Sunday, July 3, 2005

Based on actual events --reality-- J: (on AIM) You must be calm, collected. Visualize your destination. What do you see? ???: metrolex J: Now, close your eyes. Cut off your senses. Forget about your surroundings until it almost feels like your floating through nothingness. Now, concentrate on your destination. ???: i can see your house J: Imagine yourself traveling through time and space. But you can’t just imagine. You have to BELIEVE. Believe that you can do it. Believe in what your eyes cannot see. ???: i’m walking towards the front door J: That’s good. You’re close. I can feel it. Try a jump. Now! ???: i cast this world aside J: JUMP! (silence) J: Brett? You still there? *signed off* J: Brett! A few days later… --Artukei’s house-- (DJ, Red, and Jonesy are all in Artukei’s room) J: Thanks for coming guys. I realize it’s been a while since we’ve had a meeting, but this is BIG news. DJ: What is it? J: The other night, a Rifter made a full jump… on his first try. R: What? JO: How’s that possible? J: I know. When we first started rifting, we didn’t even know it. They usually happened at night and we thought they were just dreams. But this guy made a conscious attempt and succeeded on the first try. DJ: No way! JO: Who is he? J: I’ve been talking to this kid back home. He came across my site and he’s been totally fascinated by it and by the Rifters. And the other night, I gave him a “crash course” as you’d say. Not bad for my first student or my first lesson. R: How did he do it? J: What drives us all to be here? Yearning. He had a strong powerful yearning and wanted so badly to believe that there was someplace else he could go. He knew what he wanted, and he took it without hesitation. JO: Enough hype. We’ve guessed by now that you brought us here to introduce him. J: Indeed. Fellow officers, I would like to introduce you to the newest member of the Otaku Rifters Guild. You can come in now, man. (A tall athletic young man with shaggy brown hair and blue eyes steps into the room.) J: Friends, I’d like you to meet… Felix. DJ: Hey! JO: Hi! R: Wussup! FX: (quietly) Hey. J: He’s… kinda shy. Felix, this is DJ: ninja warrior and video game enthusiast. DJ: You play any games, Felix? FX: Um... no. Not a whole lot. J: This is Ozymandius Jones. But I just call her Jonesy. She’s our head artisan and RPG mistress. JO: Nice to meet you. You into manga? FX: Not really. J: And this is Red: military combat specialist and my brother in arms when it comes to nekomimis. R: How’s it goin’, man. What’s your favorite anime? FX: I... I actually don’t watch a lot of anime. All: ?? 0_0 ?? DJ: Not really into video games, manga, OR anime? What are you into? J: Music mostly. That’s one of the reasons he came over here. Teshik and I need a drummer. And Felix is kick ass. R: Oh, a drummer. Cool. Just how kick ass are you? FX: Ever heard of Keith Moon? (drummer for The Who) JO: That is kick ass. A: (enters) Oops. Don’t mind me. Just need to grab something quick. J: (whining like an eight-year-old) Aisha, you’re interrupting my important meeting! A: Grow up! (waves) Hey Felix. FX: Hey Aisha! (waves back) A: (leaves) J: Anyway, with Felix here, Teshik and I can really start rockin’ now. Hopefully we’ll get a few gigs here in Metrolex. This one’s for you, Brett. When this began I had nothing to say And I’d get lost in the nothingness inside of me I was confused and I let it all out to find That I’m not the only person with these things in mind Inside of me But all the vacancy the words revealed Is the only real thing that I’ve got left to feel Nothing to loose, just stuck, hollow, and alone And the fault is my own And the fault is my own I wanna heal, I wanna feel What I thought was never real I wanna let go of the pain I held so long Erase all the pain til it’s gone I wanna heal, I wanna feel Like I’m close to something real I wanna find something I wanted all along Somewhere I belong And I’ve got nothing to say I can’t believe I didn’t fall right down on my face I was confused looking everywhere only to find That it’s not the way I had imagined it all in my mind So what am I? What do I have but negativity? Cause I can’t justify the way everyone is looking at me Nothing to lose, nothing to gain, hollow and alone And the fault is my own And the fault is my own I will never know myself until I do this on my own And I will never feel anything else until my wounds are healed I will never be anything til I break away from me I will break away. I’ll find myself today I wanna heal, I wanna feel like I’m... Somewhere I belong

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Saturday, July 2, 2005

JANGLEY KEYS!! A: (walks into the kitchen) Hey Justin, where’s… (stops as she sees a seven foot tall lizard man) LM: Huh? A: RAAAAR!! (leaps onto the lizard man’s back and starts to choke him) OK. Who are you and what do you want? LM: *gag, wheeze, cough, gag* A: That’s what I thought. J: (walks in) Aisha, cut it out! A: Nya? J: Get off ‘im! A: (lets go and jumps down) LM: *cough, cough* Nice to meet you, too. J: Aisha, I’d like you to meet Teshik; our new neighbor. A: Nya? (sweatdrop) Eh, sorry ‘bout that big guy. That old military training never goes away. J: I’d be more careful next time, Aisha. He’s a Jedi Master. A: A… a what? J: A Jedi. A galactic guardian of peace. A: You mean like those “Star Wars” movies? J: (nods) A: ...... *snicker* J: The Jedi are real Aisha. And Teshik’s one of ‘em. T: It’s an honor to finally meet you, Aisha. (bows) Wahlne’s been begging me to come down and see you all. A: Wahlne? J: That’s my last name, Aisha. Get used to it. After all, you’ll be having it pretty soon. A: No no! He knows your real name? J: He’s my best friend. He’s always called me that. A: So… wait, wait… is he a Rifter? J: (nods) Ii kone. His real name is John. He’s been my best friend for almost five years. He’s human, of course. He just likes to take this form when he’s over here. (He’s a big RPGer and he’s more of a Star Wars geek than an Otaku, but he’s a Rifter nonetheless.) later... --the dojo-- T: (swings a bastard sword down) HAAA! “CLING!” J: (blocking his sword with a katana) Hnn! This is good. Been a while since I had a decent spar. T: Doesn’t the fiancé of yours put up a good fight? J: She can, but almost all our sparings end with us making out. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. T: Hehe. (pulls a blue lightsaber out from underneath his cloak) “BZZZOW!” (I wrote in a lightsaber sound effect. Gah, I’m such a geek.) T: You wanna see how well your blades fair against my lightsaber? J: I’m not falling for that twice, John. T: (snaps his fingers) Darn it. J: I’m still mourning the loss of my Dragon Master. T: What about King James? I thought that thing was indestructible. J: It is. (pulls a golden cross from his pocket) But it’s only a weapon when I need it to be. Any other time, it’s like this. (puts it back) But don’t put your flashlight away just yet. (walks over and opens a small case, pulls out a green lightsaber) “BZZZOW!” J: It’s over Anakin. The high ground adds a +5 to my agility! T: You under-estimate my D-12! later... J and T: (watching ET) T: Run ET! It’s the government! J: Eeeee! Run from the man with the jangley keys! T: Jangley keys! J: (in high-pitched voice) JANGLEY KEYS! OH NO! T: Run away! RUN! J and T: (burst out laughing) J: Oh man, that’s never gonna get old! even later... A: (walking down the hall, ears twitch) Nya? J: (singing) “I am the only one to blame for this Somehow it all ends up the same” A: (walks down to hers and Justin’s room) “knock knock!” J: Hai! A: (peeks inside) I heard you singing and... nya? (looks at a red-headed young man holding a guitar) Who’s this? Where’s Teshik? J: This is Teshik. It’s just his human form. He can’t play the guitar with clawed hands. A: Oh. Well, like I was saying, I hope you don’t mind if I sit in. J: Not at all. We prefer an audience. A: I’ll go get Kida then. (leaves) T: (nods, looks at Justin) You got a real sweet thing going on here, man. J: Yeah. T: Now I know why you left home. Although, it’s strange. J: Which part? T: That she became your fiancé only four and a half months after you met. J: What can I say. It was love at first sight, first date, and first kiss. T: No. I mean how can you get a fiancé in that little time when you never even had a girlfriend back home? J: (\ /) T: ^.^\/ Aheh. J: Just play, baka. T: Yes sir, hwin dan.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Raise your hand if you cried with Giselle.

Strays part 13 Humanity’s Advocate --Hamilton Station-- 12:13 am J: Zzzzz... GI: (sleeping in Justin’s lap) Zzzzz... ???: JUSTIN! J: (wakes up) Hmmwhaha! (looks around, no-one) O: Justin, are you still over there?! J: Ozz! *sigh* You scared the crap outta me! O: What are you doing? Do you have any idea what time it is? J: Ozz, you’ll never believe it. I’ve had a breakthrough! I... I can’t come home tonight. O: What?! Justin, you have to come home. I sense Aisha’s starting to get suspicious. I don’t think... J: Ozz, I have things under control. I’m going to tell Aisha everything tomorrow. O: No! Tonight! Otherwise, I’m afraid she might not be here tomorrow. J: Ozz, you’re worrying too much. O: Have you lost your mind?! J: (becoming annoyed) I know what I’m doing. O: You’re endangering your relationship! If this goes on, Aisha may never speak to you again. You can’t keep running off like this. Think of your family. Think of Kida. J: OZZ!! O: ........ J: Get out of my head! O: .... (angrily) Fine. J: ...... *sigh* “BZZT!” J: OW! (holds his head) Gah! Errrr. So that’s what that feels like. Aah! GI: (waking up) Nya? (looks up at Justin) You are still here? J: You asked me to stay, so... GI: I did? J: .... yeah. GI: (blushes slightly, looks away) J: (rubs his head) Aah. GI: Are you alright? J: I uh... it’s uh... all this sitting. Not good for my back. (gets up) I need to lie down. (lays on the floor) GI: (grabs a blanket and pillow) Here. (hands them to Justin) J: Mercy. (wraps himself in the blanket and lays down on the pillow) GI: (grabs another blanket, gets down on the floor and snuggles up to Justin) Mmm. (closes her eyes and goes back to sleep) Purr... 9:30 am J: Zzzzz... GI: Zzzzz... KA: (looking through the window) Don’t they look cute? S: I don’t get it. 2 months ago, Giselle totally hated humans. And now she’s sleeping next to Artukei. That guy is something else. F: *yawn* What’s going on? (looks inside) *gasp* (scowls, opens the door) What the hell is this?! J: (wakes up) Huh? (sees Felicia standing over him) Morning. F: Grrrr. Don’t you ‘morning’ me! J: 0.0\/ F: Is this what you meant by ‘getting to know us’? J: What? (looks at Giselle still asleep) Felicia, believe me, this isn’t what it looks like! GI: (slowly opens her eyes) F: How dare you deceive me! I should’ve known you were too good to be true. J: We didn’t even share the same blanket! She... F: (grabs him, pulls him up by the collar) J: Eek! S: Felicia, no! KA: Felicia-san! F: I’m gonna rip your face off. J: (closes his eyes) >.< F: (a tear slides down her cheek) And to think I almost... GI: Madame Felicia! Do not harm him! J: (opens one eye) 0.< F: Giselle. GI: It is all my fault. I made him stay. F: ....wh... what? GI: Please put him down. F: (lets Justin go) GI: I am sorry, Artukei. J: It’s not your fault, Giselle. (glances at Felicia) It’s nobody’s fault. F: ........ KA: Artukei-sama. (hugs Justin) Nya? *sniff, sniff* Oro? S: What is it? KA: Artukei-sama, your shirt smells strange. F: ??? *sniff, sniff* (sniffs her paw) J: Sorry girls. I hate to dash, but I was in trouble before Felicia picked me up. (runs out) KA: Artukei-sama! GI: Artukei! J: (running up the stairs) I’ll be back! I promise! F: (sniffing her paw) I know that smell. It’s salty and sour. It’s the smell of sorrow. Giselle? 10:00 am --Artukei’s House-- J: (walks inside) Hello? K: Daddy! (now 12, runs up and hugs him) J: Morning sweetheart. *kiss* Where’s you mom? K: She’s upstairs. J: What about Ozz? K: In the kitchen. J: (walks to the kitchen) Ozz? O: (glares at Justin, and flies into the living room) J: Ozz, c’mon! (chases after him) Ozz, stop! I’m sorry! O: (stops, looks back) J: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up like that. You were right. I’ve screwed up big time. O: * sigh* There were some wrong things said on my end as well. I talked about Aisha leaving you and put you on the defensive. I’m sorry. J: No no. I’m the one who mucked up. I’m sorry. O: So we’re both sorry. J: Yep. Still friends? O: When were we not? J: You’re the best, buddy. O: My sentiments exactly, pal. J: *sigh* But you were right. I’ve messed myself up pretty bad this time. Now I’m going to tell Aisha what I should’ve told her from the beginning. (walks into the hall and to the stairs) O: Justin, should I... J: Thanks, but no. I got myself into this, and I’m gonna fix it before it gets worse. (starts up the stairs) K: Daddy? J: Don’t worry, sweetie. Everything’s gonna be alright. I hope. --Artukei’s room-- J: (opens the door) A: (sitting on the bed) Justin, where’ve you been? I’ve been so worried. J: Aisha.... *deep breath* there’s something I need to tell you. A: (glares at Justin, voice lowers) Who is she? J: Huh? A: (stands up) Who is she? Where were you last night? J: Aisha, I’m trying to tell you. You know that family... A: That “homeless family”? Yeah right! Tell me another one! J: I was with them. A: DON’T LIE TO ME! J: ........ A: You were with another girl! J: I uh... no! Aisha, listen. The family I’ve been... A: I said don’t lie to me! (starting to tear up) J: .... Aisha. A: I can smell her all over you. In order for it to be that strong, you would’ve had to stay with her all night. You reek of her stench! J: *deep breath* (very slowly and very sternly) Aisha, I have not been having an affair. But if you won’t believe me and you won’t listen to me, then I guess I’ll just have to show you. A: What? J: I’m going to do what I should’ve done weeks ago. I want you to meet them. A: What?! Why the hell would I want to meet your little floozies?! J: I have not been having an affair!! A: ........ J: I’m sorry Aisha. I’m sorry about all this. You’re the most important thing in the world to me. But lately, I haven’t been you showing that. I’ve been neglecting you and Kida and even Ozz. And I’m sorry. And no matter how this turns out, I want you to know that I will never love anyone as much as I love you. A: ........ J: Please? later... --Hamilton St.-- J: (getting out of the DeLorean, walks over to the other side, opens the door) A: (sitting shotgun, arms crossed) J: Aisha, c’mon. A: (gets out) Well, we’re at Hamilton. So far your story checks out. J: (start walking) Yeah, well there’s one part of the story I forgot to mention. A: And what’s that, dear. J: .... You remember that cat I took to the shelter about a month and a half ago? A: What does that have to do with... J: She’s a nekomimi. A: Nya? J: (really fast) She’s a nekomimi who’s been living on the streets for several years and has three other friends that she looks after like a mother. A: ...... The “mother and her three daughters”? J: (nods) A: .... That’s even less believable! J: You’re one to talk. Here we are. A: Where? J: (walks up to the subway entrance) A: The subway? That station’s been condemned for years! J: It’s where they live. A: (not buying it) J: Will you at least humor me? A: *sigh* (shakes her head, starts down the stairs) If I find out you’re making all this crap up, I’m driving home and leaving you here. J: Gonna make me walk home? A: Who said you’d be able to? --Hamilton Station-- J: Now be nice. A: I’ll try. J: (walking down the stairs to the platform) Girls, there’s someone I want you to meet. (looks around, nobody) Girls? Neko-chan? What the...? A: ... Well? J: I.... I swear they.... uh... “meow!” A: Nya? (a white cat appears at the foot of the stairs) A: Aww. W: (looks back) Meow! (three other cats come out and the orange and white one runs up to Justin) O: (rubs up against Justin’s leg) *purr, purr* A: Well, I see cats. Where are the girls? J: (looks at the white cat) It’s OK. She’s cool. (In a flash, the white cat turns into Felicia) A: 0.0 *gasp* Nya nya nyanyanya nyaaaa!! J: Aisha chill. A: Oh god. (grabs Justin’s arm) Oh god, oh god, oh god! J: Geez Aisha! You of all people! I’d like you to meet... A: Felicia! J: 0.0 Holy Miyazaki! You know who she is? A: What cat-girl in this universe doesn’t? F: Nya? J: Um... Felicia, I’d like you to meet Aisha. A: (salutes, stammers nervously) Aisha Clan-clan of the Ctarl-ctarl empire, Miss.... oh my god. Miss Felicia... I... uh... uh... I... y-you’re my idol! F: (blushes) A: When I was a kid hearing about how you fought in the tournaments here on earth, I... I... I wanted to be just like you. Oh my god. Miss Felicia, (bows) it’s an honor. F: You’re Artukei’s fiancé, aren’t you? A: Nya? He... uh..... yes. F: (smiles) Well, that certainly explains a lot. A: (to Justin) You told her about me? (grabs his shirt) What did you tell her about me? J: Only that you were my fiancé. Chill. I’ll leave you to make your own impression. KA: (next to Aisha, bows) Hajimemashite. A: (startled) Nya! J: Aisha, for goodness sakes, calm down. A: Um... yeah. (sits down) J: Aisha, this is Kanasuki. KA: Konnichiwah! ^_^ J: The blonde over there is Summer. S: (waving) Hey! J: And that’s Giselle. GI: Bonjour Madame. A: *sniff, sniff* It’s you. GI: Quoi? A: You’re the one I smelled all over him! F: Miss Aisha, allow me to explain. Before we met Artukei, Giselle despised humans for what they did to her. She hadn’t spoken to one in 6 years until he came along. Over the last few weeks, he’s been trying to show her that all humans aren’t that bad. And last night.... your fiancé worked a miracle. A: Nya? J: Miracle? Wow. F: Last night, Giselle completely opened up to him and shared with him things that she hadn’t even told us. Things, memories.... too painful to mention. And he was there to comfort her. A: (turns to Justin) *sniff, sniff* (bends down and smells his shirt) *sniff* ... tears. (looks back at Giselle, slightly humbled) I... I’m sorry. I thought you’d... F: (nods) So did I. GI: (smiles) He is a good man. He never touched me. S: I fact, he never touched any of us. F: Summer! S: What? I’m tryin’ to defend him. (to Aisha) He never took advantage of us in any way. F: Well put, Summer. Because I wouldn’t say he never touched us. He touched me every day I saw him. A: What?! J: What?! F: *giggle* He moved me, is what I mean. Artukei has got to be the most kind-hearted, open-handed, genuine, most noble gentleman of a human I’ve ever met. S: I second that. KA: Hai! Sugoi! GI: (nods) Tres bien. J: (blushes) Ladies. F: And if he doesn’t mind my saying, very handsome. J: (even more red) Whoa. Talk about karma. S: I can vouch for that, too! F: Summer! S: *whistles* (winks) J: (to Aisha) Aheh. She’s always like that. F: Thanks to him, our faith in humans has been strengthened. And in some cases, restored. You’re very lucky, Miss Aisha. A: (smiles, nods) I know. J: (smiles) A: (looks back at Justin) So you were telling the truth... almost. Why were you so afraid to tell me they were cat-girls? J: Well... you know how I am. I thought if you knew you’d freak. A: *sigh* Baby, it’s when you don’t tell me things that I freak. If you had told me from the beginning, I would’ve completely understood. Hell, I would’ve gone with you. J: (looks down) I’m sorry. A: *sigh* (kisses his cheek) Why do I even bother? J: I’m a lot of trouble for you, aren’t I? A: No. Why do I bother getting mad at you when in the end... I’ll still love you? J: .... Baby, you’re the best. (kisses her) S: (covers Kanasuki’s eyes) KA: Nya? A: (turns to Felicia) So, the Great Felicia here in Metrolex. What’s a star like you doing living in a condemned subway station? F: (ears fold) Starlight fades, I’m afraid. A: Not on the Great Felicia! (lightbulb) Hey, we’ve got plenty of space at our house! You wanna crash with us? J: 0.0 Uhh uhh uhhhhhhh... (faints) “WHAMM!” A: Justin! F: Artukei! (to Aisha) Wait. What’d you call him? See you in the black....

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Monday, June 27, 2005

Strays part 12 Breaking Point --Hamilton Station-- J: (singing) “I can see clearly now. The rain is gone.” F: (singing along) “I can see all obstacles in my way.” J and F: (harmonizing) “Gone are the dark clouds that left me blind.” F: “It’s gonna be a bright...” J: “Bright.” F: “Bright.” J: “Bright.” J and F: “Sunshine day.” F: *laughs* That was great. J: *laughs* F: *sigh* We had a lot of fun the other day, Artukei. Thank you. You know, if there’s anything we can do to repay you... J: (shakes his head) Don’t bother yourself. For me, just getting to know you wonderful girls is a reward all its own. F: .... (smiles) Unbelievable. J: Huh? F: .... You continue to move me, Mr. Artukei. You are a very kind, compassionate, and selfless individual. Yet, I must insist. You’ve done so much for us in a little more than a month. We are forever in your debt. Remember, you will always have friends in the shadows of Metrolex. J: (smiles) Thank you. F: (gazes into his eyes) ........ J: What? F: .... (looks away) N-nothing. J: ........ F: Say, you know any Beatles? J: Who doesn’t?! later... --Giselle’s room-- GI: (laying on a pile of blankets and pillows) Zzzzz... J: (outside) Giselle? (looks inside) Oops. She’s sleeping. GI: Mmm... (slowly opens her eyes) Nya? J: (turns around) I guess I’ll come back later. “slide” J: (looks back) Huh? GI: (standing in the door) Yes? J: Uh... I was just wondering if we could talk for a little while. GI: ... (slight nod) Sure. J: OK if I come in? GI: Oui. Please do. J: (walks in, takes a seat) GI: (closes the door, sits on her bed) J: How you doin’ today? GI: (nods) Bien. OK. J: They told me you made Kanasuki’s dress the other day. GI: (ears perk up) J: Is that true? GI: (eagerly nods) Oui. Yes. J: It was an excellent job. GI: (blushes slightly) Mercy, Artukei. J: Where’d you learn to do that? On you own or...? GI: My papa taught me. J: Your father? GI: Mon grand-pére. My grandfather, as you’d say. J: I see. Have you thought about becoming a designer? GI: Oh, no I... I couldn’t. J: You’d be great. GI: .... (ears fold) You are patronizing me. J: No no, I mean it. You’re very talented, Giselle. GI: (smiles) J: And besides, patronizing isn’t my style. I’m a cynic. *laugh* GI: *giggle* J: Score! So, your grandfather taught you everything, didn’t he? GI: Oui. J: ... What was he like? GI: .... He was... very kind... and gentle. We lived in a chateau in the country. There were woods near the house and sometimes he’d play “hide and seek” with me. Even though I was different he never treated me as such. I was still his little girl and he loved me very much. And I him. He taught me to never be ashamed of myself. He said, “Everything in the world is different. And that’s what makes us all special.” In fact... (gets up, sits down a seat away from Justin) you remind me of him. J: I think I see why. GI: But soon, he became sick. So sick that he couldn’t take care of me anymore. I was seven years old when I went to live in the orphanage. The other children... (fights back her tears) J: Don’t. Felicia told me. GI: They were disgusted by me. Not just the children, but the masters and the couples who came to adopt. I ran away after only two months. For the next eight years I was on my own until Felicia found me. Every night on the road, I prayed for the spirit of my papa to watch over me and guide me. I still do. I was eight when I finally came to Paris. J: Felicia told me what happened there too. I can’t blame you for hating humans after the way they treated you. GI: .... (quietly, trembling slightly) She didn’t tell you everything. J: Huh? GI: She didn’t tell you.... the real reason I hate humans. J: ........ GI: It was a year before Felicia found me. I was fourteen. (flashback) --Paris, 6 years ago-- “It was raining that night. I just wanted a place to keep warm and dry.” GI: (walks into a tavern wearing a blanket draped over her head and entire body, walks up to the counter) Bar-keep: Are you alright, little miss? Can I help you? GI: ... Water, please. B: Certainly. (pours her a glass) GI: Thank you. (drinks) B: It’s terrible weather out there tonight. Best you should stay in here a while. GI: Thank you, sir. B: I’ll take your coat. You’ll catch cold if you... GI: NO! (Everyone at the bar looks at Giselle) GI: I mean, no thank you. (several men at a table start suspiciously eyeing her) Man: (walks into the bar just as a gust of wind blows) Whoa! GI: Ah! (the wind blows back her hood revealing her cat ears) B: 0.0 Wha... what are you? GI: *gasp* Woman: It’s a monster! Young man: Some kind of freak! Lady: Those look like cat ears. B: Get out of my bar you... you... freak! Get out! GI: (puts her hood back on and runs out) (the men at the table whisper a bit, then a few of them get up and leave) GI: (sitting in the rain against the outside of the tavern) (a few men come out and start walking towards her) GI: Ah! (buries her face in her knees and chest) (the few men pass her by as if they didn’t notice) GI: (looks back up, breathes a sigh of relief, stands up and starts to walk away) (a few more men come out of the bar) Man 1: (to Giselle) Hey you! GI: (starts running) (the men begin to run after her) GI: *pant, pant, pant* (an arm comes out and pulls her into an alley) AAH! Man 2: (the same men who just passed her) What the hell have we got here, boys? Man 3: Some kind of cat-girl? Man 2: Did your bastard father f*ck a cat or something? (the other men join them) Man 1: I wonder just how human she is. Man 2: Let’s find out. Man 3: (comes up behind Giselle and gropes her) GI: AAH! Man 3: That’s human enough for me! *laughs* GI: (claws Man 2’s face) Man 2: Aah! (lets her go) GI: (turns around and kicks Man 3 in the jewels) Man 3: Ooh! GI: (starts to run deeper into the alley) Man 3: You little bitch! (grabs her blanket, ripping it off and causing her to lose balance) GI: Aah! (falls into a puddle) “SPLASH!” Man 3: You f*ckin’ bitch! I’ll teach you! (starts kicking Giselle) (the other men join in) GI: (curls into the fetal position and covers her head) AAH!! AAH!! AAAHAH!! Man 4: STOP!! (they all stop and step away from her) GI: *sniffle, sob, sob, sniff* Man 4: (kneels down and helps up a battered and bruised Giselle) What have we become?! Treating this girl like some animal! All her life she’s been tossed aside like a piece of trash. But she’s a living thing. And all living things need love. GI: (weak smile) Man 4: (looks at Giselle sinisterly) Don’t they, my dear? GI: *gasp* Man 4: (holds her arms down and kisses her) GI: MMM! MFMM! MMM! Man 4: (brings her down onto the ground) (the other men gather around and pin down her arms and legs) (end flashback) GI: (tears streaming down her face) And then.... one by one.... they.... they.... J: They didn’t. GI: (holds her stomach and bends over as if in excruciating pain, starts trembling violently) J: 0.0 (whispers) Oh my god. GI: *sniff* I’ve never told anyone. *sniff* Not even Felicia. I... I thought that.... if I didn’t talk about it *sniff*.... it would eventually go away. *sniff* But I can still see them.... hear them...... I can still.... feel them. *sniff* The memories are still there. And the nightmares still haunt me! *sniff, sob, sob* J: (reaches for her out of instinct, but hesitates and stops halfway) GI: (notices him reaching) ........ J: ........ GI: ..... (throws her arms around Justin and buries her face in his chest, continues crying) *sob, sob, sob* J: (a bit shocked at first, but slowly puts his arms around her and strokes her back) They had no rite to do that to you. No-one has any rite to do that to anybody. (starts to cry) I’m so sorry, Giselle. GI: (looks up, sees he’s crying too and cries even harder) WAAHAHAHAHA!! J: Let it all out, Giselle. Don’t hold back anymore. GI: (starts sobbing uncontrollably) WAAAAHAHAHA!!! AAHAHAHAHA!!! AAHAHAHA!! 30 minutes later... GI: (asleep in Justin’s arms, still holding on to him) J: (asleep as well) Zzzzz... *snort* Free my men. (wakes up) Hmm? Guess I was more tired than I thought. (looks down) Oh, poor girl. Cried herself to sleep. (looks at watch) Holy Miyamoto! I’m gonna be in trouble if I don’t leave now. But I’d hate to leave Giselle like this........ *sigh* (starts to get up) GI: (tightens her grip on him) No! J: Huh? GI: (still asleep) Stay with me. Please. J: ...... (sits back down, pats her back) GI: (whispers) ..... papa. J: Huh? GI: .... papa.... don’t leave me. (holds him tighter) J: .... (kisses her forehead, whispers) Never. (closes his eyes)

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Friday, June 24, 2005

   ONLY ONE?! Seems like it's been an eternity since I started this gig. Yep! One year ago today, I posted my first real webisode that snowballed out of controll into the ultimate cross-over anime fan-fic that we have come to know as "The Legacy of Artukei." So, in honor of this special occasion, I'm taking the weekend off.

^_^ Kidding!

In honor of this special occasion, we're going back in time almost 100 webisodes ago (yesterday's was #95 BTW) before Aisha, before Makoto, even before I introduced Ozz, to Artukei's first interview. Roll it, boys!

Ai-aighty! Inspired by my good friend, cutetanuki, I am going to be introducing a new feature to the site. Every now and then, Artukei: Fellow Actor and Friend to the Stars, is going to be posting some interviews with some of your favorite fictional characters. I'm doing this solely in the hopes that I can finally live my dream, MEETING AISHA CLAN-CLAN! In keeping with the current theme, our first guest has been seen in 8 different video games. Her latest being Metroid: Zero Mission for the GBA. She is looked upon as a Nintendo legend and is revered as one of the greatest heroines in video game history. Please make welcome, my first guest, Miss Samus Aran! SA: mffl mff mmmffflllm A: Um, Samus? You might want to take off the helmet. SA: Oh, sorry. I was just saying how great it is to be here. A: .............. SA: What? A: You’re a blonde. SA: Yeah? A: I always thought you were a red-head. SA: You’d be surprised how many times I get that. A: Right, moving on. So, Samus, bounty hunting: what’s it like? SA: It’s not the most glamorous job in the universe, I’ll tell you that. A: Yeah, I think some of our Cowboy Bebop fans already know that. SA: Just drifting around in the solitude of space can get very lonely. A: Really? (leaning forward) SA: Yeah, but I’ve gotten used to now. A: Oh. (leans back) SA: Taking care of hostile aliens is hard work but fun. A: I know what you mean. That Ridley is one ugly mother! Not as ugly as Mother Brain, though. SA: Yeah, I’ve made some pretty bitter enemies. A: But you’ve also made some great friends too, isn’t that right? SA: Yes, that’s right. Mario, Kirby, Link, he’s a real cutie. A: Please Samus, there may be jealous fanboys hosting this show. You all met in Super Smash Bros. SA: Yes, that was one of the major turning points in my life. Not only did I make some life-long friends, but I made the transition to 64-bits. And we all had so much fun making it, we all agreed to come back in 2000 with Super Smash Bros. Melee. A: Which we all know was a huge success. But your fans must have wet their pants when Metroid Prime came out. One of your best games to date. SA: Yes, after SSBM is was nice to get back in the saddle and start pounding the crap out of Ridley. A: And we all know how much fun that can be. Now, Samus, here’s one question I’ve always wanted to ask you. What’s it feel like to go into morph-ball mode? SA: Very weird. The first time I did it I had to throw up afterwards. A: Ooh. OK, Samus, here’s my final question before we sign off. Can I wear the Varia Suit? SA: No. A: Oh. Well...then...can I have a ride? SA: Where? A: To Hollywood. I’m supposed to be there for the Spiderman 2 premier. SA: Sure, no problem. I just have to make a quick stop on Talon 4 before we get there. A: Cool! Can I help? SA: Absolutely! A: Yes! SA: How are you at cooking eggs? A: Doh! Well, that’s it for this week. Next week I’ll be interviewing (get this) the one, the only, the Amazing Spiderman! No joke! If you have any questions that you’d like to ask Spiderman, please write them in the comment box. Till next time, remember, never opperate a Varia Suit without proper training.

Man, my hair was SHORT back then. Well, ja ne! L8R!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
ARTUKEI!!


P.S.: This does not count as webisode #96.
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Thursday, June 23, 2005

Strays part 11 Field Trip -- Hamilton Station-- J: “Never know how much I love you Never know how much I care When you put your arms around me I get a fever that’s so hot to bare You give me fever with your kisses Fever when you hold me tight Fever! POW! In the morning Fever all through the night” (approaching the stairs to the platform) “*whisper, whisper, giggle*” J: Hmm? (walks down the stairs, nobody’s there) Hello? “slide.... clunk!” J: (looks around) Helloooo? F: (out of no-where) Are you ready? J: Ready if you are. F: OK! (slides open her door and steps out wearing a beautiful floral sun-dress) J: Wow. F: (twirls around) How do I look? J: You look wonderful. S: What about me? (steps out wearing a tank top and cut-off jean shorts) J: Nice. Very nice. K: Konnichiwa, Artukei-sama. (runs up wearing a sun-dress and hat, hugs Justin) GI: (steps into view wearing khaki shorts, a T-shirt, and a bandana to cover her ears) J: You girls look terrific! Where’d you get the clothes? S: My costume closet. F: Now for the final touch. (to Summer) Ready? S: (nods) Mm. Felicia and Summer start their “mirage” tranformation. Their hands and feet grow smaller and the hair and claws receed. Their ears shrink and tuck themselves under their hair. The fur on their bodies dissappears. Finally their tails shorten and vanish. J: (quietly) Woof. F: What do you think? J: .... Again, if you could do that from the beginning, why did you take fish from that truck while in cat form? S: It’s more fun that way. J: Well, can’t argue with that. F: Also, no money. It’s the easiest way, and sometimes the only way, to get something we need. We’re strays. It’s what we’ve been reduced to. J: Well, not for much longer. C’mon! --Hamilton Street-- J: Ladies, your chariot awaits! S: Hey, isn’t that one of those “Back to the Future” cars? J: Well, not exactly. That was the DeLorean 1985 model. This is the 2001 model. F: They never made a 2001 model. J: Correct. I made this with a friend of mine. (Washu of course) It’s basically the same as the ’85 model, just a few custom alterations here and there. For starters, the ’85 DeLorean only seated two. This new version seats five. (opens the gull-wing door) All aboard! All: (get in the DeLorean, Felicia takes shotgun, Giselle, Kanasuki, and Summer sit in the back) J: (closes the door, does a tour-guide impression) Kssh! Welcome aboard Metrolex budget tours. My name’s Marty, I’ll be your guide for today. We ask that you please keep your hands and arms inside the car at all times. Also, there is no drinking, smoking, or rough-housing permitted during the tour. We thank you again for choosing Metrolex budget tours and hope you have a great time. Kssh! F: *giggle* --Hancock Park-- K: (running down the path) F: Kanasuki, don’t get too far ahead! J: This is the biggest park in the city. It takes up six square blocks. S: Wow! This place is awesome. J: (to Giselle) Tres bien? GI: (walking very close to Felicia, nods) C’est belle. J: You think this is nice, you should see Rosevelt. F: I’ve heard that’s the most beautiful park in the city. J: It is. It’s not nearly as big as Hancock, but... F: ........ J: *sigh* It’s beautiful. It’s where Aisha and I had our first date. F: Your fiancé? J: (nods) We had our first kiss by the river under the stars. F: ... It sounds wonderful. J: (nods) F: ..... Say Artukei? J: Hmm? F: Was that you singing back at the station? J: Oh, yeah. That... (hands up) that was me. F: I didn’t know you could sing. J: I’m full of surprizes. F: You’re very good. J: ... Arigato. S: Hey, they have an ampatheater! (takes off) J: Summer, wait up! S: (jumps up onto the stage, clears her throat, takes a deep breath) Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, Towards Phoebus’ lodging: such a waggoner As Phaethon would whip you to the west, And bring in cloudy night immediately. J: (impressed) That’s from Hamlet. F: Romeo and Juliet. J: Right. What’d I say? F: C’mon. (sits in the bleachers, the others do the same) S: (continues the monologue quite professionally) Spread thy close curtain, love-performing night, That runaways’ eyes may wink, and Romeo Leap to these arms, untalk’d of and unseen. Lovers can see to do their amorous rites By their own beauties; or, if love be blind, It best agrees with night. Come, civil night, Thou sober-suited matron, all in black, And learn me how to lose a winning match, Play’d for a pair of stainless maidenhoods: Hood my unmann’d blood, bating in my cheeks, With thy black mantle; till strange love, grown bold, Think true love acted simple modesty. (glances at Justin) Come, night; come, Romeo; come, thou day in night; For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night Whiter than new snow on a raven’s back. Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, (motions toward Justin) Give me my Romeo. (bows) All: (applaude) J: *chuckles* Summer. Always a tease. K: Artukei-sama, is that human a hunter? J: Hmm? What do you mean? K: She’s captured an animal. J: Oh no. She’s just walking her dog. K: Nya? J: Some humans keep animals as companions and let them live with them. Most of the time they become like best friends and members of the family. Most humans call these animals ‘pets’. K: Do you have any? J: Actually, yes. I have a little dog back home. Not here, but where I’m originally from. F: And me. J: (blushes) Aheh. What? F: Well, you did adopt me. Remember? J: Uh... aheh... could we work out the details on that a little later? K: What are those? J: Those are roller-skates. K: What’s that? J: That’s a hotdog stand. K: What are those two humans doing? J: (covers her eyes) K: Nya? J: I’ll tell you when you’re older. J: (to Summer) That’s a nice little dress that Kanasuki’s wearing. One of your hand-me-downs? S: Actually, Giselle made that. J: Huh? S: It was one of my older dresses that she altered and fitted especially for her. She, like, recycled it. J: ... You don’t say. K: Mew! (tugs Felicia’s dress) Felicia, I’m getting hungry. S: Me too. J: Not to worry, kitties. I have dinner all planned out. --Hemmingway Plaza-- S: *gasp* Get out! You’re treating us to dinner at the biggest fish market in the city?! J: (nods) You girls can pick out whatever you like. S: AAAAH!! (puts Justin in a vice grip of a hug) J: >.< Hurk! S: *kiss, kiss* I love this man. I do, I do. *kiss* J: (blushes, of course) S: I know exactly what I want. (takes off) K: Mate! Wait for me! (follows her) J: (to Felicia) Should we...? F: They’ll be fine. Let’s look over here. J: Are these the ones you wanted, Giselle? GI: Oi. Mercy. F: I’ve got what I want. J: Alright then. Merchant: You folks find what you need? J: (nods) Um hm. F: Yes. Thank you very much. (her ears pop out) M: 0.0 .... (smiles) Well, I haven’t seen one of you in a while. F: Hmm? J: Huh? (looks at Felicia) 0_0 Eep! GI: *gasp* M: Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a cat-girl down here. F: Huh? (feels her ears) *gasp* M: Don’t worry. Nothing to be embarrassed about, miss. Working at the largest fish market in the city, you think I don’t see a cat-girl every now and then? F: Um... uh... J: ..... *sigh* M: Now then, let’s see what we’ve got here. (takes the fish) J: (whispers to Felicia) I was afraid there for a second. GI: (looks around, sees people are already starting to point and stare) *whimper* (without looking, gently holds onto Justin’s arm) J: Huh? (looks over, sees Giselle lightly clinging to him) Giselle? GI: (looks at Justin, sees she’s holding him) *gasp* (lets go) P... p-pardone moi. J: Giselle, don’t worry. (reaches for her) Everything’s gonna be... GI: (shirks back) *whimper* J: Giselle, please calm down. It’s OK. GI: *hyperventilating* F: (comes over, gently grabs Giselle’s shoulders) Giselle, it’s OK. Don’t be afraid. GI: (calms down) ...... (nods slightly) M: Alright. That comes to $27.74. J: Thank you. (gives him the money) M: (hands him the fish) Thank you. You have a good day. J: Thanks! (to the girls) Now let’s find Summer and Kanasuki. Girl: (walks up) Excuse me. J: Yeah? Girl: Are you Felicia? F: .... Yes. Girl: Eep! Oh my gosh, I thought so. I used to listen to your album. I still have it. I’m a... I’m a big fan. Could I... could I have your autograph? F: (smiles) Of course. Girl: (digs around for a pen) Aww. Man: (comes up beside her) Here. (hands her a pen) And I’d like one, too. Man 2: Me too! Girl 2: Me too, Miss Felicia! 10 minutes later... F: Thank you all so much. But we really have to get going. “Bye! Good-bye! Thank you!” J: Heh! Well, who saw that coming? S: I can’t believe this. J: Huh? F: Nya? S: We’re gone for only 30 minutes, and we miss out on all the fun! J: You girls find what you wanted? S: *groan* Yeah. C’mon. J: *whispers* Felicia. F: Nya? J: I’ve seen my share of Shatners and I can recognize bad acting. You meant for those ears to pop out, didn’t you? F: .... (smiles) I took a risk. I hope it helped. J: I hope so, too. (glances at Giselle) --Artukei’s House-- J: (walks into the bedroom) Hey. A: Hey, there’s my man. *kiss* How’d it go today? J: Great. (lays on the bed) A: *sniff, sniff* What’s that smell? J: Ummm... A: (leans over Justin) *sniff, sniff* (glares at him) You went to Hemmingway today, didn’t you? J: (smiles sheepishly, nods) A: Without me? Oooh! You know I hate that! (hits him with a pillow) “whap!” J: >_<\/ Sorry. Will the fresh salmon in the fridge make up for it?

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Tuesday, June 21, 2005

New background! New quote! NEW MUSIC!

Strays part 10 Devotion J: (playing SSBM) Gorram it! K: Yatta! Woo hoo! A: *laughs* Kida’s becoming better than her old man. J: (whining) She plays too erratically. (glances at his watch) Oh, I better get going. K: Aww! J: Sorry, sweetie. I’ve got some things I need to take care of. K: Gumdrop was right. You are a tightwad. J: I am not a tightwad! (starts tickling Kida) K: *laughs* J: Take it back. K: HAHAHA!! OK! OK! J: (kisses her forehead) I’ll see you later, pumpkin. K: Ja ne, otosan. J: (walks to the foyer, picks up some papers) A: Justin, where have you been going these last few weeks? J: Hmm? A: You’ve been sneaking out almost every other day. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. J: (glances at the floor) -_-\/ A: What are you up to, Justin? And be honest. Remember, I can smell a lie. J: *deep breath* I’ve actually been doing some volunteer work downtown. A: (cynically) Really? J: Yeah. There’s this family I’ve been helping out. A mother and her three daughters. The mother, you should meet her, she’s a retired fighter. And her daughters, the oldest one, about my age, she’s an aspiring actress. Can you believe it? And she’s good too. The second oldest, a few years younger, she.... she seems to have some.... issues. But I’m helping her out and she seems to be coming along slowly but surely. And the youngest, oh, she’s got a cuteness that could rival our little Kida. She’s so kind and friendly and such a curious little kitten. A: ........ J: ........ A: Where do they live? J: Hamilton Street. A: Hamilton? No wonder. It sounds a little over the top, but I can tell by your eyes and your voice... it’s the truth. J: (nods) A: (smiles) You’re really helping them out, aren’t you? Oh, Justin, that’s so selfless of you. (hugs him) You really do have a heart of gold. J: Only around the ladies. I promise I won’t be out too late. A: You promise? J: I promise. A: (kisses him) I’ll be waiting then. (walks away) J: (whispers) Woof. O: You shouldn’t have done that. J: Huh? O: Justin, why didn’t you just tell her the truth? J: I did. O: You didn’t mention they were nekomimis. J: I thought you didn’t believe that story. O: .... I scanned you, Justin. J: When? O: Last week. Justin, what you’re doing for those girls is noble, but what will it cost you. J: That’s not going to happen, Ozz. I know how to keep my head straight. O: Then why not tell Aisha the truth? The whole truth. J: Aisha knows how I am. If I told her they were cat-girls, she’d freak. O: ........ J: But you’re right. I will tell Aisha the whole truth someday, just... not yet. Trust me, pal. I know what I’m doing. (leaves) O: Do you now? --Hamilton Station-- Kanasuki: (waiting at the top of the stairs) “Going down,” KA: Nya? “Going down, Down where my breath is the only sound” KA: Artukei-sama! (runs up and hugs him) J: Kanasuki-chan. (scratches her ears) KA: *purr, purr* J: (walks down the stairs) Neko-chan, konnichiwah! Felicia: Hey, Artukei! J: Hey! Summer: (come up behind Justin and puts him in a headlock) J: Whoa! S: (whispers) You didn’t call, baby. J: What? S: You didn’t call me, sweetie. You said you were but you didn’t. In fact you never do! J: Honey, listen, I’ve been busy. S: Busy, busy, busy. That’s all I hear from you nowadays! Well look where all that hard work’s gotten you. (tightens her grip) J: Honey, please let me explain. S: Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t snap you like a twig. J: I found that monologue you wanted. (holds up the papers) S: (breaking character) You are like the coolest! (lets him go, snatches the papers, kisses his cheek) J: (blushes a little) Uh... no problem. But ease up next time. Giselle: (shyly approaches the others) J: Bonjour, Giselle. GI: Bonjour, Artukei. J: Ce va? GI: (nods) Oi. Ce va. J: Felicia, I want to talk with you for a second. F: Sure. --Felicia’s room-- F: Tomorrow? J: I think we’re ready. Tomorrow I’ll take you on a tour through the city. F: That’d be great. J: You might need clothes though. I realize the core goal is re-introduction, but still, we don’t want to actract too much attention on our first field trip. F: Good point. I agree. J: So, uh... are you like a.... 6? F: Oh don’t worry. We’ll take care of that. J: Oh, um... ok. You know, this actually brings me to the other thing I wanted to ask. F: Shoot. J: I read that some cat-girls are able to disguise themselves. They can hide their ears and tail so they look like humans. Is that true? F: It is. We have that ability. J: Then in all these years, why haven’t you used it? F: The “mirage effect” requires a lot of energy to sustain. The longest I can keep in disguise is about twelve hours and Summer can only go about eight. But the main reason is because of the others. Kanasuki’s too young to learn it and Giselle refusses. She’s completely alienated herself from humans. J: .... What happened to her, Felicia? F: Artukei, please don’t. J: If I’m going to help her I have to know. F: ........ J: Please, Felicia. F: ...... *deep breath* I’ll tell you what I know. Giselle was born on a farm in the French countryside. Her mother died giving birth so she was raised by her grandfather. But eventually, he fell ill and she was sent to live in an orphanage. The other children were afraid of her because of her ears and tail and they mocked her and laughed at her. Sometimes they’d.... they’d throw stones at her in the courtyard. J: Damn brats! F: She soon ran away and eventually made it to Paris. But she was ridiculed and rejected there as well. She lived on the streets of Paris for seven years until I found her. She’s lived a horrid life of perpetual subjugation. She said she’d never forgive humans for what they did to her. J: ..... Well, I’m not looking for forgivness. Just trust. F: That can be just as hard to earn. J: But I really think I can... F: I know you think you can. Artukei, I appriciate everything you’re doing. We all do. But please, if you care about her, stay away from Giselle. J: .... but... Felicia, I... F: She’s been through so much already. She’s like a glass doll. Even if you do gain her trust, the slightest breach of it could shatter her. The last thing she needs is to be let down. J: (looks Felicia directly in the eye, sternly) I will not let Giselle down, Felicia. I can’t. If I work hard to earn her trust, I won’t let if slip away just like that. (snaps fingers) I will be committed. I want to be like a brother to you girls. And I hope Giselle sees that. F: (smiles, nods) You are dedicated. But still, please be careful with her. J: (whispers) Like a glass doll. (nods) later... J: (leaves Felicia’s room) GI: Monsieur Artukei? J: Giselle. Man, it’s great that she’s more friendly to me now. Not a whole lot, but still more than she was the first time we met. I never got a good look at her til recently. How appropriate that her body fur would resemble a French maid’s uniform. And yet ironic since she’s the shyest. GI: Y... you are... having a good day? J: Yeah. Why do you ask? GI: Oh... nothing. It’s just... the “chit-chat”, the “small talk” like you said. J: Oh right, right. That’s good. You’re doing good. (reaches to pat her shoulder) GI: (nervously steps back) J: .... oh, sorry. Right, no touching. Well, I’d better get going. (heads toward the stairs) GI: Nya? Y... you’re leaving? J: I promised my fiancé I wouldn’t be out too late. I’ll be back tomorrow. GI: Bon soir, Monsieur Artukei. J: Bon soir, Mademoiselle. (starts up the stairs) GI: .... m... Monsieur! J: (turns around) Yes? GI: ..... It was... it was good to see you again. (smiles) J: (smiles as well) Mercy, Giselle. And just Artukei is fine.

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Sunday, June 19, 2005

Hey kids! I'm back from vacation and ready to start posting again. I got lots of pictures to share from my trip that I'll be putting up later, but for now let's get back to where we once belonged. (Get back, Jojo! Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Play Along --Kida’s room-- K: (now 11, sitting on her bed holding a plastic sword) Land ho, Captain! G: (wearing an eyepatch and a captain’s hat) Yarrr, there she be. Watatini Island: fabled land of treasure, danger, and really great cheese-steaks. Yarrr! Mr. Ferret! O: (wearing a bandana) Zoo? G: Watch the ship while the first mate and I search for the booty. Yarrr! O: (salutes) K and G: (hop of the bed) K: Do you think there are any other pirates here? G: If there are, they shall have to face Captain Francis-majellan-enrique-mercucio-donovan-benvolio-vendictus-enrictus-deniedit-suppliedit-von wallace-von hampton-von drake-van helsing-horatio-ignatious-concord-ternaldo-vasquez of Kuzco.... the 4th! And his first mate Kida. Yarrr! K: Look! A cave! (points at the closet) G: That must be where the treasure be. Yarrr! But avast! The entrance is heavily guarded by invisible cursed skeleton pirates! (starts swinging his sword) Wisssh! Cling! Cling! Defend yourself, Kida! K: (starts swinging her sword) Krish! Krish! G: Cling! Clang! Arrrrg! Huzzah! They were no match for us. Now to the treasure! Yarrr! K: Right! (runs into the closet, comes out carrying a shoebox) G: Let’s have a looksie. Yarrr! K: (sets down the box and opens it) K and G: Ooooooooo. G: Yarrr! (the box is filled with chocolate coins) G: With this, Mr. Ferret can finally pay off his student loans. And I can buy that Starbucks franchise I’ve always wanted! Yarrr! What are you going to buy with your share, Kida? A pony? A unicorn? A flying pony? K: Nope. I’m getting a Harley! G: Cool! I mean.... yarrr! K: (picks up the box and starts walking back to the ship... er, bed) G: Yarrr! Who this be? (points at a Hello Kitty doll in front of the bed) It’s Captain Whiskers! My archenemy! K: He’s come to steal our treasure! G: Get the booty back to the ship first mate. I have a personal score to settle with this scurvy dog. Yee stole me best goat! Prepare to die! YARRR! (pounces on the doll) K: (climbs back onto the bed) G: (wrestles with the doll) Grrrr! Ooh, ow, not the face, not the face! K: Get’em, Captain! G: Grrrrraaarrr! Bang! Arrg! (staggers back) He had a pistol hidden on him. Yarrr. K: No! Mr. Ferret, make ready the cannon. O: (salutes, picks up a pillow) K: Fire! O: (throws the pillow at the doll) G: I am avenged. Yarrr. (falls down) K: (hops down and runs over to Gummy) Quickly, Captain. Let’s get you back to the ship. G: No. It’s *cough* too late for me, young Kida. Take the treasure and... K: (interrupting) We can’t just leave you... G: DON’T STEP ON MY LINES! It’s my big death scene! K: Sorry. -.-\/ G: *cough, cough* Take the treasure and divide it amongst yourselves. K: No, captain. You’ll open that Starbucks and name it after your mother like you’ve always wanted. You’ll see. G: *weak laugh* Ah, the naivety and childlike innocence of a.... child. Yet, I am not as young as I used to be. Yarrr. Farewell, my loyal crew. In the immortal words of Leonard Church, “Hurk! Blehh...” (rolls his eyes back) --downstairs-- TV: Batman Begins. Now playing. J: And my hopes for the Batman franchise have been destroyed again. A: (lying on his lap) Nya? What do you mean? J: That’s the new batmobile? Looks more like the bat-tank! I swear, it’s all gone downhill ever since Batman Forever. K: (pokes her head in the doorway) He’s dieing! A: Nya?! J: What? Who is? K: Gumdrop. We found the treasure but then Whiskers shot him and now he needs a voodoo witch doctor to heal him. A: Huh? J: (playing along) Does he? O: (flies in carrying Gummy) K: He has only 4 hours and 27 minutes left. G: 26. Bleh... J: (gets up) Let me see what I can do. O: (lays Gummy on the floor) J: (crouches down, waves his hands over Gummy) Arise! G: ........ J: Arise! G: (opens one eye) Is that it? J: Hmm? G: Can’t you at least be a little more creative? J: Alright, fine then. (waves his hands again) Hmm. This is serious. I may not have enough power to heal this alone. (looks at Aisha) Maybe if I had some help from my... voodoo priestess? G: Nice. A: I’ll do what I can. (crouches down beside Justin, lays hands on Gummy, starts whispering) Rrrrash ti syrrrath komesh catim de morrrrysh tah grrrrrath. J: o.0 G: (slowly sits up) K: He’s alright! G: (raises his arms) Brrraaaaainsss! J: Oh no! He’s come back as a zombie! We’ll have to cut his head off! G: 0.0 Ahh! No no! I’m alright! I’m alright! Just kidding! Heh heh. ^_^\/ K: Yay!! (hugs Gummy) G: >.< Gorshk! K: Thank you so much! G: Indeed, kind shaman. I am forever in your debt. J: Good. You can start by sharing some of that treasure with me. G: You? I meant Aisha. K: Let’s go get the treasure. (runs upstairs) J: Nice touch with the incantation back there. A: It’s actually an ancient Ctarl curse. J: A... buh... a what?! A: *laughs* I’m kidding. It’s really just an old prayer for good fortune. J: Phew! For a second there I thought you put a jihad on’im.

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Saturday, June 11, 2005

   Spoilers! Look away! LOOK AWAY!!
Greetings all! Today I'm leaving for a fantastic vacation at Universal Orlando. Sorry I didn't post a lot before leaving, but hopefully I'll return feeling refreshed and itching to write again. Because, you know, there's a lot to look forward to. For one, or two, my 100th webisode and "The Legacy of Artukei"'s first year anniversary!! Not to mention the return of Incubus, an action-packed space adventure, and a friend from a paralell universe. Yep. Lots goin's on round here. So be sure and watch for those later this year. Til then...



...see you in the black.
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Saturday, June 4, 2005

I think you all should know how I feel about my own work. I got into this gig cuz it was fun. But lately, it’s stopped being fun. It’s started feeling more like work. I’ve been overly worrying about structure and plots and pictures. I have a self-poisoning habit of expecting too much of myself and being a perfectionist. I write a rough draft thinking it’s a final. I try to draw in manga style, but I’m no good. And I push myself to try harder and over-analyze everything to the point where it stops being fun. But I’ve got to remember these are NOT final drafts. I CAN go back. And I don’t really need pictures, either. That should be left up to the reader’s imagination. Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia aren’t crammed with vibrant illustrations, are they? I’m doing this for FUN. It should BE fun. And I’ve lost that somehow. I need to reconnect with the formula that started this. So I just need some time away from the O for a while. I know I said I was going to try and post as much as possible before next weekend, but it looks like I might have to reconsider that. I’m sorry. I know I have this nasty habit of deserting you, but this time it’s not just because I need time to write. I need time for myself. But don’t worry. You know I always come back. Because I want to keep doing what I love: writing about my dreams. The places where I wish I could go. The people I wish I could meet. The adventures I ache for. I feelings I yearn for. The kind of love I’d die for. And I mean that as surely as my blood is red. Because it’s one of the few ways I can show people who I really am.

See you in the black...
J. Wahlne


And, on a lighter note, in regards to my last webisode. I, interestingly enough, rarely drink anything with caffeine. I’m high on life, baby!

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