let out a big warm smile and turned the light off. He looked into the mirror and hardly noticed the reflection of himself. On the outside, aside from his smile, he was just so average. Everything in his life was practically normal, but inside, he felt like so much more.

Now: Chapter 5 A Passage of Acceptance

Next: Chapter 6 Change Comes with A Choice

Dante the Lonely Twin (4)

2009-11-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

Now: Chapter 4 An Ice Cold Sight

Next: Chapter 5 A Passage of Acceptance

Chapter 4 An Ice Cold Sight

Dante appeared on a cloudy day. Just as a slight breeze from the East went right past the icy coldness of his world. He was standing before a field of slick blue ice. What lay ahead, beyond the blizzard, was his destination; an old building where his training was to be next. He started off so typically, like any human being, with one foot after the other. He brought his hands up to his mouth every few feet or so to blow out warm air from his lungs. Nothing could soothe the bitterness that was cold surrounding Dante. His lack of attire, mismatched pajamas, was not fitting for this moment. As he continued onward, something was out of place. To his left, just barely a few inches from him, an ice sculpture appeared to be glaring him down. A beautiful woman carved in stone from a very ancient time. He gave the lady in ice one quick look and then continued towards the wind. The glare from the lady quickly turned into a crazed smile full of gritty teeth. She moved directly behind Dante and a brief tap was felt on his shoulder. He was struck but barely touched, more importantly he was dazzled from what hit him. He turned around to gaze into her ice cold sight, but she was gone. He moved about slowly, a sick undertone curled in the very pit of his stomach. Almost like an internal blizzard he turned into ice, although, the process was slow. First, the ice turned his gut into the cold, but he could still move. Dante paced forward to resist the change, but it was too late. Finally, the ice rushed from his feet upward, the process was near over. As his feet stuck to the ground, his body blended in with the cloudy day. With one final ounce of warmth he gave out a tremendous scream; the sound of a lion's roar was not far from the truth.

He hit his bed with a thunderous crack. He had awaken from a terrible dream. Sweat was spread throughout his body for all of the morning to see. Dante spoke upwards into the nothingness, "Rhea, my twin. Why dream about her. What does, whats does it mean." He spoke a faint name almost never uttered in good company. His sister, who at a time was to be born with him.

Rhea and Dante. The twins born from love, except this was not to be. Dante had never seen his unborn twin before, but felt that if she were alive and of course, his opposite, he would recognize her like snow on mud.

"If she is alive, I will find her. They will call soon. They must." In his mismatched pajamas, Dante carried himself past his bathroom and his reflection glared at him like always. He continued his strut outside, giving the mirror's reflection no more than a second glance.

Now: Chapter 4 An Ice Cold Sight

Next: Chapter 5 A Passage of Acceptance

Dante the Lonely Twin (3)

2009-10-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Now: Chapter 3 The Next Day

Next: Chapter 4 An Ice Cold Sight

Chapter 3 The Next Day

A few flashes from the night before went through Dante's head as he awoke in an intense sweat. The bubble that he lived in was no longer transparent and only a bitter taste was remnant of a forgotten bliss. He had overslept a forbidden slumber, with just enough thoughts to slip in. Dante whispered four words into the empty morning, "Where have I been?" So many questions were being pumped through his head, it was about time to plea insanity. So there he was, awake and safe at home, after another journey to the unknown.

What was next?
What did it all mean?

He was about to find out very soon. His head pulsated like a heartbeat at the very end of salvation. He started massaging his temples and tried to ease-up, but like the beating of a drum, his brain just increased in cringe-worthy momentum. His head was heavy and he could barely move or think, but he had to try. In the bathroom he splashed some water on his face and as he looked up his reflection glared at him. Next, he looked in the cabinet for some medicine, anything; but found none. He just stared at his reflection taunt him further. Some how he was being pitied and by himself no less. He went over to his computer and sat down. He was going to try and do some investigating or at least some writing while he could remember everything. Before he could even turn his computer on, a calming emotion sparked throughout his body. He felt the very same energy from before and pictured the unknown man speaking to him. His headache was growing and thoughts began to translate themselves like words scribed onto stone. "Your training will commence. You have been chosen. This is your path...Your headaches will only get worse without proper training of the power that has been awaken. Do not fear us, all will be right...You will begin at once." Just like that, the voice and the commanding power that it echoed was gone. In its place, what looked like a virtual 3D window appeared right in front of his computer monitor. What could only be described as a digital display materialized that had no visible power or connection. Dante's mouth opened wide and his eyes glazed. He was being taken away from the physical so his mind and spirit could accept the knowledge being brought to him through this new experience.

"Knock, knock." Dante's father always knocked first before walking into his room. A habit he had kept up to respect the space a growing adult may need. Dante was in a fixed trance, but almost automatically the window of enlightenment, the connection, was severed. Dante was now fully focused on his father, "dad you will not believe it, I have something great, amazing, magnificent. I have to tell you something." But his father was not listening. He had stopped moving and his eyes had taken on a glow like a light was being shined upon them. Suddenly all the power to his house went out and Dante was in darkness. His father, in some kind of funk, walked out of the room quietly. Dante could hear and feel the sensation of the unknown man in his thoughts. He was upset at Dante for almost divulging the secrets that were apparently not meant to be shared. Dante hurried to his knees and looked up. He opened his arms wide for an apologetic stance, "Oh please, I'm sorry, I am so sorry. Please don't be mad, please don't go. He is my father. It felt natural. This will not happen again, please! Please...I am sorry." One he finished his ritualistic apology the power came back on and his father came back through the door, this time not knocking. "Hey, you are a weird one, praying? I just came to see how the event went. Anything good?" His father did not seem off a beat from the prior transactions that had occurred, his memory had started anew. "Dad... it was alright, can we talk later? I am kind of in the middle of a something." "No problem, peace." His father walked off quickly and Dante sat back down in his chair giving off a great and appreciated breath of anxiety.

So this is how it was for a few days. Dante would continue his normal routine of saving face with his family and then immediately retire into his room where an energetic window would appear in front of his monitor and he would drift off into training. Another distraction was not far away.

Another day down and the window had just begun to fade. Dante's mind was coming back full of thoughts and hope. He still did not know what he was learning or even seeing. Yet his heart was beating a new tune and his headaches, gone from existence. Was a power really inside of him and was it growing and being trained? Everything happened in some kind of subconscious level of intrigue he did not yet understand. He looked slightly to his right and heard his phone go off. It was Jasmine and she was right outside, waiting for him. He still had not talked to her since the day he left her in the city. Actually, he had not talked to many people lately. He stayed secluded in his home disconnected from the outside world and the majority of his responsibilities were an invisible mystery. It was too late to delay her and she walked right in.

Dante turned his chair to the door and she glided in unaware of any prepared speech or friendly excuses, except for an emotional explosion. Jasmine looked at Dante briefly and then carried herself to his bed. She laid down into a comfortable position focused on a dead spot on his wall before taking a deep breath of anticipation. "Dante, I think you owe me some sort of explanation. We have been off and on and I am not sure what I or you even did. Talk to me." Dante rolled his chair over to her and was unsure of what to say. He felt vulnerable and his heart crushed. She was his woman and he her man. But something unexplainable was going on and he did not want to mess anything up. He was already in a mess, but owed her something. So like any man in love he let his heart do the talking, like any idiot. "Jasmine I owe you an explanation, because, I just do."

Dante looked at her and felt an emptiness pry at his heart. He knew he had never truly loved or even taken the responsibility to care for another outside of his family. It hurt to be so inexperienced and he just wanted to have at least one breath shared with another, one feeling. He did not want to become so cold, especially to his friend and companion. "Listen I will tell you everything. Do you remember the evening before, last?" Just then the power went off in his house and he already knew what was going on before feeling the disappointment from the unknown man. He had messed up again, but what could he do? He was in love, or at least he wanted to be at least once. "Well that is just great." Dante sighed and did not want to beg this time, he messed up, but with good reason. "Power problems in your place Dante?"

Just then the power went back on but the feelings and emotions from the unknown man were gone. He knew he had messed up and needed time to think. "Jasmine I'm sorry, can we talk later. I promise I will explain myself when I can." Jasmine got up and walked over to Dante. She stared right into his dazzled and concerned eyes. She pushed herself into his face and gave him a soft kiss and a tight hug. She whispered into his ear, "That is all I ask." She got up and let herself out. Dante spun around in his chair and noticed his reflection in the mirror taunting him again. He rolled his eyes and turned off the light. What better than to sleep on it. If he really messed up he would need a clear head to think about what his next steps would be with his life and when the mystery of the unknown might call.

Now: Chapter 3 The Next Day

Next: Chapter 4 An Ice Cold Sight

Dante the Lonely Twin (2)

2009-10-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Now: Chapter 2 A Voice in the Head

Next: Chapter 3 The Next Day

Chapter 2 A Voice in the Head

A few flashes from the night went through Dante's head as his loud scream from before now forced him awake. He was in his bed and perfectly fine. He had overslept as he noticed the clock past 3pm. He checked his phone and was late for a date with Jasmine, he rushed himself to the bathroom.

Jasmine was very calm and nonchalant- as she walked block-by-block in the city with Dante -in a desperate search for trendy goods. He was otherwise elsewhere and very suspicious having her so casual and unaware. He really wanted to open up and talk, but not like this; it was hard to communicate his concerns with her. He was fully aware of the prior events and confused by her ignorance. On the other hand, her blissfulness was quite amusing as she carried on to another window full of pricey apparels. Jasmine fluttered about with her eyes, "Doesn't this look good Dante?" Yet again, he was unfocused to her words and instead fully aware of all other surroundings. He knew it was rude but his head spanned a lineage of questions. Inside his head was a puzzle and with millions of unsorted pieces. In fact, each piece was just a beaten down question spun and postponed for a more convenient date.

Jasmine stopped in-front of a bench and an elderly women just happened to pass by and take a seat. Dante opened his mouth, but no words seemed to form. He just glanced at the old lady sitting next to Jasmine and she glanced along with him. "You seem a little odd today. Let's go back if you're sick." Dante calmed the puzzle that was his brain and opened his mouth, "It's not that...it's simply nothing." From the distance the sun was the highest it would be for the remainder of the day as it gave out a tinted aurora of orange and jasmine yellow. The two continued making rounds down the busy market street of the puzzling city. They walked a little further and had come to an empty corner. Jasmine took a second to figure out the next destination. Dante stared off into the distance and felt a sensation coming from the building across from them. An unheard voice spoke to him and he could feel it, a push, all the way to the very inch of his soul. A thought, most likely mistranslated, popped into his head, "Find us. Find us here, we are waiting." Dante's heart began racing faster and faster. His attention was now focused squarely on what his next actions would be. "Jasmine humor me for a second, let's try and check out that place over there." Dante walked straight ahead and grabbed her arm as he went. He knew exactly where he was headed and his emotions grew stronger as much as his legs could stretch and stride allowing a quicker pace. Jasmine's eyes opened up and she gave a short smile, "I guess you're awake now."

What lay before them was a giant building and stuffed into the corner of the trashy end of the market street; naturally a few blocks from the business district. Several strong and ancient looking pillars held the outward part of the front entrance. These pillars bared no immediate value except the aesthetics of a long lost history. A few miscreants and drifters huddled underneath the entrance of this place. They tended to lean against the walls and pillars for shelter. These abandoned people looked dead, and yet, somewhat full of a small erratic spark through their watery eyes. Dante and Jasmine came upon the stubble marble of the entrance way as they walked past the beggars and carried on into the building dead into its center. Inside, right at the heart, books covered every distance imaginable. Books were scattered all about as occupied people huddled around specific odds and ends. They appeared to be in a library, but also some kind of hybrid convenience store for the select few. Jasmine found something interesting to read on the second floor as Dante concentrated harder and started looking around for the voice to make an appearance. As he looked everywhere, running about, nothing was gained and only time lost. He was beginning to lose himself as his pace waned, but he was not tired, only stressed as he continued his search. He gave another look up to his girl and decided to slip out for some air and reevaluate his situation.

Outside, a disillusioned Dante leaned up against one of the large beams not inhabited by anyone. He took in a cool breath of fresh air and closed his eyes. The first thought that came to mind was his father who taught him a few techniques for communication with and without the use of ones tongue. Dante began silently chanting to ease his mind. The very words uttered was of a phrase his father had spoken on more than one occasion as a calming technique; some kind of internal peace.

"I am you and you are me. We are one together. The creator is good."

He slowly calmed himself as he repeated this chant. His heartbeat eased down a level or two and his mind opened up. "They want me to find them. Wouldn't they be somewhere...maybe," Dante stopped all thought, and a light had immediately lit in his mind. He opened his eyes and looked to his far right. He noticed a dirty sidewalk and a handful of homeless people scattered around. Past a pillar with a group of people he noticed a man against the wall of the building he was just inside. He gazed deeper. This man, giant like, had an odd way about him. His aura was that of a familiar appearance and mood. Dante headed towards this man, his calling. In the most casual way he could, Dante, slipped to this man's side. The unknown giant was in some kind of trance, but at first glance Dante noticed his white rags and small staff. The man opened his eyes and Dante looked right up at him. Dante noticed a woman to his right. This was another giant like person and she had purplish dark skin with darkish vine-like hair. She gave a smile as she peered at Dante, but his focus shifted back to this mysterious man. For a split second, Dante felt a great sensation in his lungs and than he took in a deep breath. A mere glance from this man was causing Dante breathing troubles. He relaxed a bit more as his arms seemed to slightly rise up. His eyes locked on and his mouth shifted to a slight smile. The man got up and swiftly moved with the wind. Dante was pulled along with this man's current and like a feather attached to a bird, he was swiftly carried off. The woman followed in close third. His world was beginning to break up as they moved at a high speed. He gave one more look around and noticed another giant, covered in a rag like robe, next to a pillar who opened his arms wide to Dante. Now, with the robe open, his whole body could be seen as a large stone like head with flames which spun in circles like a greeting. Dante had vanished into thin air, with the three mysterious people along with him.

Jasmine put her hand against the glass back inside the building. She was looking directly down to where Dante was. She had an empty expression but her hand quickly turned into a strong fist of an unread emotion. Her fist opened up and her face gained a swift stream of life.

Now: Chapter 2 A Voice in the Head

Next: Chapter 3 The Next Day

Dante the Lonely Twin (1)

2009-10-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

Now: Chapter 1 Abduction

Next: Chapter 2 A Voice in the Head

Dante the Lonely Twin

Chapter One: Abduction

At the time of conception a couple who with the purest intentions decided to bring into this world a boy full of the most potential. The husband with all desire had grasped this idea when he had a dream of his child in front of a magnificent sun. He envisioned his unborn boy in the center feeding off and giving out an amazing energy unlike any other. Sure enough, a baby was born from this couple and as a twin. He had stumbled upon a dry bitter world. Between a glamorous Heaven and a relentless Hell, all deeds of misfortune are done. Here the very people thriving bask in the comforts of the past, while accepting the future of their blank deeds as the present. There would be constant challenges after the next for this newborn arriving on the third rock from the sun.

The part of this boy's life that is most interesting started so typically one cold winter night. He had become a young man and was off onto a blind venture of his own. As a twin, he was never alone and as he drifted off further into the deep a faithful companion accompanied him. In a sense, his friend was there to abide his loneliness for as much as she could. Lonely or even troubled as he was during times; his calling was upon him. A chain of events was already in fruition.

Sometime in the near future...

"JASMINE!" Dante relentlessly yelled through the cool night. Again he yelled, "Jasmine!" This time his head was fully out the window of their car. "Dante, Dante, Dante! Jasmine shouted back as she drove the clunky car forward through the night. "Honestly you're too formal at times. This show will be all right. Don't expect much." She boldly spoke as she weighed her foot down on the gas pedal some more. Dante sighed, "All I wanted to say was, were late. Don't assume you know me so well." "B-F-F, remember?" Jasmine was half focused on the road and all other attention on Dante. "Or maybe just B-F," Dante said under his breath. "You're being smart again," Jasmine said as she focused on the road ahead. Dante turned the radio up and heard an announcement about their destination:

Radio Announcer:
"Hello-hello my beautiful stargazers! Tonight the Evolution Spectacular will be dragging in all kinds of children of the skies alike!!! I can not tell you how excited people are for this rare occasion with over 3,000 attendees! There will be more than a few surprises and special guests on the way and dare I say something of an unknown origin, UFO? I didn't say that, did I? Just stay tuned for those listening, but I highly suggest you to attend. This is going to be a show you..."

Jasmine turned off the radio in annoyance to the announcer's excitement. Again, Dante stuck his head out the car window and began to look up in the small hopes of seeing something wicked.
Jasmine sighed a bit, "I don't see why people push for those kinds of things. I just know something uncontrollably bad and life changing would occur if a real, you-know-what, just flew in and messed with someone's world." The two had been driving for over an hour now and with the full moon above them lighting the path. A show high-up in the hilly forest was the prime destination for these two stargazers. Far away from the cluttered world of their city was a whole new home, although, none of these details mattered.
Now, past the moonlight, a clear blue sky full of sparkling stars was a glimmer of hope. Back in the car, Dante quietly made slow advances to his partners shoulder as he hesitatingly tried to grasp her attention. Suddenly, a rising sound with a whiny undertone, kicked in high gear like a metal bowl falling down a staircase. "You hear that Dante?" Jasmine said. Startled, Dante replied "What? Well...yes, actually." A sudden flash of light surrounded their car and they were slowly lifted up. The two tried to scream and react with fear but all their movements were delayed. A pulsating light had continued to consume their car and quite quickly the opposite took place. When this light disappeared what remained was darkness and the moon.

Dante opened his eyes very slowly as he awoke in the backseat. He looked forward and saw Jasmine asleep on the wheel. He tried to move around, but instead was struck with a hot flash attacking the very core of his mind. In the distance, he could see a group of small orange and reddish beings who appeared as a kind of mutated humanoid. Their similarities were that of an unborn baby. Dante forced a scream but no sound was heard. He was in a strange room with pulsating walls and his vision was blurry.
Moments to soon for his reaction one of these beings came up to his car and almost floated in. Dante tried to force himself away, but his mind had another hot flash, this one made his head pulsate in an uproar and his body shiver. Dante, still unable to move and let alone barely stay conscious witnessed this being lean in even closer now to observe him. Slowly, more of them surrounded the car and for some reason Dante started to calm down somewhat.
Abnormal as this occurrence was, Dante had always hoped for an unusual event like this to happen, and his heart was pumping blood full of adrenaline. Next, he noticed the being in-front of him extend a small soft hand that glowed a slight shade of orange and pink. The hand faced Dante vertically by a mere inch, and it was frozen in time. As if awaiting approval, Dante did not hesitate and extended his hand back. For a brief moment, the two touched and the little humanoid stared directly into Dante's eyes. For a split second, there was no question of doubt, everything was as fine as a rainy day. A moment later Dante began to shake in a seizure like motion and collapsed in the car. He had blacked out into the unknown as the beings that surrounded him kept up in a very slow pace.

Now: Chapter 1 Abduction

Next: Chapter 2 A Voice in the Head

What is a Game Master?

2009-08-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

So what is a Game Master?
This is a question that happens to pop up during dinner conversations and when I am just hanging with some new people. In fact, every time my (very wise and annoying) brother comes home with his model wife and degree from Stanford etched onto his chiseled chest, he asks me "What is it you do again?" A good question that I can easily explain to him but it never gets through. I even find other workers in the tech field just a bit confused when explaining the logistics of this career and they turn away.
In my opinion, it does not take a gamer or the current trendy young generation to understand what a Game Master is or does. Simply put, there is a clear and proper way to define a Game Master (GM). But first a history lesson:

Game Masters have been around since the early days of Dungeon and Dragons, go 80s. Go back further to when a person (neutral to both sides) determined the game and the rules while monitoring everything for a sport of death (gladiators?). Those people were the GM ancestors and I use that acronym lightly. What we are today is constantly evolving because of our core values and focus. Naturally, I must mention what GMs do right now. We work on MMORPGs (usually) by supporting them one day at a time. I am not going to name any games.
If you need a source then here: Wiki on Game Masters. All research aside, a GM is typically a Customer Service Representative (CSR) who supports and moderates video games (usually online ones).

Promotion, Moderation, and Service

This is what a Game Master is all about (Do you hate this picture? So do I) and when done right is crazy fun and stressing. Similar to what some people go through, right? Wrong, calm down. Basically, this PMS is what I call the effective and hectic life of a GM. Better yet, our world revolves around these three key areas to be exact:

Game Moderation
- Enforce the Game Rules (Terms of Service).
- Hold & Create events.
- Resolve player issues and communicate with them (they are the life force).
- Test out bugs, patches, updates.

Marketing
- Manage & create promotions or advertisements.
- Review & research game statistics and industry news.
- Test & Play with ideas for the present and future.

Customer Service
- Respond and resolve customer inquiries (via phone, fax, email, forum, or text).
- Clean and maintain all areas of the game that you can (Forum, Fan sites, Chat rooms, Sub Servers).
- Send out gifts and rewards to players in a timely manner.

You combine all these for the power of the GM, the Game Master. Do I smell another acronym, GMC? Maybe. Anyways, a God we hardly are, but power we do have. Game Masters are the voice of the game and represent the company. The players either hate you or love you, but one thing is for sure; they need you. We must not simply excel in all the areas mentioned above but also involve ourselves in self-development and community management. You must be self aware of your behavior and actions towards the players and how you manage the community with your work. Everything done by a GM may appear miniscule, but adds to the piece of the puzzle.

Most customers think being a Game Master is all fun and Godly (OMG, they get paid?). Most outsiders hardly know we exist (My Dad, /cry). And most close to us doubt our job and probably struggle even more to understand us. Who cares. This is our job and it is very real and always evolving. Really, a GM is so much more to me than a job. Yet it is best to find a comfort zone. Excel in this virtual world well as you appease the players and the company. We are all in the great digital circle of life. But try telling that to your friends.

Sincerely,

-Anonymous Afro

This is my Phobia

2009-07-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Neighbors,

I come to you with pressing news of a buggy nature, or dare I say, arachnid. A week ago I was talking with a friend outside of my complex, which is just a few clicks (Military talk!) from the pool and stairs, when we both saw something that caught our eyes. What we saw was a Black Widow. Now I did not personally see the Redback mark, but let me assure everyone that this was not the Australian False Widow.

Moving on, when we saw the spider it paid little attention to us while moving from the bushes past our feet to under the stairs. I, being a bit of an Arachnophobic, was barely able to move let alone try and stop it or even watch it for too long (I assumed the worst). Fear not! After two weeks of ‘Wikipedia’ research and some 3,000 or so Push-ups I came back to the danger zone ready to study the beast and possibly overcome my emotions. Now to be honest, I did not find the Monster, instead I found its White Widow male lover. In summary, my findings have shown that there is indeed a male creature that is a virgin. I know the male is a virgin because the females eat their lovers after pregnancy is confirmed (Black Widow pregnancy test?). Finally, the two exiles live underneath the stairs near my building in a creepy web as they wait for something. Remarkably, with my cunning wit, I have concluded that this Succubus is gathering up enough food to survive and then will immediately kill her partner after the lovemaking. Do not believe that this is a magical thing, although I think anyone should lose his or her virginity, even if it means dying. I think we must somehow stop this love session before more Black Widows spawn throughout our peaceful village. Personally, I am not taking any action (I can't), because of my curse. This is just an alert for everyone to keep their kids, pets, and make themselves aware that a virgin spider will be dying in the near future which means (Probably) more Succubus Beasts to freely roam around and taunt males. Plus they do have a poisonous bite; so watch out for that. Maybe females are immune to it? I will do some more research (This is the key).

Lastly, be safe and do not go on a spider killing rampage, we have to live with them just as much as they have to live with their barbaric rituals.

Sincerely,

-Anonymous Afro

Just to be clear...

2009-07-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

To the editor,

I was so excited the first day I started up Ninthlobby.com even wording it Ninth Lobby and all. I disappoint myself by failing to post something every week and even missing the make-up posting the following week, so clearly explained in my pledge.

Enough of that, henceforth I am changing the format of my website and will be posting new fresh content in a timely manner. Now this could mean a lot, a little, or nothing every week, but it is all intentional, a facade!

- Thank You and God Bless America

Boxing Boy The Script: The Movie: The Story (4)

2009-06-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Boxing Boy's Training with the Mysterious, Paper Cup Man
(The Final Chapter)

The next day we had arrived at the beach. The sand was cold and desolate. A familiar tone was about the horizon stretching as far a back as the eye could see. What was I doing here? This was a tough question with a simple answer. The Water Boy and me were at the beach watching a bum sleep in the sand.

Here he is, Water Boy said.
Him? I replied.

Just great. Why did I follow this guy here? My supposed trainer, Paper Cup man, was the first bum we had come across on this beach. I ventured for a meet and greet; although, what more did I have to lose. Right? Paper Cup Man lay there as a shell of a man. I was not sure he would even notice us at first so I stared right into his watery iconic eyes full of scorning and a wretched past; something awfully retched.

Paper Cup Man, hello. I am, Boxing Boy.

He stared at me with one quick glance obviously noticing my red boxing glove hands and went out to shake mine. I was surprised, startled if you will, to realize he had no hands at all but instead a paper cup on each hand. I wonder what his story was.

Why am I not surprised? So this is why Water Boy calls you Paper Cup Man. All of us now, don’t we just make the perfect team?

Gloves, Water Bottles, and now Paper Cups. I whispered.

Yea! Water Boy Shouted.

Knowing the young lad could not sense my humor I carried on without any more jokes. Paper Cup Man was very straightforward. He saw my potential almost immediately and we were off for a little demonstration of my strength, to prove I was trainable, and then my training would begin.

This is very simple. Paper Cup Man said.
If you can hit me, then I train you.

We began immediately and it was hard to believe that this once shady looking bum had the moves of a champ. I charged at him head-on and he disappeared before my eyes. He came back for the rebound and I just barely dodged it.

Come on boy, come on you freak! He shouted.

That was all it took, I know he was just trying to get me wound-up, and it worked. My eyes turned a glow of passionate red and white. My speed increased and with all my might the fight was on, again. I went in with my left and he moved below. I twisted right with my whole body for the counter and he went above. No matter where I went he was prepared. Finally, I took a gamble and closed my eyes and signaled for him to come to me. I could hear his footsteps pacing closer and closer. Then I heard nothing. I had a feeling he was elegantly in the air before every move. I was guessing of course, but it was either the air or he disappeared entirely, which I doubt. I just took a huge chance and threw my fists into the air with a fiery rage full of fury and shit. When I opened my eyes I saw a shocked Paper Cup Man on the ground full of wonder.

Yes, I can train you. Now Water Boy, start the tape! Paper Cup Man shouted.

Out of nowhere, I see Water Boy come from behind a tree and presse play on a boom box. Suddenly a classic jam with an almost hipster eccentric beat begins. In a montage, that would make the cocaine editors of Bollywood soap dramas jealous, Water Boy, Paper Cup Man, and me were jumping from place to place trying out new techniques and challenges to increase my skill and my rage.

Good Boxing Boy, very good, but you can do better. Paper Cup Man shouted as the montage came to a close.

In the only way we could possibly think to finish the montage, I ran up the legendary steps of some old library and at the top Paper Cup Man shouted for me as Water Boy jazzed water… everywhere.
---

I was in the locker room and I could hear the noises of a crowd outside. This was it, my final shining moment to end this long day.

Just relax Boxing Boy and remember your training. Paper Cup man said.

Paper Cup Man, you’re leaving, aren’t you? I coughed out.

I have somewhere I must be. Paper Cup Man said.

Suddenly the lights caved and all went black. When the lights returned it was only Water Boy and I.

Now that was weird. Well it’s time Boxing Boy. Water Boy said.

All that is precious and sweet could not stop me, this was a moment frozen in time. I was pumped and ready to take the prize as I fought in my first boxing match and won the girl of my dreams. I was doomed for sure, but like Hell if I wouldn’t try.

THE END

Boxing Boy The Script: The Movie: The Story (3)

2009-06-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Girl, The Match, & The Water Boy, 3

I saw her from across the street.

“My Destiny”

This is all I could say at such a moment frozen in time. I had barely run more than a few miles and seen a dozen or so girls of beauty pass my glance.

“But this one.”

This one was different. I was full of courage to meet her and my agenda had completely changed due to this simple glance. Was it chance or fate? Maybe neither. I delayed no more and raced across the street to greet. I noticed her focus on a brick wall full of illegitimate advertisements and spam. I went in for the kill.

“You don’t want anything here. It’s full of trouble.”
“Ah, thanks. But I’m just curious,” She replied.

Here response was so delicious. We dwelled into more meaningless chitchat. What was she doing here? Was she waiting for me? No, that would be too lucky. As we paced back and forth I noticed that she was most focused on my gloves. I had barely said a thing, but knew an explanation was in order. For my birthmark, of course, was a unique part of me. I had no extravagant story to delay her, so I just said the first thing that came to mind.

“I’m Boxing Boy”

The loud roar of a car next to us blocked my voice.

“That’s my ride, see you around boxer”

She moved gracefully off and away. She was out of my life, although a flyer from the wall happened to slip my way. Was it chance? Fate. The flyer was of an amateur boxing match tomorrow and I am sure it was the one that caught her interest. A boxing match was my destination. It was a small community event held in the city, but I was not about to disappoint. If she was there then this was my chance to make my move. But for now I was off and back to my run.

“Help”

I heard a cry for help from what sounded like a frail woman. I was delayed yet again from my run and also compelled to help. I was supposed to be a boxer after all and this would be good practice. I followed the screams of pain down a dark alleyway. Someone needed my help and I was about to answer the call.

“I’m no hero”

I said quietly to myself as I moved closer the shadows down the dark alleyway to trouble for me and anyone else. I barely saw anything at first but next to a heaped up trashcan there were two rangy men shaking up a little lady on the ground. I heard the cry once more and ran to confront them.

“Hey get away from her”

They both stared at me for a second and the shorter one yelled back at me.

“Who are you? You a cop or something?”

Now I knew I had to do something that would be impressive to these two lowlifes or they would not go away. I picked up a brick next to me and punched it against the wall and began screaming a bit as I hit the wall next to me.

“I am a very pissed off and highly juiced up boxer. Get out of here or fight me you pieces of trash.”

The two men took a second look at my appearance and quickly stormed off without a moments notice. I took stride towards the injured lady… but was shocked to see an awkwardly shaped and dressed man. My mistake.

“You alright buddy, what were you even doing?”

As I helped him up I took one final look to confirm his sex. Now assured, I took notice to his odd lanky posture, colorful clothes, and unique backpack and belt full of water bottles. Maybe he worked for the water company, maybe.

“Thanks man, they were just going for my water bottles. Guess they thought it was something special. I mean water is special.”

The man gave a long stare and I felt he would continue a very uninteresting story, so I traversed away, but he quickly halted me.

“Hey wait, you saved my life. Let me return the favor, at least help you out for the day, I mean, I am Water Boy.”

I was hesitant to reply to his last statement, but something inside me knew he was not going to leave me peacefully.

“Well I am Boxing Boy and I have a boxing match to prep for in a bit, I suppose I could use a spotter and some water.”

He looked back with a great big smile. I knew I should have kept my mouth shut.

“Well you are in luck my friend because I know someone similar to yourself and I who would be a great trainer.”

I am not sure why, but I followed him. What did I have to lose? Bad question.

Next: Boxing Boy's Training with the Mysterious, Paper Cup Man (The Final Chapter)

Boxing Boy The Script: The Movie: The Story (2)

2009-05-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Fight Ends Here, 2 (Skipping Ahead)

I saw him staring me right in the face. The crowd was cheering. I could hear them shouting for blood,

“Kill him, kill the boxing boy. Kill the boxing freak!”

I was tired and after that last hit to my skull all hope was dwindling. What was I doing? This is foolish and I admit it. I am just a freak. Just then my opponent spoke,

“Come on you freak. What, you all done now? After I am done with you, I am going for that little girl you been eyeing to death. Me and her are going to have a fun time.”

I retorted,

“You can talk dirt to me, but leave everyone else alone.”

I clenched my glove harder than I ever have before. Even my trainer, paper cup man, would be envious of my stance now. I gritted my teeth pushing all the ends of my lip together as tightly as I could. I wanted to hold back my speech. Talking was done; it was time to kill him. I lifted my fist, which by now was heavier than a thousand bricks. The pain felt great because it was for protection and peace to end this day of fright. I did not even sense it at first, but my fist took off like lighting in the sky straight from Zeus himself. My opponent, the dog, could not even sense the final blow creeping in as he continued to shout trash with spit slipping off his body inch-by-inch. I swiped him with full glory. All the pain, name-calling, and trash talking were centered into my fist. It took just one blow from me to him. This one hit hurt even me as a fiery pulsating burn was coming from my fist. I crashed into him instantaneously shattering his jawbone. I watched as the blood splattered from his face. He started to fall as his neck twisted to the side. He was already out cold. The audience quieted down as I stood there in full aroma to the stench of my victory. I looked to the only person who could get me out of this funk. She stood there not in shock, but in full arousal to my arrival. I walked straight over into her energy sucking eyes and said just one thing.

“This, this was for you.”

She leaned in towards me--shocked as she was—and we both knew it was time to end this fairy tale. Then came the kiss. Of course, as we our lips touched the sunset and the moon slowly and quite dramatically rose in a calming beauty. We gave way to our lustful passionate sins till the end of the night.

Next: The Girl, The Match, & The Water Boy, (Now Part 3)

The 5 Typical Types of Men and Women (That people try to ignore)

2009-05-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is a special article cowritten by a friend from Project Isia. We had submitted this article to Cracked hoping to get it on the frontpage but instead received some insightful crtiscim. Rather, I punched a wall while the other writer laughed. Everyone's a critic. I rarely give up and the summer is just about to start so I will definitley be trying to get an article on Cracked again.

Till then please enjoy our take on typical Men and Women:

When it comes to males and females socially mingling together sexual tension tends to creep up like a call from your grandmother with Alzheimer. Many stereotypes may come to mind during these times from the creppy old man to the quiet but deadly female. However, to save time and pity we have listed five stereotypes from each sex. Some sexual characteristics may sound more familiar then others, which is good. The average human deals with stereotypes every day. So relax and rejoice if you relate to one or more of these. Unless you know, you happen to be homosexual.

Article not for you

First: The 5 Types of Men

The Dreamer

I am so in control of my life

This is the typical man that seems to live his entire life within himself. The world, along with women, may pass him by because he knows exactly when and how he wants to meet his girl, the only problem is that it will probably never happen. He sees his life much like the unrealistic relationships in movies. Basically, he sees himself going up to the perfect girl and doing something spectacular to impress her, or he may believe that the girl of his dreams may come up to him and sweep him off his feet. Another problem is that he has already made up his mind over what this dream girl will look like. He may see a girl and meet her for ten minutes and imagine in his head exactly who she is and what she is all about, hopefully sex and video games. A serious flaw because more often then not, the reality is very much different from the fantasy. A common problem but easily solved if you just open yourself up to some new and unimaginable ideals, like dating a fat chick.

The Douche

No one is better than me. Screw everyone else

This person does not give a flying fuck about anyone else. He is in this world for one reason: To seduce the opposite sex. He doesn't care how he gets them or how people may view him once he does. This is your friend who steals your girlfriend right after you break up with them, or the person who listens to you talk about one of your crushes and then takes them for himself without you even realizing it at first. He is on a mission and he will stop at nothing to get what is his. More often than not they believe that they are God's gift to women and that they are the best at what they do. The sad thing is that through their ethics they will lose all of their friends (Unless they hang out with other douches, but that would end up with all of them constantly douching each other for eternity) and the girl's who they may have had for awhile will leave them for someone who actually cares. I'm sure you've seen those lonely old guys at the bar who have no one to talk to and look like they have many regrets. Those desperate souls ladies and gentlemen are the end results of being a life long douche.

The Obsessive

I found my God. It's Vanessa

This person loves women almost too much. Once he gets a girlfriend he is the clingiest mother fucker you have ever seen. The girl will seriously control this person without even trying. This may have been your friend who secretly enjoyed that lame Crossroads movie, but told everyone else it sucked donkey balls. One day he gets a girlfriend and all of a sudden it's his new favorite movie, he's buying lame Pop band tickets (And actually memorizing the lyrics) and explains how you just don't understand and have a lot of growing up to do. This person will soon want to do everything with his girlfriend whether it's actually something fun, or something really lame, like hanging out with her in the DMV line because she wanted him to be there. Even when his girlfriend is not by his side not a moment goes by where he doesn't mention her name and how much he misses her to everyone else who does not care. He knows that he will be together, with his goddess, forever and that nothing can ever change between them. However, it is very common for couples to spread apart as time goes by. Usually women are the first to realize this. The relationship can go even more south when your soul mate and one true girlfriend only found you attractive for being different, but now that unique thing about you has turned into an annoyance. The only problem is that you cannot turn it off, it is who you are. So you being you will never argue with her, always agree, and always want to be with her. ALWAYS. To sum this all up the Obsessive will eventually freak out his girlfriend and she will leave. The obsessive will be heartbroken but still tell everyone else that they deserve the "Best boyfriend ever" achievement. They fail to realize that they are literally suffocating every female that comes into their grasps.

The Sensitive

We will always be together, ahhh the sunset!

This is the person who will usually be viewed as mostly a friend than anything else. The girl's will always come to them with their never ending problems and the sensitive will always want to be more than a friend but would never have the courage to say this because he doesn't want to break what they have already formed. We don't even think we need to say where the problems lie in this scenario. Not only will they most likely never become more than a friend, but he will have to constantly watch the woman he loves date guys who he probably hates, like the Douche. It's even worse when she finds "the one" (The Obsessive) and this may cause the sensitive to become border line psychopathic. A scary thought, but haven't you ever wondered why the crazy serial killers got to where they are (Making girls play the violin naked in a forest as they cry bathing in a tub full of honey)? It wasn't because of family issues, or child upbringing problems, oh no the problem was the last girl that crawled all over their weak excuse for a heart.

The Awkward

This picture should explain enough...

This is the person that has so much to say that when the time comes to talk to a girl, they go blank, hence they create weird scenarios with females. They are the masters at killing any good vibe that may have been there originally but after that long awkward silence their placement on the a girls hotness scale has dropped about 99.9 points. That is right, they are like Febreeze to women, except they are not killing germs, they are killing their chances of ever being happy with anyone. You may find these people lost with themselves for most of the time, much like the Dreamer or the Douche, the main difference being that you can tell that they are not comfortable with even being themselves. Does all this even make sense? No, it shouldn't and you know why??? Because these types of guys just don't make sense. Stay away at all costs.

Finally: The 5 Types of Women

Fugly

Choose your poison

There are five types of woman in this world. Some smart guys probably know about this and women all over the world will always deny it. First, let us start with the bottom of the barrel and there is no easy way to describe them except for one word, Fugly. When Fugly is defined you get two words: Fucking and Ugly. When combined a visual image comes to mind and it is not pretty. The good thing about these ladies is that they will sleep with you drunk or not and will eye rape you until you say otherwise. Do not forget that we are talking about the bottom of the barrel females who have been hit with the ugly stick a few times. These girls are why beer goggles were invented. Aside from there looks they may have a great personality and blah-blah, but that is only to suffice for the fact that there is nothing else attractive or interesting about them. A sad truth, but reality gives us all a hard hit to the face every now and then.

The Slut

I bet she has cooties

Who likes to be called a slut? Probably the very few aside from the ones getting payed for it. No, this is the kind of girl you talk about in front of your friends and do not bring home to mom. These types are commonly called whores by their female enemies and loved by hard-on's internationally. They are hot with hopes and dreams, but this stuff can quickly turn in to an annoyance of casual chit-chat before and after doing the business. Not to mention the high risk of disease (HIV) coming from a girl sleeping with a guy for little reason. Of course most men will see these sexy beasts of lust give it up to the wrong guy every five seconds always getting used and abused. Life is hard, is it not? Never to you, because the slut is probably a friend or a friend of a friend who you hear tales from, but never directly because if they gave it up to you, a friend for free; that would make them a whore. Right?

The Bitch

These girls are probably the most desired. That is of course before you hear them speak. They range from Fugly to Hot, but usually the bitcher they are the more attractive they will be. These girls are so full of Shit it is amazing they can even seduce a guy long enough without arguing about some small issue in compatibility. For some, it is enough to handle. A hot chick with a temper from Hell. No biggie. For us, vomiting seems to be a more appropriate reaction to avoid the pitfalls of a loose marriage and a shaky yet consistent sex life. Unless you are prepared or paying for this kind of action from a female, stay away.

Vampire Vagina

Be afraid. So you wake up one morning and it is a particularly beautiful day. Except your girlfriend is a life sucking Vampire Vagina. Basically these women live to suck the life out of every man they come in contact with. Why do they do it? Because they are slowly becoming demons, but they are just not there yet. The upside is that they do provide the one thing men need to be happy, not love, sex. But at a price. They will provide this service for a small fee of your life as they drain it from you day-by-day. Is the juice worth the squeeze? Buy some garlic and find out.

The Succubus

Remember how the Vampire Vagina is slowly becoming a demon? The Succubus is that very evil. A powerful force which enslaves a man for his soul. These ladies are fully equipped with advanced seduction skills. Did we mention that they are fully fit for penis destruction? Unless you like it kinky, look out. We would advise you poor weak individuals to stay away, but they are so good at what they do it is near impossible to find them. The best thing any sane man can do is ask his best friend if his clingy over-enthusiastic girlfriend is just a little full of herself and trying to steal your soul. We shall wait here and see how often that comes up in a conversation.

In the end, all these different types of men and women can be enough to drive a sane person crazy. God is probably laughing right now as another stereotypical person is born. What it all comes down to is that in our crazy messed up little heads we desire different types of people everyday. So technically, we create these stereotypes as we constantly long for something better. We just never have enough time or energy to discover them all or figure this out. Whats worse is that in the real world there are more types of people than the eyes of God can see who have worse issues then we can list. There is no real way to prepare for the Hellish people of this world. There is really only one thing to do. Suck it up and accept it.

Boxing Boy The Script: The Movie: The Story (1)

2009-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Morning Rush, Part 1

Today the sun rises particularly bright for a young man with light brown skin, a head full of dark hair, and a particularly special pair of hands.

“Good morning,”

Boxing boy said as he slowly woke up for the day. Just like he was after a heavy dream he slowly dragged the morning out for as long as possible. Finally, he started to slowly rise out of bed by moving his left arm out from under the covers. He pulled out his huge red boxing glove of a hand to scratch is unshaven face and yawn some more.

“I hate mornings”

Boxing boy exclaimed in the emptiness of his brightly lit room. He continued this slow process a bit longer until finally preparing for the day, which seemed to be at the speed of light in comparison to his waking engagement. First, it was his teeth that he struggled to brush using his special hands to just barely cling to his toothbrush. Next, it was his breakfast which he promptly punched a few pieces of fruit (Apples no less) and packages around the kitchen. Finally, he checked his email, which for the better in him a brief prayer to God helped before attempting to somehow turn on a computer and type with his gloves; being 100 times bigger than a single key.

Now the afternoon had begun. The day was already closing in thanks to Boxing boy’s late start, but that would not stop him from starting the day. He was already outside on his front lawn doing some stretches in his black boxing boy shorts and matching t-shirt.

“Alright, I’m ready.”

Boxing boy said as he took off for his routine jog around the city using this time to take in the beauty of the people.

Next: The Girl, The Match, & The Water Boy, Part 2